Osprey Observer Valrico 04 2019 by Osprey Observer

Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News

Valrico

17 C E L E B R A T I N G

April 2019 1 7

Y E A R S

O F

P U B L I S H I N G

Local Blueberry Cottage Farms Invites Residents For Weekend U-Picks

By Kate Quesada

responses and more than 300 comments, and that was that,” she said. “Jose happily gave up selling commercially and we became a U-Pick farm.” Blueberry Cottage Farms, which is seven miles and a 15 minute drive from FishHawk, offers three types of berries, Emeralds, Jewels and Millennials, and UPick is $4 a pound or $20 a bucket for cash or $4.20 a pound and $22 a bucket when paying with credit card. Buckets for picking and bags to take the berries home are supplied by the farm, which also has a port-a-potty and running water. An assortment of cold drinks are available for purchase. Lois suggests that visitors wear closed shoes and sunscreen. “We are told by customers that our farm is picturesque, quiet and peaceful,” said Lois. “There is a lot of room between rows and a lot of room to park. But what really sets us apart is that we love our customers. Each day we open for U-Pick, we feel as if we are hosting a party.” Blueberry Cottage Farms is located at 827 Old Welcome Rd. in Lithia. Hours vary as the season progresses, but UPick is typically open from 8:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings and Sunday openings are based on how much fruit is available. Weekday afternoon openings are often announced on the Facebook page. For more information, search for Blueberry Cottage Farm on Facebook or call 3901367.

Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121

Postal Customer

ECRWSS EDDM

PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397

Calling all blueberry lovers. Lithia residents Lois Horn-Dias and Jose Dias are opening the gates of Blueberry Cottage Farms this month, offering two acres with approximately 2,000 plants for U-Pick. “We are so excited to welcome our wonderful customers,” said Lois, a teacher in Lakeland. “Jose single-handedly built our farm in his spare time and we love nothing more than seeing others enjoy it.” For 10 years, the farm’s berries were sold wholesale to commercial pickers Driscol and Clear Springs, but in 2016, after hosting charity events open to the public at the farm, the couple decided to transition to U-Pick and have not looked back. “Working the charity events made us realize how much we loved seeing so many others enjoying Jose’s labor of love,” said Lois. Lois posted on a local Facebook page, asking if residents would be interested in coming to U-Pick at their farm, and received an overwhelming response. “In just two days we had almost 500

Volume 16, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418 P O S I T I V E

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Blu Indigo Brings Safety Harbor Spa Experience To Valrico Location Valrico resident Leticia Kallas has dreamed of owning a spa for decades. Last October, her dream came true when she opened Blu Indigo Spa in the Sproutsanchored plaza at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd., and she has already developed a strong following in just a few months. An esthetician for 25 years, many of which she spent at the famous Safety Harbor Spa, Kallas has put her heart into Blu Indigo and it shows. “I had been talking about opening a spa for years but between our other family business and our children, the time never seemed right,” said Kallas, whose family also owns and operates Cafe Cuba, formerly La Cubinita, in the Crunch Fitness Plaza. “But this opportunity fell into my lap and I am loving every minute of it.” Blu Indigo is a different spa experience from the moment a customer opens the door to the 1,800 sq. ft. building. “From the decor to the music, beverages offered and even the stem-wear we use, I really wanted to create an experience here,” said Kallas, who talked about the Greek influences she incorporated in the spa’s peaceful decor. An extensive list of services, including a large variety of manicures, pedicures, facials, massage and waxing options, is just one of the things that sets Blu Indigo apart. “I was very specific when developing our menu,” said Kallas, who personally trains all of her employees to make sure that every customer receives the same level of service at the spa. “I want to guarantee that every service is beautiful from beginning to end.” The Blu Indigo team of five massage therapists, two estheticians and two nail technicians uses high-quality products chosen by Kallas to be as natural as possible. Products used for nail services

By Kate Quesada

include Zoya, a vegan line, and Bio Seaweed Gel, which comes from Canada. According to Kallas, one of the spa’s most popular services is the Charcoal Detox Pedicure, which uses White Japanese Charcoal to detoxify the skin. The pedicure also includes a foot massage with a detoxifying lotion, hot towels and dim lights to increase relaxation. “My goal is to create a space that people want to come back to,” she said. “The spa is calm and cozy and we work to make a visit here a true experience from beginning to end.” Although Blu Indigo offers special occasion packages, Kallas emphasizes that she wants to make the experience affordable so that people can come back regularly. “I want customers to be able to come in all the time, not just for special occasions,” she said. “Routine maintenance is as important as brushing your teeth.” Blu Indigo Spa is located at 3339 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be reached at 651-3258. For more information, a full list of services and to request an appointment, visit www.bluindigospa.com.

KENTUCKY DERBY FUNDRAISER.........PG 3 EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE ............PGS 31‐39