Summer Lake Day

July 2020

Nothing like time outside (…and near water, it’s HOT in Austin!) to help revive my soul during the monotony of quarantine life. The days seem to blend together when we are doing the same thing day in and day out, which is why a morning at the lake was exactly what we needed this week. Plus, it felt SO good to throw on a bikini (this one is seriously amazing) and just let my belly soak up some much needed sunshine…and probably the rest of my body, too, ha! Anyone notice that shorts tan? 😉

My sister-in-law has family with access to Lake Austin, so we were extra thankful to enjoy this little slice of heaven while most of the public parks are closed. Giant oak trees, a nice breeze under the shade and some time in the water cooling down on a float – watching the ski boats with wake boarders trailing behind cruise by! This time outside almost made me forget we’re living in a pandemic…it’s a wonder what a little bit of nature can do to ease our stresses!

At eight months pregnant and chasing a toddler all day long, I have been searching high and low for a bikini that can handle my active lifestyle currently and post-baby. Before the pandemic, I used to daydream about swimming laps for exercise at this stage of pregnancy…but then pools and gyms closed (or are just too risky) and that plan was thrust out the window. However, I do still plan on swimming laps as soon as things get better, so finding a suit that is both cute and functional is a really big deal – and the Bottom Turn Bikini Top and Sunamee Bikini Bottoms by Patagonia are seriously everything! I am wearing a small top and medium bottoms for size reference. I love how supportive the top feels and the bottoms are silky soft and really flattering. Honestly, any suit by Patagonia is a win if you’re active in your swimwear.

My cover-up is actually just a breezy button down, also by Patagonia. I went with a size large so it would cover my booty and upper legs. You can’t go wrong with a classic white button down…always a yes for anything from a lake day to a beach vacation. Or front-tuck into denim shorts with cute sandals for an easy summer outfit idea!

Lastly, y’all know I’m a major Birkenstock fan, and the Granada Sandals are so comfortable and easy to wear with anything! You can’t really go wrong with any style of Birks, but these are a nice change-up from the usual Arizona Sandals I tend to reach for. I wear a size 7 in all my shoes and am a 36 in Birkenstocks for reference.

Even before I was a mom, Backcountry was my first choice when shopping for any and everything for an active lifestyle. Now that I take about a million steps a day chasing Jude around and am constantly hanging out in his kiddie pool, I appreciate more than ever all the clothing, swimwear and shoes Backcountry carries that fit my lifestyle. I may not be hiking a mountain or paddle boarding these days, but even activities as simple as running through the hose call for a swimsuit that can handle more than “basking” in the sun…!

Whether you have an epic road trip planned (can I live vicariously through you?) or you’re headed to a local swimming hole (…or the blow-up pool in your backyard), look no further than Backcountry for all of your outdoor needs!

As always, use code LIVVY15 for 15% off your first purchase – some exclusions apply. PS. Backcountry is currently running a big sale on a couple of my favorite outdoor brands: The North Face & Arc’teryx up to 50% off!

SHOP MY LOOK

SWIMSUIT TOP (wearing S) / SWIMSUIT BOTTOMS (wearing M) / BUTTON DOWN / SANDALS / BEACH TOWELS (mine is old) / WATER BOTTLE