We are having a tremendous heat and humidity wave here in the Midwest.  (Higher temps and humidity than the Brazilian Rainforest had yesterday…)  Eek!  I just keep counting my blessings that we have air conditioning.   I can’t imagine having to do anything, especially sleep in this weather.

So, in light of the heat, I thought I would offer up some suggestions for keeping cool in an air conditioned place! 

My Top 5 Ways to Avoid the Heat:

1.  Ice Cream: Not too picky here, whether it’s opening a Ben & Jerry’s container from the freezer, running to the local ice cream shop, or making it yourself… find yourself a creamy cool concoction and enjoy!   Some of my favorite flavors include Chocolate Almond Coconut or Caramel Macchiato.  Want to make it yourself to avoid going out in the heat to pick up some?  (Especially fun if you have kids!)  Here’s a delicious Cherry Ice Cream recipe to try… perfect with cherries being in season right now.

2.  Cucumber Water: A nice, refreshing, good-for-you, drink to keep you hydrated and is a bit more fun that plain old water.  Add 2-3 slices of cucumber (I like the English Cucumbers, thinner skins and minimal seeds) to your glass of ice water and enjoy!  Another delicious alternative if you have an herb garden… Pineapple Mint Water.  Just crush a few pineapple mint leaves into a glass and add water and ice.

3.  Cooling Massage: Put your favorite foot lotion into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and then give yourself a cooling foot massage.  Even better if you can convince your sweetie to do this… offer to swap foot massages, he’ll love it too!  My recommendation… Aveda’s Foot Relief… very refreshing, hydrating and not greasy at all.  Hands down my favorite!

4.  Read a Bestseller: Pick up your favorite beach read and enjoy one of the joys of summer… spending guilt-free time getting lost in a good mystery or a fun, flirty novel certainly makes you forget about the heat!  (This is best while done lounging outside in the shade if you’ve got a good cool spot.)   My recommendation… The Help. A fantastic book- funny, serious and eye-opening at the same time.  Definitely a must read.  Bonus… if you read it now, you’ll be ready for the highly anticipated movie debut in early August!

5.   Cooling Packs: Those wonderful little cold packs that can be frozen are a lifesaver when you are overheated.  Apply to key places like the back of your neck, temples, wrists, behind the knees or the arches of your feet.   Allow the pack to safely cool you down and bring relief from being overheated.  You can find the Core Product line HERE.  I keep a variety of sizes on hand for either heating or cooling.  Perfect for little ones as well.

What are your favorite ways to “beat the heat”?  Have any suggestions that you want to share?  Let us know by commenting below!

Thanks and stay cool!