From sea to shining sea. Share The Love.
Showing posts with label bonfire-beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bonfire-beach. Show all posts
Love For Beach and America
Because this matters. Love for family. Love for America. Love for all the living things around us that is our responsibility to protect so generations from now our family and their families are blessed to share all the same Love.
Lion's Paw Seashells
I Love Lion's Paw Seashells. I think they are amazing. The shape, the colors, how wonderful beach nature is it's beyond imagination. Every time I find one of these awesome shells at the beach, it's like a gift from the sea!
I'll be back hoping for more cool finds, some days it's a bag full of treasures and some days it's just a beautiful walk on the beach.
Freshest Fish Cakes From The Sea
It's kind of crazy to me that I'm cooking up food that...... we catch ourselves! I wasn't catching fish then frying it up for dinner when I was living up North busy raising a family, a full time job and firefighting day and night. In fact that never even occurred to me. Firefighter kitchen cooking was by the bulk because everyone was eating and you never knew who would be there. Family cooking was planned both big dinners and whip them up quick dinners.
With all the prep I've done and all the cooking I've done, I never caught my own fish, fresh filleted it and then actually cooked and eaten it. It's kind of fun. And definitely very different. I love the part where you spend the day at the beach. Some of us fishing, some sea shell adventuring and of course, some playing in the waves. This really was a simple home made fish cake recipe - you don't have to catch the fish yourself for this to work great on any fish from crab and shrimp to whiting and flounder
Check it out here: Easiest Fish Cake Recipe With Home Made Cole Slaw
Living in Florida recipes go something like this:
Directions:
1. Go Spend The Day On The Beach And Catch Fish
2. Fillet All The Fish (OK my son in law fillets all the fish - no way I'm doing that)
3. Cook The Fish - This is where I can contribute if I don't know a recipe I'm great at making them up pictured below my famous easiest ever low calorie, low carb, high protein Fish Cakes and below that simple fried fish fillets perfect for lunch, dinner or fish frys
With all the prep I've done and all the cooking I've done, I never caught my own fish, fresh filleted it and then actually cooked and eaten it. It's kind of fun. And definitely very different. I love the part where you spend the day at the beach. Some of us fishing, some sea shell adventuring and of course, some playing in the waves. This really was a simple home made fish cake recipe - you don't have to catch the fish yourself for this to work great on any fish from crab and shrimp to whiting and flounder
Check it out here: Easiest Fish Cake Recipe With Home Made Cole Slaw
Living in Florida recipes go something like this:
Directions:
1. Go Spend The Day On The Beach And Catch Fish
2. Fillet All The Fish (OK my son in law fillets all the fish - no way I'm doing that)
3. Cook The Fish - This is where I can contribute if I don't know a recipe I'm great at making them up pictured below my famous easiest ever low calorie, low carb, high protein Fish Cakes and below that simple fried fish fillets perfect for lunch, dinner or fish frys
4. Eat The Fish With Family and Friends (Don't forget to talk about the big one that got away wink, wink) And Enjoy The Evening Relaxed and Informal Don't Forget To Grab A Beer And Watch The Sunset
5. Next Beach Day - Start All Over Again!
Advice For Anyone Moving To Florida
Here's some starter advice for anyone moving to Florida - lots of stuff we learned after we did move here. Lots of differences from living up North? Absolutely and yes, I would say all of these are true.
Lots of spirit here in Florida and lots of straight talking fun in the Sunshine State.
ADVICE FOR ANYONE MOVING TO FLORIDA:
1. If you don't like the weather in Florida, wait 15 minutes, it will change
2. If you do run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four wheel drive with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them. Just stay out of their way. This is what they live for.
3. Remember: "Y'all" is singular. "All y'all" is plural. "All y'all's" is plural possessive.
4. Get used to the phrase "It's not the heat, it's the humidity". And the collateral phrase "You call this hot? Wait'll August."
