There’s nothing like a relaxing week at the cottage. Just getting away from it all can be so refreshing, but then add to it the beautiful surroundings and all the activities….heavenly! In my previous post, What to Pack When Renting a Cottage, I talk about some general needs for a cottage vacation such as when spending time at a Parkbridge Resort like my recent family vacation. In this one, I’m going to break down my personal packing list just a little bit more.
What to Wear at the Cottage:
Clothing:
Maxi dresses. I always pack a couple of maxi dresses. I find them just as cool and comfortable as shorts and t-shirts. They’re casual enough for hanging around the resort or attending some of the meals/BBQs or adult events they hold or for heading into town to browse or check out the local cuisine.
A Pashmina or other wrap/shawl. These are great for adding an extra layer when sitting around the campfire at night (it can get downright chilly) or when venturing out in the evening. Looks great when added to one of the maxi dresses.
A hoodie or windbreaker. Again, perfect for wearing in the early morning or evening when the temps drop a bit and if you are planning to head out boating or hanging out dockside.
A bathing suit. I prefer to take two so I still have a dry one to wear if going back to swim some more later in the day. I dislike putting on a wet bathing suit.
Bathing suit cover-up. Generally, I just wrap a towel around myself when going to and from the pool but at the beach, I do like to be able to cover up more to protect myself from the sun.
Sunglasses.
A hat. One of my Grandma’s vintage scarves – a handy and lovely for holding my hair back, especially on a breezy day!
Flip flops. Buy them at Old Navy when they have their annual sale. Great for around the pool and on the beach.
Water shoes. To wear in the pool and the lake. They may not be pretty but they offer great protection for your feet.
Running shoes. I like something closed and sturdier than flip flops for going hiking. At the Lakes of Wasaga, Parkbridge Resort, it’s a bit of a hike to the beach, so I preferred to have running shoes on hand for that too.
Socks. I don’t like to wear running shoes without a thick pair of cotton socks.
Shorts, capris, and a pair of jeans. All are good options for hanging out around the cottage, heading out on a bike ride, or taking part in some of the resort activities such as miniature golf. The jeans are a must have for those times when the temperature drops and for hiking as protection from ticks.
T-shirts and tank tops. A button down shirt is handy for layering purposes.
Pajamas.
Undergarments
Toiletries:
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Hair brush and hair ties. Leave the curling iron and flat iron at home and please don’t be my mother and pack mousse and hairspray. You really don’t need all those extras at the cottage. Keep your hair fuss-free and just enjoy yourself.
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Shampoo and conditioner. Lush solid shampoo bars travel especially well. Argan oil for my extremely dry hair, especially after exposing it to chlorine in the pool.
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Soap or shower gel.
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Cleanser. I love Simple Kind Skin Micellar Water. You don’t even need to be near a sink to use it making it so handy when sharing a cottage with other people. I pack a few cotton pads to use with it.
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Liquid hand soap. Two bottles – one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen.
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Moisturizer. With sunscreen in it. I like the Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Moisturizer Plus Serum Duo.
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Lip balm. I like the kind with sunscreen in it.
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Acne control cream. Yes I am in my 50s. I barely had acne as a teenager but have breakouts of adult acne now. Neutrogena All in One Acne Control Cream is my little miracle worker.
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Eye cream. I choose Olay Total Effects 7 Eye Brightening CC Cream. Because wrinkles don’t take a vacation.
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Body lotion. Nivea lotion is my jam and I prefer the kind that gets applied in shower.
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Toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss.
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Sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Hand cream. I have seriously dry skin. Can you tell? Philosophy Hands of Hope is my go to.
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Makeup. If I know we’re just going to be staying at the resort, I generally don’t take any with me at all. But if there’s a chance we might go into town, I like to wear just a little bit to perk my face up. Mascara and a nude lipstick are plenty. I don’t find that I need any blush or bronzer because my face has a bit of colour and glow to it from being outside anyway.
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A small freestanding mirror. There are several of us sharing one bathroom. Any of my grooming routine that I can complete outside the bathroom with the help of my little mirror is good.
I don’t generally bring any jewelry. I don’t need it at the cottage and I’m afraid I’ll lose it or forget it or something. Pretty much all of mine is sentimental and its loss would break my heart.
Personal items: I bring my iPad because that’s where my Kindle books, Texture magazines, and Bible studies are. It’s also handy for watching Netflix late at night or on the drive to the cottage. My sketchbook and some pencils. Camera. A craft project that I have on the go like crocheting or embroidery. Binoculars and bird guide. Allergy pills and nose spray. Neti pot and rinse packets.
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