It's a Link Party! Join the fun!

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Hey guys! I'm so excited to be co-hosting my first Link Party here on the bog! When Caitlyn asked, it was a quick yes!  :)  Join the fun! xo

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday. This link party is here to aid you in finding not only new awesome blogging friends but followers as well. Share the love, follow the rules, and meet new people!This link-party can be found here every Wednesday.

1- FOLLOW YOUR HOSTS VIA GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT
(the first links in link-up, marked host!)
2-LINK UP USING YOUR BLOGS URL
(please do not use a specific post)
3-FOLLOW OTHER BLOGGERS & COMMENT
(meet new people, make new friends)
4-GRAB THE BUTTON, ADD IT TO YOUR BLOG
(share the linky love, and button up below)
5-SHARE THE WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY NEWS
(tweet, facebook,  instagram & etc about link party)



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Relax In Style - Outdoor Living

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With summer not too far away - it's time to start thinking about upgrading our outdoor furniture. We never have enough seats for when the weekend visitors arrive. What were we thinking when we bought a four seater outdoor table all of those years ago? We must have been mad? At the time we didn't realize that we were going to be a destination holiday house over the summer months. We all cosy up and we can squeeze 8 around the table but it's time to go upmarket with something big, dramatic and stylish. There is some amazing outdoor furniture around these days - even being on a tight budget doesn't limit your options. I am loving these very sleek designer options so I think it's time to start shopping!

PS. A big thank-you for everyone's well wishes and congratulations from yesterday
 - I had a great morning reading all of your lovely comments!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 23-7, 8

Check out Coastal Style on tumblr and Pinterest


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SIT LESS, MOVE MORE!

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Summertime presents as a fantastic opportunity to become more active throughout the day. Everyday, I am sent the latest nutrition and exercise news, and over the past few months, I have been bombarded by studies suggesting that sitting is terrible for your health. I have clients that (understandably so), think that they are active enough because they do a 1 hour spin or cardio class each day. While this is commendable, and much more exercise than most Americans do, it is not enough. In order to lose weight, keep weight off, and prevent disease you must be moving AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE throughout the day!

One hour of cardio does not make up for the other 23 hours of other inactivity during the day. A study released by the British Medical Journal in July pooled data from 5 studies with 167,000 adults and evaluated sitting, TV watching, disease, and mortality risk. By reducing sitting time to <3 hours per day, you can raise your life expectancy by 2 years, and cutting sitting down to <2 hours/day can increase your life by another 1.4 years. The average American sits and watches TV for 5 hours a day, which is associated with an increased risk of diabetes (↑ 20%), heart disease (↑ 15%) and premature death (↑ 13%). By eating and not using your muscles, the sugar is not cleared from the bloodstream, and eventually builds up and destroys cell membranes- therefore increasing your risk of death and disease. Keeping sugar in the bloodstream also keeps insulin levels high, which can put you at risk for diabetes, and also, increased fat storage.

My recommendation: Move as much as you can throughout the day! Try to stand up and move around (at least) every 20 minutes. Walk before you eat and definitely get moving after you eat so the muscles can suck up all that extra sugar in your bloodstream. When you exercise, do so intensely to get the most benefit out of our workout (i.e.: not just a walk or steady-state on the elliptical- add intervals!). Also, don’t let your kids sit and watch TV for long periods of time. Another study published in July linked TV watching when children are 2-4 years old to larger waists and weaker leg strength just by the time they are in 3rd and 4th grades. Early sedentary behaviors and TV watching can set your child up for diabetes and obesity in the not-to-far-off future. If your family wants to watch TV, try to be active while doing so. Have a stationary bike or a mini-trampoline available so that you can move and watch at the same time!


Sources:

Katzmarzyk PT, I-Min L. Sedentary behaviour and life expectancy in the USA: a cause-deleted life table analysis. BMJ Open. Published online June 9 2012.

AMA. 2011 Jun 15;305(23):2448-55.“Television viewing and risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis.” Grøntved A, Hu FB. Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Department of Exercise Epidemiology, Center of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012, 9:87 doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-87
Published: 16 July 2012



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A little about me...

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Hey guys!

I just wanted to pop in and say hi! Aaron and I are working on some reeeally fun projects and I can't wait to share them with you! I'm hoping to have a little sneak peek by the weekend! 

Also, I am truly honored to be the Artist of the Month over on Pink Wonderland. If you'd like to learn a little more...ok...a LOT more about me, pop over! Plus Kelsea has a great blog! She is a total sweetheart, with a passion for art and handmade! I think you'll love her!

I'm hoping to be back later this evening with a special artsy post. (If I can check off my to-do list)

Have a Great Day!
xo Jenny

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One Year Anniversary

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A Big Thanks!

 Just a quick hello to say a huge thank-you.
Today is my one year anniversary of
 'Coastal Style'
and I'm in the mood for celebrating!
I have had so much fun in putting this blog together
and I just wanted to say thanks for keeping me company
on this happy, little blogging adventure!
Thanks for stopping by and an
extra special thanks to those who take the time to say a few words.
I just wanted everyone to know it puts a huge smile on my face!