5. Don't tell us how you did it up there. Nobody cares.
6. If you think it's too hot, don't worry. It'll cool down-in December.
7. A Mercedes-Benz is not a status symbol, a Jeep, Chevy, Dodge, or Ford is.
8. If someone says they're "fixin" to do something, that doesn't mean anything's broken.
9. The value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but the availability of shade.
10. The coldest spot in all of Florida any time of year is Publix. Don't forget to bring your shopping sweater.
11. BBQ is a food group. It does NOT mean grilling burgers and hot dogs outdoors.
12. Yes, weddings, funerals, and divorces must take into account for Gators,Canes or Noles Football games.
13. Do not tell Floridians you hate snakes, gators or sharks. They were here first apparently and don't deserve your hate.
14. DO NOT honk your horn at us to be obnoxious, we will sit there until we die.
15. We pull over and stop for emergency vehicles to pass.
16. We pull over for funeral processions, turn our music off and men remove hats or caps. Some people put their hand over their heart.
17. "Bless your Heart" is a nice way of saying you're an idiot.
18. Did I mention absolutely every body of water in Florida is assumed to have at least one alligator and/or crocodile just waiting for you to visit.
19. Did I mention If you don't like the weather in Florida, wait 15 minutes, it will change!
Florida Sea Otter Visitors
Florida is like no place else I've ever lived. Unpredictable weather. Crazy heat and rainstorms. Magnificent sunrise and sunsets. Beaches that are the freedom path of the heart and mind. Crazy visits from animals, some we like to see and some not so much. While we love nature and animals I really do not welcome any visits from snakes or alligators. Not a fan of armadillos and moles. As long as they don't enter my space, I don't evict them from theirs sort of live and let live.
We do however love the bunny rabbits especially the baby bunnies that stop by and munch on some of our pretty lawn. We have been thrilled to see herons and cranes strolling by. Seeing the occasional bobcat and baby bobcats stroll by has been thrilling to be honest. And some days you get lucky and the sea otters stop by to visit on their way from lake to river.
Fun and unpredictable. We are very careful to respect their environment and just get to wave hello and goodbye. You never know what will happen next in Florida.
We do however love the bunny rabbits especially the baby bunnies that stop by and munch on some of our pretty lawn. We have been thrilled to see herons and cranes strolling by. Seeing the occasional bobcat and baby bobcats stroll by has been thrilling to be honest. And some days you get lucky and the sea otters stop by to visit on their way from lake to river.
Fun and unpredictable. We are very careful to respect their environment and just get to wave hello and goodbye. You never know what will happen next in Florida.
Hi From The Beach
Hi from the beach always a welcome no matter the weather, you are welcome to visit. You may have to bundle up in winter jackets, shed everything but your bathing suit or find some beach gear inbetween. Quick dry pants, shorts and tops are awesome for the beach especially for those days when you aren't really going to just sunbathe or swim in the waves.
Beaches are waiting for you come fishing, shelling and walking. The power of the ocean, waves, sun, wind and sand will do what they will and it's you that needs to be prepared!
The only thing that's hard about the beach welcome, is when it's time to leave. I hate to say goodbye but always ready for my next welcome to the beach adventure.
Beaches are waiting for you come fishing, shelling and walking. The power of the ocean, waves, sun, wind and sand will do what they will and it's you that needs to be prepared!
No matter how many times I go to the beach, no matter which beaches I go to, it's always that first glimpse of the sea that welcomes me the most. Suddenly the sun, clouds, waves, noise, smells and sounds all blend together to wrap you in it's world.
The only thing that's hard about the beach welcome, is when it's time to leave. I hate to say goodbye but always ready for my next welcome to the beach adventure.
Horses On The Beach Day
Just when you think you are having the perfect beach day.... The family is there up bright and early and ready for adventure. Great friends are visiting from out of town and the sun is shining for them to make new memories by. The fishing is great the guys are pulling in pompano and whiting from the perfect turquoise sea green ocean waves. The shells are completely covering miles of low tide sand. The kids are filled with smiles, seashells, sand castles and sun screen. It's one of those beach days that you are sure just couldn't get better. Until it does.
