Naturally Maid Cleaning

Did you feel it? Did you smell it? There was a hint of cool in the air last night, and again this morning. I rode with my windows down to my son's bus this morning. He was not pleased by that since his hair blew.

Unlike our neighbors to the north who celebrate the freshness of spring with top to bottom "spring" cleaning of the house. Here in Florida we (at least me) celebrates the cooler weather of fall with a major purge, yard sale and "fall cleaning". We can finally open the windows and let some fresh air in after 8 months of air conditioning. I know we are not quite there yet but I can feel it coming!

Naturally Maid Cleaning can help you with this. They serve all of Volusia County not only with great cleaning but they also use no toxic chemicals, they are a totally green company. Their website offers green cleaning tips, recipes, even a green cleaning company directory by state.

I personally know the owner and can recommend them to you without reservation. Check out their great services, rates and products. Let me know what you think!!

Beachside Shell

I have needed an oil change forever, I have never been good about taking care of the vehicles, my brother stays on me to do it until I give in and do it just to shut him up. So this morning I took my truck to Beachside Shell located at 765 E. 3rd Ave. Right next to Red Dog Surf Shop in the front of the Publix Plaza. I made an appointment yesterday for this morning, they are always jamming busy in the service area so I was surprised to get in so quickly.

Frank is the man in the shop and he is very pleasant, quick and thorough. I dropped the thing off at 8am and he called me at 831am to tell me it was done. Prices are the same as anywhere else for service, the gas is a few pennies higher than over the bridge, but for convenience sake you cannot beat it. They also sell produce and specialty spices and nuts etc. in the convenience store. They fill propane tanks for gas grills and have an air pump to pump your tires. Service is friendly in the shop and the store. Check them out!

Support your local business!

SportsRock

New businesses in Venetia Bay continue to pop up and SportsRock of Venetian Bay is one of them. Owned and operated by Jamie Stark, they offer everything from pre-school gymnastics to competitive cheerleading at very reasonable prices. You can contact Jamie for more information at 386-846-7867 and check out their pictures and videos here.

Renovate U

Need some work done on your house? Paint, tile, wall ripped out..... give Renovate U a call. Locally owned and operated they are equipped to do anything from a major restoration to painting a bathroom. They recently did some tile work for my parents and will be returning to tear out and replace two bathrooms. They do high quality work and reasonable prices and get it done when they say it will be done.

Spoon's Lawn Care Service

I has the pleasure of meeting Dave from Spoon's Lawn Care this week. I had him come and give me an estimate on extensive cleanup in my yard, tree trimming, and cleaning up my jungle of foliage. He gave me a very, very reasonable estimate and began work the next day. Two days later I am thinking of submitting a picture to Coastal Living Magazine. It is incredible. He did a fantastic job and is a pleasure to deal with. They are kind, honest and professional people who do a great job at a great price. I can easily recommend them to you.

Beach Dental & Larkin Orthodontics

Beach Dental is located at 751 3rd Avenue, in the Publix Plaza beachside. Their staff is very friendly, professional and dedicated. Beth, the "teeth cleaning" person as my daughter puts it is very through, gentle and fast. Dr. Rable has a great sense of humor and is also very thorough, kind and professional. Contact them at 386-428-6491.

Larkin Orthodontics is located at 811 State Rd 44, in New Smyrna Beach. Dr. Larkin is VERY popular with the kids, he is an avid surfer and his office is bright and decorated with a variety of surfboards and of course, video games to play while you wait. When we moved here my son already had braces on, I was told by two other orthodontists that they did not use the same equipment that he had on and we would have to start over....Dr. Larkin is the exception. Although the appliances are different than those he uses he told me we would make it work, and he has. Their fees are reasonable and it is easy to get a convenient appointment. You can reach them at 386-427-1400.

Support you local business!

AA Nails & Hairlines

It is beauty day on the blog!