Oh ... I have another reason for celebrating today -
I just found out I was listed in the top 5 for the
'Best Beach Blog Competition'
by Style-Passport
so thank-you to everyone who went to the trouble of voting for me.
It was a real honor to be on the list! 

Melissah xox

Images via A Creative Mint (edited by Coastal Style)

Check out Coastal Style on tumblr and Pinterest

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Hello Monday...

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Hey guys! How was your weekend? Ours was spent hashing out ideas, planning our week, working on orders, designing, and painting, and we squeezed in some Art Journaling! Isn't Aaron's page so cool? A little exercise in using negative space...and it is in it's early stages. He started to add some color and it looks awesome. I'll share it with you when it's finished. 

I'm all for "pretty"...but sometimes it's about a vibe and a statement. And an Art Journal is the perfect place to play with you more visceral art ideas. I was in the middle of building a layout and really...the words: "Some Things Are Not Important", just appeared on the page in big, maybe a bit harsh lettering. Right over pretty papers, shapes and colors...but it feels totally right.


I'm always on the look out for alphabet stamps, and I found these on ebay for under 5.00! Couldn't pass them up! I love how big they are!


Yep...here is our to-do list for the day/week. More of a rough outline to keep us in check. We kind of jump around and pick away at things.  When you see things as a list it actually makes things way less overwhelming. Even if the list is mega long...I actually say the longer the better. There are no surprises. Or as I put them "wildcards". You can see your "worst case scenario" as far as deadlines and tasks. You can always use different color pen or chalk to prioritize. 

How do you tackle your tasks? I'd love to hear!

Have a Great week guys! 
xo Jenny


P.S.  There's still time to enter this month's FABULOUS giveaway!! 


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Painted Vintage Chic

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Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a coat of paint.

Got an old unloved or unattractive piece of furniture lying around the house or have you picked up a bargain at a flea market or a garage sale in desperate need of a coat of paint and a fresh, new look?

Then pick up a can of Porter's Milk Paint which is a traditionally made paint first used by the Shakers. Milk Paint has a rustic, chalky appearance that delivers beachside style, instantly softening and ageing the look of new furniture and complimenting old. It is made from milk by-products and produces subtle, mellow colours. Choose a colour with references to the sea - ocean blues, turquoise, aqua, chalky white or seafoam. 

For added authenticity add a coat Porter's Crackle Medium to create an instant antique or aged feel. Inspired by the time worn charm of provincial antique furniture and artifacts, Crackle Medium marks any painted surface with the gentle hand of age.

Melissah xox

Inspired by Wabi Sabi Style, additional images via  Coastal Style Pinterest

Check out Coastal Style on tumblr and Pinterest

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Seaside Prints

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Love these pretty seaside prints and stripes
 in pale blues, aqua and white with a dash of red
 - just perfect for a beachside cottage.

Melissah xox

Images via Vicky's Home

Check out Coastal Style on tumblr and Pinterest

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A brand new subscription box for crafty gals!

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I am so so excited to share this with you! Wait a minute...I think I just heard a collective: "yeah Jenny, what else is new?"...But it's true. This box came into my life, and I instantly thought about sharing it with as many people as possible. And that's when having a blog comes in extremely handy. 
I'm guessing most of you have heard about the ultra cool and very popular subscription services such as  Birchbox, GlossyBox, and Glambox...these services cover some of your beauty desires. And this month I introduced you to one of my fabulous sponsors: It's Paper, Dear...which is also a monthly subscription box, but it's contents are...yes, paper of course...and all sorts of crafty bits to get creative with. 
So now let's get to the root of this blog post. The latest thing that I am so so excited to share with you. And that is the box you see above labeled Craftistas. I was contacted by blogger / entrepreneur Camille.  She was excited about sharing her new project/business called Craftistas,  a brand new subscription service that sends it's members a DIY kit each month. And as with other subscriptions, the monthly DIY project will be a total surprise to subscribers! I love these kinds of surprises. Camille asked if I'd like to "test" one out?! Well, ummm..."of course!" was my answer.  


And as soon as I answered in the affirmative I was enrolled like a whirlwind. I got an email containing a shipping confirmation that my box was shipped. It was here within 4 days. Craftistas kits ship from NY and I am in neighboring NJ, so it may be a bit longer for you west coast or overseas peeps. My box arrived today and I felt like it was my birthday! I couldn't wait to open it! And as I said above...Camille didn't tell me what to expect...which is super fun! I don't know about you...but I'm a big big fan of having a box full of surprises show up on my doorstep each month!




My box arrived all dressed up in super cute wrapping. Minty green tissue, bits of washi tape, crinkle cut kraft paper, baker's twine... these just so happen to be some of my favorite things! :)


And then...the actual contents came into view. Once I laid eyes on the elements of this month's kit I was seriously grinning ear to ear! Fringe! Aqua! Gold! White! Yes! 
Again, I had no idea what to expect...and to tell you the truth, this project was way cooler than I imagined. I love how it's not only crafty, but also so on trend for this summer.  



