Mother's Day Ideas 2013

Happy Mother's Day - 2013

What better way to tell Mom you love her, than by allowing her to

experience the beach on Mother's Day?

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." -Abraham Lincoln

Everyone has a mother.  We're reminding you of this because Mother's Day happens to be just around the corner, and we sincerely hope you've got plans to show your mom how much you appreciate her. If you haven't figured out a strategy, we're here to help get you on the right track by providing mother's day gift ideas for moms with different interests because it can be tough to find the gift that is just right.

Homemade gift certificates - Take a pen, some colored paper and start creating gift certificates she can redeem for a lunch, a visit, a shopping trip, a certain number of phone calls, whatever your mother enjoys. Maybe she wants you to weed the garden, put that in as well.


A gesture of love – There are lots of reasons you love your mother. Write some of them on small pieces of paper, fold up the papers and send her a box with the papers inside. She’ll be opening them for hours, stopping to smile as she unfolds each one.

Call her up and sing a silly song that triggers a pleasant memory. – It could be the theme to Sesame Street or a song your family sang while driving on family vacations. Be prepared for a scream if you launch into “99 Bottles of Beer.”

Flowers - Predictable? Yes. Lovely? Yes. A good last minute gift idea? Yes. You can check the Milton Patch directory, find a florist and then get your mom some flowers.

Chocolates, candies or other sweets – Say no more. this is a quick and easy gift for last minute shoppers. Just make it chocolate.

Cook something special - If you can't get a reservation at your mom’s favorite restaurant, cook her dinner at your house or maybe just whip up a special treat like Magical Chocolate Cookie Bars.

Have a Memorial in Your Mom's Name - Plant a tree in her yard or yours to honor her.

Give her a memory book - Better give her a note that this one is coming. There are many online services that will help you turn those files and folders of photos into books that your mother can show to her less computer savvy friends. This gift may be the best, and is the most time-consuming.

OR LAST BUT NOT LEAST.....

TAKE HER TO THE BEACH!!!! 

Destin Beaches are pristine and beautiful this time of the year.  It still is somewhat quiet and much privacy available.  The vacation crowds haven't arrived yet, so why not call us today and reserve a home for Mother's Day week!  Or if she can't make it this week, give her a gift certificate for the week of her choice.

Call us today to help out with Mom!

877-736-8350

May is for Memories!

Mother's Day occurs in May.  Schools let out in May.  And what we like about May is that's when the Vacations Start.  Summers are made to share with your friends and family and make lifetime memories.  I came across this sweet picture of my cousin and wanted to share as a reminder.

In all of our busy schedules, what to give Mom for Mother's Day, all of the graduations to attend, and making sure the final plans are in place for our family vacation, don't forget those that we do all of these things for.

Make sure you tell that special friend, son or daughter, grandmother or aunt just how very special they are!  Don't allow life to get so busy that you lose the vision of just how awesome it really is!

Life is Good!

www.beachviewvacationrentals.com

Spotlight on Spring Events in Destin!

SPOTLIGHT on SPRING EVENTS in DESTIN!!

April 18 - 21: 27th Annual Sandestin® Wine Festival

May 17-19: Sandestin® Beach Bicycle Tour

ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boat Poker Run

May 11, 2013

20th Annual ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boat Poker Run begins and ends at Shalimar Yacht Basin. Boaters cruise to several local ports, visit the Casino Room and party at Shalimar Yacht Basin. The top three poker hands win valuable prize package. Entertainment will be provided. 850.863.9082.

Cinderella - Because Glass is SO in fashion for 2013!

April 19th and 20th (Friday/Saturday)

Glass is SO in fashion for 2013 and the Rocky Bayou Christian School Fine Arts Department will present Rogers & Hammerstein's enchanted edition of Cinderella at 7 PM in the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Tickets go on sale at the school in April and at the door for the show. Call 850.678.7358 or email hoodt@rbcs.org.

June 19 - 23: The Ultimate Fishing Tournament

Escape for the Holidays to the beach!

Ocean Front Escape for the Holidays!

Door opens to Beach! Luxury Location!

Our Gulf Front Home with Private Pool, Sundeck, Elevator in Destin, Florida is just a quick walk to the Outlet Mall.  A great location to finish all of your Christmas shopping.  All Bedrooms are Gulf Front, as well as the Living Area and Kitchen. 

Make your reservation now and enjoy watching the dolphins play from all the rooms in this home. Plan your Holiday beach getaway or family reunion in this beach home where the golf courses are within 2 miles. Enjoy the outdoor grill and upgraded Kitchen at this Luxury Beach Home.

