On Saturday morning Caroline and I have an 8:30 a.m. flight to Alabama where we will be picked up by Sophie and Alex and we’ll all head to the beach. Needless to say, my last few hours have been spent in a fury of strategic packing because I am determined that we will make this trip with one carry-on bag and a backpack. It’s an ambitious goal, but so is drilling for oil in the Gulf and look how well that’s turned out for everyone.
And, seriously, if P asks me one more time if I’m packing HazMat suits for Caroline and me, it will cease to be mildly amusing.
The truth is that I grew up going to the beaches in Galveston in the 70′s and 80′s. I didn’t even know there were beaches without tar and oil until I was fifteen years old. I thought everyone picked out their oldest bathing suit to wear to the beach and had to wipe themselves down with gasoline at the end of the day. It was the price you paid for lounging in the sun eating Fritos and bean dip and then going out to ride the occasional wave.
Anyway, as I’ve packed I’ve thought about the essential beach items. And even the non-essential beach items. Basically, I’ve thought about things I think are great for the beach and thought I’d share them here.
A good beach towel is a must and I’m a big fan of the chocolate brown zebra print.
Of course if you want something more understated, you might prefer the Regatta stripe towel. It would be perfect for attending a Regatta Gala.
3. Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunblock SPF +70
I could write several paragraphs about how particular I am when it comes to sunscreen, but I will spare you all the details of my sensitive skin and the BURNING, my word THE BURNING, that happens when I use the wrong product on my face.
That’s why I have fallen in love with this Neutrogena sunblock. It’s gentle enough for my face, but strong enough to use everywhere.
I think I sound like a commercial.
4. Ruched guard
I have a regular rash guard that I wear sometimes, but I like this one so much better because the zipper keeps me from feeling like I might suffocate. And the ruched sides are just cute.
I love these smocked dresses from Victoria’s Secret. They’re the perfect thing to throw on over a bathing suit.
I’ll admit that I haven’t always been faithful to the Reef flip-flop. There have been others along the way. But I always come back because they are so comfortable.
8. Maxi jersey dress
This maxi dress is perfect because it provides a little more coverage than the normal maxi dress and it comes in this delightful hot pink and green combination.
How many comfortable dresses are too many for summer?
11. Turquoise banana shell necklace
This would look so great with a simple white shirt. Or with a maxi dress. Or really with anything.
Now I’m off to go cram a few more things in a suitcase.
Also, I’m probably going to take a summer hiatus from Fashion Friday. I reserve the right to change my mind on that, but there are only so many times you can show a pair of shorts or flip-flops or cotton dresses.
What I’m trying to say is it’s hot. And it’s summertime. And the living is easy.
Y’all have a great Friday.
I love that tote bag! I saw an article on a new sunblock that is “invisible zinc” in a British newspaper. Haven’t seen hide nor hair of it here in the US of A.
We’re headed to Alabama’s beaches this week also. Do you ever feel like you are packing the entire house? Luckily (or unluckily), we are driving so we don’t have to worry about carry-ons and whatnot. Here’s hoping there’s not too much oil! Have a great trip
You crack me up! I’d love to have you come walk the streets of Kyiv with me so you can see what fashion is like here!
I’ll be going to black beach in July. Can hardly wait.
Please document all things oil spill ok? I need to get worked up a bit more over it all. Oh, just kidding. Y’all laugh your heads off and take lots of pix!!!
Hugs,
Fran
The VS Smocked dress is great! I bought the one pictured for a trip to Hawaii 2 years ago. It’s still going strong!
Just be warned, if you have any sort of chest above a C-cup, it may not be the best fit. The model is of average bust. If you are larger the smocking makes the front of the dress ride up a bit. I went from looking endowed to looking like I make a living making movies that come in dark shrink wrap from a online site. Just a heads up.
And do keep us abreast (no pun intended
) on the beaches. We will be heading to Destin sometime this summer…
I’m praying for you and Sophie, friend! May you have a beautiful time together, oil or no.
And random zoo fact for you: Did you know that baby zebras have chocolate brown stripes when they’re born? So, if you want to save yourself some syllables, you could just say you’re a fan of baby zebra print.
Or not.
Love you!
Hope you have a safe trip! Look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. I’m sure you will have stories to tell….especially about the food.
I’m all about the comfortable summer dress. I find it hot in KY so I can only imagine how it is in Texas (where I’ve always wanted to visit, btw). Also…I love those towels, however if I ordered a monogrammed beach towel from Pottery Barn, my husband might try to divorce me. But in that case, I would fight for my-more-than-half of his recently acquired BMW, which surely cost more than a PB towel, right?
Sounds like it’ll be a great vacation – have a fantastic time! And I absolutely love those zebra print beach towels, especially the monogram!
How fun! Take plenty of pics of Big and Boo!
I hope you all have the time of your lives! I’m sure there are lots of appetizers and cheese based foods in your vacation. (PS: I, too, grew up going to Texas Gulf Coast beaches. I did not know that there were white sand beaches and pretty ocean water until college.)
It must be beach week. We are DRIVING to NC, because we have 2 small, old dogs that love it there. Truth be told, we love having them there. We have had this place for years, and while it’s small and simple, we sure do love the sound of the waves, the breeze, the smell of the ocean air. And, it is over 100 degrees in Texas and it is just time to leave!
I love the Friends reference…regatta gala!
Have fun!
Oh, my…I, too, thought finding tar in the lining of your swimsuit at the end of the day was just part of the beach fun! I’d forgotten about the family trips to Galveston in the 70′s. My sister and I would use the tar chunks to decorate our sand castles. Thanks for the memories, I think…
We are heading for Gulf Shores on Wednesday with our two sons their wives and seven grandchildren and I dare the oil to spoil our trip. I guess we can just roll in it and save on sun tan lotion.
