3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Travel Adventures

Day 242/365: Starfish Necklace from Block Island

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During the summer my thoughts go to the beach, even though I live in land locked Nebraska. I try and wear summer beach themed jewelry and my favorite is my starfish necklace I got on Block Island a few years ago. I try and buy a gift during vacation that reminds me of my trip and every time I put this on I think of my girls weekend at the beach. It never fails to get compliments. It’s my favorite necklace and I absolutely love it.

Pearls and Starfish
Pearls and Starfish

It just radiates summer. Perfect with a tan and summery clothes. I love the water I can stay at the beach all summer and  never been bored. It’s something about the waves, and surf that is just hypnotizing. When I was in high school I had gold starfish ear rings, but these below are more casual and go with my more casual wardrobe.

Seaside Memories Necklace Seashell Charms 18 inch Chain In Gift Box

My daughter likes trendy vintage jewelry and bracelets more than necklaces. Kinda a throw back to the 70’s style with cording and hemp rope. She is a lifeguard at the pool this summer and just a golden tan. I might just buy her one of these bracelets, the petite turquoise one would look so cute with her summery clothes, but then I remember wearing this retro sailors knot bracelet all summer.

Gold Tone Pave Crystal Starfish Aqua Cord Stretch Bracelet for Beach orSailor’s Knot Surfer Rope Bracelets (White)

I didn’t know this but starfish has quite a bit of symbolism and has been used to represent the Virgin Mary and salvation during trying times. It is also a symbol of healing and regeneration, probably because if a starfish looses an arm it will grow back.

Starfish Jewelry

I’ve had so many people comment about my necklace and it is my favorite summer accessory. Although I’ve looked all over the closest I could find was the silver starfish and pearl necklace below. With my skin tone, and a great summer tan, gold looks best on me during the summer. But if you’re fair skinned and are looking for a great summer gift you can’t go wrong with silver.

Bling Jewelry Sterling Silver Pave CZ Starfish Simulated Pearl Pendant 16 InchesSilver Tone Starfish and Pearls Necklace on a Fish Wire with MatchingImitation Pearl Fashion Bracelet with Crystal Starfish, Double Strand Imitation Pearl StretchSilver Starfish and Coral Sea Life Fashion Jewelry Necklace and Earring Set

Hopefully someday during retirement I will spend a season on the beach, maybe work part time at a little cafe, a gift shop, art gallery, photo studio and I can work from my laptop just about anywhere. until then I can always just dream about the beach and let it inspire me. I recently went to Chicago and they have beaches that remind me of the ocean. Soft sand and miles to walk, I could people watch for hours.

Do you have a favorite memory of the beach or a summer vacation?

Trivia and Information About Starfish

Starfish – Many Answers

Where can I find out information about Starfish? LEVEL: Primary. Starfish are also known as Sea Stars and are part of a group of animals called echinoderms. The National Geographic have a really good page packed with …

Chemical Secrets Of Starfish Stickiness | Chemical …

Starfish face a tricky challenge: They need to excrete adhesive from their tube feet to avoid getting swept away by currents, but the secretions’ stickiness must be reversible so the animal can move around to seek food.

Starfish Facts ~ Starfish FAQ – Orma – Ocean Facts & FAQ

What is the widest starfish? The Giant Sea Star is the widest, reaching up to 3 feet in diameter. What is the heaviest starfish? Thromidia gigas (only name for it) can reach 13 lbs, so it’s the heaviest starfish in.

Starfish Facts – Species of the Reef | Great Barrier Reef …

Starfish Facts – Species of the Reef. Plated Starfish on a Coral Bed. When people think of starfish they think of the typical five armed creature as pictured above and that is correct for the majority of species. But the species is very diverse and …

Starfish Facts for Kids – Buzzle

It is fun presenting facts on the starfish as children are always interested in knowing new things. The starfish is a kind of organism that can keep them interested and occupied for a long time, as there are at least 2,000 types of …

Day 240/365: Wilderness Lake, Connecticut

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Wilderness Lake
Wilderness Lake

This lake in north eastern Connecticut was perfectly still and calm, we walked down to watch the girls go swimming and just drank in the peaceful vista around us. Oh to have a deck chair now and watch the fall colors turn and reflect off the water.

Ripples in Wilderness Lake
Ripples in Wilderness Lake

Day 239/365: A Friendly’s Perfect Ending Ice Cream Sundae

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Does anyone need any reminders that I love Friendly’s ice cream sundaes? Don’t think so. Since Friendly’s restaurants have yet to open a store in Nebraska I have to get my fill when I return to Connecticut. This was my third and last stop of my Connecticut trip and it was a perfect way to end our Block Island trip.

Friendly's Sundae
Friendly’s Sundae, a perfect ending to any outing

Sure, I could make my own ice cream sundaes at home, but they wouldn’t be the same as the experience of sitting in a booth after a day of fun and adventure with friends.

Did you know you could buy Friendly’s gift cards on Amazon? Heck ya!! If anyone is thinking of a gift for me around the time I’m going back home to New England this is a GREAT idea!!!

Friendly’s Gift Card $25

Until then I’m just going to have to create my own ice cream sundae creations. First, you HAVE to use vintage ice cream sundae glasses. It’s even better if you can store it in the freezer.

I’m partial to the larger sundae glasses, more room for ice cream and toppings, but for kids, paper ice cream bowls are more manageable. Next, you need toppings.

An ice cream sundae bar is a perfect addition to a graduation party or a wedding reception. Order custom printed ice cream cups for your special occasion.

I keep the Glad twist top containers filled with chopped peanuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, crushed butterfingers, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows,  and a variety of sundae syrups in the fridge.

What are your favorite sundae and toppings? Do you like to make a monster sundae and share with others or create a sundae bar? This classy looking acrylic toppings dispenser would be perfect for any ice cream bar.

For my youngest son’s high school graduation we had a sundae bar which was a big hit and a unique party theme. For this special occasion we bought sundae bowls in bulk and these, of course, were plastic.

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

So just because I can’t go to my local Friendly’s restaurant for an ice cream sundae fix doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my ice cream. I use every opportunity to share my love of ice cream with others at celebrations.

Order these cute ice cream sundae bar printables for your next party. They are bound to make your celebration even more special.

Day 238/365: Last Day on Block Island

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Sachem Pond, Block Island
Sachem Pond, Block Island

My last Block Island post, sad and reflective at the same time. Was the trip what I expected? Yes. Do I wish I had more time to sit and relax? Yes. Will I be back? Yes. Block Island is a mixture of personalities, the wild untamed Mohegan Cliffs to the calm water on Sachem Pond. It’s invigorating and calming at the same time.

I ate amazing food, took a moped around the island and found out that yes, mopeds can go 50 mph, laid in the sun and did absolutely nothing. There is nothing like salt air and open skies to cleanse the mind and rejuvenate the spirit.

Narragansett Inn
Narragansett Inn

When I return, and I will return, I will head back to the Narragansett Inn. It was the perfect place to stay on a perfect island.