Happy almost-weekend, friends!

Does anyone else feel like it suddenly transformed into summer overnight? After months of hoping and wishing for a little sunshine to come our way, it finally arrived here in Connecticut. And boy, it was worth it. MM and I didn't miss a beat, and went right back into our summer routine: early mornings spent as the first ones at the beach, with just enough time to soak it all in before it gets way too hot.

You see, this girl of mine loves the outdoors- and, therefore, I think its simply in her DNA to get up as soon as that sun comes up.

5:30 wake-ups aren't all that bad when you live down the street from the beach. But last year, I would sometimes dread hauling all our beach goodies, plus a babe to the sand. This year, MM is mobile- which is a plus... most of the time. And in anticipation of another summer at the beach, I did a little research into a beach bag big enough to bring all our necessities, but light enough not to throw mom's back out. 

I came across Beachmate on Instagram, and instantly fell in love. And it was a happy coincidence to discover its a company local to me, which makes it all the more lovable.

We took our Beachmate out for its maiden voyage this week, and I mean it when I say its a total GAMECHANGER. The Beachmate system includes a variety of beach buckets, tote bag, and cooler that seamlessly fit together to create the ultimate beach bag.

It is super light, but somehow holds everything we need- each pocket, compartment, and cooler housing our beachside must-haves; and it even includes two sturdy shovels that are pretty hard to lose in the sand.

For those of you planning on logging some serious hours at the beach with the kiddos, this is one of my favorite must-haves for the season. Check out the system, as well as all their beach accessories, at Beachmate {here}. The Turkish towels, swim shirts, and accessory bags are some of my favorite new essentials as well. Happy Beaching!

Beachmate System, Swim Shirt, Cap and Turkish Towel c/o Beachmate.