And just like that, summer is right around the corner! Like the rest of the country, we think of Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer and are pumped to start busting out coolers filled with tasty drinks, wearing sundresses (without leggings!) and playing lawn games with the whole family. We’ve teamed up with HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® to kick summer off with 5 must-makes for Memorial Day weekend.
From a handmade bag that keeps all your beauty essentials on hand to a DIY portable cornhole set, there’s something for everyone in your family on this list — whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend or staying local and kicking it in a park, your backyard or your friend’s party-perfect rooftop.
And on the topic of warm weather essentials, be sure to visit the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® website for tons of tips and information for keeping your family prepared for summer sun and fun! Now, time to start making! :)
Whether you call it a dopp kit, a toiletry bag or your weekend kit, a bag that houses all your skincare essentials is a must. And we’re not just talking about the same falling-apart Ziploc you’ve been busting out for the last three years.
1. DIY Weekend Beauty Kit
And guess what else? We’ve teamed up with HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® to give away $300 worth of HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® products to 3 lucky readers. Simply enter your email below and you’ll be entered to win. You’ll also be subscribing to the Brit + Co newsletter!
This sweeps is now closed.
Scroll down to see the full how-to, expertly created by Kelly Bryden, complete with printable iron-on graphics and a list of our skincare musts for summer weekends, parties and everyday celebrations.
Next you need a weekender or tote to pack up your beauty bag, a swimsuit, a layer and any other items you can’t leave home without.
2. Leather Bucket Bag
We created a Leather Bucket Bag perfect for everyday use, or for a weekend that’s all about packing light. And alert to modern moms: You can totally cart around your kiddo’s must-haves in one of these bags as well!
What happens when the American flag meets a hipster? Red, white and blue mustache photo props, of course.
3. Photo Booth Props
Created last summer for the 4th of July, these Printable Photo Props have been a year-round favorite at Brit HQ. We recommend making a lot more than you think you need — kids and grownups alike have a tendency to pocket these funny little props.
Admittedly, this won’t fit in your weekend bag. But if you’re heading somewhere by foot or by car, this lightweight cornhole set is an absolute must.
4. Portable Cornhole Set
We made it using canvases from the art store! For real. It’s not regulation or anything, but it will make for hours of fun pretty much anywhere you go. Plus, because you’re using canvas, you can paint any design you like right on your boards. We even created our own bean bags! Head here to see the full DIY Cornhole Set tutorial.
Lastly, make sure to pack a headband or scarf to keep your hair perfectly styled, even after a windblown ride in a convertible (cue ’90s motivational pop song “Dreams” by Gabrielle) or a day at the beach.
5. Chic Turban-Style Headband
We love the retro style of this Chic Turban Headband for keeping the flyways tamed.
Now, about that DIY Weekend Beauty Kit. First off, here are some of the essentials we always keep in our summer weekend kit. Along with a pair of sunnies and the perfect lip gloss, these will ensure that your skin is protected and beautiful.
Face Scrub: You’ve gotta keep that face of yours bright and sparkling! AVEENO® Positively Radiant® Brightening Scrub is a great scrub with ingredients made for sensitive skin — perfect for days spent in salt water or in the sun.
Moisturizer with SPF: I personally swear by using moisturizer with SPF in it every day, not just in the spring and summer. A bottle of AVEENO® Positively Radiant® Moisturizer SPF 30 goes a long way.
Oil Absorbing Sheets: Clean, clear and under control? Don’t mind if we do. Ever since CLEAN & CLEAR® Oil Absorbing Sheets came out when we were teenagers, they’ve been a go-to for keeping our faces fresh and not too shiny.
Hand Cream: If you’re out and about, we’re betting you’re washing your hands a lot and spending a lot of time in the sun. Keep your hands moisturized throughout your weekend adventures by keeping NEUTROGENA® Norwegian Hand Cream on hand, pun intended ;)
Floss: Always, always, always keep floss in your kit! No matter what the season. LISTERINE® Floss is a great option and comes in a variety of flavors.
Visine: Keep your eyes moist in all that hot sun!
Next thing to do is create a bag to carry all these essentials.
Materials:
– canvas
– 11-inch zipper
– iron-on transfer paper
– Brit + Co beauty bag printable (download here)
Tools:
– sewing machine
– iron
– sewing pins
– ruler
– measuring tape
– scissors
– pen
Instructions:
1. Fold canvas in half, and draw a half circle on the fold line. Ours measured 8 1/2 inches in height x 10 inches in length. Then cut out.
2. Measure the circumference of the half circle. Add two inches to that measurement and cut out a strip of canvas that is 6 inches wide. Our strip measured 26 inches x 6 inches.
3. Cut the rectangle in half and sew back together with a 1 1/2 inch hem.
4. Find the middle of the rectangle and pin the zipper upside down. Sew a complete rectangle around the zipper.
5. Take the seam ripper and removed the seam that covers the zipper.
6. Pin the rectangle to the circumference of your half circle bag. Make sure the good sides are facing in. Then sew.
7. Turn the bag inside out, cut out the iron-on decals and iron onto your new toiletry bag.
Don’t be intimidated by the zipper part of this — we’ll talk you through it!
First, fold canvas in half, and draw a half circle on the fold line. Ours measured 8 1/2 inches in height x 10 inches in length. Then cut out.
Then, measure the circumference of the half circle. Add two inches to that measurement and cut out a strip of canvas that is 6 inches wide. Our strip measured 26 inches x 6 inches.
Cut that rectangle in half and sew back together with a 1 1/2 inch hem.
Find the middle of the rectangle and pin the zipper upside down. Sew a complete rectangle around the zipper.
Take the seam ripper and removed the seam that covers the zipper.
Pin the rectangle to the circumference of your half circle bag. Make sure the good sides are facing in.
Then sew.
Turn the bag inside out.
Then cut out the iron-on decals and iron onto your new toiletry bag!
We also made an all-pink option!
What are your Memorial Day Weekend must-makes? Talk to us in the comments below.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
More on Brit + Co
17 Size-Inclusive Athleisure Brands To Shop This Spring
The Best At-Home Workouts If You're New To The Whole Moving Thing
5 Foods You Should Never Eat Before A Workout