Summer is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all’s right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable
The sun’s out!! Are you headed to the beach? Here are some tips to keep you organized so that a day at the beach is as relaxing as…well, a day at the beach.
Start with a large beach bag preferably one with a few smaller pockets inside. The kids (depending on their ages) can and should have their own bags. That way each person can be responsible for their own belongings.
First thing in the bag should be sunscreen to protect you from getting a sunburn. A sunburn is an actual burn from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Depending on the amount of exposure the skin can become light pink, or in more serious situations, become dark pink with blisters. As the skin tans due to the pigment in the skin called melanin, it blocks some of the UV rays. Thus the darker the natural pigment of the skin the more UV protection is provided. So those that are fair skinned, young children and seniors are more susceptible to sunburn.
How do you protect yourself? Use a sunscreen product that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. The higher the rating the more you are protected. It should be applied 30 minutes before you go outside to give it a chance to “sink in” and protect the skin. It should be reapplied every two to four hours especially if you are in the water. Also long sleeves, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses are recommended.
Having two bottles of sunscreen makes it easy to leave one in the beach bag and the other to use at home before you go. You can keep it in a zippered pouch that can attach to the inside of the bag. With the sunscreen you can add bug spray, waterless soap or wet ones™ and a few band aids with some antiseptic cream to the pouch or put in separate pockets inside the bag.
Next throw in a sun cover-up, hat, and something for your feet. If you have young children don’t forget to add some toys to the bag too and probably a change of clothes. Add the towels, a blanket to sit on and you have all the necessities you need. Leave the bag totally packed in an easily accessible place. If you prefer to bring chairs and/or an umbrella or sun shelter then keep them together also. Then when the urge to go to the beach hits you are ready go. Just add some food and plenty of water, a good book and/or the kids and you can be out of the house in no time!
When you get back from the beach empty the bag, dump the sand out and put back all the little necessities mentioned above, refilling if necessary. Throw the towels into the wash and when they are done, pop them back into each bag. Keeping the things you need for the beach or any other activity you do often, in one place saves time and energy. Enjoy!