Deal Of The Day - Starfish Trinket Box

Starfish Trinket Box

• Regular Price $17.95
• Today Only $13.95

This small Wooden Starfish Trinket Box measures 4.5"W x 6.5"L x 4.75"H, and its lid is topped with a decorative starfish. The box features a distressed white finish accented by blues and pinks. It would be a nice gift to a seashore-dwelling friend, or a perfect place to store the seashells and beach glass you collect during a beach vacation. Also see our larger, coordinating Seaside Sundries Box.

Tropical Decorating Ideas - Tropical Treats At Home

Tropical Bench w/ Basket Storage

Are you dreaming of piña colada's in the middle of the day? Do you wish you never got back from your totally relaxing tour of the tropics? Here's some great news. You don't have to wait for your next holiday to experience the sunny ambience of South American summers. All you need to do is create a tropical retreat that will make you relive those days in the sand over and over again.

Contrary to what many people believe there is no one single way to execute a tropical theme. So before heading out in the sun for some shopping, figure out if you want a spunky beach shack, a tranquil white beach house escape or the look of a tropical yet polished living space. If the beach house got the most number of votes, then the first big step is to color your walls in ultimate white. The same goes for those wooden floors, so get busy with that brush!

If you feel like leaving the floors alone for a while, then that's absolutely fine. Wooden floors in a warm vibrant brown color provide an interesting contrast against those stark white walls. Tropical chic style demands an array of colors ranging from soothing greens, and pale yellows to rich tans for the walls. If you are looking for a more exciting burst of color, select golden yellows, bright greens and energetic blues! The floor should be done in a neutral shade so it doesn't compete with the walls for attention. If you have a woven rug that fits the room, then this will be an instant problem-solver.

The type of furniture needed in tropical decor is virtually identical in all the three types we've discussed. Instead of small delicate pieces, large and comfortable furnishings are the musts. Rattan is a best-seller in this theme. You can purchase chairs and a chaise lounge in this material and complement them with plus-size pillows for an added comfort. If rattan is a rare find in your home, then you can substitute it with bamboo and wicker pieces. These materials also lend the same tropical air to a room. Another option includes using dark mahogany furnishings such as a mahogany desk or a dresser to add that sense of tropical richness.

As for the accessories, it will depend on the kind of tropical theme you desire. For instance, if you choose to adapt the beach house style then you can place exquisite shells in a large glass bowl or some candles in a setting of white sand. Tiger prints may be too much for this kind of theme, so ditch it altogether. If you want to pursue a tropical chic atmosphere, draw inspiration from jungle scenes and rainforests. How about palm prints on bed covers or window drapes? Add actual plants in the room for a more convincing effect; they're also great for creating a healthy atmosphere in any home. Throw pillows and cushions are also nice to have lying around for a lazy, laidback mood. Do you prefer the colorful beach hut style? Place interesting driftwood sculptures, table ornaments or lamps. Hawaiian-inspired items will also look right at home in your space!

Before you start playing some Bob Marley tunes, you might want to check the condition of your windows first. Tropical retreats often take advantage of the extra sunshine to light up a room. Place sheer light-colored curtains or drapes to give the fantastic illusion of a warm tropical breeze just outside your window. If you want to control the amount of sunlight, you might still have to mount wooden shutters just in case the sun gets too playful.

Now how about another round of piña coladas? A toast to the tropics every day and not just during your holidays.

Article Source: Goarticles.com
Article Author: Jacob Ginsbrook

Deal Of The Day - Bali Beach Pack

Bali Beach Pack

• Regular Price $44.95
• Today Only $34.95

The Bali 4-in-1 Beach Pack has it all! This Big Basket includes a matching Beach Mat, Beach Pillow and a Small Basket. The Big Basket also features an outside zipper pocket for easy access to hotel key card, cell phone, etc.

Deal Of The Day - Colorful Flip Flops Area Rug

Colorful Flip Flops Area Rug

• Regular Price $39.99
• Today Only $29.99

A colorful collage of beach flip flops are lined up in this great accent rug. Use it as an entryway rug, bath mat or great kitchen highlight. Measures 22" x 34" and is made from a blend of polypropylene & acrylic fibers, hand hooked with a twisted loop construction.

