A few weeks ago my son and I followed my husband on a photoshoot to Kauai. It was my first time to Kauai as well as my first trip since before COVID, and it was magical.

I was so out of practice packing for a trip that I felt rather inept in figuring out what I needed to bring. Thankfully, packing for Hawaii is a good way to get back into practice as all you really need are shorts, a swimsuit, flip-flops, and sunscreen. And in our household, an Aerobie Superdisc…

As summer approaches here in the PNW, here’s a short list of some of my favorite summertime necessities, starting with sun protection.

A hat is always a good idea, (I prefer a ball cap). And definitely sunscreen. I wear sunscreen on my face every day, even in Seattle in February. I like a tinted one as it doubles as a sort of foundation. I love this SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 32…

I also really like this EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 which is the one I brought to Kauai. It comes in an un-tinted version if you prefer.

This All Good tinted sunscreen has been my favorite high-zinc formula the last several years. It doesn’t feel impossible to rub in like so many other zinc sunscreens and it doesn’t leave a white cast. (You can also find it locally at Pharmaca and PCC.)

We mostly used this EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 when at the beach and swimming. But when I’m home and just working in the garden, or I’m going to be out in the sun all afternoon wearing non-beach clothing, I prefer this EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus that has a thin consistency, rubs in like lotion, and doesn’t leave a residue on my clothes…

I often get heat rash or eczema around my neck from too much heat and sun. I like to wear a linen shirt with the collar up at the beach or tie a scarf around my neck. Eczema or no eczema, my favorite body lotion that I use daily is this Aveeno Eczema Therapy. It isn’t greasy, rubs in great, is easy to find, and is also affordable…

There are so many cool things from Baggu right now that are great for summer, the beach, or just home…

This puffy cooler being one. We have the smaller lunchbox version…

These are great beach/pool towels…

I have this Cloud Bag which is a fantastic beach bag. It has a large capacity but folds up small, is lightweight, washable, and it zips. The Travel Cloud Bag is an even bigger version…