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(Music by Marlène & Jerry Tachoir)
Editor’s note: The continental US just broke the record for the hottest first six months in a calendar year, so it seemed like the perfect occasion to republish this piece, which originally aired on the blog in August, 2011.
Heat Wave? Heat Dome? Global Warming? Hell on Earth? Whatever you want to call it, one thing we can say for sure is that this summer has been hot. Blasting the air conditioner at maximum power may make it more tolerable, but it certainly doesn’t help your electric bill (or the environment, for that matter). What else can be done?
This week, we’ve put together some easy and interesting ways to help you stay cool in the summer heat.
Part One: The Cool Diet
Spicy food can actually help cool you down! It causes you to perspire without raising your body temperature. As that perspiration evaporates, it cools your body temperature. Looking for a good spicy solution? Check out our recipe for making your own hot sauce.
On the other end of the spectrum, cool treats are always a great idea. (Just be careful to avoid the often-inevitable brain freeze!) We have a recipe to help you here as well: Make Your Own Horchata Pops.
152 comments
Sign in to add your ownmyvintagecrush says:
Haha, so perfect! ..it is soooo hot right now!
1 year ago
thecoralboutique says:
haha, I love this! Here in Virginia, were blazzzzzing away!!!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
i saw the recipe for the horchata pops last week. i am definitely going to make those!
1 year ago
shelece says:
I actually felt cooler just reading this. Thanks!
1 year ago
RedMarionette says:
Thank you, Thank you! I will be trying a couple of these! Kansas has had three weeks of 100 degree temps! Whew!
1 year ago
MossFrogDesigns says:
I keep reminding myself that in Feburary I was begging for summer. Granted, it was also 40 some odd degrees inside because our power had gone out, and I was tembling in my coat, hat and mittens. Ah. If only.
1 year ago
greenscribble says:
I'll always take the hot weather over the cold. When else do you have a legitimate reason to eat ice cream?
1 year ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Wonderful ideas! Thanks! (I must admit... right now I am wearing a sweater! ya, from Washington!) But will keep those in mind. Fun picts! ~KK~
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Lovely and funny video. :D
1 year ago
LivingVintage says:
This is why I drink Corona and Dixie beer! The cool liquid diet.
1 year ago
Iknitoo says:
Well...how about staying cool with that cute guy in the video! Nice job etsy...
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Super hiper duper :)) Paris is sunny hot sometimes rainy !
1 year ago
PamelasDesertRocks says:
I had no idea that spicy food helps - and I love anything with jalapeno or green chiles - perfect!! Thanks - we definitely need all the help we can get here in the desert!
1 year ago
TheBlackOnion says:
Very timely! It's scorching here in the south!
1 year ago
aoisart says:
Good to know! Thank you!
1 year ago
noraalice says:
One of the top 5 hottest summers in recorded history here in Minnesota!
1 year ago
zenceramics says:
Great story! Thank you for the wondeful post! We are lucky in CA , the summer has been wonderful here!
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
Great story....
1 year ago
myAvonlea says:
Thanks I need to beat the Texas heat.
1 year ago
vintageagogirl says:
Thanks for this great video!!! So hot here, it is Siesta time.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
1 year ago
lisammay says:
Wonderful ideas! I just wish summer would get started here in the great Pac Northwest. Although I am counting my blessings as it could be much worse. :)
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Ahhhh - Chicago in the summer. Where the heat is only surpassed by the humidity. Lollapalooza anyone?
1 year ago
rebourne says:
my kids came running to see what i was giggling about! funny video, and some good ideas. i need a bpa free and safe popsicle mold, stat!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Yes, Parachute425, Chicago today is a steamer! Love the hot sauce recipe ~ sweat, sweat, sweat.
1 year ago
MootiDesigns says:
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great tips! I like the nap part !
1 year ago
fantasygarden says:
chili and ice I think that's the best ......
1 year ago
BonnieCastle says:
Awesome tips! I have actually already made the Horchata pops and they are amazing!
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
Great ideas - we sure could use them down here! I'm so ready for the Fall! Monica TheIDConnection
1 year ago
linneaheide says:
Great tips! Its been awfully hot.
1 year ago
pillowfactory says:
The video is hilarious!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Very important article for all, especially since the Eastern side of North America has been so hot! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
I've done the cool cloth around the neck thing for years now. A cool damp paper towel between the girls helps to ladies! ;)
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
A most excellent video!
