Beach Essentials: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Coastal Getaway

Planning a seaside escape? Whether you're soaking up the sun or chasing waves, having the right gear can make all the difference. If you're wondering what to bring on a beach vacation or making a list of things to bring to the beach, we’ve got you covered with five must-have items from Marleylilly.com. These beach essentials combine function with style to help you enjoy every salty breeze in comfort and monogrammed flair.

1. Monogrammed Packable Straw Visor

Stay shaded and stylish with the Monogrammed Packable Straw Visor. Its wide brim offers excellent sun protection, and it folds easily into your beach tote, making it a breeze to travel with. The personalized touch adds a fun flair to your sun-kissed look.

2. Monogrammed Clear Beach Tote

This spacious and durable clear tote is perfect for carrying all your beach day must-haves—sunscreen, snacks, a good book, and more. The see-through design makes it easy to find exactly what you need, and the monogram detail gives it a personalized, preppy touch.

3. Monogrammed Nantucket Cover Up

Breezy, lightweight, and effortlessly chic, the Monogrammed Nantucket Cover Up is a beach bag staple. Whether you're walking the shoreline or grabbing lunch at a beachfront café, this versatile cover-up keeps you looking cute and comfortable.

4. Monogrammed Beach Towel

No beach trip is complete without a cozy towel to stretch out on. The Monogrammed Beach Towel from Marleylilly is just the right size, absorbent, and comes with your monogram front and center, so there's no mistaking it for anyone else’s.

5. Monogrammed Sand Buddy

Keep your drink, phone, and sunglasses sand-free with the Monogrammed Sand Buddy. This handy beach accessory easily sticks into the sand and holds your essentials upright, so you can relax without worrying about spills or scratched screens. It’s a small but mighty addition to your beach lineup.

With these fun and functional beach essentials, you'll be ready to hit the sand in style. Whether you're making a checklist of things to bring to the beach or packing for a sunny escape, Marleylilly has everything you need for a relaxing and personalized beach vacation.

Friday, April 26, 2019 No comments

The sun is shining, the mercury is rising, and the days are getting longer. That can only mean one thing: It’s almost time for spring break! If you’re like lots of students, you are probably counting down the days until you can ditch your classes and spend some quality time with your toes in the sand and a fruity drink in your hand.

Whether you are hitting up a beach close to home or you will be heading out of town for spring break, there are certain things that you absolutely have to have. Here are a few of our top picks for spring break essentials!

A Stylish Beach Bag

You can’t head to the beach without a stylish bag to hold all of your gear. At Marleylilly, we have options that you are sure to love. Our monogrammed beach bags come in a wide range of trendy colors and styles, making them perfect for anyone. Keep your drinks and snacks nice and cool with a personalized cooler, or stash all of your gear in a mega beach bag.

Whether you plan on spending the day lounging on the beach reading a book or you think you’ll be spending time in the water, a beach towel is a necessity. A monogrammed beach towel stands out in the crowd and will make your little corner of the beach much easier to find when you leave the water. Monogrammed beach towels from Marleylilly are available in an assortment of colorful patterns, and they’re made from extra-soft velour terry cloth that is comfy to lie on and super absorbent.

A Stylish Beach Bag

You can’t head to the beach without a stylish bag to hold all of your gear. At Marleylilly, we have options that you are sure to love. Our monogrammed beach bags come in a wide range of trendy colors and styles, making them perfect for anyone. Keep your drinks and snacks nice and cool with a personalized cooler, or stash all of your gear in a mega beach bag.
Or, even better, invest in a beach cooler tote that has room for your stuff and a cooler section for your lunch and drinks. If you’d prefer something a bit simpler, a fanny pack is a great alternative. There are fanny packs with drink koolies that allow you to carry your gear and your drink hands-free.

Sunscreen

The first thing you toss in your beach bag should be a bottle of decent sunscreen. The thought of coming home with a sun-kissed glow is great, but you should never put yourself at risk of developing skin cancer later in life. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Look for a product that is water resistant, too. Even if you don’t plan on going in the water, a moisture-resistant sunscreen is important because it keeps your skin protected when you sweat.