Off I go walking for miles searching for sea glass (which I found a few nice pieces of!), unusual seashells, humming to myself when I look up and spot three of the most beautiful horses trotting towards me. On their backs are three lovely girls smiling, laughing, patting and petting their horses as they ride past me.
I smile at their happiness to them and say "you just made my beautiful day even better - wow they are beautiful" and with that the oldest of the girls on a gorgeous horse trotted over and said hello. I asked if they were their horses or was it a riding stable.... She told me that they rescued horses and loved them so much. She asked if I wanted to pet her horse Noah and like a 5 year I said "Oh yes I really do" and Noah was soft, with big brown eyes and patiently said hello back to me. I talked to the girls for a little bit and thanked them. For stopping to talk to me. For rescuing horses. For being the next generation that will make our world a better place. For all the love and smiles they add to the world.
It really was an even more beautiful day on the beach.
Off I go walking for miles searching for sea glass (which I found a few nice pieces of!), unusual seashells, humming to myself when I look up and spot three of the most beautiful horses trotting towards me. On their backs are three lovely girls smiling, laughing, patting and petting their horses as they ride past me.
I smile at their happiness to them and say "you just made my beautiful day even better - wow they are beautiful" and with that the oldest of the girls on a gorgeous horse trotted over and said hello. I asked if they were their horses or was it a riding stable.... She told me that they rescued horses and loved them so much. She asked if I wanted to pet her horse Noah and like a 5 year I said "Oh yes I really do" and Noah was soft, with big brown eyes and patiently said hello back to me. I talked to the girls for a little bit and thanked them. For stopping to talk to me. For rescuing horses. For being the next generation that will make our world a better place. For all the love and smiles they add to the world.
It really was an even more beautiful day on the beach.
Sea Glass and Seashells Treasure Beach
Sea glass and seashells that are my favorites were the treasures from the beach today. I love finding whelk shells, especially lightning whelks so I was thrilled with two perfect beauties I found today. Rounding off my bonus treasure day was my first piece of beautiful blue sea glass that was a thrill and I thought completed my great day until I found, with a gasp and a "no way.... is it really!" a beautiful lions paw seashell. Although it's slightly broken it's a rare find for me and so beautifully shaped and it's colors are amazing.
As if the beautiful lightning whelk seashells weren't enough for my shelling fun next I found a piece of beautiful blue seaglass. My first piece of blue and I hope not my last!
And then I was lucky enough to find my pride and joy this beautiful Lions Paw Seashell. Although not totally intact it's in very good shape it's proud shell formation beautiful, sturdy and it's colors are just perfect. This seashell treasure could be one of my most favorite finds ever. So far.
Visit our fishing, shelling and beaching adventures
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| Lightning Whelk Seashells and Beach Treasures |
As if the beautiful lightning whelk seashells weren't enough for my shelling fun next I found a piece of beautiful blue seaglass. My first piece of blue and I hope not my last!
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| Sea Glass Treasures From The Sea Blue Seaglass |
And then I was lucky enough to find my pride and joy this beautiful Lions Paw Seashell. Although not totally intact it's in very good shape it's proud shell formation beautiful, sturdy and it's colors are just perfect. This seashell treasure could be one of my most favorite finds ever. So far.
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| Lions Paw Seashell Beach Treasures |
Visit our fishing, shelling and beaching adventures
Jetty Waves From Firefighter To Beach Adventures
The power of the ocean, the tides, the moon and the sea unpredictable, unstoppable. Standing at the top of this beach area is the horizon far and wide as you can see. The view of the powerful waves washing right up to me was amazing enough until I looked down and found even more amazing treasures that were thrown right up to me. A Whale bone vertebrae fossil was this day's treasure from the beach. Read more and check out the whale fossils here
I had no idea I would find anything like this on the beach and in all fairness, I had no idea what these were when I first found them I just thought it was awesome looking and had to find out more. I brought it home and cleaned it up and it turns out I found an awesome whale bone vertebrae what's the chances.
