A Day at the Beach

After spending the majority of the weekend with the kids enjoying the sun, surf and sand, I think it's safe to say that I officially have beach-on-the-brain syndrome.

It's a real condition, you know.

Lots of us "Coasties" could easily get a diagnosis from the doctor, if we asked for it. It sure would come in handy for those inevitable days soon to come, when we wish to wiggle out of our duties and into a bathing suit instead. With the beach only a hop, skip and a jump down the road, I'll admit it's a daily battle not to load up the kids, pop open the sun roof and cruise on down there, leaving all our cares behind.

Torture, I tell you. Pure torture!

In honor of all things beachy (and the fact that I cannot get it outta my head), I threw together this fancy collection of baubles, beauties and inspiration. So come along and let's see just how fancy we can get at the beach . . . .

First, we must let everyone know why we're not answering our door, our phones or emails ~

My Flip Flopz @ Etsy

Next, we should figure out how to get there ~

4WitsEnd @ Etsy

ahhhhhhhhh, finally!

Fusion Media @ Etsy

They just don't make fancy signs like that anymore, do they?

Now it's time to hunt down that quintessential beach cottage ~

I pick this one because it just screams

"Come on in, kick off your shoes. Grab a cold one and don't worry 'bout a thing!"

Jane Coslick is the brainchild behind this fantastic looking, fun house. Her wonderful work has been featured in Coastal Living, Southern Living, as well as decor & design television shows. She rescues forgotten beach bungalows on Tybee Island, GA, designing and restoring them, often to a glory they may have never seen before. Each one has it's own vibe and style and you're sure to find a bit of fancy in each one.

Now that we're there, what'll we wear?

Let's get unpacked ~

We're set for sunning, swimming, a stroll through the shops

or a night on the town. I particularly like the fancy flip flops . . .

they'd fit in great with the collection I've amassed over the years.

(Shopping Guide at the end of this post!)

Don't forget to have some of these while you're there.....so, so good!

Boiled Crabs on Flickr

When we're glowing and rested with our spirits renewed and bellies full, sadly it's time to head home again. But before we go, why not treat ourselves to a memento of our trip?

Perhaps a beautiful painting depicting our experience along the shore ~

Funky Folky @ Etsy

Or not.

Maybe we should just settle for a fantastic piece of pottery ~

Element Clay Studio @ Etsy

Regardless of what we take home to commemorate the trip, once we're back in our own surroundings, we'llbe reminded of and dream about the fact that ~

Old Barn Rescue Company @ Etsy

I hope you've enjoyed our day at the beach. I know I thoroughly enjoyed to two in a row that we had this past weekend. Hopefully there will be more in the very near future. I refuse to live so close to the shore and not take complete advantage of it!

As promised, you'll find the Shopping Guide below.

See you at the shore!

1. Jantzen Floral Bathing Cap 2. Esther Williams Beach Blanket Bingo One Piece 3. Shades of Bling Swarovski Crystal Jellies Sandals 4. Chanel Nail Colour in Shanghai Red 5. Potato Face Sea Urchin Ring 6. Faery Kisses Designs Crabby Necklace 7. Crocs' Hanalei @ Piper Lime 8. Bright and Beautiful88 California Girl Vintage Sterling Charm Bracelet 9. Miss Brache Party Dress 10. Lipstick Queen Red Saint Lipstick 11. Nine West Karoo Peep Toe Platform