You've gotta hand it to Mother Nature. When she sets out to mess with your day, she has quite a few tricks up her sleeve. Summer just has to be her favorite season, because while she's busting out the flowers and sunshine, she's also tempting you with swimsuits, sundresses, cute little shorts, and halter tops. That means fewer places to stash extra tampons or pads, and potential major freakout sessions when planning around "that time of the month." With barely a blink, our old friend Mother Nature could totally transform awesome summer into major bummer. But have no fear. BeingGirl.com has come to your rescue. We're here to arm you with the tools you need to foil Mother Nature's plans, get out there and have fun in the sun.

Hit the water
You CAN head to the pool or beach without fear of leaks or stray "mouse tails" (tampon strings) hanging from your bikini. It's safe to hit the water as long as you wear a tampon while you're swimming. Tampons collect the menstrual fluid before it leaves your body. Tampax Pearl tampons are a great choice because Tampax Pearl stops leaks for up to 8 hours, even when you're having fun in the sun! (Remember...use for 8 hours MAXIMUM.) Check out the right way to insert a tampon and practice a few times before you head out to the beach. Don't worry—you won't be surrounded by a puddle of blood in the water! Tuck the string into the lining of your bikini before you leave the bathroom, and you'll be good to go. Remember to change your tampon every 8 hours or more often, depending upon how heavy your flow is, or when you change out of your swimsuit, whichever comes first.

Powerful protection can fit in your pocket!
Keep your period a secret with Tampax Compak Pearl. They come in tiny carrying packets that can fit in the palm of your hand, tucked into your extra clothes, or in your smallest purse. Your backup stash will be your tiny little secret. Bring extra for friends—you never know when Mother Nature will choose to spread the joy to your BFFs!

Breakouts don't have to ruin your beach plans
Mother Nature often accessorizes her monthly gift with pimples and blotchy skin, and that's not great for a day at the beach. Reach for a high SPF sunscreen especially created for your face. Top it off with a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone and hide redness. If all else fails, go for a fashionable look with oversize sunglasses and a hat or cap that suits your style and shades your blemishes from view.

Banish bloating and cramps the day before
Tummy troubles have no place at the beach or poolside. Steer clear of caffeine and salty, fried, and unhealthy foods. Stay hydrated with water, herbal iced tea, cool refreshing lemonade, and fresh fruits and veggies. Some people swear by hot water and lemon to reduce bloating. Others opt for a heating pad to make cramps feel better. Figure out what works best for you and get to it.

When good old Mother Nature hands you her monthly gift, you can accept it with confidence instead of dread. Armed with the right products and tools, you can proudly take that gift with you on a bike ride, to the beach, to the pool, and for a night out on the town. So break out the bikinis and summer dresses, baby, and bring it on. You'll be ready!