My friend April asked me last week what crazy adventure we're going on this summer...this year I won the "where shall we go" saga, and to the beach it is! Here's my ultimate plan conveniently braided into a beach bag that may already be on its way to my door...
While we're not leaving until early summer, I'm already in buying mode and I thought I'd share what's made its way into my online shopping cart!
SWIMSUITS
I'm bringing a ton of swim suits - not because I love swimming mind you #dyedhairdoescare, but I don't like hanging in wet swim suits. No thank you! I'm embarrassed to tell you how many I have collected over the years especially during my triathlon days, but let me tell you shockingly what I found to be the most comfortable and best looking swim suit so far...and the least expensive...
Another fantastic find that I bought is this bikini top which seems really supportive yet comfortable...mixing it with this bottom which is adjustable. Love it!
While my plan is to lay on the beach and do nothing, nada, zilch for the majority of our time, we are scheduled to do a kayak tour one day, so I decided to switch it up and do a bikini with a twist... this top and this skort are gonna help me rock it out.
COVERUPS
Again I've collected a ton over the years, but I'm looking forward to this new one by Emerson Fry...I have it in green and it is STUNNING. The best part besides the pattern and color? It's one size fits all and has an inner tie that adjusts accordingly. I may just wear this to dinner one night too...still working on that...cute dresses for dinner...leave a note in the comment if you just bought one or have a fun online store I should look at. Inquiring minds want to know! Do share!
SKINCARE
I've never tried Aveda lip products, but I recently bought this one in Kimi Fig on a whim (I love their Shampure line of products). It's super pretty...color with a little gold glisten. I think it will be perfect in the beach bag this summer, don't you?
We buy this sunscreen in bulk for the summer...this one for the body and this one for the face (it doesn't bother my skin issues or cause breakouts...loves it). Wear that sunscreen people!!
PACKING TIPS
I'm a little bit OCD with organization (I'm a twin mom after all), so I'm always planning ahead and thinking of ways to multitask. With my clothes, I like to organize by type, and hands down one of the best things I ever bought for travel was a set of packing cubes. I have these by Away, but you can find them everywhere including Amazon.
Packing tip: I roll all of my clothes to keep them as wrinkle free as possible. I use the largest packing cubes for shirts and blouses, plus another for pants and jeans, undies and socks in another...you get the picture. It really keeps me organized and cuts down on time spent looking for things. Plus with this method I rarely if ever actually unpack my bag so when it's time to head home, repacking is a breeze.
I'm pretty sure I've shared my love of this Diva laundry detergent. It's a splurge for sure, but use it sparingly and it lasts a long time!
Packing tip: Once I have everything packed I will throw in a dryer sheet or one of these sachets. There's nothing like traveling all day and unpacking to find a delicious scent wafting into the hotel room.
SUNGLASSES
I have a pair of prescription sunglasses, but that didn't stop me from ordering a pair of these...super stylish and if they get lost in a wave, I won't sweat it! (That happened to the hubs with a pair of his prescription Maui Jim's two summers ago...the loss still stings!)
CAPSULE WARDROBE
I'm sticking with a neutral wardrobe in my favorite colors (white, navy, black, caramel/leather, and green...pretty much my brand colors, ha!) to make sure I can mix and match on different days, and still look put together.
top row: shirt | slides | scalloped bikini
fourth row: linen shorts or pants version | tote bag
Stay tuned for photos in early summer...I can't wait to share, where I will hopefully be tan, rested, and full of joy!