Whether you opt for a destination or local seaside wedding there is something magical about the ocean on your big day.  Some couples choose to be married by the sea because they simply love the ocean and have an emotional tie to it.  If you’re leaning towards being married seaside but are unsure if it’s a good fit for you, maybe these factors should be taken into consideration:

1. A seaside wedding offers the most picturesque background anyone could ever ask for. 
2. A seaside wedding offers a more modern casual atmosphere compared to a traditional wedding that may take place in a church or a hall.  Being by the water provides guests with the option to possibly dress more casually.  This also opens the door to a few alternate options in terms of wedding party attire.  Many couples who choose to be married by the ocean will opt for beige suits or lighter cotton dresses versus heavier satin frocks.
3. A seaside wedding can be more cost effective.  Destination weddings on the beach are known for being a major wedding venue contender lately because they generally do not cost as much as a big wedding can.  Even a wedding next to the ocean in Nova Scotia can be cost effective because there is no need to rent a ceremony venue or sometimes even a hall. 
4. A seaside wedding can be relaxing.  Between the sound of light waves and the fresh salty air it’s no wonder everyone, including the bride, at a seaside wedding can feel more at ease than imagined.  The calming noises and natural scents have a way to unwind the people experiencing them.
5. A seaside wedding is full of natural lighting.  To infuse some brilliance into your big day enjoy the splendor of outdoor lighting.  Not only is natural lighting fantastic for photos but it lifts people’s moods.
6. The natural beauty of the sea is the most wonderful décor around.  No need for expensive floral arrangements or bright linens when you have the outdoor scenery to brighten up the surroundings. 

A wedding next to the ocean truly is a setting like none other.

I am taking the “Holiday Challenge”.  What “Holiday Challenge”? you ask – the challenge of not gaining any weight over the holidays!  I know it sounds nearly impossible considering all the sweets and treats but please don’t assume this is something that I do everyday. Unfortunately, I am not blessed with mighty mouse strength and I have such little willpower when it comes to food, specifically junk food, that I try to keep it all out of my house in order to avoid gorging myself.  I’m the type of person who eats every last bite on her plate and then goes back for seconds.

 In my efforts to feel good in my skinny jeans this season I have decided that I will not succumb to the many indulgences that seem to show up around the holidays.  Of course, at work I’ll have to focus on this here computer rather than the boxes of delicious dainties surrounding me.  Even when visiting friends I find that they have more enticing food than they usually do.  Why do they do that?!  Can’t we stick to the usual snacks that I have learnt to avoid?  Apparently not, because everyone pulls out all the stops with amazing cheeses and bottles of wine that sink me into a bliss that is too hard to resist.  Don’t get me wrong, I know I’ll have a cookie here and a candy cane there but I will do my best to replace the chocolates, cakes, and eggnog with fruits, veggies, and lots of water. 

One good tip I try to follow is to load up on my vegetables and fruits during the day because they fill you up with high-quality low-calorie nutrition.  When I know there will be food at a party I try to have a big snack before I go in order to satisfy my hunger and curve my temptation to overindulge. 

If you need a drink idea for your next dinner event, try a Chocolate Martini rather than a White Russian; half the colories and a third less cream, it only makes sense to choose the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate sensation (click here for more drink options);.  In a recent Men’s Health magazine I read that a glass of white wine is only 100 calories, whereas rum with coke is 361 calories.  It’s a good idea to think about your drink before you down it. 

For more helpful hints, pick up a copy of Eat This Not That during your next shopping trip.  There are a few different editions available but they are sure to guide you over the holiday season and into the New Year.  

 Of course food isn’t the only issue over the holidays.  We have to consider what looms in the New Year… New Year’s resolutions.  If you’re like 90% of the country you may plan to hit the gym but why not get a head start now?  I’ve started to take my own advice and am hitting the gym again after a 4 month hiatus.  For the first time, rather than doing boring old workouts in which I watch the second hand tick by, I am taking classes at the local gym; everything form Zumba to Yoga will be tried this season.  It’s fun, it works and it makes the time fly by.   

 I’ll be posting more tips over the seasons so keep an eye on the weekly blogs.  I’ll also be sure to keep you updated on the progress of my “Holiday Challenge”.

~Lisa

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.”
- John Lubbock

As I turned on the heat in my car to make my morning drive from Halifax to the Resort, it hit me… “it’s coming”. The start of the cooler mornings and evenings, followed shortly by children heading back to school and the packing away of flip flops, not to mention the shorter days; sadly we are approaching the end of summer.

Then my thoughts turned to what have I done this summer? Did I get in all that I wanted to? We all start the summer with great intentions of great adventures…. Days at the beach, adventure tours, hiking, picnics, boat tours, kayaking and the list goes on and on. So did you? Did you have that campfire by the water? Swim in the ocean?

Before you start to readjust for the fall… give summer one last proper farewell. Many tourism operators offer great deals this time of year (and of course we are one of them!). Search one of the many online sites (Expedia, Travelocity or Novascotia.com) to take advantage of some great packages and last minute deals.

Don’t get me wrong – fall in Nova Scotia is spectacular but we all know how quickly the dreaded “W” word follows. So pack up the kids (or maybe just your partner) and discover Nova Scotia…. And be sure to call us when you are your way – we will have your room ready!

- Joanne