You forgot to mention the battle with SEAWEED certain times of the year. I just love climbing over mountains of seaweed to get to the water. Ick.
I love two things on this list. I LOVE the Neutrogena sunscreen. Jared is allergic to some sunscreens, but not this one. (Imagine that coming from my gene-pool. I get the BURNING of the face oh so well. Austin and I are going in for allergy testing on Monday.) Neutrogena also has a spray that feels very lightweight. I don’t have to exfoliate it off later.
And the monogrammed beach towel. This was a very important lesson that I learned with children. They NEVER keep up with their beachtowels when visiting friends’ pools, and having their name on it helps the towels find their way home. Believe it or not, I still have the beach towel with my name on it that we got as graduation gifts from Susan’s mom. Its a bit thinner than my other towels at this point, but it still finds its way home to me!
OK, the tote bag is awesome (I can still say that, right?), the zebra beach towel is to die for, but the strapless smocked dress? I was depressed after seeing the size 2 beauty posing in it! It really is cute, though.
Have a great time with Boo at the beach!
Nice Friends reference… assuming you were actually making one and not really talking about a true regatta gala…
Galveston holds the key to my heart. I just don’t get in the water!
If I was the type of person to spend $100 on a maxi dress, I would totally get that one. Most seem to cut really low and I don’t like that. I’m pretty modest and with my swollen preggo boobs, I feel hoochie.
Have a wonderful time with Sophie and the kiddos! Praying the black sludge stays back a while longer.
We were in Gulf Shores, Alabama last week and it was beautiful! I pray your trip is the same! If you’re going to be in that area, you ought to try The Hangout, a pretty cool place totally open to the beach so kids can play outside, there is lots to amuse them, lots of music, GREAT food & drinks, and a cute little store. There is also Lulu’s on the intercoastal – same great vibe, my kids love it.
Have a wonderful time at the beach!!!!!!!!
I do not understand the maxi dress. I had one and it felt like I was carrying around a blanket wrapped around my legs in 99 degree heat. Spent a lot of time hoisting it up for a little airflow which was not a good look.
Have a wonderful time and at least if the beach is oily and smelly etc….y’all can always hang at the pool! I left my movie suggestions with BooMama.
Love,
Patty
Regatta Gala! I love random Friends references!
Have fun!
TAKE SOME BABY POWDER. Sprinkle it on the kiddos and the sticky, wet sand will brush right off. My favorite is Publix brand baby powder in lavendar.
Oh my gosh, thanks so much for showing that dress from Old Navy. That is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I can’t wait to get there.
Oh girl. You made me laugh hard with the references to Texas beaches in the 70′s and 80′s. We always went to South Padre. We swam in that tar invested water, got bad sunburns and ate fried foods and other junk. Just your typical healthy childhood.
Hey Big Mama,
I have a question. Do you only post the photos that are licensed for reuse? If so, how do you find out if it’s okay to post it?
Thanks!
Have a blast!
My family is going the next week. I’m sure the oil will be in full force by then, but we’re going anyway!
I think you and Sophie should scout out good restaurants and give us some suggestions.
I do have to say that your kids will love LuLu’s and ya’ll will love sitting in peace while they play in the sand.
The Wharf is also a favorite place of ours. Good shopping!
Well, I certainly hope you’re happy! Just one look at that v-neck jersey dress/swimsuit coverup, & I was a goner. To OldNavy.com, that is. MUCH, MUCH later, to the tune of $140.00, my work there was done. Two of those dresses, one of the mock-2-piece dresses, 2 skirts, 3 tank tops….. oh, and 4 shirts for my husband – Father’s Day IS coming, you know! I think I hate you… not.
Oh, you crack me up with your comments about Galveston! I *love* it when you drive up to the seawall and rolll down the windows and you get your first whiff of that gulf air! Just add feeding Cheetos to the seagulls, grilling hotdogs and s’mores on the beach (remember when you could have a fire!), and going to that army surplus store on the strand, and you’ve captured my childhood at the beach!
Wow! I feel starstruck that you’ll be in the same state in me, enjoying one of my favorite places ON THE PLANET, L.A. (lower Alabama) or as we lovingly call it, the Redneck Riviera! Make her take you to the Original Oyster House while you’re there! And stop on the way in at the Giant Fruit Stand in Loxley and stock up on fresh fruits and veggies!
OMG, can’t believe I forgot LuLu’s! Everyone in Alabama owns a LuLu’s t-shirt. I’m sleeping in one that is falling apart at the seams, but its soooo comfy!
I love that maxi (and I don’t say that about just any maxi)…I have boob issues so the regular skinny strapped ones look very silly on me. And it’s impossible (at least so far) to find a tank that works. Sigh.
And that dress from Victoria’s Secret is very cute, but if I ever put that on and struck that pose…someone slap me. Okay? Okay.
Regatta gala… must watch Friends now… LOL!
Funny you write this as my husband grew up south of Houston (Clear Lake) in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s and said the exact same thing about oil tar balls when going to the beach at Galveston. Did you ever go to the lame waterslid (it was made of concrete) by Sea Arama?
Love that v neck jersey dress. Thanks for sharing!
We were at AL beaches too. Tar balls got there our last day, which we spent at the condo pool. It makes me so sad to see all the oil and know that my kiddos will miss out on all the beach memories I made as a kid.
Mike and I were talking about TX beaches during our growing up years the other day and had similar memories of using lighter fluid and such on our feet if we forgot to wear our flip flops. Did you know that the largest oil spill in the gulf was in ’79 down closer to Mexico? We survived that one. My guess is that we’ll survive this one as well.