Remember Florida’s Forgotten Coast with These Souvenirs!

I have nearly 30 products available in my Etsy store orbiting around the “Forgotten Coast” theme. If you’ve ever been to places like St. George Island, St. Teresa Beach, Alligator Point, Apalachicola… maybe you forgot but yes, you were at Florida’s Forgotten Coast! I love this area of Florida, first introduced at the tender age of… probably 1 day old because of a family cottage handed down through generations at St. Teresa Beach. Every summer I can remember as a child was spent visiting this beach, watching the wildlife, learning to kneeboard, tube, wakeboard, fish, and of course, we played wiffle ball on the sand bars. Now that I’m an adult (I think?), I think about those memories while still making more with my parents, my siblings, and their kids. With this set of designs, I’m attempting to capture what makes this coast of Florida unlike a lot of other beaches in the state. Check out my designs and I hope you find something to love, to help remember your special time in this special part of Florida.

Go to Out of the Wilderness on Etsy to see the collection and if you are so inclined, leave a comment here with your thoughts and memories…

-Out of the Wilderness

Chick-Fil-A offers Ranch Dressing, Line Dancing, and More in Their New Commercial

Did you know there’s a K in “Chick-Fil-A”? I learned something new today. I’ve always spelled it “Chic”… hmmm. Anywhos, I guess there’s line dancing in Chick-Fil-A, too. Check out these folks two-stepping to an original Chick-Fil-A ranch dressing commercial…

As a former vegan, I’ve enjoyed eating a chicken sandwich again. As a former line dancer, I appreciate the synchronicity. Shout out to The Moon in Tallahassee, Florida a bajillion years ago. Oh, I wasn’t a “good” dancer but it sure was fun.

What do you think about the commercial? Are you a line dancer or a mosh pit veteran?

-Out of the Wilderness

Have you ever seen a white squirrel?

Random rabbit holes as I’ve been designing and thinking of new scenes for my Etsy site. Mostly beach related, focusing on Florida’s Forgotten Coast (like this recent design). Have you ever seen a white squirrel? I know they’re not exclusive to the Florida panhandle but they walk the line (sometimes a power line!) of being common enough to see every once in a while but elusive enough to only see every once in a while. They’re not albino. Their eyes are dark, not pink. Naturally, I became fixated on adding a squirrel to what I’m designing and I have two new ones now. I’m keeping the first one a secret until it goes up on my Etsy site (really soon) but I can’t resist sharing one I finished (I think?) today. A little bit of a suspension of reality because these squirrels don’t fly, but also wouldn’t it be cool to have a Super Squirrel hero? OK that’s a big suspension of reality but I love how the little flyer came out… somewhat realistic but with a cute cartoonish vibe. Also, St. Teresa is a small beach in Florida on the Gulf Coast.

I’m adding to my Etsy site (Out of the Wilderness) often so be on the lookout for this one and that other white squirrel design soon! In the meantime, tell me about your white squirrel sightings.

-Out of the Wilderness

Sun-Maid, What’s Up With Your Raisin Containers?

Just like the “Is It Pet Smart or Is It Pet’s Mart” movement, I think Sun-Maid owes us an explanation. Not so much on their brand name but it’s their containers and lid sizes that are causing an uproar in my kitchen. What gives, Sun-Maid?

At first glance this whole product looks like a square, doesn’t it? But Sun-Maid is diabolical because it’s not just not a square, it’s BARELY not a square. And good luck putting the lid back on correctly on your first try. Look at these lid measurements…

Why is one side 3-5/8 and the other is 3-7/8? Either make it square or make it a rectangle, Sun-Maid. The raisin’s in your court now.

-Out of the Wilderness

American Idol ‘Ohana Round – A Terrible Recap

I could try to put together a post about each contestant, what I like and don’t like about them. Or mention American Idol’s “tell” that they give a lot more time to contestants they know already made it to the next round (because this season isn’t live yet) while breezing by singers who get sent home later in the episode, but I can’t do that. Why? Because this is a terrible recap. Here we go…

The best song choice of the night goes to Hannah Harper. Her voice is great. The song is better than her voice. I’ll go ahead and say this is the most remarkable country song ever written (shout out to Vince Gill).

Why don’t I remember Philmon Lee before this round? He went from “who’s that?” to “WHO’S THAT???” Just from the ‘Ohana round (because did I say that I have no idea who he is before this episode?), he’s a pick for my top 3.

And then there’s Brooks. My #1 pick because when he starts singing, I forget about anything else I’m doing during the show. For instance, yesterday I was working on images for my Etsy store, and I basically dropped my computer and didn’t blink for 3 straight minutes.

Who are your favorites? If Brooks isn’t one of them, go away. Just kidding. Come back tomorrow for another post about…. ??

-Out of the Wilderness