This whale fossil could be hundreds of years old who knows. Just when you thought you figured out the beach, you learn quickly - you can never figure out the beach, the ocean or change the tide of the sea.
I had no idea I would find anything like this on the beach and in all fairness, I had no idea what these were when I first found them I just thought it was awesome looking and had to find out more. I brought it home and cleaned it up and it turns out I found an awesome whale bone vertebrae what's the chances.
This whale fossil could be hundreds of years old who knows. Just when you thought you figured out the beach, you learn quickly - you can never figure out the beach, the ocean or change the tide of the sea.
Whale Bones Found On The Beach
Whale bones I found on the beach still leave me amazed at how big the ocean world is, how old and how diverse. I love finding beach treasures. Always searching for some great seashells, pieces of old treasures like boats, sea glass and some other great unknowns that was ashore. But whale bones! This treasure I did not expect.
The ocean waves were serious the last few days. Even low tide was rocking the beach and covering most of the sand with every wave washing up with it plenty of shells and strong enough to move the beach rocks on some of the beaches (more about that later).
The ocean waves were serious the last few days. Even low tide was rocking the beach and covering most of the sand with every wave washing up with it plenty of shells and strong enough to move the beach rocks on some of the beaches (more about that later).
To be honest, I had no idea when I spotted this pretty amazing looking specimen on the beach what exactly it could be. I just knew it was like nothing I had ever seen before and anything you find on the beach, is some kind of crazy treasure. I cleaned it up and started my google research and before long I was able to easily figure out this is for sure a whale bone vertebrae fossil.
Maybe it was the winter storms that were raging to the North of us that helped send this whale fossil my way, or maybe it's been dislodged from an old whale graveyard from hundreds of years ago and just found it's way to land now. Whichever it is, I feel pretty honored it chose to share this find with me.
Beach Fit Naturally
Beach fit is everyone's goal as soon as the winter starts to end in most places, uh oh summer is coming time to get in shape! The best way I stay more fit these days is the beach. Admittedly I live down South so I can go to the beach more often now, although it gets pretty chilly sometimes in the winter even down here. It's not just the beach that does it though. It's the walking. And walking. You don't even realize how much walking you can do if you aren't thinking about it as exercise.
I wear my Fitbit when I walk on the beach. Well OK I always wear my Fitbit! About 4 years ago I gave up carbs in my never ending search for losing weight, staying gut healthy, sharper and more alert. Healthier. Then the Fitbit age came around and I thought, OK I'll try this but I bet I already burn plenty of calories every day. I started out with a Fitbit Charge. I decided not to ramp up any workouts or walks to see what I already naturally burn in calories a day. I stay pretty busy even though I had retired from 20 years of heavy duty physically demanding firefighting.
Shock of my life. I didn't burn half the calories all the experts said I should burn every day just to maintain my weight!! What! No Way. The second day showed the same results and I realized, I needed to kick up my every day routine. Walking yes. Stepping around the house more often. You can keep your feet, arms and body moving while you cook, brush your teeth, choose your clothes and you can get up and move while you watch TV. Yakking on your phone. Texting with your friends. Guess what get up and get moving. Take a walk. Vacuum the house (I hate cleaning but it really does burn calories and you have a cleaner house afterwards!) Working on your computer. Get up more often take a break walk to your other rooms. Do some chores. Park a little further away when you go shopping. I'm serious! The results just from doing the above is phenomenal.
Not only did I feel great but I have to tell you within 2 weeks, not eating any differently because I already was watching the intake, cutting the carbs and drinking my water - the weight dropped off, just gone. 10 lbs, 15 lbs. I started seeing numbers on my scale I didn't even see as a teenager. And most important I felt great. I'm just sharing I promise I'm not a Fitbit Rep or anything like that.
So when I moved down South I wasn't going to give up my stepping and moving or my Fitbit. Once I found the beach, well that is just heaven. Taking a walk around your community is nice but walking on the beach it's incredible. I love the "steps" I burn the calories with, I love the freedom from stress, laundry, vacuuming, bills. I love the beach and staying fit naturally walking on the sandy beach is the biggest bonus of all.
