What’s in Your Poolside Bag?

The contents of your poolside bag are very important! What you pack will determine your pool experience. I know this because I am in Las Vegas for a couple of days celebrating my husband’s birthday. We have been out by the pool for the majority of the trip enjoying the cool waters of the pool in the 109 degree heat.

For me, poolside lounging is just not what it used to be prior to kids. Mine are still young and need us near in the water. Yes, I’d rather be in the lounge chair, flipping and turning, dipping in the pool to cool off, then returning to my chair for more rotating. But we all know that isn’t healthy for my skin so this new stage in life of being in the pool, slathering on a high SPF and seeking shade for the benefit of the kids is also a wiser way to hang out at the pool for me as well.

Thus, my poolside bag contents have changed over the years. Here is what I carry now (aside from the goggles, Barbie towel, fish crackers and camera)

AB Sun by Craig Austin, MD- this sunscreen is formulated to block UV radiation and provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection using micronized zinc oxide. It contains Advanced Anti-Photoaging Complex, Anti-Oxidants and Green Tea and has an SPF of 45. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and it left my skin sunburn-free! I also used it on my kids. AB Skincare has a kid’s line made specifically for kids as young as 6 months called AB Baby. It is chemical free and contains goodies such as Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract. Because it is SPF 30, I opted for the 45 on my kids instead. I do use the SPF 30 on my kids for daily wear during the summer when I know they will be outside.
Natural Ice Lip Protectant with SPF 15- LOVE this lip balm. It leaves my lips with a cool sensation, is very smooth (not waxy) and protects my lips from the sun. Nothing worse than dry cracked, sunburned lips!
Plenty of bottled water. Bring your own in a Trader Joe’s cooler tote bag and they will stay cold for hours!

A novel…oh, who am I kidding?! It just sits in the bag… but I do have a really fantastic summer read to recommend to you! Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine is a fantastically fun book to read! It has been my “read while I wait” book all spring and I have finally finished it. It was super good and I wish I could have gotten through it quicker (the reason I didn’t had nothing to do with the book, I promise! It really was my “read while I wait” book…5 minutes here, 2 minutes there)! In this book, you will laugh out loud as author Jerramy Fine tells you the story of her obsession with English Royalty, in particular one carefully selected Prince. This book is the perfect lay by the pool summer read! (BTW, I fell in love with the book cover which shows a beautifully illustrated woman in Red High Heels!)
InStyle Magazine featuring Anne Hathaway on the cover- there is just something about lounging by the pool and reading a fashion magazine…Just like the novel, this didn’t get touched. Guess I’ll save it for the 3.5 hour drive home tomorrow…

Tell me, what’s in your poolside bag?