Happy May! May is one of our favorite months, because not only does the weather truly shine and the boats start to slip into the water here in New England, but May is also Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is something here at Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!we are passionate about.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an annual observance held in May to raise awareness about skin cancer, promote prevention, and encourage early detection and treatment. The campaign aims to educate the public about the risks of skin cancer, provide information on prevention methods, and emphasize the importance of regular skin screenings.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and it primarily develops due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Head to the bottom of this page for links for resources and our favorite brands for sun protection.
Since 2019, we have grown our UV Awareness Collection from bracelets for women to pieces for men and kid's alike. Our UV awareness bracelets feature UV sensitive beads that change from clear to color when exposed to UV rays from the sun. That change in color is your rayminder to apply SPF each and everyday.
$1 from every unit sold is donated to IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit working to prevent further instances of skin cancer through awareness and education.
Starting next week, we’ll be featuring our limited edition once-a-month Rayminder bracelet drops for 2023, so make sure to stay tuned and stock up on some gorgeous new pieces coming soon!
IMPACT Melanoma
Skin Cancer Foundation
American Academy of Dermatology Association
At serviciotecnicocointravigo, we like sunscreen that is good for our bodies and good for the planet. Here are some of our favorite sunscreen brands:
Let us know if you have something to add! Leave a commend below or reach out to [email protected].
]]>Coastal Christmas Crafting. Ahh, those three words sound as sweet as smooth ocean waves breaking on the beach. At serviciotecnicocointravigo, creating high-quality, handmade nautical jewelry and goods is our top priority. We are so excited to spread the joy of making this holiday season with our new limited edition Oyster Shell Decoupage Ornament Kits. This year, we are excited to announce that our ornament kits are enhanced with more materials, better packaging, and the purchase of each kit helps to restore the Massachusetts coastline.
Did you know!? A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day.
Each semi-precious gemstone bracelet in our Rayminder UV Collection is strung with a uv sensitive bead. The bead remains transparent until it is exposed to sunlight. When this happens, the uv bead changes to an opaque shade of pink or purple; the stronger the sun's ultraviolet rays are the faster the bead will change and darken in color. This color change is your ray-minder to apply sunscreen, be mindful of shade, and cover up.
It's easy to fall out of good habits, like taking sun safety precautions, when the days are shorter and cooler. Our six new Autumn Rayminder Bracelets are sea-chic and stylishly stack with your everyday go-to Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!pieces. Check out the new colors below and start your favorite fall stack today.
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The Rayminder bracelet has more to offer beyond it's uv sensitive beads (and sea-chic style); each gemstone bracelet possesses it's own healing properties so you can maintain feelings of balance and tranquility whether you are by the ocean or not.
Aquamarine means "sea water" and the beautiful blue-green hues in this beryl mineral stone make you feel like you have the ocean tied around your wrist. In history, aquamarine's undeniable color association with the sea made this stone a symbol of protection for sailors, fisherman, and marine travelers. Aquamarine is known to have a calming effect so that you can let go of overwhelming thoughts and feelings to fully immerse yourself in the present.
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The rich pastel green of our new Mynamar Jade reflects the changing seasons as once bright green seagrass fades to wheat. Sometimes, you need to cycle out energy absorbed in the previous season to give space to a new beginning. Wear the Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelet in Jade to find clarity as crystal clear as the Caribbean Sea. As you make your way from outdoors to inside as temperatures cool, jade will help you restore by focusing on self-love.
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The Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelet in garnet will remind you of the juiciest red apple you have ever picked off a tree. It's deep red hue is linked to the color of blood and will keep it flowing hot through our veins even as chilly mornings try to slow us down. Wear garnet this fall to keep up the heat and keep your passion alive; garnet will help you turn your dreams into a reality.
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The iridescent charcoal beads of the Rayminder Bracelet in Labradorite tell a story of the sun peaking through fog on a spooky fall day. Don't fear the unknown because labradorite is a powerful protector and will shield you from rogue waves you never saw coming.
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Evergreens, forest pines, Acadia National Park, the White Mountains; all reflect the beautiful deep green tones of malachite. If you have the post-summer blues, this stone will absorbs negative energy so all you need to focus on is taking your dog on a beach walk and and visiting a pumpkin patch in the same day. [Insider tip: Crane's Beach in the AM, Russell Orchards in the PM].
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Carry a glimmer of the purple wampum shells you found on the beach this summer around your wrist with the Rayminder UV Awareness bracelet in Amethyst. Wear amethyst when you're in need of the healing powers of saltwater but are too far from the ocean to take a dip.
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Autumn in New England is celebrated outdoors with days spent apple picking, hiking, and leaf peeping. Remember that even though the days are getting shorter and the air feels cooler the suns ultraviolet rays as strong and as damaging as they were in July and August. Our new Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelets in aquamarine, jade, malachite, garnet, labradorite, and amethyst are designed with both style and function in mind. Add an autumn Rayminder to your sea-chic stack and when that uv bead changes color... #RaymemberSPF.
]]>The Rayminder UV Awareness Jewelry Collection is inspired by the summer sun and designed to be a 4-season wardrobe essential. Each bracelet pairs semi-precious gemstones with a uv sensitive bead. The uv bead remains transparent until it is exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet rays turn the uv bead from clear to a shade of pink or purple with an opacity determined by the strength of the sun. It reflects your constant exposure to the sun and ray-minds you to apply sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and always limit time spent directly in the sun.
Take the water with you wherever you go. Style these six new gemstone options into your favorite fall outfits and #RaymemberSPF all year long.
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In tandem with the new Fall Rayminder colors, you can now customize your Rayminder Bracelet to make it your own. The following guide offers you a little inspiration to help turn your thoughts into words.
Consider personalizing your Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelet...
Keep it simple, choose 1-3 initials to add to a bracelet.
Add your name or the name of someone you love to be reminded of them everyday. You can use nicknames or terms of endearment like "Mom," "Nanny," and "Auntie" too.
Or, is there someone you know that has battled skin cancer? Wear their name around your wrist to represent their strength, resilience, and courage in the face of adversity.
One up us with your own ray-minder on your Rayminder Bracelet. Add a word that makes you think, "but first, sunscreen." Words we like include:
Add a heart to your bracelet and wear your heart on your sleeve.
Or, add both you and your partners initials together, ie. "B 🖤 G" or "BG 🖤 ZG."
Add a date that is important to you, such as an anniversary or birthday or the day you achieved something great, like winning your battle with melanoma.
