Seaside Sisters Fundraiser Fun!

     You guys won't want to miss a minute of the fun at Seaside Sisters this weekend! On top of some awesome sales and celebrations in honor of their 3rd Anniversary, the gals at Seaside Sisters are also having a book signing and coffee tasting!

     Come meet two of Paula Deen's favorite fellas...husband (and author!) Captain Michael Groover and Brandon Branch, assistant to Paula and co-author of Savannah Style! Come out and get your books (and your coffee bags) signed and taste some of Capt. Michael's Full Steam Ahead coffee! We will also have a Mermaid Cottages Table at the shop where you can find out more about the Mermaid Cottages featured in Paula Deen's Savannah style!

  
     This event is also fun for a great cause! We hope for this to be a major fundraiser to benefit the Tybee Post Theater. Our goal is $5000! In addition to the book and coffee bag signing stations, $1 of the proceeds of every coffee bag sold will be donated to benefit the Tybee Post Theater as well! So please make plans to join us at Seaside Sisters this Sunday, October 3rd and have fun while helping us out with a wonderful cause!

Cottage Cocktails a Plenty!

     Holy cow, we are so excited to see how many of you have submitted recipes to the Fish Camp Cottage Cocktail Contest!!  We have six more recipes to share this week! It is going to be very difficult to narrow these down and pick a winner.

Tuscan Breeze

from Roni

Fresh mint leaves

Fresh strawberries

Vanilla vodka

Ginger Ale

-Muddle the mint and strawberries in the bottom of a high ball glass.

-Add a shot of vanilla vodka, then top off the glass with Ginger Ale.

Blueberry Turtle

from Carolyn

Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka

Pineapple juice

Fresh Mint

-Add pineapple juice, crushed ice, and fresh mint to a metal shaker.

-Shake until it gets nice and frosty on the outside...Shaking your Groove Thang is a plus too!

-Pour in tall glasses with a mint leaf and a flamingo straw!

Skip and Go Naked

from Laura

12 oz frozen pink lemonade made from concentrate

12 oz vodka

6 lite beers

-Mix and serve over ice.

Fish Tale Cocktail

from Kimberly

1 6oz can frozen pink lemonade

6 oz vodka

4 peach halves, no syrup

13 ice cubes

-Blend all ingredients in a blender and freeze.

-Serve slush style with 7 Up or Sprite!

Pink Bikini

from Theresa

1 (1.75 liter) bottle raspberry lemonade (Simply Lemonade)

1 3/4 cups coconut rum

1 cup Amaretto Liqueur

-Combine lemonade, rum, and amaretto in a large pitcher.

-Stir well and serve over ice.

Lemon Drop Martini

from Jen

juice of 6 lemons

4 TBsp sugar

6 fresh mint leaves

4 shots vodka

-Mix lemon juice, sugar, and vodka in a shaker with ice.

-Shake well and pour into sugar rimmed glass and garnish with fresh mint.

     Aren't these great? Don't worry, if you haven't joined in the fun, you still have time! The deadline for submissions is October 1st, so make sure you don't miss out and get your recipe in today! Remember, the person with the winning recipe will receive a 3 day 2 night stay at Fish Camp Cottage. Head on over to the Fish Camp Cottage Facebook page to follow the fun, and send your recipe submission to fishcampcottage@yahoo.com!

Mermaid Sighting!

This week we have a Mermaid sighting all the way from North East, Pennsylvania! Melissa and Rob spotted this little lady while shopping. Isn't it sweet to think of a child's very first doll being a mermaid? 

I sure think it is! 

Remember that your mermaid sighting could be featured right here too! Keep your eyes peeled, if you see a mermaid, get a picture and share it with us! You can send your sightings to diane@mermaidcottages.com. Remember to include your name and a little about the location or your mermaid! We can't wait to see your sightings soon!

Southern Cross Cottage Improvements!

     There's been some work going on over at 1716 Chatham Avenue...and we wanted to share the "new and improved" Southern Cross Cottage porch pictures with you!

