It’s the last official month of summer and we’ve had some heat, haven’t we? I’ve counted on some tried and true methods to chill out this summer, and I’ll share them today.
Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
Light meals are key to keeping cool. This delicious summer salad takes no dressing. I have used feta chunks and feta crumbles. Both work as well, but I think I prefer the crumbles. The mint gives it additional punch. Served ice cold, it can be a summer lunch in itself or a lovely side dish to help you chill out. In fact, I just served it for part of a patio summer on a 98 degree afternoon.
Use cool mornings to chill out
We’re lucky in California — most summer early mornings are quite cool. So I get up early and oepn all the screened windows and doors for some natural air conditioning. Once the day begins to warm up, I shut it all down and enjoy the cool without the need for air conditioning. Until later, that is.
My favorite cool drink
Hydration is a must on hot summer days. And I don’t mean alcohol–I limit that in the summer, especially.
Instead, I make a gallon of iced tea using just one tea bag and a small small handful of raw sugar. It’s very light, not that sweet, barely caffeinated and to me, the most refreshing summer drink. Another way to chill out is to pour half a glass of that mixture and fill the other half with Snapple sugar-free peach iced tea. I don’t like to consume a lot of aspartame, so this gives me a little more taste without so many chemicals.
Hats!
They are a must. Stay out of the sun.
Wet t-shirts
No lie–soaking your t-ahirt with water can keep you cool.
Cooling spritzes
You can make your own with water and a small spray bottle or buy a commercially available spritz, like those made by Evian, Coola or others. An easy way to chill out.
There are nights it doesn’t drop below the 80s here, so… cool mornings? It’s very relative! We have a couple of watermelon salads we love. So refreshing.
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Very hot in Connecticut. Never thought of wearing a wet t-shirt. That would help if stuck outside.
I probably wouldn’t dare but in the privacy of my own yard, maybe!
There are nights it doesn’t drop below the 80s here, so… cool mornings? It’s very relative! We have a couple of watermelon salads we love. So refreshing.
They are … i have been serving this one a lot this summer.