Hello from Florida again. I have some fun things to share with you inspired by my friend Mercedes here in Atlantic Beach. There is a refreshing Lime Shrimp Appetizer recipe that’s great for a party. We served this at a “tailgate” for a concert last night.
When I asked to drop in on Mark and Mercedes again to inspect a potential house in their neighborhood, they said yes but that they were going to a James Taylor/Jackson Browne concert on Saturday night. To which I replied (not shyly as I am so comfortable with these guys) “Great! Let me see if I can get a ticket!” And I did.
Here’s what followed. We also have a great pillow source and more.
1. Mercedes’ Lime Shrimp Appetizer
This is a zesty shrimp salad that can be served in small bowls as an appetizer.
- 3 lb. shelled, deveined large cooked shrimp, diced
- 1 1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
- 6 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced and chopped red onion
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3/4 cup lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 3 tbs good olive oil
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Cook the shrimp quickly in boiling water until pink. Drizzle with the olive oil.
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Combine cooked shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt in a bowl and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Mercedes had these “green” forks that are also biodegradable that we used…very fun…in addition to these…
2. Disposable Earth-friendly Picnic Goods – Chikio
While in this cute store in Atlantic Beach called KMH Home, I purchased these little disposable bowls for Mercedes’ Lime Shrimp Appetizer. They are 100% biodegradable & compostable. Not cheap but they look cool and I needed to do my part for a chic concert tailgate party 🙂
I also picked up fresh cookies from a popular bakery as my contribution.
3. Linen Throw Pillow Sources
When Mercedes asked me about pillows for her new Pottery Barn Big Sur sectional that we ordered, I suggested the Belgian linen solid navy 24″ pillows that I love (I have them too). In addition, we ordered some 22″ square pillows from a local SF Bay Area source, Linen and Cloth.
You may also like My Well-Priced Beautiful Linen Pillows.
4. Gift Guide For The Dog Owner
I’ve been trying to bring you my best ideas each week for every recipient on your list and now here’s one for the dog/dog lover. We have several beloved dogs in our family.
Shop Great Dog Gifts
5. A Simple Holiday Table Setting
The last time I checked, this video was viewed 1.4 million times on Pinterest! I published it last year. You may have seen it. Perhaps people are looking to simplify their decor. On December 2, Cindy, Annie, and I along with three others are featuring Our Christmas Decor Inspired By Nature again.
This morning, I am getting on a 7:30 am EST flight back to SFO (you can imagine what time I had to get up to get to the Jacksonville airport and return the rental car). The concert was great last night.
Let’s see what Annie’s and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
This recipe sounds delicious. Perfect for the holidays. Thanks.
I’m really looking forward to the holiday season, including Thanksgiving.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
Me too, Karen!!
Annie Diamond says
Wow! I do love that holiday table decor!! 1.4 million views! That’s amazing and so are you!!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
The shrimp looks delicious and I do not even like shrimp. Now the cookies are tight up my alley. Hope all went well looking at houses, and that you had a safe trip home!
cindy says
Sounds like you “kids” had fun! That appetizer/salad is very similar to one I make but I am going to try Mercedes’ recipe. What was the temperature when you were there? I bet it was beautiful!! That bakery looked amazing as well!
holly says
Looking forward to the Florida home updates and the magic you will shed on its transformation. Love the shrimp recipe. Pinned it for a light summer lunch too! Hope your trip home was safe and uneventful!!!
Margaret says
Great post! Any links for the blue rug? Thanks for sharing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was from Pottery Barn…but it went on sale and I don’t see it there anymore. Sorry.
Linda Henderson says
It’s great that you got to see James Taylor and Jackson Browne. What fun! Details please. Favorite songs? And thanks for the shrimp appetizer recipe. It sounds delicious. (and easy!)
Mary Ann Pickett says
I can’t get this song out of my head…”In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina…”
Susan Kelley says
Glad your visit was so much fun-heard the concert was to. Since we live in the total opposite direction-south to Orange Park- we by-passed that one. Jacksonville is spread out- we do the same for planes-but usually try to get noon flights so we don’t have to leave the house so early. When our daughter visits,they usually stay at the beach condo But come into town the night before they have to catch a plan so they don’t have to get up so early. But if you are going to be staying during the summer ,you will only have to come and go a few times. But don’t invite your friends,or you will be going back and forth,unless they have Uber lol Was thinking about you and wondering how things went with the house! You are fortunate to know Mercedes-she sounds like she has found all the good stuff out there already! IF you know when you are coming next,let me know and we can plan something. Best wishes for the holidays. The video is so cute and full of ideas>
Mary Ann Pickett says
I will, Susan!!
Amy says
Hi Mary Ann,
The shrimp recipe sounds great! I’m enjoying following along on your new house journey since I live in Jacksonville myself. Can’t wait to see more as things develop. Would you mind sharing the name of the bakery where you purchased the cookies? They look like they would be good for upcoming holiday parties.
Safe travels home!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s called Cinotti’s… and it had a line out the door!
Amy says
Thank you, I wondered if it was Cinotti’s! They are a great local bakery.