Life Strategies

Some want to enjoy summer inside in the air conditioning, while others prefer spending all day in the sun. For the indoorsy type, a puzzle mat will make sure no pieces end up on the floor. For the lover of the outdoors, there are LED golf balls for a round of night golf and bug repellant wipes to ward off itchy bug bites. Indoors or outdoors, spend your summer how you prefer! 

Our editor-in-chief, Lauren Iannotti, interviewed Dr. Jill Biden, EdD, the first First Lady to keep her day job. Here's what she had to say about managing it all.

We love the summer sun—until we get a little too much of it. For the pesky hair-part sunburn, there’s a mineral powder sunscreen that’ll do just the trick. No one likes an overheated phone at the pool or park, but an insulated phone bag will keep it out of the heat all day. And for the furry friends that like to sunbathe just as much as we do, a cooling mat will make sure they don’t get too toasty.

Whether you’re headed to the ocean, lake, or pool, these items will make your summer days a little easier (and cleaner, while we’re at it). Pack waterproof playing cards for all-weather fun. A backpack-turned-recliner is handy for spontaneous adventures, and you can clean out residual sand trapped in there with a hard-working purse cleaner. 

Don’t let a lack of organization add to the stress of travel this summer. These tools and gadgets simplify the process while adding a layer of excitement to upcoming trips and vacations. A trunk organizer makes even the largest grocery hauls seem manageable. A matching memory game keeps little ones occupied (and you at peace) on long excursions. A leather cord wrap helps you keep track of chargers while on the go.

Fourth of July is over and we’re officially in peak summer mode. Take advantage of beach days with an absorbent towel that doubles as a game table. Take fresh fruit with you on the go (and keep it mush-free) with a portable colander. Compost those uneaten berries with plant-based bags.