Some of us love the beach so much that we decide to straight-up move there. And what’s not to love? The ocean’s relaxing, it’s a more laid-back pace of life and well, to be honest – who doesn’t love the beach?

That being said, moving anywhere new can come with its own challenges and just like anything in life, moving to the beach has a few – and that’s what we’re here to discuss today. Here is some advice on living at the beach for those who are new to it, or about to take the plunge. Let’s jump right in!

Getting to know the locals

Just like anywhere, you want to get to know the locals. They’ll know the lay of the land. They’ll know the spots to go to. But most importantly – they’ll help the most with transitioning to your new lifestyle. Communities are called communities for a reason, so make sure you get to know people.

Explore the area

While the coastline is certainly beautiful, it’s not for everyone and what we mean by ‘not for everyone’ is many charities and the military own parts of the beach. Even some private businesses. Get a sense for the lay of the land – where you can go, where you should go, where you can’t go and why. Getting to know your surroundings will help make sure you inadvertently don’t get yourself into trouble.

Get ready for tourists!

If you live on the beach you can rest assured knowing that you’re going to encounter tourists – and a whole lot of ’em. Populations explode in the peak months and you should be ready for the longer lines, increase in traffic and yes, the expensive parking, too. Living on the beach comes with a lot of perks – but during peak season, your cost of living can take a decent jump. Just be prepared!

The offseason has its ups and downs too

Beach living is awesome, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s warm, sunny and hopping at all times. That’s definitely not true! The beach can get cold in the winter months as the wide open ocean winds can come whipping inland. And those busy, bustling streets will now be empty, but restaurant and shop owners who are sure to be exhausted from catering to tourists, might he down-shifted into a much slower – or even reduced gear – meaning not everything you want will be at your fingertips. In beach communities it’s about the high high’s and the low low’s.

At the end of the day anywhere you go is going to have its ups and down and the beach is no different! If you’re on the fence, maybe you’ll have some food for thought to help you make a better decision for you. Good luck and we’ll see you next month!

Down here in Florida, the weather is always nice, but before we know it – Spring will be upon us and some of you eager beach-goers and shellers will be out and about, pounding the sand in search of your next big find or taking a load off and escaping for a few weeks.

The spring is a great time to hit the beach, too – as there’s not too much traffic, but still plenty going on and things to do. Today, we’re going to share a few things with you so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your time. Let’s jump right in!

What kind of beach?

In the spring, you’ll sometimes have to take some time to think about what you want to get or even can realistically get out of your trip. Of course, this can be extremely weather dependent – but if you’ve got an activity in mind, there’s likely a beach for you. Whether it’s a traditional, lay out in the sun and sand beach – or one that’s more for things like nature walks and sight seeing – think about what you want and find a beach that works for you.

What’s going on?

One of the best parts of going to the beach in the spring is yes – there’s lots going on – but you can also get some killer discounts and deals going there because it’s early in the year. Galveston is famous for their early beach fare and events – and even if you’re in Tampa, FL or further down south – you can find a whole range of events from food truck runs to sand sculptures, concerts and family friendly activities. Heading to the beach early certainly has its benefits.

What’s it like out?

The one challenge is that Spring is the most volatile season of the year. Temperatures can definitely get up there depending on where you’re headed, but they can also crash quickly and the night time tends to be pretty cold. We’ve brought it up a few times here , but if you’re headed out to the beach this spring – definitely make sure you do a little advance scouting on weather patterns so you know what to expect as said weather can have a significant impact on what you’re able to do.

Enjoy the silence

While some of us find a lot of life in being part of bigger crowds; most of us go to the beach to get away and relax. In the spring, you’ll definitely be able to do that as there’s significantly less traffic in and around the coasts. Like we said – this lower traffic adds up quick too – as you’ll be able to find lodging and entertainment that’s significantly less expensive (and crowded) than those peak months. So if getting away is a priority for you – the spring is the time!

The beach in the Spring can be a real boon especially to those who feel like they’re chained to a desk all winter! Definitely take the time to plan right – but doing so can help you create some real, genuine memory-worthy experiences for you and your family. Good luck!

As we head into the new year, it’s that time where we take stock of our time in 2022 and look forward to not only 2023 – but also the things we hope to set out and achieve in the future. You guessed it – it’s New Year’s Resolutions time.

The great thing about being a beach nut – is that a lot of those run-of-the-mill resolutions can be achieved at the beach. Today, we’re going to talk about how spending more time at the beach can help you achieve your goals and meet those resolutions in 2023. Let’s jump right in!

Saving money

Man, think about how much less stressful our lives would be if we didn’t have to think about money all the time, but alas – that’s not the world we live in! All those things aside though – vacations tend to be some of the most expensive things that families spend on in a calendar year.

The good news for you – is beach vacations can mean a ton of money saved. Why is that? Because many of the things you can enjoy at the beach are totally free! Walks on the beach? That’s free. Trails and parks? Free. Want to go fishing? That’s free too. Collecting seashells, letting your kids play in the sand, sunrises and sunsets – all free! And even better than the pennies saved, it’s the memories you create. 

Being active

Whether it’s losing weight, going on a diet, preparing for a marathon – whatever your wellness goals are – the beach can provide you with an amazing space to achieve whatever it is you’re out to accomplish in 2023. Walking, riding bikes, water sports – you name it – there’s plenty to do that’ll get your heart racing, your blood pumping and your muscles working!

Trying something new

One of the hardest things to do as humans is to try something new. We’re routine-oriented animals after all – and taking a risk is well, risky. But if you’re looking to do something different – whether it’s challenging yourself or just adding a fun, new life experience – you can do it at the beach. Whether it’s deep sea fishing, surfing, parasailing, diving – whatever floats your boat literally and figuratively – you can do.

So what’s up next for you? We want to know! And hey – maybe you don’t have any new, great, over-the-top resolution. Maybe you just want to spend some more time at the beach! At the end of the day – look at all you can get done just by being there more. We hope you found today’s post fun and we’ll see you soon!

The holiday season usually brings up memories of snow, fireplaces and comfort food. To many – that’s the best thing about the season! But the holiday season also isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You’ve got family to deal with, shopping rushes, wrapping. cooking, and a whole mess of things to prepare for.

With all that in mind, sometimes it’s ok to break with tradition. This month, we’re going to talk about a few of the reasons as to why you might want to consider hitting the beach for the holidays. Lets jump right in!

Did we mention the holidays are a lot?

You want to know something that’s absolutely bananas about the holiday season? So scientists have done research and found that people are actually more stressed during the holidays than any, other, actual point of the year. Seriously! Emergency rooms see higher numbers of patients with stress related illnesses even! That’s nuts! So how about this?

Instead of running yourself ragged – why not just escape and give yourself the freedom to actually enjoy the season? Getting away from things, completely unplugging from the rest of the world – the whole nine yards. Imagine that – a *relaxing* holiday.

New traditions are ok!

It’s really hard to break ranks with the things you’ve done in the past. But if the pandemic has shown us anything over the last few years, it’s important to be able to adapt and do something new. Maybe this year’s the year to start fresh. Maybe the new tradition is renting a home on the beach. Or a trip to the local holiday festival. Maybe it’s a new place every year. Whatever you choose – a break from the norm is healthy for everyone.

The real gifts are the memories you create

People can say what they want – but presents and gifts come and go. The things we want and think we need today are often off in the distance in the rearview before you realise it. The real gift is your memories and shared experiences with the people who matter the most. So instead of gifts this year – how about quality time with the family. We promise – it’s going to lap any material present you get.

Yes, the holiday season can be celebrated at the beach. You can even bring your traditions with you. Pack those stocking, a book and some sunblock and prepare yourself for a new experience. We promise- Santa will have a way of finding you! Good luck, and above all else – have a happy, safe holiday season.

It’s almost kind of wild to think about how much time we spend in the kitchen as a family. Whether it’s at your home, home or your vacation home – so many things happen in this space. And there’s a good reason for this – kitchens are warm, inviting, you can do and make things – it’s a great space for just about anything. 

One of the more popular design concepts for kitchens is coastal design – or more specifically bringing that family feeling and combining it with the easy-going, relaxing feeling of being at the beach. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the essential ingredients that any coastal kitchen should have. Let’s jump right in!

Choosing the right colors

Colors are essential in choosing any kind of coastal ambiance. Blue always works – as it mostly checks a ton of boxes. Whether it’s a dark or light shade – it’s a must have color for any kind of beach or coastal inspired room.

Usually, blues are complemented by whites, but don’t be afraid to play around with more cream, sandy themed tones as well to bring things all together. You may even want to play with something that gives you a little more pop – like complimentary shades of gray or yellow. 

Tiles, textures and wood

So long as they’re done the right way – tiles can really be the focal point of any kitchen design – even those with a more coastal flair. You can create any number of backsplashes that are full of character and charm – with lots of different materials and colors to choose from. 

Blue, green and tan shades can offer that rolling ocean wave feeling while stones, shells and treasure tones can help really create some fascinating mosaics. Whichever way you go – this is where you can be liberally creative!

And don’t sleep on wood! Drift wood can make an incredible accent – large or small or if you’re feeling particularly courageous, you may want to consider wood paneling on your floor. This brings it all together!

Appliances matter!

Colored appliances are one of the most under-appreciated components of a great coastal kitchen design. One-well-colored pot, pan or even kitchen aid mixer can really bring all things together. 

If you’re a bargain hunter, too – finding older, more classical colors with older pots and pans like blue, turquoise, mint green and gray can really add a level of contrast to your kitchen that can make all the difference. 

Simply put, nothing brings more joy and a sense of openness and easiness quite like a coastal kitchen. If you’re looking for bulk seashells to provide the perfect accent, feel free to give us a call today. Now take your inspiration and go make something happen!

Heading out to the beach is always fun -whether it’s simply shared memories with your family or yet another shelling excursion! With summer ending, we’re heading away from peak beach season but the reality is that some of us might not be quite ready for that yet! We still want more!

For those of you on your way out to the beach this fall, today’s blog is for you! Here are some fall beach packing tips for you so that you can enjoy your extended vacation all the more! Let’s jump right in!

Fall beach attire 

If you’re headed out to sack out or shell out – here’s the recommended attire. For starters you’ll want the usual – flips flops, swimsuit, and a few light layers. However the one thing is that the beach temperature can crash a little bit later in the day, so you’ll want to make sure you pack a sweatshirt. We’d also recommend a second top as well. Especially if you’re going to be tracking up and down the sand – you’ll want to have a clean change of clothes. 

Beach day essentials

While the sun might not be as intense – it still can do a number on your skin – particularly if you’re of the fairer variety. Pack some sunscreen just to be safe. Even with the sun at half strength- the reflection off the water can do a number on you. 

Also be sure to bring some of your other essentials – a towel, umbrella and a tote. Particularly if you’re planning on shelling, we might recommend a second, smaller one with which to gather shells. 

Entertainment

Not everyone gets the benefit of the sunny beaches with year-round warm weather we get here down in the Tampa, FL region – so if you’re up north you might want to bring some extras as swimming might not be on the dockett due to the water temperature. 

Beach toys are always great for the kids and books for those adults looking to get a little relaxation. Don’t rule out a bluetooth speaker though – which can be perfect for any beach-related outing – whether it’s a beer-filled birthday bash, a family fun day, romantic picnic or other excursion. 

We get it! We’re not ready for the good weather to go away, either. Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful and you’ll be able to get a little bit more excitement down at the beach this fall. Good luck!

There have been plenty of times on our blog where we’ve discussed how you can use shells as decorations and many of the things you can use them for. While the right combination of shells can make for an amazing centerpiece or focal point – sometimes shells work best when they’re in the background – used to help bring other, more prominent items in your space to life. We’re talking about using shells as accents.

Today – we’re going to discuss some of the way you can use shells as accent pieces – not  as the stars of the show. Using shells in this way can really bring a coastal space to new heights. Let’s jump right in!

Book ends

One of the more interesting and subtle ways to use seashells as accents is to use them as bookends. If you’re looking for one of those compelling ways to really bring a beach-front common space together – using shells in this way and manner can really do the trick. Especially when you’re finding that there’s a lot of deadspace in your reading area – shells can be a spectacular way to add a stunning accent that also serves a functional purpose.

Seashell candles

One of the coolest ways we’ve seen shells used is as candles – large, small and otherwise! Yes, believe it or not you can fill and shell with wax and toss in a wick and what you end up with are killer looking candles that can be used anywhere. You can use them in a bathroom setting for a relaxing night of self-care, on the patio to really bring home that coastal feel or even on your dining room table to help bring ambiance to an otherwise hum-drum meal. 

Corks and bottle covers

Hard to think of anything more ‘beach’ than the good, old idea of the message in a bottle! And let’s be honest-  the bottle and the beach go hand in hand if you catch our drift. However one of the cooler things you can use shells for is – believe it or not – a stunning cork. A seashell accent with your cork will not only make them seem more grainy and authentic but also more functional. Shells serve as excellent cork holders and will make it a 00% easier for you to be able to get to the goods. Even if those bottles are simply decorative pieces – the right shell can really help the bottle pop!

Do you have any ideas as to what you think the best seashell accents are? We want to hear about them! Leave yours below and in the meantime, if you need discount wholesale shells and shell accessories – give us a call today! Until then – good luck!

Every trip to the beach can and should be fun. The sun, the sand and most of all – the shells! However, the beach isn’t unlike any other place – as it comes with its fair share of dangers as well. Today – we’re going to discuss a few safety tips that will be of use to you the next time you decide to hit the beach for a vacation. Let’s jump right in!

Try to stay in the vicinity of a lifeguard

Lifeguards exist for a reason and that’s primarily because the ocean can be unpredictable. One strong undertow, someone swims out just a little too far or perhaps its someone not being careful about what they’re doing. Whatever it is- accidents can happen fast and if they do – you’ll want to be near someone who is trained to help them. Lifeguards know the area, they know the dangers – so be sure to not stray too far from their view. 

Swimming with the buddy system

Never go swimming in the ocean alone. Especially if you have kids – have them team up if they want to go into the water. That way you know you’ve got them watching each other at all times. Everyone can count on a friend in the event that the worst happens.

Wearing sandals and shoes

Sand seems soft and inviting – especially in all those pictures! But guess what guys! It can be not so fun! Hot sand is not fun. Stepping on broken shells – not fun! If there’s jellyfish or anything else washed up on the beach that can sting your feet – that’s even more not fun than the other not fun things! And that’s not getting into wood, glass and anything else that could potentially be swept up in the sand. You should absolutely and always wear protective footwear. 

Know the rules

Beaches have rules for a reason. And certain beaches have certain rules for very certain reasons. Be sure you read up in advance or take a minute to see what those rules are. They can dictate more than where you go and what you do – they can also give you indicators as to the swimming conditions and the like. Make sure you know the rules!

Wear sunblock

Especially for our more fair skinned readers – make sure you wear sunscreen. You’ll get your vitamin D in a matter of minutes – but too much of a good thing can be really bad – even on cloudy days. Just be sure you get the kind of sunscreen that’s right for your skin.

