Flashin' Skin

I finally bought my first set of Flash Tattoos this year, and boy oh boy are they addicting! So simple yet so rad. I could have a gold AND silver palm tree on at the same time or create any other combo I feel like. It's like being 4 again but this time they can last a week, which makes them 100x better. 

Have you flashed people lately?? I highly suggest you do...I promise you won't regret it.

 shell bikini | striped bikini bottoms | sunglasses | black & tan bikini top | towel 

Summer Art

This past month, I was honored to be asked to do the artwork for a new album my boyfriend was writing and recording. He released it last week, and I am beyond proud of his work. It was so fun collaborating with him on such an artistic level! He told me what elements he wanted and then gave me free reign..we discussed some things as the painting progressed and either nixed or ok'ed ideas. I love doing work like this and bringing a vision someone else had come to life...it's why art of all forms is so beautiful!

Head over to Steve Burgos music and enjoy some summer inspired tunes, perfect for beach days.

Pack 'Em In - Caribbean Getaway

I'd like to first admit that I'm the world's worst packer. I usually bring 7 different outfits options for a weekend trip one state away. And don't even get me started on the shoes! I'm an indecisive person..scratch that, an extremely indecisive person, so packing is one of the worst tasks I can attempt. I try to do the old, 'plan what you'll wear for each day' but what if that day comes and I don't feel like wearing that....see my problem?

Next week I will be happily on my way to the airport to fly to St. Thomas..one of my bucket list destinations (yay!). My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to do everything very relaxed, with no plans- just island hop, beach, and snorkel every day for 6 days. On that same note, we wanted to keep our luggage light...I was so on board with this when we first discussed it..now I'm getting nervous. So to properly plan and prep for our trip, I am already planning out the ideal pieces I'd want to wear. From the plane, to the hikes, to dinner dates, to the salty goodness of the ocean, here are a few items I'm definitely bringing (all in a carry on, I might add).

Mikoh bikini top | Athleta joggers| Billabong dress | Free People top | Blank NYC cutoffs

Now keep in mind..we will honestly spend everyday on a beach and in the ocean. USVI and BVI are very casual at all times of the day. There are a handful of restaurants that maybe don't allow flip flops and require men to wear long pants during dinner, but most locals say they consistently wear shorts. The constant relaxed vibe made planning what outfits I will bring that much easier.

Packing List:

7 bikinis... you know I'm obsessed

1 pair of light weight pants

2 maxi dresses
1 mini shift dress
1 maxi skirt
4 tank tops
2 short sleeve shirts
1 chambray button up
1 hoodie
2 cover up shorts
2 cutoff shorts
1 pair of flip flops
1 pair of nicer sandals
1 pair of Nike sneakers (light weight)

ACCESSORIES: GoPro, Victoria Secret Pink Backpack (doubles as my second carry on and beach bag), small cross over purse (for when we do go out to dinner or walk around towns), sunglasses (be sure to bring your case!), sarong, hat, headphones, iPod, passport, minimal makeup, travel toiletries 

Beach Essentials - Beauty Edition

I throw random things into my beach bag. A book I'll 'read', my headphones and iPod I wind up using instead of the book, a magazine I again 'read' but really just scan the pictures, and all of the following essentials. They're technically considered 'beauty' products but to me they're just necessary items...especially all the spf. So go on and get your beach bag ready for these babies!

1. Leave in Conditioner - Salty, wavy hair is definitely a trend but it can wreak havoc on your hair, especially when sitting in the sun for hours. I've used Aussie leave in conditioner for years and have also been using It's a 10. (LOVE them both) Gets the knots out in a cinch and moisturizes my hair without leaving it feeling oily or weighed down. Quick rinse in the beach shower after a dip in the ocean, a few spritz, and run a wide tooth comb through your hair. Silky, smooth, happy hair.

2. Say Yes to Cucumbers face wipes - I've tried lots of makeup wipes and these are by far my favorite. I use them after a night out to remove a full face of makeup but I also use them after the gym or a workout to get the sweat and dirt off my face. They leave my face fresh and actually clean feeling, while other wipes left my skin with the feeling of an oily film on my face or sticky. My go to when wanting to wipe sweat away from a hot, humid beach day.

3. Face sunscreen - It's important to treat your face extra special, even in the sun. Body sunscreen is heavy and isn't always meant (or good) for your face. Use specific face sunscreen instead. I usually put 50 on my nose and 30 on the rest of my face - don't forget your lips!

4. Waterproof mascara - I'm not one for wearing make-up at the beach. Whatsoever. I honestly don't get the point. You're sweating in the hot, hot sun and swimming in salty goodness. So this isn't really an essential for me, but if you MUST...waterproof mascara is liquid gold. 

5. Body sunscreen - I tan easily but I still use sunscreen. I usually use 15 or 30 but I like the spray oil form to still give my skin an extra little somethin'! If you don't tan easily, don't think laying in the sun more often with less sunscreen will change that. Use sunscreen at all times, simple as that.