We just love the inviting atmosphere...and isn't that vintage Tybee sign wonderful!

There are so many nooks and crannies where you can sit and just enjoy the ocean breezes!

Doesn't this picture make you want to grab a friend and relax with a nice cold pitcher of sweet tea? Joe and Sherry did a great job! We hope you make plans to visit and enjoy the changes soon!

Live Like a Local: The Tybee Post Theater

     The Tybee Post Theater is definitely a local treasure. If you don't know about it, let us give you a little background history!

an old post card of the theater

     The theater was built in 1930 on Historic Fort Screven by the U.S. Army, and was in use until 1945. It is said to be one of the first theaters in Georgia to show sound pictures, called Talkies. The fort was decommissioned and in 1947, the City of Tybee acquired the property. Private owners continued operation as a movie theater (then known as The Beach Theater) up until the mid 1960s, when it was finally closed for good.

photo from TybeeIsland.com

     Well thankfully, in 2001, the Tybee Island Historical Society purchased the building, saving it from demolition. The non-profit group Friends of the Tybee Theater acquired the theater in 2006. The restorations began quickly after that in 2007!

     The goal of the group is to create a place for the Tybee community that hosts all sorts of events. Banquets, movies, plays...you name it! The Arts are always an important part of a community's well being. And, of course, that's usually good for the local economy too!
     This October, Tybee Stars FUN-raisers begin all around the island in support of the continued restoration and completion of the Post Theater. These events will run through January and are sure to be loads of fun! Join the community for the first FUN-raiser October 3rd at Marlin Monroe's Surfside Grill...you won't want to miss a minute of this one!  Put on your best costume and participate in the Miley and Mullets Contest! If any one has ever mistaken you for Miley or Billy Ray Cyrus, this is the contest for you! The proceeds go to benefit the efforts to restore the historic Post Theater and give the Tybee community the gift of the Arts for years to come. It is fun for a great cause and we can't wait to see you there!

Sea Turtle Update!

Nest #9 hatched last Friday night! There were 9 volunteers on hand to see all the babies emerge and make their way safely to the water!
     Tammy, with the Tybee Sea Turtle Project, excavated Tuesday and learned more about the nest. There were one hundred and five eggs that hatched successfully out of one hundred and seventeen. She also found seven live babies still in the nest and released them near the water. So, all told, there were 97 little success stories born last week!

     There are only two nests left to keep an eye on for the 2010 season! We are so grateful for the hard work of everyone involved with the Tybee Sea Turtle Project. Make sure to visit their Facebook page and see the amazing videos of the Nest 9 babies they have posted! Truly beautiful footage! To learn more about sea turtles in our area, you can also visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center website. Or better yet, plan a trip! We can't wait to see what the rest of the turtle season will bring!

More Fish Camp Cottage Cocktail Fun!

     The Fish Camp Cottage cocktail recipes are just (enjoy the pun) pouring in! We are really going to have our work cut out for us choosing a winner from all of the wonderful submissions. Here are three more recipes to share; thanks for your submissions Jane, Maureen, and Cynthia!!

Once In a Blue Moon

from Jane

2 oz Amerstan Gin or Sapphire Bombay Gin

1 oz Blue Curacao

Shake well in crushed ice, then strain or serve over the rocks!

Annabelle Lou

from Maureen

2 large tea bags for iced tea

1/2 cup boiled water

4 cups lemonade from concentrate

1/2 cup vodka

ice cubes

8 lemon slices

8 sprigs of fresh mint

-Prepare your tea so it can be cooling.

-Combine your ingredients and serve over the rocks.

-Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice!

The Wilson Anniversary Cocktail
from Cynthia
1/2 oz St. Germain
1/2 oz Mathilde Pear Liqueur
3oz champagne, well chilled

Serve in a champagne flute and enjoy!

