This originally appeared as a guest post over on The Streeters Unlimited.
As you know, readers, I live in the great state of Texas. Texas is a lot of things, some good and some not so good. But one thing not up for debate is that Texas summers are HOT. 100+ degree days are the norm here. So it’s understandable that I’m always on the look out for creative ways to keep me and my loved ones cool during the summer. Today I thought I’d share some of those with you.
Fun with Ice Cubes
No, I’m not going to advocate laying in a pile of ice cubes like the dog above. Instead, here’s some new things to do with ice cubes:
- Pure Fruit Ice Cubes (scroll down). Or just pop some plain berries or grapes into the freezer for a quick snack.
- Mint Ice Cubes
- Green Tea Ice Cubes: for use in smoothies, or to not water down your iced tea as they melt.
- Edible Flower Ice Cubes: these are so pretty!
- For sunburn: Aloe Vera Ice Cubes (not edible).
- For dogs: Yogurt Ice Cubes. Also, for a fun toy, try putting a few ice cubes in an old sock or washcloth and tying off the end(s), and giving that to your pup to play with. My dog loves it, and it’s especially good for teething puppies.
Make Your Own Frozen Treats
Because, let’s be honest, summer is the prime time for all things ice cream. 🙂
- Frozen Hot Chocolate: in case you just can’t wait til winter to enjoy this drink.
- Popsicles for Adults: for a splash of liquory fun in your treats, try out the recipes here, here, and here.
- Ice Cream Fondue: I think Haagen Daaz is onto something here. I can’t wait to try this. Check out this picture of it.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Bars: tons of recipes online for how to do these yourself. My favs: Lemon Bluberry, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate-Dipped Raspberry, Crispy Ice Cream Bars, and Mint Brownie Bars.
- Homemade Ice Cream: Two ways to do it without an ice cream machine, quick or ultra-creamy.
Non-Edible Cooling Tricks
Tips for keeping cool that don’t involve stuffing your face. 😉
- Cool Yourself Without A/C: A great round-up of tips from wikiHow.
- 3 Creative Ways To Keep Your Toddler Cool And Entertained: I don’t have kids yet, but I imagine mom readers out there will appreciate this.
What are your favorite ways to keep cool?
Love the picture and great ideas! Love your blog!
Thank you!! 😀 I can’t take credit for the picture, sadly (see the via link below it).
You should add to your list that Texas and Seattle WA. should swap some weather days in there for us each to get a break. I’m in a sweater right now, NO JOKE! Love that bulldog pic, I’m pinning it from here with your list hope you don’t mind.
I don’t mind the heat, usually. I’m the type that would much rather be too hot than too cold. Cold gets in my bones and it takes forever to warm up. But I agree a break from 100+ days might be nice once in awhile. 🙂
I don’t mind you pinning this post at all! But I can’t take credit for the photo. Whenever I’m using a photo I didn’t take, there is always a ‘via’ link below it that shows where I got it from. Just so there’s no misunderstanding!
such great tips!! i could have used some here today…it was unusually hot!!
xo dana
Thanks! We’ve actually been below 100 here the past week, which has been awesome, but it’s back in triple digits tomorrow.
The dog picture is so cute! I love the idea of green tea ice cubes! I am in Tennessee so it’s always so hot in the summers here too. My favorite way to stay cool is to go to the pool!
I know, it makes me laugh every time I look at it, haha.
I loved the green tea ice cubes idea, too – I hate having ice in my drinks because it inevitably ruins the flavor by watering it down. This seems like a great solution. Theoretically, you could make them out of cola or juice or anything, for whatever you’re going to be drinking.
LOVE this! Will have to try some of these with my nieces while they’re in town.
Thanks! Let me know what you try out & how it goes. 🙂