Pretty in Pink

We'll be introducing lots of fun Pizza by the Sea T-shirts and hats in '10. We are also really excited to be carrying the official 30A T-shirts in colors exclusively available at our place. We've got perfectly pink for you girls and a blue version sure to make all guys irresistible. Come by soon to check them out!

Sigh...

I know it's been gone for a while now, but seeing the Movies by the Sea sign taken down this week made me really miss our little store even more. I hope something great will take its place!

Sunday Funny

We love getting Christmas cards and this one definitely took home the funniest prize this year. It's Mark, Paige & Mallory's and we think it's genius! Even their dog Lucy donned a Snuggie for the pic. How great is this?

Merry Christmas!!!

Photo by Sheila the Great

Two Cool Chicks

With two days until Christmas, we felt it only fitting to give thanks to these special people in our lives. Mother and daughter Sheila and Hayley make up the incredibly talented team at Goode Green Photography. We have been overly impressed with what they've created for us at Pizza by the Sea this year. Their photos grace our walls, menus, ads and blog. They've also done our personal photography and we must admit, it's among the best we've ever seen.

Their resumes together and individually include shooting New York haute couture, music legends in Nashville, celebrities in LA and the most gorgeous and elaborate weddings here and abroad. Their work has been featured in Glamour, Town and Country and The Los Angeles Times, among others.

We are humbled these ladies want to work with a little place like ours. And speaking of humble, there is not an ounce of pretentiousness in either of them. Despite their success, they are two of the most down to earth people we've met. We can't wait to see what they'll accomplish in 2010. We love you, Sheila & Hayley!!

Three days 'til Christmas!

We'll be spending them with:
1. Our God.
2. Our friends and family.
3. Hopefully you!

Four Calling Birds

I am a bit too obsessed with birds this year. Luckily, I'm not the only one and stores are full of gorgeous feathered friends to decorate your home. Keep it Local this week as you finish your holiday shopping and check out gorgeous pieces like these at Albert F's in Seaside and Tracery Interiors in Rosemary Beach. Origami Queen Bess at Tracery is responsible for the fun folded versions. Maybe you can even bribe her into teaching you how to make some for your home. Oh, and both stores are offering free gift wrap and Tracery is still giving 20% off for saying "Secret Santa." Now go shopping!

Five Golden Rings

We pride ourselves in creating an atmosphere where kids can act like kids. Part of this is providing them with some entertaining props like our giant rings {aka: hula hoops}. The red rockets are our latest addition and a big hit with the smaller tikes. We've also recently added balance boards and a cute "kids only" table beneath the tall tower. On the 5th day of Christmas, our gift to you is free entertainment for your kiddos, which hopefully translates to a bit of free time for you. :)

On the 6th day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me

a gorgeous photo from a fan of Pizza by the Sea! {Thanks Joie!}

Seven Starfish Swimming

I knew the merchandise at Tracery was gorgeous, but what I didn't know is how many affordable gifts they offer. From distressed frames {with the truly old wood - not the fake stuff} to candles and votive holders to gorgeous birds and vases to the coolest coffee table books {and more}. And can I say that it was a treat just to visit with Paige, Anna Kay & Bess and see the gorgeous store decked out for the holidays? Make sure you stop by soon and say "Secret Santa" to get 20% off in stock merchandise. This makes the already great prices on gifts even better! Tracery is located in Rosemary Beach beside the Couryard Wine & Cheese Bar. Help us keep local businesses in business by Keeping it Local for your holiday shopping!

Eight Maids A Eating

Cupcakes! We were so excited to find out that Queen Bee Cupcakes in Seaside has some festive new options. Check out these Gingerbread Man & Chocolate Peppermint beauties. The little one gave them two thumbs up! Keep it Local and head to Queen Bee soon. They're open in their adorable airstream every day {except Christmas} from 9:00-5:00. They'll even feed your sugar cravings until midnight on New Year's Eve.

Nine Ladies Dancing

Nine days 'til Christmas! Are you ready? Need a quick, LOCAL gift that will also reward you? If you spend $25 in gift certificates at Pizza by the Sea, you'll get a $5 GC to use yourself. For every $50 you purchase, you'll get a free large pizza. If you spend $100 (attention Realtors - great client gifts!), you can choose any bottle of wine in the house or two free large pizzas. Come by or call us at 231.3030 to purchase.

Great Looking Group

{inside and out}

Pretty Christmas Clothes

The only thing better than putting on pretty clothes for the big Christmas show...

... is getting them dirty eating ice cream at Pizza by the Sea afterwards!

Keep it Local!

