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5 Kid-Friendly Summer Snacks



Surfside Beach is an incredibly affordable place for your family vacation, but we know that the cost of food is one that can add up quickly when you’re staying for a week. If you’re renting a vacation house with Surfside Realty, kitchens are a huge perk. Here are a few snacks that are healthier than a bag of chips and easy to whip up that will keep the kids happy: 

Celery, peanut butter and raisins

You might recall, but this snack was called “ants on a log” when you were a kid. But it packs a protein punch with the peanut butter and is delicious. Not to mention, it’s easy to execute in the morning before everyone gets going.

Guacamole

Your children may not love avocados, but most kids love the tangy taste of guacamole. All you need is a few limes, tomatoes, avocados, red onion and cilantro and presto! You’ve got a healthy dip that everyone will love! 

Sausage cheese muffins

These are easily transportable to the beach and will keep them full between meals. Grab the easy recipe here.

Pinwheels

These easy tortilla roll-ups look impressive, but they’re easily. Cream cheese, salsa and cheese are delicious together and will also work as a vegetarian option.

Ham & cheese sliders

Sliders are perfect for little kids’ hands. Add a little mustard or dijon, your ham and cheeses of choice and voila! Insta-snack!

Sunscreen Tips for your Surfside Beach Vacation



We love the sun and surf on our beautiful South Carolina coast, but the importance of using sunscreen when you’re outside cannot be overstated. We want our guests to enjoy their vacations, not spend it hurting and peeling. However, even when we have the best of intentions, we aren’t thorough enough with our sunscreen use. Here are a few tips for keeping your family safe in the sun:

 

  1. Look for “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen

Broad spectrum means that it protects from UVA and UVB rays, which both play a part in the development of melanoma.

 

  1. Apply early and often

Especially on children and fair skin individuals, you need to apply your sunscreen before you get to the beach and apply every 45 minutes to an hour after that. Try looking for sweat and waterproof formulas if your kids are going to be romping in the waves.

 

  1. Watch the wind

If you’re applying a sunscreen that sprays on, be sure to block the wind as much as possible. It’s easy for it to blow away and not actually hit your skin, which means you’re prone to a burn.

 

  1. Use sunscreen specialized for your face

Many companies offer face-specific sunscreen options and these are worth purchasing. Face formulas are usually stronger and don’t sting if it gets in your eyes from sweat or getting dunked in the pool.

 

  1. Don’t skip it on a cloudy day

Sometimes, cloudy days are the best time to go to the beach. There are fewer crowds and the heat isn’t as extreme. However, do not miss your sunscreen application on these days. UVA and UVB rays can come through the clouds with ease and burn your skin!

 

  1. Use an umbrella for shade

Umbrellas and small tents are permitted on Surfside Beach as long as they don’t impede the lifeguards’ views. Seek shade in the height of the afternoon when the sun’s rays are at its strongest.

If you do get burned, try using aloe and coconut oil to soothe your skin. And moisturize often to stave off the peeling. If you have blisters, see a physician.

What are your favorite sunscreen tips or favorite brands to utilize?

Five Spots We Love To Get a Cocktail in Myrtle Beach



It’s 5 o’clock and you’re ready to take your crew to a fun location. Here are a few spots we love to get a cocktail in Myrtle Beach:If you want to rub elbows with locals, try Collectors Cafe. You?ll be surrounded by works of art on the walls and on your plate. We suggest the Basil Lemon Drop Martini or the Farmer?s Daughter for a cool start to your evening. The black bean cakes and sauteed calamari, scallops and shrimp are perfect noshes for a happy hour.For the beer lover, Gorden Biersch at Market Common is a must. You can build your own flight of 6 or a get a ?full pour? which is enough for two people. They have great hand-tossed pizzas and nachos for sharing, too.For those who love to sit out on the water with the breeze in their hair, Wicked Tuna in Murrells Inlet is for you. Its sprawling deck can accompany big parties and their menu offers lots of options from fried seafood to Asian-inspired fare like Ahi tuna sashimi. If you love red wine, we suggest trying the Wild Horse Unbridled Pinot Noir ($55/bottle) and if you like white, we love the fruity and light taste of the Acrobat Pinot Gris ($34/bottle).Art Burger Sushi Bar might seem like a strange name and combination, but you won?t be sorry you visited. We love the liquid nitrogen drinks (they?re all the rage) and they even have edible cocktails! Did we mention they also have ocean views? Hey, they haven?t gotten 4.5 stars on Yelp for no reason!If casual is more your style, don?t miss the Atlas Tap House. They offer craft brews and bourbon drinks. Plus, if you get hungry, you can grab some barbeque. We suggest having the Two Hearted Ale, which is brewed in Michigan. And if you want to go local, try the White Ale from New South Brewing in Myrtle Beach!Have a great place you love to get a cocktail or adult beverage in Myrtle Beach? Share it with us on our Facebook page!

Things You Should Know About Beach Safety



 Swimming in the ocean is one of the main reasons many people visit coastal South Carolina every year. If you?re not aware of the dangers of swimming in the ocean, you can put yourself (and others) at risk. Read our top safety tips below and remember, when in doubt, don?t go out! Things You Should Know About Beach Safety  

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  • Do Not Swim Alone? No matter how good of a swimmer you are, it?s always safer to swim in groups.
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  • Know Your Limits? If you know you?re not a strong swimmer, avoid getting in the water when wind, currents, rip tides and waves are high. Watch other swimmers enter and exit the water for at least a few minutes to know what to expect. Set your expectations realistically on how well you can swim without the aid of floatation devices and never go out farther than you can swim back. Things You Should Know About Ocean Safety   t
  • Ask a Lifeguard? Choose beaches that have lifeguard stations, and don?t be afraid to ask them about conditions. Hazardous conditions could include dangerous shore breaks, strong currents, high surf, shark sightings, jellyfish, man-o-war, and dangerous rip tides.
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  • Be Cautious? Rip tides can drag even the strongest swimmer out into deep water. Rip currents can be recognized by a sandy discoloration and smooth water between breaking waves. Since rip tides are in proportion to the frequency and size of the waves, the larger the waves, the stronger the rip currents will be. If you find yourself caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the shore, slowly working your way back at an angle. Do not panic and do not be afraid to signal for help.
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Things You Should Know About Ocean Safety  

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  • Be Aware? Just because the water looks calm doesn?t always mean it is. Waves come in sets, so be aware of the tidal cycles and possible marine life around you when entering the water. Avoid swimming at night, wearing shiny jewelry and do not swim in areas that are being fished.
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  • Have a Plan? Always have an entry and an exit plan from the water. Remember where you got in and try to follow a similar path. If a large wave is approaching and you don?t have time to get out of the way, try to dive beneath it or keep your body as low as possible until it passes over you.
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  • Follow the Basics? Wear sunscreen, bring appropriate footwear when visiting beaches, and avoid alcohol and drugs when swimming in the ocean. Never leave children unattended. Leave before everyone is burned and you?ll be able to come back another day.
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Follow these guidelines and you?ll have a safe and happy time at the beach! All of us at Seaside Rentals wish you and your family a very happy Summer 2017!