Top 5 Things I Do to Prepare for the Beach

July 11, 2016

How to Prepare for a Trip to the BeachNow that I’m settled into our new space a little more, I’m starting to travel out of town more again. It was going to be my first Independence Day since moving to the US and Tom wanted to take advantage of the long weekend, so once again, we booked something last minute, jumped in the car and headed off on a short road trip.  This time we hit Las Vegas.  If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, it’s incredibly hot in the summer, hitting around 40°c (around 108°F). The architecture on The Strip is really interesting and grand. Each hotel has a casino, but the interior and exteriors often have a theme and are quite different.  If you follow me on Snapchat at mikialamode, you’ll have seen some of the interesting spots we experienced.

How to Prep for a Trip to the BeachPool ViewThings I Do to Prepare for a Trip to the BeachTattoo TransferTom and I spent the majority of the time hotel hopping, watching a show or by the pool.  I thought I’d share how I prepare for the beach.

1) Self Tanner

I used to tan naturally, but with age, I prefer to avoid spending extended periods at a time trying to get a nice golden bronze color.  Too much tanning isn’t good for your skin and can cause sun damage and premature aging. I start exfoliating and preparing my tan about 2-3 days prior to being at the pool.  This allows me to apply on day 1 to get color and day 2 or 3 to get it darker. I just use Jergens self tanning lotion for medium to dark skin tones and have yet to try Bondi Sands, which is a highly ranked brand in Austrailia.  (If you use Bondi Sands, please let me know! Would love to hear what you think of it!)

2) Temporary Tattoos

I used to layer up on rings and bracelets and since getting married, I really only wear my engagement ring.  At a pool or beach, I prefer no jewelry, so I love to accessorize with temporary tattoos. I put them on the morning the day I head out to the beach and think of where I want to place it with respect to what I’ll wear going out that evening. I rarely use an entire pack all on a trip.  These are Lulu DK from a year ago, but you can buy all these pretty ones on Lulu DK’s website.

3) Purchase/Pack My Poolside Apparel

I can’t go to the pool without a towel, swimsuits, sun block, sun glasses and sandals.  I like to tie my hair or braid at least part of it, so I always bring a couple of hair elastics with me. If I need to do something related to the blog, I bring my phone and battery bank.  I make sure all my electronics are fully charged before I go. For my favourite off the shoulder bikini from this season and under $40, see Things to See and Do in Nassau Bahamas

4) Manicure/Pedicure

I love to have my nails done before I go on a poolside or beach vacation. If I don’t have time to get them done when I’m out, I just paint my nails at home a day or two before the trip.  I think of the shoes and accessories I’ll bring and choose a nail color to accentuate the look.

5) Beach Bag

I need to have a poolside/beach bag to carry my sunglasses, phone and sunblock, so I invested in this one, which I double as a day or evening bag when I’m at a resort or getaway.

Is there anything you do to prepare for the beach? What are your own beach or poolside essentials?

If you enjoyed this post, please let me know in the comments below. I always appreciate and love to hear from you.

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on TwitterInstagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

Outfit: Bikini Top and Bottom available here and here. Bag available here.  Tattoos available here.

 

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  • Marianne Sophia July 11, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Wow I love your bikini! You look amazing! How stylish is your bag too! Gorgeous photographs! 🙂

    Much love,
    Marianne x http://www.beautiful-in-essence.blogspot.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks so much Marianne! ❤
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Kelsie Galis July 11, 2016 at 10:23 am

    I love this bikini on you! Great tips for the beach too- I’m a self tanner now too. I’m pretty fair skinned so it takes me awhile to get a deep tan naturally which isn’t worth the sun damage. What are some of your favorite brands to use? Your tan always looks great!

    -Kelsie
    http://www.designlifediaires.com

    • miki July 11, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      I know how you feel. I had to use antibiotics in the past and they made me really sensitive to the sun. Over time, I’ve been dodging the sun for long periods of time because I’m now at that age where I can really get long term sun damage. I use Jergens and love how moisturized my skin feels, but have also heard some great things about Bondi Sands as well. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Ileana July 11, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    These are such great tips! I always have my beach bag ready with my favorite essentials 🙂
    xoxo

    Ileana

    Novelstyle Blog

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      Thanks Ileana! Glad you enjoyed it. I keep my beachbag partly filled too lol
      Xo,
      Miki

  • yuka July 11, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Temp tattoos are a good idea for beach/poolside! I have so many packs just laying around next time I hit the beach I’m gonna deck myself out! lol

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      Haha. That sounds amazing! Gotta see pics for that!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Pauline Schmidt July 12, 2016 at 2:19 am

    Really cool ideas!

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      Thanks!
      Miki

  • Yuliya Oleynykova July 12, 2016 at 2:31 am

    this is such a good guide. i actually agree that sun may be damaging for your skin. but to be honest, i really believe that our skin need some sun too. I live in London and it’s very rare we have a sunny day. Our current summer is just grey and rainy. So when i go on Holidays, I still try to spend time outside, but of course I use sun protection.