Refillable Drinkware

pink monogrammed water bottle

Even though you’re surrounded by water, dehydration can happen fast at the beach. When you’re spending time under the scorching hot sun, your body is working extra hard to stay cool. All this extra work can cause you to become dehydrated faster than usual, so it’s always smart to keep a beverage close by. Bring a refillable bottle and be sure to keep it topped up with water all day. Drink at least two cups every hour while you are out in the sun. If you’re engaged in strenuous activity, drink even more.

A Wide-Brimmed Hat

Whether you prefer the look of a baseball cap or a floppy beach hat, a wide-brimmed hat is a must when you are at the beach. Wearing a hat with a wide brim helps keep the sun out of your face and protects your delicate skin. While you should apply sunscreen to your face, you likely won’t be able to apply it to your scalp. The skin on the top of your head burns just like the skin anywhere else on your body—even when you have long hair. Wearing a hat helps prevent nasty burns. It also adds extra protection for your eyes, which is crucial on bright, sunny days.

Sunglasses

Of course, you need a good pair of sunglasses, too. The glare from the sun’s reflection on water and sand can be extremely bright. Failing to wear a decent pair of shades can lead to permanent eye damage, so you definitely need to throw a pair in your beach bag. You’ll also want some sunglasses if you are driving to your destination and while participating in outdoor activities. Look for a pair that offers UV and glare protection. If you wear glasses or contacts, talk to your eye doctor about getting a pair of prescription sunglasses.

Beach Towel

Whether you plan on spending the day lounging on the beach reading a book or you think you’ll be spending time in the water, a beach towel is a necessity. A monogrammed beach towel stands out in the crowd and will make your little corner of the beach much easier to find when you leave the water. Monogrammed beach towels from Marleylilly are available in an assortment of colorful patterns, and they’re made from extra-soft velour terry cloth that is comfy to lie on and super absorbent.

Don’t let forgetting an essential item ruin your spring break. Make sure you have all of the items listed above before heading out the door. Need some new gear for your trip? At Marleylilly, we have all sorts of monogrammed goodies that are great for the beach!

Thursday, April 18, 2019 No comments

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the woman in your life. Whether you are shopping for your mom, grandmother, aunt, wife, or even a close friend who is a mom, the right gift is one that shows her how special she is and how much she means to you. There are a lot of options to choose from like the traditional breakfast in bed or bouquet of flowers, but if you want to give her a gift that she will really love, thoughtfulness counts!

From monogrammed jewelry to amazing experiences chosen with her in mind, here are a few of the most thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts that will be sure to put tears in her eyes and a big smile on her face.

Monogrammed Gifts

A nice piece of jewelry is a traditional Mother’s Day gift that nearly any mom would be thrilled to receive. Rather than getting something generic, though, buy her a piece of beautiful monogram jewelry this year. You can have her initials (or her child’s initials!) emblazoned on a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings for a truly one-of-a-kind gift that she will treasure for years to come.

And, if the special mom in your life already has more jewelry than she knows what to do with, a personalized jewelry box is an excellent choice, too. Whichever option you choose, monogrammed jewelry and jewelry boxes are thoughtful gifts that are sure to make any mom smile.

Other types of monogrammed gifts work well, too. If your mom is always on the go, she would love a monogrammed tote set. For moms who love to cook, monogrammed aprons make thoughtful and functional gifts. Even a personalized blanket that she can curl up under when she has time to relax makes a lovely Mother’s Day gift.

An Amazing Experience

The perfect gift doesn’t have to be a physical object. Has the woman in your life always talked about learning to scuba dive but never taken the plunge? Or does she have a specific location on her travel bucket list? Perhaps she’s mentioned wanting to take a cooking class, learn a second language, or take up painting.

Pay attention to the things she says she wants to do, and make them happen. Sign her up for a class or plan her dream vacation. Enjoy the experience with her, or stay in and take care of the kids so she can enjoy a night all to herself.