The only outside assistance I needed to bring to my crafty experience was a glue gun, and scissors to trim off stray bits. I swear, I opened up that box and I simply couldn't control myself. I was already down to business/fun within 10 minutes of it's arrival on my doorstep! I grabbed my glue gun, plugged it in, and read through the GREAT instructions! Full color step by step photos and precise descriptions. The whole project took me less than 10 minutes to complete in full. I don't know if every kit will be as "easy"...which if so...that's totally cool with me...and if not...also totally cool. I almost felt like a cookie monster after I realized I was already finished with my kit. I had gobbled it up! Of course you and some crafty pals could all sign up and plan to do some baking, cooking, crafting, chatting...and stretch the project out into a daylong creative affair. Or you could be a crafty cookie monster like me...and eat it all up in 10 minutes flat! 



I'd say that I was/am thrilled with my Craftistas kit! I couldn't ask for more. Well thats not exactly true...I want more more more! But you know what I mean! From shipping time, to the artful packaging, to the glossy instructions, to the ease of creating such a totally trendy and wearable handmade craft...I completely adore it! And I really am so so curious as to what they have planned for the coming months! As a debut kit they knocked it out of the park! This box contains loads of creative fun for a seasoned crafter ( I teach at art events...so I guess that counts as a "profesh" crafter) or the bright eyed new crafty kid on the block.   

And this kit also inspires you to go further. It gives you the creative nudge...the confidence to start and finish a project. After you're done, you know that you could go shopping for all of these supplies...and make multiples of this necklace for friends, as gifts, or even for a handmade swap...or make more for yourself, in a few color ways. Of course it isn't heirloom jewelry that will last decades. It is indeed glued together. But I have purchased inexpensive trendy accessories from stores like Forever 21, The Icing, etc...that had indeed been put together with hot glue. It's trendy, it's for right now, it's for the moment...and it was fun to make it myself! 
I totally recommend Craftistas kits! High Five Camille! 
I adore my necklace!

xo Jenny

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It's time for a Fabulous Giveaway from my lovely July Sponsors!

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Oh my gosh guys!! I am so so excited about all of these amaaazing goodies! I cannot thank this month's sponsors enough for their generosity and overall awesomeness!  One lucky winner will be receiving all that you see here! Yep! You read it correctly...One lucky Everyday is a Holiday reader will be receiving ALL of the following prizes! Let's take a quick peek at what they are...







1.  One month's subscription to It's Paper, Dear! (August)
Repeating monthly features:
A pretty journal for you to doodle, write, and/or collage in. A lovely pen or pencil for you to play in your new journal with, and pretty tapes and office goodies.
But let's not forget the paper...
Everything from note cards to recipe cards, from book marks to book plates. From templates to create the loveliest envelopes on the planet, to DIY paper projects. From stickers and stamps to labels and collage sheets. From scrapbooking and smashbooking supplies to stationery for writing darling letters. And it keeps going. Zie is the gal behind It's Paper, Dear and she just started this subscription service this summer. She is so passionate and excited about it...you have to read the details on her blog...I can assure you that you will be overwhelmed when your box arrives on your doorstep!





2.   A $25.00 gift certificate to the Bake & Destroy shop! Which will afford you one of these Tees featuring the striking Natalie herself, or a pair of these cheeky panties, this hilarious "Less Talk More Tacos" tee...and much more! My friend Natalie has been Baking and Destroying for quite some time, and I always love whatever she's up to at the moment...and oh gosh, if you're looking for a kick butt recipe...Natalie is your girl.  




3.  An adoooorably sweet hand embroidered "Life is short Eat dessert First" hoop from Natalie at Take the Cannoli! Way back when me and Aaron first started selling one of a kind pieces over on Ebay, Natalie was one of our very first collectors. We only recently re-connected through the wonderful world of blogs. Everything Natalie does is touched with sweetness and reminds you to enjoy the sweet side of life. Let this adorbs hoop be a little introduction to Natalie's sweet world.




4.  A $30.00 gift certificate to Windy Springs Art! Which will get you one of Windy's super cool prints! Specializing in Surf art, Frida, and Pin up girls...She's an Artista/Surf Chica from the Pacific Island of Maui...She says she's "stuck to this Rock like an Opiehi in a Northshore Swell!" 
I just love when the art and the artist are one in the same...Windy and her work are inseparable. Love her style. 




5.  And last but certainly not least...a $45.00 gift certificate to the Kelsea Echo Studio shop! Annnnd a 15% discount code! Which is: HOLIDAY 15 ...yeah that's right...I gave away the code before I even picked a winner...and that's because the super generous Kelsea is offering the sale to all Everyday is a Holiday readers, not just the winner. Which is very cool, because you can go to her shop and begin shopping before waiting to see if you win the giveaway, right?! 
In Kelsea's work you can see another example of how closely entwined the art and the artist are...everything is infused with a youthful exuberance.   

Can you even handle this Giveaway?!! I'm so excited for you guys!!

Entering is easy:

Just leave a comment below! (make sure to leave your email address or link to your contact info)

 It's that easy! I'll be choosing a winner at random on August 1st! :)

For extra entries, follow each sponsor's blog and leave a comment (for each) to say that you did!


Good luck!!
xo Jenny

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