Fifteen fabulous swimsuit covers

This is going to be a rather long post so I am going to jump right in! Today, we are discussing swimsuit coverups. Coverups you can also run errands or go out for food & day drinks because we all know beach/vacation life entails both.

15 fabulous swimsuit covers for under $100:

#1: Jessica Simpson Printed Back-Cutout Tunic $46.50

#2: Boho fashion tends to be everywhere lately as well as blue and white. Kill two birds with one stone in the Megan Blue Watercolour Print Chiffon Sarong for ONLY $12.00. What a deal, right?

#3: Chevron Crochet Cover-Up $14.80-If you are a chevron girl, this coverup was made for you. Pair with a floppy hat and bikini.

#4: Another option for a swimsuit coverup is to utilize an item already in your closet such as a muscle tee, tunic, or casual dress. Forever 21 has the muscle tee down to a science with the Vagabond Muscle Tee for only $13.80. It should be worn with aviators, topknot, bikini and sunscreen!

#5: The plunging neckline of the Tropical Mirror Tunic from South Beach Swimsuits is seriously eye-catching and can be worn as a day dress. Offered for $88.00. 

#6: Kick back in the Croft and Barrow Striped Hooded CoverUp from Kohl's. The zipper allows you to control how sexy you want to go! I love this option because of the versatility factor. A zipper and a hood, man I am sold. Not to mention thee fabulous price of $16.99.

#7: You're more of a one piece kinda woman? No biggie, cover up a one-piece in this chic Volcom Strange Love Cover-Up Kimono Jacket from Urban Outfitters for $50.00.

#8: I am loving the T-back detail of the Rip Curl Tribal Cover Up from Delias for $44.90. Don't forget a beach towel and flip flops!

#9: Drumroll please, I would like to announce the perfect swimsuit cover up and from the wonderful Old Navy for $25.00! Check it out:

If you want to purchase it, act fast because it is selling out quickly.

Women's Embroidered Gauze Cover-Ups in the color Blackjack.

#10: One swimsuit cover worth splurging on is the Nautica Na70 Signature Solid dress cover up. Why is it worth splurging on? Click here to find out, but I will give you a little hint: ANCHORS & lace. $64.99

#11: Who said a swimsuit cover has to be a dress? No one that's who; wear some shorts, or pants like the Athena Heavenly Pant Aqua for only $11.99 with free shipping & 3 colors.

#12: Sometimes I want to just throw on a tank after laying out in the sun for hours, or to take a stroll on the beach in. If you are the same way, check out the Roxy Keep It Tropical Ombre racerback tank from Nordstrom for only $16.41. Currently, all sizes (S,M,L) are in stock, but  they probably won't last too much longer at that low price. 

#13: Now for some beach shorts! H&M has some adorable options for under $20. Some of my favorites (all linked) are White, Grey, Light Turquoise, and Printed.

#14: Perfect for errands around town, these Rip Curl Escape pants are a must have this summer! The pants come in two colors: creamsicle and white. $25.99

#15: Last but certainly not least is the Eco Swim by Aqua Green Pullover Hoodie swimsuit cover up on sale for $22.99. This totally has a dress vibe and could be worn elsewhere.

Which is your favorite (1-15) fabulous swimsuit cover? Comment below!

Beach[y] drinks

As you read this, I hopefully have my white ass in the white sand with a cold drink in my hand, just like the song because it is officially my SPRING BREAK. But if you read my blog regularly, you already know that. If you are unable to make it to the beach anytime soon, whip up one of these tropical cocktails, close your eyes, and float away to paradise! But please, do not make these if you are under 21 years old; in case you didn’t know it’s illegal.
...OFF TO PARADISE WE GO!
#1: First, lets talk about a drink that I have successfully made and is delicious and so easy!

Grab any flavor sherbet and pour your liquor of choice over the top for a tasty surprise! I chose lime sherbet and tequila and one of my friends had peach sherbet with citrus vodka.

#2: This next drink is from Tammille Tips and is called “Coral Reef.”

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 2 oz. Malibu Rum, 6 strawberries

DIRECTIONS: Blend vodka, Malibu, and strawberries with ice and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

#3: Watermelon Margarita from Sandra Lee (warning: requires lots of watermelon)
     MAKES 8 SERVINGS- perfect for a girl’s trip or small party.

INGREDIENTS:
5 to 6 pounds of watermelon (rinds and seeds discarded), 1 cup lemon flavored vodka, 1/3 cup lime juice. 1 12 oz. lemon lime soda (7up or Sprite), and ice.

DIRECTIONS: Cut watermelon into chunks. Blend and strain through a fine-mesh sieve over a pitcher until you have 4 cups juice. Add vodka and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fill 8 cocktail glasses with ice cubes. Fill glasses 3/4 full of watermelon mixture and top with a splash of lemon-lime drink. Garnish with watermelon wedges and/or lime wedges, if desired.

#4: Copycat Chili’s Twisted Lemonade from Tammille Tips again (love her blog)

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 oz Citrus Vodka, 3/4 oz Triple Sec, 3 oz Sweet and Sour, Lemon Wedge

DIRECTIONS:
1. Fill 14oz glass with ice
2. Pour in vodka and triple sec
3. Top with sweet & sour and lemon wedge

#5: Last but not least, HIPPIE JUICE from the ever so lovely Peace, Love, and Guacamole, which is probably what I am sipping at this very moment because hint: I wrote this post last week because I knew that I would be here (at the beach) so if you were wondering yes, this post is scheduled. ANYWHO,

Ingredients: Water, Country Time Pink Lemonade Mix, Fresh Strawberries, Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka, Triple Sec, Malibu Coconut Rum

Supplies: Simply Brand (Apple, Orange, Etc.) Juice Container, Measuring Cup, Funnel, Knife, Cutting Board

DIRECTIONS:
Carefully wash out your Simply brand Juice Container.  Then use the funnel to neatly pour 4 scoops of Country Time Pink Lemonade into the container.  Next, measure out 1 cup of Smirnoff brand Watermelon Vodka, 1/3 cup Triple Sec, and 1/3 cup Malibu Coconut Rum into a measuring cup and use the funnel to add your mixture.  Using cold water, fill the rest of the container up to the base of the neck.  Rinse 4 strawberries and cut straight across with a knife to remove the stem.  Then place the strawberries upside down on the cutting board and slice evenly into 4 pieces using two motions forming a cross.  Drop the strawberries in, add water to the top, cap and shake gently to mix. 

You are all set for drinks, but now you need something to hold them:

Have you ever reached down to grab your drink after a long, hot day to find that sand is all on the rim of the glass or better yet, in the actual drink? If so, try one of these Personalized Sand Spike Beach Drink Holders from Lime Tree Gifts on Etsy. NO MORE SAND IN YOUR DRINK…I repeat, no more sand in your drink. Hallelujah.

I hope this post inspired you to make some creative drinks next time you’re at the beach! Which is your fave?

This will be my only blog post this week, but I will resume next Monday.

Oh and I almost forgot, HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! May your day be filled with lots of green beer, good friends, great times, and no pinching (unless you do it).

Spring Break Essentials

 

Oversized Baja blanket, bikinis, flip flops, sunscreen, a good book, BB cream…can only mean one thing-Spring Break officially starts on Friday! Today, I have been productive and got a jump start on packing. I spent last week shopping for our beach trip and I am so excited to finally show you what I consider to be SPRING BREAK ESSENTIALS!

The first thing a woman needs at the beach is of course a bikini. I love a fitted bathing suit with a great pattern and this year patterns are everywhere. I started my bathing suit search at the most obvious place to find cheap swimwear- TARGET. Every Spring Break that I can remember I’ve purchased at least one bathing suit from there. Obviously I was expecting some great buys, but this year Target went above and beyond with swimwear. I purchased 3 tops and 1 bottom (I mix my pieces and have some from previous years) for only $75; which is the whole reason I love Target so much. I’ll link the swimwear pieces that I bought below.

