How to pack the best beach bag!

How to pack the best beach bag! 

Summer is ALMOST here and you are determined to spend as much time on the sand as possible! Here is our guide to packing the perfect beach fun bag.

1) The Bag Itself- First thing first, you want to make sure you have the right kind of bag. Keep it from getting messy by using a bag that's easy to clean. Canvas or vinyl and jelly bags are all options that will be easy to clean if sand creeps in. Tote styled bags are a no brainier since they aren't restricting and allow you to stuff as much stuff as possible!

2) The suit!-  Obviously you want to make sure you remember that bathing suit! If you are wearing your bathing suit under your clothes to the beach, make sure you pack an extra pair of undies. Make sure you also include something like a bag to keep your wet suit in after you swim!

3) Sun Protection- You may be determined to cook yourself to the perfect shade of tan this summer but did you know one in five Americans will develop skin cancer? Prolonged sun exposure increases your chances of developing skin cancer and while its fun to play in the sun, why not protect yourself from unnecessary rays?

What better way then with some of this season musts have trends! Pair an oversized sun hat with an extra chic pair of sunnies for a way glam sun safe look! Don't forget to grab a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. If you are going to be at the beach longer than 2 hours your sunblock will also need a spf above 30 and if you get in the water make sure its waterproof. Oh... and don't forget to reapply!

4) Snacks- Okay so your gonna be on the sand for awhile so packing a couple things to snack on is a must. Before you grab a sugary soda or crash causing energy drink grab a bottle of water. Your going to be out in direct sunlight and the best way to keep your energy up is with good old water. Skip the candy and pack fruit, string cheese and mixed nuts for protein filled smart snacks that will keep you going.
 

5) YOU TELL US!  What did we miss? What are your beach bag essentials? Tell us in the comments! 

Spring Fashion Trend: Minimalism How To

One of my favorite spring fashion trends this year, and really any year, is chic minimalism.  It conveys a message of sophistication, simplicity, elegance, and a level of polish that is actually quite easy to achieve.  Video of this look in action at the end! 

This is one of those looks where less truly is more, and you don't have to worry about blending color palates, as this look generally consists of white, black, and neutral tones.  So today we look at my new favorite head-to-toe statement:  wearing all white.

When working this look, think clean and simple.  I chose this strapless body suit not only because it is all white top to bottom, which automatically makes you look taller and thinner, but for its prime fit silhouette.  When you're wearing all white, my advice is to shoot for looser fit layers, as white tends to highlight bulges if worn to skin tight!  Yikes!

Avoid the temptation to add a pop of color to this look.  That would draw all the attention, and negate the very essence of minimalism.

Instead, opt for white accessories with metallic details in gold or silver, and the same goes for your shoes.  And for the ultimate chic-ness?  Make those shoes heels rather than flats!  

Keep your makeup and hair sleek and simple, and you've built a stunning look in no time at all!  Love that!  

Here's my video with this look in action, as well as several other outfit ideas and tips:

What do you think of the minimalist trend?

Talk directly with me here:

Posted by:  Spankie

Facebook @SpankieValentine

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

Get The Look: Victoria's Secret Glamour Makeup Tutorial

What would you say if I told you that you could look like a Victoria's Secret angel?  

Well ok then.... perhaps without the legs to hear, and cleavage to there with impossibly long and inhumanly bouncy hair....?  Well, in this video tutorial care of Victoria herself, she's letting you in on the secret of how to do your makeup like an angel.

The key elements, minimal shading, airy and flirty lashes, and pink glossy lips!  It's that simple!  And it's the simplicity that makes this makeup look so sexy and adaptable to every angel and angel-in-training out there.

They've also got a light cheek stain that seems pretty dillectable.  So grab your makeup and take a seat and create a lovely look for your day alongside VS makeup artist Polly Osmond.  I mean, why not?

What do you think of the look?  

Posted by:  Spankie