A few years ago, we picked up one of these beach blankets. They're thin and lightweight, so you can carry them easily (or stuff one into a bag), and then spread them out for a grassy picnic or napping on the sand. We've used it a million times; I'd highly recommend them!
A swimsuit can say a lot about a woman, don't you think? Maybe it says she's laid back, or silly, or feminine, or in love with a past era. Whatever her personality, there always seems to be a swimsuit to match. Here are seven pretty one-pieces for the summer... --Rachel from Elephantine
Three years ago, before our honeymoon, Alex gave me a giant sun hat. He insisted that I wear it at the beach to shield my (very) pale skin. Every summer since then, I've worn my trusty hat everywhere: at the water, on boats, on hikes and just hanging out with friends outside. Not only does it protect your face from the sun (which is SO important), it also feels glamorous and feminine.
BAGGU just came out with their summer tote bags--in bright neons and cute patterns. How perfect to have around for daytrips, the beach and picnics! They're made of ripstop nylon, and scrunch up into a little pouch when you're not using them. Thumbs up.
I recently went to a friend's house for lunch, and she served a pitcher of water with watermelon slices. Refreshing with a touch of sweetness. This summer, wouldn't it be nice to have flavored waters in the fridge to make drinking water more delicious? You could use slices of lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries, mint, cucumber, whatever! What are your favorites? xo Update: Thanks to the readers who suggested pineapple and clementine--yum.
After literally years of searching, I've finally found the best sunscreen. And here's why:
1. Regular sunscreen can be dangerous. Three years ago, before our honeymoon, my friend Jessa Blades, a natural beauty consultant and makeup artist, warned me that regular sunscreen often contains dangerous chemicals and harmful toxins that may actually cause cancer. (This article, most recently, made my knees wobble!) Ever since then, Alex and I have worn natural mineral sunscreen, which feel so important, especially since you slather it all over your body (and your children's bodies) everyday.
2. But natural sunscreens look bad. Yes, here's the catch: Natural sunscreens don't really absorb into your skin. You end up covered in sticky lotion, looking white as a ghost; and sunscreen can have flaky residue, which is, needless to say...not attractive. I secretly hate using it, but know it's worth it.
3. And here's the solution! I had almost given up on finding a natural sunscreen that doesn't look terrible, but now I'm thrilled to say I've finally found one!! Josie Maran's Daily Sun Protection is both natural and absorbs beautifully. The lightweight sunscreen also contains argan oil, which makes you look young and glow-y. Alex and Toby will be wearing it this summer, too. I highly, highly, highly recommend it. Find it here. Here's to a happy, healthy summer! (More summer essentials to come...)
I'm excited to announce a new series on Cup of Jo: Summer Essentials, where I'll be sharing some awesome things (beach towels, swimsuits, peach lipstick) that you might like this summer. Hope you enjoy it!
First up: Water bottles. BKR bottles, made in San Francisco, are bright and modern. The bottles are glass but have a silicone sleeve, so they won't break; and water tastes so good from a glass bottle, versus plastic or stainless-steel (which can cause that metallic flavor). At $28, it's not cheap, but will end up being less expensive--and better for the planet--than buying one-use bottles of water all summer. Plus, they're so beautiful to carrry around; I have the red one!
Thoughts? Do you have a water bottle?
P.S. Alex actually wrote this article back in 2007.