Tips On Starting A Lighthouse Collection

Many people have lighthouse collections, some buying a variety of items but others preferring to specialize in a certain type of lighthouse collectible. Lighthouses come in various forms for collectors, one of the most common being a model of a particular one, usually made from wood, glass or ceramic. These are usually the exact reproductions of the original and are highly prized to display. Others simply show a more general type of lighthouse and are inexpensive to purchase, depending on the artist and the quality of the piece.

Another popular area of lighthouse collections is to get photographs of the actual lighthouse on location. These images can show it working at night, with its beam breaking through a stormy sky or show it standing tall behind a bright blue afternoon sky. When framed, these pictures can make a gorgeous addition to any collection and are more valuable if part of a print series signed by the photographer.

Many artists enjoy drawing and painting lighthouses, creating unique works of art that many collectors enjoy adding to their group. Some artists will use pen and ink to do a black-and-white drawing, while others may use watercolor and create a gentle scene that is laid out in a wash of color. When purchasing these pieces, the beginner may want to start out with a print. Depending on the number in the series, these are more in the price range of a beginning collector than the actual original canvas would be. The most expensive part of this lighthouse collectible is the actual framing of the drawing or painting.

A unique aspect of this hobby is to purchase a lighthouse figure that is created out of hand blown glass. These pieces require great skill and control to create and are well worth the investment. The glass may have colored sand added to it in order to give it a unique appearance. They are especially breathtaking when light comes through them.

The best way to store and protect lighthouse collections is by using a wood and glass display case. When the pieces are inside, they can still be enjoyed but are kept free of dust. They are also protected against breakage that would be more likely to occur if they are sitting on an open shelf. Wood figures are more sturdy back can bring kind if not properly cared for. That is why whenever you purchase a piece you want to ask the clerk or the artist the best way to care for your new light house.

Beginning collectors may want to choose one particular type of lighthouse collectible to focus on. This will make it easier to start a collection and the individual will not be overwhelmed by the number of choices that are available. Lighthouse collections make a wonderful addition to any home and allow the individual to bring a piece of the coast and the scent of the ocean into his or her daily life to enjoy in the years to come.

Article Source: Articlesnatch.com
Author: Taylor Martinerin

Deal Of The Day -"Ride The Crest" Stretch Canvas

"Ride The Crest" Stretch Canvas

• Regular Price $49.95
• Today Only $34.95

This beautiful piece of art showcases a colorful beach scene with shorebirds flying over the crest of a breaking wave at daybreak. "Ride The Crest" is a canvas reproduction ready for immediate hanging.

World Water Day - March 22nd

March 22nd is World Water Day. Founded in 1993 by the United Nations, this global observance highlights the need for the care and management of the world’s water resources. This year’s theme, “Urban Water Usage” highlights the ongoing challenges we face as urban populations continue to grow.

Here are 15 ways you can take action you can do to reduce your water waste in and around your home courtesy of the wonderful Surfrider Foundation:

1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks – A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day.
2. Use a broom to sweep your driveway and sidewalks – Hosing down your driveway and sidewalks is wasteful and can contribute to declines in downstream water quality. Use a broom and dustpan instead.
3. Take shorter showers – One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.
4. Check your toilets for leaks – Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.
5. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks – Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
6. Put a brick in your tank – If you are still using a traditional non-low flow toilet, you can put one or two bricks in your tank. This will help displace some of the volume and reduce the amount of water used during each flush.
7. Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth – Turning off the water while you brush your teeth helps to save over 150 gallons of water a month.
8. Rinse your razor in the sink – Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste.
9. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads – Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation.
10. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge – Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Instead keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. See a wide selection of pitchers from Brita.
11. Water plants and landscaping in the morning or evening – Watering in the morning or evening reduces loss to evaporation.
12.  Utilize climate adapted plants in your yard and landscaping – Climate adapted plants require less water. Find out more information on climate adapted plants.
13. Avoid using the Permanent Press cycle on your washer – With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 5 gallons for the extra rinse.
14. Find a car wash! – Using a commercial car wash that recycles their water will save over 150 gallons each time you wash your vehicle and help reduce runoff.
15. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily – Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet

Deal Of The Day - Seashell Votive Holder Set

Seashell Votive Holder Set

• Regular Price $14.95
• Today Only $9.95

This set of 5 votive candle holders are wrapped in seashell encrusted burlap for a very natural, coastal feel. What a wonderful candle garden this would make!

