It’s Gasparilla!! Arrrrrgh…ye mateys!

Its been a busy week here in Tampa, with our annual Gasparilla Invasion. I love this time of year and our famous Gasparilla pirate parade…a tradition since 1904.

Each year, the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invade our waters and reclaim their victory over the City of Tampa, as was the legend of Jose Gaspar, “the last of the Buccaneers” and his band of marauding and pillaging pirates. Hundreds of these bandits take over our city and then parade through the streets, imbibing a bit of rum along the way. We just love the mayhem and excitement of the day, including the flotilla that follows the tall ship, the Jose Gaspar, which is filled to each crow’s nest with ravenous pirates. And, of course, we all love the bead throwing and doubloons. You can’t help but be caught up in the Invasion!!

As for work at Seaside this week…we Seahag’s were busy planning our pirate parties and didn’t get much work done…I guess it’s a walk of the plank for us mates! We’ll get back on duty…but remember to visit us at www.SeasideDG.com... for many new treasures…we’ll be busy all week adding more coastal décor to the site again.

Out with the old...in with the new...at SeasideDG.com

It’s that time of year when you start thinking about changes you want to make to your home and what you are willing to take on in this new year…creating a garden retreat, painting the guest room, changing out a sofa, or adding a little punch to your current tropical décor….and then ideas, ideas, ideas. What’s new…what’s exciting…I find the old adage, don’t re-create the wheel, definitely applies here. Magazines like Coastal Living and House Beautiful, two of my favorites, are outstanding at presenting new ideas and helping readers bring those plans to fruition.

I especially love the way House Beautiful will present the look of a makeover room and then dissect all of the stages for you…from wallpaper and paints to furnishings, textiles, lighting, and those great little accents. Their February issue is bursting with ideas for every room. We at SeasideDG.com try very hard to find those exciting accents, whether it’s a little something to add to a coffee table or a grand accent piece for your front entryway. You can see some of our latest home accents in the coastal décor category here.

Both of these magazines have incredible websites, as well…and include photo journals of many of their latest makeover projects. This “Colorful Cabana” is an idea plotter itself. Linked from the House Beautiful website, the designer and holder of this exclusive home, Moises Esquenazi, has brought his interior colors by way of his outdoor oasis, through the use of gorgeous color blocked pillows, textured throws and fresh outdoor lighting. (Photograph by Reed Davis). Challenge yourself on your next project but remember you aren’t alone…these sites have some great tools to get your mind processing your designs…and, possibly, check us out for some great new tropical pillows and coastal accents.

Spring begins with Coastal Pillows from SeasideDG.com!

We’ve just arrived home from Spring Market, which I must say was fantastic! I just love this part of the year…new beginnings…fresh things…all new colors! We’ll be having so much added to the site in coming weeks…we are very excited to bring new seaside items to your life. I’ve added a couple of pictures here for your preview of 2010 and hopefully some inspiration for these early planning days.

Each showroom full of wonderful new shades of spring brought out the best of our coastal blues, tropical greens and yellows…even purple and magenta, which remind me of our gorgeous orchids in bloom. This season is going to be as fun as ever. It was all so fabulous.

Of course, pillows are one of the best ways to start your spring change. Just think about your home and lovely furniture with a new set of nautical pillows, some of our coastal pillows or our beach throw pillows…a big change in a small package…part of our change as well. We’ve been shopping around to bring some great new ideas to our website, www.SeasideDG.com, and we are so thrilled to show them off. Check back to our site, often, as we will be adding new items each week, as they arrive.

We’ve also brought in some fresh new bedding for spring, all of which will be added in the coming days and weeks. It’s amazing what a set of new sheets and a new quilt will do to add a fresh appeal to your bedroom. And, such an easy change! We know you’ll fall in love with our coastal bedding… See you soon.