We’re going to Florida this summer and I’ll be honest, it can’t come soon enough! This Ohio winter needs to end and I need some sun! Don’t we all?!?! I’ve been thinking about what to take on vacation and I’ve complied a list of things that I can’t live without for a trip to the beach or pool. Here are my 5 must-haves for summer.
#1. Rash Guard
I’ve been looking at this rash guard because it’s a zip up. I like to have the option of taking the rash guard off with ease if I just want to be in my bathing suit, or if I’m going from the beach to the pool. I don’t want anything that’s going to be plastered to my body that will show off all of my lady lumps, eww! Also, I need a rash guard with a little collar because I don’t want tan lines around my neck. I’ve found what I consider to be the best rash guard that meets all of my criteria.
#2. Shelter
Last year while in Panama City Beach, we spent the day at Shell Island, which is completely uninhabited and there is no shelter. We took our small, itty bitty tent and tried to cram 5 of us in there. Not fun! Friends of ours and my sister both have a Sport-Brella and love it, so I went ahead and got one for our trip. It’s only $49.15! Well worth it if you ask me!
#3. Beach Bag
Carrying all of our stuff to the beach can be a chore. This bag is a work horse in our family. It goes to the beach, the pool, picnics, soccer games…literally everywhere! I got it a couple of years ago at a Thirty-One party. Best. Purchase. Ever! It’s big enough to hold everything I need and everything I don’t need, ha! (I’m a chronic over packer!) They are completely customize-able. You can get these bags online now and they’re $35.
#4. Sunscreen
No tan is a safe tan. I’ve learned that the hard way. I’ve used sunscreen my whole life, but my skin still shows the effects of sun damage. Now, I wear nothing less than SPF 45. Also, the kids and I have sensitive skin, so not only do we need a sunscreen that works, but we need one that won’t cause irritation. Environmental Working Group came out with it’s list of Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens. This sunscreen is my go-to and it made the list.
I also like a spray sunscreen for the kids. Let’s get real here…slathering down 3 kids every 1 1/2 hours at the beach is a torture exercise. I hate it! Even though the sprays are more expensive, it’s worth your time and sanity to use a spray sunscreen. This one is great because it’s free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances which can cause skin irritation.
#5. Cover up
I wear my swim cover up into CVS, the gas station and the pizza shop before or after going to the pool. If you get the right one, it can look like a dress and be completely acceptable attire for a quick run into the store. Mine is from H & M and I love it, but it looks like it’s not available this year. The cover up in the pic below is from Target. It’s the exact same style and cut as the one I have. I may have to pick one up on my next Target run so I have a backup.
I’m also in love with this long kaftan!
That rounds off my Top 5 Must-Haves For The Beach! Do you have anything you can’t live without at the beach or pool? I’d love to hear about it!
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