#48) Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia

*Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series

​It’s that time of year again, my friends. Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is upon us. Whether you have a Valentine in your life or not, go ahead and celebrate. Be your own Valentine if you must. Love yourself as much as you love those around you… Or, at least love yourself as much as I love donuts.

And so with donuts in mind, if you haven’t been to the Mini Bar in Jax Beach, it’s time to seriously consider the following question:

What else on Earth are you waiting for?

In my case, I guess it was the fires in Australia that finally led me to the land of the most magical and mini donuts.

I know, I know. I live in Jax Beach. The Mini Bar is located in Jax Beach. I love donuts. I love coffee. How - How is it humanly possible that I never visited this establishment before now?

Believe you me when I say that I had been wanting to go to The Mini Bar for quite some time. I had even popped my head in back in the past. It was on a busy day, and I had been next door at the Dollar Tree running errands. And curious about this amazing looking place, I glanced inside before popping back in my car.

So I had seen, but I had not tasted. I never took a seat, and never ordered a coffee, and most importantly, never ordered the donuts, yet.

I had just never got around to it, as they say.

But when I saw the Facebook and Instagram posts telling me about an event at both The Mini Bar and Southern Swells to raise funds for the wildlife affected in the Australian fires, I knew it was finally time to officially check the place out.

On Saturday, February 8th, both The Mini Bar and Southern Swells co-hosted the fundraiser, along with a variety of local vendors set up in the outdoor courtyard area surrounding the businesses.

While all those koala bears seem so far away to me, it doesn’t mean seeing their burned hands hasn’t had me wondering what can I do to help. The images of all those homeless animals hurts my very soul. A huge animal lover in my heart, it crushes me to see our Earth’s defenseless creatures not being able to survive and thrive on their own, let alone their entire houses - their natural habitat - being utterly destroyed. And, if I can contribute even a tiny bit, each person doing their part makes a difference. So I knew I wanted to attend.

And I’m very glad I did. I love seeing all the local small businesses that attend these types of events. But mostly, I just enjoy checking out the atmosphere. Seeing new establishments and shops that I’ve never been to before. And of course, looking up at all the donuts in the sky.

I really enjoy checking out how a variety of local small business owners such as jewelers and artists incorporate local coastal treasures into their designs and wares for sale. Local honey, local seashells and oyster shells, local sea glass, local clay molded into jewelry. We even have a local dog park here at the beach y’all! Sign up to become a member why don’t ya. And my favorite item of the day, locally poured soy candles.

I purchased a very generously sized two-wick candle from Lumi Bean. Vegan, soy, and locally poured in Jax. I’ve been drawn to anything citrus scented lately; whether it’s been citrus candy, citrus all-natural household cleaning spray, or citrus body wash, etc... if it’s citrus, I’ve been wanting it. So I immediately grabbed the citrus candle, breathed in the refreshing and clean scent, and knew that’s what I wanted to purchase at the event. Candles were $18.00 or 2 for $30.00. I went with one of the 16 oz. large candles, and am quite excited about my purchase.

After checking out all the vendors in the courtyard, we then went inside The Mini Bar to finally purchase a box of their signature mini donuts.

‘Treat Yo’self’ lit up on the wall, and donuts served out of an orange and white automobile, the vibe inside the Mini Bar is one of modernity, openness, clean, and fun.

Coffees, teas, and local beer on top, the menu is broad and basic at the same time. It’s coffee and donuts… or donuts and beer… or… whatever you like. Either way - get the donuts.

We purchased a small hot latte for myself, and hubby ordered the 16 oz. nitro cold brew.

And we also ordered a box of 16 mini donuts. They have boxes of 4, 8, 16, and 24 to choose from. We chose 8 of the classic cinnamon sugar donuts, 4 of the Boston creme, 2 espresso buttercream, and 2 bulls eye - which consisted of powdered sugar and a dollop of raspberry jelly on top. With my favorite of the day being the Boston creme and the cinnamon sugar… I know, that’s two favorites - not one favorite, but trust me, I couldn’t pick just one, I love them both equally.

Quite happy with this selection, I would so order this exact box all over again. However, there are so many flavors to choose from - that I’m sure I won’t be 100% completely satisfied until I try them all. I’d call this a good and solid “start” though - I’ll definitely be back.

If you haven’t been to The Mini Bar, get yourself over there. You won’t be sorry. And I’m 100% sure of that.

Treat Yo’Self. Look up and see all the love in the air... And all the donuts in the sky.

Buy a box of fried goodness, and bring it with you to the beach. Walk barefoot in the sand, sip your latte, as you hold hands with your Valentine.~

‘Love Is In The Air’ ~ 11x14x0.75 Acrylic On Canvas

P.S. ~ Did you know? Leftover donuts are a very good thing to have sitting inside your house.~

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Have you been to The Mini Bar in Jax Beach? What’s your favorite donut they serve? Let me know in the comments down below:

If you’re enjoying my Floridian Dreams, check out some of my other adventures living and dreaming in The Sunshine State:
9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida
*Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~
14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market
21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts
22] Saturday On San Pablo Island
31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~
39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020
44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe

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Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger, living, writing, and painting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

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