Our Beach Essentials for the Summertime


When you’re a kid, going to the beach or the pool is the absolute BEST part of summer! We both remember coming home from a long day at the pool with a sun tan, chlorine in our hair, and just being completed exhausted from such a jampacked day. Oh how we miss being kids sometimes.

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Now as adults, we don’t enjoy these days as much as we should. Neither of us belongs to a pool, and the beach can sometimes seem like it’s more of a hassle than a fun day in the sand. But we’re both aiming to change that and take advantage of these hot days before they’re gone!riveria_maya_mexico_vacation_travel-16

These cute beach essentials definitely help give us the kick in the butt to get outside and relax!riveria_maya_mexico_vacation_travel-21

Casey’s Summer Essentials

Striped Beach Bag


I got this bag when we went on our New Year’s trip to Mexico and I’ve been using it like crazy ever since. It’s so roomy and you can’t help but love the nautical touch with the stripes. I’ve taken it on quite a few trips as my carry-on bag, and this summer it has come along on a few boating days!

One-Piece Swimsuit


You guys have seen this suit before because I wore it on our trip to the Blue Lagoon. I’ve always love J.Crew’s swimsuit selection because the quality can’t be beaten. This striped one-piece is my favorite. It covers you up, but the back is really sexy and fun. Definitely, a must-buy if you’re looking for a new one-piece.

Face Sunscreen


When I was younger I was all about tanning. I was a lifeguard in the summertime, and when I wasn’t working I was often laying out with friends in an attempt to get the darkest tan possible. Yikes. Now, I’ll do just about anything to avoid any more wrinkles. After far too many burns (& a few scary trips to the dermatologist), I’m not a sunscreen addict. I opt for the highest SPF possible on my face, and often wear a hat when outside for long periods of time. I use this face sunscreen from Neutrogena because it’s lightweight and non-greasy.

Budget-Friendly Sunglasses


Without fail, I always break/scratch/lose my sunglasses. Therefore I never buy expensive ones. The BP sunglasses at Nordstrom are always super cheap ($12) and are stylish too. Plus I never feel guilty when I inevitably break them. These tortoiseshell and rose gold ones are fabulous!

Straw Hat


You can’t go wrong with a classic beach hat. This one isn’t too floppy, so I can wear it just round on the weekends to keep the sun out of my face when running errands. And unlike most hats that are one size fits all, this one comes in a medium-large (which is perfect for my XL noggin!).

No Tangle Brush


Whenever I get my hair wet in the lake or pool, I can’t let the big mop of wetness air dry without brushing or else it is tangle city! I’ve had the “wet brush” for some time now and it really does work wonders to detangle hair. Even if you’re not using it at the pool or beach this summer, this is a great brush for anyone when they wash their hair and brush it wet.

Bridget’s Summer Essentials

Bathing Suit

I scored this suit on sale just before our Iceland trip and really love that it’s stylish, yet conservative. It feels very durable when I wear it, which I appreciate in a bathing suit.

Protective Sunscreen

I’ve never been a sun-lover, as evidenced by my pale skin, so I’m all about the SPF! I typically don’t waste time “laying out” because my skin quicklyย burns and eventuallyย goes right back to being bright white… skipping right over the best part — the tan! To protect my fair skin I typically reach for the SPF 100+ and stick to the shade as much as possible.

Easy Slip-on Sandals

I’ve been wearing a nude pair of these sandals on repeat all. summer. long! I love them because I can easily slide them off and stash them in my bag. Yet after a long day at the beach or pool, they’re still nice enough to run errands or “go out” in. Plus they’re under $30 and come in all sorts of fun colors.

Budget-Friendly Sunglasses

Like Casey, I forget, scratch, or break my sunnies, so having a cheap pair that I won’t feel terrible about breaking is a must. I’ve been loving this pair lately and I especially love their $14 price tag!

A Cover-up That Actually “Covers Up”

I hate when I wear a cover up that doesn’t actually “cover up”. Because usually after the pool theย group decides to grab dinner and I feel super uncomfortable because my cover up looks like I just came from the pool! I love this cover-up because it’s an actual dress that covers me up and doesn’t scream “I just came from the pool”. Plus it’s black, which is helpful if your suit is still a bit damp and ends up getting your cover up wet too. I sometimes wear these dresses to the pool, and even for a night out on the town, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

Hat

And last but certainly not least, I always throw a hat in my bag for even more sun protection. If I’m looking to be more stylish I’ll opt to pack my straw hat like Casey’s. However, if I’m being more casual, I love my Cubs hat… especially if I’m having a “don’t care about my hair” day. This hat is especially helpful at the end of the day when I run errands and my hair is a hot mess!

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Bridget&Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.