

EDITORS NOTE
As the owner of Orlando Mom, I am excited to bring you tons of local summer content with over 100 ideas on ways to entertain the kids, tips and tricks to protect your skin from the sun, some our our team's favorite products; beach destinations; and summer reads!

At Orlando Mom, we strive to bring you the best and trustworthy hyper local content, destinations and all things mom life in the Central Florida area!
This summer, we decided to take our power back as moms No more "hot mom " summer, this is REAL Moms Summer and we want you to join us!!
Real moms, real bodies, real perspectives, real life! You can take your power back too! Join our movement and own your summer!
Check Out Orlando Mom Collective's Team Of Local Moms Here



Be a Girl Scout

REAL MOM
By Eryn VargoREAL Mom Summer is all about redefining sexy and what “hot” moms are. We want to promote body positivity and share how we feel about the unrealistic societal " norms " expected of moms.
REAL Mom Summer showcases REAL mom bodies and smashes the unrealistic and often dangerous societal “norm” of what we are expected to be after having children.
We each wore what made us feel sexy and the photos depict confident women that love the skin they are in!

Yes, we may wear shapewear, some of us may get botox while others do lash tints and get facials, some of us have micro blading and others have never touched a bottle of hair dye- BUT we all LOVE ourselves....and
THAT is a REAL “HOT” MOM…the confident mom that does not let society determine her worth or tell her what hot and sexy are!
We live in a completely backwards society that does not appreciate mothers unless there are strings attached. These strings are unrealistic expectations for us and of us bounce back after having a baby look "good" all the time always smile be cheery and happy regardless of life's circumstances dress up regularly wear make-up work, but take care of your kids
love your kids, but don't smother them loose weight be sexy, but not like that, like this... don't breastfeed in public, but don't bottle feed look like a Jenner/Kardashian work out twice a day make self-care a priority, but don't ignore the kids
It is true, we have one day a year that we are celebrated But let's be REAL here- Mother’s Day is NOT enough to honor all that us mothers do for our families, let alone what we have to endure as mothers in this wild world we live in. Is Mother’s Day enough to combat all of the unrealistic pressure our society puts on us?
No. The answer is simply NO.
t a k e y o u r p o w e r b a c k


REAL MOM
Mothers are plagued with:
fear of failure
self-doubt
bullying
relentless (unrealistic) expectations
constant judgement
living up to society's "standards"
This is enough to make a mom go bananas! So, we as a collective need to stand up to society and redefine what motherhood is and take back our power as moms! The days of these unrealistic rules society has governed mothers with is over.
#REALmomsummer
Check Out The Full REAL Mom Summer Campaign Here

j o i n o u r m o v e m e n t

join our movement




Sun Facts

Top 5 tips for sun protection IN ADDITION to sunscreen:
Check the UV Index. The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure Usually from 10a – 4p the UV Index is at its strongest.
Wear clothing to shield your skin Hats, shirts, and cover-ups shield your skin from the sun ’ s UV rays, and ultimately helping to reduce the burn risk factor.
Sunglasses are essential, not just a fashion accessory. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation
Plan your time outdoors around the sun ' s strongest rays Go outdoors in the early morning or later afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. Find shade or make some Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach.

A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person ’ s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.
Young children’s skin is especially sensitive to chemical allergens, as well as, the suns UV rays
More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the US than all other cancers combined.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by 70 years old
On average, a person ’ s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%
Not all sunscreens are created equal.
Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible because their skin is not yet protected by melanin.
Favorite
These

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Sun Safety Tips for Baby

Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of multiple burns by 30%.
Umbrellas work great if you don’t have a shaded area or stroller canopy. Do not cover the stroller with a blanket….it creates an oven by raising the temperature and makes it hard for them to breathe.
Cover baby with tightly woven but loose fitting protective clothing and a sun hat
Avoid mid-day sun. Take walks in the early morning or late afternoon. Follow product warnings on sunscreens for infants younger than 6 months old. (Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreen on infants.)

Sun Sun Safety Safety Tips Tips ffor or Kids Kids
Always test sunscreen by applying a small amount on the inside of your child’s wrist the day before you plan to use it. Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply often, especially if your child is playing in the water.