Giving the gift of an actual experience shows that you are listening to what she says, and it is an amazing alternative to “standard” Mother’s Day gifts. Plus, an amazing experience builds memories that will last a lifetime. There are countless ways to give the special woman in your life an experience as a gift. Pay attention to her interests, and get creative.

Something Handmade

Handmade gifts aren’t just for preschoolers. No matter how old you are, your mother (or another special mother in your life) would be thrilled to receive a gift you made with your own two hands. Use your own unique talents to make something that she will treasure for years to come. If she enjoys a glass of wine and you enjoy woodworking, make her a wine rack. If you are good at quilting, stitch together some of your old clothing to make her a memory blanket. Use your painting skills to recreate her favorite picture of you two together on the canvas. The options are limitless.

Taking the time to think of and create something handmade shows how much you care. It also ensures that the gift you give is one-of-a-kind and won’t be duplicated by your siblings or anyone else in your family.

Conclusion

Your mom and the other women in your life do so much for their families year-round. Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when you can give back and show her just how much she means to you and how appreciative you are of her efforts. Rather than waiting until the last minute and picking up a generic gift from the store, spend some time coming up with a gift that is as thoughtful and unique as she is.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 8 comments

Finding the perfect wedding gift can be a challenge for many wedding party guests, especially if you’ve known the couple for a long time and want to give them something they will cherish forever. While you can pick out something from their wedding registry, it’s likely that those gifts end up being more functional than inspiring in nature. The thought still counts but, if you really want to impress your favorite couple, consider giving them a personalized gift instead. From monogrammed towels to collectible wine glasses, here are seven reasons why personalized gifts make the best wedding presents:

1. A Personal Touch. Taking the time to pick out a gift you think the couple will enjoy receiving and also having it monogrammed or personalized in some way makes it even more special. Almost anyone will appreciate a personalized gift that will add a touch of their own personality to their life. The gift becomes a gesture of appreciation and shows you truly put some thought into it.

2. Has a Functional Purpose. Many personalized gifts can be used every day, so they won’t just sit in a closet collecting dust after the wedding celebrations are over. Whether you end up giving the couple a set of monogrammed coasters, a towel set, or wine glasses, they’re going to make full use of the items in everyday life—or bring them out for special occasions. This makes them both a thoughtful and useful gift.

3. Frequent Reminder of You. Whenever the recipient uses the gift you gave them, they’ll be reminded of you, your thoughtfulness, and that special time in their lives. Being able to evoke those positive memories can strengthen your bond and relationship in a subtle way. The recipient will always remember you for the gift and for attending their wedding events. It’s a fun way to stay in a person’s life, even when you are not with them all the time or even seeing them regularly.

4. Becomes a Part of the Home. Depending on what type of personalized gift you give, the item can become a part of the decor and the recipient’s new home together. You might be giving them a new barware set, monogrammed throw pillows, or a monogrammed doormat to spruce up the place. Your gifts will become a part of the home, which can make it a timeless gift they will enjoy for many years to come.

5. Not Replaceable. When you’ve taken the time to find a gift you know the recipient will enjoy, and then also made the effort to have it monogrammed or personalized, that gift is truly designed for the recipient. In many ways, it’s an irreplaceable gift and may even end up being one that the recipient doesn’t part with easily. They’re less likely to re-gift it or leave it in a closet for years to come because it has their own name or initials on it.

6. Always a Surprise. Giving someone a gift that they feel was designed for them is always a welcome surprise. Imagine their surprise and delight when they open up a box with something as simple as a wooden cutting board that’s been monogrammed with their initials or a pretty picture frame that has their initials engraved on it. Simple gifts like these can make a big impression on the recipient—and keep you in their heart and mind for many years to come.

7. Suitable for Couples. Sometimes it’s just tricky to find a special gift for both the bride and the groom when shopping for wedding presents. You might not know either of them very well, or you might know one person more over another. Whatever the case may be, you can shop for personalized couple’s gifts that will make them both feel special and appreciated during their Big Day celebrations. From monogrammed housewares to stylish bags and accessories, you can give a personalized gift that will be well-received by both the bride and the groom.

