The Gist with Jess

05/04/2026

It's been a long while, guys! Not sure how often I'll post, but I'm still here, lol.
I rarely say anything personal on this page, but I believe this warranted it.
I used buy fresh cut flowers often, to have them in the living room for my mom. She wasn't very mobile, and I tried to do what I could to ease the discomfort of that, including having nice things around. After she passed, I stopped buying them. It felt like an unnecessary expense, unless it was for my yearly visit to the cemetery back in Michigan.
I began to see the weekly "Free Flower Monday" posts from J&S Floral a few months ago, but was never able to fit in in my day.
I was able to today, and I thought of my mom as I put together something for the living room. There were so many flowers, and it was so nice to have something beautiful on the table again.
The shop itself is an absolute jewel of the community. In the trying times we live in, giving anything away for free seems impossible, especially from a small independent seller, but business isn't why they do this. Community is.
This shop has some of the highest review ratings I've ever seen, with a 4.9 on Google. They were also honored in 2023 with a Best of Florida Honorable Mention, and they are a BloomNation member.
I was sadly in a hurry and did not go inside, but from what I could see, it was absolutely packed with stunning floral and gifts.
Today was the first time I has interacted with J&S Floral in New Port Richey, Florida, but I know it won't be my last.

02/13/2026

One place I sadly did not post about while I was in Savannah was - a bar and restaurant that was less than a minute from where we stayed.
They are a dive bar - in the best possible way - and they serve Thai cuisine til 2 am. I have failed both myself and all of you by not taking photos. Jacqueline Cazzola and I both ordered the tom kha soup at spice level 4 out of 6. I also ordered drunken noodles, and Jacqui got green curry. A friend with us got a bahn mi with fries.
The soup was HUGE - more so than usual, according to the waiter. It must have been served in their pho bowls. It was AMAZING, and if you like it hot, I'm guessing level 6 would satisfy anyone.
Everything was delicious, reasonably priced, and plentiful. If it were near my house, I'd be there every week.

Photos taken from page.

09/28/2025

Opening in December of last year, Hamil Brunch and Grill in Roseville, Michigan has quickly become a local favorite.
With a brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays for only $20 per person, you can't go wrong. The selection includes staples like bacon, sausage, hash browns, waffles, pancakes, French toast, and biscuits and gravy, but also chicken wings and a creamy chicken penne pasta. Most impressive is the omelette and crepe station with both savory and sweet choices.
A cute addition is the mocktail and latte menu, with the option of flights when you just can't decide!
The restaurant also offers a full regular menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
All photos taken by me, with the exception of the latte flight (I wasn't quickly enough, so I had to take a ohoto from the restaurant's page)

07/08/2025

With over 40 different vendors and artists, this sprawling little treasure trove has something for everyone. New and and antique jewelry, vintage furniture and art, brand new signs and soaps, clothing, memorabilia, even antique kitchenware... thus little store in the heart of what feels like old Florida gas a surprising amount of space around every corner and through every doorway. An easy way to spend an afternoon! The Antiques & Uniques

12/22/2024

Christmas is coming on fast, and some of us need last minute gifts!
There are quite a few unique shops and businesses in downtown New Port Richey bursting with ideas, but a new shop just opened off the beaten path in NPR!
Hello Sweetz is on Grand across from Little Coronas and in view of Orange Lake.
This is the owner's second location, and they could not be more welcoming and hopeful for the future!
I sampled a couple of their treats, including the Prosecco filled chocolate treats, which were delicious! There are some sweets you might not find just anywhere, and the proprietors would love to learn about what you are looking for!
Stop in today during the golf cart parade and get yourself or someone special a sweet treat!

08/18/2022

Just in time to start thinking about shopping for the holiday season, a brand new boutique store has opened in New Port Richey. Co-owners Lisa Layton and Sallie Solie have created a whimsical and cozy shop filled to burting with unique gifts and impressive paintings for sale. The intimate venue situated above the city's beloved tea room on Grand Avenue evokes small town charm and historical dignity.
Meeting either of the owners is enough to convince you this is a labor of love. You can't go wrong with adding this as a stop to a girl's afternoon out, especially with it's location sitting snugly in the center of downtown and walking distance from a myriad of other shopping, dining, and activities.

08/18/2022

Finally made it to The Butcher's Block in New Port Richey to try the Black and Blue sandwich! I'm told it's the most popular. :) The meat selection looks lovely, as well, and everyone was friendly and helpful! Maybe I'll post sandwich pics if I don't eat too fast!

04/07/2022

I know isn't Friday, but we'll be going live soon to check an exciting new trend in social activities! 🎯😉

03/26/2022

Chasco Fiesta!
I forgot to mention the BBQ, and the Country and Rock concerts!

https://chascofiesta.com/

02/06/2022

Just a quick blurb about the newest business downtown! Infusion Brewing Company has officially moved in and is open for business. I made a quick stop in and made sure to bring a snack from Melt'd just around the corner. I had Lit'l Angry Pig and washed it down with Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale. Just next door, in the same building, is the homemade ice cream shop, Cotee River Creamery & Desserts. If it's important to you to know what goes into your ice cream, you'll be happy here. They have several of your favorite flavors, plus a few delicious adult varieties. :)
The view from the patio out front should be lovely on warmer days, lol!

12/05/2021