how to beat the heat (according to Alice)

Ceiling fans, as air conditioning, however useful in particular occassions is often too cold and artificial feeling. Good house circulation with ceiling fans, does the trick.

Large barettes, these are perfect for pulling half of the hair back (out of the sweaty face) or all of it and doesn't look sloppy like ponytails at the end of the day.

Water, water, water. Now I enjoy bottled (Fiji, Poland Springs, Evian) however, all the studies as of late tell of the shipping and plastic damages these products contribute to the earth. So here's my suggestion a Nalgene and Brita filtered water from the frig, brilliant and cooling everytime.

Sorbet (lemon and raspberry) at home and ice cream out keeps the evening cool, refreshing and yummy. But NO popscicles under any circumstances, they provide too much pain to my poor little teeth.

Sunglasses always when outside. Better for you eyes and I get to fufill my glasses fantasy, extra bonus.

Outfits should be kept simple as extra layers and jewelry just gets hot and stuffy. Nice summer dresses and flip flops is a favorite of mine. Sandals always. Oh, and NO shorts, ever, I just can't stand how they emphasize the ass and thigh area, mine does not need to be emphasised. When working out shorts are permitted, there must be exceptions to every rule.

It's also helpful to have a job (nannying) that allows me on extremely hot days to travel to the beach, run in the sprinkler or just in the yacht club's pool. This combined with option of heading inside to air conditioned places such as the aquarium, children's museum and movie theator keeps me cool and the children less cranky. When driving in the car (to these various destinations) I utilize two options. Either(a) windows up, airconditioning on and me listening to stories about what happened at baseball camp etc or (b) windows down and us singing very loudly (Yellow Submarine is a classic).

Oh, and summer food, how could I forget. Blueberries, big fresh salads, barbeques, corn on the cob, mint ice tea. All total classics and favorites of mine that make the sometimes oppressive heat all worth it.



How do you beat the heat?