     Remember, our deadline for submissions is October first, so you still have time! Send your cocktail recipes to fishcampcottage@yahoo.com or visit the Fish Camp Cottage Facebook page. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Misc Mermaid Mutterings

Oprah is in her last season- The Final Season as they say constantly on the show.  I am so excited because somehow Oprah appears on my TV on this strange channel 3HD2.  I literally have no idea where this channel came from, but I have a 3HD1 and 3 HD2.   The 1 is NBC in high definition ( I adore how bright, shiny and clear this channel is) and the 2 has Oprah appearing like magic every night at 10PM!!!   Today is Jon Stewart and Liza!  This is such a nightly treat!!!!

Fall arrives tomorrow.  Tonight the moon is almost full and while the big red sun was setting over the marsh tonight, the moon was rising over the ocean.  Every time I see this happen, I feel like I'm reading a chapter from the Prince of Tides.   Ah, Pat Conroy is still one of my favorite writers.

Layla and Kevin Palmer are returning to Tybee this weekend to work on the Mess Hall for the new owners. I can't wait to see the magic they create! www.theletteredcottage.net is still a daily treat.

My realtor friend Brenda keeps sending me real estate info on Key West.  The prices continue to drop....  Maybe my next fixer upper is meant to be in Key West.  The beauty of being a middle aged mermaid means I literally could go and live anywhere and continue to re create my life!

Back to Oprah- again-who knew about this miracle TV channel!!!

Mermaid Sightings!

We have two mermaid sightings this week! The first I caught myself on my weekend road trip...aren't they lovely? These ladies make their home at the Sea Board House in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

Our second sighting was sent to us from Christina, all the way in Erie, Pennsylvania! She and her husband spotted this little lady perched on a ledge at Waldameer, a theme park on the shores of Lake Erie, Labor Day weekend! Thanks for sending us your sighting Christina!

We love seeing your mermaid sightings! Remember, if you spot a mermaid, snap a picture and share...your picture could be our next featured mermaid sighting! Send your sightings to diane@mermaidcottages.com...we can't wait to hear from you!

Mermaid Tales: Sanford's Place

Sanford's Place Cottage

     Last week we showed you a sneak peek of our newest addition, Sanford's Place. Well, now that little cottage is all set for it's first visitors! From the vintage decor and furniture, to the 1960s television, Sanford's place is a retro delight!

     The fun of downtown might only be five minutes away, but the cottage is still a quiet place to relax and unwind. Whether you are looking for the downtown beaches or the Back River, they are both a leisurely eight minute stroll from your cottage.

     So plan a trip back in time! Sanford's Place Cottage invites you to return to a simpler time...and a slower pace. See you there!

My weekend to rejunivate

It's been a long year.  I love and adore my business ( though that really isn't the word for it, it's much more my passion and reason I'm here in this world) but the spring and summer of having so many visitors and guests has taken it's toll.  I'm tired- actually a capital T.

Travel and time away always makes me perk up- even though I truly love my cottage- which is a nest for me- and really am passionate about Tybee- when it's still in the 80's and 90's in September- I'm ready for the cooler weather.  ( note to our visitors- September is the best time to be on Tybee for that same reason- it's still hot and beach weather plus its so much quieter!!!)

My great friend Karyn from Miami Beach- she was my fellow traveler to DC for the inauguration two years ago- has been dying to see Asheville, so we planned a long weekend where she could come and see this part of the world and I could see her and still visit with daughter Katie.

Everything worked out as planned- including this amazing fall weather.  I"m sitting here with Katie in her cabin where she lives- no tv so we both have our laptops going and listening to the sounds of the fall outside- yes- because our windows are open,a great weekend of junkin', shopping, eating great meals, visiting the Western NC State Fair ( and eating friend sweet potato pie- we're still in the south you know) was just what I needed.   I"m exciting to get back to Tybee, work on some new projects ( including our first vacation rental in downtown Historic Savannah) and embrace the fall!

Stay tuned for some new updates- all of you coming to pirate fest in October- be sure you have your costume ready so you can join us in the parade-  our Tybee fall is almost here!

Live Like a Local: Yoga on the Beach

     September is National Yoga Month, so what better time is there to share one of our favorite activities with you! Yoga is a wonderful way to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. And you know, it's something anyone can learn! Everyone is welcome to attend Yoga on the Beach each Friday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
     Our good friend Sue Finkle teaches the class. Sue is a certified yoga instructor and teaches classes in Savannah as well as the one here on Tybee. Her mission is to promote a practice of self compassion to all of her students, and empower them with practical stress reduction tools.

Some of Sue's students enjoying yoga on the Beach!

     This is a gentle class, so please don't be intimidated! All ages and experience levels are welcome! Sue really strives to create a vibrant, peaceful, non-judgmental experience for everyone...so bring a beach towel or mat and join us!
     Yoga on the Beach classes are every Friday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 pm (weather permitting) and are located near the Gulick Street walkover at the North Beach parking lot. Donations are accepted and appreciated. For more information, visit Sue at the Breath Into Balance website and keep updated on her Facebook page! We hope to see you there soon!

The Pirates are Coming!!!

     photo from the Tybee Pirate Fest 2009 Facebook Album

     One of the biggest events on Tybee is only 23 days away! Tybee's 6th Annual Pirate Fest comes to town October 8th through the 10th, so make plans to be here. Between the costume contests, Thieves Market, Little Matey's Cove, and the Pirate Victory parade, there is something fun for everyone!

     There's also still time to buy tickets to the Buccaneers Ball! October 7th at The Crab Shack, Tybee kicks off the Pirate fun with a huge party. There will be amazing food, live entertainment, a costume contest, and our newly named King and Queen, Paul and Paula DeVivo, will be crowned! You don't want to miss a bit of it! For more information about all the festivities, visit TybeePirateFest.com!!

New Fish Camp Cocktail Submission and Some Thursday Fun!

We have a new submission for the Fish Camp Cottage Cocktail Contest! This one was submitted by Jane and it sounds so yummy!

     Sea cruise Margarita

1 can frozen margarita mix

3/4 silver tequila (Cuervo is good!)

1/4 cup Blue Curacao

-Using a blender, blend together with crushed ice.

-Damped the rim of a margarita glass with lime and coat with sea salt.

-Soon you'll find yourself enjoying a blue frozen 

margarita with the taste of the sea!

     There's still plenty of time for you to share your recipe! Send your submissions, with your name, to fishcampcottage@yahoo.com! If your recipe wins, you could receive a 3 day 2 night stay at the cottage, complete with all the fixin's for your drink to enjoy during your stay! Your recipe will also be left for future guest to Fish Camp Cottage to enjoy! Don't wait...submit your recipe today!

     Also, this Thursday (September 16th) is a Third Thursday here on the island! So what's that all about? Well, you should come down town by the Pier and Pavilion and find out! Starting at 5:30 p.m. you can take a stroll, enjoy the shops and restaurants, all while listening to the great music of Thomas Oliver, a Georgia native! You won't want to miss it...we hope to see you there!

Mermaid Sighting: Mountain Mermaid

     This week a fellow mermaid, Louie Windom, sent in her recent sighting for us to enjoy! When she was in Florida, Louie went in search of artist Wendy Prentice.

Louie as a Wendy Mermaid!

     Wendy paints mermaids, and her work has even been featured in Coastal Living Magazine. She found her shop near Grayton Beach and, even though Wendy wasn't there at the time, Louie still had fun looking around and snapping fun mermaid shots! 

You too can pose as a Wendy Mermaid!

Wendy was featured as a Coastal Character in Coastal Living Magazine!

     Louie is a displaced mermaid herself, being a Florida girl living in Denver,CO! You can visit her and see what she is up to at her Mountain Mermaid blog. Thanks for sharing your sighting with us Louie!

     Remember, if you see a mermaid share your pictures with us! Send your sightings to diane@mermaidcottages.com and your pictures could be featured as our next Mermaid Sighting! We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Mermaid Tales: New Cottage Sneak Peek!

Welcome to Sanford's Place, the cottage at 1515 2nd Avenue

     We are super excited to be announcing a new addition to our cottage line up! Please help us welcome Sanford's Place to Mermaid Cottages! This cottage isn't ready just yet, but we just couldn't contain our enthusiasm! It's always a fun and exciting time getting a new cottage ready for our guests.  
     I wanted to share some great "before" shots to whet your appetite! The flurry of decorating has begun over on 2nd Avenue...stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates and pictures as we get this cottage ready for it's first visitors!

Live Like a Local: Doc's Bar

     It's Friday! Ever wonder what we locals do with our weekends? Well, I'd like to tell you...it's our first Live Like a Local post!

    One of the best places to enjoy great food, friends, and music is Doc's Bar! At Doc's there's always fun to be had, no matter what day it is. You can catch Acoustic Jam Night every Tuesday for your mid-week music fix. Of course, the weekends always mean great live entertainment too!

Doc's bar @ #10 Tybrisa on Tybee Island!!

     Friday, September 17, plan to be at Doc's for their Halfway to St. Patty's Day party! It's the 3rd year for the celebration that has already become a true Tybee tradition. It's sure to be a great time! For more information on their upcoming events and concert scheduling, visit the Doc's Bar website or Facebook page! We hope to see you there, with the rest of the locals!

Tybee Sea Turtle Update!

     Sea turtle season is winding down here, but it sure isn't over! Nest #6 hatched last week, of course, and this nest #7 began hatching this past Tuesday night. this is a beautiful nest sitting shot from the Tybee Sea Turtle Project on Facebook!

Nest #7 near 9th Street here on Tybee

     Nest #7 was excavated Tuesday evening and there were 81 eggs total. A few didn't hatch, and unfortunately, 17 of the hatchlings didn't survive. The hatchlings that did leave the nest were a little disoriented but made it to the ocean with a little help!

Amy Capello and Tammy Smith excavate Nest #7

     Over all, the Georgia coast has had a record year for sea turtle nests! According to SavannahNow.com, there have been 1,737 nests laid between Savannah and St. Marys this year! And the season isn't over quite yet. Here on Tybee, nest #8 will reach the 50 day mark this Friday. It is being closely watched for any sighs of hatching! Hopefully, we will have more updates for you soon! Make sure you visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center website for more information on sea turtles!
     Proceeds from the sales of our Mermaid Morning Bliss Coffee go to help sea turtles projects too! Our coffee is available in every cottage for your enjoyment during your stay. You can also get your very own bag to take home at Seaside Sisters here on Tybee! So why not get a bag and remember that you are helping the turtles with every blissful cup!

Thanks to Laya & Kevin  from The Lettered Cottage blog for the wonderful photos of our coffee!

Recipe Wednesday: Fish Camp Cocktails and a Contest!

 Fish camp Cottage

     One of the best things about being at the beach is relaxing with a cocktail while enjoying the fresh ocean air. That's a Fish Camp Cottage state of mind...and I couldn't agree more! In fact, that is what has inspired the owners of the Fish Camp to have a contest!

     Join us on the Fish Camp Cottage Facebook page and help us come up with an official Fish Camp Cottage cocktail! The person with the winning recipe will receive a 3 day, 2 night stay at Fish Camp Cottage, complete with the fixin's for your drink to enjoy during your stay! Your winning recipe will also be left for future guests to savor!

     So, round up your recipe and send it to fishcampcottage@yahoo.com! There will be pictures to come of the tasting of the top recipes after they are chosen in October, and our winner will be announced in November. We are also sharing the recipes here on our blog...and here are the first two! Enjoy!

Fish Camp Fresh

contributed by Sherry George

1 oz pineapple rum

3 oz orange juice (fresh or frozen prepared)

4 oz La Croix Sparkling water

Splash of Pomegranate juice on top

*Cranberry Juice can be a great substitute!