Deal Of The Day - Palm Tree Pillow

Palm Tree Throw Pillow

• Regular Price $39.99
• Today Only $29.99

This gorgeous aqua throw pillow features a hand-hooked palm tree, perfect for your beach decor. Measures 18" x 18".

Deal Of The Day - Ship's Wheel Mirror

Ship's Wheel Mirror

• Regular Price $49.95
• Today Only $39.95

A charming Ship's Wheel Mirror that will take you back to your pirate roots! This mirror would look great in your kids room, bathroom or simply out in your living area. Some very light assembly required. Perfect nautical accessory for your cottage or beach house!. Measures: 31" diameter

Deal Of The Day - How To Live At The Beach Poster

How To Live At The Beach Poster

• Regular Price $17.95
• Today Only $15.95

"bask... leave crabby behind... shower outside... shed your shell..."

This is some of the great inspirational advice given on this "How To Live at the Beach" poster.

• 11" x 14" backed and film-wrapped

Coastal Accent Rugs

Find the perfect rug to go with your beach decor. Here's a preview of some of the designs - which one is your style?

New Driftwood and Starfish Products at OceanStyles.com

I have been waiting for what seems like forever for these new items to arrive so that I could share them with you. When I first saw them, I couldn't help but think how gorgeous and well-made they are. They also have a subtle, coastal cottage appeal, without being too over-the-top novelty items. I think you're going to love them!

Driftwood Shutter Mirror

Driftwood Shutter Shelf

Driftwood Shutter Lantern Lamp
Coming soon

Starfish Ring Hook

Starfish Toilet Tissue Holder

Starfish 16" Towel Bar

Starfish 24" Towel Bar

Conch Shell Paper Towel Holder

Deal Of The Day - Red & Blue Surfboard Rug

Reg & Blue Surfboard Rug

• Regular Price $29.99
• Today Only $24.99

These cool pinstripe print surfboard rugs are perfect for the bathroom, bedroom, hallway, or office. Rug is machine washable with non-slip backing.

Two Wonderful New Tropical Bedding Patterns

Just added! These two new complementary designs are just to DIE for! Find them now at OceanStyles.com.

Barbados Sand Bedding

Barbados Sunset Bedding

Deal Of The Day - Sailboat Cutouts

Sailboat Cutouts

• Regular Price $9.95
• Today Only $7.95

Easy to use and offered in a wide variety of styles, these prepasted, vinyl-coated wallpaper cutouts are a wonderful way to create great looking accessories and wall decor with just a little water and no artistic talent required. Put them on lamp shades, cabinets, ceramic tiles, tin waste baskets, gift boxes, and, of course walls. The possibilities are endless!

• 3 styles - from 2.75 x 3" to 3" x 4.25"
• 25 separate cutouts

Coconut Chicken Wings On The Grill

This Asian-inspired recipe may be the perfect cookout finger food. It's got a sauce that's sweet and savory, it's easy to make, and it works as a main course or an appetizer.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable or light olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients, then whisk in the coconut milk. Reserve and refrigerate 1/2 cup of the mixture divided evenly in two containers.
2. Cut off the tips of the wings (reserve them for stock or discard), then halve the wings at the joint. Place them in the bowl and toss them with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour, but preferably overnight.
3. Just before grilling the wings, toast the coconut in a medium-size skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Pour the flakes onto a plate and allow them to cool, then lightly crumble the flakes with your fingers and set them aside.
4. Prepare the grill for cooking and oil the grates. Grill the wings 8 to 10 minutes per side, turning once, or until the meat is no longer pink inside. Use one container of the reserved marinade to baste the meat at each turn.
5. As the wings finish cooking, warm the other container of reserved marinade in a small saucepan until heated through.
6. Transfer the cooked wings to a platter and coat them with the warmed marinade. Sprinkle the wings with the toasted coconut and serve them immediately. Serves 6 as a main dish or 12 as an appetizer.

