Summer Essentials

May 24, 2011

Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing

With summer fast approaching I have loaded our freezer with popsicles, found our kites and pulled out the inflatable pool and the backyard toys. I have been thinking about other summer essentials, too, so we’ll be prepared for fun in the sun as soon as temperatures rise!

Large Mesh Beach Bag

I needed a good bag to tote our pool gear to and from swimming lessons and various pool outings. This website: www.GreatUsefulStuff.com has some really fun and useful products and their large mesh beach bag fits my needs perfectly!

The strap is comfortable, the space inside is ample and I love that it features both a place to slide in a homemade name plate and a zipper pocket to store my cell phone out of the sun and away from water. The mesh on the sides is great for wet contents and for finding just what you’re looking for before you even reach in to search! You will find a wealth of great items on their website, from kids suitcases to garden tools- check it out!

The Miraclesuit

I discovered this line of swimwear last year and I will never wear anything else. (The ‘fauxkini’ above is my personal favorite.) The Miraclesuit claim to fame is that they will make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds. People…it’s true. Actually it takes me a bit longer than 10 seconds to pull mine on, but once I’m in it I am comfortable and contained. It really is a miracle and just so you realize how powerful the shaping effect is, when the first suit I ordered arrived in the mail, I literally tried it on, washed a brownie down with a cold glass of milk and went online to order another! True story. One size up from what I normally wear in a suit fit me the most comfortably. Order a Miraclesuit; they are worth the investment and you won’t regret it! (I have not been paid or compensated in any way for this endorsement!!!)

Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces Sunblock, SPF 60+

I have gone through four different brands of sunscreen already this year trying to find one that compares to Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces SPF 60. None compare! I cannot find this in any stores near me so I just ordered some from Amazon, Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces Sunblock, SPF 60+ a 2-pack for $20 and that also gets me two travel bottles (notice the little blue bottle in the image). This sunscreen rubs in smoothly and quickly and still protects well for a long time. I can use it on the kids and myself because it isn’t heavy or sticky- it really is just right and I can’t wait until my new bottles arrive!

What’s your summer must-have?