I did however switch to the Fitbit Flex 2 because it's waterproof perfect for beach days, swimming and not only is light to wear, you can change bands (the charge band fell apart and could not be replaced you had to buy a whole new expensive Fitbit) bands come in sizes that fit not only my wrist but also my ankle for my bicycle exercising. The only downfall is it has not on unit screen you do have to check your phone for your updated stats, this doesn't really bother me but it was a change.
The Fitbit Flex 2 is very inexpensive now probably because it will be replaced with a more expensive Charge version that will be waterproof but at around $59.00 trust me, I really love this Fitbit and never, ever fall below my daily steps it's become too important to me to forget about it or just let it be another "fad".
So even if you can't make it to the beach to go walking, consider a Fitbit or calorie burning tracker that works for you. It motivates you watching real results to get up and get moving. It helps you stay fit physically and when you are so proud of yourself it helps you mentally too. Goals are good and everyone's goal should always be to be proud of themselves for who they are.
Disclaimer: The links above for the Fitbit Flex2 link to Walmart where I bought mine, I do get a small affiliation fee from Walmart if you purchase through this click (help support small businesses like mine if it works for you too!) but you can buy FitBit from many stores and other links online. The important part of this story was to let you know how great it works for me!
I wear my Fitbit when I walk on the beach. Well OK I always wear my Fitbit! About 4 years ago I gave up carbs in my never ending search for losing weight, staying gut healthy, sharper and more alert. Healthier. Then the Fitbit age came around and I thought, OK I'll try this but I bet I already burn plenty of calories every day. I started out with a Fitbit Charge. I decided not to ramp up any workouts or walks to see what I already naturally burn in calories a day. I stay pretty busy even though I had retired from 20 years of heavy duty physically demanding firefighting.
Shock of my life. I didn't burn half the calories all the experts said I should burn every day just to maintain my weight!! What! No Way. The second day showed the same results and I realized, I needed to kick up my every day routine. Walking yes. Stepping around the house more often. You can keep your feet, arms and body moving while you cook, brush your teeth, choose your clothes and you can get up and move while you watch TV. Yakking on your phone. Texting with your friends. Guess what get up and get moving. Take a walk. Vacuum the house (I hate cleaning but it really does burn calories and you have a cleaner house afterwards!) Working on your computer. Get up more often take a break walk to your other rooms. Do some chores. Park a little further away when you go shopping. I'm serious! The results just from doing the above is phenomenal.
Not only did I feel great but I have to tell you within 2 weeks, not eating any differently because I already was watching the intake, cutting the carbs and drinking my water - the weight dropped off, just gone. 10 lbs, 15 lbs. I started seeing numbers on my scale I didn't even see as a teenager. And most important I felt great. I'm just sharing I promise I'm not a Fitbit Rep or anything like that.
So when I moved down South I wasn't going to give up my stepping and moving or my Fitbit. Once I found the beach, well that is just heaven. Taking a walk around your community is nice but walking on the beach it's incredible. I love the "steps" I burn the calories with, I love the freedom from stress, laundry, vacuuming, bills. I love the beach and staying fit naturally walking on the sandy beach is the biggest bonus of all.
I did however switch to the Fitbit Flex 2 because it's waterproof perfect for beach days, swimming and not only is light to wear, you can change bands (the charge band fell apart and could not be replaced you had to buy a whole new expensive Fitbit) bands come in sizes that fit not only my wrist but also my ankle for my bicycle exercising. The only downfall is it has not on unit screen you do have to check your phone for your updated stats, this doesn't really bother me but it was a change.
 |
| Fitbit Flex 2 is waterproof and perfect for the beach and pool |
The Fitbit Flex 2 is very inexpensive now probably because it will be replaced with a more expensive Charge version that will be waterproof but at around $59.00 trust me, I really love this Fitbit and never, ever fall below my daily steps it's become too important to me to forget about it or just let it be another "fad".
