Summer Essentials – Low Cost Fun in the Sun

Living in Miami I’ve come to love two things: the first naturally being the sun – if it gets below 70 degrees I don’t function very well. The second is budgeting, simply because the cost of living is pretty ridiculous in South Florida. So, when summer time comes around I try to find ways to enjoy all the fun summer activities of The Magic City without breaking the bank.

The Beach (or a lake)

You want to know what’s great about the beach? It’s pretty much free.

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been near a beach. While I was growing up I’d go with my family, when I was a teenager I spent a couple of summers sailing around Biscayne Bay and when I was in college the beach was the go-to spot for some fun shenanigans. Needless to say I’ve always been a fan of the ocean air and having sand between my toes.

I’d even go as far as to say the beach is good for you. Who couldn’t use a little more nature in their lives? Or, you could easily being frisbees or volleyballs and get your fitness on! Overall, the beach is just a great low cost way to have some fun in the sun.

The Swimwear

Whether you’re going to a pool, the beach or a Bar-B-Q a swimsuit is pretty much the required dress code of the season.

I remember my mom used to say that there were two things women should spend some serious dough on , hair and swimsuits. The reasoning was simple, you don’t want to look like an idiot so you’d better shell out the cash for the good stuff.

While I still agree with the hair, my opinions have definitely changed when it comes to buying a swimsuit. There’s really no need to spend an arm and a leg to look good in a suit, in fact there are plenty of ways you can find low cost swimwear that still looks great.

Enter Old Navy.

Old Navy is a personal fave of mine. When I was growing upl I think my entire wardrobe came from Old Navy and I still shop there to this day. The prices are simply unbeatable – I mean, 20 bucks for an adorable swimsuit? How could you not buy it? If you don’t believe me you can check it out for yourself – they literally have every style covered for an awesome price! I’m personally digging the Women’s Splash-Print Bandeau Bikini pictured on the right.

The Food (BBQ and Beach Picnics)

It’s BBQ season and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! There a few great ways you can save money on BBQs and beach picnics.

One way you can save money with the grill is by switching from ground beef to ground turkey. Not only is turkey healthier, it’s also cheaper. You can also go as far as replacing meat all together by using beans to make burgers or even as a main dish. Lastly, you can do a neighborhood pot luck where everyone brings a a dish. It will cut down the amount of work on the hostess as well as provide some hefty left overs for future meals.

Summer time is made for fun, but that doesn’t mean you have to burn a hole in your wallet. By using some of the aforementioned tips you can enjoy the season, look great and help the bank account.

Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.