1 year ago
GiftsWithCharm says:
advice I can take all year long down in sunny south Florida! Thanks!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Was just in BC house boating and it was gorgeous weather, +25 Celsius. Got lots of sun, but yes stayed in the shade to stay cool at times, or just jump into the lake!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
It's 108 today in my part of Texas - thanks for the advice. The air has been running nonstop.
1 year ago
garavan says:
very funny. i am in the deep deep south. heat advisory today. i am staying indoors and working. will mow lawn after 6pm!
1 year ago
DreamCake says:
Very useful, I'm going to try some of these! Thanks for the post.
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
Awesome, lol! Good tips!
1 year ago
prettyfickle says:
Dude ~ you're hot! ;-D
1 year ago
AMWestchester says:
Thanks!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Great ideas! Ready for fall.... : )
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
That's so funny! My husband always drinks coffee when its like 100 degrees outside. He once told me that it helps make him cooler. I don't know how anyone can drink hot beverages when its that hot out but now I guess I'll have to believe him.. :)
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
Technology has made a world to work faster, longer, harder. We have air conditioners to "help" with this fast pace. I think it is fantastic that we are rethinking what we do....but...maybe generations past didn't have it so wrong.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Feet in some cold water really does do the trick. I just run tub tap water and it helps immensely. Cold washcloth on back of the neck is an old time trick that works wonders, too. Siesta during the hot hours? Wishful thinking for lots of us. Fall's just around the corner,,,,,,
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Looks so refreshing - really like the make your own popsicle idea! Going to have to try that soon :)
1 year ago
justthegoods says:
Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Feeling more chilled out already ;-) looking forward to an ice water foot bath tonight! ...to be followed by my peppermint ginger footbutter, of course ;-)
1 year ago
winkink says:
As a lifeguard from Texas who works during midday (this week is all 103+, with heat indexes of 106+), I can assure y'all that getting your whole body wet works even better than just selective soaking. During adult swim at my pool, I always have to jump in--no swimming, just jump in, submerge, jump out--and I feel a thousand times better! Just don't forget to reapply sunscreen; your skin will thank you as you age. c:
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
lol great tips! I wish I could get away with having a siesta in the middle of the day... Haha :)
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
I had a revelation that I can use my bathtub as a personal pool...
1 year ago
juliesadorabowls says:
I could use a popsicle right now! Great tips!
1 year ago
marsia says:
We've had temperatures in the triple digits here in Austin since the end of May. (( sigh. )) Another suggestion: keep a spray bottle filled with water laced with a little bit of rubbing alcohol, and spritz your feet & legs while watching TV on the sofa or reading in bed. It really helps, especially if you have an electric fan going. Courage, Camille!
1 year ago
beaglegirl100 says:
i live in Texas. i forgot what it's like to have cool weather. hopefully this will help me survive!(:
1 year ago
looking4lilly says:
Cool video. I like that guy.
1 year ago
sewlola says:
Love the energy conservation tip by taking a siesta!!!
1 year ago
therealkittymao says:
Another good tip is Witch Hazel. My grandma used to soak a handkerchief in it and then tie it around her neck. And then she would say with her New Yawk accent "It's very cooling."
1 year ago
laurenparadise says:
All great Ideas thank you its a steamy night here.
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
Oh yeah, ice cream. The cure for everything.
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Great tips! Thanks
1 year ago
HappyFaceArt says:
Thanks, I needed that :)
1 year ago
PierogiPicnic says:
Hilarious! Good to know I'm not the only one suffering!!!!
1 year ago
floodplainstudio says:
I'm from the desert and this is good advice! Work in the early morning, take a siesta in the afternoon. Also, a mister from the hardware store on your porch or balcony costs under $10. Cheers!
1 year ago
katschic says:
Love it! :D
1 year ago
knitknacknstuff says:
FAB! I also heard that putting a bowl of ice cubes in front of a blowing fan helps...haven't tried that yet :-)
1 year ago
andwhatelseisthere says:
the guy is ridiculous, but cute.
1 year ago
mooshoopork says:
ive always found that singing winter & christmas songs.. works for keeping you cool on hot days :)
1 year ago
livingferal says:
great video :)
1 year ago
raineforest says:
Good Ol'Texas suppose to be 104 all week, but feel like 105, really?? I'm in San Antonio, Dallas is 107 feels like 101, suppose to be 110 this weekend. Nights here it gets down to the 80's. Brain is fried so thinking cool is out of the question. Sleeping most of the time with fans blowing on me a must!
