Wishing you a lovely Holiday season from Boat To Beach Decor 
Guest Post By Rebecca McKeich
Weddings are supposed to be romantic and there is no better setting for romance than a beach. Choosing beach decor for your wedding theme is something that can easily be incorporated with the colors you choose and even with the location. Even if you can’t have an actual beach for the ceremony, any venue can be turned into a tropical paradise easily.
Where the vows take place is an important part of the ceremony. Some couples choose to stand under an arch, others in front of an altar, and for a beach theme a canopy is the right touch. A simple canopy created from four bamboo sticks and a gauzy material like tulle is simplistic but romantic. The tulle could be any color to match the wedding party or white to match the brides dress.
Walking down the aisle is where the magic begins and this needs to be part of the theme. Having a wedding on the beach requires just creating an aisle by lining the space with conch shells and starfish. If the wedding is elsewhere, simply lay down a strip of plastic or tarp and cover it with sand. Then you can do the same by lining it with shells to give off the beach feel.
Seating is important, especially for a large wedding. Usually pews are the choice and these can be decorated easily with a simple yet trendy decoration. Taking a large tassel in either colors of the wedding or neutral colors, decorate the tassel with shells or a starfish. Then it can simple be hung at the end of the pew.
Decorating for the reception can be fun with all the different beach decorations out there. You can place large beautiful sea shells on the tables and then adorn them with strings of pearls. There can even be a mix and match with glass bowls of sand inside of them. You can either do natural sand or colored sand to match your wedding scheme. Adding some pearls and small shells into the sand will give it a classic elegant look.
The little touches can go a long way with this theme. Use clam shells instead of a ring pillow for the ring exchange. Drape the head table with a bit of ocean blue tulle or other light material to draw the attention to the wedding couple. Hanging fish netting on the walls in a few places and decorating with starfish, shells, and other beach items will add to the beachy atmosphere.
Deciding on whether your wedding will have a theme or not is an important decision to make, and when you choose your theme you want it to be perfect. Using beach decor in your theme is something that can easily be done and the simplicity of nature will make it even more romantic. The best part is that you don’t need a real beach for the setting, you can create your own easily and just how you want it.
Visit http://www.oceanstyles.com/ to find wonderful oceanstyles.com coastal decorating items to make your beach wedding perfect.
Guest post by Alexis Bonari
Going to the beach can be an ideal vacation for families. Everyone can find something to enjoy: The warm weather, the calming waves, the fun water sports, or the wonderful food and entertainment you can find along the pier. However, traveling with children creates some special considerations. Here are a few tips for how to make your family vacation to the beach one of the best:
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen liberally, and apply it often. Children have sensitive skin that is easily sunburned. Choose a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t wait until you see pink skin to apply the sunscreen! That is a sign that your child has already suffered sunburn.
If you are bringing a baby, be sure your little one stays covered with a rimmed hat or umbrella and sunglasses. Sunscreen won’t be enough to protect the delicate skin.
Lifeguards
When planning your beach vacation, look for family friendly beaches that have lifeguards on duty. You shouldn’t rely on the lifeguard to be watching your children for you – no snoozing in the sand! – but you should also plan to have an extra set of eyes since you won’t be able to watch your child every second. In case of an emergency, a lifeguard also has expert training that will serve you in a crisis.
Swimming
Be sure to bring flotation devices for your little ones to enjoy the water. Even if they are good swimmers, the tide can be strong. A floatation device can help prevent them from being dragged under the water by a strong current.
Counsel your children on taking cautions in the water. Make sure they know not to go too far out and not to venture too far down the shore where you can’t see them. Never let them dive into the water. Rocks and sandbars can remain hidden under the water, and diving accidents can have severe consequences.
Finally, be sure to pack some vinegar in case of jelly fish stings. These stings can be quite painful, and vinegar can help provide some relief.
Shore Safety
Pack some extra flip flops or slip-on shoes when you decide to take a stroll on the shore. Broken glass, sharp shells, and even crabs can be found lurking in the sand and ready to scratch, stab, or claw tender feet. The hot sun can also make sand feel like you’re walking on a fire bed in late afternoon, so be sure you have some comfy shoes to protect your feet when you decide to go walking.
Planning
Make sure you plan appropriately for your vacation so that you can enjoy all of it. The best times to visit the beach are earlier in the morning or later in the day. The mid-day sun can be quite unforgiving, leading to more severe sunburn and brutal heat. Make sure you bring plenty of snacks and water, as well. Even in shadier conditions, it can be easy to become dehydrated. Make sure you have plenty of provisions.
Choose a family friendly beach, as well. Hot spots like Daytona Beach or South Beach can be crowded and packed with high-school and college students who may be loud and aggressive or may be drinking. Instead, opt for locations like Myrtle Beach or the Outer Banks, where the scene is more family friendly and will include activities designed for kids.
No matter where you go, you can make your beach vacation a great one by keeping in mind these tips!
Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching nursing practitioner scholarships as well as nursing midwives scholarships. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
We have a guest post today by Alexis Bonari – thank you Alexis!
Just a few hours west of the popular beaches of Central and South Florida (in the areas around Orlando and Miami) is a sleepy town with beautiful, clear-water beaches, beautiful museums, golf courses and more. St. Pete, as the locals call it, is known as “The Sunshine City” and neighbors Clearwater, also known for its beautiful beaches. The region is known for its family friendly atmosphere, and a vacation here is affordable for all budgets, with economy and upscale options.
Beach Activities
A full menu of activities is available at the beaches here, including water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, boating, scuba diving and snorkeling. Egmont Key is a short, 30-minute boat ride away and offers some great underwater sights, including the remnants of Fort Dade, built during the Spanish-American War. Snorkelers can also dive for sand dollars here. Late spring and summer is best for snorkeling and diving as the Gulf of Mexico has warm and peaceful waters during this season. Unfortunately, it’s also the peak rainy season and the hurricane season. (However, a hurricane has not directly hit the city since the early 20th century.)
Also on St. Pete Beach is the St. Petersburg Pier, which includes an aquarium, retail shops, adventure activities, sightseeing tours, and restaurants.
Cultural Activities
One of the most notable attractions in St. Petersburg — and my favorite reason for going there — is the Salvador Dali Museum. This museum holds the largest number of works by the famous surrealist painter outside of Europe, and it includes many of his famous and notable works, such as The Hallucinogenic Toreador. These amazing works have to be seen in person to be fully appreciated! I make a point to visit this museum every time I visit St. Pete, and I have now been several times.
Other notable museums in the area include the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and a History Museum that includes a full-size replica of the Benoist seaplane.
Nightlife
Though St. Pete boasts a large retired population, there is a vibrant younger community, as well. There are plenty of nightlife opportunities to hear live music or to get your groove on. A wide variety of dining options are available, as well, ranging from upscale, gourmet options to family friendly fare in a variety of cuisines.
No matter if you’re a single traveler, want to take a family vacation, or just have a day or two to explore on a business trip, St. Petersburg offers a number of options for all kinds of travelers.
Bio: Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching ADHD scholarships as well as adult education grants. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare, and practicing the art of coupon clipping.
This post has nothing to do whatsoever with beaches or boats, but in honor of Valentine’s Day I thought I would post a list of ideas/ways to celebrate your relationship with your significant other.
Some of these I have actually done (not telling which one’s though!), and some are things I would like to do, or just ideas that I had. These are in no particular order:
1.) Text a joke or an “I Luv U” to show silent support when you know he/she is stressed out or facing something difficult.
2.) Surprise him/her with a CD that you know he/she has been wanting. Leave it on the seat of his/her car to find.
3.) Verbally appreciate his/her appearance – often! I know us girls can never get enough of this!
4.) Give a back, neck, shoulder or foot rub - again – often! Never wears out!
5.) Buy his/her favorite beverage (with or w/out alcohol), pour a glass & have it ready in the fridge for them when they get home.
6.) Get up early, make a good pot of coffee & set out a mug for him/her.
7.) Cook his/her favorite meal for them when they have had a bad day.
8.) Learn to do one of his/her favorite hobbies so you can do it together.
