Other – Sunset Properties Blog

January 28, 2019January 28, 2019

5 Great Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance When You Make Your Beach Vacation Reservation

5 Great Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance When You Make Your Beach Vacation Reservation

Every day we at Sunset Properties help our guests find the perfect beach home for their dream getaway. We help couples find the perfect place to get engaged or spend a honeymoon. We match up family needs from homes perfect for a small gathering to family reunions. Need a girls weekend away? We have you covered! But what if something bad happens before you get to take your trip? What if it literally rains on your vacation parade? We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance at the time you make your reservation. For just a few more dollars, you can guarantee your vacation investment is covered. Here are five of the top reasons to purchase travel insurance when you make your reservation:

1. Illnesses are unexpected

When planning for our Alabama Gulf Coast vacation adventures, we expect to be healthy and happy when it’s time to leave home. After all, most of us make our plans to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach when we are feeling well and we expect to feel just as well when it’s time to depart. But what if we get sick and can’t actually take our vacation on time as we planned? As much as we’d like to go, and even though we believe a trip to the beautiful beaches of Fort Morgan can cure any ailment, our doctor just isn’t in agreement. What then? Do we just lose our money? Does our deposit get refunded? What is the rental management company’s policy? When we book our vacation reservations, with the appropriate travel insurance, we don’t have to face any of these worries. If we happen to get sick and aren’t able to go on vacation, we contact the insurance provider for guidance and financial resolution, and then all we will have to focus on, is getting well. After all, our favorite vacation destination home is still calling out to us. And we really do believe: anything can be cured with the right amount of sea, sand and sun!

2. Work schedules change

Most of us work to live, but sometimes, I’ll admit, it seems like we just live to work. That’s why vacations are so important in our lives. Most of us work for folks, who, like us, plan vacation getaways well in advance of departure dates. They understand the need for time away from the office, but they still expect us to meet our professional obligations in advance of our personal relaxation time. We, being the hard-working, dedicated employees that we are, will work right up until it’s time to go expecting to leave for a restful recharging excursion right on time. But what if work gets in the way? What if that huge deal you have been working on all year requires your attention at the exact time as your beach adventure is planned? What about your deposit? Cancellation fees? What if you can’t reschedule your time away in accordance with your rental management company’s policy? Again, I suggest purchasing travel insurance at the time you make your reservation. With the correct policy, your financial investment can be protected. This will easily afford you the opportunity to change the dates of your time away, without incurring additional charges. And then, once you’ve sealed that all

important deal, you can still come down and stay in your favorite beach home or condo.

3. The weather gets in the way

A lot of us down here in Baldwin County, Alabama joke about our weather. “If you don’t like the way it is outside, stick around for about thirty minutes. It’ll change!”

While we say this in a flippant manner, the truth is, this is actually pretty much the case all year long. It may be summer outside today and feel like winter tomorrow. We may go for several weeks with only a little rain, and then have a major storm pass through. The greatest part about a fabulous vacation destination can simply be the climate. By contrast, the weather can also be the one unpredictable factor that can destroy not only a vacation plan, but a vacation destination. What if a storm comes and destroys your beach home? What if snow falls and you just can’t get there? By the way, snow does occasionally fall on the beaches of Gulf Shores. It’s rare, but it happens. So if there’s snow on your beach and you can’t go, then what? What if the winds are at hurricane force and the only folks allowed onto our island are meteorologists? You can’t blame the adverse weather conditions on the rental management company and it certainly isn’t your fault, so who pays for the travel loss when Jim Cantore shows up? Usually, without travel insurance, you do. That’s right. Usually, the renter absorbs the loss. A big reason to purchase vacation travel insurance, is to make sure you’re not the one who loses out. With the right policy, your vacation investment is covered. You are able to simply change your vacation location, your vacation dates or both. And when Jim goes back to Atlanta, you can come see us in beautiful sunny South Alabama. (And, for the record, we love Jim Cantore down here!)

