As you know I live in a very small community with not a lot to do to keep kids busy during the long summer days. However we do have a gorgeous lake with a beautiful beach area about a half hour away that has saved my sanity on more days than I can count.
Problem is around here, because the weather is so sporadic, you learn to drop everything and go at a moments notice when the sun decides to shine. Thankfully I have the whole process down to such an efficient system that I can be packed up and out the door in no time flat.
I keep my van stocked with a few key beach items at all times and basically I just have to throw in some easy beach food and be off.
As you know moms never have enough hands when it comes to lugging dragging carrying all the crap stuff to the water’s edge. One of these lovely grocery carts has been my beach lifesaver and it’s always ready to perform miracles for action in the back of my van:
I get to the beach and load it up with my soft sided cooler, the basket of toys and the beach bag (which also stays in the van stocked with towels, first aid kit, sunscreen, bug stuff, wipes, sunglasses, hats, etc). The bag handle of my fold up chair slides nicely over the handle, my umbrella stands up in the corner and usually my kids throw in a floatie as well. Talk about handy especially if you have a ways to go from your car to the sand and because it folds up it takes up next to no space in the van. They also cost less than $25.00 in most places, well worth it!!
Being prepared can make all the difference when the sun shines and you want to take a spur of the moment trip to the beach WITHOUT a lot of hassle. Believe me, I really hate hassles and try to avoid them at all times.
My daughter enjoying the view at the lake.
For more ways to keep kids occupied this summer, go to Rocks in my Dryer!
Heavenly Homemaker says
I don’t have a beach like that in Nebraska (woe is me). I love that cart though… 🙂
Adrienne says
That is a great idea. Our city has a “beach club” (pool with sandy beach) and that would be great for those last minute trips to the beach. Thanks for the idea.
Lisa-BlessedwithGrac says
Good idea. Never hurts to be prepared for the sunshine moment. Sweet picture of your daughter.
Bobbie-Jo says
That is a fantastic idea. I would love to have a stocked cart ready to go at any time – we are spontaneous all summer long, and with 6 kids, it can require a LOT of stuff.
Col @ gigablonde :: says
Nice! This intrigued me … I was like, “wha? it can be easy???” 🙂
Tina says
That’s a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing, Laura 🙂 Our 3 older ones think it’s “uncool” to go to the beach with their parents now so it’s usually the two younger ones with DH and I. One of those carts would be very useful and great that it folds down flat too!
Debi says
Ah, can’t wait to show A that photo!
Laura V. says
I grew up in a beach town in Florida (though I don’t live there now) and I would always see scuba divers carting their tanks and equipment around in these and I never even thought about using one for the regular beach stuff! You’re a genius! The kids and I will be spending 7 months back in Florida soon while my husband is deployed and we may just have to invest in one of these!
Thanks for the wonderful idea!
jen says
We dont have a nice lake or beach near us…but we have the pool at the club..thank the good Lord. Water is a kids friend isnt it? We are going today as a matter of fact…
Ginny says
I need one of those so bad. I have such a hard time lugging everything, and my little wonderful kiddos never can help. They are always too tired, yeah right, ugh!
GiBee says
I can see how that cart could be a super life saver… for more things than just going to the beach… I’m going to have to get one!
Niki says
love the cart idea! my grandma used to shop with one of those, but i never thought of it for the beach…
brilliant!
🙂
Maine Mom says
The cart is a great idea! My husband bought me a beach bag for Mother’s Day and I already had the thought to keep it in the car, so thank you for the ideas of what to put in it. 🙂
Suzanne says
Most days we just go to my in-laws pool across the street–free to use and I don’t have to maintain it. Love it!
This cart is a great idea, though. It would be great for a trip. The grates would help keep more sand at the beach (instead of our car, house, etc.), while holding in everything else.
Merrie says
So, I actually get a little bit high whenever I visit your site. And I think I’ve decided I need to do a Target run this evening so that I can do some more basket buying, which will lead to more organzing. I am your groupie. 🙂
ter says
I’m super-excited that you have a granny-cart too! 🙂 🙂 You could be the one who brings them back in style. haha I have one which was a blessing when I was in college and had no car but still needed to grocery shop! I’m sure everyone else was laughing at me but at least I wasn’t struggling home with heavy bags of groceries!
Stephanie @ KOTH says
That’s a great idea- I should get a cart like that! That would have been soooo incredibly useful when I lived in a condo and had to lug my groceries and a baby up in the elevator. I saw the old ladies with them, and was secretly envious!
Shannon says
Wow, how pretty and peaceful it looks! I also keep my pool bags stocked. I have two Land’s End bags that I keep the towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimmies and goggles in. We just grab the noodles and boards after we get outside (they are in a building beside of the garage). When we return home and get everything cleaned up, it goes right back into the bags. All we have to add is snacks. I also keep a first aid kit and a throw up bowl (lol) in the car at all times.
Jennifer, Snapshot says
Of course you have a product–almost a basket even ;0–to help with summer fun.
Actually, it’s a great idea.
Michelle says
it looks lovely 🙂 and how practical keeping a bag or bag handy for the beach..have a great week..
Claudia Resta says
Oh please tell me what WFMW stands for–I’ve been going nuts trying to figure it out!!
gina says
I’ve had a cart ready to go for years but I’ve recently downsized my car (and gas expense!) and the cart doesn’t fit anymore. Change is hard.
Andrea Phillips says
I’m new to your little world but i love the articles I have read so far. Thanks for all the great ideas and advice!