alyssagoesbang |
First
things first, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to my incredibly sweet,
funny, and generous host, Kristen, for having me over at her place
today! I'm Alyssa, and I blog over at alyssagoesbang about things like running, writing, New Jersey-ing, and trying to fit it all into a day.
While
Kristen is no doubt having the time of her life Down Under, I'm holding
down the fort for the U.S. here in New Jersey. But that's okay, because
I'm a Jersey Girl to the core, and I know how awesome a summer in NJ
can really be. I shared the real deal about the Jersey Shore
on my blog not too long ago, and I'm certain my persuasion skills were
enough to convince plenty of out-of-staters to add our beaches into
their summer plans! ;)
So
now that you're booked and ready to come on down and check out our 127
miles of beaches, kicking local music scene, and unforgettable shore
scene, you need to get packing. And I'm here to help! Aside from your
sunnies and flip flops and short shorts, make sure you check these items
off on your packing list:
Bug Spray
No
matter where you go, you're gonna need to make sure you include this
first line of defense. The mosquitoes here are not messing around, and
if you're anything like me, you'll end up with a connect-the-dots
pattern of welts within a half hour. And that's just not cute.
Sunblock
And neither is a sunburn, so lotion up. Don't be fooled by our location,
this sun is hot and strong. In fact, I myself got a horrendous case of
sun poisoning one Memorial Day a few years ago, right here at the Jersey
Shore. Pack that SPF 30+ and don't forget to reapply! Oh and yes, I
promise, you can still get your tan on while protecting your skin.
![]() |
A Bathing Suit for Tanning
I have a personal affinity for the bandeau bikini, but that may mostly
be because a) hey, my tattoos look pretty awesome and b) I am not a
fan of tan lines. Girls more blessed in the chest may opt for a more
supportive top than me, but I think any of these styles look gorgeous
and will be great for catching the rays:
![]() |
All suits available at Target |
As much as I love rocking an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny bikini, a two-piece
is just not going to fly when you're out on the boat, hitting the waves
on the tube. Or actually, scratch that, it will fly — right off your body. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything. Nope.
Shimmy into a more secure suit for water sports, like one of these slamming one-pieces:
![]() |
All suits available at Target |
A Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is the lazy girl's lifesaver in the summer. Throw it on and
get out the door to the beach, to dine surfside, to a backyard BBQ, or
to the bar for drinks at sunset. No need to mess with matching and,
bonus, if it's long enough, you don't even need to worry about shoes.
Because everyone knows summer was made for bare feet.
A Hoodie
When
days down the shore turn into nights on the beach, that breeze coming
off the water will cool you right down. Don't forget a lightweight
hoodie for snuggling up by the bonfire or taking a moonlit stroll along
the coast.
Hairspray
Whether you rock the Snooki poof or not, Jersey girls know how to keep
their hair looking good. Tease it up or tame flyaways with a good mist
of mega-hold. Plus, everyone knows, the higher your hair, the closer you
are to heaven.
So now that you're all packed and ready to go, come on down to the Jersey Shore and see what it's really like to spend a summer here. Hint: It's nothing like you saw on MTV.
Ooo I love that blue polka dot swim suit!!
ReplyDeletewww.madeintheshadeblog.com
Isn't it great?! I may have to scoop it up on my next Target run :)
DeleteWe are headed to the Jersey Shore very soon! The kids are so excited. We go down every year with our whole family. (My Dad's side) We all stay on the same street in different houses. We have been going down since I was small and one of my Uncle's owns a house there now. It is so much fun! Oh and I just ordered a couple suits from target! XO
ReplyDeleteAw what a great family tradition! Hope you guys have a great time. What beach do you stay at?
DeleteHey Ladies!! I LOVE this!! And I love all the picks. I also fell in love with all the bathing suits and bikinis! They are beautiful!! All such great choices, now I want to go down to the Jersey Shore! Great Job guys! ;D XOXO
ReplyDeleteLisa,xo
http://chiclittlethrills.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Lisa! :)
DeleteDare I say that Target has the best bathing suits? That's where I get mine every (other) year. And I just bought the same exact maxi dress I already had, but in a different color, because it's so comfortable. Cheers to not having to wear pants, but still looking cute!
ReplyDeletebrb while I pack for my Jersey vacation that I've invited myself to.
They really do. I need to run over soon and grab some additions to both my bathing suit and maxi dress collections. And pack away, you're always invited!
DeleteI really loved that distinction of bathing suit for laying out vs bathing suit for boating.....there is a difference!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you appreciate it! :) I had to learn the hard way, haha!
DeleteWell, since my very first trip to the Jersey Shore is only a few weeks away, this was very timely. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou bet! Hope you have a blast! :)
Deletei have totally never lost my bikini top while boating either....err. that's a lie. riding the tubes are hard, especially when you get thrown off
ReplyDeleteYep. Me neither. Not even once. (The tube is so much fun... but so, so risky.)
DeleteI think it would be a fun place to visit :)))
ReplyDeleteIt ABSOLUTELY is! Come visit any time :)
DeleteOoh I love all the swimsuits! well the whole suits. I have a little tummy Im trying to lose so Im rocking whole suits until its gone (I cant even say this summer since its always summer here ha)
ReplyDeleteHaha well I'm definitely jealous about that. I gotta say, one-pieces don't get nearly the respect they deserve though. I have one similar to the far-right red one and I love it :)
DeleteYou and Kristen both love Target I see! :)
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't!? I don't care what Disney says, Target is actually the happiest place on Earth! :)
DeleteYou know, I never thought about NJ when thinking about mosquitoes! They are certainly a horrible epidemic down here in the south!
ReplyDeleteI love Target's swim suits, my favorite one came from there last year!
They get pretty aggressive around here, for sure! And apparently they like the taste of my legs because they're all over me in the summer.
DeleteOh yes, I think all the ones I wear regularly are from there too!
Alyssa, you need to consider becoming a spokesperson for New Jersey tourism. You almost make me want to move back home for the summers !
ReplyDeleteHmmm... ya know, that doesn't sound like a bad idea! ;)
DeleteSo true about rocking a bikini on a boat...I accidentally learned that lesson the hard way this past weekend. Whops!
ReplyDeleteJen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
You never fail to hit the nail on the head! Love it!
ReplyDelete