Black and white chevron top

Cobalt blue bottom

Royal blue and green fringe top

Black and white polka dot bandeau top

The next essential is loose, comfortable yet incredibly stylish and on trend clothes. Yes, clothes like that do actually exist. For example, this year loose, wide legged bohemian style pants are really stylish and not to mention the most comfortable thing you’ll ever wear, besides yoga pants. Forever 21 has some extremely inexpensive pairs for under $15. I purchased a royal blue and plum tribal printed pair and a black high-waisted pair with white flowers on them. The pants are super cute and perfect for going out to eat or shopping around the town during the day, but do not make the mistake of wearing them out on the sand because they are not skinny and you will get sand on the wide legs. Another item I found at Forever 21 is the pair of loose daisy printed shorts you see in the pictures above with the black trim. THOSE are beach shorts and should absolutely be worn on the beach. The last thing for loose and stylish items are things like muscle tees, skirts, and maxi dresses. The more comfortable, the better when it comes to Spring Break.

Make up items are surprisingly essential for the beach, but not your normal make up routine. Forget the eyeliner and contouring and alternate BB creams, mineral make up, sunscreen, and protective lip balm. Embrace the wonderful sun kissed look your skin gets after an all day beach adventure and ditch your blush, highlighter, and bronzer, but DON’T forget to opt for items with sunscreen. I bought Garnier BB Cream and decided to pull out my trusty Prime and Poreless BB Cream like product from Too Faced. I am not sure which one I will take but those are the options. For mineral make up I will always, undoubtedly reach for BareMinerals. If you have used it, you know why. I love how weightless the formula is and it blends amazingly well plus contains sunscreen! I am taking Fairly Light foundation, Bisque concealer, and Hint blush- all which I have used before and am a huge fan. The last make up essential is a hydrating moisturizer like Hope In a Jar by Philosophy or Hempz- the coconut watermelon scent is the BEST.

For hair, the best thing to do is go completely natural. Embrace messy hair from the salt air because people pay good money for that look when purchasing Sea Salt Spray. However, do not be afraid to bring accessories for up do’s including bobby pins, practical headbands, sock bun attachments, hats, and flower crowns. I also plan to bring my Nume 25 mm wand for dinner dates or shopping trips when I feel like adding some extra waves.

The last things to pack are necessary beach items like flop flops or sandals, sunglasses, koozies, sunglasses case, camera, beach bag, headphones, and a great book. And don’t forget the random things like a 3D Cap Light for crab hunting- yep, I went there. Last year we purchased a sun shelter and it is basically one of those small open beach tent things. It is perfect to lay your face under while tanning or if you’re like my boyfriend, you can sit under it all day instead of tanning. Either way, I will link one here so you can try it out; you won’t regret it.

Links to other items pictured: 
VANS hat (similar)
Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink book
h20 makeup remover
 Baja blanket bag
Daisy Shorts (sold out online; check in store)

Did I forget to mention anything? Comment below. Cheers to a wonderful Spring Break!

Forgotten Coast Mindset

I finally had the chance to get away from reality and inhale the healing salt air. My grandma always told me when I was young that God made the water salty for a reason. According to her, the water was salty so it would be healing to wounds, scars, and other imperfections. Although Mema didn’t have the science to back it up, every time I go to the beach I instantly see improvements in my skin, hair, mindset...everything. It is truly a heavenly place.

I vacated to a place known as the Forgotten Coast of Florida. The pictures I took do not even do this place justice. If you ever close your eyes and daydream off to a wonderful, private beach with white sand and beautiful birds, this would be one of the places. I’ll let you be the judge.

I don’t know if it was the clean, white sand, or the warm, clear water, but my mindset was completely transformed. Honestly, it was like my worries swam in the water with the fish…and believe me, I was hoping the fish were far away.
Actually, it’s not that I dislike fish or any marine life…I watched Man Eating Super Squid on Animal Planet’s Monster Week while I was there and needless to say; I was terrified of any little splash in the water. Silly, maybe…totally necessary- YES.

I hope your Summer has been as wonderful as mine so far. If you are a working woman and don’t get a “summer”, I feel your pain…I am headed back to work & school this week. Nice seeing you Summer, I can’t wait until we meet again next year. I begin online classes full time tomorrow and am actually excited to get one step closer to achieving my goals.
ALL FOR NOW.

-SweetSouthernPea