Recipe courtesy of FamilyFun

Deal Of The Day - Seashell Cork Board

Seashell Cork Board

• Regular Price $21.95
• Today Only $15.95

This beautiful Seashell Cork Board measures 13.4" x 13.4" and features a prominent scallop shell motif directly in the center. A gorgeous coastal design perfect for hanging your notes, memos, photos and more! Great for the kitchen, home office, kids bedroom or anywhere.

7 Popular U.S. Beaches

Beaches could be your vacation spot if you are fond of sand, waves and water sports. The United States has a long coastline and many legendary spots adored for their assets.

If you love white sand, dancing waves and thrilling water sports, beaches will always be the preferred destination for you. With the vast number of locations available within the United States, the list below provides a great start to help you determine which beach should be the destination of your next vacation.

Here are some of the most popular beaches in the United States:

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Enjoy picnicking on sweeping sand with the backdrop of a huge rock rising from the sea. The beach is named for the several cannons that washed ashore from the wreck of the warship Shark. There is plenty of room to toss a Frisbee or go for a run on its long stretch of sand. Have beach volleyball with your family and friends.

Venice Beach, California

Stars like Julia Roberts and Nicolas Cage have chosen Venice Beach for their homes, a fact which speaks a lot about the beach. The perfect spot for people watching, the beach has enough to keep you busy for the day. You can enjoy yourselves with street performances, beach games, haggling with vendors of all types, restaurants and food stands and even a roller-skating opportunity at a nearby rink.

Ocean City Beach, New Jersey

Rates as one of the beat family beaches in the United States, Ocean City has a 2.5 mile board walk and miles of beautiful white life-guarded beaches. The famous boardwalk is normally buzzing with activity and entertainment and dining options abound. Beach recreational activities are numerous, with many options for water sports, fishing, sight-seeing, day spas and more.

Ogunquit, Maine

Along the southern coast of Maine you will find a beach that will tempt you to right a poem on. You will love to soak in the view, or pamper your feet with the sand treatment. The beach has miles of white sand you would love to play on. Visit with your family and friends with a basket full of eatables and volleyball.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Having broad and sandy shores, Clearwater Beach has the reputation as a very popular vacation destination. The beach is nestled between the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the tranquil Tampa Bay to the east. It is family vacation spot with many fun-filled activities. You can enjoy all sorts of water sports like surfing, snorkeling or swimming. Sun bathe on white sandy beaches or enjoy beach volleyball.

Shi Shi Beach, Washington

It is a clean and pure sand beach with a scenic landscape full of rugged wilderness. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, it is also one of the most difficult to reach beaches. The crescent-shaped beach's remote location has allowed it to revel in its own quiet wilderness. Hikers traversing the coastal headland trails leading to the beach are rewarded with an unspoiled coastline and the adventure lover's enjoy exploring the difficult terrain.

Laguna Beach, California

Among the most popular beaches in the United States, Laguna Beach has emerged as perfect vacation place. Famous for art galleries and a meeting point for artists, its Summer Art festivals draw people from all walks of life. Sweeping sands, hillsides and crystal clear water look very inviting. Visit the beach for water sports or sunbathe for a golden tan. The beach is perfect for unwinding at the clean, white and warm sand. The one cautionary note is that the area can become quite crowded during peak season so plan your vacation and booking your accommodations in advance.

When plan your travel to different beaches, you should spend some time researching beach house rentals which are available near almost all beach vacation destinations. A beach house with the proper facilities and services can maximize your vacation experience.

Deal Of The Day - Set of 4 Seashell Shadowboxes

Seashell Shadowboxes

The Seashell Shadowbox Set of 4 features a whitewashed wooden frame, pale blue center and wonderful shells. Split them up or group them together. Enjoy the beach all year round with these creative wall decorations. Each measures 6.5"H x 6.5"W.

• Regular Prices $29.95
• Today Only $19.95 - that's 33% off!

Deal Of The Day - Welcome To The Seashore Sign

Welcome To The Seashore Sign

"When men come to love a Sea life, they are not fit to live on land."
This is a wonderful metal vintage beach sign that will remind you of your favorite beach shop or bar. Perfect fit with your beach decor.

