Happy Thursday, friends!
I’m very much hoping that by the time you read this post, I have gone overnight from the west coast to the east coast and am home on Nantucket.
Since I’ve journeyed coast to coast over the last few hours, I thought it was the PERFECT time to (finally!) do today’s post on the 17 WAYS I WANT TO BE “COASTAL”.
This blog post is a wink and a nod to one I did two years ago called 17 WAYS I WANT TO BE “EUROPEAN” 🙂 .
What the heck am I talking about?
Well, I don’t know about you, but for me, when I travel and explore other places (like Europe!), I experience things there that I love so much that I want to take them back home with me and implement them into my daily life.
Who says we can’t take a little “European life” and bring it into our homes in Texas? I think it’s absolutely lovely when people bring little bits of something they love back with them after a trip.
Well, as much as I love bringing the “Europe” into my daily life, I also really, really love bringing a little “coastal” into it too.
This post is for my fellow Nancy Meyers/Coastal Grandmothers out there who feel this way too 🙂 .
As you know, I am fortunate enough that for a portion of the year, I get to live a little “coastal” lifestyle.
But I don’t want to have a dash of coastal just a few months out of the year, I want it year around.
I made a list (of course!) of 17 WAYS I WANT TO BE COASTAL…even in McKinney, TX 😉 .
These are all lighthearted thoughts and ideas. I love to be inspired, and I know many of you do too.
I’ll share my list and then goodness, I hope you share yours too!
Here we go…
#1: WEAR NEUTRALS
Whether I’m watching a Nancy Meyers’ movie or out and about on Nantucket, neutrals seem to be the color palette of choice. Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give gives me such coastal girl vibes. A white turtleneck and white jeans on the beach? Yes, please!
#2: GET A LITTLE DIRTY
With sand. Or soil. Or paint. Or whatever it is.
I have shared this before here on my blog, but I used to detest (dare I say HATE) sand. My type-A, super tidy personality just couldn’t deal with the sand. It permeates everything. It’s hard to get rid of. A little seems to go a long way. Coastal living means it’s okay to have a little on you or your space. Or a little soil from the garden. Or paint from a project. Or whatever. I don’t think coastal life is “super type-A and perfectly clean”.
#3: WEAR A HAT
A straw hat, a baseball hat…just something to keep that sunshine off our faces.
#4: VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET
When I think about coastal places, I always think about fresh herbs, fruits and veggies. I think about big totes to carry what you find, chatting with vendors, and shopping outdoors. If you dress for it and bring your tote, even a trip to Trader Joe’s could put you in the coastal girl state of mind.
#5: LIGHT A BEACHY SCENT
Every spring, I swap my woodsy, vanilla candles for lighter, brighter, beachy scents. It’s such an easy little swap but man, it certainly can transport you to a different destination. I also swap out my hand soaps in the kitchen and bathroom to lighter, beachy-ier scents too. So simple and crazy affective.
#6: WEAR A BEACHY SCENT
You know I love perfumes. It’s always my favorite beauty product to apply each day. In the spring and summer, I always change out my fall/winter scents for saltier/beachy-ier versions. Even if I can’t be at the beach, I can smell like it.
#7: DINE OUTDOORS
A coastal girl enjoys her meals outside, no? Even coffee and the paper just feels so much nicer if you’re enjoying it on the patio.
#8: RIDE A BIKE
I always, always, always tell myself I’m going to bike more when I get back to McKinney and unless the weather is just perfect, I always fail to do it but dang, it’s hard to find a coastal movie without a bike riding leading lady. When I don’t bike, I do love to roll the windows down in my car when I’m puttering around town. There is just something about fresh air that makes going from A to B so much better.
#9: WEAR A LONG DRESS
I always feel like I’ve added a dash of “coastal” when I put on a long dress or skirt (with sandals!).
#10: ADD SOME RAFFIA
What an easy addition to add some coastal into the every day! A raffia tote or bracelet, a hat or earrings, and of course, sandals. A little raffia always takes you right to the coast.
#11: READ SOMETHING LIGHT
When I think of coastal living, I think of “light” books to read. A good beach book can transport you even in the middle of winter.
#12: DRINK ROSE
Is there even another drink one enjoys while on the coast? A glass with dinner and bam, you’re practically eating beachside.
#13: PUT OUT FRESH FLOWERS
I told you guys years and years ago that I once mentioned to Andrew that I loved how Nancy Meyers always had fresh flowers on the kitchen counters in her movies. Since that day, he’s always made sure we have flowers on ours. He just gets them at the grocery store. They’re always seasonal and inexpensive, but goodness, they make me happy.
#14: USE WHITE LINENS AND TOWELS
Years ago, I swapped out all of our bedding for white. It feels fresh, it’s easy to clean and bleach, it’s not only got a coastal vibe, but it looks like a hotel room too. I used to have dark purple bath towels. That is very “un-Nancy Meyers”. Now, we only use white. Love.
#15: ADD SOME SHELLS
Real or faux, they’re easy to add around the house and in your outfits! I love adding my seashell earrings or necklace. That plus a little salty perfume, and I’m instantly living a little coastal.