Add the coordinates from an amazing trip you took or the airport code from your favorite town.
You wear your bracelet as a ray-minder to take sun safety precautions, perhaps you also need a reminder that you can do it. Choose words that reflect your mantra and will help you achieve your goal.
Choose words that inspire you or instigate a moment of escape. Words we love:
Yes, but.... In order to execute your orders as fast as possible we are actively stocking a limited collection of half-made bracelets for custom orders. This collection includes our most popular Rayminder stones as well as our new favorites for fall. That said, we have the ability to assemble and produce all of our handmade jewelry in our Boston-based studio. If you'd like a color or bead size included in our Rayminder Collection but not actively offered in our custom collection feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected].
4mm Howlite, Lapis Lazuli, Sunstone, Cyan Turquoise, Labradorite, Malachite, and Garnet.
We suggest 1-5 beads but can string on as many as you'd like.
Due to the custom nature of this bracelet, it may take us a couple extra days to ship out. Please plan on a wait time of 2-5 days before your bracelet ships.
You wear Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!so that you can bring an ocean of memories with you wherever you go. You wear Rayminders because you love spending time under the sun. Now, you can customize your Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Rayminder Bracelet and create a piece of jewelry that is truly your own.
The Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Rayminder UV Awareness Jewelry Collection supports IMPACT Melanoma with an annual donation. IMPACT Melanoma is dedicated to reducing incidences of melanoma through awareness and education. We are proud to support this incredible organization and hope you are too. Find more information on IMPACT Melanoma and their mission here.
]]>May is Skin Cancer Awareness month so we've asked skin care experts and avid sun-lovers their advice on how to take care of your skin before and after sun exposure. Read below to learn more about products that are good for you skin and the ocean, skin care routines for extra hydration, and precautions to take for optimal sun protection.
At serviciotecnicocointravigo, our Rayminder UV Awareness Collection of uv sensitive bracelets and necklaces offers you a stylish ray-minder to make sun safety part of your everyday skincare routine. Each bracelet and necklace has uv sensitive beads. As the sun gets stronger the uv beads change from cloudy to color ray-minding you that the powerful uv rays from the sun are damaging your skin. Hey - leave the wrinkles for the raisins and #RaymemberSPF.
"Running a sustainable swimwear business means a lot of time out in the sun. Every morning after I shower I apply sunscreen all over my body, Sun Bum is my favorite because it is reef safe. If I'm spending time in the pool or at the beach I always reapply after getting out of the water. At night, I make sure to hydrate my skin (my favorite moisturizer is IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream) because as much as I love a good tan, I don't want any sun damage reflected on my face!"
Follow Ricki Rum on Instagram here and find the Ricki Rum collection here.
"Who doesn't deserve a day in the sun relaxing and unwinding? The key is to get sun kissed not sun slapped. Here is my skin routine pre and post beach day:
1. I apply the Ursa Major Force Field Daily Defense Lotion on my face, neck, and shoulders. It's a SPF18 and works really well. It's non-scented and doesn't clog up your pores. I toss this in my beach bag and re-apply after swimming.
2. Post the beach I use the Ursa Fantastic Face Wash in the shower. This is my everyday face wash and removed all SPF from the day but doesn't leave your face dry and tight.
3. Finally, I use the Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream. This was made for those post summer days. It's a super-rich cream that hydrates the skin. This too can be used as a daily moisturizer."
"I recommend applying an SPF that contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide (these reflect the suns rays and are immediately effective rather than chemicals that need to soak into the skin) before and during the day as well as a wide brim hat to protect your skin from the powerful sun rays. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water keeps your skin and body healthy and younger looking, longer as well as making you feel better after a long day in the sun."
Follow Body and Skin Rejuvenation on instagram here and online here.
"Hydration internally and topically is key after several hours in the sun. Drinking copious amounts of water is just as important as applying water to your skin. Look for water pulling ingredients, such as sodium hyaluronate, in your skincare, to help stressed skin bounce back. Temperature is just as pertinent when it comes to your skin's health. Before a trip to the beach, put your favorite spritz toner, Jade roller or facial globes in the refrigerator to assist in cooling your skin long after sun exposure. Utilizing ingredient specific skincare and beauty tools are a sure way to keep your skin glowing all summer long."
Follow Vital Essence Skin Care Studio on Instagram here and find online here.
"At the end of a beach day, your skin will need extra special care! After cleaning and washing your skin from sunscreen, sand, and the ocean, you will want to hydrate and moisturize as well. Our "Poseidon" bath bomb has moisturizing ingredients for all skin types, including shea butter, oatmeal, and coconut oil. On rainy or cold days, an alternative to a beach trip can be to enjoy a beach-inspired bath bomb, such as our "Deep Blue" bath bomb filled with dead sea salt, seaweed, epsom salt, and bergamot essential oil."
Follow Beluga Bath Co. on Instagram here and find them online here.
"I spent my childhood romping on the beaches of Cape Cod, and not once do I recall having sun protection applied to me. As a teen, I recall dedicating hours to perfecting my tan by applying cooking oil to my limbs. I shudder to think of those days now. In my early 30s I had to have three different spots removed after discovering some pre-cancerous cells. Since then, I've been very diligent about protection from the sun - both for me and for my young sons. These days, you'll find me on my favorite Cape beach with a giant sun hat and sunglasses, a long sleeve rash guard (I always stock up on J.Crew's options), some neon Zinka nose coat and a full complement of Supergoop! products. I have even worn yoga leggings over my suit from time to time (still looking for the perfect full body option). I love being in the water and playing in the sand too much to give it up. I arm myself with as many tools as possible so I don't miss a minute on the beach with my boys.
The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is by completely removing yourself from the reach of uv rays. Well, you can't have vitamin sea without Vitamin D so this May consider adding a sun safety measure to your daily routine to reduce your sun exposure.
If you have trouble remembering SPF in the morning or to re-apply throughout the day, wear a Rayminder UV Awareness bracelet or necklace as your ray-minder that uv rays are damaging your skin whether you are lounging poolside all day or running to grab coffee at the cafe next door.
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Any native New Englander knows that there is a 50/50 chance that the weather over Memorial Day weekend will be 75 and sunny or 50 and rainy. That does not change the fact that for most of us, this three day weekend marks the start of beach season. So, we've rounded up our favorite products to pack for your first beach weekend of 2021. In honor of May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month we have highlighted our essential items for extra sun protection.