We've been encouraged by locals Mark and Paige Schnell and their commitment to "Keep it Local" at the holidays. This means supporting all of the wonderful establishments 30A has to offer to help keep those businesses - well, in business. Here are some ideas. We'll feature more this week, so if you have favorites you'd like us to talk about, just leave a comment below.

Pizza by the Sea Gift Certificates - If you spend $25 in gift certificates, you'll get a $5 GC to use yourself. For every $50 you purchase, you'll get a free large pizza. If you spend $100 (attention Realtors - great client gifts!), you can choose any bottle of wine in the house or two free large pizzas. Come by or call us at 231.3030 to purchase.

Tracery Interiors in Rosemary Beach - They have so much more than just home furnishings. Tracery's Christmas items, candles, jewelry and more will have you swooning. And the store is decorated beautifully for the holidays. If you come to Tracery any time between now and the end of the year, you'll get 20% off any in stock merchandise by saying "Secret Santa."

Deja Vu in Seaside - In addition to having one of the most unique selections of ladies clothing and accessories in town, Deja Vu is now having a 50% off sale. They have items to suit every budget in their gorgeous boutique, and the owners are great! Watch their blog for more special deals. {Photo below courtesy Seleta}

Gigi's Fabulous Kids' Fashion & Toys in Rosemary Beach - This is THE place for little ones. They carry Silly Bandz, which very well may be this year's favorite stocking stuffer. We bought them for all of our nieces and nephews, so hopefully they don't read this blog! Owner Geri says to also check out their Crazerasers, which are a puzzle and eraser in one. Gigi's has one of the friendliest staff in town, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Sweet Bay Prints in Santa Rosa Beach - Sherri Scruggs runs this online boutique {while raising two adorable kids} that carries fine paper goods and gifts. Her stuff is gorgeous! We really love the holiday gift tags and labels she has for sale on her website. How cute are these? Watch her blog for upcoming specials and giveaways.

Willow Boutique in Rosemary Beach - We love the Pyrrha Jewelry. Each piece in this collection is handmade from an antique wax seal and carries its own special meaning. Pyrrha is available in bronze, sterling silver and 14k gold. Right now, Willow is offering "Tory Burch Tuesdays" where all Tory is 20% off on Tues. They also currently have a 70% off rack with some gorgeous pieces on it.

The Shops of Ruskin Place - We especially love The Art of Simple, Albert F's and Magpies! The gorgeous birds I scored at Albert F's make me so happy when I see them each day. You've heard us brag about Magpies incredible jewelry selection before. And South Walton's 2010 Artist of the Year Michael Granberry and his wife Laura have an incredible display of photography and artwork in their shop that showcases their own work as well as that of other Southern artists.

SkyeBlue Salon & Gifts - Owner Lisa is as nice as she is talented. She stays busy keeping locals' hair looking gorgeous in her adorable salon. She also carries a number of great gift items and is currently offering the following specials: 50% off Mom Agendas & 20% off everything else, including her amazing soy candles and jewelry. Find SkyeBlue on Facebook, too.

For the Health of It in Blue Mountain Beach - You probably know they have a large selection of supplements and health foods, but did you know they also offer the best massage deal in town? For just $70 for one hour, you can give someone the gift of relaxation from stress - and don't we all need that?? Better yet, their massage gift certificates are now 10% off through Christmas Eve. There are a number of good therapists, but we highly recommend Jenni Reed. She is amazing!

Aesthetic Clinique - Who wouldn't love their slogan, "Making 30A even more beautiful?" No matter what you would like "improved," they are there to help in their gorgeous, relaxing facility in Redfish Village. Aesthetic is currently runnning specials on Botox, Juvederm, Latisse and more. Visit their Facebook page or call them at 622.1214. They are conveniently located beside Village Boutique, who we recently reviewed here and Marla & Shane, who carry the largest selection of frames on 30A, including the distressed versions everyone covets.

Publix in Watercolor Crossing - It may sound weird that we're recommending one of the "big guys," but keep in mind that this establishment supports many nice locals by giving them employment. In fact, Publix may well be the largest employer on 30A. They also consistently receive the highest customer service accolades a grocery store can achieve. We think their selection of gift cards is great, especially if you are mailing gifts to loved ones out of town. Everyone loves gift cards and they save you a ton on shipping costs.

South Walton Montessori School - The school is offering Frasier Fir Christmas trees, wreaths and garland through December 17. The trees are #1 grade, the best you can buy. Call 850.231.5955 to order yours and support a fabulous local school with your tax-deductible donation.

Can you tell we REALLY love supporting our local friends? Stay tuned for more, and don't forget to leave comments about your favorite local finds.