I can now officially announce that Iam leaving Baltimore in August and moving to Lexington, VA. Until then, I'll be at the beach in South Carolina enjoying the sun and relaxing before the big move.

I always thought people who quit their jobs without having another lined up were absolutely crazy, but once this idea was presented to me, I realized just how much I needed a break. Now I don't dread waking up every morning, I don't spend five days a week trying to stay warm with a blanket in a mostly windowless room, and I don't stare at the clock count the minutes until 4:45 every afternoon. I feel like my sanity has finally returned.

I've been at the beach for about a week and a half now, and am loving having such a flexible schedule. Besides Dixie (who has gotten SO tall!) waking me up at 7:15, the only consistency in our day-to-day schedule is spending a couple hours on the beach.

Check out my must haves for my five favorite ways to do a beach day!

.one.

must haves: shoes with backs that can't slip off, a backpack for easy toting, a comfortable bathing suit with solid support, a cover up that can get dirty in case of a fall or if your chain falls off, a koozie to keep your drink cold as you cruise around, and, of course, an adorable beach cruiser. shop my picks here:

ZARA short denim dungarees

Denim short dungarees. Straps with front closure. Pocket detail at the front.

Vince Sawyer Sandal

Canvas and leather upper with rubber sole; Notch buckle closure

Swoozies Coozie

Sometimes we feel like we can't be a supermodel, but in those times you can aim for something better: a mermaid!

Market Backpack

Peixoto Bella Bikini Top

A Peixoto bikini top in a vivid neon hue. The bandeau silhouette can be worn with the sashes tied in front, at the back, or behind the neck. Molded underwire cups. Lined.

Schwinn Sprite Cruiser

Sea foam green is the perfect cruiser color, and this bike has three gears and a front brake. Gears are an absolute must for me. There is nothing worse than being stuck in granny gear and getting passed by actual grannies.

.two.

must haves: a comfortable towel with plenty of room to lay out, sunscreen for you face, lips, and body, a bikini with minimal visible tan lines, comfortable slip on sandals, a waterproof and rinse-able beach bag, and an easy, breezy cover-up. shop my picks here:

Majorelle Towel

HAND DRAWN ROUND TOWEL IN BLUE HUES

INSPIRED BY AN ADVENTURE TO THE MOROCCAN BOTANICAL GARDENS OWNED BY YVES SAINT LAURENT

100% COTTON – 1500MM DIAMETER

COOLA Mineral Collection

Contains non-nano sized mineral actives Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. We formulate our Mineral Sunscreens uniquely, separating and encapsulating each active in an effort to keep them transparent from each other. This equal dispersal provides not only the most transparent application, but also the best protection, as the active particles evenly reflect UV rays.

Zimmermann Ryker Lace Up Bikini

A Zimmermann bikini set in an abstract print. A U-wire inset joins the molded underwire cups, and beaded laces close the back. Optional straps. Lined bottoms.

80% nylon/20% elastane.
Hand wash.
Imported, China.

André Assous 'Nice' Sandal

Elegant in its simplicity, the Nice sandal is crafted from a wide band of soft elastic and a slim leather thong that combine for a carefree fit. 1" heel (size 38). Textile and leather upper/leather lining/rubber sole. By André Assous; made in Spain. Available online only.

Clear Beach Tote

Our transparent beach tote bag means never having to wonder where that tube of sunscreen went again. PVC. Import. Online only.

6 SHORE ROAD festival dress

Cotton blend. Fully lined, Criss cross shoulder straps, Pleated neckline, Lace applique accent

.three.

must haves: a visor to protect your face (because hats can get too hot), a giant tote to carry all your important things, a waterproof case for your phone so you can use it while lounging in the water, a bathing suit with extra coverage for when the water washes off your sunscreen, a light an dairy maxi that you can slip on over your suit, and a giant inflatable on which you can float away. shop my picks here:

The Palm Shopper

This oversized market basket is hand-woven from palm fronds and trimmed with cognac leather—perfect for toting all your fresh market finds.
As with all handmade items, slight variations will occur

Whitney Wrap Maxi Skirt

This Joanna August wrap skirt cuts a statuesque line in an elegant maxi length. A sash ties at the ruched waist. Fully lined.

International Leisure Giant Swan

Large inflatable swan. Made of heavy duty vinyl. Easy to inflate. Super sized at 75" long. 140 lb weight capacity.

Front Twist One-Piece Harvest

Get noticed in this fun and flirty Mara Hoffman™ one-piece.

One-piece swimsuit features an open back with adjustable ties. Sultry plunging neckline with twist detailing at front. Cutout details at sides. Moderate rear coverage.

JOTO Universal Waterproof Case Bag for Apple iPhone

Universal size waterproof case bag fits all smartphones up to 6.0" diagonal size.

