If you haven’t already, you need to take a full two-minutes to read our no BS guide to being beach ready! And if that’s TL;DR: have skin and wanna go to the beach? Then you’re ready!

Here are a few other essentials we suggest:

• Plenty of ice water, or at least enough ice water to sub between beachy cocktails!
  
• Obviously, don’t forget the sunblock, preferably one that isn’t expired, covers UVA and UVB rays, and is at least SPF 30.
  
• Really good snacks like crisp watermelon and fresh fruits and berries, chips and salsa, veggies, and popcorn all hold up well under the summer rays. Or treat yourself to some no-heat summer desserts!

Now, before you head out for R&R in the sand and sun, be sure to pack a new pool- or ocean-side book to stick your nose in. Take a pic of your toes and the water for Instagram, then put the device away and give your brain a mental break and emotional reboot.

Daring Greatly - Brene Brown

Open yourself up to being more vulnerable and come through the otherside better than you started. This modern-day guru is changing women’s minds and helping them find strength where they didn’t know they had any.

Feel Free - Zadie Smith

In her collection of personal essays, she raises thoughtful questions about modern society and politics, global warming, social media, and even libraries that force us to think further than surface-level about their effects on us and our role in them.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k - Mark Manson

If you didn’t have to put on a show, a facade, a fake smile and pretend to be happy all the time...could you actually be happier? Embrace your flaws, and even everyone else’s, to see how refreshing it can feel to just be real.

You are a Badass - Jen Sincero

Candid, insightful, and hilarious, this beloved book dishes up mini-chapters with lessons, exercises, and takeaways you can use to stop doubting everything you do and just start being awesome!

Present Over Perfect - Shauna Niequist

“Busy” shouldn’t be a badge of honor and the busier you are doesn’t show anyone that you’re smarter, more effective, or better at anything. It’s possible to get it all done and feel more content, more engaged, and be more intentional within your personal relationships.

Of Mess and Moxie - Jen Hatmaker

A hilarious and honest way to love yourself more and give yourself the grace to screw it all up sometimes. You’ll feel like your BFF is giving you the tough love and real talk you’ve needed to hear for a while.