Shop Local This Mother's Day

The aroma of freshly cut fruit and melted chocolate envelope customers who walk into Edible Arrangements in the Shoppes of Lithia to order an edible bouquet.

"We keep very busy this time of year," said Cathy Seal who owns the shop with Stephen Buscarino. "Edible arrangements are very popular for Mother's Day. People are looking for something different to give mom."

Edible Arrangements, which was located on Lynx Paw Trail near River Hills for five years, relocated to the Shoppes of Lithia, 3455 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, near Publix in January. Since then Seal and Buscarino have kept busy dipping strawberries in chocolate and cutting pineapples into flower shapes.

"It's going very well," said Seal. 

She said customers have been calling or dropping by throughout the week to order fruit and chocolate in anticipation of Mother's Day Sunday.

"Especially popular is the Mother's Day Delicious Daisy, a bouquet of pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, chocolate-covered strawberries and grapes," said Seal. The fruit is arranged in a colorful flower pot that can be reused after the contents have been eaten. The cost is $35.

Another popular Mother's Day pick is a box of apple wedges and strawberries dipped in chocolate for $25.

Customers can call the shop 813-571-7200 at or order online at http://www.ediblearrangements.com/. 

"We'll also have some ready-made arrangements available for pick-up on Mother's Day," said Seal. Hours Sunday are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m 

Two doors down in the Shoppes of Lithia, Ajay Jambheker, owner of AJ's Fine Wine & Spirits, is preparing for a Mother's Day wine-tasting Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Moms are invited to drop by and sample wines and enjoy some snacks. 

"They can stop by and try some samples on their way to dinner," said Jambheker. Jambheker offers a variety of fine domestic wines as well as European vintages. 

In addition to wine, Jambheker will sample a new product, alcohol-infused whipped cream in chocolate, cherry, caramel and raspberry flavors. 

"They're great on ice cream or on top of fruit," he said.

Jambheker recently relocated to a larger storefront at 3451 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico, in the Shoppes of Lithia, nearly doubling his space to 3,200 square feet. The additional room allowed his to expand his offering of fine wines, liquors and import and craft beers.

Across the street in Lithia Square, the Original Leena's Chocolate, has been busy preparing hand-dipped premium chocolate goodies for moms including a white chocolate urn filled with chocolate-covered strawberries from Brandon Farms for $70. 

Owners Leena and Anthony Caligiure specialize in unique chocolate gifts including designer cookies, berry bark, chocolate ravioli and chocolate hat and heart boxes filled with, of course, more chocolates. Customers throwing Kentucky Derby parties Sunday also can place orders for Leena's bourbon balls. Call 813-643-8500.

Down the street in Plaza Bella, the Green Boutique and Orange Home Accessories also are preparing for Mother's Day.

Located 1032 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, the Green Boutique owner Roz Creager and her staff is ready to help sons, daughters and husbands pick out the perfect Mother's Day gift, whether it's a a piece of Kameleon jewelry or a Vera Bradley or Brighton purse. 

Or check out Orange Home Accessories at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, where customers can find a variety of chic home accessories and gifts hand chosen by owner Debbie Ploor.

Then stop by Sweetie's Delights at 1050 Bloomingdale Ave., in Plaza Bella for a special treat for mom including gourmet cupcakes, brownies and cookies. Or order a one-of-a-kind cake for the occasion made by master cake designer Kathy Gramlich.

Don't forget the card. Greg's Hallmark Shoppe at 863 E. Bloomingdale Ave., in Bloomingdale Square features three aisles filled with greeting cards in addition to Vera Bradley items, chocolates, Da Vince and Forever in My Heart jewelry and other gifts.

For flowers this Mother's Day, visit Ambiance Floral Design at 6120 Winthrop Town Centre Drive, Riverview, (813) 381-3918, or Bloomingdale Florist, 827 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 813-654-7304.