Fashion
Beach Bag Essentials
07.25.13
Are you beach ready? I don't know about you, but each summer I arm myself with the essentials to make every summer day the best it can be. Whether your escape is to the beach, a lake or your local pool, a well-stocked tote is crucial. Keep these items in your bag all season long and you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
First, you’ll need a roomy carry-all bag. Because you soon will fill your tote with all your surfside must-haves, look for one with interior pockets and sturdy straps. Canvas and mesh bags abound in department stores this time of year, or you can never go wrong with a classic straw tote. Invest in a quality bag now and you’ll take it to the beach for years to come.
Next, assemble the perfect poolside ensemble. The only attire you really need (aside from your swimsuit, of course) is a fabulous hat, a comfortable cover-up and a sensible yet chic pair of shoes. Although ball caps and fedoras provide adequate protection from harmful rays, a colorful floppy hat adds a touch of timeless elegance. Pair it with a fun romper to achieve that breezy summer style. And to protect your tootsies from the heat of the pavement or sand, complete your look with a pair of strappy sandals.
Then gather your protective gear. When frolicking in the summer sun, it is important that you make applying sunscreen a priority. According to the American Melanoma Foundation, you should apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply about every two hours. In case you do get burned, be sure to keep some aloe vera close by. Hint: Store aloe gel in the refrigerator for an especially cooling effect.
Finally, toss in your miscellanea. A big, fun beach towel is a staple in any well-packed summer bag, perfect for lounging in the sand or drying off after a swim. To stay hydrated and fend off hunger, bring your water bottle and snacks like dried fruits, granola bars and nuts. And what woman braves the beach without quality summer reading?
Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization. For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.
Dining
Sundays are Prime at Paul Martin’s American Grill at Irvine Spectrum Center
07.23.13
Look forward to Sundays with Paul Martin’s 3-Course Prime Rib Dinner ($25). Available all day, the generously sized all natural prime rib is accompanied by mashed potatoes, an organic green salad or soup, and house made ice cream for dessert. Click here for reservations.
At the heart of all great food is fresh, local, peak of the season ingredients. Paul Martin's aims to serve diners the highest quality ingredients with meat and poultry raised in a humane and wholesome way, locally sourced produce, the best of both wild and farmed seafood, artisan cheeses and cured meats from small local purveyors. It's American food at its best. "Local. Seasonal. Delicious."
31 Fortune Drive (by Fortune Valet) at the Irvine Spectrum Center. 949.453.1144.
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