Mott50 offers resort wear for men, women, and kids and is our favorite brand for fashionable sun protective apparel. Not only are their fabrics colorful, cheerful, and fun but they also offer UPF50+ sun protection.
I love the transitional mix-and-match set's from Mott50. Right now, I'm feeling the Madeline Short Sleeve V-neck One Piece Swimsuit with the coordinating Alana Wrap Skirt. I can wear it from the beach to the bar and if it gets chilly I can throw a sweater on top and I still feel put together. My next purchase is definitely the Secret Garden Set so that I can exercise on the beach (a little downward dog in the sand, anyone?) then jump into the water.
When you are spending time outside your face will generally be exposed to the sun, so it's especially important to shade your face when fully exposed to UV rays at the beach or on the boat. Wear the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Logo Hat for extra sun protection. It's an easy item to have a few of, so make sure to keep one in your beach bag.
My go-to for sunglasses when I am heading out for a cruise on the boat are my Maui Jim Koko Heads. I purchased these at the Annapolis Boat Show a few years ago and they are the best thing one too many Painkillers has ever lead to.
My Koko Head lenses are polarized so I can see through the surface of the water when I'm reeling in a fish 😉. Plus, all Maui Jims sunglasses block 100% of harmful UV rays so they will protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Pack Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Rayminder UV Awareness Jewelry as your everyday ray-minder that you need to wear sunscreen whether it is warm enough for the beach or not.
This collection was designed for water lovers and beach bums. We know you love to spend time under the sun, and we believe you should continue to do so, safely. Each one of our Rayminder UV Awareness bracelets and necklaces has UV sensitive beads; as the rays of the sun get stronger, the UV bead changes from cloudy to a shade of pink, purple, or orange. As the UV bead deepens in color it's your ray-minder to apply (or re-apply) sunscreen and take other sun protection measures like taking shade or covering up.
Yes, the Rayminder UV Awareness Collection is designed with sun safety in mind but does not forego style. With 12 semi-precious gemstone options to choose from and now 3 precious metal options too (rose gold, anyone?) you are sure to find a sea-chic accessory you will want to wear whether you're sipping rosé on Lighthouse Beach or running errands around Boston.
Ray-member to pack your sunscreen! Create a daily sunscreen routine so forgetting to pack your bottle of SPF is as inconvenient as forgetting your toothbrush. Personally, I use a daily moisturizer that has SPF 30 mixed in; on the days when I am out on the boat I make sure to double down with a sport lotion that I reapply every two hours.
If you want to learn more about sun safety measures and how to reduce your risk of developing melanoma check out IMPACTmelanoma.com. IMPACT Melanoma is a national nonprofit working to prevent skin cancer through awareness and education. Their website provides resources on how to prevent and spot skin cancer.
Support skin cancer prevention by stacking your Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelets! $1 from every unit sold is donated to IMPACT Melanoma.
]]>Regardless, we can't help but to get excited for temperatures that reach above 50 degrees, longer days, and sunshine. In anticipation of brighter days ahead and in honor of the end of Women's History Month we've put together a Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Spring Wish List. Check out our curated spring shopping guide of must-have items from female-founded businesses in Massachusetts and the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!accessories that compliment them.
Trust us when we say you need to upgrade your phone case to a Caep Case. The Caep Case marries fashion and function by adding a detachable rope strap to your phone case so you can wear your phone across your body. The stylish, adjustable rope strap is offered in an array of colors to keep your wardrobe up to date with each new season. Follow the adventures of female founder, Co, on her beach walks along the sandy shores of Chatham, MA.
Nothing says Spring like a fresh ocean breeze with wafts of seagrass and budding flowers. Farm + Sea offers a beautiful selection of fragrances to compliment each season. We keep one of Farm + Sea's reed diffusers in the Boat House studio at all times. When we look out our window we don't see Boston traffic going South, we see blue water lapping against pristine sandy beaches.
Quarantine pregnancies means springtime babies. So, we are stocking up on the adorable clothes and accessories from Joy Street Kids. The hand drawn Boston print is of course our go-to for expecting families. The soft 100% Pima Cotton has us wondering when adult sizes will be available 😆.
The parents of the little one have a lot of work ahead of them! If they can't make it to the beach this Spring, give them the gift that will remind them a beach vacation is right around the corner.
That salt air and sunshine feel magnificent against your skin. However, the long New England winter spent bundled up indoors may leave your skin feeling extra dehydrated after a day spent outdoors under the sun. That's why we love Organic Bath Co's super hydrating bath products that work to repair and replenish your skin. Our favorite products: Nourish Night Face Balm and Drenched Organic Body Body with Argan & Jojoba.
Proud Pour says it all in the name, a wine you are proud to pour. Each wine is yes, delicious, and stands for an amazing cause. Sip Pinot for Bees, Rose for Reefs, and, our favorite, Sauvignon Blanc for the Oysters. Each individual bottle of the crisp, Mendocino County wine restores 100 wild oysters to estuary ecosystems. They sponsor a non-profit very close to our hearts here at serviciotecnicocointravigo, the Mass Oyster Project.
When the temperature changes from numbers below freezing to 50F+ it feels like a tropical paradise in Boston. However, we all know that chilly is chilly when you're sitting out on beach and the sun starts to go down. That's where Chappy Wrap blankets come in. Wrap this oversized, soft to the touch, cotton blend blanket around you and cozy up on the beach until morning.
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If you had to describe the PLCO aesthetic in one sentence, what would you say?
What's your favorite serviciotecnicocointravigo piece?
Thank you to @Katierose_photos for the beautiful pictures!
]]>Beautiful calligraphy by Lexi DeConti.
]]>To celebrate love and friendship in 2021, Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!and Lexi Mayde bring you the SailorMAYDE Message in a Bottle 2.0. Available now through 2/14, this sailor's valentine shares a story of how the bond between you and your partner or friend cannot be broken whether at sea for one day or one year.
If you're lucky, the imagination shared between you and your best friend does not get lost amongst the sand castles and hermit crab sanctuaries of your youth but continues to grow as you do.
I still remember the day Lexi moved in across the street from me. My mom and I popped over to welcome the new neighbors. I was so happy a girl my age would now live next door! But, we'll both admit it, we were not necessarily the biggest fans of one another back in the day. Playdates often took a turn for the worst and tears were shed. Thankfully, as we graduating from 2nd to 3rd grade we found common ground through our imaginations.
