Are you pumped for summer but not for the backyard prep? We have you covered! Embracing the season should be anything but stressful. Here are some ways to fast-track your backyard for summer poolside vibes and serious relaxation.

Think in Color

One of the best ways to welcome summer is by going all in on your color schemes. Think beachy tones or bright, happy hues for a seasonal touch. Coordinated and eclectic color palettes are both on the table but be sure to choose one or the other before going full steam ahead. There are tons of strategies to add color to your backyard but focusing on high-traffic areas is always a smart first step. Use tropical colors on your table or dinnerware to brighten up outdoor dining. If furniture is your thing, colorful pillows or throws let you build on your basics for a fresh spin on seasonal.

Plant Party in the Backyard

Another plant possibility involves exploring your artistic talent with a little DIY. For this project, you’ll need an array of terra cotta planters and acrylic paints in your favorite shades. Go monochromatic for a more streamlined look or treat every piece as an original: the important thing is to have a plan and go all in.

Fancy Feet

Outdoor rugs are another low-key option for backyard beauty. Are you interested in pattern, weather resistance, coverage or comfort? Some styles require more care than others so find out which materials work best for your space. Beyond practicalities, rugs make excellent statement pieces based on size alone. Remember dark colors absorb the most heat so lighter shades provide the right amount of summer chill.

Texture

Texture tends to get overlooked as design elements go. It’s so perfect for warm weather and outdoor spaces that it’d be silly not to use it. Materials like jute, rattan and sisal are rustic yet effortlessly casual for an understated oasis. Bring a coarse weave or tactile touch into the fold for a touch of summer serenity. If you don’t feel the feels when it comes to texture, bold visuals might be a better alternative. Warm vibes have everything to do with full expression and unapologetic prints, so do not be afraid to jump right in. Create your own cocktail of tactile and visual magic for a summer worth remembering.

Backyard Space Savers

Furniture isn’t the only way to use your space wisely. Choose foldable parasols or oversized umbrellas for maximum shade and minimal storage for another win-win. Depending on your individual backyard, a shade sail provides refuge from the sun in the smallest possible package.

Patio Lighting

Final Thoughts

Combining home and summer brings together comfort and tranquility for the best of both worlds. Create your design with simplicity in mind for a chill start to the season. Have any time-saving tips or design hacks to share? Be sure to leave them! In the meantime, here’s to lazy days and balmy nights right around the corner.

It's the first weekend of July and what does that mean? Independence Day weekend! So kick off your shoes and raise those American flags to celebrate 245 years of U.S. Independence! 

Friday, July 2nd, 8:30 PM

Movies on the Halifax

Come to the Rockefeller Gardens this July for Movies on the Halifax! This is a FREE EVENT, just bring a chair or blanket! For more information, you can click here!

Saturday, July 3rd, 10 AM - 9 PM

Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest is taking place this year at the Flagler Executive Airport. Freedom Fest is an event to salute our veterans, both past and present. It features concerts, static vintage and modern military aircraft and vehicles, warbird flybys, plus plenty of food and beverage vendors. The City of Palm Coast will shoot their annual fireworks across the street this year thus adding to the Freedom Fest finale. Gates will open at 10 a.m., followed by an official welcome and opening ceremonies at noon. Free admission and parking at Flagler Palm Coast High School. For more information, you can click here!

Saturday, July 3rd, 6 - 9 PM

Fireworks in the Park

It’s time to come together to embrace picnics, fun, and fireworks on July 3 by celebrating Independence Day with an all-American picnic at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue. Fireworks will be set off around 9:15 p.m. next to City Hall featuring more than 1,000 exploding shells, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale. The event and parking are free. Please check back soon for a full traffic plan.