AA Nails located at 626 E 3rd Ave, beachside New Smyrna is a great choice for manicure, pedicure, artificial nails, waxing and permanent makeup. The staff is friendly and courteous and it is spotlessly clean. Their prices are extremely reasonable and walk-ins are welcome. You can call ahead for an appointment or just run in when you have time. I have been a happy customer for almost 2 years and highly recommend Tom and his staff. They are open every day except Sunday until 6pm. Their phone number is (386)428-6700.

Hairlines located right next door at 628 E 3rd Ave offers the only tanning salon beachside. They also have a full array of products and services, including haircare for men, women and children. They have recently added a massage therapist who is available most days and by appointment. I have been a client of Heather for about 2 years and am extremely happy with the service. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday and you can reach them at (386) 426-2887.

Enjoy your Wednesday and support your local business!

Perrine's Produce

Perrine's Produce has three locations, their original in Titusville, one in South Daytona and our local location at 1042 North Dixie Freeway. I normally hit the farmer's market on Canal Street on Saturday morning but this past weekend I was running late and could not find a parking place so I decided to live dangerously and head over to Perrine's.

Great choice....the produce was fresh and the prices excellent, they had sweet corn that was excellent as well as tomatoes, lettuce, blueberries, cherries and melons. I got a huge basket of produce and a bottle of salad dressing and a basket to carry it in for $22.00. We are set for the week.

The service was excellent, the friendliest, nicest man waited on me and the entire staff was as nice as can be.

Perrine's is worth a visit,check it out!

Support your local business!

Bridgeton Deli

Each day the sign outside the Bridgeton Deli displays their sale item. These items are usually hugely discounted off say what you would pay at Publix or a mainstream supermarket. I picked up a couple of sirloin steaks on Friday for the holiday weekend. They were hand cut by the butcher who called me over to see how thick I wanted them.

They offer a full selection of deli meats, cold cuts and cheeses. Their menu is extensive providing everything from hot and cold subs to fried chicken to shrimp platters. They offer salads, breakfast sanwiches and fresh bread made on site. You can get your catering done at Bridgeton, they need 24 hours notice and can provide party trays, 5-foot subs, just about anything you can imagine.

The sirloin steak I purchased was ridiculously inexpensive and delicious. On a previous visit I sampled "Dennis' Famous Fried Chicken", if it is not famous, it should be it was terrific. I also tried a sub last week, they offer three sizes, 6 inch, 9 inch and 18 inch. I tried a six inch and I saw an 18 inch being prepared. My whole family could eat one of those and probably have leftovers. The service is friendly and fast, if you stop by to pick up lunch you can call ahead and they will have it ready for you.

Bridgeton Deli is located at 319 S. Dixie Freeway, right under the overpass. It is not easy to get to unless you are coming down under the bridge but it is worth the inconvenience for the great food and prices. They are open from 8am-7pm Monday thru Saturday and on Sunday 10am-3pm.

Check it out and support your local business!

Reviews by patrons.

Support Local Business

It was nice to see the huge holiday weekend crowds around town this weekend eating, shopping and spending money at our local businesses. I was also happy to see them go...quiet is back... it is important now more than ever to support your locally owned and operated restaurants, shops and services.

Each day this week we will feature a locally owned and operated business that we have visited at least two times. We will give an honest opinion of their services and let you know if you should take the time to visit.

Check back tomorrow for Day 1....

Dolphin View Restaurant

We made our second and third visit to Dolphin View this week. If you do not know The Dolphin View is the old Sea Harvest Restaurant at 107 N. Riverside Dr. They are also home to the Pastime Princess which has some very reasonable fishing rates.

Earlier this week a friend and I went in and ordered at the counter to eat in. The service was very friendly and fast. She had a crabcake and I had a fried grouper sandwich and we split an order of the fried shrimp (it was fried day). The sandwich was large and very tasty, the crabcake was good but not great. The fries and hushpuppies were very good. It was a good visit, the beer was cold and the view is wonderful.

