We’ve had a bit of a heat wave in northern California this summer, and if it’s one thing I don’t like, it’s heat or humidity. So here are a few tricks I use to keep cool in the summer.
Air conditioning is one thing, and yes, we have it, but when it kicks off at the desired temperature, the air is still and stuffy. So, I use a fan in the bedroom at night. Even when the a/c is running.
It’s old school, but it works.It’s a well-known fact that we sleep better when our bedroom is cool, and I need all the help I can get. Yes, I’ve had many ceiling fans in my life–after all, I did live in Florida for a long time–but they just aren’t as effective as a good old standing fan. Especially if it has a remote control, which mine does.
If your mornings are cool that means you don’t live in Florida (ha!). But here in northern California, our early mornings are cool and so are the nights. I open my windows the minute I get up to let the night air cool the house, and the shut them tight at the first sign of heat. That little trick significantly reduces the need for A/C.
Also, the special shade-producing retractable screens on our French doors also keep our west-facing family room cool, a much-needed daily assist when the heat of the setting sun blasts that side of our house.
Ok, so I love stone fruit. And some bubbly.
Nothing says summer the way peaches do. So chill a bottle of Prosecco or other sparkling wine or water. Also chill a can of peach nectar. Apricot or guava will do just fine, too. Pour the sparkling stuff into half the glass and fill the other half with the fruit nectar. Hang a slice of peach on the side and sip the cold punch. Have enough of it and you won’t feel the heat. Not at all.
In fact, have enough of this drink and you won’t feel anything!
How about a few more recipes for keeping cool this summer? Here’s something I did last year with a delicious watermelon and feta salad recipe, along with a few other yummies. Take a look!
Good advice. I too, keep a fan in my room – right in front of my air conditioner – to keep the air circulating. And nothing says summer like a fresh ripe peach.
I try to save as much money as possible, so I check the temperature outside before I go to bed. If it’s at 70 and expected to drop, I turn off the air and open all the windows. Like you, at the first sign of heat the following day, the air goes back on, because, like you, I hate heat and humidity. Keep cool!
We haven’t got any rain in Hyderabad this year, so it’s really warm here too. Neither Jose and I are high on using the airconditioner – though we do put it on when it’s really hot. Presently we make do with the ceiling fans which are part of most Indian homes.
I just had some lovely peach and apricot tea – made in Ceylon. Highly recommended, but doesn’t seem as refreshing as the drink you’ve suggested! 🙂
These are great tips! I’m very thankful for our air conditioning, but rather than rely on it by itself the ideas of closing curtains, using fans, etc. are great. Which reminds me – our standing fan broke and needs to be replaced, as it really does make a difference. Thanks!
We always sleep with the fan on. It blocks out noise as well as keeping us cool. I’m fine with the fan noise, but can not sleep with people or car noise going on. Also love peaches. We have a peach tree in our front yard. Some years they are better than others.
We manage with the ceiling fans and of course here is air conditioning at work place; but I don’t use, I prefer the fan. Loved your pictures.. nice post
I remember the second summer I lived in Tampa, Florida, too many years ago. I had lost my job and we were living on my husband’s income – not enough. We would not have been able to afford the utility bill to run air conditioning. We were in a hot 2nd floor Tampa apartment. I certainly learned to keep cool. And I also learned to appreciate air conditioning. We try to run it only when we need it – which is not that often in upstate New York. Thankfully.
nice tips! i too agree about table fan. My kids sleep quick before table fan than with ac/ ceiling fan. We love in Hyderabad by the way, it’s not cools at all until in winter. watermelon is our best friend in summer 🙂
sorry for typos in earlier comment.
nice tips! i too agree about table fan. My kids sleep quick before table fan than with ac/ ceiling fan. We live in Hyderabad by the way, it’s not cool at all until in winter. watermelon is our best friend in summer 🙂
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Good advice. I too, keep a fan in my room – right in front of my air conditioner – to keep the air circulating. And nothing says summer like a fresh ripe peach.
Still air is not comfortable!
I try to save as much money as possible, so I check the temperature outside before I go to bed. If it’s at 70 and expected to drop, I turn off the air and open all the windows. Like you, at the first sign of heat the following day, the air goes back on, because, like you, I hate heat and humidity. Keep cool!
We’re kindred spirits!
We haven’t got any rain in Hyderabad this year, so it’s really warm here too. Neither Jose and I are high on using the airconditioner – though we do put it on when it’s really hot. Presently we make do with the ceiling fans which are part of most Indian homes.
I just had some lovely peach and apricot tea – made in Ceylon. Highly recommended, but doesn’t seem as refreshing as the drink you’ve suggested! 🙂
Oh, now that sounds good. Peach and apricot tea. Are you always in Hyderabad?
Don’t forget the little guy. We always have a table fan on the floor (ours is a Hunter we’ve had for years) for the fur faces. 🙂
Awww. No worries, we have A/C and hot air rises…Ri is always comfy!
These are great tips! I’m very thankful for our air conditioning, but rather than rely on it by itself the ideas of closing curtains, using fans, etc. are great. Which reminds me – our standing fan broke and needs to be replaced, as it really does make a difference. Thanks!
We always sleep with the fan on. It blocks out noise as well as keeping us cool. I’m fine with the fan noise, but can not sleep with people or car noise going on. Also love peaches. We have a peach tree in our front yard. Some years they are better than others.
Fruits drinks are amazing during the hot weather. They’re refreshing and hydrating. 😀
Stay cool!
In the summer, I always sleep with the ceiling fan above my bed on.
We manage with the ceiling fans and of course here is air conditioning at work place; but I don’t use, I prefer the fan. Loved your pictures.. nice post
I remember the second summer I lived in Tampa, Florida, too many years ago. I had lost my job and we were living on my husband’s income – not enough. We would not have been able to afford the utility bill to run air conditioning. We were in a hot 2nd floor Tampa apartment. I certainly learned to keep cool. And I also learned to appreciate air conditioning. We try to run it only when we need it – which is not that often in upstate New York. Thankfully.
nice tips! i too agree about table fan. My kids sleep quick before table fan than with ac/ ceiling fan. We love in Hyderabad by the way, it’s not cools at all until in winter. watermelon is our best friend in summer 🙂
sorry for typos in earlier comment.
nice tips! i too agree about table fan. My kids sleep quick before table fan than with ac/ ceiling fan. We live in Hyderabad by the way, it’s not cool at all until in winter. watermelon is our best friend in summer 🙂