Bring your blanket, chairs, coolers, and picnic supplies to enjoy this festive family-friendly event starting at 6 p.m. Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray. Food vendors will not be available like in years past. Please do not bring your own fireworks. Observing fireworks in the park offers spectators the ability to practice safe social distancing. Please help keep Central Park beautiful. Remember what comes in must go out. For more information, contact Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323

Sunday, July 4th, 7:30 AM

Celebration Run

This year, the event will take place at the beautiful Princess Place Preserve (on the north side of Palm Coast).  The event include a 4 Mile Run/Walk or 2 Mile Run /Walk on the majestically shaded packed dirt roads. The entry fees are as follows: 

Youth Pricing (1-18 years of age) - $15

4 Mile Run/Walk

May 1-July 3 - $30

July 4 - $35

2 Mile Run/Walk

May 1-July 3 - $25

July 4 - $30

Registration fees are non-refundable.

For more race information, contact Joe Matuszczak at
W: www.RedPointerRunning.com
P: (352) 215-3134
E: RedPointerProductions@gmail.com

Sunday, July 4th, 10 - 11 AM

Fourth of July Main Street Parade

Everyone is invited to Join The Marine Corps League Daytona in Celebrating July 4th on Main Street for the 1st Annual Main Street 4th of July Parade. The Parade will kick off at 10:00 at N. Ocean Avenue and Main Street. The Parade will head West to the Main Street Bridge. For more information, you can click here!

Sunday, July 4th, 6 - 10 PM

Fireworks Over Matanzas 

St. Augustine is having their 4th of July 2021 Fireworks Celebration “Fireworks Over the Matanzas” this year!  Kick off your evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with the Big Band sounds of the All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución. Come early, bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music!

Then get ready for the fireworks over Matanzas Bay…they begin at 9:30pm. Watch the spectacular display set off from a barge in the Bay. The fireworks are choreographed to a rousing soundtrack of popular and patriotic music delivered over an extensive sound system transforming the entire Bayfront.

Avoid the traffic afterwards. Stick around and explore downtown St. Augustine. Grab a bite to eat. Do some window shopping.  Find a place to listen to some music.

Please Note: There will be no satellite parking or shuttle service this year.

You may not bring alcohol on public property; that includes parks, streets, and sidewalks.
Possession of fireworks that explode or leave the ground is illegal and penalized with the confiscation of the fireworks and a citation. For more information, you can click here!

Sunday, July 4th, 8 - 9:30 PM

Independence Day Celebration

Join the City of Ormond Beach for a celebration with music, food trucks, fireworks, and more!
Fireworks begin at 9pm. Admission is free and there will be a bounce house, rockwall, jousting, and more! For more event informaiton, click here!

Have a great weekend!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

How is the last weekend in June already so close? Is it just us or has the month really flown by? Well, if you feel like you need things to do to make these last few days in June fun, then you've come to the right article!

Thursday, June 24th, 6 PM

Comedy Night with Chris Kattan and Friends

This event is a dinner with a side of laughs! Dining will be begin at 6 and stand-up comedy starts at 8. Tickets are set at $95 per person on sale now at 31supperclub.com/tickets. Chris Kattan is best known as one of the longest serving cast members on NBC's 'Saturday Night Live.' In the 8 years Chris starred in the landmark late night program, he became best known for his characters 'Mango,' 'Mr Peepers,' and one of the 'Butabi Brothers' opposite Will Ferrell which was such a hit that the sketch was adapted into the 1998 cult classic, Night at the Roxbury. Kattan went on to star in Corky Romano where he plays the black sheep son in a family of mobsters and played the villain in the Malcolm D. Lee film, Undercover Brother, opposite Eddie Griffin. Kattan starred as a series regular in the ABC hit series, The Middle and had some memorable appearances in the Adam Sandler films Hotel Transylvania and The Ridiculous 6. Kattan trained at Los Angeles' The Groundlings Theater is one of its most famous alumni. He currently tours the country with his extremely popular stand-up act. For more information on this event, you can visit the Facebook event page here!

