One of my favorite things about Tampa is that the winter blues never have a chance to begin here. As you begin taking down your Christmas decorations, you must start facing forward and planning for Gasparilla. Gasparilla now takes place over two weekends with a Children's Parade the weekend of January 22, followed by the crazy Gasparilla on January 29th. Virgin eyes should stay away on the 29th! The whole city unites for these fun events and doors are decorated with pirate wreaths and homes have pirate decor. You may remember that I made a pirate cake last year.
As I took down our very dead Christmas wreaths, I happily replaced them with our oh-so-tacky but oh-so-festive Gasparilla wreaths. I started to put away our hot pink tinsel tree until I realized it would look fabulous with beads thrown all over it. I saved last year's beads so that I would have plenty for decorating purposes. The children loved throwing beads at the pink tinsel tree and at our front hall mirror. It is fun to be festive!
While in one of my favorite local stores, Baby Sweet Pea, I overheard some women talking about what they'll wear to all of the YMKG events. I learned that gold is the color to be seen in this year. What fun the ladies will have in choosing their dress for the Captain's Ball and other events!
Of course, I love focusing on what the children will wear. My favorite children's line of all time is called Two Friends. Sadly they have had to retire due to the busy demands of life with children. Thankfully, Mama Henley's girls can STILL wear their pirate dresses from a few years ago! If not, I have been perusing the web for great ideas for your little one to be fashionable at the parade! I'll see you there!
