Heading to the lake this weekend? You might think all you need to do for a weekend at the lake is toss a bikini in a bag and you’re off. While you should always grab your swimsuit when you leave home during the summer, I have a list of 10 essentials that I’m never without once the temps start to rise – especially if it’s going to be a weekend on the water.
1. A great Summer read – a good book is a must. It can be a perennial favorite or the newest best seller. I usually scour the used book section at my local book store at the start of the summer to grab lots of indulgent beach reads, ones from Jennifer Weiner or Elin Hildebrand are my favs.
2. A floppy sunhat! You’re mom was right, you should always wear a hat. In the winter. And in the summer. A nice, stylish, floppy one is perfect for keeping the sun off your shoulders.
3. Sun Protection – for your face and body. I never leave home without my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen or my Murad Essential C Daily Moisturizer (SPF 30 and I use it everyday). Reapply often!! {yeah, I know Neutrogena is on a number of ‘don’t use’ lists but for me this stuff works and doesn’t irritate my skin!}
4. Sunnies – of course. May seem obvious but forget your sunglasses when you’re on the water and you’re in for eyestrain and a bummer of a headache. The water makes the sun’s glare that much more intense.
5. Extra swimsuit. Because putting on a wet swimsuit is the worst thing ever and sometimes your swimsuit doesn’t dry out completely overnight.
6. Athletic Shorts – because you never know. A great pair of athletic shorts can get wet and dry out quickly – super important! You’ll be so glad you have them when you need to help dock the boat – not always so fun to do in just your bikini. I live in these Spring Break Away shorts from Lululemon all summer long – they are my favorite thing ever from Lululemon (and so worth the $$)!
7. After. sun. care. I can’t stress this enough. Even if you don’t get a sunburn your skin is still sensitive and irritated after a day in the sun. Try to grab a quick shower before dinner to wash off all that sunscreen & sand then lather up with Burt’s Bees After Sun Soother. It makes my sensitive skin so happy! And if you have a sunburn the aloe in it will do wonders.
8. A light sweatshirt – seriously. If you’re an early riser who loves to drink coffee and watch the sun rise or a night owl sitting around the campfire solving all of life’s issues – it’s going to be chilly. You’ll be grateful you have it.
9. A roomy bag. And one you don’t really care about. The lake isn’t the place for your Louis Vuitton Neverfull. You need a bag you can stuff EVERYTHING into, can get shoved into a sandy corner of a dock or boat, and can get wet.
10. Water – for drinking. Always drink water constantly when you’re out in the sun, it will help you stay hydrated in the heat. If you get a sunburn water will help to repair and replenish your scorched skin – skip the mojito, the alcohol will only make your sunburn worse (seriously).
I hope these tips make your weekend at the lake a breeze!!
How about you?? What are your go to essentials for a weekend at the lake???
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