Coastal Bliss at Home

I don't think we're going to make it to the beach this year. Between camp schedules, camp-outs with friends and My Parents, volleyball tryouts and games, basketball practice, etc., this summer, we can hardly find 2 days to string together to make our annual pilgrimage to our favorite sand, sun, and cool blue water destination . . . Hilton Head Island.

So, instead of stewing, fussing, and indulging in a giant fit of self-pity, I'm bringing the beach to me. And not just for a week. No, way. The beach is coming to me for the rest of the summer.

I had to scrounge throughout the house, but between the back corners of my closet, top shelf of the pantry, and the walls of the rec room, I have found my beach.

These candle holders once decorated a child's birthday party table. A little too bright for my scene of serenity, but a little paint will fix that.

Aaaah, much better.

My beloved Grandma brought these shells to us after a trip to the Caribbean.

I found the basket I needed holding all my bathroom items . . . toothpaste, contact solution, hair clips, hand cream. A quick dump, and I had the place for my shells to live. (So sorry, Man of the House. I know you hate things dumped all over the bathroom counter. )

The basket was a dark brown metal, but a can of cream spray paint made the it more beach-friendly.

This avian pair have been around since I can remember . . . travelling from one home to another as I grew up. If you look closely, you can see gently repaired wings and necks from repeated moves and 40 years of family life.

My Mom just gifted me with them last year. I love the memories they bring and the pretty driftwood they stand on.

Now add some crackled glass votives filled with sand and a candle, light everything up, and transport myself away to coastal paradise.

Who needs 2 days of packing, sand in your hair, sunburns, and 3 days of laundry? I'm having my seaside bliss right here.