I was lucky enough to spend the long holiday weekend up at one of my favorite places in the world - Ludington, Michigan. I grew up going to my family's cottage on Hamlin Lake, which my grandparents purchased when my father was just a boy. There is no place I feel more relaxed, connected and able to recharge.

happy place // Hamlin Lake

The Recap

We got in on the 4th just in time to grill out and head down to the beach for the fireworks, and catch one of the best pure Michigan sunsets I can remember.

Sunset in Ludington

Is that even REAL? I have many more pictures I won't bore you with but let's just say it kept getting better and better as the sun went down.

My family was super active while we were there, and I was able to run on Friday and do some mediation and yoga down on our pier on Saturday (which was heavenly).


My pup Banks was also in heaven. Although he's not the best swimmer, the pier is his favorite spot too.


On Saturday we took a pontoon boat out to the dunes on our lake, which has MUCH warmer water right now than Lake Michigan.


We finished off the weekend with a round of golf before we left on Sunday afternoon. Such a perfect mix of activity and relaxation!

I overpacked per usual, but I did pick up a few lake essentials before I left for the weekend. Here are a few of my favorite must-haves for an active lake weekend.

Summer Lake Weekend Essentials

Clockwise from top left - Blissed out dress // beach break triangle top // beach break suit in stripe // free to be bra // blissed out dress in black // run: pace setter skirt

I LIVED in my new suit on the lake, which was perfect for a more active day than just laying by a pool. I was unsure about the dress but it proved to be the perfect cover up for the boat and lounging afterwards.

The bra was perfect for some AM yoga (not to mention the colors SCREAM summer!) and the skirt in tall length, is appropriate for golf and stashing extra tees.

Excited to get back in action this week with some new recipes and posts. Stay tuned!