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THE ISLAND OCTOPUS BLOG

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

6/18/2022

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How to celebrate the Summer Solstice from The Island Octopus
The Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere the Summer Solstice usually falls on June 20, 21, or 22. In 2022, it is on June 21. Continue reading for some fun ways to celebrate this time of year! Check out our Pinterest board for other related recipes and tutorials.

Crafts & activities:
  • Make a flower crown
  • Have a picnic
  • Gardening
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset
  • Outdoor yoga
  • Make an herb wreath
  • Burn an summer-themed incense (find a recipe below!)
  • Make a suncatcher

Decorations and accents:
  • Dried fruit
  • Beeswax candles
  • Suncatchers
  • Summer flowers (such as sunflowers, coneflowers, dahlias)

Food to make and enjoy:
  • BBQ
  • Fruit pies
  • Honey cakes
  • Seasonal fruit and veggies
  • Sun tea
  • Mead
  • Lemonade
  • Cherries, apricots, blackberries and peaches
  • ​Herbed bread
  • Salad with garden veggies

Scents:
  • Cinnamon
  • Chamomile
  • Rosemary
  • Mugwort
  • Yarrow
  • Rose
  • Lavender
  • Vervain
  • Sage
  • Cedar
  • Frankincense
  • Mugwort
  • Citrus
  • Lily
Summer Solstice incense from The Island Octopus
Summer Solstice incense recipe:

Ingredients:
  • copal (golden or white)
  • benzoin
  • sandalwood
  • allspice
  • lemon peel
  • honey

​Directions:
Grind all dry ingredients with zested lemon peel in a mortar and pestle. Add a small amount of honey and mix. Dammar and other citrus or spices may be used as replacements if desired. Smolder on top of a hot hookah charcoal.

Feel free to experiment and use different ingredients as necessary. Any white or golden copal or dammar will do. Benzoin is for the sweet notes, which you can also get from vanilla. Cinnamon or clove can be used in place of allspice. And your favorite citrus peel can be used in place of lemon. The sandalwood is not necessary, but having some powdered wood helps with the consistency of the mix.

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The Island Octopus to Host Meet a Mermaid Event

6/7/2022

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THE ISLAND OCTOPUS TO HOST MEET A MERMAID EVENT

Where: The Island Octopus at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907. The Island Octopus is located in suite 107, next to Ice Spot and near Dave and Busters.

When: Saturday June 18, 1-3PM EST

Details: Meet Mermaid Maggie at this free event for families.

Mermaid Maggie will be teaching us about the animals that make sea shells, singing, and providing eco-friendly glitter tattoos. She will also be talking about some of the jewelry she makes from Sanibel seashells. In addition, a mermaid-themed coloring page table will be set up for children. Families are invited to stop by and meet Mermaid Maggie, take a photo, and learn more about our ocean. This is a free event.

About The Island Octopus:
The Island Octopus was created by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. Our store in Bell Tower (Fort Myers, Florida) features Matt & Melissa's aquatic and beachy artwork, shirts, tote bags, prints, cards & postcards, coloring books, and other beach gifts. You can also find a selection of artwork by a few other local SW Florida artists. While you are visiting, strike a pose and take a selfie by our Fort Myers art wall, and pick out one of our free coloring pages. Learn more at IslandOctopus.com.

About Mermaid Maggie:
Mermaid Maggie brings smiles and magic to people of all ages while advocating for ocean conservation and an eco-friendly future. She hosts birthday parties and other events, inspiring people of all ages through interactive songs, storytelling, and games. Learn more at EnchantedPartyTime.com.
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June News

6/3/2022

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Dog Bakery by Melissa Gindling
We have lots of new arrivals in the shop this month, including the Dog Bakery series, Fort Myers manatee mug, several new illustrations, Neptunian Frankincense and Sea-Kissed Myrrh! Check out all the new arrivals here.

We have a lot of events planned for June, both in-store and throughout Fort Myers and Sanibel! Check out all of the events here.


​Follow our journey on Patreon! On our page this month, we will be sharing a sunflower coloring page, in-progress artwork, and a sea turtle digital download.
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