From home movies to writing spells to weekends spent quilting in Lexi's basement or collaging in mine, we always had a new project in the works. Our craftiness matured as we did. Lexi perfected the art of calligraphy and illustration as I focused in on jewelry.⠀
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Last year, we decided to put our skills together and create this beautiful valentine. The SailorMAYDE Message in a Bottle will fill your soul with nostalgia for friendship, love, and simpler times spent by the sea. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Scroll through this blog post to check out each of the thoughtful details that you will find inside.
Of course, you will find a message in a bottle in this sailor's valentine. A sea-inspired calligraphy quote is handwritten by Lexi Mayde, scrolled, and inserted into a glass bottle with a cork stopper. The note is a mystery for the eyes of the receiver only.
Calligraphy is an art form for the patient and precise. Lexi is self-taught and has perfected her skill of calligraphy over the past decade. Her amazing calligraphy, watercolor, and illustration work can be found at leximayde.com or on her etsy shop here. If you are ready to loose yourself to the endless and addictive scroll, check out the Lexi Mayde Instagram here.
As legend has it -- We sailed the 7 seas and traveled to each continent to find flowers worthy of you. To preserve their beauty, we allowed the flowers to dry along our voyage. In your package you will find a petite bouquet of these dried flowers. You can use your glass bottle as a bud vase once the secret message is removed.
Through thick or thin, the bond you share with your friend or partner cannot be broken. This Bound Together Knot Bracelet represents just that. Make a wish before you tie your bracelet on, once it falls off it is bound to come true.
A greeting card waiting to be filled with your words is slipped underneath a satin ribbon and sealed closed with a wax seal. Each Message in a Bottle ships out from the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Boathouse in Boston, MA.
Available now through 2/14.
]]>Check out our favorite combos below. And, when you shop the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Yours + Mine Collection now through Valentine's Day you can add our SailorMAYDE Message in a Bottle to make it extra special.
If you're a salty sailor that has trouble expressing your love, click here to check out our list of ocean sea-inspired sentiments perfect for the inside of a Valentine's Day card.
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2020 has been an odd year. Mostly unfavorable but there's also been plenty of good as it's brought many friends and family closer together. It's made our lives a little slower and our worlds a little smaller. It's forced us all to reflect on what’s really most important in our lives. It's made us reconsider the question, "if you were stuck on a desert island..." as well as ask question, "if you were stuck on a dessert island...". It's made us so much more grateful for the thoughtfulness of family, friends, and neighbors.
]]>2020 has been an odd year. Mostly unfavorable but there's also been plenty of good as it's brought many friends and family closer together. It's made our lives a little slower and our worlds a little smaller. It's forced us all to reflect on what’s really most important in our lives. It's made us reconsider the question, "if you were stuck on a desert island..." as well as ask question, "if you were stuck on a dessert island...". It's made us so much more grateful for the thoughtfulness of family, friends, and neighbors.
At serviciotecnicocointravigo, our focus on creating handmade nautical jewelry and accessories is always a priority. This year, in particular, sharing our pieces with you has been so important to us. Our philosophy is that through sharing our accessories with you, we offer you a moment of escape so that you can bring an ocean of memories with you wherever you go.
This holiday season, consider giving gifts that are handmade and from the heart. Whether they are made by you or affectionately selected from small businesses you love, you have the power to spread joy through your thoughtful choices.
As a child, do you remember drawing a picture of your family and giving it to your parents? Regardless of whether or not your mom got hair and your dad had pants on in the drawing, I can bet smiles were stretched across their faces. When you pour a little bit of your heart and soul into something it shows, and when you share that something with someone else, they feel it too.
You would never ask a friend to bake you a cake for your Christmas party if you knew it was going to taste terrible. Instead, you'd trust that they would research a delicious-sounding recipe and take care to mix the proper ingredients and set a timer so it doesn't burn in the oven, right? That's the beauty of being in charge of quality control. Similarly, when you purchase from a local small business, you know the person making the item you purchase and can trust their diligent attention to the detail of their work.
Sure, it's easy to get everyone an Amazon gift card. And hey, I bet whoever receives that gift will be pleased. But, they will likely purchase something they were already planning to buy and totally forget that it was, technically, from you. When you make, customize, or thoughtfully select a gift that is not meant for just anyone at the Yankee Swap, it makes it personal and that's what the holiday season is all about.
Christmas and the gift-giving season is not about how much money you spend, it's about showing loved ones you are thinking of them. Making your own gifts and shopping handmade gifts from local shops spreads joy in so many directions. Love, joy, and happiness are all exponential.
]]>The Mini Brummel Collection in sterling silver is made for the sophisticated woman so she can easily transition from sea to city. Choose the Mini Brummel Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings, or all three with our Mini Brummel Gift Set.
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The Sporty Stack I is a collection of Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!best sellers. The Catch Single Wrap Bracelet in charcoal stacks alongside the #1 favorite Contender Double Wrap Rope Bracelet in navy, red, and white and the Charger Slipknot Rope Bracelet in weathered silver and faded blue.
The Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!powder coated brummels add a pop of color to any outfit. The Signal Single Wrap Rope Bracelet and the Signal Double Wrap Rope Bracelet utilize our classic brummel design whereas the Recruit Braided Rubber Bracelet is designed with a larger brummel clasp. If you're looking for a vibrant bracelet stack check out the men's Pop Of Color Stack, available for the holidays only.
Our Standard Leather Belt with a nautical shackle buckle will allow this guy to keep his pants bound around his waist so he dose not have to take them off to jump in the water. Offered in black leather with a nickel buckle, deep dark brown leather with a brass buckle, and black leather with a matte black buckle.
The Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!COVID Collection Rope Mask Strap is offered in two lengths and adjustable with slipknots so it fits around your neck comfortably. The mask strap also comes with components to turn your strap into a sunglasses retainer and folded eyeglass necklace. With it's three different uses it's like three gifts in one.
If you're looking for a dressier option for that fashionable friend, get out our Beaded Amazonite Mask + Glasses Strap.
'Tis the season for... oysters! Indulge the foodie in your life with the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Oyster Shucker.
Every Thanksgiving at my family's house is the same story, we start the day ready for a big old festive meal and it ends with, well, a few family arguments and stomaches so full we shiver at the idea of more food even before the turkey is placed on the dinner table; hence why we are starting the day light, easy, and full of flavor with Smoked Salmon Blinis.
As you sit back and relax today, perhaps, a tad happy that your family time is scheduled for a brief zoom call (don't worry, I wont tell), read through our typical Thanksgiving by the beach and let me know if it sounds similar to yours.
