San Gregorio State Beach day with the family

san gregorio state beach san mateo coast

What a beautiful week-end! We decided it was time to venture to the coast for the first time since the lock-down. Temperatures were forecasted to hit well over 90 degrees, so the coast sounded like the perfect escape. Well, we did escape from the heat! It was in the 50’s along the coast, and the wind was very strong! My hat blew off several times, and we found ourselves bundled up on the beach instead of soaking in the rays. haha That’s life on Bay Area beaches!

Despite the crazy wind, and the cold air, we tried walking a bit, and also just relaxing on the beach while bundled up. We also enjoyed a little picnic we hiked in with us. It was a fun time with family while relaxing with the sound of the waves.

People were coming onto the beach, and only lasting about a half hour before leaving. The wind was pretty strong, so most families decided to not stick it out. In the era of social distancing, this worked out really well for us since we had a large space between us and the other beach-goers. If you can gut out cold wind, it’s a great way to have the beach to yourself! Instant social distancing! haha

My trusty adidas sweatshirt kept me warm so I could chill on the sand. While my hat kept blowing off head, it did it’s job of keeping the sun off my face. That’s all I can ask, right? I had an easy walk on the beach in espadrille slides, and my flip flops were great for testing the water. This straw tote bag was perfect for carrying my purse essentials as well as a book, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. Loved it!

All in all, it was a fun beach day! If you are looking to head out to the beach, and are unsure of how social distancing will work, San Mateo County has great practices in place to ensure people stay apart. They have signage on all the paths, and the ranger reminds people to stay apart and wear a mask. People were really good at maintaining a distance, and everyone was wearing a mask. Love my fellow Bay Area people!

Tips for going to the beach in the covid era:

  1. Go early and avoid holidays. Try to schedule your beach day when crowds will not be going. Holidays and weekends are the most crowded. If you can snag a day off during the week, do it!
  2. Bring a back-up mask. Just in case your mask gets too sandy, or it gets wet, have a spare mask on hand.
  3. Bring your detox kit! Bring your own hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and hand cleaning wipes. Try to use the bathroom at home before you head out to the beach to avoid needing to use the public restroom.
  4. Respect the space of others. If you arrive when the parking lot is near capacity, the beach might be crowded. Try to make your space away from other people. Just because you want a great view of the water, doesn’t mean you should risk social distancing. Stay at least six feet, if not more, away from other groups on the beach.
  5. Have fun! The beach is an affordable and beautiful way to enjoy the day. Find your space, and stay safe. You will have a blast!

My beach essentials online:

Have you ventured out to the beach since the lockdown? What was your experience?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Chanel Melody nail polish summer 2020 review

summer 2020 nail polish chanel melody

pictured: Chanel Melody nail polish for summer 2020 /

How fabulous is this blue nail polish for summer 2020? Love it! Turns out, Chanel Melody is a nail polish hue which is part of Chanel’s summer 2020 beauty collection. It was not available yet when I originally did my Chanel summer 2020 nail polish post, so I found out about it after the fact. It’s such a fabulous color, I guess it wanted to be fashionably late to the summer nail polish party; and make an entrance! haha

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you may have noticed how much I love blue. If you are new here, blue is my favorite color. In fact, any oceanic hue is on my favorite color list. With that knowledge, you must know this color is making me very happy!

Chanel Melody reminds me of water. It also reminds me of the sky. Two things in nature which offer beautiful blue hues. This is a fun color to add to your summer beauty collection and wear on days when you are hitting the beach, or the pool! I love it!

It’s a bright blue cream nail polish which offers a smooth application. I used one base coat, two coats of Chanel Melody nail polish, and one top coat. This polish goes on smoothly, leaving no streaks or clumps. It’s a really pretty color, and looks great once you are done with your nails!

Chanel summer 2020 nail polish collection online:

If you are looking for a fabulous blue hue this summer, Chanel Melody is your blue! I’m excited to wear it on beach days, pool days, and anytime I want to feel or look like I am near water. Love it!

What do you think of Chanel Melody nail polish for summer 2020? Are you as excited about it as I am?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Summer 2020 swimwear capsule

summer beach outfit ideas

Summer swimwear capsule from top left: straw tote (customize your own saying!) / black swimsuit / blue tie dye swimsuit / hat (old, also love this one) / black flip flops / denim cut-off shorts / grey v-neck tee / gold chain bracelet / bold gold earrings /

Things are starting to open up-a little bit! There are a few beaches near me which now allow us to sit and relax on them. In addition, lap swimming is allowed for fitness at my gym. So for summer 2020, I opted for two one-piece suits so that I can swim laps for fitness, and also use them on the beach. Love utility!

While these suits are one-piece, and can be used for lap swimming, they are also super cute! As a former competition swimmer, I am picky about how a one-piece suit fits because I need to be able to do all four strokes in it, as well as safely do a flip-turn between laps. These two suits fit really well, and they don’t move around on you. So while they look like fashion suits, they can double as lap swimming suits. Love that!

If you are in the same boat as me, where gyms are still closed but lap swimming is open, check out my swim workouts! There are seven workouts to get you on your way to swimming for fitness!

Of course a straw tote is perfect for the beach, and it will complete a swim or beach look. Add a hat to the mix, and your fabulous self has arrived. 😉

Shop my summer 2020 swimwear capsule online:

Are you excited to get back in the pool and swim for fitness, and also get back on the beach this summer to relax and enjoy some sun? I know I am! I can’t wait to close my eyes, and listen to the ocean. It’s so calming, and exactly what we all need right now!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy