They say summer’s unofficial kick off date is Memorial Day weekend, but according to the calendar, it’s not until June 21. I don’t know about where you are, but it is sure starting to feel like summer where I live and for my family, summer means lots of time outdoors at the pool or beach!
We all know sunscreen is the most important summer item we need (dermatologists recommend that we all wear at least an SPF of 15 on a daily basis) but beyond that, here are 5 additional summertime essentials just for moms:
1. Beach bag
A beach bag is one of the most important things to have when venturing to the beach or pool. A handy tote will make it easier to carry all of your fundamentals when making the long trek across the burning sand to find that perfect spot to sit.
Beach bags can be purchased most anywhere. My favorites are made of mesh so they are easy to clean and I love having several compartments for money, keys, sunglasses, etc. Target has some great beach totes like this one by Xhilaration ($19.99):
Click on image for additional information.
2. A comfortable cover-up
You need something besides a bathing suit to wear to the pool or beach and a comfy cover-up fits the bill. Look for a loose cut that hits midthigh (or longer), covers your backside but won’t cling to limbs. A drawstring waist can help keep flowy fabric in check.
Tunics or button-downs, just keep in mind the perfect cover-up does not have to match your swimsuit; bright, bold, solid colors or floral, a cover-up is a must have summer item! For a wide range of sexy cover-ups and beach dresses, like the one shown below, visit Victorias’s Secret.
Click on image for additional information.
3. Flip-flops
If I could live in open-toed shoes I would. Wait a minute, I do and flip flops are my favorite; plus that walk from the car to my lounge chair on the pool deck or my towel on the beach can be hot on your tootsies.
I have dozens of pairs of flip flops and some of the most comfortable and colorful ones I own, I bought at Old Navy, where they are often well under $10.00!
Click on image for additional information.
4. A good solid sun hat
Baseball caps are cute, but they only protect your forehead and nose from harmful UV rays. Margaret Parsons, a Sacramento, Calif. dermatologist, says a smarter choice is a tightly woven hat made from straw or solid cloth, like cotton canvas or poplin, with a 3- to 4-inch brim. You can’t go wrong with this Solumbra Weekender hat ($58.00):
Click on image for additional information.
5. Water
Sure, you’re be swimming in it or admiring it from afar, but you need to drink it, too! The average adult requires 8 full glasses of water each day as recommended by doctors everywhere. This number increases when lying out in the sun.
A good tip is to bring a gallon of water and a couple water bottles. That way you can keep one water bottle in the cooler and not have to waste valuable cooler space.
Other summertime items to consider:
- Camera – To capture all those water fun memories on film, er, I mean digital.
- Book and/or magazine – Maybe a reference guide on what kind of shells there are, or if you just want to relax, bring some light reading material.
- Kite – For windy days.
Trips to the beach are a popular summertime activity for both children and adults. Beaches are great for relaxing in the sun and enjoying the refreshing waters of lakes and oceans. Having the right items with you will help ensure you get the most out of your beach getaway.
Stay tuned, later this week I’ll be sharing 5 Summer Essentials to have for Children!
Photo credits: kirstelisa, Target, Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy, Solumbra
