Get Up and Glow: Summer Essentials Edition
Introduction
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re going for a hike, exploring a new city, or simply lounging at the beach, it’s important to have the right gear to keep you, your loved ones, and even your fur babies, comfortable and protected from the sun. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top summer essentials you should have when you’re out and about to ensure you stay safe and hydrated.
Summer Essential #1 – Wide Brimmed Hat
One of the most important things to have during the summer is a wide-brimmed hat. Not only does it protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays, but it also keeps you cool by providing shade. There are many different styles to choose from, so find one that suits your personal taste and fits comfortably on your head.
Just like I can’t wait for winter to pull out my scarves and beanies, I also live for the summer days when I can wear my favorite big hats! I’m not talking anything crazy like you’d maybe see at the Kentucky Derby- instead, I look for beauty AND practicality when it comes to purchasing a great summer hat, especially because some come with a pretty hefty price tag.
But what I have learned over the years is that I actually save money on these accessories when I choose quality over quantity, and one of my favorite brands is Gigi Pip. I have three of their 100% Australian Wool felt wide brimmed hats, one in gray, black, and brown, as well as a HUGE handwoven straw hat that is great for the beach and lazy afternoon picnics. My daughter also has a cute boater’s hat from Gigi Pip as well that both protects her from the sun and completes her outfit (pictured above)!
Gigi Pip hats are not just fashionable, they are also functional! Some of the benefits include:
- UPF rating for sun protection, so you can enjoy the sun while staying protected from potentially harmful UV rays.
- An adjustable inner band, to ensure you hat has the perfect fit, especially on breezy days!
- High quality, durable, and timeless
- Packable, so you can take them anywhere and on all of your travels!
Gigi Pip’s mission is to help women build confidence and support the many “hats” they wear in life. I never felt like I was a hat person until I purchased my first Gigi Pip hat. But now whenever I wear one of my hats, I feel confident, authentic, stylish, and practical, regardless of whether I’m out shopping, on a picnic, at the beach, or at a baseball game.
Bonus: Since these hats are way too beautiful to be closed off in a closet when not being worn, they are a fun way to accessorize your entry way or bedroom by hanging them on the wall and showing them off as the works of art that they are! I have mine on these Scandinavian wood hooks in our entry way (pictured above) and they give our home the boho-chic vibe that I love so much.
Summer Essential #2 – Tinted Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have during the summer months, but have you ever considered using tinted sunscreen? Tinted sunscreen not only protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays but also provides a light coverage that evens out your skin tone. This is perfect for those who don’t want to wear a full face of makeup during the hot summer months. But I personally choose to wear tinted sunscreen everyday throughout the year as part of my morning routine after cleansing, then applying a light moisturizer and totally skip foundation and powders.
My go-to product is Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Sunscreen. I love this sunscreen so much because the texture and tint easily blend into my skin, leaving a slight dewy, natural finish. It is a mineral sunscreen, so it is not chemical-based and is better for your skin. And an added bonus is that it is formulated for acne and hyperpigmentation-prone skin. My skin is much happier and healthier as a result of minimizing my skin care routine and embracing all my freckles and “imperfections” that I have accumulated over the years. It was one of the first things I did in order to start living a more authentic life.
Summer Essential #3 – Camelbak Hydration Backpacks
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, a Camelbak Hydration Backpack with room for storage is a must-have. Camelbaks are backpacks that have a built-in water bladder, allowing you to stay hydrated without having to carry around bulky water bottles. They also have room for storage, so you can pack snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials without having to carry a separate bag. Everyone in our family has their own, including the kids, which is nice for hikes, bike rides, or long trips. The kids backpacks have room for storage as well, allowing them to carry their own water, snacks, lib balm, sunscreen, and activities. This is great for moms and dads who inevitably end up carrying everyone else’s stuff while out and about!
Summer Essential #4 – Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables
We all know how important drinking water is in order to stay hydrated, but during the heat of summer, sometimes plain old water just isn’t enough. Our cells not only need water, but they also need vital electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, to be truly hydrated. When we sweat or drink so much water that we are constantly using the bathroom, we are losing these essential minerals and need a healthy way to replenish them to avoid dehydration. One easy, and delicious, way to do this is by eating electrolyte rich fruits and vegetables throughout the day during the summer. Some of the best hydrating fruits and vegetables include:
- Watermelon
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Grapefruit
Another way to keep up on your electrolytes is by drinking healthy electrolyte drinks. Here is a recipe for a refreshing and hydrating Mint and Lemon Balm Lemonade that we will be drinking all summer long!
Another important note on hydration is that diuretics, or substances that have a dehydrating effect on the body, should be minimized in order to maintain proper electrolyte levels. A common diuretic is caffeine, so try to limit your consumption of coffee, sodas, and certain teas, if possible. If you are consuming diuretics, please just be conscious of this and increase your intake of water and hydrating foods and drinks accordingly.
Summer Essential # 5 – Cooling Towels
Cooling towels are one of my favorite life essentials, not just summer essential. If you or your kids are active in sports or other outdoor activities, these towels can be an absolute life saver! All you need is one of the coolings towels, get it wet, and voila! Instant portable cooling system! It feels amazing to have one of these draped around the back of your neck or across your forehead, and have an infinite number of other uses. I like to keep a couple of them in my purse, backpack, and/or gym bag, as once they are dry, they fold up really small and fit into a nice container, making them super portable.
The kids use these if they are outside playing sports, or if we are hiking or biking in the summer time. They are also great for when I have had a headache, or during pregnancy when I feel excessively warm. My sweet dog has even benefitted from these when she comes in from outside panting quite a bit. She loves the way they feel on her belly! We also have a cooling vest for our fur baby when we go on long hikes and can’t use the towels on her. It works in the same way as the cooling towels and helps keep your dog safe during the dog days of summer. Cooling towels and vests are a natural and safe way to effectively lower the body temperature and help avoid heat exhaustion.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top summer essentials you should have when you’re out and about. Remember to always stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. With the right gear, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer while staying comfortable and safe.
Have a safe and happy summer everyone!
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