We hope you found today’s blog helpful. On your next big trip to the beach, hopefully you’ll have the safety basics out of the way so you can spend more time focusing on what matters – and that’s having fun and making memories. Good luck!

Shelling is an awesome family activity in the summer and can be the perfect way to to kickstart any day when you’re on vacation. Today, we’re going to talk about the basics – what you need, when to go and how to find the best possible spots to find the best possible shells. 

Let’s jump right in!

What you need

We definitely recommend a few basics if you’re going to go shelling. First, you’ll want to be wearing sandals. Some areas of the beach will be covered in debris that might not feel great on the feet – and sometimes you’ll be tromping around during tide times – meaning jellyfish and other stingy-sea creatures might be laying about. So make sure your feet are protected. 

Second, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a bucket for your shells, but we also recommend bringing a sieve and a scoop. Some of the best shells can get a bit buried, so this will allow you to potentially find some interesting jems. For you older folks, having that scoop might help with constantly having to bend down. 

Going at the right time

It’s mostly a universally accepted rule that the best time to shell is at low-tide or when the water is going out. Most shells make their way up onto the beach during those times. The other best time to go shelling? Any time after a full moon or a big storm. Storms in particular cause a lot of ocean churn, which will in turn wash up a ton of shells onto the beach. And last but not least – try going earlier in the morning. Perhaps even pack a nice beach picnic! That way, you’ll get to the shells before anyone else does. 

Finding the best spots

Some shellers hoard their prime shelling spots like government secrets so good luck getting any info out of them! However, sound shelling spots are often places a little bit more off the beaten path – particularly to less popular beaches where there’s less overall human traffic on the beach. Also don’t sleep on state parks – particularly in areas down south in Florida and along the gulf coast. Also don’t be afraid to check out smaller alcoves and inlets as some great shells wash up and get stuck there. 

Hopefully this will give you a great start in your shelling adventures this summer. Again – shelling is an awesome activity. Not only is it stimulating and great exercise but you can use seashells for so many other activities – particularly if you’re the crafty type. In any event, we hope you found today’s blog helpful and we’ll look forward to speaking with you again soon! Happy shelling!

Most people are pretty great at collecting shells – even some of the more rare species. However, what one actually does with them once they get them; well, that’s another question unto itself. Today, we’re going to share with you a few things that you can do with those shells as well as share some creative ways you can not only put them on display, but use them as useful decorations. 

Let’s jump right in!

Shelf aware

If you’re looking to add a little extra coastal flair to a room, then using shells as an accent on your shelves is a great way to do so. Shells can be used as bookends, in baskets as centerpieces or even as stand-alone pieces to bring a little bit more fun and flair to the place they’re sitting at. Shells can add zip to any boring corner of the room. 

Borders

Most shells tend to come in more earthy tones – which means they’re more neutral colors. So while they can certainly add flair, they won’t do so to the degree that they’ll become a distraction. As such, they can be a great addition to something like a mirror or picture frame. Especially if you’re going for more of a beachy feel in your room of choice, this can be a great way to get people thinking of the sun and sand. 

Desk sets

Shells often walk the line of dramatic and classy, yet cool and relaxing. They can certainly be that in any home office setting. Whether it’s filling decorative jars, using them as a catch-all bin or using them as classier paperweights, shells fill a variety of purposes in a workspace. So whether you’re looking for something that looks high end or just something fun to take the edge off, consider using seashells in your home office setting. 

Life in the clouds

Perhaps the best place of all to use shells as decorations is in the bedroom. There are so many ways to use them – from things like bowls for earrings or just a nice bedside accent. Some folks even like to get creative and turn them into jewelry. Shells can make fun earrings, necklaces and hair ties as well. Be sure to use them for whatever it is you’re looking to achieve. 

Hopefully, you found today’s blog helpful. If you’re interested in what shells can be used for or are in the market for wholesale seashells, give us a call today. Until then, enjoy life and good luck!