Today we ordered a large take out order since I had an assortment of kids, it was in two orders so it was kind of confusing. The service at the counter when we picked it up was excellent. The two girls working were very friendly and happy to help.

My brother got a blackened Mahi sandwich and was very pleased with it, said it was very good. I ordered a bunch of different things so we could try several things. We ordered two orders of kids chicken with fries, lots of chicken chunks and waffle fries and a hush puppy, all three kids gave it a thumbs up. We also ordered an order of grilled shrimp and an order of blackened shrimp with fries, these are huge orders of shrimp, well over a dozen fresh shrimp. The grilled were kind of boring, the blackened were very good. Last but not least we ordered a blackened grouper sandwich without the bread, we just wanted the fish, the portion is advertised as 3/4 of a pound and it is at least that, three of us split it and had plenty to eat. It was very tasty. Each of these orders came with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, (you can substitute a salad) they included plenty of each kind of sauce. My son made a comment that they need to use my coleslaw recipe. He is a coleslaw freak and has never found any he likes as well as mine so do not let that discourage you!!

So, I can say we enjoyed the food both visits this week, I am more partial to the fried foods they offer, probably because I don't eat fried very often and really only ordered it to try it. It was excellent. I did see a wrap sandwich the other day and it looked very good, I asked the person eating it and she said it was quite tasty. The line to order right at lunch time can seem overwhelming but it moved very quickly, the service is extremely efficient. Off times you can get right in and out.

They also now have a Tiki Bar right on the river which is very nice. They are offering an all you can eat breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8am til 11am for $4.95 you cannot beat that price. We will check that out in the near future as well!

Directions to Dolphin View

Menu

Dolphin View is worth a visit!

Remember to support your local business!

Oak Hill Seafood Coop

There is a great article in the News-Journal this morning about the Oak Hill Seafood Coop. They are located at 700 N US Hwy 1 in Oak Hill. This is Cook's Plaza. Their website is under construction but it does list prices for some of their current available seafood. You can also purchase seafood at the Farmer's Market on Canal Street on Saturday mornings from 730am-1230pm. We got some fish last week it was delicious. They are also having cookouts on the last Sunday of each month featuring local seafood, hush puppies and ice tea for a $10.00 donation. The next event is June 28th at 4pm.

Support your local business!

This & That

Some interesting things coming up:

New Smyrna Beach Regional Library will hold a free computer class on Microsoft Excel at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27. This class introduces basic concepts and terminology and explains elements of the Excel screen. Demonstrations will include entering data and working with cells, rows and columns. For more information or to register, please call (386) 424-2910, ext. 104, or stop by the library’s information desk.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail and Power Squadron in cooperation with the Marine Discovery Center is proud to present Paddle Smart. This two hour seminar will be held May 30 at 9am at the New Smryna Boat and Ski Club and will be followed by an on water experience at the Marine Discovery Center. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment. There is no charge for instruction, however, there is a $35 fee for the materials provided. Pre-registration is required for this seminar. Class will be limited to 20 students. To pre-register for Paddle Smart call the educational officer, Will Benny at (386) 426-8426. Check out the website for the Sail and Power Squadron, it has a ton of valuable information.

Mark your calendar for next Friday, June 5th. The Bloodmobile will be at Federal Trust Bank, 763 E. 3rd Avenue, NSB from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call, (386) 409-9300.

Took my daughter and her friend to see Night At the Museum 2 on Saturday, it was very entertaining and since we attended a matinee was very economical.

Please support your local business!

What?

Living in New Smyrna Beach you can expect to lose power on a fairly regular basis. My kitchen clocks blink all the time since setting them is usually pointless as the power will flicker again as soon as you set them. So as a result the Utilities Commission is programmed in my cell phone. I have not called in a while as major outages have not been happening. So...I was jarred awake by thunder and lightning last night and realized we had no power.....found my cell and called, I was greeted by "Our menu options have changed." (GREAT). The old menu was wonderful, the power outage line would tell you what areas were reported and when they would be back on. If your area was not on the list you could report it with your phone number...super easy.

