Fun at the beach survival kit

Fun at the beach survival kit
If you live near a beach, whether it be the ocean or a lake, spending time at the shore is a great way to enjoy time with your kids -- and keep away the boredom bug. If you don't live near the water, but are planning a vacation to the beach, here are some must-haves!

Sunscreen savvy

This is probably the most important item in your beach bag. Make sure you have sufficient sunscreen protection for yourself and your children. The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, so limit your time in the sun during those hours.Choose a sunscreen lotion that is at the very least 15 SPF, more appropriate for children is an SPF of 30 or more. Be sure to adequately apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, nose and neck. Speak to your doctor about sunscreen and babies under six months of age.Don't forget your lips! Bring along sun protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more. An aloe-based after-sun lotion is a great way to soothe your skin after a day in the sun so apply after your day at the beach.
Protective barriers

Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays, sun hats with brims, and beach umbrellas are all wonderful items to have along for added protection. Babies under six months old should wear protective clothing, a brimmed sun hat and if possible, baby sunglasses that protect from harmful UV rays. Babies should not spend a lot of time in the sun, but if they are, keep them protected! A first aid kit with bandages, an antibiotic cream and other essentials is an excellent idea as well.
Chairs and blanket

There are chairs made specifically for the beach, they sit low to the ground and fold up neatly, often they include a handy shoulder strap. Don't count on the beach having chairs for its guests! A blanket is another nice thing to bring along. Not only is it comfortable to sit on, but it's a welcome comfort from the hot sand on bare feet.
Sand and water toys

Kids love digging and building in the sand, it's a must for a beach visit. There is a huge variety of toys on the market made specifically for water play. Nerf balls and lightweight canvas Frisbee discs are great because they float and often come in neon colors so they can be seen easily.Don't forget the standard shovels and pails, sand diggers and sand sifters, all which are great for building sand castles, sifting for shells and rocks and pouring water into makeshift motes. Bring along a plastic jar to collect shells. A butterfly or small fishing net can be loads of fun for catching small minnows near lake shorelines! Let's not forget the old beach standby, the beach ball. Squirting water toys are also a blast and can keep the kids busy for hours. Goggles and water masks are great, but can be easily lost in the water. Be sure to bring along extras! There are hundreds of different kinds of beach and water toys, bring along what your family will enjoy.
Floatation devices

Most public beaches do not allow items such as floating rafts, noodles, or "arm floaties" as they are not Coast Guard-approved swim or safety wear. Check with your beach lifeguards or town officials to see what they will or will not allow. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are welcome and recommended for young swimmers, even those who have recently learned to swim, for safety purposes. Many beaches offer free loaner lifejackets, or they offer them for a nominal fee.
Extra towels

Bring towels along for each member of your family. Bringing along an extra or two cannot hurt, especially of little Timmy decides to take his into the water with him!
Water and snacksBeing in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family. Check with your beach and see if coolers are allowed so that you can keep it nice and cold. If your beach does allow coolers, this is a great way to save money on snacks. Instead of buying from the beach concession stand, bring along fresh fruit, pretzels, cold sandwiches and carrot sticks.
Extra clothing

Bringing along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts is not a bad idea. If your beach trip will continue on into the evening, bring a windbreaker or sweat jacket for everyone, just in case the temperature dips down. Be sure that everyone has adequate footwear -- swim shoes are a great idea as well, especially for rocky beaches.
Preserving memories

Don't forget your camera! You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras to capture all of those sunny moments. Inexpensive one-time-use cameras are also available for underwater use!
Your beach survival kit
Now that you are ready to head off to the beach, here's a summarization of everything we have suggested. Check each item off to see if you are ready to roll!

___ Sunscreen (at least 15 SPF)

___ Lip balm

___ Aloe after sun lotion

___ First aid kit

___ Sun hat

___ Sunglasses

___ Beach umbrella

___ Chairs, blanket

___ Pail & shovel

___ Nerf type ball and/or lightweight nylon Frisbee disc

___ Sand digger and sifter

___ Goggles or masks

___ Plastic jar for collecting shells

___ Life jackets

___ Towels (and extras)

___ Bottled water

___ Snacks (if allowable)

___ Extra clothing and footwear

___ Water/swim shoes

___ Waterproof camera or waterproof disposable camera
Preserving natureA special note:

remember, if you find live snails, crabs, fish, starfish or other underwater lifeforms, observe them, then put them back. Only take home empty shells, fossilized starfish and rocks.Be sure to discuss water safety with your kids before going, and enjoy your trip to the beach!

