What's in My Beach Bag

Everyone is a little different when it comes to their ideal climate. Some people like winter, others like summer. For whatever reason, I tend to sweat no matter what season it is (oh joy). As odd as that may seem, I do have a personal preference for summertime. I love a good bikini, book, shades, and oversized hat.

My husband and I tend to vacation somewhere with a beach or at least a great resort pool. Since we do not have a pool in our backyard here in Oklahoma, spending time lounging by the pool with a cold drink and a good book is a real treat when it does happen. I spend a week leading up to vacation to make sure I have my beach bag game strong. This adorable monogrammed bag was a gift for being a bridesmaid in my BFF's wedding earlier this spring. I have found a similar preppy option with a zipper on Etsy.

When you are prepping for a relaxing afternoon at the beach or lounging beside the pool, there are a few essentials that you need to have prepared. Below you will find what's in my beach bag!

A cute beach towel
On the GoGo - Seat's Taken Beach Towel from Packed Party is on my wish list, talk about making a statement! I love that it's so sassy without saying a word.

Sandals
These slip on sandals from Target (on sale for $15.99) are my everything this summer! I find myself wearing them nonstop durring the weekends and sneaking them into my professional wear on a casual Friday.

Tanning spray
Banana Boat Deep Tanning UltraMist SPF 15 Clear Dry Oil Sunscreen takes me back to my lifeguard days! The twist and lock top will keep your bag neat and clean. The smell of this stuff will bring a smile to your face and having you living on island time!

Sunscreen
Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is the best on the market in my opinion. It goes on smoothly and dries almost instantly without that greasy feeling. My husband and sister have very fair skin; I purchase the SPF 70 for them.

Sunglasses
I tend to have bad luck keeping up with sunglasses, so I have a hard time justifying spending a lot of money on them. Shout out to all of my sunnies in heaven! Here is a cute pair of Kate Spade sunglasses that are under $60!

Magazines
Here's the deal on magazines, I don't subscribe to any. Sometimes I grab a couple in the checkout line at Target. Other than that, my co-workers bring their copies into the office when they have read them. I know that sounds cheap but hey, I don't hate it!

Books
I don't have an e-reader. There is a B&N not too far from my house that I like to visit. I also find good deals at Target in their reading section. I try and wait for the book to go 20% off before purchasing it.

Cellphone
Make sure your phone battery life is ready to snap some photos, apps are up to date, and your podcasts are downloaded. You will also want to set a timer for sunscreen reapplication.

Headphones
You don't want to be stuck listening to the worst pool playlist ever, right? Before you head out, prep your ultimate summer playlist. Just plug in your headphones and you will be in a better mood in no time!

Water
We can't have you getting dehydrated now, can we? You have to make sure to keep your water intake high if you are spending time outdoors in the sun.

Snacks
I tend to pack my bag with a few different snacking options. I recommend a power bar (stay away with chocolate, that will be a melted mess), dried fruit, or a trail mix. I also suggest packing enough to share with friends.

Wallet
I don't want to carry my purse to the pool or the beach.  I just toss my wallet into my bag. You don't want to miss out on a frozen drink because you left your cash or card in the car!

I want to hear from you! What are a few must-have items that you keep in your beach bag?

10 Signs You Found Your Dream Wedding Dress

I love attending weddings! Why? Because you get to celebrate two people falling in love and committing their lives to one another, that's such a magical thing to witness. My second favorite thing about weddings? Each individual wedding dress! I love how each bride finds a dress that fits their exact style.

Shopping for a wedding dress can be extremely stressful! Picking out my wedding dress was my favorite part of wedding planning. But that's a different story for another time. Today I am talking about how to know when you have found the one!

10 Signs You Found Your Dream Wedding Dress

1. When you turn around, you are shocked

Most wedding dress fitting rooms have floor-length mirrors, that way you can see the bigger picture and the minor details. The moment you turn around with your dream dress on, you will be in shock with how beautiful you look and feel.

2. You can't wait to see everyone's reaction

You are giddy with excitement to walk out of the fitting room and show your friends and family this dress. You can't help but smile and feel like an actual bride-to-be!

3. You are living in a daydream

Once you walk onto the bridal floor, everyone is gushing about your "bridal glow" and the features of the dress. You, on the other hand, are in a daydream. You imagine yourself on your big day in your chic dress.

4. You wonder how your significant other will feel about the dress

You are standing on the bridal floor examining every detail under the lighting. In the back of your mind, you can't help but wonder what your significant other will think about this dress.

5. Someone in the bridal party tears up

You may or may not have that moment where you cry tears of joy. However, someone in your shopping entourage will just be overwhelmed with emotions. It's such a special moment when they realize that you a) found your dream dress and b) that you are getting married. Heck, sometimes this happens before the bride admits she is saying yes to the dress!

6. You start thinking about accessories

Your mind starts to wonder about what to pair with this dress. Does it need a necklace? What earring style would I wear? Does this dress need a veil? If so, what length?

7. You can't imagine yourself walking down the aisle in anything else

Every other dress you have tried on is not even close. How can you compete with perfection? The other dresses are running together and becoming a blur because you are soaking up every detail about your dream dress!

8. You are so happy about this dress; no one else opinions matter

You might have someone attending your bridal appointment that doesn't agree with your style or taste. And that's okay; you invited that person for a reason. When you are soaking up your moment in the sun, you don't even care what that person thinks. You are on cloud nine, one person's disagreement is not going to bring you down.

9. You do not want to take the dress off

You find ways to keep the dress on longer. You try one jewelry, the search for the veil that compliments the dress, you twirl around or drop it low to see what it feels like on the dance floor--you get the idea. If you have gone and tried another dress on, you reach back for the perfect dress, validating your decision.

10.  You feel comfortable and confident

The thing that matters most is how the dress makes you feel. Your dress should make you feel comfortable and confident. Every girl deserves to feel like a princess! Soon you will be standing in front of your family and friends holding hands with your person confessing your love to all! You might as well look good while doing!

Have you found your dress? Let's hear how you know it was the one!

What to Wear on a Spring Rainy Day

Dress: J. Crew Factory (use code "CUTESALE" at checkout) || Booties: Kate Spade (on major sale) || Drink: Iced Caramel Macchiato || Nail Polish Color: CND: Tutti Frutti (my signature color for summer) || 

This week in Oklahoma, Mother Nature has let us know that it is still spring. With all of the rain in the forecast, it has dampened my outfit selections. Getting dressed in the morning when you know it's going to rain all day is somewhat of a drag to me. Does anyone else feel that way? Since I admire my shoes and treat them like they are my children, I don't want to take a chance and risk getting them soaking wet. Can you image trampling through mud puddles in four-inch heels? Yeah, I'll take a hard pass on that. I am very clumsy and like to save myself from potential embarrassing moments when I can.

Everybody should have a trusty pair of rain boots. I had the most adorable pair of navy and hot pink polka dot boots that saved me during my college days. After years of wear, they finally gave up on me. Last year for my birthday, Jered found these adorable Kate Spade rain boots. The little bow detail on the back heel just makes me smile!

Even though it's raining outside, I try to surround myself with sunshine. Here are a few ways to brighten up your day:

1) Coffee makes everything better

2) Pile on the bright accessories

3) Grab another pair of shoes to change into while at the office

4) Find an umbrella with a funky print

5) Tie a bow in your trench coat and march forward