• Regular Price $12.95
• Today Only $9.95

Deal Of The Day - Somerset Kitchen Set

Somerset, Oven Mitt, Potholder, Towel Set

The Somerset Kitchen Set comes complete with 2 Terry Cloth Kitchen Towels, 2 Quilted Potholders and 1 Quilted Oven Mitt. Distinctly aqua with blue trim and blue and white shells, the Somerset collection will definitely liven up your kitchen!

• Regular Price $32.95
• Today Only $27.95

Tropical Wall Art - Decorating a Four-Season Room With Island Flair

It is possible to bring some of the beauty of the tropics home with tropical wall art and related decor. Consider the following ideas for decorating a four-season room with tropical wall art, and give your room with a view a touch of island flair that will provide the look and feel of a tropical paradise all year round.

How to Create a Stunning Tropical Focal Point

When creating any focal point it is important to choose a work of high-quality art to fit bare wall space. Choose a tropical piece too small and it will appear lost on an ocean of wall. Select art too large and it will overtake the space and look out of place. After choosing the main subject of the focal point, select accent pieces that coordinate well with the display. A four-season room looks amazing at night when illuminated with candle sconces, and they are an excellent choice. Mount candle sconces, one on each side of the main focal piece. Outfit the sconces with tropical scented candles such as coconut, pineapple, or jasmine. Light the candles to illuminate the four-season room and the display. The natural candlelight will bring out amazing details and colors in art, and it will look highly dramatic.

Decorating with Large Works of Tropical Wall Art

Large works of art can be used as a focal point on a bare wall, and no other accents are required. Consider selecting a single large piece to adorn a bare four-season room wall. Tropical wall art portraying the textures and details of palm trees, tropical foliage, tropical birds with vivid colors, and wildlife are all excellent choices. Wall art with tropical style is available in all price ranges, and when shopping online the decorating options are limitless.

Ideas for Decorating a Four-Season Room with Island Accents

Tropical accents are ideal when decorating a four-season room. Consider a set of metal butterfly sculptures that add three-dimensional design and beauty to walls. They make fantastic accents with almost any island art. Interesting amphibians also make amazing accents in a four-season room. They can be arranged to appear as if they are climbing the walls next to doorways, window treatments, and other works of art. Three-dimensional flair can also be added with strings of vibrant tropical flowers. Select high-quality faux flowers of various colors, types, and sizes, and string them on invisible thread. Gracefully drape the flowers over four-season room window valances and over doorways. Add strings of small decorative accent lights for a truly beautiful island look that can be illuminated day or night.

Metal Bamboo and Bird Wall Art

Bamboo and bird wall art evokes visions of beautiful tropical islands, and it can be incorporated into the decorating scheme of a four-season room in the form of metal decor. Add color and natural design to a four-season room with a large metal wall sculpture that includes tropical foliage and beautiful brilliantly colored birds. From macaws to cockatoos, you will find beautiful works of bird wall art that will add considerable color to a tropical four-season room. In addition to bird wall art, select two matching bamboo metal wall hangings to mount on both sides of the bird wall art. The amazing color and texture will generate many compliments, and the arrangement will look amazing.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Article Author: Alyssa Davis

Deal Of The Day - Surf Shack Table Lamp

Surf Shack Lamp

This whimsical table Surf Shack Lamp features a surf shack base, complete with surfboards, life ring and seashells, as well as a rope trimmed shade for your fun beach decor. It would be a cute addition in your office, living room or kid's room.

• Regular Price $104.95
• Today Only $74.95

Hawaiian Decorating - Make Your Home An Island Retreat

Tropical beaches, clear blue ocean, sunny sand filled beaches, palm trees, these are all things that typically come to mind when someone says Hawaiian. If you would like to create a Hawaiian style in your home, you want to think breezy and open. This would be the typical feel to a home or room in Hawaii.

To begin with, it you're painting the walls, you will want a white or other bright and open color. The earthy tones that you might find elsewhere will not be found here. For Hawaii, we want to think of openness and white walls will help create that feel. If they are painted a color at all, make sure that color is bright without reaching into the neon categories. A soft, bright yellow or green may also create the open feel you're trying to achieve. Doorways and moldings should be a rich brown such as an oak or cherry. These will contrast nicely with the painted walls while keeping the open feeling in the room.

