Mary Hardesty tagged me recently as I was walking by Mary Hardesty Realty.  “You have to see what they have done to Island Flooring—they have turned it into a Princess/Mermaid store—I took my grandkids there last weekend and they loved it.”
Coincidentally that was my destination.  Briana Baker, the owner, had emailed me and this was my first opportunity to come and talk to her. 
Our old showroom has been transformed into a princess/mermaid boutique.  Where we sold wood flooring is a beautiful room with petal pillows for children to sit and watch the twin sisters mermaids, Snow White or Cinderella perform. 
After the conclusion of the ‘show’ there are crafts for the listeners.  I was there when Mermaid Snow White took an extremely shy child and got her engrossed in making something fun!!  The transformation was amazing!!
Right inside the front door is an 8’ Clam for picture taking.  Next is an ’under the sea’ paradise where the girls can get a makeover—hair with a tiara, makeup and nails—and they get to keep the makeup and the tiara—all for $25.00!
There is a fabulous boutique with hand made costumes of all types—better quality than I have seen anywhere and at a reasonable price.  Also tutus and Mermaid fins!  And for the boys in your life—swords, armor and light sabers.

Briana Baker is a true Southern California girl.  She was born in San Diego and went to school at Azuza Pacific to get a teaching degree.  Instead of teaching came 10 years of acting in commercials including one really interesting with Danica Patrick—one of my favorite NASCAR drivers. 
Briana worked at Disneyland as a character (Belle) while she was in college; where the idea for Once Upon an Island originated, But first Briana had to find the perfect location.  Three years ago Briana moved to Balboa Island, took the Ferry to the Harborside Restaurant and decided she was NEVER leaving!  And I do not think she is.  She lives and works in the same building that I did for almost 20 years!  And loves it—loves the hustle and bustle of the ‘Ferry Line’!  Briana has found the perfect spot!
Boutique Hours—Monday—Friday 10 am—5 pm
Princess Activities—10:30am—1pm—4:00 pm (Please call for appointment during winter) 760.672.0333 1 hour/$25.00 Includes Story Time, Sing-a-long and Arts and Crafts. 
LOOKOUT FOR EVENING HALLOWEEN EVENTS—
the whole month of October!! 



ISLAND LIGHTS
It is that time of year again—Christmas will be here in our beautiful village before you know it.
Time to think about decorating your house with Christmas Lights—they give that warm and inviting holiday feeling. 
Balboa Island is a destination during the holidays.  Our home decorations are the most important reason people come !  Our displays showcase our love and creativity.
And yes, it is important WHO we hire to do the decorations.  Mike McCleur and Damon Burris of Island Lights have been working on Balboa Island for 20 years.  When they started they were single guys and now they are married with children.  Time really does fly!
Give them a call soon and book your time—things get hectic once Halloween is over.  Mike @949.903.9018 and Damon @949.307.8613. 


DEE’s TALK OF THE COAST . . . . Dee Dawson
Summer is coming to a close and it is time to drop in on a couple of new neighbors on Marine Avenue.  First on my list was Balboa Island Nut Company—208 Marine Avenue.  This shop is ‘small but mighty’ to be sure.  Nuts of every type imaginable are featured here—vacuum bagged, perfect for gift baskets at $6.00 each.  Lively owner Shawn Bowan told me that this is a family owned and operated business.  Not only can you buy nuts, but also Jerkies, Seeds and Trail Mix.  There is Whiskey or Sweet Picante jerky as well as a myriad of other flavors.  They also stock light and crunchy corn nuts!  Stop in soon—and go NUTS!!
Also at 208 Marine is Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery.  I spoke with sisters Vicky and Carrie Hartwitz who own this charming little venue.  They explained that all the ice cream is handmade ($3.50/scoop) and all cupcakes are baked FRESH daily!  Popular Island favorites are their ‘Gluten Free’ cupcakes as well as the ‘Lemon Drop’ variety.  Honestly—they all looked to-die-for good to me!  For the Balboa Island pooches there are mini “Pup-cakes’ at only $2.50 each.  Special orders are available by the dozen with only 24 hours notice.  Visit ‘Smallcakes’ on Facebook or Instagram or phone them at 949.873.5430. 
Just across Marine I stopped into Sunny Days new and improved location.  I was very impressed—the building interior resembles an old Warehouse or Cannery—high ceilings, industrial décor.  An old fashioned aluminum dryer drum has been transformed into a light fixture—a canoe into a display cabinet. The huge selection of high end labels is a winner.  Top brands such as ‘Johnny Was’, ‘David Cline’, ‘Belle Dahl’, ‘BouBou’ and more!  ‘HUE’ Hosiery as seen in better department stores.  At $40/pair traditional 5-pocket ‘Jeggings’ are available in White, Charcoal, Stone and Black.  Also a trendy ‘ripped’ version in denim for the younger set.  My top award goes to the feminine, lovely openwork blouse by Love & Liberty featured in transparent charcoal or ivory—willowy as a breeze and perfect with jeans and booties for fall!  949.566.9001
Making my way back down to the 300 block I was literally pulled from the sidewalk in to Shirley’s Heart by what smelled like the fragrance of fresh-cut tuberose.  It was in fact a fresh cut soy candle by popular line Trapp.  Owner Shirley referred to her collection as an entire flower shop of candles!  At only $24.00 each pick out a few from the bouquet—they will last and last! 
Isn’t it nice to have our charming little Balboa Island Museum Store?  (329-1/2 Marine Avenue) I stopped in to take a look at the merchandise and spied a lovely sterling charm bracelet of anchors.  I would snatch it up in a heartbeat!  Many other ‘logo’’ mugs, shirts and other historical interest items perfect for the Island collector, or great gifts for the holidays.!!

CORNEY JOKES . . . . . Susan Sherbert
Why are the negative numbers always cold?
Because they are BELOW ZERO
Why is Addition a Really Good Thing?
Because it is all Positive
When does a math problem become difficult?
When you have to do it Multiple Times!
SUSAN SHERBERT 714.850.9070
Author of ‘GROWN-UPS DON”T SKIP’
FunHappyEnjoy.com

KAMPS ISLAND FLOORING
711 West 17th Street
Unit H-5
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.675.3456
949.422.8570
http://www.kampsislandflooring.com

By Appointment