The pleasantly sunny, crisp weather lasted nearly mid-way through February, making me hopeful we would get through winter unscathed. But, sadly, the cold arrived the past few days- confining us to the coziness of our homes all holiday weekend long.

Luckily, we have a trip back to California to look forward to on these bitter cold days- only a week or so to go until MM boards her first flight, and to Mema's house we will go!

I can't wait to show her my old stomping grounds, to eat an authentic burrito or two, to see old friends and to take the little lady to tip-toe on the sand and see the Pacific.

Here are a few beach essentials I'll be packing for mom + mini:

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1. O'Neill One Piece: This is my new mom suit + I'm totally obsessed. Not quite a full-coverage one-piece, but not a skimpy two piece either. Perfect for running after littles.

2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: My go-to daily moisturizer with light coverage and the all-important SPF.

3. Illesteva Sunnies: My new faves.

4. Beach Book: For when baby naps; this one's {still} my current read.

5. Kerastase Protective Spray: To protect your mane from beach-side rays.

6. Cover Up: Get one cute enough to throw on with a chunky necklace for a quick lunch date.

7. Roundie Beach Towel: Another new fave, and the perfect size for mama + mini to set up camp.

8. Tommy Bahama Beach Chair: We got ours last season and they really are the best. Can carry as a backpack to free your hands for diaper bag or baby; and comes complete with it's own mini cooler. Love.

1. Original Sprout SPF: This brand has been one of my faves for a long time- smells amazing and is safe for baby.

2. SPF tankini: To protect the babe from the sun in cute-as-can-be patterns.

3. Floppy Hat: This one covers her little neck too!

4. Haviana Flip Flops: Because the sand can get hot in that California sun.

5. H2O: This is one of our favorite sippy cups; don't forget to hydrate!

6. Hooded Towel: Love this little elephant version.

7. Beach Chair: To lounge like mama.

8. Toys: What's a beach day without a bucket + a shovel?