Honey, where's the sunscreen? Beach ready for summer fun ...

We live in a community where you're never that far from the beach! With an abundance of choices, you can be on the sand in minutes from most location in Hampton Roads. Sounds quick and easy until you go to get ready and have to pack the car …

There's a ton of info out there about getting your body ready for the beach, but we thought it might be helpful to think about being "beach ready" in another important way. There are a few things you can do around the house to make getting ready for a day at the beach much easier. By setting up a few things in advance, you'll be able to enjoy the surf, sand and sun in no time!

·      Keep a tote bag or two (depends how much stuff you take to the beach) prepped and ready with towels, games, sunglasses … you know, all the stuff you might forget when you're packing up. Anything you take out, goes back in for the next time. When you get home and wash/dry the beach towels? Roll them up and stick the right back in the tote.

·      Dedicate one place in the garage (or mud room, closet … whatever's most convenient to pack up and load the car). Everything you need for the beach goes there and stays there. Umbrellas, beach chairs, tote bags (see above), coolers, volleyball set, so you can’t forget anything and save precious time.

There are some multi-function items that will make life much easier once your at the beach, so consider including these in your “stash” of beach ready equipment :

1.     A box of ziplock bags. Stick your phone in one to keep out the sand and water. Fill them up with sand as weights for the orders of your beach blanket. Their uses are endless ...

2.     A fitted sheet – placed upside down with tote bags, coolers, etc. in the corners. Makes a nice “box” to keep the sand out. 

3.     Baby powder – great for getting the sand off your feet (and any other unmentionable spots).

4.     Mesh bags – to schlep all those beach toys around. Load them back in when you're done and give them a good shake to keep all that sand/water out of your car.

5.     Use one of those roll-up toiletries cases for sunscreen, swim googles and all the small stuff that gets lost at the bottom of a tote bag. They have compartments so you can easily find what you need and quickly know if you have everything. Include a few first aid supplies just in case. If you've got a bunch of kids, you might want two cases, one for them and one for the adults.

6.     A small blow-up kiddie pool - Keep toddlers contained (and amused) with some toys in the “pool”. Can use empty or with some sand or water, whatever you feel is safe for the little ones.

Getting all this together is a great protect for a rainy day. With the promise of a carefree day at the beach, you might even get some help from your family!