This Week's Welcome

Hi! We're into the new year now! Our debut market of 2026 is upon us! This Sunday at the Kitty Cat Lounge, we are throwing our Curiosities Expo from 10am-3pm! I'm super excited for this one. If you can make it out, please do!

Step into a world where the strange meets the adorable at A Curiosities Expo, a celebration of the unusual, the artistic, and the delightfully furry. This one-of-a-kind event brings together collectors, creators, and cat-lovers for a day filled with wonder and whimsy.

Guests can explore an eclectic marketplace brimming with oddities and curios—from preserved specimens and unique jewelry to strange art, handmade oddball décor, and conversation-starting collectibles. Local and regional artists will showcase unique works inspired by the weird, the whimsical, and the beautifully bizarre, offering pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

But the heart-melting highlight of the expo? Kitties! Partnering with the Kitty Cat Lounge, the event features a dedicated cat corner where attendees can meet adoptable felines, learn about pet care, and support rescue efforts. Whether you’re looking to adopt or simply enjoy some therapeutic cat cuddles, it’s an essential stop on your expo adventure.

With an array of offerings, drinks and snacks, and vendors as diverse as the wonders they bring, A Curiosities Expo promises an unforgettable experience for lovers of the peculiar, the artistic, and the undeniably cute.

Come for the oddities. Stay for the art. Fall in love with the kitties.

-Channon

Featured Spotlight: Maine Coon Manor Cat Cafe​

“ New life goal at 40: Half a dozen Maine Coons! Or I can settle on lamps that look this cool! — Channon

My wife and I were invited to one of the soft openings for the all-new Maine Coon Manor Cat Cafe!
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While it's not in Lakeland, I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to share about a place with kitties! Look at them below!

"Maine Coon Manor Cat Cafe is Central Florida's largest cat cafe; we combine a premium, high-end coffee shop with a one-of-a-kind interactive cat experience featuring majestic Maine Coons and several other specialty breed house "residents." We are far from ordinary! Additionally, the Manor will soon be home to the largest cat adoption center in the region! We work with local organizations to procure our rescue cats from high-kill shelters and the ultimate purpose of our cafe is to fund a sanctuary project helping more animals in need than ever before. The Manor will open February 1st, 2026, and is located directly in front of Fun Spot Kissimmee and Old Town just off Highway 192. Easy access with ample parking! The closest cat cafe to all local attractions; we are conveniently 5 minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort, and 15 minutes from the Universal Orlando Resort."

This was my new friend, Sirius Black!

And you know I had to try the coffee! It passed my test!

Overall, it was a magical time! I've never seen Maine Coons or a Sphynx cat in person. The place looks amazing as well!

So, basically...

"Our Cat Cafe is a specialty offering featuring two distinct elements: a cafe serving premium handcrafted beverages and small bites as well as a unique opportunity to interact with exotic cats alongside adoptable cats rescued from high-kill shelters looking for forever homes."

They officially open February 1st. Reservations can be made here.

Then, their hours will be:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 10AM-6PM
Saturday - 10AM-8PM
Sunday - 10AM-6PM

Hope you get a chance to check them out!

The Hungry Games: Uncle Nick's​

“ Oh goodness! Yes, it was our first time here! I think many Lakelanders know about them already though... — Channon

​Uncle Nick's Italian Deli! I've heard about them ever since I moved to Lakeland. So, it's been about two decades. I was under the impression they only had bagels?

I was wrong! My wife said we should check them out and that I needed new places for the LKLD EDGE. We went at lunchtime, and it was packed! I have no clue how they gave us our food so quick! They must have like 100 invisible workers in the kitchen!

I'm not big on crowds, so these are the only photos I have. At some moments, the line was out the door, and the patio was full of people eating too.

Of course, they had way more than bagels. Menus everywhere.

I spotted a section that was entitled something along the lines of "Top 10 Sandwiches." I chose the first one LOL! I'm cheating by looking at their website. This was the Sweet Caroline (sweet honey ham with mild provolone, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard dressing).

For the price, this was so filling! Look at that ciabatta bread! My fave! Hmmm... that's a sexy sandwich!

They're located a bit in the south of Lakeland at 6955 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, Florida 33811.

Monday-Friday: 6am-6pm

KITCHEN CLOSES @ 3PM

MARKET, BAKERY & COFFEE OPEN UNTIL 6PM

Saturday: 7am-3pm

Sunday: 7am-2pm

We also noticed they have large family meals which are grab and go. In the future, I'll let you know how those are...

Love At First Cookie is Hiring!

5–15 hours/week | $14/hour | Weekday mornings/early afternoons
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I’m looking for a reliable, long-term part-time assistant to support my growing baking and events business. This position is ideal for someone who is looking for steady, consistent work and wants to grow with a small business — not someone looking for a short-term or temporary role.
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Schedule
• 5–15 hours per week (varies based on orders and events)
• Mostly weekdays, mornings to early afternoons
• No nights, except occasional special events (such as quarterly teas)
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Pay
• $14/hour
• Potential for growth in hours and responsibility as the business grows
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What You’ll Be Doing
• Assisting with baking and prep (home-baking experience is great) • Washing dishes and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen
• Packaging, labeling, and order prep
• Learning new processes and eventually taking ownership of tasks • Assisting with occasional events
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This Role Is a Good Fit If You…
• Are dependable, punctual, and communicate clearly
• Are looking for a long-term part-time position
• Enjoy baking and working with food
• Don’t mind dishes — this is real kitchen work
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and take pride in doing things well • Are comfortable working independently once trained
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Please Do Not Apply If You…
• Are only looking for short-term or temporary work
• Anticipate frequent schedule changes or limited availability
• Are unsure about your availability beyond the next few months
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Training takes time, and I’m specifically looking for someone who wants to commit and grow with the business as it continues to expand.

To apply: Send resume to nicole@loveatfirstcookie.com

In the 863+
​"Shop Small. Shop Local."

Need Meal Prep, Healthier Options &/or Want to Save Time?!

Every Monday I get almost a dozen meals from Resilient Meals. When I’m not eating out local, I’m usually popping one of these at home (while still supporting local!) This month all new customers can use code EDGE15 to get 15% OFF for 4 weeks!
Closes every Thursday!
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Welcome Home: Listing of the Week

Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence that truly stands out from the rest. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the bright, open living space featuring stylish wood-look flooring, modern lighting, and a layout designed for both comfort and entertaining.
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The spacious primary suite features sliding glass doors that lead to a screened, covered lanai—now thoughtfully split to create a versatile bonus room, perfect for a home office, hobby space, or relaxing retreat. Step outside to the tiled patio, ideal for morning coffee, evening gatherings, or weekend BBQs.
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Enjoy low-maintenance living in a community that offers assigned covered parking, a community pool, and direct lake access to Lake Smart with a boat ramp—perfect for fishing, boating, and enjoying the Florida lifestyle. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and medical facilities, this home offers both comfort and convenience.
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This move-in-ready unit is a rare find. Schedule your private showing today before it’s gone.
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📲 Contact Diana Acosta for more details!

That's A Wrap!

Lots on the horizon!
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Hope your January has been off to a great start!

-Channon

Mix-Up Answer: MOOTOWN SCOOPS​