At the Beach with a Book

THERE IS NO CURE like the sea. We had a few days at the beach leading up to Easter and after, and I came away, yet again, longing to live near the sea (someday!). In the meantime, here are my favorite picks for the summer. And it looks like the one-pice suit is making a comeback. Hooray!

Above: Olinger Stories by John Updike, Yellow Bandeau Bikini Top, Replica Beach Walk fragrance, blue striped tote, burlap slip-on, Fruit card set.

Above: The Goldfinch by Donna Tart, Black ruched halter one-piece swimsuit, Love & Salt beach hair and body mist, bubble glass, Pink and gold key fob, Genuine leather slip-on sandals.

Above: The Sea by John Banville, Gathered halter one-piece swimsuit, Alice flat sandals, Burgundy nail polish, Hanging clear glass terrarium, Fabric rectangular tote.

Hope you have a great summer!

Where is summer?

CHILDHOOD SUMMERS are the best, because they are carefree in a way like they will never be again. Growing up in Ormoc, a quiet city by the sea, summers meant endless play in my grandmother's spacious house, and in the family farm that was fifteen minutes away. It meant climbing old trees, lazy hot afternoon siestas, star gazing picnics, and swimming in the sea 'til we became like salt dolls.

Sometimes my parents would take us on the slow boat to nearby Cebu for short vacations. And then later to Manila or the foggy northern city of Baguio where city folk took refuge from the heat. Later in high school and college, summer might bring a boy, and sometimes some heartache. But it was always an adventure.
 

Whatever it brings, summer is not about when, but where or how and with whom. This year I feel blessed to be able to take the kids away from the city. Hoping they make good memories so that summer becomes eternal in their minds. And maybe I'll climb those trees again and take lots of siestas. Again. And I will swim in the sea, my old friend, if it will have me. I will swim in the sea, and the sea inside.

What are your plans this summer? I hope you have a good one, and thanks for reading.

Also, check it out. This beautiful secret (for now) beach, this perfect local summer snack, printed espadrilles, this breezy top, and the top ten free free things to do in New York.

*Photo by Ina Amor Mejia