Clear Window on both front and back sides, perfect for taking pictures, videos and checking emails

100 feet IPX8 Certified waterproof; Offers waterproof / snowproof / dirtproof protection for your device while maintaining full touch screen functionality

Features a simple snap and lock access, easy to keep out water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt;

Ondademar Visor

60% raffia paper , 27% polyethylene , 13% polyethylene terephthalate.

Wipe clean with damp cloth.

Back velcro closure.

.four.

must haves: a reliable cooler with a seat cushion and place for your rod, A water bottle that will keep your drink cold all day, sandals that are waterproof for wading and solid enough to step on a sting rays tail if you catch one by accident, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and your hair out of your face, a sporty bathing suit that you can move around in, a lightweight cover-up that protects you from the sun. shop my picks here:

L*Space Seashore Tunic

This airy L*Space cover-up gains a comfortable fit from a wide hem. Eyelet trim details the shoulder seams. Gathered elastic cuffs and 3/4 sleeves. Semi-sheer.
Fabric: Wrinkled gauze.
100% cotton.

Birds of Paradise S'Well Bottle

With bright pops of color and pastel hues, our Satin Collection featured in a semi-matte finish will keep you looking fresh.

Keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12

Double-walled stainless steel, non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA free

Bottles do not condensate

Mouth is wide enough for ice cubes and drip-free sipping

Vacuum sealed, keeps liquids and carbonation fresh

S’well has teamed up with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help provide clean drinking water to children around the world

Water: Surf To Sand Bikini Bottom

Aquelu™ fabric is made with post-consumer waste nylon. We love our oceans too!

This four-way stretch fabric has a UPF of 50+ to help protect you from the sun, and uses Xtra Life LYCRA® for improved chlorine and salt resistance

flat seamed for chafe resistance

imported

Deep fitting and pre-washed. 100% cotton. 6 panel baseball cap. Needlepoint embroidery. White sailcloth adjustable back strap with brass clasp.

Tundra 50 Yeti Cooler

Compact with a smaller footprint. We made this Tundra insulated ice chest extra deep so you can stack ‘em high, and included self-stopping hinges to keep the lid propped open while you grab the next round. The Favre-esque ruggedness — we build it using the same roto-molded polyethylene material as whitewater kayaks — means it’ll last from football season to hockey season to baseball season, year after year. Don’t worry about it flying out of your truck in your haste to get to the stadium early: built-in tie-down slots let you ratchet it down for maximum beer security. If you’d rather hit the water than the gridiron, you can use this cooler as a casting platform or seat while fishing. Using it as a camping cooler? You’ll appreciate the grizzly-proof construction.

ZX/2® Yampa Sandal

This double-strap fit is ready for serious adventuring. Adjust around your big toe and feel the LUVSEAT™ footbed and light-weight outsole supporting every stride.

.five.

must haves: a comfortble chair with a built in cooler, a bathing suit without knots that won't pull or dig into you all day long, sandals with suppoart that you can slip on after a long day, an airy cover-up that you can rinse to easily remove any sunscreen and sand, a stadium cup that speaks the truth, and a striped umbrella for when you need a break from the sun. shop my picks here:

Sanuk 'Yoga Sling 2' Sandal

A plush, padded sandal sports a knit ankle strap for a comfy stay-put fit.

Textile upper/synthetic and rubber sole.

Beach Happy Place Stadium Cups

White stadium cup with the phrase "The beach is my happy place" printed in light blue and blue. Take with you on vacation or bring a hostess gift (along with the matching napkins) for your beach getaway!

Ralph Lauren Floral Dyed Over the Shoulder Wrap Bikini

Get wrapped up in this floral bikini top from Ralph Lauren. Boasting a trendy and figure flattering silhouette that will definitely make a splash at the next pool party.

Parasol 6' Italian Aluminum Collar Tilt Beach Umbrella

You and your family will have it made in the shade with the Parasol 6' Italian Aluminum Collar Tilt Beach Umbrella in pink and white stripe. This generous, 6-foot wide umbrella boasts a wind vent to help keep air circulating and your umbrella from blowing away. Plus, you can easily orient it any way you want with a 3-position collar tilt. Made from sturdy, weather-resistant aluminum with an acrylic canopy.

Tory Burch Ravena Caftan

Our cotton voile Ravena Caftan perfectly captures the season’s easy-elegant vibe. The embellishment — contrast embroidery punctuated by tiny mirrors — delicately frames the look, while tassel ties at the waist pull it together. Worn over a bikini, it provides great coverage in a breezy, light-as-air layer that feels great against the skin.

Rio Ultimate Backpack Beach Chair

Its rust proof aluminum tubing and fabric can hold upto 240 lbs

Two separate zippered pouches on seat back: 1 x Insulated Cooler and 1 x Dry Storage