beach

A day at the beach sounds like the perfect way to spend a Summer day – that is until mama thinks about everything her lil one needs to make it through the day. Just the thought of pulling it all together is enough to make some moms abandon the sun and surf until their tots become teens. Before jumping ship, take respite in knowing that we've thought it through for you. You remember the umbrella and towels, and we've put the rest of your list together!

Sunscreen

This year's list of the safest sunscreens is packed with brands that can be purchased at your local drugstore. Given the FDA's new regulations of sunscreens that go into effect next year, beware of lotions containing the word "waterproof" and don't be swayed into buying a tube that boasts an SPF over 50. According to the FDA, neither is actually true. Most importantly apply the sunscreen to your tot before you leave the house, and reapply often throughout the day.

Shoes

Sand gets hot after baking in the sun all day. Protect lil toes from scorching sand with a pair of waterproof beach or sand shoes that keep feet safe and covered throughout the day.

Toys

A bucket and shovels are a great start to a day at the beach, but there's so much more that can be played with in the sand. From plastic cars and trucks to make-believe cupcake kits, sand toys have come a long way. While you're at it, don't forget to add a beach ball to your bag – they collapse easily and can provide hours of fun while playing in the sun.

Keep reading to see the rest of your beach bag essentials.

While in LA for the world premiere of Nike's all-women surf film Leave a Message, I chatted it up with pro surfer Carissa Moore, one of the film's stars. With such a laid-back disposition and easy laugh, it's easy to forget that Carissa, 19, is a no-joke serious athlete and currently ranked the number one in the world of women's surfing.

Besides Carissa's obvious natural talent, I was curious at what takes someone from being great at surfing to being number one. Carissa's answer was similar to what you might expect from any great athlete: dedication, confidence, and hard work. Oh, and training — lots of training. For Carissa that means having a surf coach (her father) and a passion for fitness, "As I've gotten older, my body has changed tremendously. I have gained weight, lost weight. It wasn't enough to just surf," Carissa says. "I have a trainer now. I have a diet."

Depending on her competition schedule, Carissa works out with Hawaii-based trainer Lisa Stewart two to five times per week. When I spoke with Lisa, she told me that they focus on "cardiovascular training, corrective functional movements, core stabilization, and flexibility training." She went on to say that before Carissa started training, "her body was strong, but undefined and had many imbalances. With a lot of hard work and training, Carissa is on her way to becoming a specific athlete who is adaptable to any surfing condition."

While most of us aren't trying to get in shape for the pro surf circuit, we can still learn a lot from Carissa's training sessions with Lisa. Get the lowdown from Lisa on how to achieve a surfer girl beach body after the break!

Katie Holmes played with daughter Suri on a beach in Malibu over Memorial Day weekend. A normal mother-daughter activity, with the two ladies showing their usual chic style, but also a curious fashion choice: heels. Most of us go barefoot on the beach, but Suri and Katie kept their shoes on. Katie's pointy heel is no match for sand. The rest of her outfit is a perfect Summer casual mix of cutoff shorts, white tee, loose blazer, and straw fedora. Do you think Katie was making a fashion statement or she just got caught up chasing Suri?