Whether you are going to the shore in the East, the beach in the South, a lake in the Midwest, or a pool anywhere, this is the season to get a little rest and relaxation.

I don’t know about you; however, it seems that so often I will get to the pool with the essential towel, but forget many of the other things I wanted to take along. So, I decided to put together a summer survival kit for heading out the door quickly with the items that make my down time the experience for which I am longing.

1. I am a tote bag junkie. I believe that we girls cannot have too many cute bags for our busy on the go lives. I have displayed just a few of my favorites, there was not room to show them all. LOL
2. I like to take a comfortable throw to place on a chaise or the ground, then I am able to keep my towel for drying off and it won’t be covered with dirt or sand.
3. Or course the perfect beach towel is large, and I like mine bright and colorful.
4. Don’t forget your electronics . . . a cell phone (but only for emergencies, or it is not R and R), a camera (to capture priceless memories), and tunes (I carry an ipod shuffle with a mini battery operated speaker as well as my headphones).
5. Personal care products like: sun screen, bug repellent, lip balm, a brush and comb, cap, and sunglasses, etc. Who says we can’t primp a little on a day out in the sun?
6. Books, magazines, a journal and a pen . . . for me R and R always includes a little reading and writing.
7. Snacks - of course it is important to take plenty of water to stay hydrated, a plastic glass that will not break, I planned s’mores for this outing, but healthy snacks are good, too . . . they were just not what I was in the mood for this time.
8. Finally, don’t forget to take the special someones in your life that make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Even though I tried to think of everything, I am quite certain that I forgot one of your favorite items. Please add to my list and let us know what you take when you head off for a day at the shore, beach, lake, or pool. Have a wonderful summer filled with days for R and R.