Pool Mom SOS

Summer is supposed to be relaxing and stress free, right? But if you have
ever tried to tackle the local swimming pool with kids in tote, you might be
thinking “WRONG!” Not to worry. Here are some solutions to some common
problems that will make your pool extravaganza a lot more doable!

PROBLEM: KEEPING COOL
SOLUTIONS:
Insulated Cooler: Say goodbye to the ugly, blue igloo cooler that not
only
blends in with everyone else’s but let’s be honest, could they be any more
awkward to lug around? Have no fear! Igloo has gotten with the program and
now carries insulated cooler bags that are not only easy to handle, they’re
pretty stylish too! People might mistake your terrific tote for a hip handbag
but the difference is the insulated inside is a sure bet to keep all your drinks
and sandwiches at just the right temp! Run to Smith’s Marketplace and get
yours now! (Don’t forget your Fresh Values card!)
Retail: $24.99 ($22.49 with card)

Baby Fan: We all know what a difference a cool breeze can make on
a hot
summer day. Why not create your own?! This baby fan simply snaps on to
your child’s stroller…it’s a “breeze!”
Retail: $16.99
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?
SKU=14983961

Baby Tent: What is worse than naptime at a crowded, noisy pool?
Don’t you
wish you could just bring their bedroom with you? You can! (Ok…maybe not
their crib and changing table…) Not only can your baby get their much-
needed nap but a tent can also provide a place and space if, and when, they
just need a little break from all that sun!
Retail: $26.29
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-
Nursery-
Tent/dp/B00000IUXC

Stroller Umbrella: Every mom knows that your baby stroller is
necessity when
spending a day at the pool. But sometimes the stroller canopy just doesn’t
cut it! Simply attach this umbrella to your stroller and voila! Instant UV
protection from the sun!
Retail: $19.99
http://www.amazon.com/Diono-Buggy-Shade-
Stroller-
Umbrella/dp/B005PK1FY0

PROBLEM: KEEPING DRY

Hooded beach towel: It is quite the task (understatement!) trying to get
the
kids OUT of the pool and INTO the car. Not only do you have piles of “stuff”
(10 extra arms would be nice right about now!) but you’ve also got tired,
whiney, kids who don’t want to help. How many times do you find yourself
wrapping (and re-wrapping) your child up in their towel? These darling beach
wraps from Pottery Barn, fit perfectly over their head and make it so much
easier for your child to keep on! Keeping your child dry has never been
simpler! (Bonus: Pottery Barn can also embroider your child’s name on their
individual towel!)

Retail: $19.00
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/sea
rch/results.html?words=hooded+pirate+beach+towel

Vacation vault: We’ve all been there. Your kids want YOU to come play
with
them in the pool! (Honestly, how many times can a mom be kicked while
being the “shark?”)? But going into the pool with your kids makes it extremely
hard to keep track of all the valuables. (Money, phones, sunglasses, wedding
ring, etc.) This handy little vacation vault allows you to go enjoy your kids
while taking away the worry of someone “accidentally” walking away with
your stuff. Not to mention, no more worry about your iPhone getting dropped
into the deep end!

Retail:$19.99

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Pro
ductDisplay?
productId=202512204&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERC
H=REC%2d%5f%2dproduct%2d1%2d%5f%2d202512254%2d%5f%2d202512204
%2d%5f%2dN

PROBLEM: KEEPING TRACK
SOLUTIONS:
Beach Bag: Echoing the suggestion of Trend Tracker, Mindy Dunyon,
the Four
Boys Bag is THE beach bag to have. No more trying to squeeze everything
into 5+ bags (seriously, you’d think you were going on a week long vacation!)
this bag is HUGE and will fit all of your essentials. (You could probably even
find room for your People Magazine too!)
Retail: $52.00 (don’t forget to enter promo code: babybuzz15 for
an extra
15% off!)
www.bungalowco.com

Scrunchies/Bandanas: Every mom has been there. That moment of
sheer
panic when all you can see are hundreds of bobbing heads, but your child is
nowhere to be found! Cut your searching time in half by sticking a brightly
colored scrunchy in your daughters hair. You will spot those bright pinks and
greens in an instant! If you’re a mom of boys, you are not forgotten! Grab a
bright colored bandana at Wal-Mart ($1.00!) cut off a strip, and tie it around
their arm.

Snack/Drink Holder: Your child is screaming for their snack while
you
frantically try to locate their Goldfish crackers that have fallen to the bottom
of your bag! When you finally find them, all that is left are a bunch of
smushed crackers. Talk about crisis! This nifty snack/drink holder completely
eliminates the all-too-common problem of a ruined snack and also keeps it
fresh. It is easy to locate and the plastic container protects its precious
contents!
Retail: $11.99
http://www.amazon.com/Container-Store-EZ-
Freeze-Snack-
Time/dp/B004DAUJUO

PROBLEM: TEARS & TANGLES
SOLUTION:
Detangling spray: It may be the most dreaded item of business, post
pool
visit: trying to comb through the rat nest previously known as your child’s
hair. Spray in detangler just may be your new best friend! But have you seen
the selection at the store? There are dozens upon dozens! We have done all
the hard work for you, by putting them through the Studio 5 “Detangling
Test.” Here are our five favorites, selected based on their smell, the overall
texture of the hair after use, and the detangling power:

1. Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist- $13.29 at Sally’s Beauty Supply
Smell: 5/5
Texture: 5/5
Detangling Power: 5/5
Score: 15/15

This heaven sent detangler truly is a “miracle” and received a perfect score. It
has a very light, yummy smell and left my hair feeling silky smooth. Tangles
were nowhere to be found! This is a sure bet to eliminate not only the
tangles, but also the tears.

2. Ion Moisture Solutions- $8.99 at Sally’s Beauty Supply
Smell: 5/5
Texture: 4/5
Detangling Power: 4/5
Score: 13/15

This product smells like orange creamsicles, so who can complain about
that? Testers weren’t in love with the way the hair dried with this in it, and
reported that it did take a few extra squirts before the hair was completely
detangled!

3. Just For Me! (2-in-1 Conditioning Detangler)- $2.89 at Wal-Mart

Smell: 5/5
Texture: 4/5
Detangling Power: 4/5
Score: 13/15

Great smell! Testers loved the texture of their hair after use, and thought the
detangling power was good!

4. Pantene Pro-V Silkening Detangler- $4.68 at Wal-Mart
Smell: 4/5
Texture: 4/5
Detangling Power: 4/5
Score: 12/15

The smell was delicious, and it left the hair feeling clean and soft.

5. Tresseme Split Remedy and Leave-In Condition Spray- $4.77 at Wal-
Mart
Smell: 4/5
Texture: 3/5
Detangling Power: 4/5
Score: 11/15

This one left the hair feeling a little weighed down. But testers reported it
only took a few sprays to untangled the hair.