Have your kids wear rash guards, a hat and sunglasses for more protection.
How to apply sunscreen
Always apply at least 15 minutes before you go out. Put it on your neck, ears, collarbone and upper chest area and the top of your hands! These areas are often neglected and the first to show signs of aging.
Reapply 1 ounce (a shot glass full) at least every 2 hours or after 40 minutes of water play and always after towel drying.
Things To Do
Farmer's Markets
If you ’ re looking for a fun weekend outing for your family, visit one of the many farmer's markets we have here in Central Florida!

There are several to choose from and at least one happening every day of the week You’re sure to enjoy the community, healthy foods, and some of the most interesting individuals in the area.

Things To Do
Local Splash Pads
Orlando has many options for water fun, and they are often quite budget friendly.
Many splash pads offer adequate shade, comfortable seating, and nearby parks or picnic areas; making them an ideal choice for summertime play dates. We’re always adding to the list, so if you don’t see your favorite, be sure to tell us in the comments!
Here’s our most current list of splash pads to keep your kiddos cool as the summer temperatures start to climb.

Check Out Central Florida's Splash Pads Here


What to Wear
Summer Clothes
White Outfit
Nothing says summer quite like an all-white outfit Great for reflecting the searing heat from the sun ’ s rays, a white ensemble exudes a sense of elegance and timeless class that is perfectly captured through combinations such as linen pants and a white t-shirt, a white shirt dress and sandals or a white pair of jeans or denim shorts Fresh and minimal, wearing all white during the summer months is a great way to look stylish and polished while staying cool

Swimsuit
Whether you ’ re planning a fun day at the beach with the kids or a summer vacation with friends, there are a variety of swimwear options available that can offer you the comfort and support you need while looking fashionable and flattering on your figure. Slip on a cute cover-up and shorts and you ' re good to go!


SPF Wide Brim Hat
Adorning your head with a summer hat is a perfect example of fashion meeting function From boaters to berets, straw hats to sombreros, wearing a hat not only looks effortlessly chic and adds a touch of mystery to your appearance but also protects your tresses from the damaging heat of the sun

Sunglasses
No summer wardrobe would be complete without a stylish pair of sunglasses More than just an accessory, this fashionable piece of eyewear will also protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays from the sun, making them essential wear for any trip outdoors Knowing which frames suit your face is key to looking your best Take a trusted friend with you when shopping for sunglasses, or do some research online to see which sunglasses styles suit your face shape.

What to Wear This Summer
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Check Out More What To Wear This Summer Ideas Here

Water Safety
SummerMeansWater
The difference between life and death is literally heartbeats for children aged 1-4 years old. They can drown in only 20 seconds.

Try to comprehend how small that margin of error is Booking an online appointment or signing for a package can take longer That’s one of the reasons why drowning is a leading cause of death for this age group, as the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports

Here are ways to help keep your children safe around water:
Designate a water watcher for each child
Adults can be standing mere centimeters away from a child who drowns They don’t notice the kid’s distress until too late because they thought someone else was looking after them.
That’s why my number one rule is to dedicate a water watcher for every child. That person needs to accept the role, focus on the child, and maintain eye contact with him or her at all times. This means eliminating distractions, including shutting off their phone and leaving it in a bag, or even a locker
If you are the water watcher, then use this opportunity to be present with your child Don’t risk it! Set boundaries.

Beach Bag Must Haves

The essentials of summer gear
Beach Tent
The pop up tent is made of polyester and eco-friendly silver coating that effectively blocks up to 98% of the sun ’ s harmful UV rays. It is UPF 50+ and water-repellent, so it will keep you dry and relaxed if it drizzles This portable beach tent with a large space (which comfortably fits 2-3 people) weighs just 3.8 lbs! It is so perfect for a day at the beach because it folds down to travel size.

Hand Wipes
Yipes! wipes are made with 99% plantderived ingredients and 98% water, plus they are hypoallergenic and dermatologisttested Formulated without parabens, phthalates and petrolatum.
Yipes! kids wipes effectively clean faces and hands. as parents, we created Yipes! wipes to encourage kids to develop independent, healthy habits. Each individual wet wipe is easy for kids to open on their own. The canister is easy to open, pull and close

Wet / Dry Bag

The better alternative to stashing things in plastic grocery bags, Wet/Dry Bags are made from a waterproof fabric. They have two zippered compartments to keep wet and dry items separate Heat-sealed seams provide true waterproof protection and help lock away odors Use Wet/Dry bags for carrying diapers, dirty gym clothes, beach gear, or wet swimsuits
Spot My UV
SPOTMYUV® is the world’s first clinically proven UV Detection Sticker that gives you a personalized reminder of when it’s time to reapply your sunscreen As you run, swim, sweat, and play, SPOTMYUV’s® patented Dermatrue™ skin mimicking technology interacts with sunscreen like your skin, giving you a clear view of your sun protection in real time. One sticker works all day to show you when to reapply sunscreen.

