bethune beach essentials

BABY POWDER - Mama Essmann tip, ladies & gentlemen. As much as sand in the car means summertime has arrived, it also makes me a little hivey. Baby powder knocks the sand right off!

SUNSCREEN - 5 years of working outdoor events has taken its toll on my skin, so there's actually 6 other types of sunscreen in my bag for all types of days in the sun for both me and Jared (the 1/4 Mexican that I married who doesn't believe he needs sun protection). This Neutrogena screen is my favorite for my face.

TANNING OIL - You know... for that desperate weekend when I need some extra color.

FLOPPY HAT - Because even when I need extra color, the face stays in the shade, thaaaank you.

SPEAKERS - For the afternoons shared with friends.

EAR BUDS - For the afternoons that serve as a reminder that you don't get to pick who sets up camp next to your towel, or what radio stations they like to listen to. Loudly.

HAIR BAND - I usually start with my hair in a top knot when we visit the shore. Keeps my neck cool & starts my hair off with a good wave when we hop in the water to cool off.

CONDITIONER - I know leave-in conditioner exists, but a splash of water & my regular conditioner does all the right things to my tangly beach hair after that first dip in the water.

SEA SALT SPRAY - I can't even contain my love for this product. It seals in that perfect beach day feel &, for my hair, sets that amazing salt water wave.

QUARTERS - For that one day that lands you parking at a meter because your secret free spots are taken.

MAKE UP WIPES - Because no one wants to look like a half-drowned raccoon on the beach.

MASCARA - Our beach has a boardwalk with smoothies & ice-cream & all sorts of fun places, so a touch of waterproof mascara goes a loooong, long way.

LIP SALVE - This one is obvious, right? Lip hydration + the perfect amount of pink.

SUNNIES - There is nothing more crushing than realizing you're at the beach without your sunglasses, so I've taken to keeping a cheap pair (usually a $5.25 pair from Forever21) in my beach bag to avoid this situation. It also keeps me from shedding tears over the inevitable sand grain scratches.

A GOOD BOOK - Always.

JUNE JAR - Hydration Nation! If you don't have one of these mason jars to-go yet, you NEED one for this summer. I'm always amazed at how popular I am when I'm the only person on the quilt with water to drink on a 98 degree day.

A CUTE TOWEL - Beach/pool towels, much like nail polish & soft loungewear, are my annual weakness. This also represents the trusty beach quilt that I couldn't find to take a picture of & will be devastated if I've misplaced it over the winter months.

TRUSTY BEACH BAG - I'll be honest. I have three other bags. The perks to this one are its inside pockets. Another is mesh & thus, the sand falls outs. The other is just a good pattern. But the point is - TRUSTY. All of 'em.

The day we unload the winter coats & scarves from our coat rack is usually the same day I bring out the beach bag to sit by the door, prepared for any day that lands us at the oceanfront... & ohhhh, what a glorious day it is.The beach/pool-side bag is in a constant state of improvement, but with a beautiful Memorial Day weekend ahead of us, I thought I'd share some of the essentials that I keep in our bag. 

If you have any beach/pool essentials in your bag that I missed, PLEASE share in a comment! I'm seeking perfection here, people! Join the cause!