If you live in Jeddah, you know the blessing of the cold weather. Windows are always open, waterfront visits are aplenty, and the mood is generally so much ... lighter! However, I had a bucket of disappointment dumped on me when I opened my windows and was blasted with a wave of hot air.

Yep - summer's crawling back.

At night, the weather's still chilly, so it's not fully summer yet. But I do have to start saying my goodbyes to this weather. Sigh, until next October, my dearest ...

But this also means summer's coming! After the chaotic COVID-19 summer we've had last year, I have InshAllah high hopes for this year. For me, summer means school's out, writing to my heart's content, reading four books in a week, more time for my hobbies, and of course, the beach. The beach

[What a cool photo, right? If only all world beaches were as spotless ... stop littering, and #SaveEarth!]

I'm not a fan of tanning, but the soothing waves and warm, granular sand is the perfect recipe for me to relax and have fun. Before the fun, though, I need to pack, and the amount of times I finally get to the beach and think Dammit, I forgot my ---! are one too many.

The simple remedy to my never-ending forgetfulness was me writing (over the years) a master beach list, complete with board games, swimming necessities, and all things in-between. Mind you, this list is when you plan to stay at a beach house or something for a day or two. If it's just a day out on the beach, adjust accordingly!

I've used this list for three years now and it's never failed me! Therefore, I liked to share it and lend a helping hand through the screen, in what little way I could.

Pajama

Underwear (i.e everything you wear beneath your clothes)

Socks

Shoes

Swimsuit

Flip-Flops

Hijab Outfit (unless walking on the beach in an abaya is your thing)

Indoor outfit (sweatpants and t-shirts, probably)

Jacket/hoodie

Floaties (floaters? floatation devices?)

Swimming Glasses

Plastic Bag (for wet clothes)

Sunblock/sunscreen

Hats

Sunglasses

Beach Bag

Towel(s)

Board Games

iPad + charger

Phone + charger

Laptop + charger

Book (Or Kindle + charger. Or both.)

Sketch Book and pencil case

Beach Toys

Hot Dogs + buns

Burgers + buns

Chips

Chocolate

Chocolates (oops)

Fruits (yay!)

Laban (quick hunger-quencher)

Water

Cheese

Toast

Eggs

Pancake/Waffle Mix

Snacks (all shapes and sizes)

Hairbrush

Hair Ties

*ladies* pads

Toothbrush + toothpaste

Lip Balm

Shampoo/conditioner

Deodorant

Body Lotion

Q-Tips

Eye Drops (if you wear glasses like me)

Eye mask (if you hate light like I do)

Perfume

Medicines (Panadol, nasal spray, etc.)

Soap

Nail Clippers

Camera/polaroid

Vaseline

Olive Oil (for staying warm after swimming)

Shea Butter (for warm feets)

Air Pump

That wraps it up! Of course, you can save this list and add your own items, or just visit my blog and look at it when you need it. Either way, I hope it has been of help! Comment your own custom or weird items you take to the beach with you.

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