Our family has even driven to Indian Rocks Beach just for a Lighthouse Doughnuts apple fritter on a sunny winter morning. In fact, I think it's time to do that again! In Florida, one spends a lot of time at the beach or by the pool. I can't wait to rent a cabana at the Don CeSar for the day.
Living so close to the beach, it's important to know HOW to pack your beach or pool bag!! I have become quite the expert as I pack the bag for all 7 of us. First of all, you need a durable beach bag. I love the traditional LL Bean boat and tote Bag. With a family our size, we need the extra large. Plus, I love having a monogrammed bag.
Inside the bag, I pack LOTS of sunscreen. We prefer the Neutrogena and Hawaiian Tropic 30 to 50 SPF sticks for faces as they are super easy to apply. I like the new Neutrogena Sport spray, but we have also enjoyed Coppertone and Banana Boat sprays. The sprays make the application much faster, but I am a firm believer in re-applying. Dermatologists often sell some other sunscreens that you may prefer.
I also pack goggles as our whole crew loves their goggles! Target sells nice ones from Speedo with the middle nose piece as part of the goggle itself and those are the ones we love. Be sure to pack those goggles!
Old burp cloths or cloth diapers make a great cloth for wiping sandy eyes and hands. You can read more about it on this Tuesday's Tip.
We also pack beach toys like buckets or shovels, dive sticks, or any other fun pool or beach toy the children may enjoy. The older children like to take their fins to the pool and our little one brings her princess diving sticks and princess dolls that can swim. Of course it is understood that one must pack a camera in a plastic bag, possibly a Flip video camera, some money, sunglasses, and beach towels!
You may also want to bring a cooler filled with LOTS of water, ice, lemonade or juice boxes, snacks like juicy strawberries or cheese sticks and a Diet Pepsi or two for mama. If it's later in the day, you may wish to pack some beverages with a little more punch! We also bring plenty of snacks to share like bags of pretzels or Goldfish. Each child has a pair of beach/pool shoes and a change of clothes, including underwear. The children also wear rash guards/swim shirts as often as possible! Happy Beach Days!