So even if you can't make it to the beach to go walking, consider a Fitbit or calorie burning tracker that works for you. It motivates you watching real results to get up and get moving. It helps you stay fit physically and when you are so proud of yourself it helps you mentally too. Goals are good and everyone's goal should always be to be proud of themselves for who they are.
Disclaimer: The links above for the Fitbit Flex2 link to Walmart where I bought mine, I do get a small affiliation fee from Walmart if you purchase through this click (help support small businesses like mine if it works for you too!) but you can buy FitBit from many stores and other links online. The important part of this story was to let you know how great it works for me!
Relax On The Beach
This relax on the beach post is probably different than most others you have seen. It has all the great makings of sand, ocean waves, a scenic beach umbrella and two beach sand chairs. It even has an awesome sea bird time perfectly to beautifully photo bomb my relax on the beach photo.
The difference is I can't remember ever using the beach chairs to actually sit in. Once I did give in and sit under the umbrella for 15 minutes to cool off, but the rest of the time I'm just not sitting in the sand, under the umbrella and watching the waves wash up.
To me relaxing on the beach means taking walks that end up, well I don't know how far I end up! I'm too busy enjoying the sea air, watching the waves and walking in them ankle deep to see how far I ended up. My fitbit is on. I have the cool yet inexpensive waterproof fitbit Flex 2 tracker that goes with me wherever I go (you can read more about why the Fitbit Flex 2 is important to me). I can go back later and look at my phone to see how much mileage I tracked, how many calories I burned.... but no I'm too busy relaxing by not sitting still. There's too much to see. Different areas of the beach have different waves and troughs and sandy inclines. I have to see them all.
There are seashells to look for especially if the high tide left a new wrack line, I don't want to miss any new ones. There is sea glass to search for. Sand dollars could wash up. There is so much to see. Cool dogs are playing in the water and chasing balls on the sandy beaches. Kids are happy and smiling and building sandcastles.
Walking along and seeing what's new at the beach is always what is relaxing to me! But I have to admit after all the sea winds, sandy feet, crashing waves and hopefully a shell bag filled with some new treasures, the best part is going back to home base. Where the family has the sand chairs, beach umbrella, sandy towels and fishing rods, big smiles on their faces greeting me knowing how much I love the beach and these walks. Relaxing on the beach. Keeping it moving that's how I relax on the beach. Just writing about it makes me look forward to.... well hopefully tomorrow when we are seashore bound again.
Love Art and Beach Shells
Love art from the beach has to include seashells for our family and we love using the beautiful shells we find on the beach to create art, signs, decorations, photo frames, seashell planters... You name it we love sharing our love of beaches, sunshine and shells all over our home. My family gave me the greatest gift this Valentine's Day an awesome seashell art canvas that clearly spells out how much they Love Me.
Every beautiful shell was handpicked from our beaches including some of my favorite whelks, conchs, kitten paws, olives and some of the amazing beautiful sea glass my daughter the beach whisperer always finds every wonderful trip to the seashore. Heart shaped rocks and shells decorate our home made shell art while pretty little seashells of beautiful colors become a magical butterfly.
Be creative in your home too. If you find some seashells big or small, round or long make something wonderful out of them and show someone oceans of love from the sea and from your art from the heart.
Waves of Moods
The beach reminds me of everyday living. Some days there are so many extremes. Feelings of high tide and low tide ebb through your day.
Some of the waves of feelings whether reacting to work, bills, stress or hopefully, happy times, birthdays and memories they are all guaranteed to stir up lots of underlying old stuff and new.
Some days it's all one mood. It's a great calm day and the plan comes together.
Some days it's rough and tumble and you are working harder to keep up with the tide. But everyday it's important to take some time to see the beauty in your life through high waves and foamy seas.
Some days it's all one mood. It's a great calm day and the plan comes together.
Some days it's rough and tumble and you are working harder to keep up with the tide. But everyday it's important to take some time to see the beauty in your life through high waves and foamy seas.
