Keeping Cool

If you live in the U.S., you know that this summer has been HOT!  The Northeast and the Midwest seem to have been especially hard hit the past month or so.  Typical forecast:  Hot. Humid. And no rain.  Can you hear my dog panting?

Since most of us in the Northeast don't have central air (or in my case, a window unit or A/C in the car), we have to use other strategies to cool down.  Yes, fans are my best friend right now and we have been practically living in the various swimming holes in the area.  Here's some other ways we have been keeping cool and keeping sane.

1. Peppermint Mist:
   Take a spray bottle and fill with water and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.  Shake vigorously, spray, and feel  
    refreshed!

2. Smoothies:
    If you read this blog regularly, you know just how much my family LOVES smoothies.  Any kind will do.  Feel free to  
    look up some of my past recipes.  Blend yogurt, frozen or fresh fruit, ice (optional), and any other herb or other
    flavoring you like.  Note:  These are heaven when eaten after harvesting large amounts of peas and strawberries.

3. Frozen Tea Pops
    One of my friends passed on the idea of freezing peppermint tea into Popsicles.  Genius!  I have since been
    experimenting with a wide variety of cooling herbs.  Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Lavender have been my favorites
    so far.  You can mix in a little honey before pouring into Popsicle molds if you like.  Added bonus: Lemon balm helps
    hot grumpy kids turn into little angels again!

4. Eat Cooling Foods
    Cucumbers and Watermelon cool me all the way down to my toes.  I can literally feel the sensation.  Find those foods
    that do that for you.  Yogurt? Melons? Citrus?  Try them all.  And under no circumstances are you allowed to turn on
    the oven.

5. Siesta!
      That's right.  Take a nap.  And that's an order.  During the hottest part of the day, put a peppermint or lavender tea
      soaked frozen washcloth on your forehead and lay down.  I know it's not always practical (I do have 2 little ones),
      but even if it is for 2 minutes, it gives your body a chance to recharge and cool down.

Rain is on the way for us.  Hooray!  Look for me, dancing around in it.

~Kristin

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