Beach Essentials

Living on the Jersey Shore, going to the beach always has been a thing for me. I love spending time by any body of water- River, lake, creek, bay, ocean, pool, lagoon- the list can go on but you get the point. If there is water, I am close by and you can count on me sitting on the sandy shoreline enjoy the sounds of nature. 

Today I am rounding up some of my beach essentials. Everyone has their own opinions for what they bring to the beach and it varies widely on what season of life you are in. If you have kids, you are probably bringing a lot of sand toys and snacks and if you are a young adult, you might bring the bare necessities and snacks. (#priorities) So this is my unofficial and incomplete list of essentials for the beach. 

Sand Chair | some people are team no chair and some people are team chair. I like my options so I am definitely team chair. I tend to choose a chair that is lower to the ground for the beach. This one is my favorite for a few years. 

Towel | whether you are laying on the sand, playing in the water or siting in your chair, a towel is a must have. 

Food | have I sat on the beach in a bathing suit, eating donuts shamelessly? Heck yes I have! There is something about being at the beach makes snacking so much fun. My go to beach foods-- chef's salad with pasta, buttered roll and ice cream! Pizza is certainly a great option too. 

Beach Blanket | it should be lightweight, sand and spill proof and folds up into a teeny tiny little package. I want something that is not going to take up too much space but provide me an area if I decide to lay down and nap. This one from Everlasting Comfort fits all those categories and its really large too! You can find your own here.

Small Table | This table is a game changer for me. I love not having to worry if I'm going to get sand in my food and it can always double for playing card games. 

Sunscreen | I swear by Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100 sunscreen. I know I am protected and it doesn't leave me all slimy like other sunscreens. 

Water bottle | Keeping hydrated at the beach is key especially ifs really sunny out. I love keeping a few water bottles in the cooler and then refill my reusable water bottle with ice cold water. (Beach Hint: Bring a spray bottle with water and keep it in the cooler for a refreshing mist!) 

Donut Tube | I love sitting in a tube and coming and going with the waves-on the bay/river beach only-  but I don't want to get lost at sea so I take a 5-7 lb weight and a long piece of sturdy rope and tie the rope around by tube and drop anchor (so to speak).  It allows me to move around in the water but I won't get lost. 

Sunglasses & Hat | This is the first thing I grab if I am going to the beach. The sun reflects off of the sand and water making it hard to see sometimes. I loving having a pair specific for the beach, just in case you get sand or salt water on them, you don't want them to get ruined. I love having a big floppy sun hat with me too!

A good book | reading or puzzle | I love having a physical book on hand at the beach. Do I always read it, no but its a nice option to have. I also like keeping a word search or puzzle book with me too. The beach is a perfect opportunity to try a word search.  (Beach Hint: The Dollar Tree has a TON of puzzle books for $ 1.25 each.)

To find more products like the beach blanket you see featured here (isn't it so pretty?!), check out Everlasting Comfort, making life more comfortable. 

Well there you have it, My Beach Essentials. What are some of your beach essentials? Let me know in the comments below.

Ps. Shay over on Mix and Match Mama has 21 Keys to savor summer and I think that is the perfect compliment to my summer posts check it out here . 

PPS. I was gifted this beach blanket in exchange for my honest review. This is a product that I will truly use all summer long.