ENTER, the new and "improved" menu. Hit 3 to report power outages. Hit 3 and you hear, "Electrical Emergency Not Available" then click(that is the sound of your call being disconnected), yes the emergency line cuts you off. So I am thinking well the line is probably busy with many callers. I wait...I call back..."Electrical Emergency Not Available" CLICK......Now I say to my self, "SELF, ARE YOU KIDDING ME????"

Is it just me or should the words "ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY" and "NOT AVAILABLE" not be uttered in the same sentence...particularly not by the POWER COMPANY?

Hey Utilities Commission, can we have our old menu back?

Weekend Events

There so much to do at the beach this weekend, it is Mother's Day weekend and the beach is gorgeous, not too many people so it is really nice right now!.

Saturday Night is Mom's Night Out at the New Smyrna Speedway. Kids 11 and under get in free.

The Farmers Market is on Canal Street every weekend from 7:00am-12:30pm.

It is Thirsty Thursday at the Daytona Cubs game tonight in Daytona.

The Southeast Historical Society is holding Pancakes in the park, the event is Saturday at Riverside Park from 7:00a - 11:00 am. $6.00 for a great breakfast!

Teddy's Restaurant in Edgewater asked that we let you know they are open 7 days a week from 7:00am - 2:30pm. Georgia would love to see you for breakfast or lunch!

The annual orchid show and sale is at the fairgrounds in Deland this weekend from 9:00am-4:00pm.

Alpha Delta Eta, a chapter of Beta Signma Phi, cordially invites all women to attend a Mother’s Day Fashion Show Luncheon. Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sugar Mill Country Club, 100 Clubhouse Circle, NSB. Cost is $20 and is non-refundable. There will be door prizes, 50/50 drawing, silent auction and a chance to win the money tree. Proceeds will be donated to local charities including the Food Pantry in Edgewater. For more information, please call Deemi at (386) 689-5045 or Terri at (386)795-0893.

East Coast Cruiser Night - Every 2nd Saturday of the month Historic Downtown Canal Street becomes home to street rods and antique cars. Food, Fun and entertainment. FREE.

Spanish River Grill & SoNapa Wine Co. is holding a Wine Tasting on Saturday "Wines from Napa Valley to Spain.” Taste over 100 wines from Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Napa Valley, and Sonoma Country. Cava tasting in the dining room of Spanish River Grill. Sample unique cuisine from the culinary staffs at Spanish River & SoNapa. There will be live music and a blind wine tasting to rate the most popular. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the United Way and PACE Center for Women. Saturday May 9th from 12-4pm. Cost is $30 per ticket. Tickets now available at Spanish River Grill & SoNapa Wine Co. For more information call Michelle 386-424-6991 or Adam 386-314-6008.

Enjoy the weekend! I will post some more later!

Around Town~Weekend Events

There is almost too much to do this weekend. We should have gorgeous weather for it so get out and enjoy!

The 2009 Relay for Life is this weekend. The local event is being held at Riverside Park. As of right now Southeast Volusia has raised over $26,000 dollars for this effort. If you are not participating in the actual walk please support one of our local teams.

This Saturday Gilly's Pub 44 will hold a Beer and Blues Festival at their location on Rt 44 in New Smyrna Beach.

Flips Flops will hold a benefit for the Marine Discovery Center on Sunday at their NEW location (the old Shells Beachside). It will feature a 7 course Hawaiian Buffet and silent acution. Tickets are $25.00 and are available at the Marine Discovery Center. Don't miss Danny on Hell's Kitchen on Fox, as of this moment he is still in the running for the big prize!

Saturday is also Florida Lighthouse Day. Visit Ponce Inlet from 10am-2pm and celebrate with lots of family activities, new exhibits and live entertainment.