Let me break it down for you Bridget Jone's Diary style --
6:22am: Wake up, look at the time, try and fall back to sleep.
7:04am: Roll back over to check the time, decide its past 7 and I've "slept in" so it's time to get up.
7:05am: Play on phone.
7:08am: Get up and go downstairs. Look out the window and check for coyotes. Don't see any. Let the dogs outside.
7:30am: Make some coffee.
7:43am: Realize I have awoken the house. Family starts wandering downstairs. Decide it's a little too early to talk to anyone and take my coffee and the dogs down to the beach.
8:15am: Everyone is up. There is talk of getting exercise in before the big meal. I half-heartedly commit to a short run because it might help my slightly thick head from the evening before.
8:37am: Feel like I am being forced against my will and begrudgingly change into running gear.
8:40-9:15am: Run. Have some grumpy and unsavory thoughts about my fiance, brothers, sister-in-law, perhaps one of the dogs if they came along, and anyone else who dragged me into this.
9:16am: Feel relieved and fairly happy that I got a little exercise in. Thick head gone. Feel more pleasant towards the company I keep.
9:30am: Shower up.
9:49am: Congregate back in the kitchen and decide we have a light breakfast of fruit and maybe a half a slice of toast each even though we're all actually pretty hungry. We want to save room for the Thanksgiving feast.
10:30am: Start cooking.
12:11pm: Pop open the bubbly, it is a day to celebrate after all. And, hey, it's after noon.
12:32pm: The glass of bubbly has made us peckish, you could say it has unleashed the hunger we've all been denying. We ignore it.
1:05pm: The first app is ready. Someone takes the spinach and artichoke dip out of the oven, it looks ooey-gooey and delicious. I quickly toast a baguette while the dip cools and slice it up. Someone couldn't wait and has burnt their mouth on the liquid lava; they won't be able to taste anything else the rest of the day. We all feel bad but are secretly glad there will be one less hand dipping into the bowl of spinach and artichoke dip.
1:17pm: I spread a delicious glob of spinach-artichoke dip over a piece of toasted baguette, I hear angels sing.
1:20pm: It's as if something has awoken in all of us and we are put into action. Suddenly, a charcuterie board has been prepared, my Uncle Bill's secret family meatball recipe is off the stove, shrimp cocktail dances from my hand into my mouth, and a baked brie encrusted in pastry dough glistens in its golden brown glory teasingly, flirting with us all to dig in and take the first bite.
1:30pm: We say we're just going to have a little bit while we cook as we fill our plates, fill our mouths, and fill our souls.
2:18pm: The cooking has mostly been completed, now it is just a waiting game. Another bottle of bubbly? Get the saber!
2:42pm: The champagne is flowing freely and someone remembers we got oysters for a nice "light" app before the main meal. I grab the Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!Shucker.
3:00pm: Someone has suggested an oyster-off. I am not interested, no one is. Why race to eat such a delicious delicacy?
3:01pm: We transition the apps into the tv room and watch football while we wait for dinner.
3:14pm: My mom comes in and reminds us not to each too much because dinner will be ready by 4:00-4:30. We shake our heads 'of course' but, inside, each of us knows the truth, we are full.
3:24pm: The pot of meatballs is almost empty. There are only about 2 per person left. We all pretend not to notice but in truth, we've had our eyes on the pot the entire time. You see, my Uncle Bill's meatballs are a sweet and spicy temptress that only grace us with her presence twice a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are black magic. They are our Thanksgiving Day kryptonite. My fiance, not knowing the power of these meatballs, digs in.
3:25pm: My brothers and I wait politely for him to finish. Panic ensues as we fill our toothpicks with the remaining balls.
3:28pm: Someone has spilled sauce on my Mother's carpet. I repeat, SOMEONE HAS SPILLED SAUCE ON MY MOTHER'S CARPET.
3:29pm: I sprint to the kitchen for a can of seltzer. My mom, basting her turkey, turns to me and asks if I have seen a ghost. I say 'yes' because this house is haunted and I don't want her to know the truth.
3:30pm: My brother pops open the can and starts blotting the carpet.
3:31pm: It looks like we have been successful in removing the stain. Just in case, we strategically place a dog toy over the spill.
3:38pm: We must ease the tension in the room. Another bottle of champagne.
4:00pm: We are full and we are sleepy. A group nap takes effect.
4:38pm: We are awoken by the dinner bell (AKA, my Dad turning off the tv and asking us why all the champagne bottles are already empty).
4:46pm: We gaze across a beautiful tablescape of Thanksgiving day classics from a perfectly roasted turkey to silky mashed potatoes, from maple roasted brussels sprouts to glistening cranberry sauce. And yet, we feel nothing, if not a little sick because we have done what we promised ourselves we wouldn't do - we have filled up before dinner.
Anyways! That's why this year I am planning a pre-thanksgiving brunch that will leave us hungry and excited about our dinner feast. I'm keeping it simple, light and delicious. This is the menu:
Veggie frittata
Mixed green salad
Oysters on the half shell
Smoked Salmon Blinis
I made Smoked Salmon Blinis for the first time this fall. Though they are nice and light they don't lack in tastiness. I've shared my favorite blini recipe here. Try it out this Thanksgiving and let me know what you think.
]]>Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love fall in New England and an extra long weekend to enjoy it. I love getting together with family and friends, drinking a little too much wine, and eating way too much food. I love cozy fires and cooking for days. I love turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes - all of it. There's only one problem, by time we carve the turkey, I've already filled up on delicious and decadent appetizers.
This year, my parents are hosting Thanksgiving in Chatham (I can't wait). I've decided my contribution to the meal will be nice, light appetizers to fill a gap but not a hole before the main meal. We will be on the water so it seems fitting to lean into the oceans offerings, seafood. I'm preparing oysters on the half shell and smoked salmon blinis.
I'm excited to share my favorite blini recipe with you below and would like to note that Champagne is the perfect aperitif to pair with these little delights. Pop the bubbly and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
1/3 cup buckwheat flour
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 lb smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Olive oil or preferred oil for pan
Creme fraiche
Dill
1. In a large bowl mix buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and butter.
3. Pour liquid mixture into flour mixture and combine until the batter has a smooth and even consistency.
4. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of oil (continue to add more oil between each round of cooking). Pour in batter 1 tablespoon at a time to create small pancakes. When bubbles form in the batter, starting with the edges, use a spatula to flip the pancakes and cook the opposite side for 1-2 minutes. When cooked through, remove pancakes and set on wire rack to cool.
