By: Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarcia.com
Most people think there's only one season down south, Summer! Summer! and more Summer! But that's so not true.
We have a wet season, dry season, and eternal summer. All three tend to go on forever. But if you live here long enough, you realize that the seasons may be defined by what the locals wear.
Right now, it's mid-October, considered almost the dry season,but reality says differently. It's been pouring nonstop for days, and it is still hot! hot! hot! My air conditioning is on full blast, and because of the heat factor (high eighties), I am still wearing shorts (a no-no for locals after September). For you folk up north, think of it in the same manner as wearing white after labor day.
Let me tell you a secret. As the cooler, drier season approaches, we can usually spot tourists because they are the only ones in shorts. The same goes for picking out tourists/snowbirds in nice restaurants and bars. Rarely will you see a local out in shorts at night, unless they are heading for a Tiki bar, and even then. Enough said. Google snowbird.
The holidays, though, are an entirely different matter. Down south, we use any excuse to get in the mood and party. I have seen more snowmen on lawns in a place that never snows, than I have ever seen up north. Yes, we like snow and cold weather from a distance, and in December we've even brought snow making machines in so young kids can play.
When October comes around, we 're thinking holidays. The pinks, reds and teals get exchanged for oranges, yellows and browns. The lemons, pineapples and sunflowers are put away,( I still rock em until I can't find em), Then again, I dance to a different beat, and always have. I am a sucker for the holidays and my cluttered garage is testimony to that.
Come any change of season, the frustrated decorator in me emerges. The key is to bargain shop for those decorations. If they don't work, toss them out. Here's what I did with my table, and it's super easy to do. Use wine glasses if you don't have candle holders. These are easily picked up at stores like Marshalls, or Old Time Pottery. Fill the bowl up with leaves or fake veggies bought at the Dollar Store. The other option is turning over the candle holders, keeping the fruit, potpourri or whatever you've added in the bowls. The flat parts, or feet now become your candle holders. Add candles or tea lights and you are rockin' n rollin'.
Your table can adjust to the seasons by simply changing what you've placed in the bowls. You can circle the base with festive wreaths, or have Mardi Gras beads hang from those bowls. Here's what I did for Easter and Christmas.
Now I have Halloween on the brain, and I'm thinking about what I'll be wearing to the party. Virtual this year, of course. I am a fan of the homemade costume. Check your closets, add a couple of accessories from Walmart or the Dollar Store, and you are set. This is my Alice White Rabbit costume, consisting of one white jumpsuit, and a Dollar Store boa and bunny ears.
Have a Happy Halloween one and all!
Originally from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue, this travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for an animal family that keep her sane. Well almost.
Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS
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Marcia, I love looking at pictures of your home. It's so bright and attractive. Thanks for the tip for decorating. And now I'll be sure to change my clothes when in Florida after Sept!
ReplyDeleteLol Nora, thanks for the nice words about my eclectic mess (home). We are very forgiving of the tourists so you can keep those shorts on.
DeleteGreat post, Marcia, and I love your pictures! On the winters we spent in FL, I felt like I was wearing a sandwich board proclaiming my snowbird status! :-)
ReplyDeleteHa! Ha! Liz, thank you. You do know boots, gloves and earmuffs are worn by locals if temps dip into the 60's. The first time I saw that I almost died laughing.
ReplyDeleteI knew I was dressed all wrong last visit! I was in capris and flip flops and your friends were in jeans and boots.
ReplyDeleteLol It's a Florida thing Kathleen. Our blood has thinned. When I lived up north. 50 degrees was shorts and flip-flop weather.
DeleteWe lived in Florida for a couple of years and I know what you mean about recognizing tourists. LOL I love decorating for Christmas. I'm already planning what to add this year. I'm not a fan of decorating for other holidays, but I make up for that by going all out for Christmas, starting the day after Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is one of my favorite holidays Caroline. Can't wait to see what you do for Christmas. You need to post pics!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Marcia. Houston Gulf Coast is pretty much the same climate. We're in post-summer/pre-autumn at the moment. Yesterday it snowed in the Texas Panhandle, and we're in shorts down here. *LOL* Like they always say, if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes. It will change.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan. Snow in the Texas Panhandle? I can't imagine. Rain, rain and more rain here.
DeleteInspiring! I must admit I tend to let the holidays slide by - but something about being housebound this year is making me excited about the idea of decorating for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI guess you won't be seeing many Canadian - or even American - snowbirds this year.
That Judy is reality, although I did hear Canadians can fly in but then have to quarantine. I haven't seen several of my Canadian neighbors since they left earlier this year before the border closed. I'll look forward to seeing those Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteYour energy and zest for life is inspiring! I love reading your posts. I'm in Texas and our weather had lots of mood swings!
ReplyDeleteKari I think our weather and yours is on par. Thanks for the kind words. I've always had a lot of energy and I love life.
DeleteEven though I've been in Florida almost two years, I still have northern blood. I wear shorts most of the year down here. Love your decorations!!
ReplyDeleteYou're excused, Kari and if I'm not mistaken you are one of our Snowbirds. Thanks for the kind words about my decorations.
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