Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Patch highlights interactions with its readers. Today, it's this reader-posted photo from the recent Santa Paws event at Pinellas County Animal Services.
Thanks to Patch reader Hillary Markert, who posted this great photo of Santa meeting Pinellas County Animal Services mascot Captain Barky at the recent holiday event in Largo. Were you there? Take any photos? Add them to this gallery and show them off! Got photos from other events around town? Upload them to our Pics & Clips community photo album! Largo Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved! Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share your news, or add an Event to our calendar. Post a blog in our Local Voices section to let everyone know about your group, your expertise or your opinion.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Whether you're low on funds this holiday season or you're looking to give some handmade treasures, Largo Patch has compiled some of the season's most creative gift ideas.
For some, making gifts from scratch is an annual affair. For others, this may be the first year you're trying on your creative chops for gift-giving. Either way, it's the perfect time of year to combine thoughtfulness and resourcefulness. Check out this list of almost-completely-homemade how-tos: The main cost of this project is the clear ornaments you'll need to purchase from the nearest craft store. Depending on the amount of ornaments you buy, there could be anywhere from 6-12 gifts in one sitting! Amplify the appeal of a $5 gift card with a custom snow globe. Most of the tools you'll need are probably already in your office, and an empty pickle or salsa jar will serve as the globe! Local stores like Walmart usually have a $5 bin of …
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Largo students will get two full weeks off for the holidays this year, according to the 2012-13 Pinellas County Schools calendar.
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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wondering when the kids will be home for the holidays this year? Students in Largo will be on Winter Holiday break from Monday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 4, according to the Pinellas County Schools 2012-13 calendar. All public elementary, middle and high schools will be closed for staff and students during that time. Classes resume Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Get more info on the Pinellas County Schools website.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
During the last 12 days before Christmas, Largo Patch will share gift ideas from a local business each day to help wrap up your holiday shopping.
Since the holiday meal often depends on the hard work of the cook or cooks in the kitchen, this guide of local gifts for the last 12 days before Christmas starts with gifts for the baker, cook or coffee lover on the holiday list. Indian Rocks Road's Beans About Cooking offers a great selection of cookware, bakeware, serving dishes and kitchen gadgets. Ever lose a lid or need an extra lid in the kitchen for a pot or dish? Popular this year are the silicone lids, which can go on steel, glass and plastic ware. Plus, the lids work from the freezer to the microwave, said shop co-owner Pam Timmons. Like coffee? Beans About Cooking sells coffee, plus various unique carafes, coffee makers and mugs. Ever had muffins get stuck in the pan? Beans …
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Bardmoor Outpatient Center is home to a unique boutique with many interesting gift options.
Cards, flowers, and balloons are what most people may expect when they head to the gift shop at a medical facility. But none of those items are available at the Marketplace at the Bardmoor Outpatient Center in Largo. The medical center does not have overnight patients, so it gears its gift shop to day visitors, said Supervisor of Retail Operations Brittany Brown. The boutique shop offers a great selection of gifts for yourself and others such as designer bags, decorative measuring cups, designer jewelry, candles, holiday ornaments, beach wear, household decor and more. The merchandise comes from popular brands such as Vera Bradley and Mud Pie glassware, as well as local designers. Tucked just inside the entrance to medical center, the …
Friday, December 7, 2012
It's a question that has raged since the dawn of the fake Christmas tree. We want to know which side of the issue you stand on and why.
Real tree or fake? It's a question that doesn't have a correct answer, like 'Coke or Pepsi?' and 'Ginger or Mary Ann?' And like most highly debatable issues, there are passionate supporters on both sides of the fence. Real tree supporters love the smell, ambiance and authenticity that comes with having a fresh cut fir overcrowding the living room, while faux tree fans prefer the hassle-free, nature friendly convenience of a non-living tree. With tinsel flying on both sides of the argument, Patch decided to get to the bottom of the debate. So Largo, which type of tree do you prefer — a real one or a fake one? Vote in our informal poll to register your response, and let us know the reason behind your choice in the comments below. Want to buy…
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Largo Patch highlights interaction with our readers. Today, it's a reader-posted event listing for the 19th annual Lights of Lake Park in Largo.
Thanks to Suncoast Hospice for posting this event listing for the 19th annual Lights of Lake Park in Largo. Each holiday season the community of Lake Park Estates illuminates its homes and decks the halls in support of the programs and services of Suncoast Hospice. It's free to attend, but donations are accepted. Since 1993 the event has raised more than $500,000. The lights are on nightly through Dec. 31. See more details here in the Patch Events Calendar. Got your own holiday light display or event to share? Post it in our calendar for free! Largo Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved! Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share…
Sometimes the Florida Botanical Gardens' brightest colors are at night.
Largo's Florida Botanical Gardens lights up like a Christmas tree every December. Not just one Christmas tree, though – all of them. It's one of those rare Florida nights when it actually feels like winter feels in most of the country. I’m not complaining; I love that I can wear shorts on Christmas. But when we do get a cold burst, I feel brilliantly alive out in the elements, wrapped in a scarf and breathing the cold air. That’s what I’m doing tonight, and I’m doing it at the Florida Botanical Gardens. There’s no snow, but it’s a Florida wonderland all its own over here. Everywhere I look, lights sparkle against the rich backdrop of green fringe and brilliant blossoms. I walk across a long bridge to reach the sparkly, shiny brilliance and…
Largo Patch highlights interaction with our readers. Today, it's a reader-posted event listing for a holiday sampling and shopping event at I Love Cupcakes in Largo.
Thanks to Patch reader Jocelyn, who posted this event listing for a "Cupcakes and Couture" event at I Love Cupcakes in Largo. The bakery is inviting the public to sample their baked goods and catering items as you plan for upcoming holiday parties and try to complete your Christmas shopping list. There will an exclusive trunk show from Jocelyn Carpenter, independent stylist for Stella & Dot. The event is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4. See more details in the event listing on Patch. Hosting an event in Largo and trying to spread the word? Post it on Patch for free! Largo Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved! Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post …
Michelle McCracken
7:03 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Don't have time to make a gift or just not handy. Check out your local crafters. Largo open air mArket. Pier 60 and st, Pete market. Online too. Bluegatornature@facebook has some awesome inexpensive items Located in largo custom orders and local pick up available   more ›