The Meaning of a Purple Flag at the Beach

Since I have a strong personal preference for avocados and incorporate them into almost every aspect of my life—even though my children absolutely do not share my enthusiasm, which simply means I get to enjoy the whole, glorious batch myself!—I like to have a little post-beach self-care ritual.

Whether I’ve had a peaceful swim or simply enjoyed watching the waves from the shore, I head to the kitchen and make my go-to avocado toast. It’s a simple, satisfying snack that helps me slow down after a day by the ocean.

Ingredients You’ll Need
½ large ripe avocado
1 slice of hearty whole-grain toast
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
A small pinch of flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

The Gentle Mash: Toast your bread until it’s wonderfully crisp. Mash the avocado with the fresh lemon juice and a small pinch of sea salt.

The Mindful Moment: As I enjoy my toast with a warm cup of tea, I take five slow, deep breaths. I remind myself: I am safe, I am capable, and I am allowed to rest and enjoy this moment.

The Daily Habit: For me, simple rituals like this are an enjoyable way to unwind and make room for a little calm at the end of the day.

My Farmhouse Tips for Beach Safety

Honoring my mother-in-law’s golden rule of keeping things simple, functional, and safe, here are my gentle rules for enjoying the ocean:

✅ Know the Flags