1 year ago
LANCERIKA says:
Hot in the Smokies, but it cools down late at night...(bliss)... soon.....oh soon......
1 year ago
chickfamilyink says:
entertaining video but is it worthy of Etsy? I would rather see artist profiles or actual how tos. I know it is hot and you are stuck in New York so I am giving you the benefit of the doubt but I really look forward to Tuesday and the video it brings. Try again Etsy.
1 year ago
AliceCloset says:
Ahahha,absolutely love this article! :D Thanks!
1 year ago
beadinbythesea says:
Great video! Just think "NW Washington state" we've barely been getting in the 70's this summer! Come on over ya'll!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
Great tips!
1 year ago
Marumadrid says:
Being cool helps too, don't forget that! XD
1 year ago
WereRabbit2006 says:
What a fun way to cool down :D
1 year ago
GrandOldTimes says:
hmmm... I think I just might try those Horchata pops, they do sound yummy and cooling too.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Lucky I live in Hawaii...but when it does get hot, one of those smaller blue ice packs wrapped in a scarf around your neck...ahhhhh! Or, of course a dip at Kailua Beach...yes!
1 year ago
JenYadi says:
Love this! Thanks for the tips! Even though it gets very humid in my room; I HATE TURNING ON THE FAN. I have an industrial/home one and I just hate to turn it on and waste electricity. These tips are fantastic! Best regards!
1 year ago
whatahussy says:
Love it... it's going to be 107 in the ATX today!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
funny. love this. linen and lawn cotton work wonders.
1 year ago
greeneyezdesignz says:
Reminds me of when we were kids and would fill ice trays with kool aid to make our own popsicles! Just pop out those frozen treats, and hold with a face cloth! Don't forget about the animals! Plenty of food and water for the feathered friends. I keep my dachshunds inside as much as possible. They get to drink water with ice cubes floating around. Now, if I could just get them to stop running around the house with an ice cube in their mouth! Drip drip.....
1 year ago
KellismCo says:
Hahahah this is so silly.
1 year ago
rosenu2 says:
Cooling thoughts ... love it and the article ...Thanks
1 year ago
hildes says:
Great ideas :-) Thanks!
1 year ago
piecesofelises says:
I would like to try the horchata pops :D sounds delicious!
1 year ago
vinskord says:
Great story! Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
TownandCountryVntage says:
Lol! What a cutie-patootie. That video is great. And it is hot as balls here in MD! Great tips.:)
1 year ago
rejive says:
Interesting about spicy food! Good thing, because I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing:)
1 year ago
treasurebooth says:
The other thing you can do is move to Washington State where there is no summer ;)
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I feel really cool right now.
1 year ago
TreasuryShop says:
Great cooling down ideas! Love the spicy food advice.
1 year ago
artworksbycarol says:
You really don't know HEAT until you've done yard work in Southern Mississippi. Now, the hat I wear while doing yard work, that's cool.
1 year ago
Alaroycreature says:
BLAHAHAHAHAHA
1 year ago
pixelandpost says:
I think you might want to add one more solution - Come visit Seattle. We've had two days above 80 all summer long. Today is a balmy 64 and cloudy.
1 year ago
Olele says:
I love Horchata, so I'll definitely try those Pops out!! :D
1 year ago
mosaichick says:
Go for the "Sodden Aunt Jemima" look that my dad swears by - wear a cold wet doo-rag on your noggin. It works people!!!
1 year ago
CreationsdeFlorence says:
A cool shower is a sure way to cool down! Especially on your head. I also like to remember how much snow we had this summer. I do that when I'm sitting at my patio table that had over 2 feet of snow on it.
1 year ago
mossnk says:
Thanks cool thoughts.Is hot,dress cool,drink alot of fluids.
1 year ago
EcoFoto says:
Good ideas, I better go out and buy some tabasco sauce ASAP! :)
1 year ago
PetiteRobeNoire says:
Jacob is adorable!
1 year ago
feliceshappydesigns says:
Gotta love Portland, it is partly cloudy and quite comfortable right now. NOTE; I am wearing a sweatshirt. but I still love a good popsicle!!
1 year ago
shannon oshaughnessy from silverbranchhome says:
Great article! Hot wings and a nap, sounds great!!
