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Archive for June, 2014

The Octopus: Weird, Iconic and Perfect for Your Beach Décor

Wednesday, June 25th, 2014

Ever say to yourself, “Hmm, I think I’ll look for some décor featuring eight-armed cephalopod molluscs today”? Probably not, but it’s not quite as odd as it sounds. We’re talking about the octopus, of course. The octopus may be one of the ocean’s more mysterious creatures but along with the seahorse, sea turtle and dolphin, it is also one of the most popular sea life themes for beach home décor.

There are around 300 known species of octopus in the world’s oceans and they live in a variety of habitats. The range of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), for instance extends from southern England, through the Mediterranean, to Senegal in Africa.

amalfi _octopus_tray_B_TP-69-2

There are many interesting attributes that set the octopus apart from other from other forms of sea life. For one, they have no skeleton or shell, which allows them to squeeze into tight spaces. When they eat, all use hard beaks–similar to that of a parrot–to consume a diet that usually consists of crabs, clams or shrimp. The octopus is also considered to be very intelligent, probably more so than other species of invertebrate, and some have even been known to use tools. Most can disperse clouds of ink or use camouflage to help them escape predators. Another strange fact: an octopus has three hearts. And while they may look scary, most are very shy; in fact only one small and rare species, the blue-ringed octopus of the tropical Pacific Ocean, has a bite that is toxic to humans. (more…)

Saying “Thank You” in the Appropriate Beach Manner

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

So a friend invites you to their beach house for the weekend. You go and have a wonderful time. How do you show gratitude for such generosity?

Of course the traditional thank you note is always classy but why not combine it with a unique gift? Wine or a tasty treat never goes unappreciated but consider a gift that is more lasting. Say thank you with a little piece of décor that will fit in with your friend’s beach style. Beach Décor Shop is proud to offer many wonderful gift items to match any need or occasion.

Seashore_stemless_mixed_set_sWine_Glass_B_003-9542-660-4 (more…)

Save a Sea Turtle and Bring One Home in Your Décor

Tuesday, June 10th, 2014

We are probably all familiar with the sight of a sea turtle peacefully paddling its way through the ocean. We’ve seen them on television or at aquariums. Or maybe you’ve been fortunate enough to experience the sight of baby turtles as they make a run for the surf from their nests in the beach sand. There are seven species of sea turtles in the world and six of them are native to U.S. waters: green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley. That kind of makes it sound like turtles are thriving here, doesn’t it? Nope. Every one of those species is listed as either Endangered or Threatened. The hawksbill and the Kemp’s ridley, smallest of the species, are considered critically endangered.

Green Turtle
Photo: Andy Bruckner, NOAA

The threats to turtles come from many sources. They can become caught in the nets used for fishing as well as the lines associated with traps and pots. Turtles entangled in this gear often suffer serious injuries to their flippers and can even drown. In addition, long line fishing gear can even hook turtles. Other types of commercial fishing, like the use of heavy dredges dragged along the ocean floor, can crush and entrap turtles. (more…)