July 3, 2023 Your Summer Cheat Sheet
The dog days of summer are synonymous with long days at the beach, camping trips to the lake, barbecues with friends, and spending as much time outdoors as you can. But even this short beautiful season can bring its share of minor challenges. Use our summer cheat sheet to discover clever tips and tricks to treat mosquito bites, soothe sunburnt skin, keep sand out of the car, chill drinks in a jiffy, and more.
#1: Use baby powder to wipe off sand
After a day of lounging at the beach and enjoying the surf, sprinkle baby powder over sand-covered kids (and adults) to wipe off sand more easily and ensure you don’t bring the beach home with you.
#2: Use a cold Magic Bag to soothe mosquito bites
If you spend time outdoors this summer, chances are you will come home with a few mosquito bites. Luckily, applying a cold compress such as the Magic Pad Travel Pad to the bites as soon as possible helps reduce inflammation, itchiness, and discomfort. Similarly, a 2011 study found that applying concentrated heat such as a hot Magic Bag reduced pain and swelling from insect bites.
#3: Chill your drinks in a jiffy
We’ve all been there: the guests are due to arrive any minute and you realize you left out the white wine. Don’t fret. Just wrap your wine bottle (or other drink bottles) in a moist paper towel and put it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. And voilà, perfectly chilled drinks ready to serve!
#4: Use lemon eucalyptus oil to keep insects away
Nothing kills an al fresco dinner or celebration faster than being attacked by mosquitos and other blood-sucking pests! Use lemon eucalyptus oil to ward off bugs … and bug bites.
#5: Use clips to secure beach towels
Perfect for breezy days by the beach, lake, or pool, towel clips are great for preventing towels from flying away. Simply clip your towels to your beach or lounge chairs and sit back and enjoy the day!
#6: Prevent sunburn peeling
While using sunscreen to protect skin is super important, sometimes burns still happen.
When they do, take a cold shower or bath and apply over-the-counter aloe or moisturizing lotion to soothe skin and prevent peeling.
#7: Soothe sunburns with a cold Magic Bag
A cold Magic Bag compress is a great home remedy to soothe sunburnt skin. We especially love the Extra Large Pad as it covers more surface area than a standard ice pack.
#8: Use a muffin tin for condiments and toppings
Hosting a barbecue? We all know how annoying it can be to carry all those condiment bottles and jars to and from the backyard or deck. Instead, fill a muffin tin with all your favourite toppings, sauces, and condiments—ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, pickles, peppers, onions, shredded cheese … the possibilities are endless. And, the best part, if you use cupcake liners, clean-up is a breeze.
#9: Take movie night outside
Invite friends and family over for a movie night in your backyard! With a mini projector and a white sheet hung from a wall or fence, you can easily create a fun outdoor cinema experience. Just don’t forget the popcorn!
#10: Clean and disinfect pool toys with bleach and water
Mix two cups bleach with a gallon of water and use a sponge to wipe down pool noodles and other toys.
BONUS TIP: #11: Pack a Magic Bag in your cooler
Heading out to the park for a soccer game or to the beach for a volleyball tournament? Don’t forget to pack your Magic Bag compress into your cooler. Having an ice-cool compress on hand is great to help you cool down after a day of playing sports outdoors. And it can also be used on minor sprains and strains.
Summer always feels way too short. But with these 11 easy hacks, you can make the most of the season. And remember, whether you are travelling overseas, road-tripping, or simply heading out for a day at the beach, Magic Bag is the perfect travel companion. Get yours today!
