At my vacation house growing up, we had two ponds on our property. In the Summer, we'd row our old rowboat around them, play with the frogs and salamanders that lived there, and practice our fishing skills. In the Winter, the ponds were prime spots for ice skating. And of course, they gave the scenery a face lift.
I doubt that I would ever think of painting a cottage these two colors. Still, the contrast between the Mediterranean blue and rusty brick red is certainly eye-catching, and there's something so innocent and playful about the combination. In fact, it almost seems as if odd, surprising colors should be de rigueur for Summer getaways. It seems to me as if the colors alone demand that one relax, sit back, and enjoy the space. After all, there's nothing serious about a Summer getaway. It should be all about enjoyment!
Growing up, I was a two-minute walk to a beautiful lake behind our home. While our house wasn't technically "on" the lake, it was certainly close enough to take advantage of all it had to offer, from canoeing to fishing to swimming. Are you a lucky lake property owner?
Source: Flickr User jcookfisher
While I'll reluctantly jump in a pool if need be, my favorite spot to be in the Summer is at a lake. Luckily, my mom's house has access to a secluded beach just a short walk away from her home, so I'm always kayaking or swimming on a Summer visit to her house. Do you have access to water at your home?
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Having sex in water sounds so sensual, doesn't it? When you're swimming in a pool or lake, you're practically naked already, so why not slip off your bathing suit and get it on? But, wait: Is it safe to have sex in water?
Not exactly. Lake, river, ocean, and pond water contains bacteria. Having sex can introduce that bacteria into your vagina, which could put you at risk for infections that you don't want up there. Pool water, on the other hand, contains chemicals that could irritate your lady business.
Aside from health risks, the logistics just aren't with you on this one. Since lubrication is key when it comes to sex that feels good, you don't want to end up all washed out (literally). The water dissipates your natural moisture, so you're left with friction-filled sex that won't last long. What's worse is that if you're using a condom, the friction could cause a tear, and you won't be protected from pregnancy or STIs if the condom breaks.
What about sex while taking a bath or shower together? To find out read more
I usually listen to my iPod to get pumped up for a run, but sometimes I don't feel like huffing and puffing and getting all sweaty. Plus it takes a lot of energy to fully exert my body like that, so when my energy is low, I like to take my time and go for a nice long walk along the water. Not only is it great exercise, but it gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and really appreciate the gorgeous surroundings.
Since I love to walk along the beach or lakeside, this playlist is a tribute to everything water - rivers, streams and even rain. After all, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for crisp, refreshing, glorious water.
Want to see it? Then read more
A great way to enjoy the summer weather is to take advantage of lakes and oceans. The air is usually much cooler near the water and there are so many fun things you can do to work your body besides swimming.
Windsurfing is fun and feels adventurous. You can rent a board, thats what you stand on, and a rig - the sail, a mast and the boom (the bar you hold onto). The board and the rig together are sometimes referred to as a "kit." There is the uphaul, a rope attached to the boom and the bottom of the mast that you use to pull the sail up.
I'd highly recommend getting a lesson from an experience instructor. They can give you pointers on how to position your board in regards to the wind, how to pull the sail up without getting knocked over, how to stand and stay balanced on the board, as well as the simple but important skill of how to steer.
If you want to know more about getting started, then read more
Looking for a way to beat the summer and workout at the same time? Well have you tried kayaking? I am not talking about white water river kayaking, but getting out on a lake, bay, or inlet for some paddling action.
If you live near water, or are planning to vacation near water, you should have an easy time finding a place that rents kayaks and all the associated gear. Or better yet, you can introduce yourself to kayaking on a guided nature tour. Do consider taking a lesson, to learn how to maneuver the boat as well as the very important skill - how to get in and out of your kayak while you're in the water. They are really easy to tip.
Chances are you will start off with a beginner kayak since they offer greater stability and are more difficult to tip over. If it's your first time, I recommend going out on a day that isn't too windy, so the water is less choppy.
What's so great about kayaking? To find out read more
Many of us vacation by water, and you or someone you're with is bound to do a little fishing. You might be wondering if that fish you catch is safe to eat. Unfortunately, there are no national guidelines on this topic. It all depends on where you fish and if the water is polluted or not.
To find out that information, you can visit the EPA website, click on any state in the U.S., and you will be redirected to that state's specific guidelines. Obviously if you are unsure about the pollution levels of the water, DON'T eat the fish you catch - just release it back into the water.
To lean more about certain types of fish and their level of mercury, check out this helpful poster. It illustrates the level of mercury in many types of fish. For instance catfish is low in mercury, but swordfish is high. Which is good since catfish are a lot easier to catch.
Mercury is dangerous to ingest since it can build up in your bloodstream over time. High levels of it can lead to nervous system problems including brain and nerve damage, so you definitely want to avoid mercury whenever possible. While your body naturally removes mercury, the process can take up to a year. It is especially important for women who are planning on getting pregnant to be conscious about the fish they eat - high mercury levels can harm an unborn baby.
Fit's Tips: It is recommended that you limit your weekly fish intake to 2 servings a week, that is 12 ounces of fish total. If you are not sure about the mercury level of the fish you catch, just eat one serving of that fish but skip it for the rest of the week.