6. Water (lots of it) - while the saltwater can be great for your skin, the combo of sun and salt can be extremely dehydrating for you and your skin. Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. Reusable water bottles are your (and the environment's) best friend in this case -- side note, have you seen this crazy pocket-sized water bottle?? 

Winter Perks

Working in an office a block from the beach has its perks...

even in the winter.

So blessed to have grown up here and continue to live in such a beautiful place.

November by the sea

Yet again, we've been blessed with beautiful weather...only this time it's in November. We've had days hit 70° and many in the 60's. While people in Southern California probably find our excitement for those temperatures humorous...it's beautiful weather where we are. My office is a block from the beach in Bay Head, New Jersey and I love to head up to the beach on nice days during my lunch break. This past week, I was able to find a lot of treasures; beautifully colored snail shells all over the sand, lots of scalloped shells in perfect condition, and colorful sea glass! Also, there was a bear chillin' by a palm tree on the beach. What? Side note, palm trees in NJ are unheard of (some beaches import them each summer) and the bear is really just a fluff monster that is my dog. 

Let it Go

A half a year ago I didn't understand why everyone was signing 'Let it Go' everywhere you turned. I love Disney movies, probably more than the average person, but it's not like that song is even that good. Recently it dawned on me. Sometimes things happen in life. [Ya know the days where anything and everything seems to stress you out and you're on the verge of becoming a boiling teapot] For whatever reason, you need a place to go to just let it all go. For me, that is the ocean...the quiet, serene ocean. Just bobbing along with the current while sitting on my surfboard is the reason I would break out into song and have a 'Let it Go' moment.

A September Summer

 

 




It's hard to say summer is coming to an end, when we still have all of September to enjoy it. Here in New Jersey, we are kind of trained to associate the end of summer with the beginning of September -- post Labor Day weekend means school starts in a few days, no more lifeguards, and summer bars close up shop again [Parker House we're already counting down the days]. Now that I work a 9-5 job, Monday-Friday, you start to appreciate your weekends more and more...that being said, I am actually looking forward to September weekends! No one on the beach, parking will be a cinch, no line at surf taco, and you can go to whatever beach you want without worrying that you don't have a badge for it. Talk about the best of the best!

It's something little, but it's just another way to always find the bright side to situations, which I encourage everyone to do more often.

S U M M E R is still here :)

Summertime Radness - Mikoh

While living in San Diego, I was lucky to peruse through a number of bikini warehouse sales. Which by the way, New Jersey is highly lacking of. Over a year ago, I came across a Mikoh warehouse sale -- I had seen them all over Instagram but never actually got to try one on. Once I did, I was hooked. Vibrant colors, creative designs, soft fabric...the list could go on and on.

You may have heard of or seen Mikoh more recently thanks to the uber fantastic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. [Yes, I love it because I get to see all the glorious kinis] I was pleasantly surprised when I saw one of my own bikinis, purchased over a year ago, sported by none other than Anastasia Ashley....I can't say I wore it better, but I can say I love it even more now. 

Check out more Mikoh summertime radness and see why they are such a favorite.

A Bit of Perfection

When you find a bit of perfection like this,

you can't help but stop,

and thank the mermaids.

Shark Week..Ooh Ha Ha

I have a secret love for sharks...while being equally terrified of them. As an ocean lover, I respect them, but admit I am cautiously fearful. We go into their territory yet expect to kill any shark that threatens our shores. We all truly need to be educated in keeping sharks and our shores safe. 

This year, I encourage you to watch shark week as educational value rather than just a fad thing to do. Learn and help how you can at your beaches. If all else fails, watch Finding Nemo and remember, Bruce is "really just a nice guy"...HAPPY SHARK WEEK!

Summertime Radness - L*Space

Today's feature of summertime radness goes out to L*Space swim 

Ever since I saw the cutest bikini on Pinterest back in 2011 I'll always refer to them as the original fringe bikini company. I will never forget my first either..a beautiful purple iris colored bandeau fringe top and matching bottom. [both no longer available to purchase] Ever since then, my collection has grown immensely and each year, a new one [or 2] get added to my kini drawer.

This company seriously has the best social media team. They feature everyday girls on their Instagram daily and make it a point to interact with their followers regularly. I've had my pictures featured twice, and it really makes you feel like the ultimate mermaid when you read 'lspaceswim has posted a photo of you.' So grab one of these kini's and get grammin' girl!

Summertime Radness

I truly love all 4 seasons, but there is just something extra special about summer. It's most likely because I'm a bikini addict, and I finally get to dust off my old bikinis or finally put on the new one [or 5] that I ordered while I was snowed in back in February. I'm also a beach addict, [like you didn't already know that] so I love the feeling of sticking my feet in the warm sand, jumping into 70+ degree water, tanning, riding my bike to the beach...gosh the list of summer beach things could go on and on!

My summertime radness mainly refers to all the amazing bikinis that are out there! Some personal favorites: L*Space, Acacia, and Mikoh. I'm pretty active when it comes to beach life, so I like a stylish suit yet one that can stay put while jumping in the water or getting pummeled by a wave.

For the rest of the summer, I'm happy to announce that I will post about my favorite bikini companies and let you all know why they should be your faves too :)