Hi and hello from Florida! We are enjoying a beach week to kick off summer. Finn’s last day of TK was on May 21 and we packed up and left for Florida the next day. I have many thoughts and feelings on the end of preschool and why a TK year was absolutely the best choice for Finn but I’ll save that for another post.

We’ve spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach with my family for the last few years. I decided to keep the tradition alive this year but to extend our trip to a whole week – which has been so wonderful. There is a level of relaxation and rest that comes with a full seven days that you just don’t get with an extended weekend. It’s been a great way to kick off summer break. Finn will be busy, busy with camps and various summer programs when we get home.

I’ll write a more in-depth recap of our trip once I’m back in Charlotte but for this post I wanted to share a few beachy things that we’re loving. I think many of y’all will find this helpful for your upcoming summer pool and beach days!

SURFER DUDE BEACH TOY

My dad takes long walks on the beach every day and asked me on the first day of our trip if I’d ever heard of these “surfer dude” toys that he’s been seeing all the kids playing with. I told him I hadn’t and the next thing I knew Finn had an Amazon package with a Surfer Dude  inside.

This beach toy is a blast! You toss the Surfer Dude into the waves and it comes back to you every time! It’s designed to always catch the waves and self-right. There are no batteries required and it’s super simple to put together. Surfer Dudes come in multiple designs/characters so you can collect a whole gang of them!

The Surfer Dude has been a huge hit on the beach and has also helped Finn make little beach friends who want to join in the fun.

10/10 recommend this toy for your summer beach trips. So fun and well made!

OUR FAVORITE BOYS SWIM TRUNKS

I adore these maamgic swim trunks and have been buying them for Finn since he was two! They come in SO many fun colors and patterns (he’s wearing pugs on surfboards here and I have donuts on the way). These swim trunks are also a great length (they fit more mid-thigh than knee) and the price is excellent!

A NEW ONE-PIECE

Let’s keep going with swimsuits – but of the mom variety! I’ve decided to add some one-pieces into my rotation for this summer. I recently ordered four from Target to try on and this mesh front black suit was my favorite by far. It fits really well – adjustable shoulder straps and great rear coverage (which I appreciate). The quality is really good for the price. I am wearing a small.

THE BEST SUMMER BEACH/POOL SANDALS 

I ordered these Birkenstock slides last summer and they have become my go-to shoe for everything from the pool to the beach to running errands and just hanging around. They’re made from EVA material and super lightweight and waterproof. Here’s a link to the mixed metallic version that I have.

I WEAR THIS SUNSCREEN EVERY SINGLE DAY

Last share! If you’re looking for a high-quality facial sunscreen for daily wear – skinbetter’s sunbetter is it! I was introduced to this sunscreen a couple of years ago by Terri at Carolina Facial Plastics. I have worn it every day since and it works amazingly well whether I’m just wearing it under my makeup day-to-day, going for a run or out in the sun at the beach/pool.

The sunbetter mineral sunscreen offers SPF 70 protection and is free of oils. It can act as a primer if you wear it under your makeup and is free of parabens, fragrances and dyes. broad spectrum sunscreen provides priming benefits alone or under makeup. Note, it also comes in a tone smart formula that provides a hint of color. I have used this too and it’s great!

This sunscreen is an investment but a worthwhile one to protect your face. One tube lasts me a good six months.

And that’s all for me! Time to enjoy our last full day of fun in the sun (although it’s currently 8:30a and Finn is still sleeping – he’s been going hard!). I hope y’all enjoyed these recommendations.

QUESTIONS 

I’d love to hear some of your summer faves! Any favorite beach/pool toys to share? What sunscreen brands do you like? Best pool/beach shoes for kids?