Easy Beach Tips!

Sand, sand everywhere!

so long ago... miss those days!

Well, I'm on vacation in Florida this week so I thought it would be a perfect time to give some summer vacay tips!

First, check out this post by Liz: Life's a Beach for some awesome sand aversion advice! Great minds think alike, as I have an essential, go-to packing list too (I love lists!) But my favorite is the Sheet Seat:

"I’m lazy. I hate lugging chairs and stuff to the beach. I throw a few sheets in my beach bag and I’m good to go. I can dig a “seat” in the sand, cover it with my sheet, and I’m comfy. Then when I’m ready to go- sand whips off a sheet much easier than a towel or blanket. No more gallons of sand going in the washer!"

Thanks, Liz!

Here are a few more beachy and vacationing tips...

• Apply sunblock before you get on the sand - then it won't stick as much, and you won't have to keep your kids from having fun as soon as you arrive. And don't forget the lip balm with SPF!
• I'm going to re-emphasize the importance of resealable bags:
• to keep stuff protected - phones, money, sunscreen, a book, snacks
• but also, to bring back souvenirs - shells, driftwood, even sand and critters!
• A golf umbrella is a saving respite if you've had too much sun - I need shade! And it's usually several degrees cooler, a good place to put phones and drinks.
• Freeze bottled waters the night before - when you're at the beach all day, they melt slower and stay cold longer.
• Don't forget your sunglasses:
• easily lost and broken, I suggest having a cheap, fun pair just for the beach
• but if you wear prescription specs like me, you're blind for the day with regular shades or get a headache with perma-squint. (I've tried the specs that shade in the sun - not a fan; they always looked dim, even inside!) So, I found these clip-on shades for my glasses. They're not too expensive, and they come in lots of sizes/styles (thank you, Walmart). I love them!

• Back at the "house" we love playing games, so we always bring some with us. And we even come up with a few of our own (look for an upcoming GAMES post!)
• Lastly, check out this video I found on Facebook with a bunch of easy, demonstrated beach tips. I especially love the Flip Flop Fix (with a pop can tab!) and the Frozen Aloe Sunburn Relief!

So, get out there and enjoy the blistering summer! Do you have any summer vacay or beach tips to share?

5 Sunscreen Myths and Mistakes

Chances are, this is what some of you are still feeling like after your 4th of July celebrations:

But don't feel alone! We've all been there. We used sunscreen, we scoped out the shade, and we even wore those ugly hats that we grabbed last second at Walmart. So where did we go wrong? Here are 5 common mistakes and myths that help keep us lobster bright every summer.

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1. We don't use enough sunscreen. Did you know it takes a full ounce to cover the average human body? That's enough to fill a shot glass. Unfortunately for our rosy red glow, studies show that most of us are only putting on a quarter to half as much as we need.

2. We don't reapply often enough. Just because it says "waterproof" or "sweat-proof" doesn't mean it's going to stick with you through thick and thin. While simply being wet or sweaty may not wash it away, that dive for the volleyball on the sand, drying off with your towel, or wiping the water out of your eyes while swimming certainly will. Remember, it's sweat-proof; not abrasion-proof. This is especially important for parents of active babies and children.

Just tell them it's war paint if they argue. via GIPHY

3. Being tan/dark complected doesn't mean you can't burn. Melanin distribution is one of your skin's natural defenses against the great ball of fire in the sky, though those of us with fair skin may have very little for the body to distribute. For those of you with loads of it, remember this: While it does make you more resistant to burning, it definitely doesn't make you immune. It simply means you can be exposed longer before burning.

via GIPHY

4. Being tan/dark complected doesn't mean you can use a lower SPF. I've heard it a million times: "I'm already tan, so my SPF15 face lotion is enough." NOPE. Nuh-uh. The SPF rating has less to do with the level of protection it offers and everything to do with the length of your exposure. If you usually burn in 10 minutes, SPF15 is supposed to allow you to be in the sun 15 times longer without burning, or 150 minutes. SPF20 20 times longer, and so forth.  (Note - don't forget #2! No matter the SPF rating, you can still inadvertently remove it.) If you're going to be out all day, just go ahead and reach for the 30 or higher. Your future self will thank you.

via GIPHY

5. It's cloudy, so I don't need as much sunscreen. That's another NOPE. Especially if you're on the beach or on the water. That pristine white sand and those lapping waves are bouncing all of those rays right back at you for a double dose of UV. Worse, these rays sneak right in under that ugly hat because they're coming from all angles like little evil laser beams.

Yes, the ground IS lava. via GIPHY

So it's your turn to dish! What are your best sunburn tips, advice, and stories?