American-Made Beach Towels

I love that feeling of stepping out of the chilly ocean water to wrap myself up in a warm, plush towel. Available in everything from cotton to bamboo to linen, in neutral colors to vibrant prints, and in a bevy of sizes to suit your needs. Beach towels are a summer necessity for anyone spending time at the pool, relaxing at the lake, or hanging out at the ocean.

Here are nine American-made beach towels and one made in Canada:

Mix and Match Swimwear

If you wait too long to get a new bathing suit for the summer, sometimes it's too late. I knew I'd need a new one this year, so I started shopping early in the spring. Instead of buying one, though, I bought two. In reality, I ended up getting enough to wear a different bikini for over two weeks. Confused? Let me explain.

First Aid for Dummies

You know those days where you forget to apply sunblock to an odd-shaped triangular patch on your arm? Or you burn your hand on the tea kettle while boiling water for tea after a bad day at work? Or you scratch your leg on that same stupid corner of the coffee table? You know those dumb days?

Beach Picnic Lunch

One of my favorite things about going to the beach is having a little picnic lunch. For whatever reason, we've been bringing pretty much the same menu every time we go. It's satisfying and refreshing in between dips in the ocean or chapters of a book.

Beachy Waves

As you can see from my beach makeup post yesterday, my hair naturally has a slight wave to it. It can be unruly on a good day. Add the sun, wind, and sand of the beach and it can be kind of a nightmare.

Putting My Best Beach Face Forward

I apologize in advance for a post that might seem a little vain: makeup for the beach. There is something sort of wrong about putting on a full routine of makeup just to go to a place where, potentially, your face is going to get salty, sweaty, wet, and maybe even a little sandy. Some days, however, I like to have a little something on. So bear with me as I outline what I think is a fairly modest account of what I put on for the beach.

From Head to Toe: The Beachy Stripes Outfit

My husband and I took a much-needed day at the beach to escape the heatwave last week. It was gorgeous! There is something about the ocean that just makes me feel right. The sea breeze, the sound of the waves, the smell, the refreshing ionized air. After a few hours, it just melts away any stress.

Endless Summer

Heidi and the kids, all wearing Supergoop!

Today's post was written by my friend, Heidi: Freckled former Vermonter married to a nutmegger. Mother to one budding artist and one bandaid-obsessed princess. Government lawyer. Lover and borderline hoarder of linens.

I don't like hormone disrupters, nano particles or allergens, but I don't have time for thick, chalky mineral sunscreens.

NSFW

A scandalous red lip? Don't worry, this post is safe to open... even at work.

The Foundation

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Powder

I tried this Jane Iredale mineral foundation for the first time on a hot, sunny day here in NYC a number of years ago. I was almost out of my normal liquid foundation and pressed powder and decided to search for an all-in-one product. I have, in the past, been allergic to some ingredients in certain face products so I was careful to find a product that wouldn't irritate my sensitive skin.