9.) Do one of his/her regular “chores” (Ex: weeding the garden, grocery shopping, etc) & leave a note telling them it’s already done.
10.) Pay for a massage or a haircut and then surprise them with a card telling them they have a freebie coming. One of my favorite’s!
11.) Pay for some lessons for something he/she has always wanted to learn how to do & surprise them with it. Go one further and make the lessons for both of you to enjoy together!
12.) Burn a CD with their favorite songs for them.
13.) Completely plan & implement his/her idea of a fun night out.
14.) Plan a weekend away somewhere and surprise them with it.
15.) Take them by surprise and give them a big, passionate kiss when they least expect it. Just plant one on them!
16.) Leave personal notes or drawings for them to find – you can really have fun with this!
17.) Go for a moonlight boat ride – just oars, no motor. Hey! There is a boat involved in this!
18.) Stargaze on the hood of a car.
Try some out & see if your Valentine appreciate’s you just a bit more than before ~
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM BOAT TO BEACH DECOR!
Barb Roehler
The Cloister At Sea Island is a private five mile
long coastal vacation spot in Georgia. Sea Island
is well known for its championship golf course,
which after recent improvements, is now better than
ever before.
There are a total of 54 holes, which include the
18 hole Plantation Course which opened in 1998, and
was designed by Rees Jones. The 18 hole Seaside
Course was renovated by Tom Fazio and re-opened
again in 1999. You can learn to play golf at this
course, or just play and polish your game.
The Sea Island resort also offers a spa with several
fitness facilities. You can participate in special
classes as well as personalized fitness and wellness
programs. Other activities around the resort include
tennis, horseback riding, sunset cruises, boating,
fishing, shooting school, kayaking, swimming, and
even diving lessons.
Sea Island also offers a family destination where
kids can choose from several different vacation
activities. Children can play afternoon tennis free
of charge and even participate in complimentary
golf and tennis clinics. During the summer, spring
break and even holidays, the resort is happy to
provide a program for kids ages 3 – 11.
Resort rooms and food
The Cloister at Sea Island offers you well over 250
guest rooms and suites that are situated in various
houses on Sea Island. The Retreat House, Hamilton
House, and Harrington House are all located on the
beach, while the newer guest houses and Terrace
Houses are all located between the beach and the
tennis center.
Guests that visit Sea Island can also stay at the
Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, which opened in
March of 2001. The Lodge offers guests 40 luxurious
rooms and suites that are situated above the
clubhouse with golf course and even ocean views.
The main dining room at the Cloister offers live
music and dancing during warmer months. The Terrace
dining room, located at the Lodge at Sea Island
Golf Club serves continental cuisine with a
Southern twist.
Late spring, summer, and early fall are by far
the best times to check out the Cloister at Sea
Island. Sea Island is an hour drive by car from
Savannah Georgia and one hour away from Jacksonville
Florida. Private aircraft can also land at the
McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island, which is
four miles away from the Cloister. No matter how
you get here – you’ll be glad you did!
Knowns as the perfect beach town, Cocoa Beach is an
hour drive east of Orlando on Florida’s amazing
Space Coast. The drive here is almost as beautiful
as the beach – offering you endless ways to enjoy
your leisure and recreation.
Whether you are going on a family beach vacation,
leisure travel, business trip, or just a day at the
beach, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking
for in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast area to make
your stay one you’ll never forget.
Cocoa Beach is one of the most affordable beach
vacations in Florida. There is never a lack of things
to do or see in and around Cocoa Beach. Besides the
fun in the sun, Space Coast offers you the chance
to go deep sea fishing or parasailing, try your
luck aboard a casino cruise ship, or just take a
river tour and get up close and personal with the
awesome wildlife of Florida.
While at Cocoa Beach, you can also visit the Kennedy
Space Center, the Brevard Zoo, or spend some time
shopping. You’ll be within short driving distance
to all of the Orlando attractions, and you can even
drive back to Cocoa Beach at night to enjoy dinner
in one of the many dining spots on the beach.
