Giveaway: Also, I have a fun little giveaway to start the summer out for one lucky Mommies with Style reader.  Enter to win a prize pack from Banana Boat that includes:

• tote bag
• water bottle
• Banana Boat® Baby Tear-Free Sting-Free SPF 50 Lotion
• Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Family Size Pump SPF 50 Lotion
• Banana Boat® Kids UltraMist® Sunscreen SPF 110.

I’ve actually been using the Banana Boat UltraMist 110 on my kids so far this summer and it’s easy to apply and goes on nicely.

Here’s a picture of the prize pack:

To enter:  comment to win.  One winner will be selected via random.org after June 21st.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond before an alternate is chosen.

After this eye-opening experience I decided to try out a product called the Sport-Brella. The initial thing that attracted me to the Sport-Brella is that is has UPF 50+ protection, so I could feel safe having my kids (or me!) rest under it. After using it a few times, I feel like I could be the new Sport-Brella spokesperson. I love this awesome, portable sun and weather shelter and I think every family should have one!

Here is why it is so great:

-The Sport-Brella takes literally less than a minute to set up (it opens like a regular umbrella) and it’s much easier to set up than your normal beach umbrella

-It’s  lightweight and portable and very easy to carry (you can sling it over your shoulder or carry it by the handle)

-It is nice and spacious inside (opens to 8 feet), accommodating a couple of chairs or about 4 people sitting on a blanket

-It doesn’t blow away like your typical umbrella…the wind gust release vents plus the tie-down cords give the Sport-Brella added stability in high wind conditions

- There are some nice features like two side zip-down breeze windows, and two inside storage pockets

-It’s not only great for the beach, but the perfect item to take along camping or to sporting events (all of those cool, rainy days watching t-ball and soccer will be much more comfortable next time!)

-You can use Sport-Brella not only as a ground shelter but also as a telescoping umbrella

- And as I mentioned before, the Sport-Brella is UPF 50+, blocking over 99.5% UVA/UVB rays

The Sport-Brella was an instant hit on the beach. The kids all gravitated to it, wanting to seek some cool shelter from the sun, and the adults loved it, wondering what it was and where to get one. I am so happy I discovered the Sport-Brella and I plan to use it all summer, and into the fall when I go to my kids soccer games. I know the Sport-Brella will protect my family from the sun, wind, cold and all of the elements.

The Sport-Brella retails online for $59.99, but use code “MWS” site-wide and save 15%!

Substance Baby Natural Sunscreen has an SPF 30 and includes zinc oxide–making for an even stronger sun barrier. We love that, in addition to the zinc and the SPF, its chemical free which offers a lot of reassurance–I know what is going on my kids’ skin.  It also happens to be waterproof, a necessity for my little fishies. With lots of extra herbal oils to moisturize their skin while protecting, it leaves feels good on my hands after apply. And the scent is nothing insulting and chemically–its a mix of citrus and mint. Yum!

Maternitique has Substance Baby Natural Sunscreen on sale through July 31. Additionally, use code MWS for 10% off any purchase of $10 or more.

Although my husband complains we go through these a lot faster than the lotion, I love the continuous spray baby and kid suntan lotions.  Simply because (and I know I’m not alone on this), putting sunscreen on your kid can be a pain – especially when you have multiple kids to cover up and you’re crunched for time.  So I was excited to see that CVS makes this Baby Sunscreen with 50 SPF for less money than other name brands on the market.

Also nifty is this Travel First Aid Kit, which is a must-have to keep in the car (and only $2).  Or this pocked-sized anti-itch spray which is hydrocortisone 1%, for burns, bug bites and skin flare ups when you’re out and about.

Lastly, my favorite was the Cooling Mist with 45 SPF, which was a double bonus to use for adults:  sun protection and a refreshing mist on a hot day in the sun.

One good thing to note: the spray products can only be shipped via ground so if you’re in a hurry, get over to your nearest CVS if you have one to save on the shipping costs and time.