Pasco Shopper

I spent last weekend with my niece, Brianna, getting mani-pedi combos and shopping. She was to be the guest of honor at Sunday’s Easter Brunch, so I wanted her to look the part. Our first stop was Peddler’s Village, where I knew there was a treasure trove of fancy children’s dresses. Brianna fell in love with a poofy white dress with a purple sash. It was pretty, but unadorned so I tried to persuade her into trying on a more decorative gown. She gave me the sweetest little smile and asked, “Can I have the white one, please Auntie?” That girl knows just how to win her auntie over, so of course I caved.

I walked while she skipped the few blocks down to Goodie 2 Shoes. I’d seen a new designer handbag in the store window that I was eager to buy. Brianna, of course wanted something to match her new dress so I bought her a small lavender clutch. Their sunglasses were still 50% off and a selection of shoes had been discounted to 60% off!!! I bought a pair of white, framed sunglasses and a pair of ballet flats to match my newest purse.

Brianna still needed a pair of shoes to match her Easter dress, so I took her to Before & After Consignment, in Zephyrhills. Lucky for us, they were having their Fill A Bag For $10 Sale. Brianna found a pair of white dress shoes and a matching sunhat. We also filled her bag with an assortment of jewelry, gloves, and a feather boa that I could not talk her out of.

On the car ride home, Bria reminded me that as the guest of honor, she should have a special seat at the brunch. We stopped in at Second Round and the first thing that caught my eye was a molded copper chair with an etched butterfly back panel. I thought it would look nice in my garden, but Brianna insisted it was too small and wasn’t guest-of-honorey enough. After only five minutes of searching, we found a tall wiry chair with an embroidered white satin seat cushion. It was a winner!

On Easter Sunday, brunch was a success! I made fresh scones and jam, and everyone brought a dish to share. Brianna looked like a doll in her new outfit and soaked up all of the group’s attention. She sat tall in her little throne and ruled the main table. Bria acts so much like a six years old version of me, it almost makes me feel sympathetic for my brother…but not quite!