…the minimalist version
I love the beach!! But I detest the packing/lugging/unpacking that usually goes with it. When we had Shiloh, I thought it would only get worse. But instead, we have gotten our beach days down to a science.
Today I thought it would be fun to share what we’ve learned so you can spend these last few days of summer with more beaching and less packing. Below I’m sharing some products we love and find to be total game-changers, but if you just want the checklist skip to the end.
#one – it’s all about the bag.
Truly. We don’t own a beach cart because it’s simply not painful enough to lug the few things we bring. But the right bag is key! Otherwise you end up with a bunch of bags that only fit a few items. The one I currently use was a gift from my parents travels but check out this huge canvas tote (comparable to a L.L. Bean or Lands End Tote for a fraction of the cost!)
#two – what’s in the bag for matt and i.
As long as it’s at least SPF30 I’m not overly picky about my sunscreen, EXCEPT for what goes on my face and neck. This stuff is the best! Not greasy, not pasty, doesn’t make me breakout, and works really well. I use it daily but make sure to bring it to the beach with us.
I also make sure we all have a hat. For me it’s either a wide-brimmed straw hat like this one or a trucker cap like this one. Pair that with sunglasses and SPF lip balm and your sun protection gear is set.
Other bag essentials include a sheet, towels (I love how big and absorbent yet thin these ones are!! ), hair ties, a book and cover up (can’t go wrong with a kimono!) Finally, not technically in the bag but we do each have a beach chair.
#three – what’s in the bag for shiloh.
1 burp cloth, 1 muslin swaddle (doubles as a nursing cover-up), hat, sunglasses, cover-up, swimmy, pacifier, 5 diapers + wipes, plastic bag (dirty diapers), onsie, water bottle (in-case sand gets in the eyes).
The biggest game-changer is a tent. We LOVE this one because its small to carry and easy to set up. Plus there’s a bottom to it.
#four – food.
We keep it simple with water, snacks, and perhaps an adult beverage (that is why wine comes in a personal size box, right??)
Our go-to snack include bars (obsessed with RX bars ), cottage cheese with chives and some cut veggies to dip, fruit (frozen watermelon is so refreshing!!), and either popcorn or tortilla chips for a salty crunch.
#five – the after-party.
We always like to be ready to go out for a bite after so we keep a bag in the car with face wipes, deodorant, aloe (works for moisturizing face + body plus styles hair great!), extra diapers and wipes, a wet brush, and a change of clothes. I also keep a travel size of the Bumble and Bumble spray I mentioned in the Best of Beauty July Edition since it’s just that good.
So there you have it! We keep our beach bag packed and ready to go for when the beach calls us…highly recommend 😉
As promised, here’s your checklist…happy beaching! And make sure to comment with anything you love to have at the beach.
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