Blog Archives - Christine’s Floridian Dreams

11/30/2023 0 Comments

160) Dark Night Time Walk Alone on the Beach with Me LIVE in Jacksonville Beach, Florida - Moonrise

Hey Dreamers!!

Well - I really embarrassed myself on this one, lol.

Umm. Join me as we walk a half mile in the dark on Jacksonville Beach in Florida. It was quite an experience for me - as I went out there alone, in the pitch dark, on a desolate oceanfront. It was cold, windy, and completely void of any human activity - well, except for the shipwreck that is still leaning directly in front of the Hampton Inn, waiting to be hauled away.

My eyes started playing tricks on me almost immediately. The dark patches on the ground directly in front of me looked like deep, dark, black holes. And in reality - they were just piles of sand. I didn’t really want to use a flashlight for sake of the sea turtles. But I do think next time I do this, I’ll at least bring one with me for emergency and safety purposes.

It was quite an adventure for me - ha. I was amused by the solar powered Christmas decorations on the shipwreck - then my signal cut out for a bit and I was away from communication with the world. For a brief time - I might have well been on the far side of the moon!

Then, speaking of the moon… This gigantic, bright orange blob appeared on the horizon line of the ocean. I had never seen anything like it. It appeared to me as a bright fireball. I was aware all the camera captured literally was an orange light blob. I was not expecting the moon to appear in such a manner, and truly was terrified at the sight. I’m leaving this up even though this video shows me in all my dorkiness, so you can have a laugh at my expense. I do assure you that in real time, this was something I have never experienced in my entire life. And the sight was utterly terrifying to me. I had never seen a moonrise - in real life - in real time - and it really did play tricks on my eyes. When the moon started reflecting atop the water it looked even stranger, and I thought there was some sort of fireball coming for me. I felt utterly alone and petrified.

But - THIS - is one of those moments in my life that I experienced as a first time witnessing nature and space and being awe-inspired by it. And THIS is why I became a content creator on YouTube. And, THIS - is why I livestream all the natural beauty surrounding me…

Thanks for joining me on this journey of magic and wonder that we call life on Earth. I love you.

Christine

Hey - Before this walk on this beach we went to Oaxaca Club Mexican Restaurant for dinner!

Oaxaca Club is located at:
131 1st Avenue North
#102
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

Further information can be found at:
https://www.theoaxacaclub.com/

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 30, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on the beach.
Livestream number 39.

#moonrise #jacksonvillebeach #florida

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11/29/2023 0 Comments

159) Full POV Walking Tour Castaway Island Preserve LIVE Nature Walk with Me in Jacksonville Florida

Hey Dreamers!!

Join me on a lovely nature exploration outing at the Castaway Island Preserve off San Pablo Road in Jacksonville, Florida! Castaway Island Preserve is part of the Timucuan Parks Foundation. On such a beautiful autumn day, as the Christmas and Holiday season is upon us, I am taking you on a lovely full point of view walking tour of this Preserve along the intracoastal waterway.

The sun is crisp and the sky is blue. We’ll see lots of foliage, four overlooks, a scavenger hunt of animals and creatures of the marshy waterway and swamps, with lots of footprints to follow and choppers overhead. I especially love the breathtakingly beautiful white bird toward the end of the stream. It was a spectacular scene - from start to finish - and I am so glad to have you join me on this adventure as we walk 1.04 miles together in the sun.

Pets are allowed! There are plenty of picnic tables, and port-a-potties as well. Plus, there is a dock onsite with a kayak launch too. The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days per week and there is no fee!

Castaway Island Preserve is located at:
2921 San Pablo Road South
Jacksonville, Florida 32224

Further information can be found at:
https://www.timucuanparks.org/parks/castaway-island-preserve/

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Livestream number 38.

#castawayislandpreserve #intracoastal #jacksonville

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11/27/2023 0 Comments

158) The Holiday's are Officially Here Y'all! Check Out Basic Invite for a Fabulous Selection of Festive Cards to Send this Holiday Season 2023!

*This blog post is sponsored by Basic Invite.
Author: Christine Pieper / Christine’s Floridian Dreams

It’s that time of year once again folks, and I am here for it!

