July 2011

Hershey Kisses!

Leave a Comment / Service Dogs (Beach Bum Biscuits) / David Barwick

It’s always a great honor and a great pleasure when our Mermaids Make a Difference on Tybee Island and we’re proud to share that our individual cottages owners also do their part to make a difference and promote socially responsible getaways.

For those of you that have already had the pleasure of staying atPaws and Paddles Cottage you know the owners really invested lots of time and money and love when preparing their cottage to join our vintage collection of vacation rentals. From the beginning they made it a point to make Paws and Paddles a pet friendly cottage…even though they did not have a pet of their own at the time.

Somewhere in the back of their minds though was the lingering notion that a chocolate, standard poodle sure would be a great addition to their family. One day, just by chance, a very interesting adoption ad appeared in their local newspaper. What harm could there be in a little meet and greet? Why none, of course!

We are proud to introduce Hershey, a seven year old chocolate, standard poodle and new mascot for Paws and Paddles!

Isn’t he gorgeous? You probably think Hershey is a lucky young lad. For anyone that has ever rescued or adopted a pet you soon find out you’re the lucky one. Somehow, rescued and adopted pets seem to know you’ve done a good thing and they rescue you right back. Hershey has found his forever home and he’ll soon be visiting Tybee Island and Paws and Paddles.

To keep up with all the fun and laughter of these special, socially responsible cottage owners you can follow their adventures on their Cottage Crazy blog and their Paws and Paddles Facebook page.

Our cottage owners invite you to enjoy a socially responsible vacation at Paws and Paddles. If you haven’t already, invite a rescued and/or adoptable pet to join your family! You can make a difference, too!

Hershey Kisses! Read More »

Precious Pooch Paintings by Fifi Flowers!

1 Comment / Service Dogs (Beach Bum Biscuits) / David Barwick

Hey, Wag Pack Pals!

Our wonderful friend Fifi Flowers is ready to create a new precious pooch postcard collection of our favorite doggy guests! Fifi is known the world over for her fanciful and playful creations with a Parisian flair! Her first pet postcard collection has been such a huge hit we want to do it again.

Wouldn’t you love an exclusive pet portrait by Fifi? Here’s how you can join in on the fun!

Please post your dog photos on Fifi\’s Facebook Page or email a photo or a link to your dog’s photo to fifi@atelierdefifi.com.

Entries must be received by Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 12 Noon Pacific Time. Voting will last for 2 days and the winners will be announced Thursday, July 28th!

If selected, your dog’s image will be painted and made into a postcard by Fifi. Winners will receive one complete set of notecards and you’ll also receive a special discount if you’d like to purchase a portrait of your dog as painted by Fifi.

All proceeds from the sales of the pet post card collection help support our Beach Bum Biscuits and spnsorships of puppies to be trained as Guide Dogs and Service Dogs for persons with disabilities!

Your dog could be a part of this special pet collection, so start sending those photos!

Precious Pooch Paintings by Fifi Flowers! Read More »

BEACH ALERT! Crabby Jo’s Is Available July 9-13!

2 Comments / CandyLand of Cottages / David Barwick

Looking for that last minute getaway that’s right on the beach? We’ve got you covered!

Crabby Jo\’s Beach Cottage just became available July 9-13 due to a last minute cancellation!

This extraordinary beach house has 3BR/1 Bath and sleeps 6!

We just got a last minute cancellation, so here’s your chance to experience this fantastic home right on the beach as it is rarely available!

For more information contact David at Mermaid Cottages at 912 658 1550 right now!

First Come First Serve! Pet Friendly! Right on the beach! Call now!

BEACH ALERT! Crabby Jo’s Is Available July 9-13! Read More »

1001 Ways To Get Tybee-ized: Surfers For Autism

Leave a Comment / Mermaids Make a Difference / David Barwick

At Mermaid Cottages we love it when we can share opportunities for Tybee Island locals and visitors to particiapte in Socially Responsible Vacations!

On July 23, join Surfers For Autism for their First Annual Coastal Surfers For Autism.

Registration is limited to 200 surfers and the waves will be waiting!

Volunteers are also needed so visit their First Annual Coastal Surfers for Autism event page on Facebook for more information.

Surfs Up! Hang Ten! Make A Difference!

1001 Ways To Get Tybee-ized: Surfers For Autism Read More »

Heart Healthy Heron Highs

Leave a Comment / Posts by Cottage Cheese / David Barwick

By Cottage Cheese

Okay. I went for my check up. I stepped on the scales and almost got vertigo watching the digital readout soar upwards. My doctor blurted out in a very indignant tone, “Are you OK with this?”.

I love my doctor. She’s a wonderful person with whom to talk about things. I guess at some point we crossed the sharing boundary. I had gotten used to talking about life, family and current events and hearing, “Keep doing what you’re doing because you’re in good shape,” during my appointments. You know. Polite small chat. I did not get the memo that if I gained a few pounds (meaning 10 or 15 pounds) that I would be in danger of a good old medicinal beat down.

She proceeded to issue my free pass to the clue bus without hesitation. Increased weight added to a more sedentary lifestyle equals increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and on into what eventually became Charlie Brown’s teacher, “Blah, Blah, Blah…blah blah blah blah…blah…blah…blah… The words kept coming, “Now, you have a choice. Get a handle on this yourself or I can put you on a diet, new medication and refer you to a gym. Do you get what I’m saying?”.

Just as when my mom or dad used to shame me with words of reason, I had just as soon go outside, pick out a switch, bend over and prepare for the impact than to get a stern talking to. I’ve been served!

For me, the key to increasing my activity and decreasing my food intake is to find a way to make it interesting. Luckily, Tybee Island has lots of wonderful trails for walking and adventure and the beauty of our pristine island is intoxicating. For a list of exciting walking and biking trails go to Explore Tybee. I’ve come to love watching the wading birds feed and herons are my favorites, so I always hit the Heron Hiking Trail.

Now, when I need extra motivation I also love to stroll along the back river and take in the lovely flora that populates the yards of our vintage cottage homes. One favorite on my walks is the yard at Blue Heron Cottage. It’s one of those cottages that’s just right and the lush lawn and confederate jasmine always ups my heart rate!

So, there you have it. My plan to get a pat on my head for getting my weight back down instead of a one-two knock out punch from my doctor. Just in case, I might even work in a little bobbing and weaving on my walks. Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Gotta do the work to see the results.