SUMMER ESCAPE: SUN, SAND, & SEA

Corporate summer hours are in full swing and the days are long and hot, making this is the perfect time for trip to the beach. An ideal escape from the stifling air of the city, and a picturesque place to sit back and enjoy the summer.  The beach is, and always has been, my favorite places.  I don't care what the weather is like, hot and sunny or cool and gray, it will always be the best. 

Every year my family takes a vacation to Martha's Vineyard.  As our vacation rapidly approaches I am faced with the question of what to pack.   Swimsuits, flip flops, a beach bag, and sundresses are a must.  While packing, I thought I would share a few of my favorite beach escape essentials;  including my favorite beach bag, shoes, and other must haves.  
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THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: BALLET FLATS

I have always loved shoes. My current obsession is the JCrew Italian ballet flat, available in a wide variety of colors to embellish any outfit, during any season. www.jcrew.com 

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, I recommend these favorite ballet flats by London Sole.   

www.londonsole.com

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: SEASIDE

Before I was a year old, my parents took me to the ocean for my first seaside experience.  As the years passed our vacations became a tradition and something my brothers and I looked forward to during our summer vacations.  To this day, there is nothing else that gives me the same pleasure and excitement. The nostalgic smell of salt filled air and the ever-changing landscape is one of my greatest sources of inspiration.

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: COLORED PENCILS

One of my most memorable Christmas presents growing up was a box of Prismacolor colored pencils.  I remember carefully unwrapping the plastic covering, to reveal the pristine black box.  I was in awe. The fresh smell of wood drifted through the air as each perfectly shaped edge exposed its inner circle of color. Within the box, all 120 pencils stood ready for the hours of creativity ahead of them.  

I took great care of my new gift, spending many hours sharpening each point to perfection, before carefully arranging the collection.   My drawing interests evolved quickly; beginning with childhood images of spiders and sunshines, to intricate baskets of flowers and elaborate landscapes. 

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