A Boatload of New Products at OceanStyles.com

I just got back from a crazy buying spree looking for fantastic new products to feature on OceanStyles.com.  See below for some of the best of the best. And keep your eyes peeled as I'm not finished yet.  Still lots more to come!

Wood Cabinet With 5 Basket Drawers

Wood Bench With 3 Basket Drawers

I absolutely adore these two new storage furniture items. Whitewashed beadboard with rattan storage drawers add a ton of useful storage space in a super stylish way.

Blue Shutter Mirror

I used to carry this mirror in white and black, but it was discontinued.  Now we've brought it back, this time in a lightly distressed seafoam blue! Absolutely gorgeous.

Seashell Frame & Candle Holder Set

Seashell Votive Holder Set

Both of these make wonderful gifts or subtle additions to your beach decor.

Mermaid Perpetual Calendar

I just fell in love with this the minute I saw it. Mermaids are so popular right now and this rustic, beachy calendar would be perfect sitting on my desk or end table.

Sea Treasures Garland

Sealites Seashell String Lights

How about using those Sealites strung up on the inside of your patio market umbrella for a little al fresco atmosphere?

These three wonderful pieces are raised art printed on a wooden plaque. Each one measures 10.5" x 10.5" and have the cutest sayings. They are sold separately - you don't have to get all 3.

Free Your Feet Flip Flop Canvas

Entering Flip Flop Zone Sign

If you love your flip flops as much as I do, then these two wall art pieces are perfect for you. Free Your Feet is a 14" x 14" canvas art print and the Flip Flop Zone sign is a 16" x 10" distressed metal sign, suitable for indoors or out. Let them know the dress code in your home before they step foot inside!

Beach Living Has Pros and Cons to Consider Before Investing

Everyone wins when it comes to beach real estate like Florida or California real estate. From the point of view of someone planning to live near the ocean, it is worth the price they will have to pay for the privilege. They will be surrounded by great beauty and may even experience a spiritual connection to the abundance of nature.

There is a great upside to living close to the beach. Those who can afford to buy property right on the beach will get even greater advantages. The view out of your windows alone is worth living close to the beach. Coastal properties are also in high demand and make for good rental properties, or a good investment. The small town beach communities can also make living near the coast attractive. However, there may be a downside to counteract the great advantages of living by the ocean.

However, being connected to the beach isn't all sunshine and ice cream. The ocean may be a beautiful place, but with great beauty there often comes a certain amount of danger. In the case of Florida real estate, for instance, that danger comes in the form of storms such as hurricanes which toss around trees as though they were paper cups. Flooding can also be a great concern, as it causes so much damage.

Those interested in an investment property along the beach must not forget the seasonal fluctuations in demand associated with beach communities. While you may be able to charge high rent in the summer, do not expect that to last all year long. Depending on the location in the country, the winter months can be awfully slow to rely on renter's money as an investment. Be sure to understand seasonal traffic flow before deciding to invest.

The owner of beach real estate may have to charge tenants more in order to keep up with costs that arise from the dangers of flooding and erosion. However, the desirability of property such as Florida real estate or California real estate is often such that people expect to pay more for the privilege of living there. Business owners know that they will make plenty of money during the area's tourist season to offset the costs of storm damage and slow winter months. What it ultimately comes down to, is that the pros and cons of investing in property like this can balance out each other if its owner is savvy enough to know how to handle the finances. Beach property can be a wonderful investment and is worth looking into.

About The Author: Sara Green is the real estate marketing director for Shingle Springs real estate where you can find local school information, full access to the Sacramento California area MLS listings. 

Visit OceanStyles.com to find the perfect beach decor for your home.

What Are the Best Winter Beach Vacation Spots?

For most of us, the winter months often bring on the winter blues. The cold and snowy months can leave one feeling less active and less motivated to go outdoors. One way of curing the winter blues is to take a vacation at a luxurious beach. There are many hot beach spots that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The following are a few of the best winter beach vacation spots:

Bahamas: Many vacationers consider the Bahamas a tourist's paradise. The warm climate and lush beaches makes the Bahamas a very popular winter get away. The many elegant resorts offer fine dining, various tours of underground caves, and other amazing scenery. Windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular. There are also beautiful waterfalls and aquariums. There is an activity for anyone, no matter what the age.

Todos Santos, Mexico: Located on Baja Peninsula's Highway 19, Todos Santos in Mexico is a very popular beach vacation spot. It is sparsely populated with a quaint artistic, farming, and fishing community. It is a very popular surfing spot. There are miles and miles of white sand beach and resorts that cater to every need. For instance, the Posada La Poza is located very near to the beach and has many luxury amenities.

Oaxaca Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico: This is a very popular beach vacation spot. In 2005, it received a 'World Best' award from Travel+Leisure magazine. This city features wonderful cultural attractions. The gorgeous beaches can be found in nearby Huatulco. There are many elegant hotels and resorts near the beaches.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: The inviting climate has temperatures that range from the mid 80s which makes this a popular beach vacation spot. There are a number of exotic and luxurious resorts where visitors can participate in such activities as sailing, fishing, golfing, spas, scuba diving, pools, and tennis.

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys contains an enormous amount of tropical beaches. Winter temperatures range in the 70s to mid 80s. One can bask in the warm sun on the beautiful beaches and participate in such activities as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing, surfing, taking an eco-tour, golf, or relax at a luxury spa.

Coco Palm Resort

Caribbean: The Caribbean is another popular beach vacation spot. The beaches contain beautiful white sand and warm relaxing water. As well, there are many fantastic resorts that come with gorgeous rooms, delicious food, and exciting activities. You can surf, snorkel, take a cruise, and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. St. Lucia in the Caribbean is a wonderful and affordable vacation spot. It is well-known for its outstanding beaches. The Coco Palm resort is a popular choice for vacationers.

Hawaii: Because of its wonderful climate and gorgeous beaches, Hawaii is always a popular winter vacation spot. Temperatures during winter on the islands of Hawaii range from the low to mid 80's. There are a variety of activities such as parasailing, helicopter tours, eco-tours, windsurfing, boating, SCUBA diving, fishing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, Hawaiian luaus, and snorkeling.

Every year, many people dread the ice, snow, slush, and cold temperatures that winter brings. Fortunately, there are many affordable and relaxing beach vacation spots that one can escape to during the cold blustery winter months.