#16: WEAR BLUE
Blue is the perfect complement to your neutrals.
#17: WORK IN YOUR GARDEN
Whether your garden consists of a pot on the patio or a full on yard, a little outdoor gardening always makes me feel like I’m one step closer to that coastal life.
And those are 17 WAYS I WANT TO BE “COASTAL” 🙂 .
Also, just as a reminder, I have a few other little inspirational/motivational coastal things for you too…
I find all of these movies relaxing and up lifting. They all include great soundtracks, beautifully decorated homes, strong female leads and friendship. Not all of these might be “coastal grandmother” by definition, but they all check the boxes for me that put me in the summery/coastal-y mood.
Book Club
Book Club 2
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride 2
First Wives’ Club
It’s Complicated
Mamma Mia!
Something Borrowed
Something’s Gotta Give
The Intern
Under the Tuscan Sun
This list could have been crazy long, but I stopped at these. I would say that if you love any of these books, read others by the same author. Each of these authors writes great summery…kind of coastal-y…reads.
The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
The Magic of Sea Glass by Jenny Hale
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley
“Coastal Grandmother” stations on Spotify are my go-to this time of year!. It’s the perfect background music for work, cleaning up the house, folding laundry…it’s just fabulous! As you can see, there are many, many options!
Okay, it’s your turn to share! What do you do to add a little “coastal” into your life? There is no detail too big or small. I would LOVE a few more suggestions! Please comment and share!
I hope you all have the BEST day! I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I feel the same way whenever i get back from a trip! I always like to tie in ways to make me feel like im on vacation! These are such great ideas!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
SS says
I always think of playing games outside of the beach winds aren’t blowing. You are just outside for everything. Walking along and looking at boats, enjoying a beautiful sunset (here when the sunsets they clap).
I don’t know if you are a fan, but I would add some Nicholas Sparks books and movies that are coastal. Safe Haven is one that comes to mind.
The only other thing is that ice cream seems to be a must. A good ice cream shop and a small town. 😆
And I bet you bring a little “beach” home with you…cause like you said sand gets every where.
Enjoy!!!
Nanci says
Eat fresh seafood and summery fruit/veggies as often as you can!
Julianna says
Letting my hair air dry! I watched Mama Mia recently and loved all of the beachy waves and slightly frizzy hair. It made me want to leave my hair straightener in the drawer til fall.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! This is a great one!!!!
Carrie Brown says
Please share your favorite coastal/beachy perfume scent!
Mix and Match Mama says
Replica At the Beach 🙂
Maria says
Try Jo Malone Beach Blossom
Mix and Match Mama says
I have that one in a travel spray and love it!
Christy says
Love this! But how to you keep your white towels and sheets bright and nice? I have tried both, but they always get dingy and just ugh!
Mix and Match Mama says
Bleach! Works like a charm!
Kristen says
All of these are great!! I sat at my pool all week and read the best “beachy ” books that are great for summer!
This Book made me think of you by Libby Page
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Enjoy!
Sarah DeWald says
I love me some coastal grandmother vibes! Navy and white stripes are my go-to!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love that combo too!
Heather Green says
Have you heard of a sand removal bag on Amazon? If you don’t have one, I think it would be great for your beach days!
Mix and Match Mama says
Googling now…
Andi F says
Yes to all of this! I love romanticizing life year round but come summertime, I love to channel my inner coastal girl even more, even here in North Texas!
One thing I love to do is wake up and just sip my tea/coffee outdoors watching the sun come up and listening to the birds. I always say I’ll do it when I’m at the beach but almost never when I’m home! So that’s something I try to be more intentional about during the summer.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh yes, I love this especially your morning outdoors. There’s something magical about that, right?
Beth says
Yes to all of those ways! I hear you on the sand. When our 20-somethings were little they’d track sand in from backyard play. It drove me crazy until I saw something about St Jude. I felt convicted of a complaining heart thinking those mamas would give a lot to be only dealing with sand on their kitchen floors. So after that I’d say thank you, Jesus, for kids w that are able to track in sand when I’d feel the grit underfoot…
Mix and Match Mama says
What a perspective shift. xx
Katie Stewart says
What a great reminder to be thankful.
Bren says
Perspective can be everything, can’t it? Thank you for sharing, Beth, so very true.
lee ann vicary says
I switched over to white sheets and towels at least 10 years ago – several folks were talking and someone said they never used white towels because they show dirt. I thought about for about 2 seconds and thought I want them to show dirt so that I wash them so that if it doesn’t come out I replace them. Was it a learning curve for my granddaughter when she came along and did that wave you hands under the water and let them look at the soap and then grandmothers towel is dirty – yup. But she’s 9 now and she knows there is proof on the towel.
I’m from Florida and when I was in Jr and Sr High I lived in Tampa. In high school I was lucky enough to make really good grades in spite of skipping school to hang at the beach frequently. I have no idea how my mother didn’t notice I would come home with a pink nose some days. I enjoy reading about all your vacations but personally if I’m not hanging at the beach reading a book it’s just not really a vacation.
