(Feb-14-2012) Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! I hope this day finds you in good spirits. I want to say Happy Valentine Day to my best friend and husband of 40 years! Love you Jim!

The heart is the symbol of love in our culture. Another way the word is used is if someone says to you “Have a heart” you are asking them to be kind and sympathetic. One thing about living on Bolivar is that I have not met one person that did not have a heart! People here on the Peninsula are always ready to help and all it takes is to ask or for someone to find out you are in need and you will be surprised at the people that rally to your aide. Thank you friends for always “Having a heart” when I need you and being the soul of Bolivar! This article… is dedicated to all of you.

When your friends enter your home what is the first thing they feel? Welcome I hope but also comfortable. One thing all of us that live at the beach face is the dreaded sand on our floors. What we love we also can hate! By planning a space by your entry where people can take off their shoes (mandatory at my house) and store them is important. The way the wind blows here no matter how careful you are it will be a guest in your home as well. In the picture I highlighted this week, there is a colorful bench with pull out drawers for shoes and a wonderful hat rack above so those sun hats have a place to stay without getting crushed.

Our “HOW TO” this week is how to make the wonderful hat rack shown in the picture. This rack is made by using a large picture frame and instead of using a picture cut a piece of plywood to fit the frame. Paint the frame and the plywood insert the color that goes with your décor and let it dry very well. Using your ruler and Painters tape, tape off an area in the center of the framed plywood. It is very important to use a tape that will not pull the paint off when it is removed. There are several products at your hardware or paint store that will do the trick. Paint the middle of the area you have taped off a coordinating color that will enhance your room. For the actual hat hangers, you can use unique shaped pieces of driftwood or interesting pieces of dried grapevine. Don’t worry about anything matching; just make sure there is enough of an angle for you to hang your beach hats on. To attach, drill a hole from the back of the plywood just large enough to start a screw. Place your piece of driftwood over the drilled hole and screw the piece from behind. Be very careful that you do not split the wood and make sure you use the thickest part to screw into. If the rustic style is not yours, you can always find some beautiful hooks to attach to your rack. Good luck and make sure you send me your pictures of your finished products.

Below are some sites you may enjoy.

http://oceanstyles.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/seashellsbyseashore?section_id=10078794

Have fun and remember…any day at the beach is a good day!

Live for the warmth of the sun on your face, the sand in between your toes and the taste of saltwater on your lips.

Contact Cindy Clay Srader:
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