Kayaking Near Tampa Bay...My Shameless Plug

It's not uncommon for me to promote new projects I'm working on here on the blog.  However, in the interest of full disclosure, I want to be clear that my husband and I own Island Kayak Tours.

As you know, Simply The Good Life is all about living the life you want to live with as little stress and chaos as possible.  So, it should be no surprise that when Mr. Good Life and I decided life was, once again, becoming something it shouldn't, we made a change.  I realize some of you might be thinking, "Owning a business can be VERY stressful and chaotic."  Yes, it can be, but in a much different way.  As a business owner, you are in control...and that makes all the difference.

It's hard to feel the stress and demands of owning your own business when you're on the water.  Paddling through shady mangrove tunnels, and pulling up to the sandy island beach just have a way of melting away your troubles.  I mean, really, how hard can it be to get up for work each day when that is the view from your kayak office?!  As the old saying goes, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

I encourage each of you to find your passion, and make it your livelihood.  Of course it won't be easy, and it may take a few tries to find a way to make your dream profitable, but persistence pays off.  Take control of your life and your happiness.  Live your good life, simply.

If you happen to find yourself in the Tampa Bay area, please look us up and come out for a tour.  We offer guided and self-guided (read as rental) tours through Shell Key Preserve, leaving from Tierra Verde, which is near St. Pete Beach.  We'd love to have you!

-Karissa

Sea Shell Picture Frame

As I mentioned in this week's Mid-week Morsel, Beach Fun, one of my family's favorite beach activities is shelling.  Any time we are on the beach at least one of us is bent over looking at shells.  In the last year, we have amassed quite a collection.  We also love watching the sunset.  I can't tell you how many pictures of sunsets we have saved on our computer and phones.  There is truly no better way to end the day than standing on the beach, watching a beautiful sunset with the ones you love.  This seashell picture frame DIY is a great way to preserve those treasured moments.

Start with any picture frame.  Repurpose an outdated one in your
 home, or pick up a cheap one from a yard sale.  The uglier the better.

If your frame is dark, like mine was, I recommend
 painting it a lighter color.  I found small can of peachy
 tan in my shed...perfect!

The picture turned out a little dark, but the next step
 is to coat the frame with glue (I used regular school
glue), and cover the frame with sand & a sprinkle of
glitter.  The glitter helps the sand sparkle like it does
in the sunshine.  I used sand from my yard, but you can
buy sand at craft stores or at home improvement stores.

Hot glue your shells around the frame.  I found it helpful
 to lay the shells around the frame to see how they would
fit and look before I started gluing.  Finally, add a picture
from your memorable event.  This sunset was on my
husband's birthday last year.

Decorating frames not only with shells, but any other object is a great way to enhance the memories you've captured on film...or in pixels.  It is also a great way to display collections.  Rocks, bottle caps, or any other small object can be used to decorate a frame.  What will you use?

Karissa

Mid-week Morsel: Beach Fun (and education)

For many people the summer is quickly coming to an end.  Families are heading to the beach to soak up the last of the summer sun.  Two favorite activities at the beach are building sandcastles and looking for seashells.  This week's mid-week morsel highlights two resources for taking sandcastle building and shelling to a whole new level.  First, Delray Beach, Florida has a very informative section on their website which explains all about sandcastles and the physics behind them.  And then, Seashells.org has an extensive seashell & sea creature identification guide.  Be sure to bring some of the shells you find home with you; this Saturday's post shows you how to preserve your favorite beach memories.

Karissa