Beachy Windchimes and Birdhouses

Top Favorite Beachy Windchimes and Birdhouses.




Lifeguard Station Birdhouse

Too cute! Incredible detail on this lifeguard birdhouse. Let your featherd friends have a fun beachy home with this lifeguard birdhouse.
15.99 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Lifeguard_Station_Birdhouse_p/34716bb.htm

 Green Seashell Garland

Seashells garland wall hanging: Here is a beautiful seashell garland featuring a set of green seashells. Perfect to enhance your coastal living patio, great for bathroom, living room.

Hand crafted in Hawaii.

14.90 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Coastal_Green_Seashell_Garland_p/ana24006.htm

 

 Beach Bum Birdhouse

Beachcombing birdies will belly up to this adorable wood snack shack! Just like a favorite seaside hangout, complete with straw roof, signs and "barstool" perches.

13.99 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Beach_Hang_Out_Birdhouse_p/34715bb.htm

 

Starfish, seashell, and driftwood windchime

Here is a beautiful set of hanging driftwood assorted with hand carved wooden starfish! Seashells on strings, call them mobiles or chimes, they look gorgeous dangling from the ceiling or a wall. Perfect for your coastal living area or coastal patio.

Hand crafted in Hawaii.

19.90 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Coastal_Starfish_and_Driftwood_Windchime_p/ana24017.htm

 

 Nautical Nest Birdhouse

Lovebirds Love this Nautical Lighthouse Birdhouse. Add this lighthouse bidhouse to your patio or garden for an inexpensive way to bring a little sea to your environment.

14.99 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Nautical_Nest_Birdhouse_p/30208bb.htm

 

 Coastal Seashell Windchime

Made completely from Hawaiian seashells. Hand crafted in Hawaii

19.90 at http://www.lifezabeach.net/Coastal_Seashell_Windchime_p/ana24016.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designing an Outdoor Paradise

 

Top 10 exotic finds to turn your outdoors into a paradise from Nautical Americana to Tiki.

 

 

 

Made by Gifts for Humanity

A very inexpensive way to add some fun and color. Completely designed and crafted by artisans in Haiti from recycled oil drums. Each has a small hook to hang the piece and is painted with a bright colorful design inspired by the local Hatian culture. From head to tail, the gecko is 8 inches long.

19.99 at

 http://www.lifezabeach.net/Tropical_Blue_and_Green_Metal_Gecko_p/hmdbg99_bluegreen_535013.htm

 

 

 

Made by Artisans in Hawaii

Americana Nautical Planter

Brightly colored hand crafted planter. Hand carved and painted by artisans in Hawaii.

Add a splash of nautical. Comes in 3 colors. Red/white, blue/white, and yellow/white.

Stands 12" high

24.90 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Nautical_Sailboat_Planter_Red_and_White_p/ort1702530r.htm

 

Flying Sea Turtle

 

 

 



This garden flying sea turle sculpture will go nicely in your flower beds or as an accent on your patio.

Turtle Statue is made in cold cast solid poly stone composite.

2"H x 7"W

29.99 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Flying_Sea_Turtle_Garden_Decor_p/69308-wibb.htm

 

Aloha Windchime

 

 

 

Handcrafted by artisans in Hawaii. Made of bambo with an Aloha sign hand carved and painted in the middle.

Enjoy the sound of bamboo!

40" long X 12" wide X 6" deep

34.90 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Tropical_Aloha_windchimes_p/dpt5082.htm

 

Beach Hang Out Birdhouse

 

Beachcombing birdies will belly up to this adorable wood snack shack! Just like a favorite seaside hangout,complete with a straw rook and "barstools" to belly up to. Exquisite detailwill give you and your feathered friends years of enjoyment.

Wood. 8 1/4" x 8 1/4" x 7 3/4" high.

13.99 at


http://www.lifezabeach.net/Beach_Hang_Out_Birdhouse_p/34715bb.htm

 

Love and Prosperity Tiki

 

 

Bring Love and Prosperity into your garden or patio.

A hand carved Tiki depicting Ku, Tiki of strength but also Kanaloa, Tiki of the ocean, fishing and abundance.

This Tiki totem has also a double meaning, love and prosperity, which can be distinguised by the set of eyes going upward and downward.

This Tiki pole measures 20 inches tall and 4 inches thick. Made of premium Acacia wood.

99.90 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Tropical_Love_Prosperity_Tiki_Totem_p/rtg100950st.htm

 

Tropical Parrots Garden Statue

 

Bring these guys to your garden. Very bright and colorful parrots sitting on a stump. Set of 2 made of cold cast and poly stone.

14"H x 5"W

59.99 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Set_2_Tropical_Parrots_On_Stump_Garden_Statue_Scul_p/67003db.htm

 

 

Longboard Surf Chair

 

 

A very cool longboard surf chair made of monkey pod wood nice and solid!

This surf teak chair features hand carved turtles. In Hawaii, turtle are vey well respected. A very unique way to add extra seating.

229.99 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/TROPICAL_LONGBOARD_SURF_CHAIR_TURTLE_CARVINGS_p/pds23001st.htm

 

 

Tropical Tiki Lantern

 

Indoor outdoor tropical lantern inspired by Sumatran houses. The base is made of wood and treated for outdoors. Amazing detailed shingled room made of balinese. 24" high.

 

74.90 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Tropical_Tiki_Lantern_p/ptb2900515st.htm

 

Vintage Island Pinapple Sign

 

 

A Hand made vintage looking Tiki sign "Island Pineapple, Haleiwa Oahu".The pineapple and letters are raised (hand carved).

This great piece of handycraft measures 16 inches long by 10 inches wide

49.95 at

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Vintage_Island_Pineapple_Tiki_Sign_p/dpt526740.htm

 

Thank you so much for stopping by.

As always Have a Beach of a Day!

Come visit me at www.lifezabeach.net

 

 

 

Surf and Turf Christmas Dinner

A complete coastal styled Christmas dinner

 Planning a coastal christmas dinner? I searched and found some festive seafood recipes perfect for the holiday season. Use all of them and create your entire menu or just sprinkle in a few and create a new holiday meal tradition.  All recipes are from www.Allrecipe.com

 

 

Merenges

A Puerto Rican recipe

  Makes 50 cookies.

4 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Directions

1.Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2.In a large clean glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to whip to stiff peaks. Fold in the lemon zest. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
3.Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they peel off of the sheet without resistance. Cool on wire racks, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

 

 

Healthier Marinated Grilled Shrimp

Appetizer

  Makes 6 servings.

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
skewers
Directions

1.Stir garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, and red wine vinegar in a large bowl. Season with basil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add shrimp to the bowl and stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once or twice.
2.Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
3.Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near tail and once near head. Discard marinade.
4.Cook shrimp on preheated grill until opaque, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

 

 

Grandma's Oyster Stew

A holiday tradition

 Makes 4 servings.

2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 shallots, minced
1/2 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
24 freshly shucked oysters, oyster liquor reserved
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
sea salt to taste
1 pinch sweet paprika
1 cup oyster crackers

Directions

1.Stir butter and garlic in stockpot over medium heat until butter begins to brown. Remove garlic and discard.
2.Stir shallots into browned butter. Cook and stir until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
3.Pour sherry over shallots in the stockpot and bring to a boil while scraping any browned bits off of the bottom of the pot. Simmer until liquid is reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes.
4.Pour reserved oyster liquor, milk, and cream into the stockpot; bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in oysters; cook until oyster edges begin to ruffle, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5.Stir in parsley; season with sea salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sweet paprika and oyster crackers.

Cook's Note:
If using canned oysters, drain the oysters over a bowl to collect the liquid. Use this liquid in place of oyster liquor.

 

 

Grilled Salmon

Surf

 Makes 6 servings.

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions

1.Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2.In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3.Preheat grill for medium heat.
4.Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

 

 

Raisin Whiskey Steak

Turf

 Makes 4 servings.

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup Canadian whiskey (such as Crown Royal®)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 (12 ounce) boneless beef sirloin steaks
1 teaspoon canola oil
Directions

1.Place raisins, whiskey, and brown sugar into a resealable plastic bag.
2.Place steaks into the bag, coat with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 10 to 30 minutes.
3.Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
4.Transfer steaks and marinade to the hot skillet.
5.Remove raisins from the skillet with a slotted spoon once they have plumped, about 5 minutes; set aside.
6.Cook steaks until they are beginning to firm and are hot and slightly pink in the center, 5 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
7.Serve the steaks with the raisins.

 

 

Lobster Mashed Potatoes

My personal favorite

 Makes 4 servings

water
salt
1 (2 pound) lobster
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup cream, or more as needed
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions

1.Preheat an oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
2.Combine the water with 2 tablespoons salt in a large pot; bring to a boil
3.Plunge lobster into boiling water, cover the pot, and return the water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a simmer until the lobster becomes bright right, about 10 minutes.
4.Remove the lobster from the water and set aside to cool.
5.When cool enough to handle, clean lobster and pull out tail meat, reserving the tail shell. Crack claws and remove the meat.
6.Chop the tail meat coarsely and reserve with the intact claw meat in a covered dish; keep warm in the preheated oven.
7.Put about 1 inch of water in the bottom of a saucepan with 1 teaspoon salt; bring to boil.
8.Add potatoes to the boiling water; top with intact lobster tail shell.
9.Cover the saucepan and return the water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook at a simmer until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 30 minutes.
10.Remove lobster shell and discard.
11.Drain the water from the saucepan.
12.Reduce the heat to low. Gently shake the pan over low heat to dry the potatoes.
13.Add the butter to the potatoes and mash until no lumps remain.
14.Add cream until you get your preferred consistency
15.Fold in reserved chopped lobster meat.
16.Sprinkle with paprika to serve.

 

Green Beans with Almonds and Caramelized Shallots

Savory and sweet

 Makes 6 servings.

1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
3 tablespoons butter
5 small shallots, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
Directions

1.Place the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over low heat, and cook and stir constantly until the almonds are lightly toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully, because they burn easily. Remove the almonds and set aside.
2.Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the shallots and red bell pepper until softened, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the shallot mixture with sugar, salt, and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the shallots caramelize, 5 to 8 minutes.
3.Place a steamer insert into a saucepan, fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer, and bring the water to a boil. Add the green beans, cover, and steam until just tender enough to pierce with a fork, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the green beans, place them into the skillet with the shallot mixture, mix well, and gently stir in the toasted almonds.

 

Pineapple Mango Pie

Yummy!

 Makes 1 9" pie.

4 1/2 cups mangos, peeled and sliced
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple juice
5 tablespoons instant tapioca
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
Directions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
2.Mix the mangos, drained crushed pineapple, white sugar, brown sugar, apple juice, and tapioca. Let stand in a bowl for 20 minutes.
3.Pour filling into the unbaked pie shell, and dot with butter or margarine. Cover with top crust, and seal edges. Cut slits in top of outer crust.
4.Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until bubbles burst slowly and crust is a nice golden brown color. Let pie cool, and serve at room temperature.

 

Eggnog Extreme

Very Rich!

 Makes 20 servings.

12 egg yolks
2 cups white sugar
1 (750 milliliter) bottle white rum
1 quart half-and-half cream
1 quart heavy cream
12 egg whites
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions

1.In a large bowl, combine egg yolks, 2 cups sugar and rum. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
2.Stir half-and-half into cooled yolk mixture. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; set aside.
3.In a separate clean bowl, with a clean whisk, whip egg whites until thick, then gradually add sugar and whip until peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the egg whites, then fold into the yolks mixture. Sprinkle top with nutmeg.

 

                                                 Serve with a hand carved Hawaiian bowl.

                                                                Exotic Tableware

 

 

 

 

Visit www.lifezabeach.net for all of your unique coastal, tropical and nautical decor.

 

Create a coastal Christmas table

 Have a coastal Christmas with you table setting. I found some great table accents to help you along.

Above picture by Sherri's Jubilee

http://sherrisreadingjubilee.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

 

 

I love the crispness of sandy tablecloth. The bamboo runner is the perfect subtle accent.

The seaside serenity table

http://nauticalcottageblog.com/2012/12/seaside-holiday-table-idea/seaside-serenity-table/

 

 Want to make your own accents? The seashell co. has an excellent varity.

http://www.seashellco.com/large-decorating-seashells-c-399.html

 

 

Cool Blue setting. Find out where to create this refreshing table setting.

Seasonal Settings

http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/seasonal-settings-00400000000489/

 

 

 What a perfect way to serve your wine!

Life's a Beach

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Beach_and_Nautical_tableware_s/1828.htm?searching=Y&sort=1&cat=1828&show=100&page=1

 

I love the simplistic elegance of this napkin ring.

By giftsandstars

http://www.etsy.com/listing/108156022/starfish-napkin-ring-holder-beach-home?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=coastal+beach+napkin+rings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

  These shabby beach candle sticks are perfect for your table.

Life's a Beach

http://www.lifezabeach.net/Beach_and_nautical_lamps_and_lanterns_s/1837.htm?searching=Y&sort=1&cat=1837&show=100&page=1

 

Maka Kalikimaka

From Life's a Beach

www.lifezabeach.net

 

 

A handcrafted coastal Christmas



Are you looking for unique coastal Christmas decorations with a touch of class and elegance?  This is a collection of  web sites dedicated to handcrafted coastal decorations and decorating ideas. I hope that you get as inspired as I have.

 

I found this on Interior design room and fell in love with it. It is so easy to make! These beauties would be a fun and inexpensive project for the kids or a christmas party.

http://interiordesignroom2013.blogspot.com/2012/10/easy-christmas-tree-ornaments-2012-ideas.html

 

 Luxury Interior Designs Journal by Interior Designer Laura Bielecki B.I.D. She has an entire section on DIY coastal Christmas decorations.

 http://www.laurabielecki.com/blog/page/15/

 

 

You can buy this on Renee's Etsy shop Ragwreath Boutique. I love the color of this it just looks so vintage and shabby beach!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115861030/christmas-starfish-rag-wreath-winter?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=christmas+beach+decor&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=XX&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all

 

 

 Another great Etsy find. This beach cottage wreath can be purchased at Judy's shop Justbeachynow on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/101103223/beach-decor-seashell-wreath-knobby

 

 Whimsical handcrafted outdoor and garden lights. I had way too much fun checking out Lori's Lighted D'lites!

http://www.lorislighteddlites.com/item-detail.asp?part=4003&category=Water

 

 

Maka Kalikimaka!

From Life's a Beach

www.lifezabeach.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Have a Beach of a day!

Creating a Beach or Nautical Room

Whether you live in the mountains or seaside, beach and nautical themed rooms are becoming a favorite design.
Color is extremely important to create a feel of the ocean. Blues, whites, soft greens, along with splashes of red and yellow are the colors that should be used. For a fresh and crisp look, choose softer colors for your walls and accent in navy blue, red and yellow.
Prefered flooring is hardwoods and tiles. I personaly like to use natural stone (travertine is a perfect light stone with neautral characteristics) or lighter hardwoods (birch, beech, or woods stained in a light finish). Every room should have a rug to designate the focal area of the room. Bamboo is a no brainer, but you can also use woven pattern rugs in bright colors. A side note on rug size is don't go too small. A 5x7 is an entryway size and should not be used when dealing with rooms. The beginning size to use in a room is 8x10. I will post more on how to choose a rug size in another lens.
Furniture and fabrics should be a mix of texture. Rattan and wicker are always winners for furniture frames. But if you prefer the more traditional frames, make sure that your fabrics have different textures. On sofas, I like to use a solid base color with pattern accents pillows. Good solid colors to use on your sofa are white, red and of course blues. Choose printed chairs to bring excitement into the room. Cotton fabrics have the most vibrant colors.
When choosing accent tables, there are many nautical looks to choose from. I like the stand by captains trunks for your cocktail table, but glass top tables bring an airy feel to the room. Painted or natural wicker or rattan tables are a good addition. Mix up your side tables with pieces that you love. The rule of matching all of your tables in a room is long gone.
Accessories are what make the room speak to you. There are mulitudes of beach and nautical accesssories to choose from. Oars and ship wheels are a must in nautical decor along with model ships. Seashells, lighthouses, and beach or ocean life are a good start in a beach design.
When it comes to accessories, go with what you love. I love the rooms that mix beach and nautical with a splash of tropical decor.
Your home is your haven from the outside world and should be pleasing to you.
The most important thing when designing any style room is to have fun with it.
You will find rugs, accents and accessories for a beach, nautical, or tropical decor at Life's a Beach
http://www.lifezabeach.net/