Personalized gifts aren’t just a good idea for graduation or birthdays. Giving a gift that has been personalized for the recipient shows you care and nobody else will give the exact same gift. Adding a thoughtful touch to wedding gifts means they will cherish the gift along with the memories of their special day. From clothing and accessories to housewares and decor, consider giving monogrammed gifts to the bride and groom to make their wedding celebration just a little more special.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 3 comments

marleylilly kids shopping guide to duck boots

Duck boots are perfect for outdoor adventures and rainy days because they’re made with an extra layer of rubber and easy-to-clean materials. They were originally called Maine Hunting Shoes for duck hunters and were a mainstay of the wardrobe at elite prep schools. In the past 100 years, these boots have evolved to become a popular style of shoe for non-hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duck boots are now becoming an increasingly popular trend for toddlers and kids as well. They’re practical and versatile boots, just like your typical rain boot, but they have the added benefit of being a lace-up boot which can provide more comfort. You can now find a variety of different styles of duck boots to choose from, including variations in color and materials of the original duck boot. If you’re looking for a durable and versatile boot your kids can wear in virtually any season, here are five tips for choosing the right duck boots:

1. Choose Insulated Boots for Winter. Duck boots are designed to keep your feet dry and warm. If you want to make sure your kids’ feet stay warm and toasty on those winter hikes and time outdoors, you’ll want to buy boots that have a layer of shearling for extra insulation. This material helps trap in the heat so your child’s feet will remain warm no matter what the temperature is outside. Our boots also come with a removable sherpa topper for added warmth and style!

2. Consider Ankle Height. Some duck boots are designed to run above the ankles, almost mid-calf length, while others will hit right at the ankle. If your kids will be playing in the snow or jumping through big puddles, you may want a boot that runs on the higher side. Low-profile boots tend to be more stylish in nature but can still have a functional purpose. If you have younger kids who are still learning how to run and walk on their own, a low-profile boot may be more comfortable for them. High-profile boots can reduce the range of motion because the ankle can’t move naturally so some children will fare better with a shorter style.

3. Shop with Style in Mind. While the classic duck boot is easy to recognize with its brown, black and tan composition, that doesn’t mean you have to buy only this style. There are now many designer boots and variations of the classic duck boot design available. You can find boots made with tan leather uppers and bold colors such as pink, blue and green. These can add a stylish touch to any outfit while still serving a functional purpose.

4. Size Up for Socks. If you know your kids will be wearing these boots in the snow or outdoors for long periods of time, they’ll probably be wearing a pair of thick insulated socks or heavy wool socks with the boot. Our duck boots are made to run larger in size to accommodate thick socks but if you wear a half size, we do recommend sizing down. Otherwise, the boots should fit you perfectly with duck boot socks! That extra layer of insulation can make these boots even more comfortable. Keep this in mind when shopping for different brands because the sizing can be different based on the style.

5. Try Them On. One way to make sure you’ll have a guaranteed fit is to simply try them on and wear them with a few different types of socks to gauge comfort. While this can be a challenge when you’re shopping online, we recommend checking our sizing guide to help you find the perfect fit. Our customer reviews are also a great resource to better find your perfect fit. Just remember that the boots will stretch out over time, so you don’t want something that is an absolutely perfect fit right now. Accommodate for the stretching, different types of socks they might wear with the boot, and general use to make sure you have the right size.

Duck boots are becoming a popular trend for both kids and adults. They are one of the most versatile types of shoes you can have in your closet and are a must-have boot for rainy days and winter weather. Some of the more lightweight, non-insulated styles can even be worn in the summer on stormy days, so they really can be a year-round boot for many. Consider these important tips when choosing monogrammed duck boots for kids so you can find the perfect match and fit.

Wednesday, April 03, 2019 69 comments

Beach Essentials: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Coastal Getaway

Monogrammed Gifts

An Amazing Experience

Something Handmade

Conclusion

The Monogrammed Life

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