Obviously, everybody should be wearing this swimsuit from BlackMilk down at the beach this summer. I know I will be. I’m going to surf in it and keep the cape on, that way I can stage interventions if anybody drops in or fades. I love BlackMilk so hard. I love BlackMilk so hard the main character of my next book (news on that shortly) wears it ALL THE TIME. Because she can.

Also, if you are a beach goer, and you don’t already use it, you should consider getting some of this:

(That stunning camera work is mine by the way – note the artfully placed frangipanis – and people often wonder why I don’t have more Instagram followers …) Ella Bache’s Sunguard is the best product I have ever used, and I’m in the water for 1 to 2 hours most days, so I’ve tested a few. Since I started using it (thanks Fran!) my foundation is now about 2 or 3 shades too dark. So. You know. Proof right there.

Also, everybody needs to read these books if they haven’t already:

From time to time, I get REALLY ANNOYED that more fuss isn’t made of Karen Foxlee’s writing in Australia. And then I get a smile of satisfaction when I remember she is KICKING ARSE in the U.S. I loved this book, particularly the evil snow queen.

Jaclyn Moriarty treats her characters with tenderness and care, and she must set them a good example because that is also largely how they treat each other. Her plots resolve themselves as if by magic. She is WONDROUS.

What are your summer essentials?