Hope your flights cooperate and you make it to ACK today.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this so so so much!
Irene Kelly says
Shay, Pls get the June/July issue of Country Living mag you will love the story about Molly Young’s home on Nantucket on page 58. Happy reading Irene Kelly
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Irene! I will!
Ashley S says
We pull out the Adirondack chairs in the summer and often sit outside and have post-dinner white wine as the sun sets. It may not be an ocean view, but it sure is lovely! Thanks for your list!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love, love, love this!
Katie Stewart says
Ahh, dining outdoors. Something about it, right? Makes me feel like I’m on vacay, no matter the time or place!
Have you read The Academy by Elin? Curious to see what your thoughts are on this new direction she’s taking!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did! I’m excited for the sequel to come out. As much as I love, love her beachy Nantucket books, I did enjoy a little “fall” Elin too 🙂 .
Katie Stewart says
Me, too! Anxiously awaiting the follow-up! I kind of went down a boarding school rabbit hole after reading! Coming from such a small town, that is a WHOLE new world to me!
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I love all of these! Now I want to stop at Trader Joe’s and get some flowers! My husband hates sand too. We always argue about what is worse – sand or mud 😂 I say mud! You can vacuum up sand but mud stains and you can’t vacuum it until it dries. 😬
Susy says
It’s the menu!
Louisiana? Crawdads, Corn and Potatoes on Newspaper
California? Sushi on the Beach
Maine? No surprises here: Lobster Rolls
Washington State? Dungeness Crabfest with Sourdough Bread
Maryland? Blue Crab with Hushpuppies
Florida? Softshell Crab with Key Lime Pie (beware! If the pie is green it’s not authentic Key Lime)!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yessssssss! Such a GREAT point, Susy!
Martha says
When you posted some of your favourite things recently there was a picture of you wearing white pants and a white sweater to the beach and I thought, “goodness, she’s really channeling the coastal grandma vibe.” Then you showed a picture of your earbuds with sand on them and seemed quite accepting of the inevitable – well done! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahaha! I know! Right?!
Sue High says
Love me some rose. But I had friends that just got back from three weeks in Italy and they made me an Aperol Spritz when t hey got home (I’ve never had one). Lions and tigers and bears – they are so light and refreshing!!!! A beach drink or a dine outside drink for sure.
Gail says
As a kid growing up in a small Southern California beach town: meeting at the beach with friends on any given day , then as a mom, bringing my own kids. Hosing off when you get home and then jumping in the pool until dinner time. As a teenager, riding bikes with friends in the evening and then meeting at someone’s house to play cards or Sardines or just hanging out. Hanging clothes to dry on the clothes line for that fresh air smell.
In the Pacific Northwest it is very different vibe…. Salmon on the BBQ, lowering crab pots either from a boat or a paddleboard and then diving for crab, wakesurfing on a loke, that crinkle of skin when you’ve had just a bit too much sun, picking tomatoes or other fresh veggies from your garden or trading produce with your neighbors, walking at the harbor to look at boats and sea lions, looking for beach glass when the tide goes out.
Karah Stracener says
I love this post. You have me ready to get home and bring in a little coastal into my home. I love changing out my candle scents, wall plug ins, and soaps seasonally.
Vivi says
Hi Shay! I was looking through your blog for a recipe the other day, and I came across a part where you said something about your family “not being beach people.” I laughed sooooooo hard! I’m so glad you are all beach people now, and I love reading hearing about your life on Nantucket!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh the things I’ve had to take back around here 😉
Bren says
I live in the midwest, but years ago decided I would bring some coastal to my master bath. One of my favorite pictures ever hangs on the wall in there – I snapped it just as our three kids all walked into the ocean for the very first time. They somehow naturally stair-stepped themselves in a row and you can tell by the way they are standing, they are all looking out at the ocean in awe. It’s one of my favorite memories ever. I have really simple decor in there, but most of it is crackled glass containers of shells we found on particularly memorable vacations. It just makes me happy as I start my day getting ready, to be reminded of my love for all things beach and coastal. Thanks for sharing, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing, Bren! I love that you’ve incorporated this into your home.
Angie says
I live on the coast of NH (20 minutes from multiple beaches) and I live a very coastal life year round. I would include everything you listed along with watching sunrises and sunsets, eating local seafood, picking fresh flowers from my gardens and displaying them in my home, and wearing linen. I love living on the Seacoast of NH and the beauty that it offers year round.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bet it is spectacular where you live!
Emma says
Love the idea of using white towels! Do you have a brand you’d recommend? Willing to spend anything to have good quality towels!
Mix and Match Mama says
We buy these from Wayfair! I’ve been using them for years: https://go.shopmy.us/p-67477402
Cindi says
My #1 way to make my home feel coastal is to decorate with seashells. I have quite a collection of shells, as my daughter owns a home with a private beach on an island in Florida. I go shelling every day I’m there-I can’t help myself! I decorate with them in the summer in our north Alabama home by adding them to hurricane candle holders, white milk glass bowls and I’ll place the large shells on table tops, shelves, etc. Nothing says coastal or beachy than seashells!