Our Top Summer Essentials for the Entire Family

How do you survive the summer break? Whether you fill your kids schedule with camps are plan many small adventures with the family and dog Close to Home has compiled our list of Summer Essentials for the family including the pets. Stock up on these great products before summer gets into full swing. Also stay tuned we will be giving away a Summer Essentials Prize Packing including some of these great items.

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Summer Essentials For the Family

We all know the importance of sunscreen, but how many remember to apply sunscreen to our lips? Carmex Moisture Plus® lip balm to moisturize and protect lips from the summer elements. Carmex Moisture Plus is formulated with the brand’s trusted ultra-hydrating Moisture Plus technology that contains aloe and vitamin E to keep lips hydrated and refreshed in the summer sun. Plus it comes in such fashionable cases you will want one in each style.

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   We spend a lot of time in the car or at swim meets over the summer. Now you can provide your kids a meal that is not only convenient but also healthy. Revolution Foods Meal Kits are convenient, great tasting, healthy meals that are packed with protein, at least 7 grams of whole grains and include one serving of fruit. Available in three all natural combinations – Turkey & Cheddar, Ham & Cheddar, Cheese Pizza – Revolution Foods Meal Kits will satisfy even the pickiest eater. They are great grab-and-go meals when headed to the beach or family picnic, or are great to stash in a cooler during summer road trips. You can find these at Target Whole Foods, Safeway  plus other retailers.

 

 

Summer time also means bug time. Keep harmful bugs away from the kids and you with products like Natrapel. I love that it is DEET free so it is family friendly. If you do get bit soothe the bites with AfterBiite, the itch eraser also available in a kids variety. Pack these products along with some Easy access Bandages that are awesome and will stay together in your First Aid Kit. These are also great products to pack with your kids for overnight camp.

 

The sun is so strong in the summer, and even when it is overcast do not leave home without protecting that skin with Sunscreen. Of course I am partial to all the great AVEENO products out there. Be sure to Choose a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and use enough to cover the whole body. At least 1 oz of sunscreen per application. Also reapply during and after water sports or excessive sweating. Grab your AVEENO sunscreen on Amazon.

 

Speaking of sun, it is not only your skin you need to protect but also your eyes. It is just important to protect your eyes from harmful UVB and UVA rays, by wearing appropriate sunglasses. I don’t wear prescription eyewear but realize it can be challenging to find a pair of sunglasses that you can also see with. No worries, look for Visionworks, an eyewear retailer with 620 locations nationwide. Here is a pair of Fashionable Prescription Sunglasses that my sister found while visiting a Visionworks location. You can find styles on-line as well
 

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Grab some guilt-free snacking options from KettlePop  This popcorn is still handcrafted one batch at a time. Indulge in this organic Kettle Corn snack that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Not only is KettlePop organic but also a great gluten-free snack for on the go or just at home. I love the sweet and salty taste of this popcorn and tasted  fresh as if it was just made. Pick up a few bags it will go fast. It also comes in Caramel and Cheese flavors. Yumm!

 

 

Need some cute hostess gifts this summer. Grab a few bottles of these adorable and wonderfully scented Essenza Luxury Hand Soaps. They are available at Target, BBB, and Walgreens. I love the colors they come in and they are filled with Essential Oils and Natural Moisturizing Agents to keep your skin soft and clean. 

 

Don’t forget the PETS this summer season. 

We finally found a toy Chloe can not tear up. Bionic Dog Toys are tough, floating, and dishwasher-safe. I love the bright orange colors and the ability to be stuffed with your pet’s favorite treats. Best of all fill them with peanut butter or even nonfat yogurt and place them in the freezer for a cool treat on a hot summer day. Grab a few Bionic Dog Toys for your favorite pup.

 

 

Why should humans have all the fun during prime grilling season. Check out this new line of American Made Dog Treats from Dogswell called  Vitality. With names like Deli Slices, Sliders and Grillers your pup will not feel left out plus be given a dog treat that delivers nutritional benefits to support overall pet health. These healthy, functional snacks taste great and are made with Dogswell’s best-selling functional formulas. 

  • • Protein-rich treats made with 93% animal protein
  • • 100% USA-sourced high-quality meat or poultry
  • • Soft and easy-to-tear, perfect for dogs of all sizes
  • • Natural and boosted with added vitamins and supplements for functional benefits
  • • NO grains, corn, wheat, soy, gluten or animal by-products
  • Made in the USA

Vitality-dog-treats

 

 What are some of your Summer Essentials?

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20 Comments

  1. Awesome tips, I love that you included tips for your dogs so adorable I may have to get some of those for my dog! I never saw that lip balm would love to buy that too!

  2. After-bite is definitely a summer essential. Even if your kids don’t go to summer camps, you’ll need it for yourselves and if you ever take a day to go the park or beach.

  3. That’s a bit of essentials and all needed. I love that you added the pets since sometime we seem to forget our furry family.

  4. Cute Sunnies! I can never have enough sunglasses and it’s always hard to find nice ones that can accept my prescription!

  5. We love Aveeno, too!

  6. Carmex products work amazingly, they are perfect for chapped lips.

  7. What a great list of items. I want them all (for me and my pup!)

  8. Lots of great products. Like that you thought of pets.

  9. I like that Carmex has dressed up their products! That After Bite thing is always in my bag. My son is prone to insect bites and that stuff really works fast!

  10. This is a great list!! I always forget about sun protection for my lips. Thanks for the reminder to stock up on some for the summer.

  11. Aveeno is my favorite, cool list!

  12. I have 2 little boys, so Neosporin and Band-Aids are right up there for me!

  13. I’ve never seen those from Carmex! I have to try them!

  14. I didn’t know they made carmex like that?!?! I am going to have to look for these asap because I need some of that chapstick in my life! Thanks for sharing!

  15. Those Revolution Foods Meal Kits sound great and seem like they would be perfect for picnics, etc! I’m also loving those sunglasses, definitely my style!

  16. Great list! Those Revolution Food Meal Kits look really good. I’ll have to see if I can find them in my local stores.