HOUSTON – Summer is here, and between the kids’ camp drop offs and swim team practices, it feels like there might not be enough hours in the summer days. I have put together a list of some of my favorite items for the summer that I quite literally cannot live without.
Unveiling the Power of the BOGG Bag
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Finding the perfect summer bag is like finding a unicorn, and I stumbled upon my sparkly pink and fluffy unicorn at my son’s first swim practice. Almost every mom had a brightly colored (and decorated) bag that reminded me of a Croc. Which for the record, I am not a fan of Crocs, so I initially dismissed the bag. But after 3 practices of coming home with a soaking wet and heaping canvas tote bag, I knew I had to try something else. So I took the plunge and ordered the largest BOGG Bag available. That purchase may have been the best summer investment I have ever made.
Its material makes it super easy for clean-up. Even melted popsicles are no match for the BOGG - one swipe and woosh, good as new! My favorite part has got to be the accessories though. You can find them on Etsy, Amazon and anywhere that sells BOGG. I have a cup holder that fits my Stanley perfectly, a clip for my keys on the inside and two zipper bags. The accessories pop on like jibbitz, and you can even use Croc jibbitz to make it cute and fun.
The only thing negative I can say is it’s big, it’s bulky, and it looks like something you might use to carry live lobsters. It’s like the Mary Poppins bag for the beach. So, if you’re looking for a bag that can withstand the madness of summer with kids, the BOGG Bag is your new best friend.
Chill out with the Noggle
I own a Jeep and as fun as it can be, it’s also like a portable sauna in the summer. For anyone that doesn’t own a Jeep Wrangler, there are no vents in the backseat. While browsing the Amazon late at night, bleary-eyed and desperate for anything that might make our car rides less hellish, I found the Noggle. I was skeptical but desperate. So, I clicked “buy now” and crossed my fingers.
When I received the Noggle, I was sure I had been bamboozled into purchasing something that should have been on Temu. It’s this long hose covered in a color fabric - how in the world was this supposed to cool down my backseats? To my dismay, installation was easy - just a few snaps and strap and suddenly I had a bright green anaconda-sized hose running through the Jeep supplying cold air to a once complaining 7-year old.
Although the Noggle looks like you might be trying to plan a trip on Mars or install plumbing in your car, it is truly a life saver in the Houston heat. Especially if you are someone with no back seat vents!
Outdoor misters for a home oasis
When the summer got so unbearable that popsicles, sprinklers and Slip ‘N Slide’s didn’t cut it anymore, I knew I had to add something to our backyard. I wanted something similar to the misting fans at the amusement parks, cooling but not ‘in your face’ soaking you, so off to Amazon my fingers went.
I purchased a mister kit (I chose one with great reviews and a reasonable price) and all I needed in addition was a garden hose, mounting clips (which were included in the kit), a ladder and patience... a lot of patience.
It’s a relatively simple project that made a huge difference in our outdoor comfort. Just be prepared for a few laughs and minor mishaps along the way. Now we can sit outside without feeling like its approximately one million degrees outside and enjoy all the summer has to bring!
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Stay cool anywhere with a hanging fan
As a swim team mom, every Saturday morning takes place under a pop-up tent. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that staying cool under a pop-up tent in the blazing summer heat is a real challenge. Enter the hanging battery operated fan, a game changer for any parent braving those long, hot days at the pool.
Ours is from Amazon and is compact, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful, it’s like the perfect addition to our swim meet survival kit. Just make sure it is charged before you leave for the meet - haha!
Fellow swim meet warriors, if you’re tired of sweating through those long days at the pool, invest in one of these fans. You’ll wonder how you ever survived without it. And who knows? You might just become the most popular tent in the whole swim team. Here’s to cooler, happier summer days!
Harnessing the magic of baby powder
As a mom who’s navigated her fair share of sandy beach excursions with little ones in tow, I’ve learned that the secret to a successful seaside adventure isn’t just sunscreen and snacks, it’s baby powder.
Within minutes of being on the beach, sand is stuck to everything and the doom of knowing your car is going to look like it got hit by a sandstorm starts to set in. But fear not, a little baby powder goes long way. Before you jump back in the car rub a little anywhere there is sand. Something about the absorption properties makes the sand fall off, but honestly I think it’s just magic.
I don’t know when, where or how I learned about this hack, but baby powder is a must for us anytime the beach is involved. Not only is my car sand-free but it also smells great and everyone’s skin is soft and smooth after a long day in the water and sand.
From beach days to backyard barbecues, these must-have items are sure to keep us cool, comfortable, and prepared for whatever summer throws our way. Here’s to making memories, staying cool, and embracing every moment of the sunny season ahead!