When night sets in, you can kick back and enjoy
the nightlife on the beach that ranges from cool
jazz clubs to beach side cafes. Then, you can
stay the night with perfect accommodations and
wake up to a breathtaking sunrise on the beach.
With plenty to offer you and your entire family,
Cocoa Beach provides an excellent beach vacation or
getaway. There is plenty to do on the beach, with
enough nearby to keep you coming back for more.
The island of Maui is home to some of the most amazing
beaches. Some beaches offer swimming all year round,
while others are best for surfing or snorkeling
during certain times of the year. Depending on
where you choose to stay, there are always some
famous beaches nearby.
West Maui beaches
If you drive along the west coast of Maui from Lahaina
to Kapalua, you’ll see many breathtaking beaches
along the coast. Kaanapali Beach will offer
you over three miles of white sand with a variety
of watersports, including surfing, sailboating,
and even catamaran rides. On the north end of
the beach is Black Rock, which is well known for
snorkeling.
Visitors like the sandy beach at Napili Bay,
because there are no high rise buildings around,
and the bay is protected well from waves. The
Kapalua Resort in west Maui is home to Kapalua
Beach, Oneloa Bay Beach, and the D.T. Fleming
Beach.
South Maui Beaches
The rule with Hawaii and Maui is that the further
south you travel, the less crowded the beaches
will be.
Kihei offers you a series of beaches along the
six mile coastline, some even offering lifeguards,
restrooms, and picnic areas. Polo Beach and
Wailea Beach offer both restrooms and equipment
rentals. Or, if you prefer a more secluded beach,
you should visit Maluaka Beach at the Maui
Prince Hotel – where you may even encounter some
green sea turtles.
A few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel is the
Big Beach of Makena, which is one of the best
beaches on Maui. As the name implies, the beach is
quite large, and best of all – empty. It offers
white sand, picnic facilities, and even restrooms.
East Maui Beaches
The beaches of East Maui are unlike others in
Hawaii. Surround by lush scenery, the beaches are
secluded, scenic, and very colorful.
Hamoa Beach is a must visit if you plan to visit
East Maui. As you approach the beach from the
main road, you’ll walk past colorful plants and
palm trees surrounding Hamoa Beach. Just off Hana
Highway is Hana Bay Beach, which offers black
volcanic sand.
The Red Sand Beach is difficult to get to, you’ll
need to find a narrow path along the coast. The
beach offers plenty of swimming and snorkeling,
and you should be the only one there – which is
great for those looking for privacy. Even though
it is hard to get to, Red Sand Beach is truly one
of a kind.
Located on the sun drenched Hawaiian Island of Oahu,
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and well
known beaches in the entire world, with luxurious
hotels and beach clubs set right on the beach. The
famous Kalakaua Avenue, which runs parallel to the
beach, offers you a shoppers paradise with fine
restaurants and nightly entertainment.
Waikiki Beach is also known for its gentle waves
which are ideal for beginner surfers. You can rent
surboards and gear on the beach, even take lessons
if you have never surfed before.
Catamaran rides to and from Diamond Head are also
offered by several different companies as well,
with depart times varying. Other activities on
your vacation include kayaking, swimming, and
outrigger canoeing.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants located right on
Waikiki Beach, such as Duke’s Canoe Club and the
Surf Room. When the evening sets in, you can enjoy
a romantic dinner while you watch the sun set over
the beautiful and amazing Pacific Ocean.
Waikiki Beach hotels
As you travel along the beach from west to east
beginning in Diamond Head, you’ll encounter several
first class hotels such as Hilton Hawaiian Village,
Sheraton Waikiki, Outrigger Hawai, the Royal
Hawaiian Hotel, and several others.
The Waikiki difference
While there are several other spots for your beach
vacation, few manage to capture the beauty and
tranquility that Waikiki offers. Hawaii has long
been known for a tropical paradise, with Maui being
an excellent example. Hawaii offers several beaches,
with Waikiki being one of the best.
If you’ve been looking for the ideal place for your
beach vacation, you shouldn’t hesitate to go to
Waikiki. You can find discounts on hotel rooms
at different times of the year, making it the
perfect opportunity to check out everything Hawaii
will provide you and your family with.