 Roof Top Sundeck where you will find chaise lounge chairs and

the most incredible views of the beaches of Destin, Florida.

  The best place to spend Christmas Eve watching Santa

delivering all of the presents to the good girls and boys!

Merry Christmas from Ocean Front Escape!

www.beachviewvacationrentals.com



Empowered Through the Tough TImes

Through the Holidays, times can be stressful and tough.  I came across this article and just had to share.  Hope you read it and feel empowered to change your attitude and tackle the tough times!

 

How Your Attitude Can Get You Through The Tough Times

Life’s tough right now! The economy is very rocky, people are losing jobs, companies are closing, people can’t pay their mortgages or they move in order to live somewhere that is less expensive. It even impacts the kids when there are a variety of cuts for the classroom budgets and it’s harder to get student loans to attend college. But why is it that some people come through all of this “on their feet” and others launch into a very difficult downward spiral?
Well, attitude can play a big part in all of this. If you’re one of those people who is more “empowered”, you’re more likely to be able to work out some more positive solution to your problems. However, if you always feel stuck, powerless, or a victim, you will very likely have a much harder time of it.
What does “empowerment” mean? The saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” sums it up. This means that when something negative comes your way, you focus on some sort of plan to work through the problem. For example, if you were facing job loss, you’d start looking for another job even before your first job was over. But, perhaps even more importantly, you’d start to look at a variety of ways to make money. These might include some sort of self-employed business, reducing expenses, selling some assets, changing living arrangements, etc..
The opposite of “empowerment” is “powerless”, meaning looking ahead and only seeing a looming disaster that you can’t stop or control. In the same impending job loss scenario, the person becomes panic stricken, so anxious they can’t sleep, they feel stuck and don’t know what to do. They feel emotionally quite small or young and wish someone would come rescue them, like their parents did when they were young. But sadly, this rescue rarely happens. Certainly there are exceptions to these scenarios but, in general, these are happening everyday for a multitude of people.
So what’s the solution? It’s to take charge of your life in a variety of ways. It’s a different way of looking at your situation than before. Consider the following two examples. One, your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol and need to take a pill, perhaps for the rest of your life, to control it. You say OK and, thus, have given up your power. The other approach is to refuse the pill and ask what can be done to reduce your cholesterol without medication. You could also look on the Internet to learn more about controlling cholesterol. In a second example, an elderly person starts to feel unsteady on their feet and becomes worried they might fall. They cut back on their walking and sit more, perhaps giving up some of the activities they used to enjoy. They become depressed and physically weak and end up falling anyway. Instead, when they notice they’re becoming unsteady, they could begin some sort of very basic exercise routine, such as standing in place, doing seated muscle strengthening exercises, going for gradually longer walks each day, etc. Of course, they should consult their doctor before beginning any more rigorous exercise and may want to consult with a physical therapist or personal trainer about the proper exercise routine for them so as not to injure themselves with the wrong type of exercise. The point is to take charge of your life to move it in the direction you want it to go.
To apply this attitude change to our difficult economy, start to think of what can be done to slow the outflow of money needlessly. This could include, cutting back on electricity use, conserving water, using coupons at the grocery store, doing more entertaining at home such as hosting a pot luck, or even taking up pursuits like sewing or knitting to save money on clothing. It could even mean moving to a smaller house or apartment, getting a smaller more efficient car, or taking public transportation and either selling your car or leaving it at home. It’s opening up your thinking to the bigger picture of “having more money” to pay for your monthly expenses rather than simply “having a job” to pay those expenses. You thus have a much wider range of ways to make that money.
Don’t try to do everything on your own!! Talk to your spouse/partner, family, co-workers, friends, therapist, clergy, or anyone else who may be able to give you a different approach. The whole idea here is that by interacting with someone else about a problem, they may have information that you don’t have and it will help you solve the problem. They may be able to give you job leads, discuss a career change, help you tap into some extra money, as well as simply being emotionally supportive of your situation. Don’t underestimate the value of that support!!
In the case of a job search, after you’ve exhausted, for the time being, any job prospects in your chosen field at your similar job level, expand your search to include jobs that may pay less or be in a different field or only be part-time. The positives are that you have income, you may be able to receive healthcare benefits with this new job, you’re making new contacts, and it always seems easier to find a job when you’re already working.
Moreover, think of the wide variety of jobs you could do on your own while you’re trying to get a full-time position. What are your skills? Do you have some general skills so that you could be a handyman, gardener, house-sitter, manage an elderly person’s finances, provide help to the elderly, take in washing, house cleaning, window cleaning, cook meals, etc.? Or do you have more specialized skills that might enable you to be a tutor, fitness trainer, massage therapist, specialty chef, etc.? All of these ideas, even if not in your usual field of work, are ways to bring in extra income. Check them out!!
How you view and how you approach problem solving is key. Despite all the gloom and doom that’s in the news right now, you can have a chance to move forward in your life. It’s looking at your life as an opportunity for personal growth and achievement by becoming the “empowered” person you’ve always wanted or needed to be but never quite got there. Use these techniques and be the example to your family and friends. Share with them how to successfully handle stress and move forward in a brand new way.

Written by: Dr. Craig Peterson, PhD
Dr. Peterson is a Board Certified Psychologist who make makes house calls in the Glendale/Burbank/Pasadena areas.

Spotlight on Destin October Events

TEN REASONS TO VISIT DESTIN IN OCTOBER

WHAT BRINGS THE MAJORITY OF SUMMER-WEARY TOURISTS TO DESTIN EVERY FALL, THE PROMISE OF SURF AND SUNSHINE ALONG THE EMERALD COAST STRIP OF CRYSTAL SANDY BEACHFRONT THAT STRETCHES FOR MILES. BUT WHEN YOU TIRE OF THE SOOTHING CRASH OF THE WAVES, THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER DIVERSIONS. HERE ARE SEVERAL TO GET YOU STARTED.


1. 34th Annual Destin Seafood Festival October 5th - 7th, 2012. The Seafood Festival is hosted along the beautiful Destin Harbor and the Harbor Boardwalk. With the action of the Destin Fishing Rodeo right in the heart of the Festival, there is lots of excitement along the docks. This is so much more than a festival to us- It is a tribute to the rich history of the Destin Harbor and the Fishing community.

Come join us along the Boardwalk for a great weekend of seafood, live music, arts & crafts and family fun. This three day festival will be full of arts, crafts, music, food, entertainment, fireworks, and excitement for all! It will showcase the Best that Destin has to offer on the Harbor. Stroll along the Harbor Board Walk from one end to the other with over a mile of Festival on the water showcasing Destin's Fishing Fleet, Harbor Restaurants & Bars and breath taking sunsets!

2. Incredible Value - Marking the end of the busy summer season, many of our homes and condos are at lower rates during the fall. This is a fantastic time to visit, where you can enjoy a summer-like entertainment schedule, for a fraction of the cost… saving you more money to enjoy some of the excellent Destin restaurants and attractions.

3. Destin Fishing Rodeo - Established in 1948, The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages. Open every day - October 1st through October 31st.

Over 30,000 anglers compete throughout the month of October & Junior, Teen, Ladies and Senior Divisions with over $100,000 awarded in cash and prizes.

4. Cooler Temperatures & Less Crowded - Beat the heat Destin gets during the peak of the summer season, and don’t worry about dealing with crowded beaches, or long lines and waits at restaurants and attractions along the beach. With most of the kids back at School, fall is a great time to experience the beaches of Destin at a more relaxed pace, and a more comfortable climate.

5. 2012 Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival recently named one of the USA’s top 12 food festivals by Parade Magazine. The 36th Annual Festival will be held October 19-21, 2012 in Niceville, Florida. In addition to mouth-watering foods, snacks and refreshments, the Mullet Festival promises fun and good times for all with high quality arts and crafts, a huge selection of clothing, jewelry and other goods, collectibles and merchandise, carnival rides and booths, cartoon characters, and local and top name entertainment.

6. Stunning Sunsets - Fall is often considered to be the local’s favorite time of the year. It is also one of the best times to witness some of the World’s most incredible sunsets. Something magical seems to happen in the skies when the temperatures drop just after the summer season. Witness the sky turn dramatic shades of hot pink, orange, and glow fiery red. With Destin sunsets as stunning as these, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take stunning pictures!

7. Destin Festival of the Arts - Recognized as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine art shows with over 100 juried artists from around the United States. Other festival amenities feature strolling performers, a bistro food court, continuous entertainment and festival merchandise. Children can discover their artistic flare with hands-on art activities at Art Stop. A Collaborative Art Exhibit showcases over 40 community artists representing students and adults. Festival Hours: Saturday, October 29 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday, October 30 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

8. Henderson Beach State Park – Open 365 days a year, this park includes pristine white sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline that border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Four large and two small pavilions allow for picnicking and grilling. A playground is the first stop on our nature trail and is sure to be a success with the kids. The nature trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet friendly. Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.

9. Baytowne Beer Fest - Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 5th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest October 19 & 20, 2012 from 2-6pm. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor. The main event will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live music will be featured throughout the weekend.

10. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST – BEACHVIEW VACATION RENTALS is located in Destin with many luxury homes and condos that are located right on the crystal sands of the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida! Our homes offer breathtaking views of the gulf and amenities beyond your most luxurious dream! CALL US TODAY AND BOOK YOUR FALL GETAWAY TO THE BEACH!

877-736-8350

15 Things to do in Destin

15 Things to do in Destin

As city grows up, there's plenty here to keep you young.  Now no matter if it is winter, spring, summer or fall, there is always something to do in Destin.


1. Hit the beach. The Emerald Coast’s pristine beaches and jewel-toned waters draw 4.5 million visitors every year. As locals, we are lucky to live in this paradise and it’s easy to take the beaches for granted when we see them every day. So every once in a while, wiggle your toes in the sand and think “There’s no place like home.”

2. Go fishing. When anglers die, they don’t go to heaven — they go to Destin. The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village boasts the largest fishing fleet in Florida to take care of those who live by the rod and reel. The industry has had its challenges over the past year with regulations and the economy, but the captains are still backing into the docks with wahoo, mingo, amberine, mackerel, snapper, shark, blue marlin and other highly-sought species.

3. Find Flipper. If reeling in fish is not your style, admiring the marine life from a glass bottom boat on a guided tour is another way to enjoy what is swimming below. Dolphin cruises catch pods in their natural habitat as the guides give history, stories and fun facts about Destin.

4. Take in some art ... and the arts. The Emerald Coast has loads of talent and plenty of places to show it off. Local artists have incorporated themselves into the scenery at restaurants, galleries and festivals.
5. Walk in the park. Destin parks offer the best in sports and natural recreation. Clement E. Taylor City Park, James Lee Park and Harbor View Park provide views of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin harbor, respectively. If you’re feeling competitive, Buck Destin Park has courts for basketball and tennis. Mattie Kelly Park offers a boardwalk self-guided tour through Destin’s wetlands and Henderson Beach State Park is a haven for swimming, hiking, grilling and relaxing on the beach.

6. Swing a golf club. One of Destin’s main tourist attractions is its world-class golf resorts. Between Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay, there is enough top-notch golfing right here in Destin to satisfy even a PGA tour professional.

7. Visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum. A tour around the museum might be just what your family needs to relax, bond and learn about Destin’s humble beginnings.

8. Get pampered. Living the good life is better when you look the part. And feeling good is a priceless commodity that many of the full-service spas and salons are waiting to give those who want a taste of the pampered life. A makeover or a massage may be just what you need to start looking and feeling your best.

9. Treasure hunt. Christmas shopping in July is no strange feat on the antique circuit. Just ask the ladies at Smith’s Antiques Mall, a collector’s paradise that’s been voted Best Antique Shop on the Emerald Coast.

10. Stroll through HarborWalk. HarborWalk Village is one of Destin’s newest attractions, intriguing visitors as they cross the Marler Bridge. The village is a “festive marketplace” with a New Orleans flavor on the food and drink side of things.

11. Spend the day on 30-A. If quaint little seaside towns are you taste, try walking or biking through the pedestrian friendly and sustainable communities. 30-A is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic, and offers some of the area’s best art.

12. Have some Eco-fun. Eco tourism is a growing market for Destin with all of the natural resources around us. Paddling around the bay and picnicking at the park are two ways to enjoy Destin without harming the environment.

13. Slide into Big Kahuna’s. Big Kahuna’s has the answer to hot summer days in Destin. Get wet with speed slides, raft rides, pools, lazy rivers, and simulated surfing. If you are looking to stay dry, Big Kahuna’s also has bungee jumps, Go-Karts and mini-golf.

14. Get some retail therapy. Shopping in Destin is not for wimps. Destin Commons, anchored by Rave Motion Pictures, Bass Pro Shops and Belk, has over 80 specialty stores in the open-air atmosphere. To the east, Silver Sands Outlet Mall boasts 100-plus designer names. Nearby Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin offers a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and a hopping nightlife scene.

15. Try on water sports or crafts. You don’t have to be a boat owner to enjoy the water. Emerald Coast waters beckon with rentals of kayaks, paddle boards, personal water crafts and surfboards.

WWW.BEACHVIEWVACATIONRENTALS.COM