TIP: Personally, I like my blinis to have a nice golden-crisp surface on both sides.
5. Repeat step #4 until all the batter is used.
6. When all the blinis have come to room temperature, top with thin slices of smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and a sprig of dill.
7. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper.
Enjoy!
Original recipe from the one and only, Ina Garten.
]]>Explore Fogo Island and spot an iceberg floating off the coast.
Live on a house boat. Preferably, one on a beautiful Dutch canal.
Open a Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!pop up for a summer season in a quintessential coastal New England town.
Get married! (Come on COVID...)
Scuba dive in Bonaire National Marine Park.
Participate in an archaeological dig.
Complete a yoga teacher training program.
Travel back to Hawaii, make it to the top of Mauna Loa, and explore Kauai.
Design a pearl collection.
Get a Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!accessory placement in a movie.
Befriend a whale.
Save the oceans.
Run a marathon (if my knees don't give out first).
See the northern lights. Side note, a few years ago I went to Iceland with my brother. We took a redeye over and in the midst of trying to fall asleep the pilot told us to look out the window and catch a glimpse of the aurora. I rolled over and shut my eyes because I thought I'd have the chance one I arrived... didn't happen!
Open a lovely cafe called Beluga Bridget's.
Spend a long weekend (or a month) in Tunis, sip tea, explore art galleries and sample Tunisian delicacies.
Learn French.
Become a podcast host and/or start my own podcast.
Get the sailboats on the Charles River to raise Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!sponsored sails.
Have an epic collaboration with an epic company. What this looks like, I have no idea.
Live on a farm with a rescued horse (or two) and a goat named, Blueberry.
Write a fiction book.
Backpack through South East Asia.
Learn how to block print fabrics.
Design a fine jewelry collection for serviciotecnicocointravigo.
Learn how to play sing-alongs on the piano.
Do a multi-week thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, or another fairly well traveled trail system (not trying to get too crazy here!).
Host an epic Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!clam bake.
Be a ski bum again.
Continue to find a little joy in each and every day!
Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!has a new crew member! Meet Lara Montenegro, a jewelry designer and wannabe mermaid. Read through our interview with Lara to learn more about her approach to jewelry design, her love of the ocean, and what she is most excited about living in Boston.
]]>Hi, Lara! We are so excited to have you onboard here at serviciotecnicocointravigo. Ok, so your accent gave you away, you're not a native Bostonian, can you tell us how you ended up in MA?
Hi! I am Lara Montenegro. I am from Brazil. I was born and grew up in Northeastern Brazil, and 10 years ago moved to Sao Paulo (Southeastern Brazil) to pursue a career in fashion design. I’ve been in Boston now for two and a half years and I really love this place. I am really happy here.
That’s great! I am so happy that our winters didn’t scare you away. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I consider myself a calm, creative and sensory person, I am always willing to explore new places and have different experiences. My relationship, interest and proximity to art and crafts have been present since my childhood. I have always been attracted to this universe. Seven years ago, after being fascinated by the jewelry world, I started my own jewelry studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil. And two and a half years ago my husband received a job offer at MIT, so we decided to move to the U.S. We thought it could be a big change but also a good experience for us, we were right! This city has been very kind with us.
So, what is your experience with jewelry?
I have a degree in fashion design and a graduate degree in set and costume design. It took a while, but I discovered that my great passion indeed is jewelry design. My pleasure in working with my hands has accompanied me since I was a child, when my mother shared with me the lessons that she learned in courses she took in her free time. When I was in college I started to create jewelry for myself. I used to use different materials, like wood, linen, wool, among others. It was very different from the things that I create nowadays, simpler... more naive. I remember the first time when someone saw the jewelry I was wearing and asked me where I bought it, and a few days later I started selling them to my friends and others. Years later, I decided to take metal smith classes, and then I found myself working with brass, silver and gold. I used to make some drawings, modeling using just paper, or brass. Sometimes I simply sit in the studio and see what happens next. Nowadays, I have started to work with 3D modeling. It is very good to see the final result, but I really like to put my hands on the materials, so I like to work with both. I always feel good after a long day at the studio.
Oh, I know that feeling! I’d love to learn more about your jewelry line, I love an origin story! Tell us about your first collection.
When I was finishing my graduate studies, I decided to create a jewelry collection inspired by a Brazilian set designer called José Dias. I remember that at that time I was enchanted by the geometric shapes that were always present in his projects. I looked for ways to capture in metal something so ephemeral like a scenario is. That's when I found an old passion, jewelry, with this inspiration and decided to take metalsmith classes. It wasn’t enough for me to just design the jewelry, I wanted to make it myself! I created a small collection of silver rings, necklaces, and earrings. Shortly after finishing my graduate studies, some friends were interested in buying my designs. Then, I started creating for friends, after that, for friends of friends, and then finally I decided to officially start a studio and sell my jewelry in physical and online stores. The best feeling for me is when I see someone using jewelry I made. It's so fulfilling!
What inspires you most when designing jewelry?
I can say that everything around me can become inspiration. I try to work on my sensitivity and keep an open mind, be able to absorb shapes, colors, textures, to contribute to my creative process. The colors, the sinuous shapes, the diversity and the richness of nature inspire me daily. Walking makes me think clearer, when I go to museums I always return home full of ideas. A trip can make me feel more alive and willing to create, but what enchants and inspires me most is the sea. Since I was little I spent summer holidays at the beach. In addition to beautiful memories, I can say that I feel a strong energy from the sea. I feel lighter after seeing the sea, it's like stepping on the sand and swimming in the sea would take away all the bad energies and recharge my soul’s battery. This was, without a doubt, why I feel so identified with serviciotecnicocointravigo’s designs. When I saw the jewelry created by Bridget I could smell the sea air and then I thought: I want to work with her! Here I am :)
From one beach bum to another, I love that answer! What are you most excited about working with serviciotecnicocointravigo?
I can’t say how happy I am to work here! It feels so good working with handcrafted jewelry with high quality materials. I love the clean and sophisticated designs that Bridget creates. I admire the design that refers to the nautical, but without being obvious. I am very excited to create with Bridget!!
Yes! We can't wait to debut all the new designs that we've been talking about. Now, for a couple of fun questions. Tell us about some of your hobbies.
I adore spending my free time drawing, painting (using watercolor and acrylics), cooking, baking... In general, creating something.
What are your favorite spots in Boston?
I love to go for a walk at Esplanade, Riverbend Park, MIT, Harvard Yard, Boston Common, Fine Arts Museum, the Aquarium, Little Italy... I can write a long list about it (oops.. Boston and Cambridge).
Tell us your dream vacation.
I would like to visit Lyon in France. Since my husband visited it, he has showed me pictures from there and based on things that he said to me I think I will love that place.
I'd love to travel there too! If you were a marine animal, what would it be?
A mermaid?! Lol! If I were a marine animal, I would like to be a seahorse! They are so elegant! Also some species are able to change color according to the environment in which they are. And another interesting fact is that the male seahorse gets pregnant and gives birth. Wow!
Thats incredible! One final question, what Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!pieces are you crushing on right now?
So many! Right now, I would have choose the Slim Fid Cuff and the Cargo Belt.
Thanks so much for answering these questions, Lara! We are so excited to have you at Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!and can't wait to see what new things we're able to accomplish with your help:)
Check out Lara's personal jewelry line HERE.
Photographer: Joel Veiga / Model: Isabella Silveira
]]>Fresh, canned, in salad, in soup; I'll take a tomato anyway it comes. Whether I'm entertaining a crowd (not this summer) and need a quick and easy appetizer or want a light bite for dinner for a party of 2, this simple Tomato Mozzarella Bread is one of my favorite go-to recipes. The subtly and mildness of the mozzarella allows the big flavor of in-season tomatoes to be the front runner on your taste buds.
Ingredients
A loaf of crusty bread
3-4 Vine ripe tomatoes
1 Ball of mozzarella (or better yet, burrata, yummm)
Olive oil
Balsamic glaze
Sea salt + cracked pepper
1. Slice the baguette into 1/4"-1/2" discs. I like to cut the bread on a diagonal so there's more surface area for all the good stuff.
2. If you like a nice crunch to your bread go ahead and set your oven boiler to medium (I always get a burn when I put it on high!). Pop the baguette slices on a baking sheet and into the oven, keeping an eye on when the top of the bread turns golden brown. Flip the slices upside down and toast until the bottoms match the top.
3. Arrange the bread on a platter and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Slice those locally grown, can't get fresher tomatoes about 1/4"-1/2" thick and place on top of the baguette slices.
4. Thinly slice "shavings" off of your mozzarella or burrata ball and top the tomatoes with it.
5. Now for the best part. Drizzle that balsamic glaze right and left and back and forth.
6. Follow with some sea salt and cracked pepper. Enjoy!
If you are having company stopping by and you need a quick transition from day to night after an endless day of sun and sand, the only way to accessorize is with serviciotecnicocointravigo. Our bracelets are designed to be worn from beach to après-sea so can worry less about your outfit change.
Our Collection of rosegold nautical bracelets are just the right shade of pink to compliment the the rich reds, burgundies, yellows, and oranges of tomato season. Mix in our Moonstone Rayminder UV Awareness Bracelets which is styled to be worn whether you are in need of sun safety under uv rays or not. Plus, the Moonstone will keep you eyes-closed-sea-breeze-crashing-wave calm whether or close to the ocean or not.
]]>-A collection of something obscure.
Chatham, MA is home to a number of art galleries. Focus Gallery showcases fine art photography and is my favorite. I'm captivated by the giant images of whales that fill the walls; I leave downtown and find myself in the middle of the ocean swimming alongside these beautiful creatures.
Bryant Austin is the photographer behind these images. His work takes years to create as he waits patiently for the whales to come to him. He will float at the top of the waters' surface and "get to know" the whales before photographing them. The intimacy of his work shows his care and compassion towards these animals. The following are some of my favorite photographs from two different collections that span over 10 years. Seeing these images full scale in person is a whole different experience. I urge you to seek out Austin's work the next time you are in Chatham.
]]>Chatham, MA is home to a number of art galleries. Focus Gallery showcases fine art photography and is my favorite. I'm captivated by the giant images of whales that fill the walls; I leave downtown and find myself in the middle of the ocean swimming alongside these beautiful creatures.
Bryant Austin is the photographer behind these images. His work takes years to create as he waits patiently for the whales to come to him. He will float at the top of the waters' surface and "get to know" the whales before photographing them. The intimacy of his work shows his care and compassion towards these animals. The following are some of my favorite photographs from two different collections that span over 10 years. Seeing these images full scale in person is a whole different experience. I urge you to seek out Austin's work the next time you are in Chatham.
Humpback Whale Calf II, 2006
studio: cosmos: 2006
A Mother Listens, 2006
Humpback Whale Portrait 1341, 2006
Sperm Whale Composite II, 2011
Sperm Whale Composite I, 2009
Humpback Whale Mother and Calf III, 2006
In 2013, Austin released a tabletop book titled, Beautiful Whales, it's no longer in print but there are a few copies still available at Focus Gallery.
]]>SHOP: League Magnetic Brass Bracelet with Cotton Braid and Fid Cuff in Lacquered Brass
You don't have to choose to be a "brass guy" or a "silver guy". Mixing your metals shows your adventurous side. Our Fid Cuff in oxidized silver stacked with our Journey Canvas in brass is an easy, breezy combo that says, "I like what I like."
SHOP: Journey Double Wrap Canvas Bracelet in Bretton Red and the Fid Cuff Bracelet in Oxidized Silver
If you're wearing Women's Accessories | Ladies Jewellery, Sunglasses & Bags,Find New Styles! Discounted Bracelet Set!chances are your style already has a nautical flair. Our Fid Cuff and Brummel Rope Bracelet combo is an all time classic. The sinuous pattern carved into the cuff follows the twist of our 3-strand rope. These two bracelets go together like boats and water.
SHOP: Journey Double Wrap Rope Brass Bracelet in Navy and Fid Cuff Bracelet in Antique Brass
How do you judge the skill of a sailor? By his rope work. And what tool does a sailor use to perfect this skill? A fid, also referred to as a marlinspike.
So, what is a fid? A nautical fid is a tool that's typically conical in shape with a taper point on one end. It's used when knotting or splicing rope.]]>
Traditionally, Fids were carved out of wood and bone. In the 18th and 19th centuries sailors spent months at sea; to entertain themselves on their voyages, they would carve decorative motifs and scrimshaw into the handles of fids. These tools are beautiful artifacts that tell the sailor's story. Some are even collectible antiques that sold with price tags exceeding $500. They are the inspiration behind our men's and women's Fid Cuff Bracelet and Slim Fid Cuff Bracelet.
Today, fids are used to splice through newer materials, like rope cable made of metal fibers, so they are made out of stronger material like steel and iron. Technically, these metal fids are referred to as marlinspikes.
Fids can range in size from just a couple inches with a pin sized point on one end to 18" long with a taper point 1" in diameter. The size of the taper point is determined by the size and type of rope being used. Think about it, the rope used to secure a sail is much smaller than the rope used to dock a 1,200 ft shipping vessel.
Fids have a number of purposes aboard a boat. The taper point on the end of the fid can work between the strands of a knot, this lessens the pressure so that a knot can be untied or held open. The fid also aids in splicing rope. Splicing is the practice of forming a joint between two points in the same line using only the fibers from said rope. One of the most useful knots that uses a fid is the Marlinspike Hitch. This hitch creates a temporary opening within the knot to insert a handle. It's often used when creating a rope ladder.
Being skillful with knots and rope work is still a necessity for boat safety. The fid maintains it's functionality for marine purposes. It's a tool every sailor should have ready to use.
]]>Currently, my summer house only exists in a day dream. That doesn't stop me from taking mental notes when I see a beach house I love and I wont say I don't spend a few hours each perusing Pinterest for inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite coastal homes right now:
A Classic Cape on Martha's Vineyard
Read more about bringing this classic Edgartown cape house up to the speed of modern living in this Architectural Digest article.
This Nantucket retreat balances color, texture, and space while honoring it's natural landscape. Learn more about Markham Roberts ability to mix old and new here.
There is so much to love about this no fuss beach cottage in Falmouth. Get inspired by the designer duo behind the renovation here.
]]>Last year, my aunt gifted our family with a StoryWorth subscription. StoryWorth is a service that prompts family members, in this case my Grandfather, with questions. The answers, or memories, are captured and shared in a book.
In the first half of the 20th century, my Great Grandfather purchased a hunting and fishing camp along an isolated and rugged stretch of coastline called Nauset Beach. Our family continued to use the camp as a getaway until it washed away in 2007. It was the heart of so many memories. (I've talked about the camp in other blog posts, if you are interested check out, Swept to sea: my final walk through the Harriss camp). I have thoroughly enjoyed reading my Grandfather's memories of our family camp from decades before I knew it. The following are a few of my favorite Q&As.
]]>In the first half of the 20th century, my Great Grandfather purchased a hunting and fishing camp along an isolated and rugged stretch of coastline called Nauset Beach. Our family continued to use the camp as a getaway until it washed away in 2007. It was the heart of so many memories. (I've talked about the camp in other blog posts, if you are interested check out, Swept to sea: my final walk through the Harriss camp). I have thoroughly enjoyed reading my Grandfather's memories of our family camp from decades before I knew it. The following are a few of my favorite Q&As.
Side note, for all intents and purposes, Nauset and North Beach are the same. Also, I made some spelling and grammatical changes (disclaimer in case a cousin is reading this and my Grandfather's answers sound a little different ;-)).
The best of Cape Cod.
My Father went to a sandbar out of Orleans on the cape with Paul Rasmussen, a shooting buddy, to shoot ducks. Paul had a camp on the sand dunes. My Father liked it so much that he negotiated to buy the camp next door. These camps were shacks with no home features.
My first experience going there I was asked to help a carpenter to resin glue the roof. This I did on part of my summer break from Boston University. [It was] A GREAT LEARNING PROCESS .
Elinor and I spent part of our Honeymoon at the cape shack.
I loved the ease of fishing for bass, casting into the surf or from the boat in the bay.
As my children got older we spent our vacations at the shack.
In time, improvements were made to the camp, but it still remained a shack.
One year after everyone went home, I went out for my last fishing trip in the bay. I caught a very large bass, 40/45 pounds (I forget) but my family was not there to see it.
It was different from my normal way of life, digging for clams, other shellfish, and one year the bay was loaded with lobster.
It was great while it lasted.
My earliest memories of going down to the Cape with the family [involve] the transportation factor. I had to go down first to get the boat which was usually anchored off the camp. I had to take the jeep down to the camp to get the boat. The family came down in a regular car to a point called Scatteree [a beach/landing in Chatham]. They would flash the headlights and I would check the boat across the bay and pick them up. This was not too bad but as a family to increased, the operation changed a bit.
The fact remains that in the early days the camp was very primitive - kerosene lamps, no running water, it was a pump by the sink which had to be primed to get started. The only one [positive] factor was that the old house had a commode in the garage, but it had to be emptied periodically.
We survived these times. As the family got larger we made various improvements such as a gas line and gas lights in the lower floor. We had problems in the beginning with sand piling up over the winter in front of the garage doors but that was very mild and we overcame it very easily.
In the beginning, there were plenty of fish, clams, quahogs, and other types of wildlife.
First, the best fishing event I had was the one I have written about, whenI caught a 40 or 45 pound stripper. But I am a bit vague on the weight as I sold it at the Chatham Fish Pier. It could have been 75 pounds.
The real joy was surf casting. I never knew about [this] till my father took me to the camp on the sand strip off Chatham [Nauset Beach].
I caught many strippers over time but one experience sticks with me. At low tide on the Atlantic Ocean strips of sand were exposed (sand bars). So to cast further out to sea, I went out on one of the strips. The end I was on was higher than at the beach. Sure enough when the tide started to come in I did not realize I was going to be trapped. I started back but the sand was covered with water and it was soft to walk on. It was tough walk and no one on the beach but I made it ok. Never to do that again.
When I first went to north beach, a sand bar off Chatham, there were 3 or 4 sand dunes facing the ocean before you could get to the camp. There was also a line of telephone poles going to the old coast station.
During the 50s and 70s these all disappeared.
This was also true of the fishing etc.
You could live off the land in the early days. Plenty of fish, flounders, stripers and shell fish.
But gradually over time this all changed, more people bought second homes, more summer tourists, more people could purchase boats and the tides changed the shape of the shore line.
So gradually there were less stripers on the outer beach and then the bay was changing. One year I found the large sea clams in a sand bar in the bay, next year they wee gone. And some years later there were plenty of lobsters. There were plenty of clams on a nearby sand bar, but the ties changed it so no more.
At first it was a surprise to see seal on the beach or in the water, now there are hundreds around the sand islands and below the entrance to the harbor.
It is a constant change but I am sure it will change for the better in the future.
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