Five Reasons To Go To The Jersey Shore This Summer

Painted Floor At A Beach House

In Barry Yeoman's article "Why The Beach Makes Us Happy" the words "You come back from a beach vacation (or day trip) and find that you've got a verve, an energy" mean so much to those who love the Jersey Shore. True, there is still devastation to be seen, but there is also progress in rebuilding the boardwalks, the restaurants, and the dunes.

If you've been hesitant about 'going down the Shore' because you don't think it's quite up to your old memories, here are five reasons to go to the beach this week, as described in Barry Yeoman's article from Coastal Living:

1. The color blue (as in the sky over the ocean) has been shown to produce feelings of security and relaxation. (Who doesn't need that?)
2. The sound of the waves has a calming, restorative effect.
3. The tactile feel of sand on your feet has so much power, that it is often used in psychotherapy.
4. A beach trip can produce lasting memories. Just thinking about your day at the beach months from now, can bring back those feeling of contentment or fun you enjoyed.
5. Looking at the ocean can produce  "a special sparkling feeling" because we are looking at elements that are predictable like a boat, a seagull or just waves.

So, where are you going this weekend? The beach is waiting for you to return. Look past the streets and head out to the ocean to find yourself again.

See you at the beach!

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

It's Lily of the Valley Week!

How Green Is My Valley (of Moss!)

Somewhere between the Ides of March and today, I start to believe we are really heading toward warmer weather. But it's not so much the weather that inspires me, it's the flowers and trees in bloom - at last.

Today, I head down the path to the side of my garden to see if they are blooming, the flowers that can change my mood in an instant.

Muguet de Bois -This all started with one bulb!

In particular, I'm moved by the tiniest flower called Muguet de Bois or - Lily of the Valley. My backyard garden is full of these tiny blooms that inspired a perfume to be created to immortalize their intoxicating scent.


Although I love to see them filling out my flower beds, these are my favorite flowers to cut and bring inside.

A nice way to start my day

Sometimes it's the small things in life that can bring you so much happiness.