If you’re at the beach, I hope you packed a few things to make it worth your stay. There’s nothing quite like a day of fun in the sun that turns into disappointment when you left an essential item at home. Sure, you might be able to find the missing piece in town, but wouldn’t it be better if you had everything neatly stowed in your car in preparation for all those great times?

Should you find yourself planning a day at the beach, make sure you remember to pack the following very important things so you can enjoy everything your Summer vacation has to offer.

Straw Hat – Look for a hat that is lightweight and has a nice wide brim. This style of chapeau is pretty popular right now, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits both your skin care and fashion needs.

Beach Towels – I always recommend having two towels handy for each person. One seems like enough…until you decide to go in the water and have a damp towel to sit on for the rest of the day.

Sunglasses – Big, dark, and packed with UV protection. Always look for the sticker on the lens that indicates if you are buying something useful or just pretty. They should be both.

Beach Tote – For storing your extra beach towel, as well as a whole host of other goodies such as snacks, lipgloss and a hairbrush. Don’t just take a purse, which will be rendered unusable from all the sand by the end of the day – get a heavy canvas bag that you don’t mind shaking around and throwing in the wash when you get home.

Flip Flops – You can keep your cute shoes packed in your beach tote too – but when you’re shuffling through the sand, it’s best to have a pair that are sturdy, waterproof and not necessarily all that expensive or near to your heart. Would you really want to miss out on that romantic walk on the beach because you’re afraid of wrecking your shoes?

Folding Chairs – If you are planning on being there all day, laying on a towel is going to get a little old after a while. Give your back a break and make sure you have a chair that you can slouch in for at least part of the time you’re there.

Cute Coverup – When the sun starts to go down, it could get chilly…so you should have something easy and appropriate to throw on so you’re not shivering in the cold. This way you also have something to wear for dinner on the water.

Digital Camera – How are you ever going to remember all the laughs you had on your beach day if you don’t remember to bring a camera along? I suggest bringing a smaller (preferably cheaper) camera that is resistant to the elements. Treat the little guy right and pack him in a makeup bag or little pouch so you don’t ruin your chances of seeing those great photos by getting sand caught up in the camera.

Sunscreen – More than SPF, water-resistant and liberally applied. This is your best accessory and defense against the long-term impact and risks associated with sun damage.

Beach Umbrella – Shade is key, especially when you need to pace yourself throughout the day. Don’t risk sunburn or heatstroke by laying directly in the light without a decent break. You can still enjoy the beach…but you won’t be wrecking your skin in the process.

This post was sponsored by Neutrogena skinID™ – The only Personalized Acne Solution made just for you. Take your complimentary skinID™ Evaluation today!

Post from: The List Maven

It’s been great fun, but I’ve recently learned that it can also be quite expensive.  Here are 10 indulgences that prove my point:

1. I chose to buy an entire set of new makeup (MAC) to go to Europe, and I justify it by saying it’s research for two blogs.
2. I bought two different kinds of mascara, again claiming it was research – making comparisons for an upcoming product review.
3. Sephora has lots more stuff besides mascara, and since I’m here I need sunscreen, something to keep my hair from frizzing, some new perfume, and oh, did you see that lip-gloss.
4. Summer in Seattle, and that means new sunglasses (a pair by Marc Jacobs)
5. Even though the weather is too hot for baths, I can stock up for winter, and everything at Lush smells so good.
6. A new pair of walking shoes for Italy – of course, that’s practical.
7. Shorts, yep, I need several new pair, and they’re on sale (several walking length, and a couple shorter fun length).
8. This sun hat is just so darn cute, and I would look adorable wearing it as I wandered through Italy (from Eric Javits, in photo), and oh look, it squishes for travel.

Every purchase was practical in more than way.  Shopping isn’t a habit, it’s practical research.  And if it is a habit, it’s one that I don’t want to break!

Photo credit: Nordstrom

Post from: The List Maven

This is an accessory item that I’m willing to spend a little more on because I’m buying for a quality lens to protect my light sensitive eyes.  I need VERY dark lenses, and ones that don’t let a lot of sunlight filter in on the sides.

If you don’t want to go with a pair of wrap glasses, there are a lot of choices in this fashion category.  Here are a few styles that I found at Zappo’s that just might do the trick:

Brighton Casanova incorporates the silver touches found on their handbag line into a simple and classic oval frame.  Not too large, not too small.  With 100% UVA and UVB protection my eyes would be well protected. $65.

Maui Jim Palms are a very comfortable line of sunglasses, and offer a blend of practicality and eye safety with fashion.  This design offers a thinner and lighter weight lens, and are design to combat glare protection.  Oooh, big factor for sun sensitive eyes.  They can also be filled with a prescription lens, an advantage to eye glass wearers.  $213.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers are another classic brand and style with a reputation for quality.  The reason the Wayfarer style keeps coming back is that it works!  The lightweight frames have glass lenses that offer 100% UV protection.  Safety and fashion that never goes out of style.  $139.

Von Zipper Absinthe may not be the darkest lenses, but they offer a little more fashion with their curved oversized frames. Highly durable, and offering complete UV protection, are made to take a beating.  No need to worry about these getting knocked about it your travels.  $94.

If you know any styles that offer really dark lenses, be sure to leave a suggestion in the comments.

Photo credit:  Zappo’s

Post from: The List Maven

   Here are two items that you know that you’ll need during summer’s warm weather, but are frequently forgotten during the winter.  Don’t make that mistake!

1. Sunscreen – As part of your moisturizer, foundation, or body cream, as well as as a separate product, sunscreen is important in the winter as well as the summer
2. Sunglasses – Skiers know that snow glare can be hard on the eyes.  Even if you’re not on the slopes, having you shades handy on a bright summer day offers a little style along with practical protection.  (In photo, Betray sunglasses by Oakley, $170.)

Photo credit:  Oakley

Post from: The List Maven