Summer Essentials

Summer time is in full swing and seems to have appeared before we were ready for it.  I am ok with this as I love summer time.  So I wanted to share with you a list of my summer essentials.  Besides beach towels and bathing suits, there are so many more things that I set aside strictly for summer time.
Sundresses are a must.  They look nice, keep you cool, and can easily slip on and off for a beach cover up!

A big floppy hat.  These are back in style now and I’m seeing them everywhere. I bought this one at Target.   Be careful at the beach though, they do fly away even in the softest of breezes.  If you’re worried about it, you can do two things to keep wearing it.  1-put a scarf on you head and tie it, this will make the hat more snug and grip a little better or 2 – tie the same scarf around the hat so that it pulls it snug around your head.  Both looks are great and I’ve tried them, all for the sake of reading a good book at the beach while not burning up my nose and face!

Speaking of sunburns, we all know that skin cancer is very real.  Though looking bronzed up is great, at least protect yourself while you’re soaking up some rays.  Blue Lizard is one of my favorite sunscreens.  Very waterproof and great for sensitive skin.  Plus they offer on that is PABA free.

Unfortunately for me, not only am I susceptible to sunburns, bugs also LOVE me.  So I have to put on bug spray when I’m outside for awhile, but I hate using all kinds of harsh chemicals.  Burt’s Bees makes an herbal insect repellent that is excellent.  I still make sure to use my Cutter deep woods spray though if I’m doing any trail running or hiking.

It’s also important for me to protect the Superbanite pup.  Though she has her anti-flea and tick treatment once a month, those buggers can still jump on her and she can bring them into the house.  This spray is PERFECT for her (and for me!)

Summer time is all about footwear or lack there of.  I love to go barefoot or wear sandals, but sometimes you want a little more coverage.  These shoes, Sanuks, can give you just that.  These are their sidewalk surfers.  They feel like sandals, they are light and comfy.  They also make for a great shoes while you’re traveling!

Sperrys are my other alternative.  This style is feminine yet still work as a great boat shoe.  I grew up sailing and these were always a summer essential, before they were ever in style.

Who doesn’t love a cup of iced coffee or iced tea and even better that it stays cold.  These stay cold reusable cups are amazing!  Stick them in the freezer to use.  Plus, if you’re having a cookout on a hot day, why not pour your sangria into it?

What are some of your summer essentials???