We are just DAYS away from spring and I simply cannot wait! We live near the beach in Orange County, California. Therefore, we spend A LOT of time in the sand! I’ve already started shopping for new suits, swimwear, hats, and beach gear for this upcoming spring and summer. I often get asked where our hats, suits, and and beach accessories are from. So, today I’m sharing my favorite picks for having fun in the sun with your family this year. I’m also recapping the various places we’ve traveled recently (and getting the travel bug just looking at these pics!).

Fun in the sun

We hiked a couple of miles across lava to reach this GORGEOUS beach in Hawaii. We had more than just a little fun in the sun that day! Can’t wait to go back. The beautiful off-the-shoulder swimsuit I wore is PERFECT for moms, for being active (like hiking), as well as just relaxing on the sand. The colors of the flowers are much more vibrant in person, which I love.

Makalawena Beach, Big Island Hawaii

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When we visited the US Virgin Islands, we hiked again a couple of miles to this beach. I guess I have a thing for planning hikes to hidden beaches with my family haha! It was so gorgeous once we got there (and sooooo HOT) but, my goodness, it was worth it. We wish we could have stayed longer. Once again, I HIGHLY recommend this purple one-piece swimsuit for active moms, or for hiking, like we did. Just throw on a pair of shorts and it becomes a cute outfit:) The material is very stretchy and forgiving. Plus, if you want to sunbathe, the straps come off for better than lines:)

Also the hat is one of my favorites. It’s cute on, doesn’t get wrinkled when you travel, plus it has an SPF50. This hat has traveled to several Hawaiian islands, Mexico, the Caribbean, and has been used numerous times for family beach days at home. I will be purchasing a new one this year. It’s just that great of a sun hat:)

Honeymoon Beach, St. John. US Virgin Islands

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On this particular day, we were supposed to island hop to a different town, but our travel arrangements were cancelled last minute. No worries! We quickly adjusted what we were wearing, hopped into a local taxi, and found this gorgeous family beach. There was music, incredible food (jerk chicken pizza was my favorite), and fun drinks. Unlike California, they let you drink IN the ocean in the US Virgin Islands. It was extremely hot and humid there, so this was a fun relief, especially for a beach without waves. The kids bobbed and swam around for hours, and hours, and hours.

My white chiffon beach cover up was very “resort-like” and glam. Paired with the white SPF50 sun hat, it was a perfect outfit for lounging by the sea. Any kid born in the 80’s knows the Maui and Sons brand. I found that they still sell items on Amazon and got that adorable throwback rash guard and pair of trunks for Mitch, my son. Great quality, great fit, and very cute style. Stella and Mitch also wore these same suits to Aulani (the Disney resort) in Hawaii. Lots of travel means we need suits that can keep up with us! Everything we are wearing in this picture is worthy of having fun in the sun many, many times.

US Virgin Islands

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So this chiffon wrap skirt… I cannot tell you how much I love it for a beach cover up. It’s glamorous, gives that “resort-style” look that makes me feel comfortable, yet, it is conservative and SUPER pretty at the same time. As you can see, I’ve worn it in Mexico and to the Caribbean. I’ve also used it several times here were our beach here in California. You will love this gorgeous wrap.

Left: Four Seasons, Punta Mita, Mexico  –  Right: Princess Cruise

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We also went a “stay-cation” too! This stunning resort called Pelican Hill is just minutes from our home. My son, Mitch, golfs here regularly so it holds a special place in our family’s heart. When we didn’t feel like boarding the dogs and boarding long flights, we decided to hop in the car and stay at this very cool hotel down the road. It’s SUPER fancy (which I secretly love) and the food is unbelievable. The pool seen in the background here is famous for it’s shape and size. Once upon a time, my little sister was a pool-side server here (nobody tell her that I mentioned that haha!). On this day we invited our very favorite beach friends to join us at the pool. We met them at our regular beach again the next weekend.

If you’re looking for an ultra slimming suit, this one is for you. I also have it in pink. It holds you in tight and will make you feel great! This one piece bathing suit is one of my most favorite swimsuits that I’ve ever owned. Also, the sun hat is SPF50 as well! Growing up in southern California, SPF is everything. Self tanner is everything!

Pelican Hill Resort, Newport Beach, CA

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During the summer my husband had a little time off of work and we didn’t have anything planned. So, we flew out of the Orange County airport for just over an hour to this incredible resort in Mexico. The weather was awesome but the environment was the best. There were TONS of iguana roaming around, birds, fish, and more. Plus, can I tell you something secret? I love… and I mean LOVE Mexican food. So, basically this is my #1 “Quick Trip” vacation for our family. See more in the picture below:

Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico

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When we’re not traveling, we love to hang with our friends at our local beach: Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. It’s a state beach and we renew our pass each year. We feel so lucky and blessed to have such a beautiful place to call home. We cannot wait to see the temps rise high enough to put our toes in the sand again. We’re THIS close!!

Four Seasons, Punta Mita, Mexico

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Mitch

Kelly

Stella

I’ve been meaning to write this post for so long and I’m very happy to finally have the chance to do it. I already bought a bunch of new gear for this season’s fun in the sun and I hope to share it with you all sooner than later! This cool, sheer, black polka-dot, one piece is no longer available. BUT, I found something very similar (see below).

Also, if you have a very active beach goer like my daughter, Stella, then we highly recommend this brand of girls bathing suits (seen below). I always try to buy a little large because they will fit for at least 2 years. They are SPF safe suits and extremely durable, yet, extremely cute too. Here is another one of this brand of bathing suit (below) that has traveled with us for years. The rash guards are great for active kids who like to boogie board and play non-stop plus it makes my life easier knowing she’s protected from the sun alllll day long.

Crystal Cove State Beach, Newport Beach, CA

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Big Island, Hawaii

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From Smart School House to yours, happy beach days!