7 Signs You’re Meant to Live Near a Beach

I’ve been spending every summer at the beach since I was 2 years old. Needless to say, I look forward to those warmer months as soon as we start to get that first chilly day in the fall. And don’t even get me started on winter – the holidays are enjoyable for a bit, and then I’m pretty much over it.

This year will actually be the first summer I won’t be living at the beach (what do you mean I have to be a real person with a full-time job?), but of course I plan on heading there every weekend that I possibly can.

Here are a few indications that you’re destined to live near a beach one day:

  1. While some get bothered by sand and the concept of being barefoot 90% of the time, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

You appreciate the notion of being carefree, and the simplicity of life is appealing to you. You also don’t need to live in an extravagant, fast-paced city to be content. Instead, good friends, good weather, and good times are just about all you need.

The ironic thing is when I was a baby I initially refused to go on the beach because I was “scared” of it. My mom was consistently forced to attempt to console me as I threw a public temper tantrum about having to touch the greatly-feared sand. I have no real explanation for this, but obviously had a change of heart.

  1. You have a summer playlist, and you listen to it all year long.

Even in the dead of winter, you find nothing wrong with blasting feel-good, beach jams, and pretending you’re “knee-deep in the water somewhere.” Throwbacks are never left out of the mix, either. “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard, anyone? Plus, let’s be real- you just can’t trust anybody who doesn’t enjoy listening to “Feeling This” by Blink 182 from time to time.

  1. To you, there’s no such thing as being too tan.

You’re convinced that you’re as pale as a ghost in the winter when you’re still about 3 shades darker than all of your friends. In the summer, you’re approaching the territory of changing races.

  1. You don’t understand people who take skiing and snowboarding trips.

Wait….people actually enjoy participating in outdoor activities when it’s cold out? But why?

  1. You completely lack an adequate winter wardrobe.

What do you mean it’s not acceptable to wear cropped tops in the middle of January?

  1. Your pre-teen years consisted of meeting boys on the boardwalk and texting all your friends about your “summer romance.”

He took you out on a “date” to the arcade and kissed you on the cheek afterward – I guess you can say things got pretty serious.

Clearly, your future husband will spot you running into the ocean Baywatch-style and confess his undying love for you.

  1. The water is never too cold.

You actually get upset when your friends dip their feet in the ocean for a millisecond and then chicken out. Honestly, it might be necessary to hand them another drink – they won’t be so scared after that. (Just don’t let them drown – there may have been a few close calls during my Senior Week 2010.)

Don’t worry, beach bums – only 83 days until the first day of summer!

7 Legit Reasons to Move to the Beach

As a basic white girl, I adore the fall. I cannot get enough of pumpkin-anything and everything, sweater weather, and the official transition into UGG season. The changing season signifies something bigger though: The imminent arrival of winter. Winter brings freezing temperatures, leaving extra early to clear off the snow from your car (and then sitting in it for 20 minutes while it warms up), and ice. Not to mention suffocating in 4 layers of clothing in an effort to stay remotely warm. As if you even needed them, here are 7 reasons to convince you it’s time to pack your bags and move to the beach:

You’ll be more active.

Sunshine and warmer weather drives people outside. You’ll be way healthier and think of the crazy good shape you’ll be in. Even when temperatures start to drop (read: low to mid-60’s), the sand and ocean will be calling for you.

Sunshine makes you happy.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (appropriately abbreviated as SAD) occurs when your body becomes depressed due to lack of sunshine or a change in the weather. It’s a real thing- as a species we are naturally inclined to soak up the sun. Shacking up in actual paradise will release all those super SAD thoughts.

Your skin will thank you.

Hello Vitamin D! Your skin will literally be GLOWING from all that sunshine.

Bring on the good vibes.

If you’ve ever been to a yoga class or meditated, you’ll know that the music associated with calming the mind and body is often ocean waves. The sound of the ocean universally calms us and brings us peace. Add in the scenic view and the salty fresh air and you’ll be more peaceful than your evening bath and glass of wine.

Salt water basically solves everything.

Salt water is good for healing the body- acne, wounds, and boosts your immune system.  It might even stave off wrinkles. Also, how good does your hair look when you swim in the ocean? That could be your life.

The beach will make you friskier.

There’s something about being at the beach that makes you want to get down and dirty. Maybe it’s the fresh air or maybe the ocean itself is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Regardless, living by the beach basically gives you the guarantee that you’ll be getting some on the reg.

All that eye candy.

Scenic ocean views and half naked hot bods roaming around…does this even require more of an explanation?

Basically if you want to be the version of you that is constantly getting laid, totally relaxed, and in really good shape, you should probably move to the beach.

5 Reasons to Move to The Virgin Islands

About 4 years ago, I found myself on a little rock in the middle of the ocean. This rock was filled with booze soaked days, sun bathing, salty hair, and sink lizards (itty bitty lizards that would keep you company in the bathroom. Though this place was filled with ups and downs- like suicide showers, yikes!- everyone should experience it at least once. Here are five good reasons to say good bye to the grind and hello to island time.

 

1. You learn to appreciate slowing down

Island time is a real thing.  And not just a restaurant with the best pizza…another reason why one should should move to the Virgin islands, but I digress. The days move slower and processes like going to the grocery store or the bank take many hours.  In the states, you can drive over to Target, pull out some money and buy everything you need in one place. Things are different in the islands. You may stand in line for hours at the bank, or shop at several grocery stores because the shipment at your favorite is late and the shelves are bare. Though these things are frustrating at best, after awhile you learn to deal and comfort yourself with happy hour. Which brings me to…

 

2. Happy Hour

I mean do I really need to say more? What’s better than shimmying up to a bar on the beach, buying your favorite libation and basking in the sun. Nothing. Nothing at all.

 

3. You’ll meet some amazing people

The islands are a great place to meet some of the most free-spirited and adventurous people you’ll ever find. Many people flock to the sea to sail the open waters, escape the 9-5 drudgery, or to spend a season before they journey to their next exotic locale. You’ll never feel lacking in good conversation and inspiration. It might just inspire you to book your own one way ticket to Bali or Thailand or wherever your little island heart desires.

 

4. You’ll learn to appreciate the little things

Like I said before, grocery shopping is damn hard. Any time you go stateside to escape island fever you’ll be astounded by how much stuff there really is. That being said, you’ll be equally overwhelmed because you’ve learned to live without. Crowded stores will overload your senses and you’ll miss the quiet peacefulness of your rock.

 

5. It’s an experience you’ll never forget

Between the good, bad and ugly sides of the island you’ll always look back on those moments and treasure them.  And if you ever feel like you need a place to hide and soak up the sun the island will always welcome you back with open arms.

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