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No matter where you live, winter requires extra preparation when you’re eager to get out on the water. With colder air and water temperatures, it’s essential to have a safety plan in case of a boating emergency. Here are five tips that could save your life this winter.  1. Wear a lifejacket. Sure, they’re not very stylish. Or maybe you’re a strong swimmer, and you don’t think you need one. Whatever the case for your resistance, remember that it’s much easier to be prepared for the worst than to scramble for a lifejacket at the last second. Make sure your lifejacket fits properly and inflates correctly. Wear it at all times.  2. Have a solid method of communication.On a boat, you should have a marine-brand VHS radio and a handheld GPS. This will allow you to call for help and report your location. Don’t rely on your cell phone, as they don’t always have service in the areas you might be visiting...

Boats face a variety of potential maintenance problems. However, there’s an even higher chance of something going wrong during the off-season. Because of this, boat owners need to properly winterize and care for their boats when it’s cold outside. If it’s your first time winterizing your boat, consult both your owner’s manual and a knowledgeable professional to assist you.  1. Clean your boat thoroughly. Before you store your boat, make sure it’s clean. Pressure wash the hull, remove any stray barnacles from the propellers, and inspect every inch of the boat’s interior. Depending on your winter climate, you might need to install a dehumidifier to limit moisture levels inside your boat.  2. Change the engine oil.It’s crucial to take care of your boat’s engine, since it’s the most important part of your boat. First, check the oil levels. Your boat’s oil should be changed every 50-100 running hours. While you’re changing the oil, check for leaks and other alarming signs.  3. Take care...

Florida is the boating capital of the world and contains more registered boats than any other state in the U.S. If you’re planning a boat-cation this year, make sure to check out these beautiful Florida destinations! 1. St. Augustine St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest city and first seaport. Rich in cultural and historic significance, St. Augustine is an incredible place to explore. The city also has top notch marinas.  2. Fort LauderdaleAlso known as the Yachting Capital of the World, Fort Lauderdale is absolutely stunning. It’s also a great launching point to cross over to the Bahamas. If you can visit during the International Boat Show, you should absolutely make the trip. It's the largest in-water boat show in the world, and it’s always an impressive event.  3. Key WestThe Southernmost City is unlike any other destination in the U.S. With beautiful sunsets, delicious seafood, blue water, and friendly locals, what’s not to love? It’s only a 70-mile crossing to Dry Tortguas National...

Finding the right person to do work on your boat is a process. However, it’s an extremely important one! You get what you pay for, and this is never more true than when you’re hiring a home contractor. Invest time and energy before you hire someone by checking the contractor’s credentials and requiring a written contract. These four tips will help you avoid problems down the road.  1. Do plenty of research. Ask potential contractors for copies of their license, insurance and bonding capacity, and then verify the given information is current and correct. Ask for references, and thoroughly vet them. Look online for news articles, customer reviews, and violation reports.  2. Be cautious of bargain bids.Try not to judge a contractor solely on his price. Low bids aren’t necessarily the best deal. They’re probably low for a reason. Low bids are sometimes on par with a lower level of service, and that’s certainly not what you want. At the same time,...

Visit the theater… A Motown Christmas: Get in the holiday spirit with this festive show from The Westcoast Black Theatre featuring hits from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes. Playing through December 20th at the Sarasota Opera House. Deck The Halls: A Holly Jolly Holiday:  Bring the entire family to this fun show about the holidays! Kid-friendly. Playing through December 28th at the Florida Studio Theatre Children’s Theatre. Bright Star: Enjoy a lighthearted musical about a successful literary editor by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Playing through January 12th at the Florida Studio Theatre. A Classic Crosley Christmas: Experience a blast from the past with an evening full of theater, storytelling, and music. Playing through December 22nd at Powel Crosley Estate. Outlaws and Angels: Enjoy hits from Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton. Playing through March 29th at the Florida Studio Theatre. The Sound of Music: If you’ve never heard about the infamous von Trapp family, this is a must! Beautifully sung...