Seashell Solar Lights
Seashell solar lights are perfect because I love lights especially solar lights out in the garden, along my path, on my deck, in my planters, everywhere I can. I even have solar string lights for the holidays. They save energy because you don't need electricity. They look great and really light up a dark night. Solar lights are a great way to give a cozy we are home feeling to every house. Solar lights are even great on balconies and terraces if you live in a condo or apartment.
I also love seashells. My new passion is seeking out seashells because that's a great reason to go to the beach. Now that I have moved down South and the most beautiful tropical beaches are just a few miles away, going to any one of the beaches is the best way in the world to clear your head, leave reality behind for just a little bit and remember that out there, the sky meets the ocean and everything possible is on the horizon. Seashells are a token of that visit. They are big and small. Sea shells that are hard to find and some very common but every size, shape, color and type are just amazing and beautiful. I quickly have brought home so many seashells I love that I need to keep making things I love out of things I love.
We happened to have two leftover tiki candle cans that we had never used (I never set anything on fire with actual flames if I can help it probably due to my firefighter career (you can read more about that here) and had used the big tiki candles with two solar lights in it to light the back area of the house until they kept getting knocked over when we trimmed the bushes. The tiki torch holders were long gone but the cans and solar lights we still had. Tiki cans with no cool holders are just not that great looking. So out of the garage came the cans ready for a diy seashell home renovation.
I also love seashells. My new passion is seeking out seashells because that's a great reason to go to the beach. Now that I have moved down South and the most beautiful tropical beaches are just a few miles away, going to any one of the beaches is the best way in the world to clear your head, leave reality behind for just a little bit and remember that out there, the sky meets the ocean and everything possible is on the horizon. Seashells are a token of that visit. They are big and small. Sea shells that are hard to find and some very common but every size, shape, color and type are just amazing and beautiful. I quickly have brought home so many seashells I love that I need to keep making things I love out of things I love.
We happened to have two leftover tiki candle cans that we had never used (I never set anything on fire with actual flames if I can help it probably due to my firefighter career (you can read more about that here) and had used the big tiki candles with two solar lights in it to light the back area of the house until they kept getting knocked over when we trimmed the bushes. The tiki torch holders were long gone but the cans and solar lights we still had. Tiki cans with no cool holders are just not that great looking. So out of the garage came the cans ready for a diy seashell home renovation.
First thing my husband did was clean off the can including any rust it had accumulated then spray paint it black so the writing and old stuff was all covered up and looked much better already.
Seashell home art projects often require the work of a glue gun. Shells are so irregularly shaped sometimes the mod podge and tacky glue just doesn't work. Your hot glue gun will work with seashells on almost every surface but you have to definitely have patience and definitely have fingers that will probably have to hold up to a couple of hot glue gun burns!
Slowly but surely my husband worked his way around the cans sea shells and glue, choosing some of our favorite calico shells, olive, clam shells, small conch shells, all the colors and shapes that would fit into each spot. Every single shell we found with our own hands, during so many visits to the seashore every day new finds now DIY fastened to a cool new home light project.
Not to say there wasn't any under the breath cursing every time a finger met the glue or the shell moved or the glue dried before it was in the right spot, but it was worth every minute. It took a couple of days between spray painting the light cans, hot gluing the shells to the light but it was like adult arts and crafts that ended up a DIY project we really use and love.
After both lights we decorated with shells, the hot glue all set and the lights cleaned up and charged by the sun we covered the entire beach shells surface with mod podge to seal it up hopefully keeping the harsh weather from breaking down all of our hard work. So far, so good!
We hope you will join us on Facebook at Bonfire Designs and share some of your home DIY projects, fun beach adventures or share your love of beaches with us too.
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I found this cool beach leprechaun celebrating St Patrick's Day on the beach and I found some beach treasure too including some Shamrock... -
Where the Earth meets the Sky you can never come closer to who you are than right here on the beach. Where Earth Meets The Sky ...
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Whale bones I found on the beach still leave me amazed at how big the ocean world is, how old and how diverse. I love finding beach treasur...
