Category Archives: Life in the Keys

Beach and Boat Buys, Beach and Boating

Beach Day Essentials for Solo Adventurers in Key West: Reef-Safe Must-Haves

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Hey there fellow beach lovers! If you’re planning a solo beach day adventure in the breathtaking Key West, you’re in for a treat. But before you hit those sandy shores, it’s essential to be mindful of our beautiful coral reefs. Here are some of the most popular reef-safe products to make your beach day unforgettable, all with Amazon Affiliate links, so you can shop responsibly while supporting our blog:

1. **Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion**
   – Protect your skin and the coral reefs with Sun Bum’s eco-conscious sunscreen. It’s water-resistant, mineral-based, and safe for both you and the ocean.


2. **Reusable Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 26 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle**
   – Stay hydrated with this durable, reusable YETI water bottle. Reduce plastic waste and keep your drinks cold even under the hot Florida sun.


3. **Beach Chair with Shade: Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection**
   – Ensure your comfort and sun protection with this versatile beach chair. It comes with an attached SPF 50+ canopy umbrella, providing shade and protection from both sun and rain.


4. **Snorkeling Gear: Cressi Palau Snorkel Set**
   – Explore the colorful underwater world of Key West’s reefs. This snorkel set is comfortable, easy to use, and perfect for solo adventurers.


5. **Beach-Friendly Tote Bag: CGear Sand-Free Beach Tote**
   – Keep your belongings sand-free with this innovative tote bag. It’s perfect for carrying towels, snacks, and all your beach essentials.


6. **Rash Guard: O’Neill Men’s UV Sun Protection Hoodie**
   – Sun protection meets style with this versatile rash guard. It’s not only great for the beach but also for water sports and beachside strolls.


7. **Biodegradable Beach Wipes: Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes**
   – Stay fresh and clean on the go with these biodegradable wipes. They’re gentle on your skin and the environment.

8. **Beach Towel: Sand Cloud Beach Towel**

Lounge in style with a Sand Cloud beach towel. These towels are not only vibrant and beautiful but also eco-friendly, made from recycled materials.



Remember, when shopping through our Amazon Affiliate links, you’re not only getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog. We earn a small commission on each purchase, which helps us keep providing you with valuable content like this.

So, gear up with these reef-safe beach essentials and embark on your solo adventure in Key West with confidence. Enjoy the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters while leaving nothing but footprints behind. Happy beach day, fellow adventurers!

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Relax and plan out your day

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This makes me laugh every time.

Mornings are a time some people love, but others beg to differ (ehem me).

Currently, 2023 mornings.

  • Get up. (Easier said than done. Maligator cuddles are the best!)
Iris (dog) cuddling after getting a bath earlier.
Iris cuddling.
  • “Dog” clothes. (No yard = many “short” potty break walks. With that being said, the question of “Will I be reported for indecent exposure?” Needs to be a “no.”)
  • Fill up the dogs food and water bowl. (It’s what works best for everyone. I’ll get distracted and forget otherwise and remember in the late afternoon. Also, if they eat and drink a little before taking them out they tend to relieve themselves more quickly during our potty walk.)
My Maligator. 😅
  • Potty walk (Tends to take 5 to 20 minutes. Sometimes takes me longer should the last person to have taken them “forgets” to refill their Earth Rated Lavender Scented poop bag containers. Non-morning person here is still struggling with being up let alone noticing what should be full is actually empty. )
My Maligator. (I wish)
  • Meds and hydration time for myself. (If I don’t do both at the same time, I’ll forget. Have many times.)
  • Finally, assess the To-Do’s for the day. (This is where I stop to relax. My new game is Raid Shadow Legends. Very passive but still plays like progress is being made. I’ll play this while I start figuring out the day. Mentally, my list is categorized into: Actually need to do; Will need to do; and maybe squeeze it in, what I want to do if time allows, but not necessarily have to do. I’ll breakdown this method in another blog.)