You don’t have to wait for your next island getaway to surround yourself with fresh fruit, palm trees, and coastal decor. These five tips will help you create your own enjoyable paradise right at home in Sarasota.  1. Go neon. Neon paint will boost the tropical vibes of your interior. If you’re wary of committing to paint, use neon lightbulbs, or invest in a neon sign.  2. Display your coastal treasures. Whether you collect maps, sea glass, or seashells, display them proudly in your home. Nothing screams paradise like a seashell collection peppered with beachy photos and tropical houseplants.  3. Invest in wicker. Tropical lifestyles are all about casual relaxation. That’s why wicker is so prominent in coastal homes! Wicker is a laid-back yet classic type of furniture. Throw some woven pieces into your decor, and you’ll be on your way towards island living.  4. Go wild with wallpaper. Wallpaper can totally change the feel of a room. If you want your home to be more tropical,...

The holidays are here again, and that means twinkle lights, snowflake decorations, and candy canes galore. With so much going on during this festive season, it’s important to remember that accidents happen. Buying gifts and preparing for guests can be stressful, and when people are frazzled and overwhelmed, injuries and disasters can occur. In order to avoid accidents from occurring in your Sarasota home this year, follow these three safety tips.  1. Wrap carefully.Wrapping presents and hanging ornaments is a vital part of the holiday season. Be careful, though, when you’re handling scissors and paper. Lacerations can easily happen if you aren’t. In order to avoid potential cuts, take your time, supervise children carefully, don’t hang fragile ornaments on low tree branches where kids and pets can break them, and clean up any unexpected messes immediately.  2. Lift correctly.It’s common to travel during the holidays, which means heavy luggage and lots of lifting. And with guests coming to visit, it’s important to...

Decorating for the holidays is guaranteed to get you in the spirit. Transforming your space into a festive wonderland is a blast...and if you spend a significant amount of time on your boat, why not go all out? Here are four easy ways to decorate your boat with some holiday cheer. Shop off season.The best time to buy holiday decor and decorative lights is the day after the holiday. It can also work in your favor to shop during sales and off-season, though. HomeGoods, Michaels, and thrift stores typically offer great finds throughout the year. Local vendors and craft fairs are also great resources. Integrate multiple themes. Focusing on just one theme can be overwhelming. Integrating multiple themes and blending together complementing colors is a better option. For example, white and blue are both excellent colors for Christmas. Connect each room. There should be one constant that connects each area of your boat, such as silver tinsel or green garland....

Whether you’re hosting a few guests for the entire weekend in Sarasota or having the whole family over for dinner on the big day, there’s a lot of preparation to be done! From setting up the guest room to preparing a delicious feast, there are several ways you can make your job as “host with the most” easier. Here are seven holiday hosting hips to get you through the season. 1. Cook ahead of time. Food preparation is key during the holidays, especially when you have a house filled with guests. Desserts, snacks, and easy meals will be extremely convenient to have on hand.  2. Stock your pantry. Stock up on foods that guests can snack on, such as cereal, chips, crackers, granola, nuts, and bread. If you want to go the extra mile, set snacks out in the kitchen with bowls, silverware, and napkins. This way, your guests can easily help themselves without having to inquire where everything is. 3. Write...

What scents come to mind during the holidays? Hot apple cider, pine trees, and pumpkin pie are just a few examples. Cinnamon, vanilla, and peppermint are also popular. These wonderful smells evoke holiday memories, sweet nostalgia, and cozy goodness. So, how do you safely fill your boat with these delicious, festive scents? Here are six tips.  1. Use fresh greenery.Arrangements filled with winter foliage are perfect as holiday decor. Real greenery sprinkled with sage, rosemary, or pine will pack a real punch in the saloon. 2. Light a candle. The easiest way to set a holiday mood is to light a scented candle. However, be extra cautious about where you place the candle, and make sure you blow it out before you close up your boat. 3. Bring some baked goods on board.There’s nothing better than the aroma of freshly baked cookies, banana bread, or apple pie. This is a perfect way to make your boat smell delightful. Bonus, you’ll have...