Thursday, June 24th, 7-9 PM

Full Moon Wine Tasting

Expand your wine palate by tasting over 20 different boutique wines and enjoy an artisan cheese/charcuterie board while listening to music by Ivan Smith at Casa De Vino 57. A fun time for all! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online or by calling the shop at (904) 217-4546. This event sells out so call early for reservations. 48 hr cancellation notice required. For more information about this event, click here!

Friday, June 25th, 6-9 PM

Full Moon Luau

Join the City of St. Augustine Beach for an evening in paradise. Come with the spirit of “aloha” as you celebrate the kick-off to Summer in the first annual Full Moon Friday Luau! Travel with Prince Pele and his Polynesians on an imaginary trip throughout the South Pacific as they perform in a variety of colorful costumes, many traditional songs and dances. Join in the fun as they teach the audience “how to hula” from the island of Hawaii, “swing the poi balls’ from New Zealand and “gather the tropical fruits” from Tahiti. Witness the dynamic performance as the show culminates with a spell binding Samoan Sword Fire Dance. Take a stroll on the historic Beach Pier, enjoy some tasty treats, and peruse the local artist booths offering one-of-a-kind goods for purchase. Friday, June 25th, from 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. Pier Park/Splash Park 350 A1A Beach Blvd. Contact Melinda Conlon for more information: eventspio@cityofsab.or or 904-295-2271.

Saturday, June 26th, 8 PM

Family Movie Night

Join Tobacco-Free St. Johns, the St Johns County SWAT Chapter, and their partners at the Police Athletic League for a FREE Family Movie Night on Saturday, June 26th at Pomar Park in St. Augustine. The event is open to the public at 7:00PM with concessions by the Police Athletic League. The Movie will begin at 8:00PM sharp, so come out with your family, chairs, and blankets! This event is a tobacco, vape, and alcohol free family event! For more event information, you can click here!

Have a great weekend!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, it’s easy to get excited about all the fun activities to explore throughout the summer months! With many restrictions lifted, there are more and more opportunities to get out compared to last year. As we are sure is true for many of you, spending time outdoors or on the road with your furry best friend sounds incredible. So, as you ditch your jeans for shorts and coats for swimsuits, here are ways to enjoy the season and keep your pets safe in the summer.

Pet Safe Sunscreen

The first and perhaps most obvious culprit of injury to both humans and pets during the hotter months is the sun rays that shine down on us. Just like our skin needs to be protected, your best friend is also susceptible to sunburn – particularly on the tops of their noses and the tips of their ears. If you have a pet with a lighter coat, they are especially vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. So just as you cover yourself in SPF, do the same for your pets. However, not just any old sunblock will do! Please be sure that you keep your pets protected by using pet-safe SPF.

Watch the Temps 

The second big thing to look out for is the heat. After all, your companion is wearing a fur coat all year round, which while very stylish, means that they can easily overheat. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, and disorientation. The best way to prevent heat exhaustion is to keep your pets safely inside, away from direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. When they do go outside, make sure that there is plenty of shade available to them.  

You’ll also want to pay more attention to their water bowls, refilling them multiple times throughout the day. If you live in a particularly warm area where temperatures reach over 100 F, consider adding some ice cubes to their water. Overall, it’ll be a good idea to avoid the outdoors during the hottest hours, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM, though this can vary depending on where you live. If you plan on taking your pet outside, make sure to check the temperature of the ground! If the ground gets too hot, it can burn the bottom of your pet's paws. An easy way to check this is to place your palm on the ground in the sun for five to ten seconds. If it's too hot to keep your palm in place for that long, it's too hot for your pet! You can keep them inside until it cools down, or you can buy them some stylish boots to protect their paws. 

Create Shade

If you want to have a day out on the beach or at a picnic and you know that you’re going to be in the sun for a good amount of the day, then it’s a good idea to provide your pet with a cooling vest and (or) a cooling blanket, as well as making sure that there’s a shady spot for them to enjoy with you.