4. Medical emergencies happen away from home

We have all heard those terrible stories about tourists who swim out too far in The Gulf, face a medical emergency, and have to be life-flighted to a nearby hospital. We have heard the stories about folks who ate something that didn’t agree with them and spent a couple of unexpected days in bed after a trip to our local emergency clinic. What do you do when your husband accidentally gets a severe sunburn that requires medical attention? Does your regular health insurance cover this? Maybe…but with the addition of certain travel insurances, you are surly covered. Be purposeful about asking your travel insurance advisor about adding this to your policy. While no one likes to think about accidents that happen on vacation, the truth is accidents don’t take a holiday. They can happen to anyone, anytime.

5. You miss your flight or your luggage is lost

Most of the guests we see here along the Alabama Gulf Coast drive here from home. Some of you, however, prefer the ease of air travel. With Mobile and Pensacola so close to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, sometimes air travel is just a lot more convenient. Flying can be the best way to go, however you still have to drive to your local airport to get to one of ours. So if the traffic getting to LAX slows you down and you miss your flight to Houston and then miss your connecting flights to Mobile, then what? You haven’t even gotten to your vacation home yet, and already you’re out money to change your flight plans. Maybe you made all your flights, but your luggage took a vacation of its own. What are you supposed to do when the friendly sky folks accidentally send your luggage to Peabody, MA instead of Pensacola, FL? What if your favorite cocktail dress goes to Montgomery instead of Mobile? Then what? With certain travel insurances, your flights, your clothes and even your luggage can be covered. Instead of the stress of not having your clothes with you on vacation, you may just end up with a whole new wardrobe!

When you book your vacation reservation with Sunset Properties, we will offer you the opportunity to purchase travel insurance through Red Sky. It is a good idea to do your own research, don’t just take our word for it, but strongly consider purchasing some kind of travel policy. Policies vary from company to company and person to person, based on need. Most guests, though they don’t realize it, do need some form of travel insurance. After all, we insure everything else that is important to us. Why wouldn’t we insure our Alabama Gulf Coast vacations, too?

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

May 16, 2018

Top 5 Family Outings for Memorial Day 2018 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

Memorial Day 2018 is rapidly approaching. Most of us look forward to the last Monday in May and see it as the unofficial start to the summer season. Our winters have been dictated by school or work schedules, and we are ready for the summer.

Sometimes, we overlook the origin of this Memorial Day and forget that is was started as a day of remembrance to honor those who served in our military and lost their lives in service to our great country.

In addition to all the great year-round family attractions found in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and throughout The Alabama Gulf Coast, there are a couple of special Memorial Day outings we wanted you to know about. At Sunset Properties, we love our guests and want to make sure you know about all the fun things going on in our area. So, including two special Memorial Day Weekend activities, here are the

Top 5 Gulf Shores Family Outings for Memorial Day 2018:

Visit Owa

Owa is one of the newest attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Located in Foley off highway 59 on South Owa Boulevard, it is a one-of-a-kind amusement park and entertainment venue. Owa is chock full of fun for the whole family. With 21 amusement park rides, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Rides at Owa range from a fabulous thrill roller coaster called Rollin’ Thunder to the Happy Haulers, a cute ride for the kiddos featuring old time trucks on a fixed track.

Don’t forget to try the fabulous food while you’re at Owa. With great dining options from restaurants like The Groovy Goat, Wahlburgers, and Cinnabon, no one should leave Owa hungry! Oh, and did we mention the shopping? Plan on checking out Alvin’s Island, The Fairhope Soap Company and Pepper Palace. While you’re out, you probably need to get a couple of gifts from some folks back home, don’t you?

Experience Waterville USA

That’s right: Experience Waterville! After all, Waterville really is quite an experience! And it’s one your whole family will enjoy. Once you’re inside the gates, you’ll see you’re visiting two theme parks with one ticket entry! First, you must try all the water attractions. There are 17 water slides (yep! Seventeen!!), a lazy river, the flow rider, Shrimp Boat Village, a wave pool, and WaWa World. WaWa World is a perfect little pint sized water park area for the kiddos. After you’ve tried all these rides, and ridden a couple of the super fast slides two or three times, you have to ride the amusement park rides, too. The Cannonball Run roller coaster has to be on your to-do list. There are Nascart Go-carts and The Trampoline Thing to experience, as well! Save some energy for mini-golf and the arcade. And after you’ve done all those things, you must check out The Escape House. This mystery game is Waterville’s newest attraction and has a separate entry fee. Gulf Shores has been home to Waterville since 1986 and the park just keeps getting better and better! Whether you’re on The Alabama Gulf Coast for a weekend or an extended stay, Waterville USA needs to be a definite stop on your family’s vacation adventure.

