We share tips for preparing for summer, including staying cool, protecting your skin, and planning fun activities for kids.
Happy (almost) summer!
Whether it’s a beach vacation, a backyard barbecue, or some time at the pool, now is the time to get outdoors. Long days are filled with sunshine and heat, a special feeling of freedom from routine and school schedules, and the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends (a young family beach trip is always a great time and one I look forward to every year).
There’s also more sunlight during the day, and evening walks are one of my favorite ways to add 30 minutes of activity to my exercise routine. The boys and I love walking around our neighborhood on our scooters and bikes at night.
Being organized will not only make your summer more enjoyable and relaxing, but will also free you from unnecessary stress. From gathering the right equipment to planning exciting activities, every little thing can enhance your summer experience. Here are my favorite ways to make the most of the summer season and be sure to enjoy every sunny moment.
My favorite water bottle is only $17
How to prepare for summer
1. Refresh your beauty routine.
I always refresh my beauty routine in the summer and save a little money by layering less. But more sunscreen! Summer beauty for me means all SPF and minimal makeup. Counterface sunscreen is my favorite. I also live with a tinted moisturizer with SPF (this time of year I’ve switched from Oliveda skin tint to Dime Wonderscreen just for SPF). Complete with cream blush, mascara, and lip gloss.
2. Pack your pool bag.
We spend a lot of time at the community pool all summer long, so we’re looking forward to pool day starting. Our pool bags are ready to hold your best Turkish towels, swimming goggles for kids, your favorite sun hats, sunglasses, wet bags for your wetsuits, and more. All my favorite bags and everything in them are linked here.
3. Plan a summer trip.
Whether you’re gearing up for a family road trip, spending the weekend at the beach, or jetting off to somewhere new, it’s travel season. My top tip: Use credit card points to travel for free! Try to at least get free flights (my flights to Jamaica and Universal were on points) and if you load your card correctly (ha!) you can also get free resorts. It’s the easiest way to travel more with fewer dollars.
If you’re looking for a new suitcase, I’m obsessed with the new Away Carry On and handle-fit backpacks. Worth the cost!!
4. Visit Costco for food and entertainment.
I like to keep my pantry a little extra stocked with things like chips, crackers, and extra drinks during the summer because you never know when your neighborhood will have an impromptu potluck or block party. Don’t forget paper plates, napkins, cups, and a picnic-friendly cooler bag!
5. Stock up on safer sunscreen.
My favorites are Crunch sunscreen and Supergoop for body. And I love Dime’s Tinted Wonderscreen all-in-one (20% off with code: KATHEATS).
6. Get ready for an outdoor concert.
Summer is the season for outdoor concerts! These are our favorite concert chairs and backpack coolers. This portable picnic table is one I’ve used for years and is perfect for concerts and picnics because it’s low to the ground and light. When you fold the legs, it becomes a bag shape and is convenient to carry!
7. Simplify your meal plan.
Make meals in advance. Cold salads and no-cook meals. True Nature frozen meat. blue apron. Do everything you can to stop the oven and prevent food from flowing. I’m glad to be able to eat at the pool a little more this time of year.
8. Brighten up your patio.
Dust off your patio furniture (literally!) and get ready for happy hour (it’s already 5 o’clock!)! Check out this post for summer happy hour essentials.
9. Keep your summer athleisure cool.
Athleta is a summer activewear staple that’s as stylish as it is functional. My Athleta shorts and Birkenstocks are summer essentials. I also love summer pieces from Carve Designs like the Cruz Rashguard and Bali Shorts (I wear both in medium) as summer pool cover-ups.
10. Keep your freezer full of fruit for smoothies.
Summer = smoothie season! With so much fruit stocked in your freezer, you can make healthy homemade smoothies whenever you want. I’m obsessed with my new Beast Blender! Here are my best smoothie tips and tricks. Or get Daily Harvest’s new protein smoothie.
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What are you looking forward to this summer?
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