There are several “Actually need to do’s” I do before planning but it helps considerably because it’s now off my To-do list. This allows me to have a little bit of breather time and helps me focus better.

Having stopped to plan out the day I find it easier to keep up with tasks. I’ll take care of what has to be done and if energy, time, and motivation are up to take care “Will need to do” tasks I’ll be ahead of the game and get a bit of a dopamine boost too. Always a plus.

In short, I plan to take care of daily mandatory work, and if I can get more done, it’s a perk with residual benefits. However, it’s all about keeping a good pace to help prevent burnout.

Many times, I’ll choose to do “What I want to do” over “Will need to do “. It’s better for my mental health, and if it keeps me from derailing into a pit of cyclical feelings of burnout, it still forward progress. May not be fast, but it’s still faster than being at a full stop.

So, with all that being said…

How do you relax?

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-stylus-768472/

Doggy Diary

Morning Stare Down, Courtesy of Sierra and Iris

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Many people who have 4-legged fur kids can attest to their ability to know when it’s time for food and fun. This is one of those moments.

Recently I’ve included Iris to the morning supplement routine. What this includes is allergy meds* for Sierra, my super allergic Pitty-mix, plus some supplements to help boost her immune system to relieve symptoms of allergies.

The supplements have been fantastic for her while we continue to manage her severe allergies. Prior to the change in routine, Iris, my Maligator, knew the routine as “Peanut butter* puppy time” simply because Sierra would take her meds with PB and Iris would have some PB too for being present.

The kicker was after taking her allergy meds, Sierra would also take 6 supplement treats. Iris, ever intently, would stand guard should Sierra or I drop one. Iris is most definitely an opertunist when it comes to food.

Iris staring wanting treats

Iris being a Belgian Malinois is acutely aware of her surroundings. She’s most definitely a high maintenance dog as a result. This is indicative of the breed and part of the reason why Belgian Malinois dogs are not ideal for first time dog parents. She’s tested my limits multiple times with her intelligent stubbornheadedness.

Back to the morning after being ever not so subtlety awoken by the infamous Maligator. Iris was ready for me to wake up. I, not so much from having fallen asleep in the early hours of the morning. That didn’t matter to her. It was getting lighter outside and that meant morning treats. She even managed to wake up Sierra to join her in her endeavor to get my butt up and downstairs.

I’ve lost track of the doggy nudges to wake me up between the two of them.

Not being a morning person, the girls know I make a beeline for the coffee pot. That is expected by both of them. Iris will follow me to the kitchen and Sierra will lazily work her way downstairs.

Upon entering the living room, coffee* in hand, the two of them are already in cahoots armed with the knowledge it’s morning and mommy is up with her coffee. THEIR TURN.

The girls staring wanting their morning “treats”

The two of them working together making sure that I know it’s their turn to recieve their morning treats.

Up until a week ago Sierra was the only one who had been taking supplements. Including Iris into the routine amplified the demand to ensure I make good on the morning routine. Iris is now getting supplements for her skin and coat* in case you were wondering.

Peanut butter is good. Peanut butter and treats are even better. The biggest instigator being Iris who earlier woke up Sierra to join her in waking me up. It was their time to enjoy the morning.

Needless to say the two of them got what they wanted. I did however walk them outside to relieve themselves prior to giving them treats. Two reasons. One, they needed to be taken out. Two, to help reenforce that I’m the Alpha and they are expected to listen to me. The latter mostly due to Iris being a Maligator.

The two of them are already taking their morning post treat nap and being very very good dogs. A tired dog is a good dog. Most definitely when one has a Belgian Malinois in their home.

I even got to enjoy some Maligator cuddles too.

Happy dogs after morning treats.

Well, I’ll be letting them sleep for a bit so I can get my day started. Including letting you in on the life of these two treat loving cuties. Have a wonderful day!

Cuddle pups after their morning treats