Greetings from the beach!
We’re settled in, and this week has been hot, then rainy, then hot, then somehow even hotter. But even when the temperature climbs during the afternoon, it cools off beautifully in the evening, and we’ve been spending as much time outside as we can.
It’s also the only week while we’re here that all the adults have to work, so there’s been a lot of hiding in corners to take calls, writing over morning coffee, and squeezing work in wherever we can. But we’ve still made it to the beach almost every day, had a few dinners out, and spent our nights on the deck.
I wouldn’t say we’ve hit “relaxing” yet, but we’ve had fun, and the kids are having an absolute blast, which is really all that matters.
I’m hoping to wrap up work a little early today and head into a weekend of reading on the beach, morning donut runs with the kids, and one of my favorite shore traditions, Sunday Funday with the adults. After a week of getting settled and catching up, I am very ready for it.
Anyway, here are five things I loved this week.
The Shirt I’m Glad I Threw in My Suitcase
I packed this blue-and-white striped button-down from Lands’ End at the last minute in a bit of a panic, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a little heavier than what you might normally reach for in the summer, but now that it’s cooling off at night, it’s been really nice to have.
It’s 100% cotton, with that classic Oxford feel, and I’ve thrown it on over a white tank with navy shorts in the evening. Simple, comfortable, and exactly the kind of extra layer I didn’t think I’d need when I was packing for August at the beach.
The Newest Addition to My Bracelet Stack
Everyone knows I’m a big Jenny Bird fan, and I just added the Dhani Bracelet to my stack. I love the shape of the links and that it has enough presence to stand out without feeling heavy or competing with everything else I’m wearing.
It’s also water-resistant and designed to be non-tarnishing, which makes it especially good for summer when I don’t want to think about taking my jewelry on and off all day. It looks just as good on its own, but I’ve been wearing it layered with the bracelets I already have.
My Favorite Swimsuit So Far
After almost a week at the beach, I’ve already worn Andie’s Bonita One Piece twice, so I think it’s safe to call it my favorite suit of the trip so far.
I love the textured seersucker fabric and the bright pink color. The little ring detail at the neckline gives it just enough interest, and the cut is incredibly flattering. It’s comfortable, stays put, and is the suit I’ve found myself reaching for again when I have plenty of others packed.
The Other Pillow We’re Loving
A few weeks ago, I mentioned my COOP pillow, which I love. I also tried the Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow, which is very similar in that you can add or remove the fill to get the firmness and height exactly where you want it. I ended up keeping both, and Bri took the Helix after initially insisting he was “fine with what he had.”
Bri is one of those guys who is always fine with whatever he has. It’s not that he doesn’t appreciate an upgrade or something new, he just never thinks to make a change. He’ll complain that his neck hurts and then continue sleeping on the same pillow every night without considering that maybe the pillow is part of the problem.
So I gave him the Helix, and he loves it. Between his new pillow and our new mattress, which I’m already missing now that we’re at the shore house, he’s fully on board with my recent sleep upgrades.
The $32 Linen Shorts I Have in Three Colors
These $32 linen shorts from Quince are such a find. They’re 100% European linen and incredibly easy to wear. I’ve been throwing them on over a bathing suit during the day, but they’re just as good with a nicer top and leather sandals if you want to dress them up a bit.
I have them in three colors, which probably tells you how much I like them. They do run a little full, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding on a size.
Have a great weekend!
