My Summer Playlist

I made a summer playlist!

Since it's summer, I felt like it called for a playlist for those beach days with your friends! During the summer I feel like I normally listen to music that's going to keep me upbeat throughout the day and keep the good summer vibes going. So my playlist usually includes a little bit of country,  some Jimmy Buffet, (really anything with steel drums), or anything Bob Marley. It really captures the essence of summer, in my opinion. So I've created a summer playlist on my Spotify, hope you enjoy!

Summer Vibes Playlist

Summer Essentials

I, for one, love summer more than most people; to me there's nothing better than waking up in the morning, slathering on some sunscreen and laying out at the pool with a piña colada.

Now, I'll admit, I may have a bit of a shopping problem- and by that I mean, I have no self control when it comes to shopping. And when it comes to summer, you've gotta be prepared! So I've gotten a few things for this summer that, I think, are great items you need to have with you this time of year.

First thing's first, you have to start off the summer with a new swimsuit (or 3), I've been shopping around for some for a while now (I'm very picky) and I've found a few cute ones! I'm the kind of person that will wear a bathing suit under any outfit in case there's the possibility of going to the beach, so I need to have one that's cute and also comfortable! Whether it's a bikini or a one-piece, you've gotta have a bathing suit as one of your summer staples.

Second you have to make sure you've got plenty of SPF to last you through summer. I normally go for Hawaiian Tropic (it smells so good!)

 I also recommend getting a good tanning oil as well to get your summer glow going.

There are a couple great tanning oils I love using, one is the Banana Boat tanning oil (it's super easy to find at any drugstore), but 

I prefer to use the Bali Body tanning oil, it gives you the best tan, is natural, and is overall amazing! I've never gotten a better tan plus it's super moisturizing!

Third, what's summer without a new pair of sandals!? You've gotta break in a new pair of shoes for your summer wardrobe and I personally thing a good pair of versatile sandals are the best route to go! For the beach I usually go with a basic pair of flip flops but for a day-to-day outfit, I like to have a nicer sandal that'll go with a couple different outfits and will transition seamlessly into any evening looks. 

Fourth, you've gotta get yourself a pair of sunglasses (I'd recumbent a pair with UVA & UVB protection) Your eyes need major protection from the sun! I have about 3 pairs in my car and 1-2 pairs in my purse at all times! Whenever I'm outside, I make sure to protect my eyes- they are the windows to the soul after all.

And lastly, for summer, you have to get a sick pool float! I can't go to the pool or the beach without one now. I've been obsessed with the ones from Float Naked- they're not the typical flamingo/swan pool floats everyone has, they're just a classic donut-shaped float but giant as well as having the cutest patterns! Mine's definitely going to be going with me everywhere this summer!

Shop It:

Lioness One Piece

Steve Madden Sandals

Tortoise Sunglasses

Bali Body Tanning Oil

Girls Trip: Miami

This past weekend we had a girls trip to Miami for my friend's birthday, we may have only been there for a few days, but the stories we have from it are enough for a lifetime!

We arrived Friday afternoon at the Fountainbleu hotel in Miami Beach to the popping of champagne bottles and the smell of sunscreen (not saying that's a bad thing). After getting our room upgraded 4-5 times, we finally settled in and made a beeline for the pool with IDs in hand, ready to get a jump start on the weekend. Our expectations were met and then put to shame by our actual experiences on the trip, starting off with champagne and a plethora of guys buying us drinks left and right. Needless to say, we were off to a great start.

The second day was the first full-day we spent in Miami, starting the morning off with pizza for breakfast, followed by poolside mimosas. As the day got better, we got drunker- ...or vice versa. Then we were off to dinner to start the countdown to midnight when Natalie finally turned 21, followed by bottles on bottles of champagne, and shots on shots on shots. Just as one would expect, it was a great night that we reminisced over the next morning, hungover at brunch, laying off the mimosas. The perfect end to the perfect weekend getaway!

6 Ways to Beat Summer Boredom

Hey there! I don't know about you but during the summer, but when I'm not working or in class, it can sometimes get boring. Luckily, I've found that the best way to beat summer boredom is by being active outdoors or with friends, so here are a few ways you can make the most of your summer! Now let's get you out of your house and into the sun!

1. Grab some friends, some snacks, a volleyball, and head to the beach! Beach days are basically everyday here in South Florida and it's very important to get that Vitamin D! Soak up the sun and swim in the sea and it's bound to be a fun day with friends!

2. For those that want something a little different than the ordinary beach day, there are a lot of different things you can do! There's tubing, flyboarding or even parasailing!

3. If you're having a stressed day, treat yourself to a massage or a blowout, it'll be a relaxing experience and you'll feel like a new person!

4. Take a trip to the zoo or even an aquarium! Not everyone in South Florida loves the beach as much as I do, and there's plenty to do besides the beach.

5. Rent a paddle board, kayak, even a jetski with some friends, but make sure you bring that SPF otherwise you'll come back toast!

6. For the occasional gloomy, rainy day, I've found nothing better than a Netflix movie marathon, and some Chinese takeout with friends to get the job done for a nice, chill day inside.

Now go out and make the most of your summer!