Summer Isn't Canceled - Beach Bag Essentials
chit ❤ chat charleston
by Stephanie
As it turns out, summer may not be canceled after all. And while it might feel like summer already, it officially begins this Saturday. As restrictions start to lift many of us are stepping out of our altered reality bubble for the first time in months. And the air is already as thick as your Aunt Betty’s gravy. But if you’re a local, then you’ve come to terms with humidity, even if your hair hasn't.
So hello summer, my old friend. It goes without saying that your vacation probably won’t be exactly what you planned and even your staycation may include a socially distanced spot on the sand. Whether you’re headed lakeside, oceanfront, or to a crystal blue pool, some planning and organization can mean a little less frustration and a lot more fun. So let’s get this party started.
It's in the bag.
A day at the beach requires a bag that can hold almost as much as a Chevy Tahoe. And unless you want to waste your beach day digging through your bag, you need a tote with a designated pocket for everything. We have your bag! SCOUT is known for super functional lightweight bags that are roomy enough to carry it all. The best selling SCOUT BJ tote (named after SCOUT President, Ben Johns) is made from durable all-weather woven fabric rugged enough to toss on the boat or take a tumble at the pool. Best of all, you’ll find just the right pocket for all of your necessities.
Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? Maybe you remember the jelly accessories trend from the late nineteen hundreds.
Okay, the eighties.
The Sun Jellies brand is inspired by vintage designs many of us remember all too well. Now you can enjoy them all over again. The bags are 100% recyclable, washable, and reusable and the colors are yummy. It’s perfect for the beach and honestly, it’s just a happy bag. And we all need some happy.
Protect yourself.
The sun has a reputation for being a troublemaker but it does have some positive effects on our health. Did you know your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight? The sun is also said to impact melatonin production and even boost your mood. But since you’re a smart cookie, we don’t need to tell you why you should always wear sunscreen. That means save some room in your beach bag. Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB rays. On particularly hot days or if you plan to swim, “water-resistant” sunscreens are more tolerant of sweating and swimming. And lounging under an umbrella doesn’t mean you have it made in the shade. Harmful UVA rays bounce off of reflective surfaces like water and sand. Helpful Hint: Don’t forget your knees and the tops of your feet. Stop. You know you’ve done it.
Chill out.
No day trip is complete without a cooler but unless you're an octopus, it's a real challenge to carry all of this stuff. That's why a lightweight functional cooler is a must. SCOUT’s Pleasure Chest is a best seller and just the right size for a day trip. It fits a six-pack and still leaves room for food containers. Did you know many seasonal foods have a high water content? Watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers are refreshing, hydrating, and travel well. So in to the cooler they go, next to your Pellegrino. The Pleasure Chest has a wide shoulder strap for carrying and - bonus, this soft insulated cooler folds flat. So just toss it into your tote bag when you’re packing up for the day.
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Did you know sand can be as hot as 130 degrees in the heat of the day? We’ve found our favorite cute + comfortable + colorful summer shoe. The Tulip by Ilse Jacobsen is already a store favorite. The perforated design makes them breathable which means cooler fresher smelling feet! Best of all, they’re waterproof making them just right for the beach or boat. Just slip them on and y’all - they feel amazing on your feet!
I'll have water please.
It's all about balance. There are varied opinions on how much water we should drink daily. But we do know this, when there’s more going out than there is going in - Houston, we have a problem. Heat is especially tough on us because we lose water through sweat. So in the summer we can quickly be running on empty. Just know that we shouldn't wait until we’re thirsty to drink water because at that point we’re already dehydrated. And, what we drink does matter. Sorry, but Rosè all day is not hydrating. Caffeine and alcohol are both considered diuretics. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated in the sun and getting into the habit of keeping a water bottle with you makes it easier. Of course a cute water bottle is a plus. Swig has partnered with Scout to create the perfect summer drinkware. This collection features triple insulation technology all wrapped up in a cute SCOUT summer print. Swig keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours. Now that's some slow southern sipping.
Don't throw in the towel.
Towels are a necessity for your day on the water but who wants to deal with a waterlogged sandy towel? Microfiber towels are a great alternative to cotton. This super lightweight fabric absorbs more than twice its weight in water and dries 3x faster than cotton. Katydid Microfiber towels measure a generous 63” X 31” yet will roll up and fit neatly into a matching carry bag. Best of all, they are sand resistant! So go ahead and slather on the sunscreen and skip the sand.
No squinting!
Top it all off with a cute pair of sunnies! Our eyes are very sensitive. High-quality sunglasses help protect from damaging rays that can cause a host of ailments. Even with a hat or visor you should still wear sunglasses. They can protect your eyes from windblown particles, like sand, that can scratch and cause permanent eye damage. And besides all of that, mom says squinting causes wrinkles.
We love Nectar Sunglasses, based in Charleston! These super affordable sunglasses ($44.99) are polarized and come with a lifetime guarantee. The name, Nectar, is a nod to the cause they support - The Bee Cause Project - which helps repopulate endangered honey bees in the United States. Sweet!
If you've spent any time near the water you know how calming it can be. It’s not all in your head. Or maybe it is. Research shows the brain releases “happy hormones” when we’re near the ocean. Imagine the sound of the waves rolling in, the smell of salty air, the sun on your face. Whether you prefer a lazy river or sitting on the nearest dock of the bay, the water is calling your name. Find a spot. Relax. Take a selfie. The tan will fade but the memories will last a lifetime.
Just be you.
- Quote of the Day -
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few moments. Even you.
Sun Jellies
These colorful carryall recyclable bags are inspired by authentic vintage designs and perfect for a trip to the farmers market or a day at the beach! The Sun Jellies Fiesta Bag comes in two sizes. Choose in-store pick up or shipping.
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