motherhood, lifestyle, parenting Ashley Vipond motherhood, lifestyle, parenting Ashley Vipond

Top 10 Beige Beach Day Must-Haves: Neutral Essentials for Stylish Family Outings

Nothing says summer like a beach day with family, and for moms who love an effortless, neutral aesthetic, choosing the right gear makes all the difference. This season’s trending beach must-haves combine style and practicality, ensuring that your day in the sun is as beautiful as it is stress-free. Whether you're looking for sand-proof essentials, a versatile tote, or breathable cover-ups, this roundup has you covered. Get ready to elevate your beach game with these Instagram-worthy finds!

There’s something magical about a summer beach day—the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the joy of making memories with family. But let’s be honest, pulling off a beach outing with kids in tow requires more than just sunscreen and snacks. For moms who love a clean, effortless aesthetic, choosing the right beach gear is just as important as packing the essentials. From chic, neutral-toned accessories to practical must-haves, this season’s beach trends combine style and functionality, making your time in the sun both beautiful and stress-free. Whether you’re lounging by the shore or chasing little footprints in the sand, here’s a roundup of the most-loved, Instagram-worthy beach essentials moms are raving about right now!

Check out my favorite Beach Themed Subscription Box from Beachly!
— the must have beach box

1. Beige & Straw Beach Tote
A spacious yet stylish straw beach tote in warm beige shades is perfect for carrying family essentials. Shop this bestseller tote here.

Jenn Lee — Cabo Beach Tote $295

2. Neutral Family-Friendly Beach Blanket
Choose a waterproof beach blanket in neutral tones, perfect for easy cleanup and chic family picnics. Peek at this popular blanket.

Foley Beach Blanket

Ralph Lauren — Foley Beach Blanket $125

3. Earth-Toned Sand Toys
Ditch bright plastic for a sophisticated, earth colored sand toy in colors your kids (and your aesthetic) will love. Buy this fun sand toy here.

Hape Grabber Sand & Beach Toy

Hape Grabber Sand & Beach Toy — $23

4. Beige Beach Tent & Umbrella
Stay shaded in style with a chic beige-toned tent or umbrella that matches your minimalist aesthetic. Explore this neutral beach shelter.

The Premium Beach Tent - Antique White

The Premium Beach Tent - Antique White — $99

5. Minimalist Insulated Water Bottles
Stay hydrated sustainably with stylish, neutral-colored reusable bottles, perfect for hot summer days. Get yours here.

6. Neutral Swimwear & Rash Guards
Outfit your family in coordinating neutral swimwear for those picture-perfect beach moments. Shop matching family swimwear.

Rylee + Cru — Garden Grid Family Set ( Prices Vary)

7. Beige Sun Hats for Moms and Kids
Protect your family from harmful UV rays while looking chic in matching beige sun hats. See our favorite trendy hat options.

Anthropologie — Kid's Woven Palm Sun Hat — $48


8. Eco-Friendly Beach Towels in Neutral Tones
Swap traditional beach towels for soft, sustainable linen towels in warm neutral shades. Eco-friendly towel.

9. Neutral-Colored Portable Cooler
Pack family snacks stylishly with an easy-to-carry, neutral-colored cooler bag. Shop this portable cooler that I love.

YETI Camino® 35 Carryall Tote Bag — $150

10. Family-Friendly Natural Sunscreen
Choose an effective and gentle natural sunscreen packaged in minimalist, neutral-themed bottles. Browse my recommended sunscreen.

As you soak up the sun and make memories with your family, having the right beach essentials can make all the difference. Whether it's a chic straw tote, a breezy linen cover-up, or a sand-proof picnic blanket, embracing neutral-toned beach gear adds both style and practicality to your summer days. So, pack your bag, grab your favorite sunnies, and head to the shore—because effortless, Instagram-worthy beach days are just a few essentials away! 🌊☀️

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lifestyle, motherhood Ashley Vipond lifestyle, motherhood Ashley Vipond

Easy Meal Prep for Moms Who Don’t Want to Spend Sunday in the Kitchen

If spending your entire Sunday meal prepping feels like a chore you never signed up for, you're not alone. This post is your permission slip to ditch the all-day kitchen marathons and embrace a more realistic, flexible approach to feeding your family. We’re breaking down easy strategies, simple batch cooking tips, and snack ideas that work for real-life moms with real-life schedules. Let’s make mealtime a little less stressful—and a whole lot more doable.