The wondrous magic usually begins throughout the week of Thanksgiving… Trickling into my life, building from there, and lasts all through the festive month of December. Sometimes it even happens after December 25th - due to those who may have procrastinated just a bit.

What is this mysterious magic I speak of? Christmas Cards - of course.

Merry Christmas Cards! Happy Holiday Cards! Hanukkah Cards. Happy New Year Cards. Invitations to Holiday Parties… Corporate Holiday Greeting Cards. The list can go on and on, cards of all kinds - including cheap holiday photo cards as well.

Top off all that holiday cheer with a stamp in the upper right-hand corner, and you’re good to go. All this wonder and love coming through the mail, sealed with a kiss, a lick, or a peel-and-stick. And these joyful cards are set to bring some holiday magic to a cherished loved one - whether they be a distant family member, a close cousin, a beloved friend, treasured colleague, or a much-appreciated client.

In this intensely and increasingly digitized world, there truly is something magical about receiving a physical card in the mail today. In the year 2023, when everything can be transcribed to another in a millisecond through the internet, every paper card I receive in the mail is cherished by me beyond measure.

And yet, even though the whole globe has gone through this massive digital, technological revolution, in which we all are currently a part of and living through as it happens in real time - merry christmas cards and holiday cards have remained a traditional staple of the entire holiday season. There truly are some things in this world that do not have a digital - and touchless - replacement.

I sincerely believe that a holiday greeting card, sent with love, cannot be replaced by an email, text, tweet, or a thread. And the joy and happiness in my heart each time I open my mail box this month is not produced because of some catalog loaded with electronic gadgets for sale, the latest toys and DVDs, and clothes that are on my wish list. But from the infamous look and feel of a holiday card - sent to me from someone I love.

And you know the feeling as soon as you see it. Oh goodie… It’s not another bill! Lol. No, you know it right away - THIS is a holiday card. You can feel it in your hand… And you can feel it in your heart.

But what you also feel physically in your fingers is the peel-and-seal, or the glistening, golden foil, bordering and protecting your heart-felt greeting. A greeting surrounded in detailed color and beauty, with potential for 180 different colors as well. And with 40 choices of envelopes, all these details may not be front of mind, as your heart receives this cup of holiday cheer.

But because I do love Christmas cards so very much, I am aware in the back of my mind that each card I hold in my hand was sent to me with a boatload of forethought - every detail tended to on the backend, customized by the sender, with love.

And believe it or not, with the cost of everything under the sun rising like crazy, there’s still a way in this very expensive world to buy and send Happy Hanukkah Cards, Merry Christmas cards, glistening Holiday cards, or that extra special touch - a photo card. So definitely check out Basic Invite at https://www.basicinvite.com/. They offer a wide array of festive cards to choose from, including cheap holiday photo cards.

With almost unlimited colors to choose from, once a customer selects their card design with Basic Invite, they can then go ahead and change any color on every element of the card. With such a wide variety of colors to choose from, their holiday greeting is certain to be everything they’ve dreamed their card could be. This color selection process is what sets Basic Invite apart from almost every other online stationery company out there today.

As an added bonus, you know that physical touch I was telling you about earlier? Well, Basic Invite really stands out from the crowd on this one. Customers can order a printed sample of their actual Christmas card, greeting card, or holiday photo card. This act of allowing the customer to place a custom sample order really empowers the buyer to physically sample their work product in hand, in real life… To actually see the paper quality, and study the look and feel of the greeting card in their hands, before they go ahead and place their final card order.

And beyond the 180 color choices within the card itself, Basic Invite does have 40 envelope colors to choose from. So, not just your basic white, cream, or red and green. Which allows you to truly customize the holiday card from start to finish, close to open.

As an added bonus, for that extra special glimmer and shimmer, Basic Invite has a selection of foil. Now this is one of those things that really seal the deal for me when choosing a stationary company… Add on some shine, and texture, and it really catches my eye! I know I love receiving foil embellished cards, and I think it’s because they truly stand above the rest of the mail I open. It’s that ‘real feel’ - extra touch, that sort of sparkles, but not too brightly. It’s kind of like pixie dust - without the messy dust of a glitter bomb.

