Summer Fun Essentials

Stock up on hot dogs, because cookout season is upon us. Whether you’re hanging with the kids or partying with the adults, summer is the time to embrace the outdoors and enjoy it until the mosquitoes come out. Herewith are some handy items that will make outdoor living and entertaining more manageable and fun this summer. Live it up- remember, this is what you will fantasize about in January.

| Posted: 19 May, 2011 by Rene

1-10 of 10

• Mutant Weatherproof Rechargeable Wireless iPhone Dock

  

  Surround your cookout with big sound from your itty bitty iPod or iPhone. This dock from Mutant has speakers that are wireless for ideal placement and will automatically recharge. The entire system is weatherproof, so no pointing fingers when it gets left out in the rain.

  $115 at Newegg | Buy

  

  | Posted 25 May, 2011 by Rene

• Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel

  

  Assuming you’ve skipped the summertime cardinal rule, Thou Shalt Not Skimp On The Sunscreen, you’re going to need some after-sun skincare. It’s O.K., it happens to everyone. Korres’ creamy gel will take the sting out of that burn and rehydrate your poor pink skin, leaving you good as new for your next thoroughly sunscreen-ed adventure.

  $24 at Sephora | Buy

  

  | Posted 24 May, 2011 by Rene

• Mesh Food Cover

  

  There is nothing grosser than realizing a tantalizing picnic spread has suddenly turned into an insect playground. Toss on a few food covers to protect the delectables and chow down without having to check for tiny legs. (Ew.)

  $13 at Bed Bath & Beyond | Buy

  

  | Posted 24 May, 2011 by Rene

• Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

  

  There are endless uses for this outdoor headlamp: Cheating at hide-and-seek, grilling in the dark, changing the pool filter, hunting for a lost flip-flop. See? Limitless. Strap one on and shine a light on some summer shenanigans.

  $40 at REI | Buy

  

  | Posted 24 May, 2011 by Rene

• Bamboo Wine Table

  

  Make any spot in your yard a romantic rendezvous for two. Stab the bamboo stake into the grass and enjoy some wine and cheese as you take in the scenery.

  $22 at Uncommon Goods | Buy

  

  | Posted 20 May, 2011 by Rene

• Driftwood Blanket Tote

  

  No soggy bottoms allowed at a summertime picnic. The Driftwood is a soft fleece blanket and has a waterproof backing to protect your lunch and your backside. This portable picnic spot is extra roomy so invite lots of friends to the feast.

  $24 at Fresh Picnic | Buy

  

  | Posted 20 May, 2011 by Rene

• Bocce Ball Set

  

  So low impact you can almost play sitting down, bocce is a staple at summer cookouts, especially among the 60+ crowd. Just as fun for the youngsters, bocce is an easy and social game to play after you scarf a few dogs and burgers.

  $83 at Restoration Hardware | Buy

  

  | Posted 19 May, 2011 by Rene

• Outdoor Swingasan Chair

  

  Swing the summer days away in a comfortable adult-sized swinging chair. Curl up with book or relax over evening cocktails in the backyard. This swinger is rust resistant so it can hang outside worry-free, as you will be after a few swings.

  $270 at Pier 1 | Buy

  (Stand sold separately)

  

  | Posted 19 May, 2011 by Rene

• Stanley Classic Flask

  

  Camping trip with the kids? Flight grounded in Boise? Road trip with you in-laws? You need a flask. Pack this essential stainless steel Stanley flask, and good luck.

  $20 at Dundee General Store | Buy

  

  | Posted 18 May, 2011 by Rene

• Reisenthel Insulated Carry Bag

  

  Keep overflowing groceries in check with a modern take on the standard shopping basket. This bag/basket hybrid is roomy enough to corral your unwieldy goods, and the zippered lid puts the lock down on runaway produce. Extra super bonus points are awarded to Reisenthel for recently adding insulation to this bag. Now that piping hot pie you didn’t make will transport from the bakery to the party safely and toasty warm.

  $60 at Eggshells Kitchen Company | Buy

  

  | Posted 16 May, 2011 by Rene