by the Looks and Leaps family
Are you planning to go to the beach this summer? Or relax by a pool? Let’s talk beach bag favorites! Sunscreen is a given.
April’s picks – a kite! May seem like an odd choice for a beach bag staple but the beach is a great place to fly a kite. It entertains the kids if the waves are too rough and they are tired of digging in the sand. The breeze is always strong enough so that even the dollar store versions work well. And with the inexpensive styles you can let the kids take the reigns and not worry about losing them when they “accidentally” let go of the tail or get them tangled in who knows what. Just toss the old one and start over with a new one next summer!
Sunny’s picks – Anyone else prone to ruining Smartphones? I’ve gone through more than I can count. I’m on a first name basis with Geek Squad. So in order to try to keep my iPhone dry and working properly, I always keep a waterproof pouch in my beach bag. I snap a few pics of the family flying their kites and building sandcastles, then I make sure it is safe and sound in the pouch before I head out for more fun!
Cindy’s picks – Going to the beach? I always have my bottle of vinegar in case of a jellyfish sting. I also swear by my solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar for swimmer’s ear. The alcohol draws the water stuck in the ear out and the acetic acid in the vinegar lowers the pH in the ears, decreasing the chances that bacteria and fungi will grow.
Joe’s picks – Definitely a floppy hat. I know it may look a little nerdy but really, are you trying to grow skin cancer? I used to wear a baseball hat but my nose and my ears were always getting burned. I found my hat of choice in a hiking store.
But my first favorite thing is a good pair of flip flops/sandals. I recommend OluKai’s. I found the perfect pair in Hawaii and now wear them all the time in the warm months. Easy to slip in and out of and have extraordinary comfort and foot support. The great thing is you don’t have to go to Hawaii to find them. Many stores now carry them and they also can be found online at the OluKai website and on Zappos.
Jack’s picks – A good book or magazine. The beach is one of my favorite places to read. Also a radio. Yep I’m that guy.
Wendy’s picks – Agree with Dad on the hat and and Jack on the book. The days of being careless with sun protection are long gone. A hat provides extra shade for your face and makes it easier to read in the bright sun. You can buy them practically anywhere. This year I scored two at (get this) The Dollar Tree. One basic straw floppy and one basic straw fedora. Yes, one dollar each. Practically disposable! My other faves are lip balm and again, a book. I prefer paperbacks because they dry out pretty well if I accidentally drop them in the water. Reading by the beach or pool = bliss. Especially with a cold beer or cocktail.