Coastlines & Tan Lines™

Monday Morning Music

Shawn Martin — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:04:09 +0000

Kicking the week off with from the old blue chair!

So typically I just pick whatever song pops in my head in the morning or what I hear on the radio that I think fits for a Monday morning tune. But this weeks choice of Kenny Chesney’s “Old Blue Chair” is to let you all know that all next week will be Blue Chair Bay Rum week here at Coastlines & Tan Lines!

We have partnered up with the people at Blue Chair Bay and are going to have a week of great stuff for you! We have lined up an awesome video for, plus a contest and some great swag giveaways! So you’ll want to be sure to stay tuned for more next week! It all kicks off on Monday May 27th! You don’t want to miss out!

Cheers

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Spend a Month in Paradise

Shawn Martin — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:18:03 +0000

Concordia Eco Resort’s Work Exchange Program

Have some vacation times this year but are low on funds? Well how would you like to spend a month living on St. John with FREE lodging?…well almost free.

So what’s the catch?

There is no real catch. This is a mutually beneficial deal! From June 1st through November 15th Concordia Eco-Resort runs their work exchange program. In exchange for free lodging you commit to 4 hours of work for each night of lodging at Concordia! They ask you to commit to 30 days which would require 120 hours of work. Volunteers generally work 6 hours a day for 5 days with 2 days off each week.That’s it!

What type of “work”?

Duties might include tent-cottage renovations, painting, cleaning restrooms, pruning the bush, office work, pressure washing boardwalks and stairs, cashiering in the store, pool cleaning, customer service, etc. Your placement will depend upon your skills and our needs.

Are there any other benefits?

Of course! Aside from free housing you get 25% discounts at our store and cafe, 50% discounts on snorkel gear and chairs and discounts at Maho Bay Camps’ Restaurant, General Store, and most water sports activities such as diving, windsurfing, snorkel gear and sailing trips. Plus, this is an economical way to experience the island of St John and the surrounding United States and British Virgin Islands. Especially if you are considering moving to St. John; this is a great way to get your feet wet!

OK! Sounds good; where can I sign up?!

If this sounds good to you head on over to www.concordiaeco-resort.com/work-exchange-program/ for more information. Applications for the Work Exchange Program are accepted Online between December 15th and April 15th for the next summer’s session. But hurry! They accept 16 to 20 applicants each month. Last year there were hundreds applications so it can be a bit competitive.

And if you are planning on going let me know; I just may join you!

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Monday Morning Music: Kenny and Mac

Shawn Martin — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:07:39 +0000

Something I missed

This was taken at Tortuga music Fest on Ft. Lauderdale Beach 2013. The song is called “Somthing I Missed” from Kenny Chesney’s new album “Life On A Rock”. Mac McAnally co-wrote this song with Kenny.

I thought this was a good song for a Monday morning as I am sure many of us wake up and feel perhaps a tad off or not in the best of moods. But in the end you are alive and well so put on some good tunes, smile, and face the day in a positive light.

Enjoy.

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“Life On A Rock”

Shawn Martin — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:32:43 +0000

Another great album by Kenny Chesney and my take on it.

I don’t pretend to be any music critic but I wanted to write something expressing my thoughts on this album. Personally I have wanted one like this from Kenny and love every song.

What makes me really connect to an artist/song is how it grabs my soul and how I identify with it. This album was fun and a great beach album but was immensely personal for Kenny so I thought the best way to review it was by sharing how it connects to my life and how it touched my heart/soul. Because for me that is what music should do. Maybe my takes aren’t what he had in mind; but music and art is nothing if not subjective.

Pirate Flag:
To me this song reminds me a lot of my life. Much of my journey has been guided by the prevailing winds with caution tossed aside. A lot of times I look around and think how funny life is and how different mine could have been; but here I am. And that’s how I connect to this song. The pirate flag, making my own destiny far from the social norm. Sometimes people look at me like “I’ve done lost my mind”, because of some paths I’ve chosen but that’s where I am at ease and comfortable in life, on the road less traveled.

When I See This Bar:
I think we all have that one place, that one bar, which really brings us back. I have one like this back home called Brennan’s Irish Pub. Back in our day we ruled this place. And though it’s changed I still go back from time to time and recall those days when we were a little more crazy and a little more free. A cold beer, bellied up to the bar, and the right song still takes me back to all the friends and faces form that time gone by. It’s never the same, but always lives in our hearts.

Spread The Love:
This is my favorite song on this album and I am so happy KC finally made one like this. I think this represents the island soul and the way I try and live my life. Love for all of our brothers and sister and for the earth. What more can I say. Thank you Kenny for doing this song. One love, one earth, one heart.

