My family is from sticky and humid, but the blessed state of Florida. Why I say blessed is because it is graced by lovely and enticing beaches. I grew up in Colorado, and being that far away from my happy place only made me crave and appreciate it more. I have seen all types of beaches - European beaches, island beaches, east coast, west coast - and not one has yet to disappoint me. They contain all the key elements I yearn for; the sound of waves, a sea breeze and sand to dig your toes in. I know every one of us has a happy place, a place that brings on a sense of peace that flows over your body like a wave crashing over you. This one is for my beach homies.

1. Nothing is more calming than the sound of a wave crashing or the seagulls chirping. I have never felt overwhelmed by noise while lying on a beach.

2. Who doesn't love burying themselves in sand? The way it feels between your toes, or the chilled sensation you get when you bury your limbs below the ground and below the water line.

3. Another plus to sand - exfoliating. I don't think I have ever left the beach not feeling soft and glowing because of the nice sand exfoliation I had just received. Your skin becomes so unbelievably soft to touch.

4. You also leave tanner. Like I have said in past articles, who doesn't love being tan? Instant confidence boost.

5. With that soft sea breeze and the light wind, it is so easy to lay out for hours without getting too hot (easier to nap) and if you do get too hot, you have a GARGANTUAN body of water right in front of you.

6. Let’s talk about the cute swimsuits... Always looking for a reason to shop, always.

7. Ok this one is a weird one, but I have this weird obsession with hermit crabs. Everything from their shells to their little squishy bodies and the way they move. Their whole life is on their back! How insane is that really?!

8. Nothing makes me feel healthier and more free than salty natural hair or the way the salt water has magical healing powers. The ocean is physically and mentally healing.

9. It settles the wild in my soul. Cheesy but true, you breathe a sigh of relief as the shore line comes into view and you know everything is going to be alright.

10. You don’t worry. Everything on the beach is forgotten. This is how I feel on my weekend escapes to the beaches of California from my beloved University of Arizona - no school, no drama, no problems.

“Just you, me and the sea”