6 Essentials for a Fab Summer: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Shoes, Cool Clothes, Hat, Books

The long summer months are full of potential. From hitting the beach to hitting the open road, there are plenty of activities for you to get outdoors and explore the warm weather. To make the most of the sunny days and star-studded nights, you need to be prepared so you have fun, feel fabulous and stay safe.

To have a fun and fab summer, don’t leave home without these essentials:

Sunscreen: Any time you’ll be outside, it’s important to wear sunscreen. This is especially important when spending time around sand and water as these reflect the sun’s rays, which put you at higher risk for sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), is SPF 30 or higher, and is water resistant.

Our recommendation: Beach Gypsy Glitter SPF 30+, a luxurious formula that features SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and 80 minutes of water resistance, with this eco-friendly biodegradable glitter. Infused with natural antioxidants and essential nutrients, PABA and Paraben free. Because when you’re protecting your skin, you look amazing.

Sunglasses: Did you know your eyes can get sunburned? Protect those peepers by keeping sunglasses on hand. If you wear prescription glasses, a stylish and affordable solution is Solar Shield, available in clip-ons and fits-over designs. Solar Shield sunglasses are polarized and come at an affordable price point, so you can have a pair with you for all your summer adventures. Put a pair in the car, your workout bag, purse and backpack, the cabin and anywhere else you’ll need sun protection.

Shoes: The unofficial shoe of summer has to be the flip-flop. This easy-on, easy-off shoe has been keeping feet cool for generations. The problem is flip-flops offer little support and put you at higher risk of injury. From stubbing your toes to being a tripping hazard, flip-flops are a flop when it comes to your health.

Our recommendation: The Inkkas line of Slip-Ons that are not just durable, they also have super soft interior lining and premium removable insole with arch support! Add reinforced heel stitching, 100% rubber outsole and reinforced elastic stitching. What’s not to like?

Cool Clothes: When we said, “cool” we meant it as a double entendre. Cool also equals chic, and cool also equals all-natural cotton. Cotton breathes, meaning it allows air to circulate against the body so you don’t get too hot. It also can wick away sweat and dries quickly. Ann Taylor’s new summer collection fall into that category. Proposing primary colors, these looks can take you all the way to Labor Day.

Hat: Who wears hats? If you don’t know, you can ask Meghan, Duchess of Sussex! Designed by Scala, the Sanibel Hat is what’s called a facesaver. The Scala Collezione crushable straw hat is UPF50, for ultimate sun protection. The paper braid and grosgrain mean your beach days will never be the same again. How cool is that?

Books: Who reads books, when you can always stream at Netflix or Hulu? Well… where do you think these entertainment geniuses get their ideas from? The Game of Thrones and The Handmaid’s Tale were books before they were adapted for the small screen. So be ahead of the curve and read or listen to these books that are just waiting to be discovered.

Play for Keeps by Maggie Wells

I won’t be surprised if the Hallmark Channel options “Play for Keeps.” Its story is a shoo-in with it theme of a second chance at love with sports and social media in the mix.

When new men’s basketball coach Tyrell Ransom’s personal life was plastered all over social media, public relations guru Millie Jenkies must work double time for some serious damage control.

If you’re thinking that this is going to be one of those sports jock story, yes you’re right. But it has twists that make it hard to put down once you start. Maggie Wells knows her craft and she threw in enough curve balls to make you say, “huh?” in one page then laugh out loud in the next page. As characters, Ty and Millie are so believable that there are times that I think they just live next door!

Play for Keeps is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to some adult situations.

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

The Law of Moses is a duology, with the first one as the same title as the series and the second one is “The Song of David .” These two books combined must be made into a mini-series instead of just a movie. “The Law of Moses” is Hulu or Netflix or Amazon Prime material.

Evocative of Dean Koontz without the creepiness but with lots of spirituality, “The Law of Moses” touches your intellect first and then your heart. You cry for a boy who just wanted to belong. You cry for a girl who believed she was not loved. And as they tug in your heartstrings, you begin to believe there is a God.

Both books have a religious touch without being preachy. And that is what makes “The Law of Moses” series so beautiful. If you have not discovered Amy Harmon yet, you should read these two books. You will be an instant fan!

“The Law of Moses” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is advised due to violence (off page but still there) and some adult situation.