Well, at least that’s what I call ‘em, anyway. Hey - You know you’ve got to admit that you’ve received one of those glitter disasters before, haven’t ya? Oh wait - maybe you’re the one who sends glitter cards each and every year? Umm. Well, in that case…

I’ll be moving along now.

So - I can’t forget to tell you about the great deal they’ve got going on right now. Basic Invite really wants you to try them out this holiday season. They’ve got a special deal happening right now, where customers can save 15% off their order. Just use Coupon Code 15FF51 to receive this sweet deal.

And, last but certainly not least, we all must consider that final step of sending out our cards into the world, and with that I mean the mail service. They’ve got you covered here as well. Are you dreading sitting down to address all your envelopes, by hand? Maybe your printer is out of ink. Yeah, I feel ya. Basic Invite even offers an Address Capturing Service. Address Capture allows customers to share a link on their social media, whether it be on Facebook, Instagram, X, or any of your other favorite socials, to request friends and families’ contact information. When your contacts reply, that information is stored in the customer's account with Basic Invite, and can be selected during the card design process. Recipient address printing is a feature Basic Invite includes at no cost with all card orders.

So, definitely go ahead and browse through their lovely collection of cards to choose from at Basic Invite for this holiday season 2023. Whether your mood this year is more traditional or modern, ‘funky’ or silly, or shiny and sparkly, there is certainly something to fit everybody’s taste and style. And don’t forget to use Coupon Code 15FF51 to save an extra 15% off your order.

But most importantly, let’s simply keep that age-old tradition alive and well this year. As 2023 draws to its closing act and finale, I know I’ll be sending out Christmas cards this year, wishing all I know and love a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday, and a very Joyous New Year. And that sincere wish extends to all those countless millions and billions, out there in the land of the internet - reading this online right now, living out there in this fast-paced, increasingly digital world we have all grown accustomed to… That holiday wish, and cup of good cheer, is sent to YOU too!

Love y’all,
Christine

P.S. Dear Santa, I would really prefer if you didn’t send any coal my way this year. And while you’re at it, don’t send me any glitter either. Thank you! ~

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For further information and to explore all that Basic Invite has to offer for yourself - go ahead and check out their website at:

https://www.basicinvite.com/

And for some phenomenal examples of their work - don’t forget to check out all their social media links below! @basicinvite

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Twitter

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Categories:

merry christmas cards
cheap holiday photo cards

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist, Writer, and YouTuber - living, writing, painting, and filming in Jacksonville, Florida, with her hubby and one year old Shetland Sheepdog puppy - Genevieve Noel. She made a major life change back 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 exploring and traveling the Deep South to share with you here. 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.

**To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, just bookmark this site, and check out her YouTube Channel while you’re at it… Christine goes LIVE on YouTube at least twice a week, from somewhere in Florida, and posts many other exploration videos, POV’s, travel vlogs, and tons of peaceful, oceanfront strolls.

P.S. Christine LOVES Christmas - and the entire holiday season. So be sure to Subscribe to her Channel for tons of fun, holiday related content every year too!

https://www.youtube.com/@christinepieper

11/25/2023 0 Comments

157) It's Small Business Saturday! Stroll With Me As I Highlight My Favorite Local Small Businesses!

Hey Holiday Dreamers!!

Today is Small Business Saturday! So come along and stroll a half mile on the beautiful and sunny beach with me - as I showcase to you some of my very favorite local area small businesses - all located in the greater Jacksonville area!

I hope you are having a lovely and long holiday weekend. And if you’re looking for something new and different to do - don’t forget to go ahead and patronize a local small business in your area. Small ‘ma & pa’ shops do not have the foundation and backing and investors in comparison to the massive and much larger corporations that we all use on a daily basis. Small businesses appreciate every cent brought into their shop. Small businesses near and far, local and digital, in-person or on the internet, all of them appreciate your continued support of their ventures. So go ahead and shop small today, and don’t forget that I have a small business too!

