The Best of the Beach at Low Prices

Raining today. Sunshine on Friday. This weather report reminds me that its time to pull together my summer beach survival kit. Here are my recommendations on getting the best of the beach at low prices. Save yourself time , money and effort by stocking up on these fun in the sun summer essentials:


Mass Park Pass. Unlimited day use parking pass at Mass state beaches and parks. Great fun to be had at Salisbury State Beach Reservation. Available for purchase at all state parks, the annual pass runs for $35.

Beach Towel. Old Navy's lush and plush beach towel in a nice leopard print is made for sun in the fun. Purrrfect!($12)


Sunglasses (polarized). Get in touch with your inner Jackie O, and protect your eyes from the sun with a great pair of polarized sunglasses from Chili's. Your eyes will never look so good($19)


Sunhat. Yup. Time to invest is a big ole wide brimmed hat from Target so that you age ever so gracefully. ($26)


Patchwork Plaid Beach Bag. Great carry all tote bag from LL Bean for the beach and beyond. Can't tell you the number of people who comment on its cute factor. ($19).


Waterproof Sports Watch. It's good looking. It's waterproof. It's inexpensive. And it's a Timex! Who could ask for anything more? ($15)


Water Bottle. These on the go water bottles from Rubbermaid can't be beat. Great leakproof top. $3.99 for a 20 0z bottle at your local CVS. $9.99 for a 6-pack of the bottles at your local BJs.


Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen. Get great skin protection and antioxidants to help reverse those little signs of aging on your face. Great broad spectrum of protection from SPF30 - SPF 70! $9.99 at most mass retailers like CVS, Target, and Wal-Mart . $3 coupon offered by Coppertone attached.

Book Reviews

Beach and Books always seem to go together just like popcorn at the movies or beer and wings at the local pub. Whether you've got a trip beach planned or just hoping for a lazy summer day to curl up with a good book, I've pulled together a list of my favorite book review sites so that you'll have an easier time figuring out what to put in your book bag this summer. Enjoy!


Goodreads. Great site to get recommendations on books to read by people just like you.


Indibound.org. The book portal for independent booksellers across the country. Enter your zipcode and get recommendations from local booksellers in your area.


Bookbrowse - Truly a booklover's community. Great review site and hand-picked recommendations for read-alikes (e.g., if you like this book, try this one.)

TimesOnline - London Times Online Arts & Entertainment section has a great book review section. You'll get a great understanding of what books are flying off the shelves in the US and across the ocean.

BookListOnline : Book reviews from the American Library Association. Who better than a librarian to recommend your next great read?

Dedicating this blog post to Colleen P - the reader of readers always in search of her next great book.