Ekim's Blog

The Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week for more than 50 years. This year, they celebrated virtually with the theme focusing on COVID-19 shutdowns, how entrepreneurs have pivoted, used government funding, and created innovative ways to survive

At Ekim’s Place, we believe we are stronger together, and we believe in helping our neighbors.  Strong neighbors equal a strong community and that is what we are striving for! Our Community Outreach page was created to give hard working non-profits and community organizations who serve Lakelanders a platform for the residents to easily find and learn more about.

**(As with all skin care routines, use new products with caution and seek your dermatologist’s advice.) My skincare routine has always been minimalist. The heat in Florida made it hard for me to want a face full of makeup. 7

Do you love shopping local? Do you love taking an extra minute to support a neighbor instead of taking the easy route and going to the big box store? BUT - Do you hate getting lost in the web trying to *find* local businesses? We created Ekim’s Place just for you!

I love quotes. They validate my feelings in ways I never think to speak. They hit me hard because I spend a lot of time thinking of clear and interesting ways to convey my stories. When I hear a good quote, I’m like yessssssssssssssssssss! That’s a great way to say that!

“Shop Local” is a trend everyone has heard of. Instead of buying your hairbows at Wal-Mart, the “Shop Local” trend says to buy them at Sawdust & Rust. Instead of eating at Outback Steakhouse, eat at Chef T’s Garden Grill. Instead of sending your resume to Rita’s Staffing, send it to 1^st Priority Staffing. You get the idea.

Summer Vacation! Is there anything better? Florida was made for summer vacations! I was a lucky kid whose mom was a teacher which meant she was just as ready as us to have some adventures! Lakeland’s central location made it easy for us to visit lots of places – Crystal Springs, Adventure Island, the beach. When we stayed close, we loved going to Kelly Recreation’s Gandy Pool or Imperial Lakes to swim.

When I was 16, a group of families got together and took all the Dads to dinner for Father’s Day. As we were driving, one of my friend’s dad saw a man mowing his grass and he said, “Lucky bast*rd.” I looked at him and asked, “Why?” He said, “Because he is mowing his grass in peace and no one is making him go to dinner.”

Summer is in full swing and vacay vibes are rocking! I am not a woman who has a closet busting open with clothes, but 95% of my clothes are for hot weather. (When winter comes, I am the person with a big sweatshirt, fuzzy socks and knit hat – none of which match – just trying to get through the cold, patiently waiting for the Florida sun to warm my shivering bones.)

June is here! School is out, the weather is hot, and time seems to slow just a bit.

One of my favorite things about June is the longer days give us an opportunity to take have an outdoor dinner using seasonal ingredients! June’s freshest produce in Florida is plentiful!