Decorative touches should include some sort of large green plant. If you can do a palm inside this would be perfect. Another nicely large and green plant would be the elephant plant. This has large broad leaves and can grow several feet tall. This will further add to the tropical feel that you've already created through the use of paint on the walls. Other accessories may include shells that could have easily come from the beach, light, airy curtains that can sway in a breeze with an open window, and pineapple shaped glasses in the kitchen or other pineapple shaped kitchen appliances or utensils.

This style of home should be furnished with a heavy use of bamboo, wicker, and/or rattan. The use of this type of furniture will encourage the light, airy feel you're trying to achieve. This tropical atmosphere will be completed with the use of this type of furniture. The furniture can be painted white or it can be in its natural state of wood. Either way, this addition will help to complete the Hawaiian look.

Ceiling fans whose blades are shaped like palms are a nice touch when creating the Hawaiian decor. You can find them in stores like Home Depot, Lowes, or any retail hardware store that carries ceiling fans. These fans can be used indoors in a kitchen or dining room as well as outside under a canopy. This type of fan would make a great finishing touch.

The Hawaiian feel is one of relaxation and enjoyment. In order to create this feel in your home short of moving to Hawaii, use the above tips. You'll feel like you're on the beaches soaking up the sun in no time.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
Author: Lee Dobbins

Deal Of The Day - Ocean Blues Flip Flop Towel Rack

A fun and functional way to add to your coastal decor. Flip flops with shell accents really give this towel hook rack its charm. It is made of a natural wood and features light blue highlights and 3 pegs to hold towels, coats, swimsuits and more!

• Regular Price $21.95
• Today Only $13.95 - over 36% off

Ocean Blues Flip Flop Towel Rack

Tropical Backyard Landscaping Ideas

When we think of vacations, we automatically think of white sand beaches and palm trees. If you want to have a piece of this relaxing ambiance, then you should be on the lookout for tropical backyard landscaping ideas.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could take the tropics with you? It would make for a very refreshing environment. If I may say so, it might even feel like you are taking a vacation all year round if you have this kind of landscape right in your own backyard.

There are major considerations to achieve this kind of landscape. And whether you will hire a landscape artist or you design your own, the fact remains that you still have to go through many aspects of landscaping so you get the kind of landscape that's perfect for your home. Some of these are:

Plants

Plants play a very essential role in achieving the tropic feel of your backyard. The choice of plants you are going to feature in the landscape is one important thing you need to focus on. In choosing the plants, you need to think of those kind which is easily associated with the main theme of your landscape, which, in this case is the tropics.

For example, when you think of tropical vacation, you can immediately picture palm trees. The same goes when choosing which kind of flowering plants and ground covers you're going to use.

Fixtures

From pathways to stones to outdoor furniture, each of these fixtures must complement the overall theme of your landscape. Due attention should be given when selecting the furniture and fixtures found in your backyard.

Pathways for example, are important for you to enjoy thoroughly the lush greenery in your backyard. You can complement it with shells or tropical stones scattered around the whole place. If you are deciding on furniture, it is best that you go for wooden ones or at least those that complement the surroundings.

Water Features

Water is one of the key feature in tropical backyard landscape ideas. Most landscape of these types include a pool as the focal point of the whole landscape. If a pool is out of the question, have at least a fountain or a pond included.

Water is both refreshing and very stimulating. There's something definitely relaxing when we get to hear splashes or even the gentle sounds made by flowing water. Thus, this feature helps enormously in achieving the look as well as the feel of your backyard landscape.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Article Author: Daniel Katzenberg

Deal Of The Day - Mermaid License Plate Frames

Mermaids are HOT right now. Add this magical and mystical ocean-inspired figure to your car for the most unique license plate frame around. Your friends will ask you where you got it. Comes in four designs so you can find the perfect girl for you.

• Regular Price $29.95
• Today Only $24.95

Mermaid Goddess #1

Mermaid Goddess #2

Mermaid Goddess #3

Mermaid Goddess #4

Hawaiian Margarita

This drink sounds SOOO delicious. Just what you need to "warm you up" this winter! Happy Wednesday!