There are SO many ways you can support me! I am an Artist and Writer, besides being a content creator here on YouTube. So definitely check out my website and lifestyle blog, browse and shop my motivational merch - such as tees and sweatshirts, hats, and water bottles, etc. Also, I sell all my art on my website - there is a ‘For Sale” page that I’d love for you to take a look at. I write a lifestyle blog, and have been publishing written content online since July 4, 2019 - including reviews, poetry, short stories, and lots of publications about my travels and experiences living in The Sunshine State. But gosh - guess what? One of the biggest ways you can support Christine’s Floridian Dreams is actually one of the easiest, and simplest, and it’s free to do! So go ahead and hit that LIKE button for me, SUBSCRIBE if you’re new here, and please, definitely SHARE out my content with others on your social media!

I truly do appreciate and love every single one of you and I thank you for your continued support of my channel. Now get out there and support a small business today! And, by the way, thanks for strolling a half mile with me. See you in the next video!

Love you,
Christine

See below for information on all of the small businesses I discussed and showed real, physical examples of each in my livestream today:

1) Pelindaba Lavender
Amelia Island, Florida
https://www.pelindabalavender.com/amelia-island-fl-a/301.htm

2) Southern Grounds & Co.
https://www.southerngrounds.com/

3) Island Donuts
Atlantic Beach, Florida
https://islanddonut.com/

4) One Ocean Resort & Spa
Atlantic Beach, Florida
https://www.oneoceanresort.com/

Here is the YouTube video on my Channel that I referenced today about a family vacation at One Ocean Resort:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26q-gAlZRmQ

5) BeYou Jewelry
https://beyou.store/

6) Christine’s Floridian Dreams
http://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/

This was filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Neptune Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 37.

#southerngrounds #islanddonuts #pelindabalavendar #beyoujewelry

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11/24/2023 0 Comments

156) Warm Up In My Tropical Winter Wonderland! We Got A Real Christmas Tree! HOLLYdays Are Here Baby

Hey Holiday Dreamers!!

The Heavenly scent of pine, balsam and fir envelopes our house this evening! It’s a feeling I wish could last all the year through. But luckily, tonight is night one of well over a month long adventure having a living Christmas Tree inside our home. And I’m so beyond excited that we purchased a real tree this year! But mostly, I’m excited to share it all with YOU!

So come along and let me show you - LIVE - our Christmas Tree for this holiday season 2023, baby! And grab a cup with me - let’s cheers in the holiday season together!

And please, chat with me and let me know how your day after Thanksgiving is going? Did you do any holiday decorating today? I’d LOVE to know. This is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year and I’m so happy to share these special HOLLYdays with YOU! I’d love to know what your family traditions are around the holidays, and if you did any decorating today. And, if you’re watching the replay, please send me a comment down below, and let me know what you think of my Christmas Tree 2023? And most importantly, how are you getting into the holiday spirit this year?

Thank you all so much for watching! Subscribe if you’re new here - WELCOME to a community of Dreamers! And definitely LIKE this video for me - it really and truly does help out my channel.

I love you all so very much - and I’ll see you in the next one!

Happy Holidays!

Christine

Here’s the link to the Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark I purchased:
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/christmas/christmas-peppermint-bark/?cm_type=gnav&originsc=food&tabnav=non-mobiletabnav

Here’s the link to the Crystals Advent Calendar I bought for myself:
Elementao Advent Calendar 2023 - Crystals and Healing Stones - Christmas Countdown with 24 Chakra Stones and Healing Crystals, Advent Calendars for Adults and Teens, Gifts for Women, Crystal Decor https://a.co/d/iMhHp8q

Here’s the link to the 12 Days of Christmas Scented Candles Advent Calendar I bought for Bryan:
https://a.co/d/gScAydB

This video was filmed LIVE on Friday, November 24, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 36.

#christmastree #decorations #florida

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11/23/2023 0 Comments

155) A Very Happy Thanksgiving Morning Walk in Neptune Beach, Florida - I Am Thankful For You!!

Hey Dreamers!!

A Very Happy Thanksgiving 2023 to YOU!!

On this special day of thanksgiving, I cannot celebrate if I could not celebrate with you. Because YOU are who I am grateful for today. I could not be who I am without you, so I need you to know that personally. This is my way of expressing my gratitude and eternal thankfulness for our community of Dreamers.

I want you to know that if you are alone today, or are feeling lonely, I am here for you. If you don’t have people to celebrate with today, you can celebrate with me. I have more than three years of content up on my channel, if you’re just looking for something silly or ridiculous to watch.

Or you can leave me a comment - I read all my comments and I will hear your message to me.

If you are struggling, I hear ya.

If you are in chronic pain, I hear ya.

Please know that you are not alone. And that we have to get through things one moment at a time. One step at a time. One minute at a time. One hour into the future. One day ahead. Two weeks at a time. So go ahead and take that hard first step. March before you feel like it… with me by your side.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I Love You,
Christine

Thank you for drinking your coffee with me today. My coffee was from Southern Grounds!

Southern Grounds & Co. Coffee Shop is located in Beaches Town Center at:
200 First Street
Neptune Beach, Florida 32266

Further information can be found at:
https://www.southerngrounds.com/

‘Petesgiving’ is the annual outdoor Thanksgiving morning party in Neptune Beach, Florida.
Pete’s Bar is located in Beaches Town Center at:
117 First Street
Neptune Beach, Florida 32266

Further information can be found at:
https://www.petesbar.com/

Tony’s Turkey Trot takes place at Beaches Town Center on Thanksgiving Morning each year. Further information can be found at:
https://www.tbifundinc.com/turkey-trot

This was filmed LIVE in Neptune Beach, Florida on Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 23, 2023.
Livestream number 35.

#thanksgiving #neptunebeach #southerngrounds

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11/22/2023 0 Comments

154) On This Eve of Thanksgiving Golden Autumn Morning... Let's Walk Together In Jax Beach, Florida

Hey Dreamers!!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve y’all!

Gosh - Thanks for walking 1.74 miles with me today! It was a good one - that’s for sure. So we initially thought it was going to rain, with an umbrella at the ready. But the skies kept turning lighter, and the golden, shimmery sun came onto the stage majestically. Therefore, we went for a nice, long walk together. And we briskly strolled 1.74 miles, to be exact.

So, thanks for joining me for a lovely start to the day. I always love waking up the sun with you. But boy - I must admit I was shocked to still see the now infamous Jacksonville Beach shipwreck still sitting on the beach, And, the birds, the hovering pelicans, the surfers trying to catch waves, the pier, and countless doggies are all quite amusing to me. But the best part of the morning is the time spent with you!

Love you!
Christine

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 34.

#jacksonvillebeach #florida #goodmorning

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11/18/2023 0 Comments

153) Waving to the Carnival Elation Embarkation Saturday Night LIVE Golden Sunset in Mayport, Florida

Hey Dreamers!!

Can you believe it’s been five weeks since we’ve been to Mayport to watch ships going by?!

Thanks for joining me on this fabulous Saturday night! What a breathtaking, golden hour sunset this was, my goodness!

So, not only did we catch some magnificent views of the sun’s reflection on the water, the most exciting part of the evening for me was seeing a cruise ship leave Jacksonville’s port!

The Carnival Elation Embarkation went ‘cruising’ past us - pun intended - seamlessly gliding off into the night. This was truly a very exciting experience for me. I have seen many, many ships going and coming through Mayport, but all were commercial vessels of some sort, mostly container ships. I don’t recall ever seeing an actual passenger cruise ship going through Mayport. And for good reason - apparently there is only one cruise per week that sails out of Jacksonville, Florida - the Carnival Elation - on Saturday nights! So - there ya’ go!

But we finally saw it here baby! I hope all the cruise goers have a fabulous cruise! Certainly - the weather was near perfect Saturday night. I believe it’s a three night sailing to the Bahamas, so fun is indeed ahead for these traveling folks.

So thanks for watching the sunset with me, and catching the golden hour of nature’s finest scenery with me as well.

Love you,
Christine

This was filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in Mayport, Florida.

Further information about Carnival Cruise Lines, and the Carnival Elation, can be found at:
https://www.carnival.com/
https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships/carnival-elation

Livestream number 33.

#mayport #florida #carnivalcruise

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11/17/2023 0 Comments

152) Windy and Cloudy Views of Venice Beach, Florida LIVE atop the Fishing Pier Watching Pelicans

What a magnificent spot! Definitely go ahead and check out the Venice Beach Fishing Pier next time you’re in Venice, Florida! And the best part - it’s free! Well - the other best part is the view. But seriously, I’m so used to Jacksonville Beach charging a fee to enter their pier, this one was surreal to me that I could just walk on free of charge!