Let’s be real—meal prep can feel intimidating. One quick scroll through Pinterest and suddenly you’re faced with color-coded spreadsheets, 15-step recipes, and enough glass containers to stock a commercial kitchen. But what if we ditched the perfection and embraced a simpler approach? One that fits real life, real schedules, and real picky eaters?

Good news: it’s absolutely possible to make meal prep easy, enjoyable, and actually realistic.

Even celebrities like Meghan Duchess of Sussex are showing us how it’s done—sharing glimpses of quick, nutritious meals that are far from fussy. Her approach? Keeping things low-key but wholesome, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to feed your family well. And honestly, that's a vibe we can all get behind.

So, Where Do You Start? With a Mindset Shift.

First, take a deep breath and let go of the idea that meal prep has to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need 21 perfectly packed meals by Sunday night. Instead, think of it as giving your future self a head start. It’s not about perfection—it’s about setting yourself up to make better choices with less stress during the week.

Recommended Kitchen Gear and Tools:

The Secret: Batch Cooking with Versatility in Mind

Rather than preparing specific meals, try prepping core ingredients that can be mixed and matched into a variety of dishes. Here’s a beginner-friendly lineup:

  • Protein: Grill or bake a batch of chicken breasts, tofu, or ground turkey.

  • Carbs: Cook a pot of brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.

  • Veggies: Roast a tray (or two!) of seasonal vegetables—think broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.

With these staples ready to go, you can quickly throw together:

  • Grain bowls with a drizzle of dressing or sauce

  • Wraps or lettuce boats with your protein and veggies

  • Pasta tosses, stir-fries, or hearty salads

It’s like building a choose-your-own-adventure for dinner—and you’re the boss.

Bonus tip: Invest in stackable, clear containers so you can see exactly what you have on hand. You’re more likely to use it if it’s visible (and let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt when it looks Pinterest-worthy in your fridge).

For the Toddler Crowd (and Picky Adults)

We see you, tired toddler mom, trying to please a palate that changes by the hour. The key here is prepping grab-and-go options that are fun, familiar, and low effort. Try:

  • Sliced fruits stored in individual containers

  • Mini muffins (bonus: hide some shredded veggies or oats in them)

  • Yogurt cups with a side of granola or berries

  • Veggie sticks with hummus or ranch

  • Cheese cubes or whole-grain crackers

Having a few snack trays ready means less scrambling when hunger strikes—and less temptation to grab something less nutritious.

Time-Saving Tips You’ll Actually Use

  • Double up when cooking dinner. Making tacos? Prep double the ground meat and use the leftovers for quesadillas later in the week.

  • Theme your nights to limit decision fatigue—think “Meatless Monday,” “Taco Tuesday,” or “Slow Cooker Sunday.”

  • Use freezer-friendly meals for those weeks when everything falls apart (hello, flu season). Soups, chili, and baked pasta dishes are your best friends.

  • Let your kids help (if age-appropriate). Washing produce, stirring ingredients, or packing their own snack boxes gives them ownership—and makes them more likely to eat what’s prepped.

It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Meal prep doesn’t have to consume your whole weekend or turn your kitchen into a war zone. Even 30 minutes of prep on a Sunday afternoon can make a big difference in how the week flows. You’ll find yourself reaching for healthier choices, spending less money on takeout, and gaining back precious time with your family.

Most importantly, you’ll feel empowered—not exhausted. Because when your fridge is full of possibilities, your week gets just a little bit easier.

Ready to Make It Happen?

Start small. Pick one or two things to prep this week. Maybe it’s breakfast muffins, a protein option, or just pre-washing your fruits and veggies. Keep it doable, keep it joyful, and remember—you’re doing an amazing job.

Meal prep isn’t just about food. It’s about caring for your family and yourself in a way that feels sustainable. So here’s to nourishing bodies and souls—one simple meal at a time.

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