Delight in a Day Out at The Wharf

The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to some of the island’s best dining spots, family entertainment venues and superb retail stores. Have you ever dined at Villaggio Grille? What a menu they have! The specialize in Italian entrees and offer everything from rib eyes to chicken pesto to shrimp and crawfish. If you’re more in the mood for a delicious steak burger prepared after you order with your choice of toppings, stop in and see the folks at STKburger. We’re pretty sure they’ve got what you are craving. How about a little retail therapy? For some really fun beach clothing for both girls and guys, check out Ocean Eddies. Looking for some trendy jewelry? Stop by Bungalows to pick up a special gift for your favorite mom or daughter. We can’t forget the special guys on this trip. How about grabbing a new pair of shades while you’re on vacation? Shades has one of the best selections of sun glasses and tees around. Girls will love Shades, too.

Once you’ve shopped til you’re about to drop, don’t! Don’t drop, that is. You still have the zipline to soar, a Ferris Wheel to ride, and a game of laser tag to play. The Hummingbird Zipline has just opened and the reviews are great! We encourage you to be among the first to soar over The Wharf on this new ride. The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf has become and island landmark and is an attraction your whole family will love. See the island from new heights while you’re at the top of this beautiful wheel. Arena the Next Level is an unmatched 4,000 square foot laser tag arena. Before you head back home, be sure to stop by and show off your laser tag skills.

And by the way, have you heard there’s a concert in town? That’s right. As part of the C-Spire Concert Series, The Amphitheatre at The Wharf is hosting Dave Matthews Band on Sunday, May 27, 2018. Tickets may still be available. Click Tickets for more information.

Immerse Yourself in History at Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan located at the end of Fort Morgan Road just west of Gulf Shores, is an historical landmark no one visiting our island should miss. Built on the original site of Fort Bower (circa 1812), Fort Morgan is a remarkable work of masonry that is almost 200 years old. The Fort park entrance serves as the Mobile Bay Ferry landing. Inside the Fort, you’ll find a museum packed with artifacts from two centuries. Additionally, inside the museum is a wonderful little gift shop with items that represent our area. Adjacent to the exterior walls of Fort Morgan, a sandy white beach borders Mobile Bay and stretches all the way to the mouth of the bay where it meets The Gulf of Mexico. Fishing, swimming and sightseeing are all permitted from Fort Morgan’s beaches. The waves in Mobile Bay are usually much gentler than the waves in The Gulf, so swimming in the bay is usually not as taxing as swimming in The Gulf can be. However, unlike the public beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are no lifeguards on duty at Fort Morgan. Swim at your own risk. Sea life is usually pretty active along the beaches of our fort. Fish, gulls, pelicans and even dolphins can be seen most days. Shells are often plentiful here, too. Be sure to bring a big beach bag so you’ll have to something to hold your shell treasure collection.

Throughout the year, the Fort Morgan staff holds guided tours. For Memorial Day Weekend, however, there will be a Living History Memorial Day Tribute. On Saturday, May 26, fort staff will dress in historical uniforms and clothing from the last 200 years. They will entertain guests with stories about battles and lifestyles from long ago. This event will be both educational and entertaining for the whole family. Be sure to pack a camera for this one. We’re certain you’re going to have some great photo ops.

Tour the USS Alabama

About an hour from Gulf Shores via highway 59 and highway 90, the USS Alabama battleship is parked at her permanent home at Battleship Memorial Park located at 2703 Battleship Parkway in Mobile. The park is accessible from highway 90 also called the Mobile Causeway or Battleship Causeway. The USS Alabama was first sent to defend her country during WWII in the North Atlantic then later the South Pacific. In 1965, the “Mighty A”, as she was called, was brought home to Alabama to take her place at Battleship Memorial Park. More than 15 million folks have visited her since then. The park will be open during normal hours for Memorial Day 2018. On that day, guests will find The US Flag at half staff in honor of fallen American Heroes. There is a fee to visit the park of $4 for general public admission. Active duty military will receive free admission and retired and former military members will receive a discounted admission.

The park is a great place to spend an afternoon watching the seagulls play over Mobile Bay and touring the war monuments. Bring a picnic lunch. There are tables available for public use. Bring plenty of sunscreen. The sun’s rays stronger than you think. Along with enjoying the park, we encourage you to tour The Alabama. There is a separate fee to take this tour. Bring your camera and get ready to capture some great memories. You and your kids are going to love this! With hatches and rooms to explore, go below her top deck into the actual living and working quarters of her former crews. This is a real treat for anyone who has never been. Even if you’ve been before, visiting the USS Alabama on Memorial Day is a great way to remember those who served on board this mighty vessel.

Now that you have some great ideas of things to do with your family as you gather and vacation with Sunset Properties this Memorial Day, all that’s left to do is make your reservation. Would you like to stay in a condo near Fort Morgan? The Indies, The Dunes and Navy Cove are located about two miles from the fort. With one, two and three bedroom options, private beaches and enticing swimming pools, these are sure to please any family. If your larger family needs some room to spread out, consider SAND-Y-SOL, a super cute duplex beach house with four bedrooms that can sleep up to thirteen guests. How about a little AMERICAN FUN for an American holiday? This charming beach home has three bedrooms and sleeps up to eight guests.

If your family will feel more at home in Gulf Shores near the public beaches, consider BEACHVIEW 223. This cozy condo has one bedroom and sleeps three guests comfortably. LIGHTHOUSE 607 has two full bedrooms and sleeps up to eight folks.

If Orange Beach is your ideal vacation location, we propose you stay MOORINGS 414 . With one bedroom, this lovely condo sleeps up to four. Larger families might like GRAND CARIBBEAN 215. With two bedrooms this condo, located right across from the Gulf State Park Beaches, sleeps up to six guests. If staying closer to Alabama Point is your desire, you should take a look at CARIBE B PENTHOUSE 4. This magnificent unit has all that a family of six could ask for, including a private lazy river and two water slides.

We have other properties around the island and we welcome the opportunity to talk about your family’s needs with you. Just give us a call at 251.543.1370 or email at info@sunsetproperties.com and we’ll get you all fixed up with the perfect home away from home. Happy Memorial Day and we are looking forward to your arrival!

April 24, 2018April 25, 2018

TOP 9 REASONS WHY GOING TO THE BEACH IS GOOD FOR YOU

Most folks smile when they think about their favorite day at the beach. Why? Why does the beach make us happy? Why do we sit at our desks and sometimes find ourselves longing for a nice sunny day filled with sand between our toes and the sounds of waves and seagulls? As it turns out, going to the beach is actually good for us! Seems our bodies already instinctively know this and that may be the very reason we feel that internal longing for sun, sand, and surf.

Don’t believe it? Get ready to visit Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan because here are nine reasons going to the beach is good for you and can actually help you live a little bit healthier life.

SALT WATER IS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN AND BODY

Salt water, like that found in The Gulf of Mexico, is good for your skin. It is full of minerals like sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. These are some of the same ingredients found in our daily vitamins our internal organs crave, so it stands to reason, that our skin would love them, too! Salt water helps with seasonal allergies. Many of us use saline nose sprays to help with allergy symptoms. A swim in The Gulf is undeniably nicer than an allergy nasal spray any day. And did you know that swimming in colder water activates temperature receptors under your skin and that it can help release hormones like adrenaline, endorphins and cortisol? That’s right. It is a widely accepted premise that cold water swimming can actually help boost your immune system and relieve aches and pains by activating certain hormones.