Beach Bag Must Haves
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Check Out More Summer Beach Bag Must Haves Here

Mom Approved Central Florida Beaches
Top Five Favorite Beach Destinations
Within 2 Hours From Orlando
One of the best perks of sunny Orlando living is the many beaches within driving distance. Whether you are planning a weekend beach getaway or have a spur of the moment urge to dip your toes in the water, there are plenty of options nearby.
Cocoa Beach
Paradise Beach
Daytona Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Vero Beach
Get All The Deets On The Top 5 Favorite Beach Destinations Here

KIDS AND MONEY:
DON’T LET YOUR CHILD BE A FINANCIAL FAILURE
Here are nine signs your child needs to work on their money skills!

Check Out Central Florida's Best Play Date Spots Here

Playdate Spots
This Best Meet-up Places for Playdates in Orlando Guide provides information about the best places in Orlando to meet up with children 8 or younger.

Each place has the following requirements in common:
It’s shady
The children can roam free with barely any oncoming vehicle traffic, or pedestrian traffic.
It’s free (or very cheap).
Best Ice Cream
National Ice Cream Day is July 18th
We polled our readers and these are the TOP ice cream spots around Central Florida that they recommend!

With so many incredible ice cream shops to check out, we thought it would be great to share the guide to the best of the best with you!

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100+ LOCAL WAYS TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDDOS THIS SUMMER
The heat is blazing and the end-of-school countdowns are ticking away. While this season is notorious for lazy days, ice cream cones and cannonballs into the pool, it’s often met with parental hesitation in fear of constantly hearing the infamous “I’m bored” declarations from their tiny humans.
So here we go, mamas! In an effort to keep the kiddos happy and you smiling, OMC has sought out all the local family fun, including some budget-friendly summer activities, and compiled them for you in one go-to boredom buster list!

join our movement
How to join us: *share a photo of YOU feeling amazing and tag us @orlandomomcollective #REALMomSummer #JoinOurMovement * or go to OrlandoMom.com and book your empowerment photoshoot *then share your photo and tag us @orlandomomcollective


#REALMomSummer #JoinOurMovement

Things To Do
Top 15 Rainy Day Indoor Fun Spots

Kidiverse
ICON Park
Crayola Experience
Launch Entertainment Park
Bowling
Orlando Science Center
Movies
Museums
District Eat and Play
Orlando Science Center
Top Golf
Elev8 Fun
Dezerland Park
Wonderworks
Keg Social
Check Out Details on The Top 15 Indoor Things To D0 With Kids Here
Things To Do
Local Ways to Entertain the Kids
WaystoEntertaintheKidsOutside
Go on a playdate to a new local spot
Check out Splash Pads
Golf & Mini Golf
Top Golf
Drive Shack
Congo River Golf
Zoo
Brevard
Sanford
Florida Wetlands
De Leon Springs State Park
Showcase of Citrus
Sail Cocoa Beach

Things To Do
Local Ways to Entertain the Kids
WaystoEntertaintheAdventurers
Kennedy Space Center

Waterparks
Blizzard Beach
Aquatica
Volcano Bay
Nona Adventure Park
Typhoon Lagoon
Island H2O
Sea World
Escape Rooms
The Escape Game
The Bureau
Wall Crawl
Check Out 100+ Local Ways to Entertain the Kids Here
Things To Do
Budget Friendly Orlando Summer Activities
WaystoEntertaintheAdventurers
Go on a playdate to a new local spot
Check out Splash Pads
Golf & Mini Golf

Top Golf
Drive Shack
Congo River Golf
Zoo
Brevard
Sanford
Florida Wetlands
De Leon Springs State Park
Showcase of Citrus
Check Out Details on Budget Friendly Things To D0 With Kids Here
Orlando Mom Collective is a locally-focused parenting resource for moms and families. Passionate about parenting and our community, Orlando Mom Collective strives to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all each other!
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