Spongebob Squarepants: Party in a Pineap...

By Gail Leino If your child is a Spongebob fan (and who isn’t?) you will be surprised at the wealth of ideas, crafts, games, party favors, and party packages available online, in party supply stores, and department stores. You can even download free Spongebob music online, and burn cd’s to play at the party, and even include in the goodie bags as party favors! Spongebob and his bubbly bunch can be found online. You can find a photo you like, and using your photo editing program, create party invitations featuring your child lounging on a beach with...

Got the Winter Blues – Throw a Pre...

By Gail Leino Just when the weather is at it’s coldest and the days are at their shortest, consider throwing a beach theme party. Invite all your friends over and have them wear their favorite beach comber wear including shorts, sarongs and, of course, flip flops. Sure, you may live where there is snow on the ground, but the party festivities will be inside so you will be plenty warm. For fun invitations you may want to write the invitation information right onto a coconut. Something like “You’d be nuts to miss our Beach Party Blowout!” should...

The Thrill of Parasailing on Sanibel Isl...

By Sylvia Guarino Now, let me start off by saying to all who know me as acrophobic, that the whole concept of being up in the air with no real anchor to the ground does not— on the face of it—- appeal to me. But friends of ours, Steve and Leslie, who have also rented from us, stayed on Sanibel Island with their two sons, Willy and Chris. They did go parasailing on one fine day and were able to describe the adventure in such a way, that, at the very least, I would consider it. First, I had to be educated between the difference in parasailing and paragliding,...

Fun and Sun in Florida: Ten Best Beach P...

You’re looking forward to your vacation by the beach, you’ve bought a brand-new swimsuit, and you’re ready for the sun. You’re looking forward to your vacation by the beach, you’ve bought a brand-new swimsuit, and you’re ready for the sun. There’s only one minor detail that you haven’t yet considered: where are you going to stay? There is a way to escape the noise and bustle of a hotel or resort, while still keeping all those amenities you love. Why not choose a beach cottage? Renting a beach cottage is an affordable,...

Winter Gulf Coast Beach Vacation

By John Dow You might not know it but a great time to take a Beach Vacation is in the winter months. If you want to get away from it all and chill out, it’s a great choice in the off-season. No crowds to deal with, beautiful landscape all to yourself, and as long as you’re dressed properly you can have a great time walking on the beach. And some of the southern beach areas are nice and warm too. Warm weather (not hot) is still the norm along Florida and the Gulf Coast areas in the US. You can also venture to the Caribbean but you will run into many more people...

Bring the Beach Lifestyle Home

By Kadence Buchanan Most of us who come home from work and have a million things to do upon our return there is considerable evidence that you have forgotten how it feels to be able to relax. But as another summer is slipping away, you should grab the opportunity to let yourself loose in a scenery that can be feast for your eyes and sole. If you have not yet visited the beach this year but wish you had but no time is available for you to travel to the closest beach, then bring the beach home and enjoy the feeling of having a personal recreational spot at your own...

Choose a Bed and Breakfast Over a Chain ...

By Kathryn Lively Visitors to a new town normally have no problem finding clean, comfortable accommodations. It is important, if you are considering a trip to a special event like a graduation or sports game, to book your rooms early. Chain hotels are nice, but what makes a visit to our wonderful city especially memorable is a night or two at a Bed and Breakfast. Why a Bed and Breakfast? Staying at a B&B offers more amenities than one will find in a standard hotel. It’s no secret that hotel rooms are basically the same when it comes to decor and comfort. You...

A Beginner’s Guide to Scuba Diving...

By Gerrard Dennis You’ve decided to explore all the wonders of the ocean deep and are all set to swim among the coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of fish. Yet before taking the plunge into the blue, you need to make sure you have all the necessary scuba gear and diving equipment! While the most obvious aspects that may come to mind are the scuba diving masks and flippers, there is a bit more comprising that essential list. To make sure that you are fully outfitted with all the scuba gear you will need, be sure to read on! With any scuba gear and diving equipment...