Source: http://www.sheknows.com/articles/4264.htm

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Keeping Cool in the Summer

Summer can be a wonderful time. However, to some it may not be as pleasant. Some people live in very hot climates, without the benefit of air conditioning, and dread the coming of the heat.
There may be problems in the US this year because of the energy crisis and expense of running air conditioners.. I personally lived in Arizona without central air. It was miserable!
With that in mind, here are a few ideas to keep cooler this summer.
*If you live in a dry climate, a swamp cooler, or evaporative cooler will help. It doesn't cost as much to run as air conditioning. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well when it gets humid.
These units usually sit on the top of your house. You can also buy portable models (They are often erroneously labeled air conditioners) . These units run air over water and then blow it out. It can be refreshing. When you can't afford air conditioning, this is your best option.
You can get some of the effects of a swamp cooler by just turning on the hose and running it back and forth outside your window. However, it may waste water, another problem.
*Fans that circulate air are essential if it is very hot. Buy an oscillating fan, or one that moves around so that you get the greatest amount of air circulation possible. If it is very hot, you may just want to sit in front of it and let it blow right on you. This is effective, but you must be careful your eyes don't dry out. Either way, for the best results, buy a large fan.
*If you have a basement, be prepared to use it. It is usually 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Have something to do down there.
*Do not cook in your home or do anything that creates heat. Once you put heat in your home, it is hard to get rid of. Make sandwiches, buy something, or use the barbecue. Take your crockpot outside and plug it in to an outside circuit if you have a safe place to put it.
Keep lights off, and any thing else that creates heat. Anything that plugs in may be generating heat keeping on various systems in the unit. Do the "touch test" around your home. Anything that feels warm, unplug it.
*Drink plenty of water. Eat Popsicles and other cool items. Be careful about drinking anything too cold. It will be too much of a shock for your body.
*Water will cool you off. Many people keep a small pool outside for the kids, let them run through the sprinklers, or just hose themselves off when they get hot. It works for adults also!
*Wear clothes that breathe. Cotton is wonderful. Do not wear anything synthetic. Keep your shoes off, and tie your hair up.
*Leave your home during the hottest part of the day. Go shopping, or visit a building that is air conditioned. If you have shade outside, sit outside and just rest. If it is very hot, you won't have the energy to do much else. Don't beat yourself up because you aren't accomplishing anything. When it is hot, your body is lethargic. Don't push it.
*If it just doesn't cool off at night, think about sleeping in a hammock. When it is VERY hot, a bed can feel like sleeping on a grill. In many parts of the world, the only way people can sleep at night is in a hammock outside.
*When you consider home improvement, consider installing fans and air vents in your attic. A well insulated attic with good air flow will keep the temperature lower in the whole house. A ceiling fan will keep cooled air down low where you need it.
*A well placed deciduous tree will provide shade and lower the temperature in your home. It will drop it's leaves in winter, and let the sun in.

Be sure to visit www.big-baby.com for accessorizing ideas and "how to" notes

source: by Nikki Willhitewww.allthingsfrugal.com

SUMMER PARTY TIPS

Summer is the easiest season to entertain. Parties are expected to be casual, seasonal produce is abundant and inexpensive, and nature does the decorating for you. Remember to follow these important tips, and your summer parties are destined for success.
1. Always Have Plenty of Ice!Never underestimate how quickly the ice will be used during a summer party. Even if the party is inside, guests are still feeling the heat of the summer day and requiring lots of cooling ice.

2. You Can't Overestimate How Many Beverages You'll NeedFrom soft drinks to beer to blender drinks, there's never enough in the summer. Whether your guests are simply walking outside and chatting, or playing an energetic game of volleyball, they'll work up a stronger thirst than they do in the other three seasons. Include bottled water in your beverage arsenal. Sometimes nothing does the trick like a nice icy glass of H2O. Place a bucket of fruit filled ice cubes on the side to add a little extra pizzazz.

3. Lighten Up Your MenuUse as many fresh, seasonal ingredients in your menu as possible. As thirsts increase during the summer, appetites for heavy recipes shrink. Opt for salads and grilled food in place of stews and casseroles. Not only will your guests welcome the seasonal change, you'll find it's much quicker and cooler to prepare this food in the hot weather.

4. Keep Your Party Goods Casual and ColorfulThere's no need to drag your expensive place settings outside. Take the opportunity to use inexpensive melamine and other plastic materials. If you don't own any, it pays over the long haul to invest in a sturdy set of summer dinnerware. Colorful dishes help to create a festive mood, it's cheaper than buying disposables if you host a lot of summer parties, and it's better for the environment!

5. Remind Your Guests that the Party is Dress CasualUnless you're hosting a wedding or some other formal event, nobody wants to wear fussy clothing in the summer. So give your guests permission to wear funky, colorful cottons and sassy summer sandals.

6. Provide Shelter from the SunIf you're hosting a daytime party outside, provide your guests with options for escaping from the sun. Whether it's a rented tent, chairs placed under a shady tree, or tables with umbrellas, your guests will appreciate a place to escape from the heat.

7. Take Your Party on the RoadDo you have a local beach that permits private parties? How about a park or pool club? Change the venue and watch your crowd loosen up with the change of scenery.

8. Remember Food SafetyAlways keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Summer heat quickly turns good food into a stomach disaster if not served under correct conditions.

9. Serve Ice Cream Sundaes and Cookies for DessertThe cookies can be prepared (or purchased) in advance and sundaes are a favorite make-your-own-dessert. Who doesn't love this combo?

10. Provide Personal Conveniences Your Guests May Have ForgottenHey, it's hard to remember everything when you're looking forward to having a good time! So offer your guests sunscreen, bug spray, flip flops, towels, and even hand sanitizers if you're partying away from home.

And for your party favors go to www.big-baby.com, prices are affordable and the selection is huge!

By Donna Pilato, About.com http://entertaining.about.com/od/memorialday/tp/summertips.htm