Cassie N asked:


My family is going there in April and I just want to know what to expect.

Sharon

Keith Raymond asked:


In its original form, the serape was intended as cheap accessible outer clothing. First worn by the poorer working folk of Mexico and Guatemala, serapes refers to the traditional striped weave that makes up the Mexican blanket or serape which was worn as a garment. The serape which can still be found today was made of a soft rectangular blanket with an opening in the middle where the wearer inserted his head. 

Today, the serapes, often known as a falsa blanket or Saltillo have evolved into a more versatile blanket design. On vacations to Mexico and Central America, these serapes blankets can be found in the numerous markets and vendor stalls. The serape is noted for its inter-mixed, band-like colorful design. The largest stripe is always the primary color and repeated throughout weave, along with complimentary colors. Because of the nature of the weave, each finished serape blanket is a beautiful, unique work of textile art. 

Because of their unique character and colorful charm, serapes add a decorative flair to any room in the house. They are a great addition for those looking to create a feeling of warmth to a room. If you are looking to overcome a dull feeling to any room, serapes bring life back to a room with their rich and vibrant colors accents. With their decorative versatility, serapes are unmatched in their use. Serapes can be used as a couch throw, table cover, bedspread or even a light floor covering or wall hanging! It is not uncommon to find serapes folded in a fan-shape to accentuate their colors hanging on a wall in many restaurants in Mexico. For those who want to recapture the flavor and feel of their Mexican vacation, a serape rekindles those pleasant memories. 

Popular with just about everyone, Mexican serape blankets are a versatile textile. They are as much a hardy Yoga blanket, a picnic or beach blanket as a decorative touch. If you want to make a stay at the beach or a picnic extra special, lay out a serape and let its color add to the moment. You can be sure to expect compliments too! 

A serape can also be used with a Mexican hammock for the ultimate in outdoor garden decorating style. The Mexican hammocks come in one solid color or multicolored rainbow. Just stretch out your hammock, through a serape across for extra comfort, add a pillow or two and you have the perfect outdoor sanctuary. You’ll never want to leave! 

Serapes also make for a great gift. Because of their unique color and warmth, they make for great housewarming gifts or make a great going away present for someone off to college. For those who seem to struggle with finding the right gift for someone who is difficult to shop for, just watch as they light up when they unwrap your special gift to them.



Kristin

Amber Smith asked:


Although hammocks are an ancient creation there is nothing quite like lying on a nicely fitted hammock between two trees and enjoying beautiful beach side scenery. This unique and age old creation is a true symbol of relaxation. Simple in its construction, a hammock is still counted as a luxury because of the sheer comfort that it offers.

You need not be at a beach however to enjoy the comfort of lying down in a hammock. Rather you can create the ideal environment in your own garden or backyard. There are however certain things that you need to keep in mind if you are looking to invest in a hammock and that is the fact that different hammocks are created for different purposes.



Determining your needs

Since there are so many varieties when it comes to this particular item it is crucial to determine your needs prior to investing in one. One of the most popular versions is the camping hammock which is portable, easy to assemble and extremely lightweight. Such a hammock will even let you enjoy a good night’s sleep in it.

For most people who go out camping they take their hammocks as complete replacements for camping tents. There are many reasons that may trigger a person to make this choice and amongst them is the fact that they cost less and are much easier to handle due to their light weight and portability.

The revolutionary concept

A relatively newer concept is that of a hammock chair. This invention is the ultimate comfort chair that cradles your body in the most gentle of manners. It gives you utmost comfort as it tucks you in as if it was hugging you. The fact that such a chair is far more flexible than a regular chair makes them highly versatile.

You can use a hammock chair in many different ways. You can sit back lean and relax with the option of setting it up straight to sit up straight. Similarly you have the option of sitting with your feet on the ground with ample room to keep them in the hammock if that is what you desire. Such a chair also serves as a portable hammock which can be taken from one place to another.



The building materials

You will be able be able to find hammocks made out of many different materials in the market today. Each material has its own specific uses and benefits. You should take a look at what each of them has to offer and then make the choice based on what best meets your needs.

The king of all hammock building materials is cotton. This is considered to be the most comfortable material amongst all the others. The downside of cotton is that it is highly susceptible to mildew and mold which diminishes its life if not properly maintained. Even the beautiful colors begin to fade with time.

The other alternative is polyester which can offer you almost the same level of comfort as a cotton hammock with the added benefit of durability. The most rugged of all hammocks are however the ones made out of canvas.



Charlie