SAND IS A NATURAL EXFOLIANT

How much money have you spent on exfoliants for your feet and body in an effort to make your skin softer and younger looking? Why not just take a walk on the beach in Gulf Shores? Alabama has 32 miles of pristine white beaches and beach sand is one of nature’s best exfoliants for your feet. While we wouldn’t use on faces because it is a bit rough for tender skin, for feet, however, its perfect. It’s super easy to exfoliate your feet on the beach, too. Just go search for shells. Yep! As you treasure hunt along the tideline looking for the most perfect shells you can spot, the sand is gently exfoliating your feet. The farther you walk, the better the exfoliation. It’s like getting a natural foot spa treatment that ends with a great little souvenir collection!

SEA BREEZE IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN

Tired of brain freeze? All the cold weather and staying inside all winter got you down? Well, head to the beach and breathe in the fresh salty air found at the seaside. Spending a lot of time inside during the winter around power sources and electrical devices can lead to a great deal of positive ion exposure. Positive ions, despite their optimistic names, are not positive for our overall health at all. Instead these tiny little positively charged atomic particles are believed to have properties that can lead to anxiety, breathing difficulty, irritability and an overall lack of energy. Negative ions, on the other hand, are found outdoors in natural clean air sources, such as in an Orange Beach sea breeze or after a fresh rain on Lake Shelby. Negative ions can reverse the effects of their positive counterparts on your body. Negative ions can help purify blood, revitalize cell metabolism and boost your immune system. According to a study in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, negative ions have also been shown to reverse the effects of seasonal affective disorder, also called SAD. So while you’re at the beach, breathe in the fresh salt air. It’s good for you!

SUNSHINE IS A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMIN D

Did you know your body is a manufacturer of Vitamin D? That’s right. When your body gets sun exposure, your skin uses the UVB rays to manufacture Vitamin D. This vitamin is used throughout your body to support immune, lung and cardiovascular health. It helps regulate insulin and helps strengthen bones and teeth. So while you’re on your little treasure hunt looking for shells, soak up some sun and encourage your body to produce the Vitamin D it needs. Keep in mind, though, that while our bodies need sunlight to encourage the manufacturing of Vitamin D, UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn and can lead to some cancers. Sunscreen and exposure moderation are key factors when soaking up rays. The CDC recommends applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF15 before going outside for long periods of time. Studies have shown that using sunscreen does not cause a Vitamin D production deficiency, so don’t forget to take care of your skin as it works hard for you!

WALKING OR RUNNING ON THE BEACH GETS YOUR HEART RATE UP

Exercising anywhere is good. Many of us, admittedly, do not get enough exercise even though our doctors would prefer we get our heart rates up a bit each day. The truth is: we just don’t do it. We will walk on the beach, though, because this doesn’t seem like exercise. It’s more of a sightseeing or shell hunting adventure. As it happens, walking or running on the beach is really great exercise!. Because the beach sand moves under our feet as we walk or run, we actually burn more calories than we do while walking or running on concrete. So exercising on the beach doesn’t seem like exercise at all and it is a better workout than we might be getting somewhere else. Who knew working out could be so much fun?

BEACH SOUNDS ENCOURAGE HEALTHY SLEEP PATTERNS

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to take a nap in the middle of the day on the beach? Or how quickly you wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of a fire engine or clap of thunder? This doesn’t seem to make a lot sense unless we think about how our brain processes noises. Whether we are sleeping or awake, our brains classify noises as threatening or nonthreatening. Fire engines, thunder and even those pesky alarms we set each day are heard as potentially threatening noises. When we hear them, even if we are in a deep sleep, we wake up. We may not want to wake up, but we do. On the other hand, that soft lulling of the surf coupled with the songs of seagulls, and even that soft crackling sound sea oats make when the breeze passes through them are interpreted as non threatening, even relaxing, noises. These soft repetitive noises encourage deep and beneficial sleep. The next time find yourself tired from a long day at your office, but having a hard time falling asleep at home, try thinking about the sound of the surf and you may find sleep comes a bit easier. Better yet, plan a trip down to the Alabama Gulf Coast and experience this first hand for yourself.

LOCAL SEAFOOD IS NUTRITIOUS

While you can find most anything on a menu at a beach restaurant, seafood is by far the most prevalent item. So why not enjoy some? Seafood is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, often missing from American diets, are shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis and even cancer. They also help with brain and behavioral functions. So, go ahead and enjoy some fresh Alabama Gulf Shrimp or have some grilled grouper while you’re vacationing at the beach. Load up on Omega-3s. They’re good for you.

A SLOWER PACE REDUCES STRESS

It has often been said that we, at the beach, live on “Island Time”. What does that mean? It means everything’s a bit slower, more relaxed. Away from the busy streets of bigger cities, you’ll find folks on bicycles or driving slowly in convertibles. You’ll see colorful kites flying and parasailers behind boats. On Island Time, your day will start when you wake up naturally. There’s no need to set an alarm. You can watch the sunrise or set and take time to appreciate both. There isn’t any pressure to dress up or to impress anyone. In fact, shorts, shades and flip-flops are acceptable attire at most places. Leaving deadlines and voicemails behind, even for just a short time, will reduce your stress level. Without all the demands of work and school and the things that hurry you along daily, you’ll be able to find inner peace and relaxation at the beach. You’ll feel your stress level drop almost as soon as you get here.

YOU CAN UNPLUG AND RECHARGE

Electromagnetic radiation, also called EMR, refers to the electromagnetic waves emitted from our televisions, laptops, communications and other devices. While the notion of going somewhere without our phone or ipad is foreign to most of us, after days and weeks and months of continued use, that EMR exposure can start to have negative effects on our bodies. As a result, taking a break from our electronic devices is never a bad idea. How about putting down your phone and picking up a Frisbee or football and playing a game of catch on the sand? Go for a swim in The Gulf or enjoy a paddle board ride over the waves. Give your body an EMR break as you walk the beach at Fort Morgan from Mobile Bay all the way around to the place where it meets The Gulf. Go ahead, unplug and recharge yourself on the beach! The benefits to your health may be greater than you think.

So we’ve given you nine reasons why a beach trip would benefit your health. What are you waiting for? At Sunset Properties, we already have your beach home ready for you. Whether you’re looking for a one, two or three bedroom condo, beach house, or penthouse, we have just the right vacation home to fit your needs. We have homes with pools, workout rooms, and boat slips. We have properties adjacent to the public beaches and some on private beaches. All you need to do is give us a call, then pack up and head down. Your healthy beach vacation is just a call away.

We look forward to hearing from you soon….and remember….your whole body will thank you for it!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

October 11, 2013

Beach Wedding Ideas and Suggestions!!!

Okay Ladies, get out your note pad, break out your dream board! We are going to give you some beautiful and unique beach wedding ideas and suggestions. These are things that if you start early enough you will have plenty of time to gather these cute ideas for your wedding.

Suggestion #1 – Plan your wedding for a week day. Most houses rent from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer so if you are planning your beach wedding for that time of year a mid-week wedding or Friday night wedding is the most cost effective way to go. It will cost you a pretty penny to add just one or two extra nights to have a Saturday wedding.

Suggestion #2 – Have a wedding planner in the area. It is so difficult to plan a wedding from a distance. It is great to have someone in the area that can make sure your venue and all of your wedding details are progressing as they should while you are north of the shore.

Suggestion # 3 – You are coming to the beach a simple beach theme is completely appropriate. You have beautiful surroundings that do not need lots of embellishment. Save money on decor and use it for your honeymoon!

Suggestion # 4 – Have a rain and bad weather alternative. We just had a very minor tropical storm come through this area. We always plan for the worst but hope for the best. Unfortunately the wedding that was supposed to be over the weekend had to be shifted and all the out of town guests moved their reservations to another time because of the threat of a storm. Often we truly do not know how bad a storm will be until the last minute. So have a plan ready so everyone coming knows what will happen, just in case.

Suggestion # 5 – You are coming to the beach, the more laid back you can be and plan for everything the smoother everything will go. People are coming to see you get married but they are also coming for a beach getaway.

Okay now for the fun stuff some ideas!!!! I’ve seen the trend go the way of more somber colors in the last year or two. Lots of tan, taupe, beige and gold or silver with an accent color of coral, blue or green. We do see the colors in nature reflected in weddings often!

