My must-have items for summer
Everyone loves summer, I'm sure of it. I refuse to believe otherwise - there must be something for everyone to love about it.
I used to love summer more when I was in school because of the vacation (DUH!), but I enjoy it now too.
And while, in other parts of the country, around this time it might start to feel like fall, here in SoCal, summer is only beginning. August and September are typically the hottest months of the year and there's only one solution to that.
Everyone spends their summertime differently, but I think there's one thing we all have in common - we all love the beach! Right? Right?
So that's where we usually head to, to escape the crazy temperatures.
And while, it's very relaxing for me to simply watch and listen to the waves, if we plan to spend hours there, I need something more.
Be it that we're at the beach, or enjoying a picnic somewhere else, I need my must-haves to help me have a good time.
Here's my list:
A good book. I love reading. In fact, when I was younger and had an entire summer for a vacation, I used to read the entire time, I simply could not be separated from my books. Now I don't have as much time *sad face*, but I still try to find time for reading. Seriously, if you're looking for a way to relax, grab a good book and dive in, along with a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else your heart desires. I've finally dived into Under the Tuscan Sun to see what the fuss is all about but if you want to travel the world via a book, I recommend Eat, Pray, Love, if you haven't read it yet.
A dramatic hat. Now we all know that the sun rules in the summer, and oh how many times have I ended up with a burned scalp and forehead - not a pleasant experience. So I started wearing hats, something that I used to hate because they messed up my hair. Well, messy hair is now on point, so I fully embraced the hat - you'll rarely see me without one outside. Make it as dramatic as you wish - there are so many out there (if you need help find one you like - check this).
Sunscreen. Let me be clear, a hat alone is not going to protect you from the burning sun, so make sure to always apply sunscreen when out. I always use and like this, this, and this, it didn't cause breakouts in my case and it gave me a nice glow. I strongly recommend using lotion vs. spray (spray does not protect you unless you massage it into the skin, just like the lotion), and please use at least protection of 50+.
Sunglasses. Eye protection is just as important. Actually it is very important, how many times have you ended up with sand in your eyes, either from inconsiderate people throwing off right in your face sand when walking (✓) or simply from the wind (✓)? So wear your sunglasses!
A bag to hold all of the above. This is the year of straw/basket bags for sure and I wrote in a previous post that I absolutely love it! And what better place to showcase your gorgeous new embroidered bag? Out of all places, I found mine at Barnes & Noble. How cute is it? They also have it in pink, saying "Bonjour", instead of "Hello". I really wanted that one, but this one matches my wardrobe best.
Shoes are totally unnecessary, but if you are wearing any, let them be espadrilles.
