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Do Tell: Do Falling Temperatures Change Your Routine?

PetSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:45:39 -0700

Since we're rather temperate out in SF, North still enjoys his trips to Baker Beach . . . but stays far away from the now-chilly water save a few sniffs. When the temperatures drop in your neck of the woods, how do you alter your pup's fitness routine, be it shorter trips outdoors or active indoor alternatives?

Do You Rinse Your Hair After A Swim?

BellaSugarUK — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Kate Moss, Jamie Hince and model gal pal Karen Mulder spent some time this week on a buddy's yacht in the South of France partying and taking in the surf and sand. After a dip in the Med, Karen cared for her long, blonde hair by rinsing it off with fresh water so that the salt from the sea didn't dry it out, whilst Kate just left her hair alone.

After a dunk, I typically apply some kind of SPF hair product to protect my locks and then comb it through so that it dries into sexy beach waves. Do you rinse off your hair after a swim in an ocean or pool?

BigPicturesPhoto.com

Casa Quickie: Endless Summer Decorating

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:17 -0700

Just because we're reaching the end of the Summer season doesn't meant that your home decorating scheme has to bid the Summer adieu, too. While fresh-cut garden flowers will disappear after Indian Summer, there are other souvenirs of your beach season that can last all year round. Gather shells the next time you swing by the ocean, and then use them to decorate your home. Stack shells in a hurricane vase and position it on your mantel. Or, string them and hang them like a pennant across a bathroom window. That way, you can keep things beachy keen well into the Autumn.

Source: Photo by Elliston Lutz

If You Get Waterlogged, Prevent Mucky, Yucky Treats With This

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:32:46 -0700

Treats: don't leave home without them. But, if your travels bring you by water, the risk of soggy yums enters the dining scene. Even though undiscerning pooches will still gobble them up, it's not as pleasant for owners to find these smushed in a pocket or sticking to a purse. I know, 'cause I've been there.

Since boats and beaches can be wet and sandy, don't add in dirt to the equation with this simple trick. Use an empty and fully dried water bottle to store some tiny training treats (like these). Easy to find and less mess, toss the container in your bag and you're ready to set sail!

Open House: What Do You Bring to the Beach?

CasaSugar — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:30:52 -0700

Sometimes it seems as if getting ready to go to the beach takes up as much time as your beach excursion itself does. Whether you're spending time at a Summer beach house, or taking advantage of a sandy-beached lake, if you're going to be in the sun and surf all day, you don't want to forget anything essential. On the other hand, you also don't want to be too weighed down.

I know people who bring coolers, sports equipment, umbrellas, chairs, and more to the beach. Some of my audiophile friends always bring an iPod mini speaker system to the beach, but I prefer to listen to the sound of the waves. My essentials include a big, fluffy towel, sunscreen, a good book, lots of water, and a yummy lunch that won't wilt in the sun. Of course, since my dog is often tagging along, doggy snacks, plastic bags, and a water bowl are also needed. I tend not to bring chairs or umbrellas, since I'm in favor of traveling semi-light for a beach day. What do you need to bring to your beach day?
Source: Flickr User Fevi in Cayman

Study Shows That More Than Treasures Are Hidden in Sand

LilSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:36 -0700

Children are catching more than hidden treasures while digging at the beach. According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, tots under the age of 11 who play in the sand are 44 percent more likely to come down with a gastrointestinal illness or diarrhea than those who don't, while lil ones that like to be buried in the sand are 27 percent more likely to become ill. It seems that the action of digging through the top eight inches of beach sand can bring E. coli and other bacteria to the surface, increasing children's chances of getting sick.

Though none of the ill kids required medical treatment, researchers noted that the best way to keep beach-goers safe is to keep the sand out of their mouths. In doing so, the bacteria will not reach their digestive systems and they should remain healthy throughout their sandy adventures. Last month, we posted about a mother who forbids her son to play in sandboxes. The piece garnered such passionate responses that we decided to poll readers on the topic. Eighty-one percent said they weren't worried about the germs. In light of this study, has your opinion changed?

Casa Quickie: Use an Oar as a Curtain Road

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:15:04 -0700

In an effort to stay within budget, and to cut back on consumerism, sometimes you gotta work with what your momma gave ya . . . or what you already own. When stars align, sometimes the furnishing that's a hand-me-down, a street find, or the like, is the perfect one for your digs. The owners of this beach shack on the Isle of Wight in the UK, recently featured on AT:NY, made the most of an old oar by using it as a curtain rod. In most homes, a paddling device used to hold up curtain panels would look out of place to say the least. But here, it's charming and a bit kitschy, and it has the worn-in, well-loved style that every beachside home should have. Have you used any unusual items as a curtain rod in your home?

Do You Get Your Hair Wet When You Swim?

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0700

When the weather's warm, it's tempting to want to dunk your head under water, however, the chemicals in a pool can cause breakage to your hair, not to mention colour oxidisation. If you're swimming in the sea, the salt water is quite drying and can result in damaging tangles. Unless you're willing to do an Evian rinse and then apply an SPF enhanced product, chances are you're doing your hair an injustice by soaking it when you swim. That being said, it's an incredible feeling to have a carefree attitude, especially in the Summertime. So tell me: do you keep your hair dry or do you let it get wet when you go swimming?

Non Voyage: Bring the Surf, Sun and Sand Home!

LilSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:33 -0700

A lengthy stay at a coastal getaway can be pricey for families so bring the beach to your abode! This non voyage doesn't require much advance planning - just oodles of imagination! Slather on the sunscreen, slip into swimsuits, sun hats and shades and head out to the backyard!

Pack the cooler with fresh squeezed lemonade, Popsicles, fruit salad, sandwiches and bottled water then roll it on out so everyone has easy access to the refreshments.
Lay beach towels out on the lawn so everyone has space to spread out and dry off.
Invest in a sand and water activity table so children can scoop and pour as daily activities. Or fill a basin or tot pool full of sand for castle building!
Go for a dip under the garden hose or take a run through the sprinklers to cool off. If your lil fish prefer to be submerged, fill up the kiddie pool.
Set up a seashell scavenger hunt so the kids can find hidden treasures you've strewn around the property.
Have your youngsters snorkel in the bath and spy all their oceanic tub toys. Then, give them magnet rods and let them fish.
Bundle up in sweatshirts and head back outside for a bonfire! Roast marshmallows and admire the stars after the sun sets.

Let's Dish: What Do You Like to Eat at the Beach?

partysugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:30:01 -0700

Since the Summer is in full swing, I want to know about your preferred seaside bites. My absolute all-time favorite things to eat at the beach are fresh grilled sardines. The crisp-skinned, salty kind they serve on the playas of Southern Spain are the best. Things don't get much better than those sardines paired with an icy cold glass of beer and an endless view of the ocean. Whether you're packing a picnic or sitting at a beach bar, there's something about the ocean air that makes one hungry. So, what foods do you like to eat at the beach?