Let the countdown to my brother’s wedding begin! I have an upcoming destination bachelorette party trip in honor of my awesome sister-in-law-to-be to a popular Southern California spa. In anticipation of my trip, I have been putting together a packing list. Much like my long-time idol, Martha Stewart, I am a huge proponent of lists, mainly because I hate it when I forget something (and because I always take an inexcusable amount of crap that I don’t need but have to have “just in case”). Between mud treatments and a dip in the hot springs, I’m hoping to squeeze in a yoga class or two, so I’m making sure to bring along my trusty yoga mat. And since the wedding is in exactly one month (and because I’m one of the bridesmaids) I’ll be slathering on the sunscreen – I don’t want to be sporting any funky tan lines along with my dress. Anyway, here is a list of my top 11 (because I couldn’t narrow it down to just ten) essentials for a day at the spa.
- An Oversized Bag: This Merona Striped Tote is perfect for lugging around everything that you’ll need on your spa day.
- Yoga Mat: This Gaiam Pink Ribbon Yoga Mat is perfect if your spa offers yoga classes and if all of the lounges by the pool are occupied, it can protect your back from the hard cement while you soak up some sun (while wearing sunscreen, of course).
- Bikini: I love black bikinis that you can mix and match (love this top and bottom by Mossimo for Target). Not only is black always super chic, but it won’t be ruined if you wear it while getting a mud treatment.
- Stylish Sun Shades: These Ray-Ban Women’s RB4098 Non-Polarized Jackie OHH II Sunglasses
will double as sun protection for your eyes (because nobody loves premature eye wrinkles), and because you’re not likely to be wearing any makeup these oversized sunnies will hide a multitude of sins.
- A Bright Towel: You won’t want to misplace your towel, so you’ll want something bright that you can easily distinguish. This Northpoint Luxury Hotel Cabana Stripe Beach Towel with its classic stripes, is bright without being too juvenile.
- Fun Summer Read: Right now I’m reading The Tao of Martha: My Year of LIVING; Or, Why I’m Never Getting All That Glitter Off of the Dog by Jen Lancaster
. It is light, funny , and it is perfect for lounging in the cabana waiting for your next treatment. And because Jen Lancaster is not shy about her love of tanning by the pool (seriously, read her books), I think she would totally approve of my choice of reading material.
- Camera: If you’re going with a large group (like I am) you’re going to want to document your day for posterity. This Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom is an updated version of my “little” camera (I also have the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
that I use for work… David would kill me if I tried to take that one to the spa). The camera takes clear, crisp pictures and the automatic timer will allow you to take shots of your entire group.
- Sandals: These adorable flip-flops will protect your feet from the hot pavement around the pool – plus you’ll need something to wear when waking in from the car and because you don’t want to be THAT GIRL who walks barefoot into a public restroom (I’m looking at you Britney).
- Sunscreen: I like Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110
for face and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 100
for body. You can never wear too much sunscreen. Never!
- Lip Balm: I cannot buy enough of these EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet
. No matter how many I put in my purse, they are always disappearing.
- Dry Shampoo: If you are planning on going out to dinner after your day at the spa (we are!) and you don’t have enough time to wash and dry your hair, then this dry shampoo by Serge Normant (Longtime Julia Roberts stylist) is a lifesaver. It will not only de-grease your hair in seconds, it adds volume so your hair will look fresh and bouncy. As an added bonus, it smells great too.
