We are going on vacation, leaving right after work on Friday. We're headed to Myrtle Beach, SC and will be back on Easter Sunday. I've been packing for two days and am almost finished. There are a few items that I think are natural vacation staples, and wanted you to know about them:
1. For the ride down/back as well as on the beach snacking I swear by HappyTOT pouches. Okay, I always have them on stock for mornings that we're running late... and I always have one in my diaper bag, just in case. HappyTOT pouches are BPA free, USDA Certified Organic and only cost $0.89 or so (for about 4.25oz of pureed fruits/veggies). I choose them over other brands because they have added protein (Omega 3) and fiber. Plus, they are available in a variety of delicious flavors like: Sweet Potato/Apple/Cinnamon and Spinach/Mango/Pear. You can easily score these at Target, BuyBuy Baby and your local grocery store, as well as online.
2. Instead of purchasing cheap toxic chemical laden plastic beach toys made somewhere without regulations, I opted for the Phthalate & BPA free Sand PlaySet from Green Toys, Inc. All of their products are made in America (California) from 100% recycled Milk Jugs! They use minimal packaging that is, of course, completely recyclable and contains no plastic. In addition, they have no coating... and therefore, no lead paint. I read reviews on Amazon.com and people had this for 3+ years with no cracking, fading, etc. which makes the $19.99 stickers all the more appealing. Again, these are readily available at BuyBuy Baby, Barnes & Noble and oOdles of online retailers.
3. SUNSCREEN!!! I urge you to read this article before purchasing your sunscreen for the season. There are a variety of different mineral based options (zinc & titanium - which provide a physical barrier to the sun as opposed to a chemical block which is absorbed into your skin, iCk!) that are available for you at the places that you normally shop with prices to fit every budget. You have a wide selection to choose from including some from Alba Botanica, Avalon Organics, Aveeno, even Johnson & Johnson.
[I also had to pack a pair of Vegan Danskos (in Volley Blue) for all of the walking (ahem... chasing) that I'll be doing. They look super cute with jeans and cargo shorts.]
If you have natural summer staples, please share!!!
We make our own popsicles. I bought a BPA-free popsicle set on Amazon, and every weekend in the summer we make up a batch. Strawberry and Newman's limeade was a favorite. Also, I keep pitchers of iced caffeine free Celestial Seasonings herbal tea on hand. Dex feels like he's drinking something more "special" than water, especially when the grown ups are imbibing, and stays plenty hydrated.
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