Such as in photos you will see the bride used a natural canvas color with tan, gold and navy blue accents. All of her things had an antique feel. She even included mismatched antique china for her reception meal. Honey bees were particularly special to her and the groom as he is a beekeeper. Bees, and honey had a starring role in thank you gifts and on all invites, and programs. She also tied in antique linens and ribbons, and buttons. The flower girl wore a dress with hundreds of flowing ribbons that fit right in.

In the natural canvas and tan tote that was a take home gift for guests a couple of personalized bottles of water. Honey flavored and bee themed and specialty chocolates. Guest also took home cozies that were navy blue with the Bride and Grooms gold monogram with Honey bee included. Also, small paint brushes were included to brush the beach sand off of the visitor’s feet.

Even the napkins were an antique floral pattern monogrammed in navy with the Bride and Grooms initials. Off white and tan lace made an appearance in any available decoration and attached to any paper given to a guest. One of the ideas we had never heard of was a “wine box.” This was a beautiful wooden box that the bride and groom put a letter in each and a bottle of their favorite wine. This box was sealed by the bride and groom with a gold nail each and hammered in by a gold hammer. This only to be opened by the bride and groom if they think they are ready to not be married at some point. It was an antique beach wedding and one of the loveliest we have seen. As I mentioned with a little planning and time all of the simple things she used would be easy to collect and put together to make a truly unique beach wedding.

November 2, 2011

“Dogs Are the Best” Photo Contest 2011

Win a $100.00 gift certificate!

We have an exciting announcement to make! Sunset Properties is holding our first annual “Dogs Are the Best” Photo Contest giveaway, and everyone is invited to enter. So, make sure you spread the word to your friends and family.

Details for the giveaway are simple. Email us at Contest@SunsetProperties.com with your favorite “dog at the beach” picture and a maximum of five sentences describing it. Submissions will be processed within three business days of receiving. Any photo submissions posted on the Sunset Properties Facebook wall will be deleted—your official entry has to be emailed to us.

The winning entry will receive a $100.00 gift certificate towards a stay with Sunset Properties PLUS their pet fee waived. There is also a 2nd prize gift certificate of $75.00 and a 3rd prize gift certificate of $50.00 and each of their pet fees waived as well. Pictures don’t necessarily need to be posed. We want GREAT pictures and GREAT stories. If you want to know how we define GREAT keep reading. There is a two picture entry limit per person, per email address so make sure you pick the best pictures you have. Here are examples of GREAT picture ideas/themes:
This is a DOGS AND THE BEACH themed contest!!! Dogs at the beach, playing, sunning, or getting ready for a beach adventure with the family, all make for a great entry. So send us your doggy photos!!!!

Please no other cities or photos that do not obviously show you are at the beach or at a Gulf Shores land mark or hot spot.

A funny picture of your dog playing at the beach.
A beautiful sunset with you and your dog 🙂
Your family and dog enjoying the beach or getting ready to head to the beach.
Anything that’s cute, fun or pretty of your pet at the beach. The best photos will be the ones that make us laugh, cry, sigh, move us, or make us want to bring our dog to the Beach.

Are you convinced you should win? We’ll be posting entries in an album on our Facebook Fanpage entitled “2011 Dogs Are the Best.” Please encourage your friends and family to “Like” their favorite picture. In order for a photo to be in the contest it must be submitted to us via email so we can place it in our contest photo album on our Facebook page. The amount of “likes” will be considered in our decision making for the winners. So participants should spread the word to friends and family and ask them to “like” their pictures. Ultimately, our office staff will choose the final winners.

The contest starts on November 2, 2011 and ends on December 4, 2011 @ 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced via Facebook on December 5, 2011. We’re excited to see the entries!

Click here for Official Rules!

January 12, 2011

It’s time to plan your Beach Wedding!!!!

It is typical winter day here in Ft. Morgan, and we are talking to vacationers about warm sunny days to come! One of my favorite conversations lately are with families planning spring or summer weddings. Everyone is excited and often really overwhelmed.
I wanted to take a minute and help you out with the planning.
First, now is the time to start planning. If you do not have a house, reception area, or spot on the beach chosen yet, do it now. These places book up fast and you are running out of time quickly.