The monthly Art Walk on Flagler is this Saturday from 10am-5pm. The theme this month is RECYCLED. There is plenty of parking at Coronado Methodist Church and the Flagler Beach approach. Several galleries are having free wine and cheese from 3pm-5pm.

Riverside Catering on Orange St is holding a cooking class for children on Saturday from 10am-12pm. The cost is 30.00 call to reserve a spot at 386-409-5588. The theme is snacks. There is a limit of 20 students per class.

The Little Theatre has "Driving Miss Daisy" this weekend. Contact the box office for tickets.

Have a great weekend!

Spring Break!

Volusia County Schools are on break this week and not a moment too soon. The kids need a break from homework, teachers and most of all each other!


What are you doing for fun this week while on the kids are home? Some obvious things are the beach....the beach and the beach. When you get sick of the beach, take the kids for a ride on the Water Taxi, or take a Manatee Cruise. Maybe go fishing with Indian River Lagoon Fishing.

Hidden Lakes Golf Course has great deals on golf and a Public Pool. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is always a good little trip.

Take a stroll down Flagler, you will need to stroll since not one more car will fit today. Big traffic backups both ways on the North Causeway.

Enjoy the weekend and support your local business!

Nautilus By The Sea

The only gym beachside has a great special going on. No money down and $28.00 per month. That is less than $1.00 per day. You cannot get a Bagel at Bagel World for that, or a cup of coffee at the Flagler Coffee House. What do you get for less than a dollar? The cleanest gym I have ever been in..friendly staff, friendly customers, treadmills, bikes, eliptical machines, free weights, nautilus circuit machines, a free week of personal training with one of the best around. Then there is yoga, aerobics, and special events.

I am a member at Nautilus and highly recommend it. They are open just about every day, not 24 hours a day but long hours, they are beachside and have a great atmosphere. They have a new website that provides all the details. Not to mention Subway is in the same plaza, Publix is next door, go work out then shop. What could be better!!

They are located in the Publix Plaza Beachside. Enjoy!

Bagel World

I made my second visit to Bagel World this weekend. Probably the best bagels I have ever had, my daughter is the bagel queen and she just loves them. They have a large selection of breakfast sandwiches including egg, bacon, sausage, cheese pretty much whatever you can imagine on a bagel. They also have a large lunch sandwich menu and fresh squeezed OJ. Service was really good the first time I went and kind of on the gruff side the second time. But it is counter service and great food so who cares. Bagel World is located on the corner of Golden Court and A1A, sort of across from Boston Seafood. They are open from 7am-2pm and take CASH ONLY. I drive by every morning on the way to take my son to the bus and it is packed at 7am with service vehicles, construction trucks and utility workers, that is always a great sign that the food is excellent.

Support your local business!!

Goodrich Seafood

Have you ever been to Goodrich Seafood in Oak Hill? If you haven't it is worth the trip. This little hole in the wall sits next to a bait shop and fishing guide service and has some incredible food. It is owned my Larry Csonka, yes the football player. They open for breakfast and have a pretty big menu, serving fresh seafood, hanburgers, sandwiches and snacks. They do not serve alcohol but you can bring your own. Thursday is meatloaf day, and it was clear that the server knew my Dad, I am guessing that is his food of choice. I had a shrimp basket, it was served lightly fried and FRESH as could be, too much to eat. My Mom ordered a fish sandwich, it was huge and she did not even order a side, obviously knowing the sandwich was HUGE. It was excellent. They have outside seating right on the river and the service was fast and friendly.

Interesting way to store napkins, sweet n low and other condiments, in a tackle box on the table, keeps it clean and bug free.

Goodrich's is locates at 253 River Rd in Oak Hill, it is worth the short drive from the beach for some great seafood and excellent service. If you go on the weekend you can hit the Oak Hill Flea Market and find some treasures......

Enjoy the weekend!