Ingredients:

•  Cup Ice
• 1 1/2 oz Tequila
• 1/2 oz Triple Sec
• 2 oz (fresh or frozen) Strawberries
• 2 oz (fresh or canned) Pineapple
• dash of Sour Mix

Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour contents into a chilled margarita glass. Garnish with the strawberries and pineapple.

Deal Of The Day - Serendipity Blue Throw Blanket

Serendipity Blue Throw

Today's Ocean Styles Deal Of The Day is our Serendipity Blue Throw Blanket. It measures 50" x 60" and is a wonderful light coastal blue design set against a crisp white quilt. This throw is perfect to keep you warm this winter, but will still be a wonderful home accent for your beach house come summer!

• Regular price $69.99
• Today Only $49.99 - almost 30% off!

East Coast Florida Beaches

Although people planning a vacation in Florida often concentrate on places like Walt Disney World, Miami Beach and Palm Beach, there are miles of white sand beaches which lie along both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Unlike other Atlantic Coast beaches, Florida's sandy stretches are actually increasing in size rather than decreasing due to erosion. If you were to walk the beaches of Florida at the rate of one mile per day, you would be enjoying the beaches for more than two and a half years. Although this sounds like an enjoyable way to visit the beaches of the state, for most people this is not feasible. Instead, most choose to visit the major beaches, arriving by automobile and spending a day of beach combing, observation of flora and fauna, or just enjoying the sun and the water.

Just a few of the Atlantic beaches of Florida can be noted here. Some are very well known, others are hideaway type expanses of beach where you can walk for miles without seeing another person. Traveling from north to the southern tip of the state, here are some favorite beaches.

Jacksonville/Amelia Island/American Beach

Amelia Island

Beaches in this area are generally wide and sand. They're typically lined with sand dunes and have a rich natural history including bird locations such as at Huguenot Memorial Park and Fort Clinch State Park. Most beaches in this area do not require access tags. Specific beaches of interest are those near Jacksonville and Little Talbot Island State Park. American Beach is a well known historic and cultural landmark. Founded in 1920 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, it is a mecca for blacks from across the South as a vacation site.

Accommodations and food are plentiful in the area especially along the main north-south route. You can find everything from Victorian tearooms to high rise resort developments in this section of the coast.

Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach

Daytona Beach Boardwalk

This 23 mile stretch of the North Central Atlantic Coast is known for its fascinating mix of bustling action and quiet stretches of beach perfect for vacationing families. Most communities have streets that provide beach access. Ormond-By-the-Sea is an example of the largely residential beach community where you can enjoy the sand and surf. Ormond Beach is the location of the Birthplace of Speed Park where the first American timed trials took place.

Daytona Beach of course is well known for the emphasis on racing action, but this beach features an old-fashioned boardwalk, pedestrian only zones and lots of surf fishing and para-sailing.

Canaveral National Seashore provides a barrier island environment with more than twenty miles of undeveloped seashore. You can visit the Eldora House Historical Site and the Turtle Mound Archaeological Site.

There are plenty of accommodations in this stretch, suitable for families with children and mature beachcombers as well.

Palm Beach

Jupiter Beach

The beaches are wide and flat, lined by gently swaying palm trees and with sparkling white sand. This stretch is a nesting area for sea turtles. Until recently Jupiter Beach has been known only for sand dunes covered with sea grapes and Australian pines. It is now well on its way to being a prime resort area with developed beach areas, some wheelchair accessible areas, plus plenty of well-appointed lodging places and trendy restaurants where you can find any type of cuisine you desire.

Many of the beaches in this area feature lifeguards, picnic grounds, nature trails and even boardwalks where you can enjoy rollerblading or bicycling.

Although Palm Beach itself is known mostly as a playground for the wealthy, you can find much in the area for families on a budget as well. Anyone who considers shopping a recreational activity will be certain to enjoy this stretch of Florida's Atlantic Coast.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale

Long known as the destination for college students on spring break from winter bound campuses in the north, the character of Fort Lauderdale has changed in the past few years. Strict policing of the miles of warm sands in the area have resulted in the beaches once again being suitable for families and young children. The wavewall and the promenade along the beach front is the perfect location for soaking up the atmosphere of the old city.