The month of May marks the nation’s annual Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as the most common cancer among Americans, we wanted to spread the word about organizations and products that are making a difference in the fight against this often-times preventable malady. Shop these must must-haves with us as we spend for a cause this month.

Most beach-goers turn to sunscreen to protect their skin against the threat of sun damage, but it’s important to know the options before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a safer, healthier and organic sunscreen product, look no further than Coola sun care. Coola’s expansive line of organic face and body UV protection has us feeling ready for summer with SPFs ranging from 15 to 50. With a plethora of eco-friendly and plant-based ingredients like avocado butter, bark oil, beeswax and acai fruit oil (just to name a few), we’re completely sold on Coola’s approach to organic sun protection. And because skin cancer isn’t only a human problem, Coola makes a healthy sunscreen spray for your furry friends, Fido and Sea Biscuit. If you have a dog or horse that loves the sun as much as you, consider adding Coola’s vet recommended pet products to their daily outdoor routine.

Spending the summer soaking up the sun is nice in theory, but it leaves your skin dehydrated and in need of repair. Quench your skin’s thirst with moisturizing lotions by bodycology. bodycology’s line of aromatic lotions to smooth over your skin for long-lasting hydration. Our favorite – Bronze Amber Obsession. Formulated with skin softening ingredients including Shea, Cocoa and Jojoba butters and aloe vera, this indulgently fragrant cream will do your body good after the summer sun’s wear and tear on your skin. Click the logo below to explore bodycology’s full line of luscious lotions and other beauty products to get you through the summer.

To raise awareness of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, sun-protective clothing company Cabana Life has partnered with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) to launch the Stand Up & Protect Campaign – a charitable effort with 100% of net proceeds from its 50+ UV protective rashguards going to support the fight against cancer. That’s right, being rashguard ready this summer means protecting yourself from the dangers of harmful sun rays, while taking a stand against skin cancer.  Rashguards by Cabana Life block 98% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays, leaving skin safe and supple throughout the summer. Shop this feminine collection of sleek stripes, zippers and prints at CabanaLife.com.

We have many reasons to thank Australia for their contributions to the modern world – I’m talking of course about Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman and Eric Bana. But aside from these uber-sexy Aussies, we’ve more to be grateful for from the Down Unda’ thanks to Lovin’ Summer Beach Tents. These durable and adorable easy-to-pitch beach tents are perfect for solo or small family gatherings to keep away those troublesome sunrays with its 99% UV protection. Colorful canvases are available for stylish sunscreening with optimal protection. Its lightweight design makes it a perfect portable for even the laziest beach bums. Throw some shade in style this summer with a simple yet innovative Lovin’ Summer Beach Tent.

For the most protection against the sun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises sun-lovers to wear wide-brimmed hats while enjoying the great outdoors. For ultimate coverage and a fun addition to your summer wardrobe, add a striped beach hat from UV Skinz collection of chic SPF apparel. The bendable six inch brim provides ideal shade for your ears, neck and face, all while keeping you looking stunning in your new sunscreen accessory. Choose between classic black and white stripes or flashy and flirty pink and white stripes.

The post 5 Must-Have Products to Keep You Safe in the Summer Sun appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Even though it might seem like summer just began, fall will be here before we know it!  Want my advice?  Pack up the family and take a road trip to the cabin or a beach and enjoy these hot summer days while we still have them.  To help you out, I have put together a list of my must have products for a weekend road trip!

The first must-have is for the child that has out grown their car seat but isn’t quite big enough for the seat belt to hit in the right place.  To keep your children safe and comfortable, I recommend the BubbleBum.  This inflatable booster seat is the perfect road trip companion.  When you are done with it, simply deflate and roll it up and it’s small enough to fit in any beach bag!

The next item on the list is an essential for any road trip, the perfect soundtrack!  Throw together a playlist of some great summer songs that the whole family will enjoy.  My top seven for a family road trip are:

1. If I Had a Million Dollars by the Barenaked Ladies

2. I Just Can’t Wait to be King from The Lion King

3. At The Bottom Of The Sea by Ralph’s World

4. Who Says by Selena Gomez & The Scene

5. Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

6. Fibber Island by They Might be Giants

7. When Will My Life Begin from Tangled

For a mix that is unique to your family let each member of the family pick 3 songs to add.  It will ensure that everyone has some music that they like!

Next is something to help keep your children from making a fuss or a mess on the car ride. The Munchkin Travel Tray provides a flat service for coloring, activities, or snacks.  What I love about this tray are the small details that make it so practical!  From the covered snack cup, to the ridge that keeps things from slipping off the edges to the straps that clip onto a car seat, the makers of the Munchkin Travel Tray have thought of everything!

What is a road trip without some snacks?  My favorite car munchies are No Bake Trail Mix Bites.  To make these just mix together the following ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup your choice of dried fruit

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp. vanilla

Then chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Finally roll into about bite-sized balls.  These bites are super easy to make and are crowd pleasers!

Now that we have the stuff to help you survive the car ride, it’s time for some beach essentials!  First is Swimzip swimwear for kids.  These swimsuits come in cute eye-catching styles like nautical stripes and ruffles, but what makes these so special are the details.  The full zip design makes getting the suit on and off of your squirming little one hassle free!  Most importantly, these suits have UPF of 50+, meaning they protect your children from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Even though the Swimzips protect some of your children’s skin, sunscreen is still a must!  My pick for the best one is MelanSol 100% Natural Sunscreen.  This product not only shields the suns harmful rays, but unlike most other sunscreens, it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals of it’s own!  In fact it is even safe for children, and pregnant and nursing women.

After a long day of driving and playing at the beach, baby is going to be ready for a nap, but what if you’re not somewhere that is conducive to nap time?  The Snoozeshade is the nap anywhere solution that you have been looking for!  It’s breathable material straps right over the front of a stroller providing shade and protection from the sun.

The final must-have is a big floppy hat for yourself!  After all of the planning and packing and making sure that everyone else is taken care of, you need one little thing that’s just for you.  Putting on a big floppy hat makes everything you do feel just a little bit more glamorous, and Mommy, you deserve it!

The post Hit the Road Jack! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.