    I love self tanner though and use it a year round x
    Yukova blog

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Thanks Yuliya. I totally get it. I still love a day in the sun! I remember when I lived in Canada, we’d go through 6 months of cold weather and once I got a chance, I’d spend a day in the sun, but I live in Southern California now, so there’s sun all the time and I always have to wear SPF. I just needed the vitamin D and some bronzing!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Quinn July 12, 2016 at 3:49 am

    I’ve never been to Vegas either, but I’m dying to go! You look amazing – I will be sure to follow your five steps pre-beach!

    xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks Quinn! Hope you get to visit Vegas soon!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Maria July 12, 2016 at 4:08 am

    I never seen a girl more beautiful than you in swim suit.
    http://www.ootdchannel.com/
    http://www.ootdchannel.com/what-to-wear-to-a-concert/

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Haha, aw thanks Maria!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Andreea Birsan July 12, 2016 at 4:46 am

    Great tips! Loved your bikini set. x

    Have a nice week,
    Andreea
    http://couturezilla.com/

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks Andreea! One of my favs for this season. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Carina July 12, 2016 at 5:23 am

    Awesome tips! I found Vegas very entertaining and fun when I visited. You look beautiful and that bag is very cute.

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      It’s definitely not short of entertainment. So much to see and do there. 🙂 Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Melissa Valmonte July 12, 2016 at 6:00 am

    I really love that bikini on you and love the tips!

    Melissa
    Stylista Fitness

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks Melissa! Love the bikini too. Such a great price now.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Noma July 12, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Great tips, a pedicure is definitely a must! Cute bikini, I love the mesh detail.

    XoXo Noma

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Thanks Noma! Definitely need a mani – pedi for the beach, right?! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sakuranko July 12, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Pedicure and manicure are a must have for me too.
    xx

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Wildfire Charm July 12, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Such great tips! I love your basket bag! Such a unique shape. x

    http://www.wildfirecharm.com

  • welovefur July 12, 2016 at 10:29 am

    This bikini make me mad!
    I love your style and your blog.
    Visit mine if you want.
    kisses
    http://www.welovefur.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks! Haha, me too. I hesitated at first but went for it and definitely do not regret it. Thanks for your lovely comment.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Luci's Morsels July 12, 2016 at 11:36 am

    This is a fun post, Miki! You look great and love the idea of using temporary tattoos!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      Thanks Luci! Glad you enjoyed it. I love using the temporary tattoos for those days. They’re almost the only time I wear them now.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Face to Curls July 12, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    I’ve never been to Vegas either. These are such great tips and I love your bikini.

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks Ann-Marie!! It’s definitely a place like no other. Hope you get to experience it soon yourself. If you love live shows and performances like I do, you’ll love it.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jalisa July 12, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    First off, you look amazing in that bikini, girlie! I’ve read a number of articles on suggestions on what to bring to the beach, but surprisingly, I haven’t seen temporary tattoos mentioned! I actually forgot about them, until now. They really do look cute with a beach look! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks Jalisa! I love wearing them to the beach. So effortless and you don’t even need to worry about losing accessories around the pool or beach!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Kasie Chelanne July 12, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    This bikini is KILLER! It’s such a happy print and looks absolutely amazing on you. This is such a great list of beach prep tips…your suggestion about temporary tattoos is such a fun one!

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      I love this swimsuit. I had no idea what to expect when ordering it, but it’s one of my favourites for the season, so I’ll get a lot of use out of it. Thanks for your lovely comment!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Monique | WritingMonique July 13, 2016 at 3:32 am

    Oh, I love temporary tattoos! And your bikini looks amazing on you!
    WritingMonique

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:16 pm

      Thanks Monique!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sia Foch July 13, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Gorgeous tips and I’m in love with your figure, actual goalss!

    -xx, Sia
    http://www.siafoch.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks so much Sia! That’s the sweetest comment! You made my day! ♥
      Xo,
      Miki

  • MilanoTime July 13, 2016 at 10:32 am

    This bikini is perfect on you! Amazing tips <3
    Have a nice evening dear!
    hugs
    Dili
    New post: http://www.milanotime.net/miaberlin/

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks Dili!
      xo,
      Miki

  • Rach July 13, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Oh my I can only imagine how hot it was there! The last time I was in Vegas during the summer it was way too hot! A pool is definitely a must! You bikini is super cute and I love the floral print! Stay cool girlie!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 6:08 pm

      Definitely incredibly hot. Remind me to go in the winter instead lol Thanks Rach!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rina July 13, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    I’ve just started to get into self-tanner. I want to try to avoid the sun as much as possible now because I don’t want to age =P Loving the tips on how you prepare for the beach. I take similar steps, especially the pedi/mani

    xoxo
    Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    • miki July 14, 2016 at 6:09 pm

      Can’t go wrong with the mani-pedi, right? Do you have a favourite self tanner?
      Xo,
      Miki

  • misses popisses July 14, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    Oh WOW – you look amazing in your bikini!!!!!
    all teh best
    Elisabeth

    http://www.missespopisses.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Charlotte Burt July 15, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I grew up in Spain so never need self tan before but now I live in the Uk and I am white as milk and I fear if I ever return home I will need a huge bottle of it! Great tips, great abs, great bikini!

    The Blonde B

    • miki August 17, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      Oh definitely. Spain get so much sun! What a huge difference! Thanks for stopping by Charlotte!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • thefemall July 26, 2016 at 1:09 am

    wow so cool!! I love to go on beach. I love to wear bikni on beach. Your bikni really very amazing. thanks for sharing.

    • miki August 17, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      Thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Yasmin August 17, 2016 at 7:23 am

    Love your bikini it really suits you. You’ve now got me getting my beach bag ready for my holiday. Much love x

    http://www.yasminlaronde.co.uk

    • miki August 17, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      Thanks so much! Haha. Any reason to buy a good beach bag is a good one! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki