As an Arizona girl, I never thought you would hear me say this: Lake life is the best! My experience with lakes prior to moving to Michigan included small, smelly man made lakes that you couldn’t see your feet in. For me, that is a big NO. Upon relocating, DonJuan wanted to buy a lake house, to which I said…No. This is me kicking myself and trying to finagle a way to sell our house and buy a lake house.
Since the are no lake homes in my future, I have to make do with lake glamp outs. After several day trips to the lake, some from my house, and some from my glamper, I have come up with what I consider the Lake Day Essentials:
Jasper’s Lake Day Necessities…
- Backpack beach chairs- I’ll admit when I first saw these I thought they we’re silly. Like who wants to carry a beach chair on their back!?! Turns out I do. These Tommy Bahama beach chairs are adjustable all the way to the flat position, they have a folding towel bar, an adjustable pillow, padded shoulder straps, and two storage pouches- the lower pouch is insulated! It also has a drink holder and a cell phone pouch. This two pack of chairs is comparable in price to some of the better chairs you’ll find at the department stores…delivered to your door! https://amzn.to/2lmCMZd
- Australian Gold Tattoo stick- Ladies and gentlemen, always protect your ink. The technology that dissolves tattoos (laser removal) is basically the same energy as the sun, just more intense. I want my ink to stay bright and vivid, and my lines to be clean and crisp for years to come. The stick glides on, and unlike spray you know you are covered. It doesn’t leave streaks or greasy film, or smell like fake coconuts. https://amzn.to/2l9kpHa
- Good beach towels are a must- I want them long enough to wrap around, or lay on full body, because I don’t want to be covered in sand. They also need to be absorbent, but dry quickly in the sun. These ones are fast drying, and sand resistant. Nothing is worse than sanding your skin when you attempt to dry off…unless you forgot your sunscreen (see #2) and have a burn and then try to dry off with a sandy towel…https://amzn.to/2l9kpHa
- Insulated snack (or beverage) bag- for long days in the sun, a beverage bag is a necessity. Oops. I meant snack bag. Really I did. If you splurged for the Tommy Bahama chairs, you have enough room for a couple
beverages,snacks in the insulated pouch, but if you didn’t…you’ll need to buy one! I really like https://amzn.to/2k0pYHK This bag has a nice insulated bottom section and 8 pockets to carry the rest of the stuff you are carrying- like your kindle, sunscreen, sunglasses…etc. - Solar phone charger- no, I do not plan to scroll Facebook, or answer work e mails, but I have found sometimes on the shoreline service gets spotty, and my phone sometimes continues to look for service. Airplane mode helps, but it doesn’t solve the problem when I am taking tons of picture and videos of all of the awesome and amazing things my kids, husband and dog do. Or maybe it isn’t really that awesome and I just want to preserve every last minute I have since I know that I only have 3 years, 11 months, and 20 days left with my boys. Anyhow, this solar charger is my top pick- it boasts 25000mAh Battery Solar Power Bank with 36 LEDs and 3 USB Output Ports and an External Backup Battery. This is the perfect leverage to get my camera shy boys to pose for pictures. No picture…no charge. http://25000mAh Battery Solar Power Bank Portable Panel Charger with 36 LEDs and 3 USB Output Ports External Backup Battery
- Yeti beverage cups or holders-nothing is worse than a hot drink on a hot day. Enough said. Now, are these absolutely necessary? probably not…but they are cute, and will keep your Joia colder than from the can. Joia…what is this you may ask? see #8https://amzn.to/2lwlSHN
- Water proof e reader case- because sometimes I just want to lay in the sand and sun and read with my yeti wine tumbler close at hand. Boys, please don’t splash mom. https://amzn.to/2SkRuwf
- Joia- these tasty little beverages might just replace the ‘one and done’ as my new favorite. The ‘one and done’ Capriccio Sangria is great for slow sipping. At 13.9%, more than one… you may be overdone. https://www.totalwine.com/wine/fruit-wine/sangria/capriccio-bubbly-sangria/p/148084375– Locally I find these at Polly’s country Market and occasionally at Meijer. The Joia though…I really like them! https://joiaspirit.com/ These tasty craft beverages are all natural, have only 6-7% ABV, and come in at 110-125 calories per can. A single serving bottle of one and done is 225 calories. My disclaimer on the one and done…if you mix it with seltzer water it is light and bubbly, and doesnt kick you in your @$$ after the first one. i am loving the Cosmopolitan..have yet to try the Moscow Mule…but it is on the list!
Nothing beats a fabulous day at the beach. You don’t want to forget your umbrella, pool noodles and beach floaties, a shovel and all the other beach goodies that you will need your spouse and children to carry for you…after all… you have your beach chair backpack…you have done your part. Happy Beaching!
*please note that when you click a link it takes you to an affiliate website, and should you choose to make a purchase… I get credit! Win-win!