What a beautiful place to check out the Gulf Coast of Florida, the emerald green waters, small waves once again, and peaceful surf. There was even a gift shop and American Flag atop this pier. Down toward the very far edge of the pier there were lots of fishermen, and low, soft music playing. It was overall a very lovely experience, and I definitely want to go there again.

I enjoyed the salty breezes, and I especially loved watching all the pelicans. I could gaze upon them for hours and hours. I love how they bobble along, floating on the ripples of the waves. And I am so very amused by how they dive-bomb straight down into the water to catch their fishy prey. This view never gets old, and there’s always something new in nature. Thanks for joining me, and let me know - do you love the salty air as much as I do?

Love you!
Christine

The Venice Beach Fishing Pier is located at:
1600 Harbor Drive South
Venice, Florida 34285

Further information can be found at:
https://www.venicegov.com/visiting/fishing-pier

Livestream number 32.

#venicebeach #florida #fishingpier

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11/16/2023 0 Comments

151) Peaceful Autumn Stroll LIVE at Naples Beach Public Beach Access Along the Gulf Coast of Florida

This was my first visit to Naples, Florida, and gosh, I gotta tell ya - it was soooo quiet at this beach. I can’t figure it out, so hopefully you can help me!

The water was so calm, barely a little ripple of a wave, and the beach itself was so quiet. There was no music, no kids playing, no dogs running (no dogs allowed actually), I could hear a pin drop on this beach. I guess I’m used to the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf is a lot calmer in general? Who knows - but, I’d love your opinion, cause this one really threw me.

I really enjoyed my two nights in Naples, and I took you along here at a public beach access at Naples Beach. The public beach accesses were quite hard to find, and not all were listed on maps either. There is pay to park, and definitely no dogs allowed at any beach access, at any time.

It was lovely to see the emerald green waters, the birds, the fishermen, and lots of people walking by me, as I walked along the shore with you.

I do apologize for the bad cell service - I had hardly any reception, and it showed that I was live, but the service apparently kept cutting out something awful. And then, I went to the car with you, showed you my shells, said goodbye to you there, and ended my stream there, but apparently as soon as I turned around from selfie mode the stream had already cut out. It still showed I was live, so I do apologize for the abrupt ending, because I did go on talking to you for at least another five minutes, and said goodbye, but I guess that part didn’t stream, and I guess I just can’t have it all - lol.

Thanks for being here with me, as I explore a town that I had never been to before. I’d like to go back, but I do need more time there. My two nights were way too short.

See you in the next video, and let me know, what do you think of Naples, Florida?? I’d love to know - drop me a comment down below. Or, let me know what you thought of my experience here in this livestream? And gosh, thanks for walking 1.2 miles with me.

Love you,
Christine

Location:
North Gulfshore Beach Access
4989-4999 Gulf Shore Blvd. N.
Naples, Florida 34103

No dogs are allowed on this beach at any time.

Further information can be found at:
www.collierparks.com
https://www.collierparks.com/collier_park/north-gulfshore-beach-access/

This was filmed LIVE on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Naples, Florida.
Livestream number 31.

#naples #florida #naplesbeach

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11/15/2023 0 Comments

150) Lake Monroe Historic Bridge in Sanford, Florida LIVE - Fabulous Rest Stop Just Off Highway I-4

Hey Dreamers!

Boy, was this place cool!

Next time you’re driving on Highway I-4 near Orlando, check out this beautiful stop in Sanford, Florida…

There is a fabulous little rest area - literally just off the highway - and it’s a peaceful little respite, in the midst of the Orlando traffic and congestion. Lake Monroe is situated along the banks of the St. Johns River, at the headwaters of the river actually. And on this overcast and gloomy autumn day, we had basically been driving south along the St. Johns River for many miles, so it was nice to actually stop along the river for our break.

We had a blast watching boats, cars, and trains go by, both Amtrak trains and Sunrail trains, crossing Lake Monroe over bridges.

It was a brief stop on a long six hour journey in the car, but one I definitely had to share with you because of the excitement, and mostly, because of the natural beauty I was surrounded by.

Next time you’re in the area, Lake Monroe is definitely worth stopping by to stretch your legs, before heading on to the next part of your journey.

Love you,
Christine

Lake Monroe Historic Bridge is located at:

Lake Monroe Wayside Park
4150 Highway 17
Sanford, Florida 32771

Open 24 hours.

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Sanford, Florida.
Livestream number 30.

#sunrail #sanford #florida #amtrak

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11/12/2023 0 Comments

149) Happy Veterans Day - I am Grateful for You. Sunset LIVE Along the Intracoastal in Jax Beach, FL

I am grateful for you. Veterans need to know how important they are to our great nation. I hope that in my own small way, right here, you can know that there are people out there who appreciate you.

America would not be free without you. So I am eternally grateful for your service. For your sacrifice. For your family's sacrifice. To keep us safe, and free.

Please share this video with any veteran that you are aware of who needs to know they are appreciated by others out there in this world.

Happy Veterans Day 2023.

Love you,
Christine

Thank you for joining me this evening to kiss the sun goodnight with me. I hope you enjoyed this overcast sunset, including the misty, cloudly, wet, and blustery evening. As we watch boats coming and going, along the intracoastal, as we laugh at and observe some interesting looking birds, and as we express our gratitude to all American Veterans.

This was filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida at the Jacksonville Beach Marina near Rotary Park.
2293 2nd Avenue North
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250.

We had dinner at:

Mavi Waterfront Bar & Grill
2309 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
https://mavijax.com/

Good news: As of this recording - Mavi is VERY pet friendly! Wahoo!

Livestream number 29.
#jaxbeach #florida #intracoastal

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11/11/2023 0 Comments

148) Thank You For Your Service. LIVE from the World War 2 Memorial in Jax Beach, Happy Veterans Day

Audio starts at 6:18 minutes in. Sorry about the technical difficulties.

Thank you for your service - to all Veterans and their families.

I am grateful for you.

Love you,
Christine

The Jacksonville Beach World War Two Veterans Memorial is located at:

Oceanfront Park
429 1st Street South
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

There are public restrooms on site.

Further information can be found on their website at:
https://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/Facilities

This was filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 28.

#veteransday #jaxbeach #florida

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11/10/2023 0 Comments

147) Full POV Walking Tour!! A Floridian Natural Green Sulfur Spring - Green Springs Park In Deltona

Green Springs Park in Deltona, Florida is one of the most breathtaking free parks I’ve ever been to! I’m so glad I could share this special place with you and I do hope you enjoy this relaxing stroll, full POV, walking tour of this splendid local attraction. Bonus - gator sighting included.

The natural scenery at this park is magnificent. Let me know what you think of this full point of view walking tour, and if you’ve ever been?

Love you!
Christine

This lovely walk was filmed on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the beautiful Green Springs Park, located in Deltona, Florida.

This is stop number two on our Day Trip for Saturday, October 28, 2023.
DAY TRIP - Here is the playlist of all our stops on the road today! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IS2jLO2tHm7MGoQKwlzhK8o&si=hc4VWl9UXa6gxctG

Green Springs Park is a public park and is located at:
994 Enterprise Osteen Road
Deltona, Florida 32725

This park is free, open to the public 24 hours per day, and onsite restrooms are available.

*Please note that swimming is NOT allowed in the springs due to bacteria. There are signs reminding of such and online.

More information about Green Springs Park can be found at:
https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/green-spring-park.stml

#greenspringspark #deltona #florida

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11/8/2023 0 Comments

146) A Golden Sunrise! Good Morning LIVE from Jacksonville Beach, Florida - Let's Watch Some Surfers

Hey Dreamers!!

Boy, I knew it was gonna be a good one, didn’t I? I titled this stream a golden sunrise well before the sun came up! I must be some sort of sunrise expert lol.

Moving on - I do hope you enjoy going for a 1.2 mile walk with me. Get your steps in with me as we check out the now infamous shipwreck, once more, situated directly in front of the Jax Beach Hampton Inn. We’ll also watch some surfers catching some morning waves.

Wishing you a fabulous day y’all!

Love you,
Christine

This video was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 27.

#jaxbeach #florida #goodmorning

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11/5/2023 0 Comments

145) Fall Behind With Me! At the Riverside Memorial Park Along the St. Johns River Downtown Jax

Gosh, you guys… It’s that time of the year once again. Jeaz - I mean, they do it to us, not once, but twice a year??? Lol.

Today we’ve got to ‘fall behind’ - as they say. Tonight, at 2AM. Don’t forget to change your clocks. So let’s do it together y’all. And let me know your thoughts on turning back the clocks.

To me - there’s one good thing about it - we gain an hour - but that’s today only. And, that one hour is enough to completely knock me out of my routine, and minor adjustments are needed to get reestablished during the next few days. Dog included.

So I’m not really fond of either the spring ahead, or fall behind. However, if I have to choose one, I’ll choose to fall behind any day, only because we gain an hour, that one day out of the year.

So, tonight, once again, we are transferring from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time. And I want to take this moment to THANK YOU for spending moments of YOUR time with me, as we traverse through this world we call our home.

I love you,
Christine

P.S. Kiss the Sun Goodnight With Me! At this beautiful riverfront park in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Riverside Memorial Park is located at:
1620 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32204

Further information can be found at:
www.memparkjax.org

Prospect Five Points Restaurant is located at:
1521 Margaret Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32204

Further information and the menu can be found at:
www.prospectfivepoint.com

Falling Behind - a few articles I found interesting this year:
https://abc7chicago.com/amp/daylight-saving-time-fall-back-sunday-sleep/13991968/

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/11/03/daylight-savings-when-change-clocks-fall-back-florida-arizona-california-hawaii-spring-forward/71418925007/

Filmed LIVE on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Livestream number 26.

#riverside #jacksonville #florida
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11/4/2023 0 Comments

144) Search for Ducks with Me! At the Riverside Duck Pond In Downtown Jacksonville, Florida LIVE

Come along and help me search for ducks y’all! The fact that this place is literally called a ‘Duck Pond’ in its formal name… it’s bringing back memories of childhood. I remember my Dad taking me and my sisters to all the area ‘duck ponds’ - as we informally called them - growing up. And here is a park that has the words ‘duck pond’ in its name. I’m amused, folks.

I must say that is exactly what attracted me to visit this spot in downtown Jacksonville, located in the Riverside area of town. So let’s see how many ducks we can spot as we take a leisurely walk, strolling the beautiful park landscape. Help me count them please!

Love ya,
Christine

The Riverside Park Duck Pond is located at:
831 College Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32204

This awesome park is free and open 24 hours.

FIlmed LIVE on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Livestream number 25.

#riversidepark #duckpond #jacksonville

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11/1/2023 0 Comments

143) A Chilly & Overcast Good Morning LIVE from Jax Beach, Florida - Happy Sweet November 2023

Happy Dia De Los Muertos!
Happy Sweet November!
And a very Happy Unofficial Start to the Holiday’s y’all!

Today marks a very special day for me, and probably for many of you all? You see, I consider November the start of the holiday season. I know, I know, I’m crazy. But seriously, I do LOVE the months of November and December with all my heart. And December I love even more, lol.

So I am looking forward to sharing this special time of year with you… With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and the anticipation of putting up my Christmas tree, or doing cheers with my red cup from Starbucks, and let’s not forget about Santa. I’ll be looking for him everywhere I go starting real soon. So let’s do a one mile walk this morning. I need to be ready to hussle. I’ve got a lot of ground to cover. It’s almost time for Vlogmas 2023 baby! And, no messing around, I need to be ready to find good ol’ St. Nick!

Let’s go do this.

So, thank you for joining me this cheerful and inviting morning! I mean - thank you for joining me on this cold, brisk, and overcast morning! It’s a most perfect way to start this month of festivity and fun and holiday, wahoo. We’re here to wake up the sun together, wave hello, have some coffee together, and go for a one mile walk. We’ve gotta go check out the shipwreck, of course, as well. I’m honestly in shock that it’s still there! So thanks for joining me, subscribe if you’re new, and hit that thumbs up for more of my Floridian Dreams.

With lots of love to one and all,
Christine

Filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Livestream number 24.

#goodmorning #jaxbeach #florida

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