313 days ago
AlisaDesign from AlisaDesign says:
Cool!!!
313 days ago
Dana Seilhan from studiorandom says:
I don't just use A/C for cooling. I use it to remove humidity. We have a house full of books, paper, yarn and other supplies that would rot if they caught a mildew infection, not to mention I don't want mildew in the bathroom either. I note most of the criticism of air conditioning comes from areas of the country which do not typically suffer from an excess of humidity during the summer. How about you control your own climate, and we'll handle ours. Sorry for the snark, but this really is getting old--part of being eco-friendly is adjusting to the place where YOU live. Most of us are not living in California.
313 days ago
Whitney from PinwheelStudio says:
Thanks for the fun ideas! This summer is a hot one for sure!
313 days ago
Edie Ann from OhHoneyHush says:
100 degrees right now where I am. I need a cold popsicle!
313 days ago
Lindsay from SweetThreesBoutique says:
Boston is so humid right now too!! Could use that cold popsicle as well! :)
313 days ago
Katie from BlackStar says:
We finally broke the triple digits today! And there's rain in the area. Now if it will only rain here! I'm adding that popsicle recipe to my Popsicle Parade board on Pinterest.
313 days ago
Iveta from PariDesign says:
This is so fun! I needed this over here! Thanks : ) ... still laughing :D
313 days ago
Sasha from whatnomints says:
To all of you who live in temperate climates ... I don't want to hear it - Here in south Florida we have to deal with oppressive heat and humidity nearly year-round :/
313 days ago
Amanda Gynther from CafePrimrose says:
Such great ideas! Thanx!
313 days ago
Haylee from aTreasure says:
Here in NC, it's so hot that sometimes you step outside and you don't hear or see a soul in sight. The humidity is unbearable! I walk outside and I can feel my skin sizzling. Thanks for the tips!
313 days ago
Justin and Lauren Marsh from GoatandKettle says:
We were at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA this weekend and had to keep moving our umbrella to keep our hand-forged steel rings (made from antique keys) out of the sun! Hot in the sun, beautiful in the shade in Cali!
313 days ago
loopy from loopyboopy says:
This is really sweet...but obviously you don't live in the deep south. No amount of feet soaking or popsicles are gonna cool ya off, trust me. My solution...hibernate.
313 days ago
Anathalia from SCAVENGENIUS says:
What a fun post! Glad it was republished! :)
313 days ago
Lola Ocian from GoldenSpiralDesigns says:
Great tips! I've been eating so much spicy food lately. It's counter-intuitive, but it really does feel better in the heat. Cheers!
313 days ago
Bilal Hito from FireIslandSoap says:
love the tips! thanks dude!
313 days ago
Sarah from CopperheadCreations says:
These are great tips! I love the foot soak, and the ice pops! :) It's oppressively hot here in NYC right now. Blech. We keep a spray bottle of chilled water mixed with a few drops of lavender oil by the bed for really hot nights, so we can mist ourselves and lay in front of the fan. Haha. Good times. It's kind of in line with the "mind of matter" thing, since it doesn't make a dramatic difference, but I'll tell ya - if you're feeling pretty awful some night, give it a shot: it can feel amazing.
313 days ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
Great tips, but AC still works the best for me!
313 days ago
amanda schwartz from TwoTickets says:
hahah! funny!
313 days ago
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage says:
Super!
313 days ago
gilded in gypsy from gildedingypsy says:
Hahaha, did you see how red Jacob's face got after he ate that spicy food!? I think I'll stick to the AC, or a nice dip in the pool.
313 days ago
Sarah Knight from CuteLittleNursery says:
Haha! Soo great & cute! Love it. In a couple months we will be posting how to stay cozy & warm in the chilly fall & winter...;)
313 days ago
mooshoo from mooshoopork says:
i remember when i was little someone taught me that singing christmas songs in the hot hot weather would always help trick your mind into thinking its cooler. haha and ive taught my natives the same thing.. sometimes it does help! and for the times it doesnt.. cold showers! :) stay cool everyone
313 days ago
WhimsicalRoad from WhimsicalRoad says:
Fun article! I love the retro fan.
313 days ago
Eliza Stein from elizasteindesigns says:
Spicy food never cooled me down in hot weather. Salty/sweet is what does it for me. It probably has to do with losing lots of salt from sweating. My favorite way to enjoy this flavor combo is chilled watermelon sprinkled with salt, and of course margaritas!