-Fill a glass with crushed ice and layer ingredients. 

-Add an orange slice, cherry, or a sprig of fresh mint on top!

Fish Camp Moonshine

contributed by Sari Monaco

1 or 2 oz vanilla vodka (our favorites are by Stoli or Absolute)

3/4 can ginger ale

1 TBsp Blue Caracao liqueur (just to give it that blue Fish Camp Cottage feel!)

Just mix and enjoy! Tastes just like a cream soda from Chicago!

Mermaid Sighting: Reveal of the Mermaid!

Last Friday was First Friday Art Night here on Tybee, and it was quite a night! The island has been aflutter all week anticipating the big reveal of artist Douglas Jones' latest piece...The Mermaid!

The Douglas Jones Fish Art Gallery is on HWY 80 as you enter the island!

There was a great crowd in attendance for the unveiling and Ooo's and Ahh's abounded amid the applause as the ribbon was cut, the cover fell away, and The Mermaid was released!

photo thanks to Deanna Anthony

She has yet to be named, though, so the gallery is holding a contest to find a name that will be the perfect fit for the fabulous lady. At some point she will welcome visitors to the island, but for now she is welcoming visitors at the gallery with a flirty smile!

photo thanks to Deanna Anthony

Remember, mermaids are everywhere! If you see one, snap a picture and share it with us! Send your sightings, their location, and your name to diane@mermaidcottages.com...your photo could be featured as our next Mermaid Sighting! We look forward to hearing form you!!

Mermaid Tales: Southern Cross Cottage

     It's official...football season is here and we are in Georgia, home of the Bulldogs! What in the world does that matter, you ask? Well, one of our cottages shares a special connection to the University of Georgia mascot!

      Joe and Sherry, the owners of Southern Cross Cottage, have shared more than just their beautiful cottage with guests. They love when things have a story to them, as I do, and they let me in on some of the stories attached to this special place!

Southern Cross Cottage

     You see, Sherry's great grandfather, Charles Black, Sr., attended the University of Georgia from 1894 to 1898. Charlie, as he was called, played football for the college and often brought his bulldog, Trilby, with him to practices. Eventually, Trilby began to attend the football games, where the cheerleaders decked him out with red and black ribbons around his neck. The University of Georgia then had their mascot, and became the Bulldogs!

      Sonny Sieler, the current owner of the beloved mascot Uga, even tells this story in his book "Damn Good Dawgs"...and what a great story!

Come on in and relax!

     That's just one of the many wonderful tales Southern Cross Cottage has to share, so why not plan a visit? Explore a little Georgia history while you enjoy a piece of Georgia paradise!

Our newest profile picture

This beautiful bedroom which is now our  new blog picture is from the renovation project we completed this summer at Screened Inn.   The work was the creation of Kevin and Layla Palmer who are true genius at work .  If you haven't done so already, visit their website The Lettered Cottage and read their entire "emagazine" which showes the entire home.  Thank you Kevin and Layla!!

Send Us Your Mermaid Sightings!!!

     We want your mermaid sightings! They can be from anywhere...if you see a mermaid, we want to know about it! Snap a picture and send it to us, your picture could be featured right here on our blog! 

Need a few examples?

This Mermaid is an new addition to the Norfolk, VA family of mermaids!

A mermaid spotted in North East, PA!

A mermaid spotted on Editso Island, SC!

     So, keep a look-out...mermaids could be anywhere! Please send your pictures to diane@mermaidcottages.com...be sure to include the location info and your name so we can let the world know who spotted that mermaid! We look forward to seeing your sightings soon!!

Cool New Additions at Seaside Sisters!!

     This awesome artwork is from Spring Tide Art Studio down in Florida! Aren't they fabulous? These custom pieces are all hand-painted on rough hewn wood and will be available for sale at Seaside Sisters soon! Make sure you head into the shop before these delicious painting are all gobbled up!