Paws Off People Food! (and Drinks)

For days when you are unleashing your inner grill master at your summer BBQ, it is important to make sure that only adults are eating and drinking whatever is being served. Alcohol can be extremely toxic to pets, so make sure to keep your brews and margaritas safe from the reach of your furry guests. Similarly, you’ll also want to be careful with foods that have bones in them as this can scrape and hurt pets’ throats and internal digestive tracts. If you’re going to give your pets a treat, it’s best to make sure that it’s bone-free or even made especially for them.

Garden Savvy

And now calling all green-thumbed gardening fiends! Several incredible flowers and fruits bloom in mid and late summer, and you should get a chance to fully enjoy them. Along the way, it is also important to be an eco-conscious gardener, opting for pet and child-safe pest control sprays and items. You’ll also want to check out this full list of plants that can be toxic to animals if they ingest them. 

No Pests at the Party

There are pests that plague both us and our furry friends: fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. A popular way to try to avoid these nuisances is to light citronella candles. As you do, be sure to keep an eye on two things: the flame and the wax.  Even small flames can burn your curious pets if they get too close. Additionally, citronella is toxic to pets if ingested- so keep those candles well out of reach.

Last, it is a good idea to talk to your vet and find out what they recommend in ways of flea and tick repellants for your pets, as these can cause big problems for them down the line. Not everything that happens in the summer, stays in summer.

So, as we all come out from our quarantine hibernations to summer’s warm embrace, it’s important to be prepared so that both you and your pet can make the most of what is sure to be an incredibly memorable summer. Let’s pledge to make it memorable for all the right reasons! 

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

We're looking forward to Father's Day this weekend and some fun things to do in the community!  We want to wish all the fathers and father figures out there a very Happy Father's Day and for those who cannot celebrate with their fathers, our hearts go out to you.

We also want to celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19. Juneteenth is a day to recognize the end of slavery and to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans.

Friday, June 18th, 7:30 - 10 PM

The Haunted Cocktail Hour

 Celebrate St. Augustine's historical afterlife, as you enjoy 'creeping' your way through downtown, on this 2.5 hour cocktail tour! The tour includes 2.5 hour of haunted FUN, 3 to 4 venues, a licensed and knowledgeable tour host/paranormal investigator, creepy city exploration on route to each haunted venue, cocktails and ghostly encounters! Tickets are $69 and the meeting place is 24 Cathedral Place Suite #401 in St. Augustine. For tickets and more information, click here! 

Saturday, June 19th, 10 AM - 3 PM

Vilano Beach Market at Airstream Row

Visit Vilano Beach for local shopping, food, and entertainment. The day market experience features budding entrepreneurs and local artisans. Tents and tables socially distanced outdoors with required masks and sanitizers. Hopefull Handbags will be accepting donations of scarves, journals and once-loved handbags. For more informaiton, you can visit the event website here!

Saturday, June 19th, 10 - 11:45 AM

Farm Yoga

Farm Yoga is a fun morning of fresh air, yoga, sweet animal snuggles, and mimosas at Huckleberry Farms! No yoga experience is required for this event. To ensure the safety and best possible experience for all involved, tickets are required for attendance and must be pre-purchased. You can buy your tickets and find out more information here! 

Saturday, June 19th, 12 - 7 PM

Juneteenth Community Cultural Festival

A cultural festival showcasing Black Businesses and Youth talent. Free and open to the community! This Juneteenth we will celebrate 156 years of Black Excellence and Achievement! Lounge chairs are welcome. Come hang out and support our local businesses at the Willie Galimore Community Center in St. Augustine. For more information, you can visit the event page here!

Sunday, June 20th, 6 - 7 AM

Sunrise Solstice Celebration

Join Park Ranger Joe for the Sunrise Solstice Celebration on the beach at Washington Oaks. Come participate in the official beginning of Summer! Listen to stories about the science, myths and legends of the solstice! The first 15 participants will receive a gold medal rose! Meet in the Beach parking lot and bring cash for the park entry fee; $5 per vehicle – limit 2-8 people per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle. For more information, you can visit the website here!

We hope we'll see you around. Have a great weekend!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside