Bring the beach indoors. 

In today's blog, we thought it would be fun to bring the enjoyment and whimsey of the beach to your kitchen. These recipes are simple to make and they use easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, they are super adorable. 

Consider hosting a beach-themed party for your little family, complete with delightful foods, a feel-good summer movie, and perhaps a beach-inspired craft (see this recent blog for some cute ideas). 

Deviled Egg Sailboats

Make simple deviled eggs, but then let your creativity go wild. Kids will love helping you design "sails" for these stylish little boats. 

The recipe suggests trying zucchini, peppers, or tortilla chips. 

Croissant Crabs

What could be easier than a croissant sandwich? Fill it with anything you want. This recipe calls for just cheese and tomato, but it would be equally delicious with chicken salad, turkey and cheese, roasted veggies, and more. 

The most important part is definitely the googly eye picks... but if you can't find them to order, try making your own with toothpicks. So cute. 

Seashell Pasta Salad

You don't necessarily need the beach bucket, but it sure adds the perfect touch to a simple pasta salad. Use seashell shaped pasta to throw together a cool, nutritious pasta salad to accompany your crabby sandwiches. 

If your kids prefer, you can make macaroni shells and cheese instead. Either way, pasta is always a hit. 

Rice Krispy Pirate Chest

This looks somewhat tricky but worth it. Rice Krispie treats are very moldable and with a nice sharp knife you can make any shape you want! 

Read the full recipe to see all the cute ideas included, like filling it with yummy candies. Pirates are a big part of our history here on Topsail Island, so we just love this cool idea. 

This spring, odds are good that you have spent more time cooking and preparing food at home than ever before. Maybe the kids have been home more than usual, and you are looking for activities to make them happy and keep them healthy. 

We hope this fun little idea adds value to your time together. 

We hope to see you back here on Topsail Island just as soon as possible. Until then, have a great "beach day" at home! 

A special note about your upcoming vacation

If you are making plans to visit Topsail Island in 2020, we suggest that you plan ahead so you don't miss out on your favorite restaurants, events, or stores while you're here.  We suggest that you call ahead to see IF your favorites are open (or taking reservations, or providing options for delivery & take out).  You might also want to order groceries online (just make sure you schedule your pick up AFTER your check-in time). Most of our local grocery stores offer curbside pickup: i.e. Walmart, Harris Teeter, Publix