Lindy:
I knew the story of Lindy prior to this and when I heard the song it made me smile. There was a homeless man I met in Jamaica once and he was one of the happiest people I have ever met. He lived in the woods by the beach and had nothing more than an old cast-net that bore the scars of many repairs. We shared a few beers and he told a few stories. When I hinted at his situation he smiled and said “but I am free man, and I love my life”. That has always stayed with me.

Coconut Tree:
This song to me is great in its simplicity but also in what it says to me. Find joy in the little things in life and life will appear sunnier and brighter. Find that one thing you can always go to that makes you smile and you will always be happy. Pure and simple truth.

It’s That Time Of Day:
There is some magic to those perfect days when the moment catches you and you realize just how great that day was. Those days when you can’t help but smile and be thankful you got to have even just one day like this and you wish it wouldn’t end. Songs like this are written about those days you’ll always remember and hope to have again. That’s my take anyway.

Life On A Rock:
I love the first 2 lines in this song; “some say we’re the land of misfit toys, an insane mix of girls and boys”. After all St. John is the world’s largest open air asylum. But these words to me share why only a few people in this world could ever live life on a rock. It takes a special person, perhaps a little off keel. But, this is the life I hope to be living soon enough. And for us luck, crazy few, who can do it; it’s where our souls belong.

Marley:
No matter how much we may love our lives and how thankful we are we all sometimes need a break, an escape from it all. To me that is what this song is about. Getting lost in the music and finding peace in words that connect with your soul on the deepest level. Bob Marley’s music, Kenny’s, Jimmy’s, all have that effect for me and when I need to escape I can always toss on my head phones, take a run or a walk on the beach, and just drift away with a smile on my face. Sometimes there is no better escape.

Must Be Something I Missed:
This one to me is pretty straightforward and I think we can all relate to it. When you are felling off but just can’t put your finger on it. Life is good but you your mood is just a little off for some reason. It must be something we missed. And God knows we’ve all been there. But it’s on those days that the lessons from Marley and Coconut Tree can be applied to bring us back to an even keel.

Happy On The Hey Now:
This song actually brought back a lot of memories and with them a lot of tears for a few special souls that left us too early. And I know we can all connect there. For whatever reason I felt this song was too personal to project my own feelings onto here.

But overall this is the kind of album I think all of the No Shoes Nation has been waiting for. KC always connects with his fans but this one especially connects with us salty souls on a special level.

Keep luvin and livin life.

Shawn

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Cocktails and Tales

Shawn Martin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:41:59 +0000

Classics & Originals From Your Favorite Key West Bartender

Professor Bob at work in the lab.

If you have ever sauntered down the south end of Duval Street in Key West it is likely you have wondered into The Rum Bar. Hopefully you have, and hopefully Bahama Bob was behind the couter. Standing there in one of his trademark tropical shirts with a huge smile on his face he is easy to identify. Not only is Bob friendly and a great bartender but he is a wealth of knowledge in the way of cocktails and rum.

About two years ago Bob decided he was going to create a book that shares with the world a variety of cocktails; and he has done just that. The book starts off with 10 classic cocktails. But you get more than a drink recipe with this bar book of bar books. With each classic drink you’ll find a short “tale” about these “cocktails” which tell of their origin, as well as some variations to the originals. Bob even offers up a few of his own variations to these drinks.

The Rum Lab in it’s secret location.

Next you will find the Bahama Bob original Cocktails. Now these drinks were not just tossed together for the book. No, over the last two years Bob has held “rum lab” on boat he calls home. Many “lab mice” visited over the two years and were subjected to many experimental concoctions at the hands of this ~~evil~~ salty genius! I even had the pleasure of being subjected to his experiments at rum lab.

The Rum Lab Test Kit!

Over 2 years more than 200 hundred recipes were created, but only 42 made it to the pages of the book; so you know you’re getting the best of the best from a master of the boat drink. Now from time to time you will see a recipe that calls for “Bahama Bob’s number (1-5) syrup. Well he hasn’t left you high and dry. In the back of the book you will find the ingredients as well as instructions for making and keeping these essential and original ingredients. So with these custom cocktails you can serve up something nobody has had outside of Key West!

Bobs book comes spiral bound, made with heavy stock paper. The covers are coated so it can be opened on a wet bar without damaging it! A nice touch for a book that will be used, and used often!

So if you are looking for the perfect bar book for those boat drinks we all love so much but also want to surprise your friends at your next party then look no further than Bahama Bob’s Cocktails and Tales!

Get yours today at http://bahamabobsrumstyles.blogspot.com/. Also be sure to follow Bob on Facebook and Twitter.

The Book!

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The Dirty Mary!

Shawn Martin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:22:34 +0000

A Rummy Twist On The Original Bloody Mary Cocktail

Since it’s Friday most of us will head out for happy hour tonight. And since tomorrow is Saturday we are free to carry happy hour over into the late night hours. This of course often means a rough Saturday morning and the need for a pick me up or recovery cocktail. For me, the Bloody Mary is a recovery/morning drink. But for many it’s an anytime drink; so apply this one where you see fit! However this one takes a few days to make so let’s call this prep for next weekend!

Naturally the Bloody Mary is a vodka drink; but we’ll have none of the stuff here at Coastlines! So this recipe is a twist on the original that I have in turn changed up to make it good for the rummies as well. Enjoy.

Now this involves actually making a pickled liquor (rum or vodka). So to do this you’ll need:

3 cups of rum (I suggest, as always for vodka substitutions, Don Q Crystal)
1 cup of unstrained pickle brine (you can find this at most grocery stores)

Your other ingredients are:

4 cups tomato juice
6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp. pickle brine
4 tbsp. freshly grated horseradish (or more to taste)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, or more to taste
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
4 pickled green beans, for garnish
4 cornichons, for garnish
8 ¼-inch slices cacciatorini salami, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the pickle-infused rum: Fill a large glass jar with rum and pickle juice. Cover to airtight, and rest jar in a cool, dark place for 3 to 5 days.

2. In a large pitcher, combine the tomato, lemon, and pickle juices and season with horseradish, Worcestershire, and black pepper; refrigerate until chilled.

3. To serve, fill 4 glasses with ice cubes. Pour 1½ ounces rum in each glass, and top with tomato juice mixture. Garnish with Cacciatorini, cornichons, and a pickled green bean spear.

Cheers!

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Concordia Eco-Resort

Shawn Martin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:05:58 +0000

A Real Island Paradise Getaway

Nestled on the south shores of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands you will find the Concordia Eco-Resort. I had the pleasure of spending 8 days at this wonderful gem in April of this year. Concordia is different from other resorts as they strive to keep as ecofriendly as possible. So while you may not have all the frills of some of the swankier resorts, in this laid-back island atmosphere you don’t even notice.

View from my balcony. Salt Pond Bay

For instance there is no air-conditioning here; but with the trade winds blowing pretty much constantly all you need is an open window and you can comfortably sleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the distant shore. And honestly even if they had AC I wouldn’t trade in the lull of the waves for the mechanical groan of an AC unit.

Trailhead to Salt Pond Bay

Removed from the craziness of Cruz Bay, Concordia is a truly relaxing place to stay and to really get away from it all. And isn’t that why we go on vacation? Not that there isn’t anything to do, quite to the contrary. In fact after this trip I’d even say that this is my new preferred part of St. John. Just a short drive from Coral Bay you can easily reach Island Blues, Skinny Legs, or The Tourist Trap, which lies right at the turnoff for Concordia. There are also several beautiful beaches, ruins, hiking trails, and great snorkeling all within a short walk or drive from the property. Plus, if you need an extra relaxing activity to help shake off the stresses of your life back home; outside overlooking Salt Pond Bay they have morning yoga sessions! Now that is a stress reliever!

Yoga classes with a view!

Travel Tip: If you are coming in by boat you can get a cell signal in salt pond bay. If you call the resort they will meet you at the trailhead and drive you up so you can get provisions at the onsite store or enjoy the café

There are several types of units to choose from ranging from the eco-tents (wood frames with canvas walls) with kitchenettes, through full kitchen units with standard construction. I stayed in the eco-studio and loved everything about it! The views vary depending on where on the property you are but most look out over the BVI, Drunk Bay, Ram Head and Salt Pond Bay.

Eco Tent

An interesting note: Some of the rooms here are off the power grid storing energy from the solar panels in large batteries and heating your water with the sun! Other units here are on the grid but actually place power into it during the day via their solar panels so the impact is minimal.

To save on money we bought some groceries and once or twice utilized the kitchen; but for me grilling out at the pool on one of the two propane grills while looking out over Salt Pond Bay and the Caribbean just can’t be beat.

Grills with a view

View from behind the grill.

The pool is another big plus in my book! After a great hike or trip to one of the many amazing beaches on St. John relaxing in the pool with a cool beverage with that spectacular view is just about perfect.

View from the pool deck

Pool

Café Concordia:

On site is the Café Concordia. I enjoyed all three meals here at least once. The food was great, priced very well, and again has a great view. There are daily happy hours and on Mondays they host an open mic night with some spectacular musicians from the area. This was one of my favorite afternoons on property and I wish I had another Monday to attend. Even if you are not staying here you need to check out the Café; especially for open mic night! Look for more in the future on this cool little cafe.

Cafe Concordia!!

But as a frequent visitor, future resident, and lover of St. John; until I call this home I will likely return to the Concordia resort many times. I really can’t say enough of how much I enjoyed the staff, guest, and property. So if you are looking to get away, relax, and really get a feel for the real St. John, then come spend some time at the Concordia Eco-Resort.

See more at www.concordiaeco-resort.com/ for even more pics, prices, and availability.

More pics of the property

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Happy Earth Day 2013

Shawn Martin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:24:16 +0000

Marvin Gaye, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

Since today is Earth Day I thought this Monday’s tune should reflect that theme. This is a great song by Marvin Gaye that I don’t think many people realize is an earth song. Enjoy.

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My Island Home

Shawn Martin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:56:56 +0000

A guide to sustainable living in the U.S. Virgin Islands

A note: I thought this was an appropriate guest blog! Sustainable living is important to us so I love what Kitty is doing here and was happy to share her webpage with you all.

Hi! My name is Kitty and I am the founder of My Island, My Home , a website and blog focusing on the sustainable options for people living or visiting St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. When I sat down to write the first blog entry for My Island, My Home I had one phrase stuck in my head. Sustainable living on a rock, c’est possible, non? Maybe I just like the sound of my imaginary voice spouting off French phrases (that sounds better than voices in my head, non?), but beneath that I really believe this is something we can strive for.

In the great expanse of history humans haven’t been here that long, and we’ve just recently been spoiled by the conveniences of food that is better traveled than I am. Surely it’s not too late to regain some of our self-sufficiency, to be able to live healthy, happy, sustainable lives. So I have taken on a mission with this website, I want to help my fellow islanders, or anyone else who wants to take this message to heart, find sustainable options. With the proper resources, current information, and a support network of people who love their home we can set a precedent for others to be inspired by and hopefully convince the community that we are serious in our goal to eat local food, sustainably caught fish, and locally sourced meat.

But that’s just the first step, and it won’t get any easier. One of my goals is to create a restaurant guide that looks at the whole business, not just the fish, so locals and visitors can make educated decisions on date night! But it doesn’t end with restaurants. We need to look at caterers, charter boats, grocery stores, and even fruit stands. I remember being appalled after talking to a fruit stand owner who admitted to buying almost half of her produce at the grocery store!

So after reading my haphazard ramblings you might ask yourself why I care so much about protecting St. Thomas. Well, I love it here! As the name hints at this is my island, my home, and I will do whatever I can to improve the life of my home and my fellow islanders. I know your other question too. And the answer is YES! You can help! Like the Facebook page, sign up for the MIMH newsletter, spread the word! And if you consider yourself an expert on something sustainable, send me an email and we can put an article on the blog!

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The Tortuga Music Festival

Shawn Martin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:25:35 +0000

2 Days of Sand, Sun And Music

Day 1

On April 13th and 14th Rock The Ocean brought the Tortuga Music Festival to Ft, Lauderdale Beach. It was an awesome 2 days of sand, sun, and great music! There were so many great bands on hand but for me there were some highlights.

It was my first time seeing Mac McAnally, play solo and it was a great show as expected! Mac is a true story teller and amazing performer.

Michael Franti rocked the Sunrise Stage and brought down the house early! Leaping into the audience to sing and dance with the crowd several times was awesome. His energy was electric and seemingly endless! This was another first for me and as a plus I got to meet him in the media area!

The final show of the night for us was Kenny Chesney. What can be said about this performance besides it was amazing. Not just his performance but the fact that we could smell the salt air, had our feet in the sand, No Shoes Nation flags flying in the breeze back dropped by the ocean and of course the man himself. I just saw KC play in Tampa but it really seemed as if the salt air added another level of energy to his performance!

Day 2

Day two I was a tad late to rise from the day before and made it in time to see some of The Bright Light Social Hour and the tail end of Kip More. Both put on great performances. But I left Kip’s set to go post up for the incomparable Grace Potter!

Again a first for me and she met and acceded all I was anticipating. From her rock & roll shredding to her soulful ballads I loved and hung on every chord and every word. I’ll go ahead and admit it, she may be my new love. Out of anyone else there I would have loved to meet her for one minute and say thanks for making such great music.

I had gone to see The Wailers but found myself in need of food after too much beer and sun but not enough to eat. But after recharging I caught The Avett Brothers performance. This is another band I was unfamiliar with but became a fan at the show. I suggest checking them out for sure.

But next it was time to post up at the Tortuga stage for Jake Owen; yet another first time for me! Brother Jake killed it and may have been the perfect performance for this festival being a fellow Florida Native. The crowd loved him and he loved the crowd. You could really see he was having a great time up there.

To wrap the whole thing up was Eric Church. I only saw a small part of his show in Tampa opening for KC so I was excited for this one…and wow what a show! I was a fan going in but this solidified that for me. Many country artist have blended country and rock but in my opinion non better that Eric has.

I missed some bands but it was still a great 2 days on the beach. But stay tuned and get ready for Tortuga Music Fest 2014! I’ve already got my ear to the ground for the details! And for more pics from this years event keep an eye out on Facebook for the rest to be uploaded soon!

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