Orchard Beach

1 of my closest friends turned 55 years young yesterday!!

Neither of us have been to Orchard Beach in at least a year so we decided to take a day trip to the beach as neither of us work Mondays. 

I met Diana at my first job 4 years ago in S. Bronx. She was my assistant for almost 2 years, and we continued our friendship outside of work even when I eventually left that area, so she is a very special friend to me. 

It's rare to meet truly good people and even rarer to meet good friends, but I'm proud to say she is a very good friend of mine~

Orchard Beach is the only beach in the Bronx. It is man-made and construction was done in the 1930s, and for a time, was called "The Riviera of New York". They have picnicking areas, playgrounds, and food stands along with a park nearby. But you can bring your own food and you can drink alcohol on the beach!

The Beach is open from 7AM to 7PM and you can go in the water from 10AM to 6PM when lifeguards are present. 

Parking is $8 on weekdays and $10 on weekends.

We went grocery shopping in the morning. Diana made her signature dish (and one of my favorite dishes--I love fish), Bacalao and we grabbed a 6 pack of her favorite beer, Heineken. 

The birthday lady wildin' out!

We brought a little boom box and played music and danced in the sand~

A nice gentleman let us borrow his mike for a little karaoke session:

Although I love to wear bikinis, I'm glad to see that 1-piece bathing suits coming back in style. There is something just so innocent and classic about a 1-piece suit.

This gigham blue one I picked up at Nordstrom Rack is by Juicy Couture. 

I highly recommend Juicy Couture bathing suits! That brand has never really been my esthetic but the quality of this bathing suit is amazing. Very dense material and comfortable to boot.

We made a detour to City Island and went to Tony's Pier to get some seafood and enjoy the darkening skies:

I came to Orchard Beach only once before, about a year ago. I was much skinnier then because it was right after the Pandemic. (I actually lost weight during the quarantine because I didn't eat junk food or snacks.)

But I love the beach and like I said, I love to wear bikinis whether I lose or gain weight. I have an entire collection of bikinis and I can make them too!

Aren't thise sunglasses so stylish? I feel like shield sunglasses add an edge to any look. 

I had Bacalao when I came with a friend back then too. Bacalao just goes so well with the beach!

Another fashion staple I'm glad to see coming around is the heart-shaped sunglasses. I actually got these at Five and Below. Five and Below is an amazing store for fast fashion and goods that you need right then and there as opposed to long-lasting, quality items:

La vie en rose! 💞