313 days ago
iammieCLAYshop from iammieCLAYshop says:
Cool! I should try it in Summer in Thailand. It's getting hotter and hotter. No less than 40 degree celcius every year!
313 days ago
Heather Long from millielovescrafts says:
Come over to the UK for a while! Its cool and wet, omg what i'd do for a little sunshine! Joking aside though, I don't envy the excessive heat you have at the moment. Try drinking hot drinks like tea, they cool your body down faster than cold drinks for some reason.
313 days ago
Kasia from 1FattyBoomba says:
Great tips! Wish I could put them into good use now...brrr! So cold here in Melbourne! So we're in middle of the winter now !!!
312 days ago
Suzanne Urban from SmirkingGoddess says:
We're finally getting a reprieve from Mother Nature-but your popsicle rescipes do look good. . .
312 days ago
BCbuzz from BCbuzz says:
great tips! dipping your toes in a bucket of cold water on a hot hot day refreshes the body and the mind
312 days ago
Colleen O'Neal from truthbeautyandlove27 says:
I love the siesta idea!
312 days ago
IKA PARIS from ikabags says:
again :))
312 days ago
Elizabeth says:
This is one of my favorite videos we've ever done. So glad it's back!
312 days ago
Heidi from AlpineGypsy says:
I love a little water mister, with a few drops of peppermint in it - mist away those heat waves! Add a few drops of tea tree or citronella if you wish to keep the bugs away as well. Non-toxic, and smells divine ~ great article! Heidi
312 days ago
Windy City Novelties says:
Great ideas, thank you for sharing them!
312 days ago
Lisa Jersey from JerseyGirlTrinkets says:
Like this, thanks for sharing!
312 days ago
Melissa from YellowmelleArts says:
we have this thing going where we stick wet cloths in the freezer, and when they're frozen stiff, we wear them as a scarf or a hat lol
312 days ago
Monique Insalaco from SoweluStudio says:
I've turned my hot tub temperature down to a pleasant 85 degrees. Makes for a nice dip at the end of the day! Stay cool! Monique www.sowelustudio.wordpress.com
312 days ago
Ash03 from TheCypressCone says:
http://blog.encyclopediavirginia.org/files/2012/07/batman-538x530.jpeg As Batman would say...
312 days ago
Karmele Luqui from Olele says:
This is why I make hand fans ;P A cool orange juice and a long siesta, that's all you can do in summer...
312 days ago
Vic Coolidge from SepiaTree says:
I'm going to go do my part and practive some responsible energy consevation =)
312 days ago
Vic Coolidge from SepiaTree says:
"practice some responsible energy conservation" ok I admit it I already started lol
312 days ago
Colleen from EeEeandFriends says:
I appreciate these tips. I endured the hottest summer in my life after moving to Australia by freezing wet tea towels. I folded them lengthwise before freezing and draped them around my neck when they were icy enough. Cucumber juice really helps too.
312 days ago
Jen Stilley from ArtfullyYoursByJen says:
It got up to 105 last week in my neck of the woods. My cat really felt the heat ... An ice cube in her water really did the trick.
311 days ago
emmy williams from EMMYSGREENTHINGS says:
ARKANSAS IS GETTING A LITTLE RELIEF FROMTHE HEAT! I GOT A HEAT RASH NO FUN FOR ME! SO MANY COOL IDEAS ON HOW TO KEEP COOL. THANK S SHARING! GREENGOSSIPGRL*TWITTER
311 days ago
Emily from styleforlife says:
LOL!!! Hilarious......love. Thanks for doing it MAN! :-) ITS HOT in LA LA LAND.....xxxx EL Vintage
311 days ago
Judy Murphy from vegasblingrocks says:
Perfect timing for this very COOL article. Thx from blistering HOT HOT HOT Vegas!!
308 days ago
Lisa Sittniewski from AntiqueButtonJewelry says:
Love the heat, hate the horrible, suffocating Western New York humidity near the Great Lakes! Love the summer in the south, hate the summer here at home!!! PS...is this a recycled blog post? The comments go from 342 days ago to 6 days ago :)
307 days ago
Lisa Sittniewski from AntiqueButtonJewelry says:
Drrr...that's what I get for not reading the editors note!!!
307 days ago
Mark Lam from Markfabric says:
Seems great but have no time to try because we are too busy!
304 days ago