So it’s come to the point where I’m thinking of throwing caution to the wind and packing a bag, grabbing both big and small Drew and hopping in the car with our sights set straight on the beach. I could use a couple days spent on the sand and not behind a desk.

When it comes to packing that bag, there’s just a few things I need for a great day at the beach – a towel, a suit, a hat and some water (both to drink and play in). I’m also thinking that if you’re escaping to the beach, having a bike to get around with is pretty sweet. And since I had a beach cruiser growing up but never actually used it on the beach, so this would be a great way to make my childhood dreams come true (okay so maybe not a dream but definitely an activity worth checking off the list).

 

 

When I imagine myself on the beach, I usually picture it similar to the below but in reality it’s more like this. But to get ready for the beach (and to look a tiny bit more like below), there’s a few things I like to do in advance.

1. Drinks tons and tons of water the week before. Say sayonara to soda and hold off on the booze for a few days and your bloat free stomach will thank you. Oh and throw a lemon in that water whenever possible, it definitely makes a difference.

2. Walk (or run) it out. I finally convinced my husband to snag a treadmill so my lazy butt has no excuse not to work out. So before I bare it all, I try to hop on and walk or run while catching up on my DVR. Dragging yourself to the gym can be a pain so just commit to hitting the pavement outside your place.

3. Exfoliate. If I’m heading to the beach, I’m trying to work on my tan while relaxing. So grab one of those scrubs lying around your bathroom and get a little exfoliation going on before heading out in the sun.

4. And last but certainly not least, shave. I always wait to the morning of so I don’t have to worry about goosebump stubble. I can never find time to get to a salon to wax my legs but I got to try this new Sally Hansen wax kit and it’s pretty legit. Once you get the hang of it, you’re beach ready in no time and the best part is it lasts for like a week so no shaving everyday while you’re on vacay.

p.s. Sally Hansen is doing a big summer sweepstakes where you could win a $5,000 shopping spree (yes please!). They’re doing challenges all summer for the Take it Off, Show it Off contest. So head over here and enter way!

Want to Show Off Smooth Summer Skin? Sally Hansen Ouch-Relief wax strips get you hair free and care free all summer long! Go Ahead Show Off and Enter the Sally Hansen Challenge!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Sally Hansen via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sally Hansen.