I spent a good part of this past weekend hanging out near the ocean, and while there were no whale or walrus sightings, I was inspired to see how these cool creatures could dress up my home. Check out my Etsy favorites when it comes to sea creatures.
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
I just spent a lazy family weekend on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington State, and while the weather was a little overcast, the view was still fabulous. I definitely wouldn't mind indulging in these ocean views year-round. 
As the temperatures rise, so does my desire to hit the beach. While the water is usually chilly at Baker Beach here in San Francisco, a quick road trip down to Capitola ensures that I won't be shivering when I jump in the waves. This photo of a swimmer at Icebergs Ocean Pool at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia inspired me to start planning an upcoming weekend ocean trip. In the meanwhile, though, I'll have to make do by checking out some beautiful ocean-inspired home accents, such as this Angela Adams Sea Glass Rug ($314). There are a lot more finds, though, including some very cool sea glass plates. See them when you read more
Clingstone, a 103-year-old mansion in Narragansett Bay, which was recently featured in the New York Times, sits on a rocky island that's barely bigger than the house. While this situation leaves very little room for a yard or garden, the ocean views make up for it, don't you think?
Eric Jacobs for The New York Times
While I'll reluctantly jump in a pool if need be, my favorite spot to be in the Summer is at a lake. Luckily, my mom's house has access to a secluded beach just a short walk away from her home, so I'm always kayaking or swimming on a Summer visit to her house. Do you have access to water at your home?
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I recently spent the weekend at my friend Laura's house on the strand in Hermosa Beach. It was wonderfully luxurious to be mere meters away from the ocean. To thank her for a fabulous time, I want to send her a useful kitchen item. Can you help me find the perfect gift? Her kitchen is decorated with seaside accents and beachy colors so look for items that fit the oceanside theme like this fun fish platter.
Search for everything from pretty glasses to colorful dish towels. Save your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Beach Kitchen. I appreciate your help!
Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate. Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you read more
Having sex in water sounds so sensual, doesn't it? When you're swimming in a pool or lake, you're practically naked already, so why not slip off your bathing suit and get it on? But, wait: Is it safe to have sex in water?
Not exactly. Lake, river, ocean, and pond water contains bacteria. Having sex can introduce that bacteria into your vagina, which could put you at risk for infections that you don't want up there. Pool water, on the other hand, contains chemicals that could irritate your lady business.
Aside from health risks, the logistics just aren't with you on this one. Since lubrication is key when it comes to sex that feels good, you don't want to end up all washed out (literally). The water dissipates your natural moisture, so you're left with friction-filled sex that won't last long. What's worse is that if you're using a condom, the friction could cause a tear, and you won't be protected from pregnancy or STIs if the condom breaks.
What about sex while taking a bath or shower together? To find out read more
I usually listen to my iPod to get pumped up for a run, but sometimes I don't feel like huffing and puffing and getting all sweaty. Plus it takes a lot of energy to fully exert my body like that, so when my energy is low, I like to take my time and go for a nice long walk along the water. Not only is it great exercise, but it gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and really appreciate the gorgeous surroundings.
Since I love to walk along the beach or lakeside, this playlist is a tribute to everything water - rivers, streams and even rain. After all, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for crisp, refreshing, glorious water.
Want to see it? Then read more
A great way to enjoy the summer weather is to take advantage of lakes and oceans. The air is usually much cooler near the water and there are so many fun things you can do to work your body besides swimming.
Windsurfing is fun and feels adventurous. You can rent a board, thats what you stand on, and a rig - the sail, a mast and the boom (the bar you hold onto). The board and the rig together are sometimes referred to as a "kit." There is the uphaul, a rope attached to the boom and the bottom of the mast that you use to pull the sail up.
I'd highly recommend getting a lesson from an experience instructor. They can give you pointers on how to position your board in regards to the wind, how to pull the sail up without getting knocked over, how to stand and stay balanced on the board, as well as the simple but important skill of how to steer.
If you want to know more about getting started, then read more