When planning a beach wedding the simpler the better.
The beach is beautiful already, so you do not need lots of decorations to enhance such a lovely place. Plus most beaches have strict rules about what can and cannot happen on their beach. Note:Be sure you get a list of these rules well in advance so you can plan your wedding activities accordingly.

Your day is supposed to be about fun and great memories! The key to having a great day is flexibility. At a wedding in a church things can change at a moments notice. This is even more true with a beach wedding. The weather can cool off significantly or get unbearably hot, the wind can blow like a hurricane and bring rain with it or not blow at all and leave everyone feeling baked. Always have a back up plan, and let your guests know! If it rains the ceremony will be at an alternate location… Maybe have a back up plan for some handheld fans in case bugs show up, or some mats for grandparents to walk on because sand is difficult to walk in for some seniors. Flexibility is the key friends!!!

My best piece of advice is to have a trusted friend or wedding planner to help you not worry the day of your wedding. This person will handle any emergencies that may come up and deal with them in a patient and helpful way not involving you unless absolutely necessary.

It is my hope that you have a wonderful wedding day experience for your beach wedding. If we can help you plan or if you have any questions about a wedding at The Dunes Beach, give me a call! I’m happy to help!!!

Happy Planning!!!!

December 17, 2010

Park City Ski Condo Sneak Peak

As you know from the previous post I was recently in Park City at our Ski in / ski out condo at the Silver Star Resort. This condo is called Silver Saddles and is just steps away from the Silver Star ski lift. This luxury condo Take a look at our quick sneak peak and start planning your next ski or hiking adventure.

Park City Ski in / Ski out Condo Sneak Peak

December 6, 2010

Beach Update….from Utah???

Hey everyone!

Well, I am curled up by the fire, hot cider in hand, watching the snow! I am completely in awe of the snow – I’ve had very few snow experiences, so I am thoroughly enjoying this one.

Oh! Let me catch you up! I’ve been talking about snow on our beach update. I am currently in Park City, Utah, at our beautiful ski condo that is available for you to rent. I am very blessed to be able to take my friends to vacation here. Be sure to check out this condos interior photos on our online booking page. I’m off to enjoy a day of snowy adventures! Talk to you soon!

Enjoy the video I took! Beach Update from Utah

Katie

December 2, 2010

Local Community Events this Month

I can’t believe it’s already December and 2011 is almost here!! Let’s make the most of it and attend some of the great holiday events that our community has planned for us! If you haven’t already planned your vacation to Fort Morgan this winter, now might be the time! Listed below are just a few of the many activities in our area. For a complete list, feel free to contact us at the office.

December 4- Gulf Shores Public Beach Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade. Parade begins at 2 p.m. and the tree lighting at 5 p.m.

December 10- 3^rd Annual Chocolate Affair. Located at the Robertsdale PZK Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Family Promise of Baldwin County. Tickets $25.

December 11- 25^th Annual Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade. Parade will begin at 5 p.m. from LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. On lookers may view the parade from any public area along Canal Road.

December 11- Civil War Christmas. This event is in our own backyard at the Historic Fort Morgan. Event is from 4-7 p.m. Admission is $3-$5.

December 11- Summerdale Christmas Parade. 2 p.m. Parade will proceed downtown.

December 18- “The Nutcracker” performed by The Gulf Coast Ballet. Foley Civic Center. 3 p.m. Admission $5-$10.

December 31- New Year’s Eve “Block Party Blowout”. The Wharf. Events begin at 11 a.m. Admission is free.

December 31- New Year’s Party at LuLu’s. Doors open at 10 a.m.

January 1- Polar Bear Dip. Flora Bama. Noon. Take a plunge in the Gulf to bring in the new year!

We hope to see you soon!

October 22, 2010

What to pack for your Beach Vacation!!!

If you are like me, you always over pack no matter where you are going, and the things you pack are not exactly what you need. Tara and I took some time to make a video about what you need for your beach vacation. What you need is a surprisingly short list. Be sure to check out this video so you don’t bring needless items, and don’t forget the most important things!

What to pack for your Beach Vacation