
Wow, it's hot! Temperatures here in middle Tennessee are soaring into the upper 90's and 100's with humidity almost matching. Thought we'd share a few tips about staying cool!
Try not to cook inside your home. Grill outdoors, make a camp fire, set up a "summer kitchen"- we have a small wood cookstove on our porch and we start the fire real early in the morning and get any cookin' done before the heat of the day.
Eat sandwhiches, salads and fresh raw veggies from the garden.
Make fresh vegetable and fruit juices- these will keep you cool and give you energy!
Something we learned from our Amish neighbors years ago- in the evenings when the air has cooled off a bit, open all your windows and doors for the night through. Then in the morning before it gets hot again close them up and "trap" the cool air in for the day. It really works! Our house can generally stay 8-10 degrees cooler that way.
Take cold showers!
Go to the creek, river, pond, or garden hose! We have found that the best way to cool down is water. The colder the better!
Eat lots of watermelon. It has electroclytes in it and can help replace any you lose from sweating. Here are a few drink recipes we really enjoy during the summer:
"Live" Water
To 1 quart fresh cold water add:
1 slice of lime
2 or 3 slices of cucumber
2 or 3 sprigs of fresh mint. Keep cool in fridge and drink as needed.
Vicki's Lemonade
In a quart jar add:
1 fresh squeezed lemon
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp. maple syrup {or more for your liking}
Fill with fresh, cold spring water, screw on lid and shake real good. Enjoy!
Have A Happy Heat Wave Y'all!