May 24: Buckle up for Summer 2012

It's time to officially bring out the bikinis, boats, and beach chairs for the new summer. As tourists cruise up the 400 to the great north known as Muskoka to celebrate another summer at their cottages and for the locals to welcome back city friends and gather with schoolmates from the older days (or in our case last year.) In lieu of the celebration and homecoming of this weekend 'A' and have conjured up a list of 'must-haves' in order to survive the weekend;

• Bathing Suit- show off that great beach bod you worked hard to achieve while studying for finals, your multitasking is a talent that should be rewarded!
• Beverages- there's no way to survive this weekend without plenty of drinks! We'll be drinking a combo of coolers, mojitos, vitamin water and plenty of water to stay hydrated on this scorching weekend
• Bug Spray- it may as well be the perfume of the north during the Spring and Summer seasons and let us tell you, those black flies are out!
• Casual Summer Dress- that can be dressed up for a night at one of the local pubs/bars or worn simply to the general store to pick up ice and snacks
• Sun Screen- no one really likes a sunburn on their first day back to the docks
• Flip Flops- that can be slipped on or thrown off easily while on the beach or in the boat
• Shorts- of any material of your choosing, whether you decide to don a pair of the bohemian jean shorts with lace inserts or a classic linen/cotton Bermuda
• Sweatshirt- to protect you from the bugs and cold while roasting some marshmallows (and s'mores supplies of coarse!) 
• Sunglasses- to protect your tired eyes the morning after and to add a little mystery when ogling the hot guy at the local golf course or marina 
• Music- bring along a stereo if you want to listen to a local radio station playing some classic rock/ country or your iPod if you want something a little more current

Hopefully our guideline helps you on your last minute weekend packing and most importantly enjoy your May 24 celebrations and play safe because this wild summer has just begun!

xo, 

A & H