My birthday is in July, so that makes me a Cancer. The astrological symbol is a crab. That means I should like the water, but I’m not a big fan. At least I don’t like going in the water. The ocean is vast and scary, lakes are murky and scary, and in both, there are creatures that are, well, scary. Sure, fish are colorful and fun, and turtles are cute, but sharks, not so much. And, not that I own a yacht, but Orcas attacking boats is a no for me. That’s not to say I don’t like being near water. A babbling brook is my cup of tea, but as far as large bodies of water, I’ll stay on terra firma. Thank you very much.

Ok, so if you’re going to get me in the water, then I’ll take a swimming pool. You can see the bottom, you know exactly what’s in there, and for those dangers, chlorine is there to protect you. Everything is provided for you, so there is little lugging of stuff, it’s easy to get to, and there is a snack bar. Summer efficiency at its best.  

At Red Barn Mercantile, we curated a few things we think will be great for the pool this summer. Starting with The Jackson’s chic totes. I’ve been wanting to bring these in for a few seasons now. Ever since I saw them at my friend Geraldean’s store, Skaneateles 300. (If you’re in the Finger Lakes of New York, do yourself a favor and check it out.) Made out of jute by artisans in Indonesia, these totes are cool and eco-friendly. I’m grabbing the Out of Office one for myself!

We are excited to have Kinfield sunscreen in the store. Reef-safe and free of all harmful chemicals, Kinfield is as sustainable as it is effective. And it’s really effective at keeping you safe from the sun. Speaking of the sun, keep the sun out of your eyes with my favorite go-to chapeau, a good ole fashioned baseball cap. I have amassed a large collection and grab one whenever I’m headed out in the sun.

This year we are trying something new, bathing suit coverups. These are essential for my comfort at the pool, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the ones we’ve chosen. Made from the same quick-drying Turkish cotton as our favorite towels, these are comfy and cool for lounging by the poolside. We didn’t forget the towels either. I cannot stress enough how great these are. Turkish towels are the most efficient summer tool in your bag. Because they dry so quickly, you can use them for all sorts of things. Obviously, a towel, but also a shawl, a tablecloth, a blanket, a wrap, or anything else you need. It will be the workhorse you need this summer.

Finally, we have toys for the pool if you’re going with the kiddos. From pails to inflatable noodles for the pool and games and crafts for swim breaks, we have what you need to keep the kids entertained all summer at the pool!