Thursday, May 9, 2013

Shell We Decorate?

When I was in my teens and early twenties, a trip to the beach entailed a conservative application of the lowest level of SPF (ever hear of SPF 8?), the latest issue of Vogue, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My friends and I would alternate between baking in the sun, cooling off in the ocean, and flipping through magazines.  Oh, to be young....  These days, an excursion to the beach involves a generous slathering of at least SPF 15, a "beach read" that I inevitably end up reading after the kids go to bed, a cooler full of snacks, drinks, and sandwiches and a beach bag packed with enough items that some might think we were relocating to Space.  Aside from the fact that I now know better than to sunbathe, I am also way too restless to remain stationary for more than ten minutes at a clip.  Enter seashell collecting.  It answers my perpetual need to get up and go.  Plus, it keeps the kids occupied.  Oh, and the best part...seashells are free.  I have collected so many over the years that I had about five buckets full of shells out in my shed.  On a recent rainy afternoon, my son, Michael, and I methodically rinsed them off and displayed them in mason jars, bowls and vases throughout the house.  We were quite pleased with our efforts!  So, grab a cute beach basket , an over-sized straw hat, and please don't skimp on the sunscreen.















4 comments:

  1. Beautiful! What great ideas! Do you think I could do this eventhough I don't live by the shore? Or would it look weird?

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  2. No. I think sea shells are fitting for any home. Landlocked or by the water. If they bring you joy, then embrace your "inner coastal!"

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  3. Any recommendations for self-tanners? I have a tendency to get the least appropriate shade for my skin.

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  4. I've always had luck with St. Tropez. It looks natural (not orange) and is easy to apply. Be sure to get it in the mousse and invest in the glove for a less messy application!

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