Beach Bag Essentials

Every time I go to the beach, there are a few favorite essentials that always go with me. Otherwise it's just not a proper beach trip.

swimsuit / bag / oversized hat / filtered water bottle / NOOK® HD Smoke / sunnies

1. Lately (as in ever since I tried them) I have been loving me some banana chips. They are so yummy and the perfect snack for the beach. But be sure to pack them in a Ziploc bag or some other kind of re-sealable container so they don't get all sandy.

2. Obviously I'm going to need a bag to carry all of this junk in. I'm loving this one from Victoria's Secret.

3. After getting sunburned on my scalp one time, I always try to take a hat of some kind to protect my head and my face. I love big floppy ones, but a cute monogrammed cap would work too!

4. I wear sunnies even if the sun is not shining. Not really. But I always have them around. When I go to the beach, I tend to wear a cheaper pair, so they don't get lost in the ocean or scratched by sand.

5. Sunscreen. This doesn't even need an explanation. WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN YOU'RE IN THE SUN. I don't care if you're one of those people who "don't burn" you still need protection from the sun's rays to, ya know, prevent skin cancer. It's a serious issue people.

6. Water bottle. Again a big "duh" because you've gotta stay hydrated. And these filtered bottles are great but a plain ole plastic water bottle from the grocery store is fine too.

7. I always brink my nook (or a regular book) with me to the beach, especially when Derek brings his jet ski. He usually rides for at least 30-45 minutes at a time and that's a long time to be doing nothing.

8. Of course I have my cell phone with me, how else would I instagram pictures of myself laying out with the ocean in the background?

^Case in point^

9. Ok so I don't actually carry a bathing suit in my bag, but I wear one when I go to the beach. I tend to gravitate toward tops that are supportive, but also have removable straps. I hate tan lines on my upper chest. Also I like bottoms that cover my whole booty.

What are your favorite beach essentials?

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