Green Angel Farm

It's hot and I'm cranky.



I have a lot to do today and I can't get motivated. All I really want to do is sit in front of the air conditioner and read a book.

I don't "glisten" or "glow". I sweat like crazy, it doesn't smell like rose petals and I get red in the face. Yuck.

What's a cheapskate Green Mama to do?

* Go jump in a lake!!! Really! Try the lake or any other nearby body of water, whether it's the community pool, the backyard kiddie pool or the local beach, hit the water to spend a long hot afternoon in comfort (and fun!)

* Take a bath! No, not just because you're stinky....although, now that you mention it.... A nice cool bath is a good, if not particularly green, last ditch way to cool off.

* Ice is nice. Crunch on ice or make your own snow cones. Never underestimate the power of a nice cold drink!

* Use a cool cloth. Play the delicate Southern belle and drape a cool cloth across your forehead or the back of your neck. This will drop your internal temperature very quickly.

* Have it made in the shade. My porch swing is one of the coolest places around on a hot day. The sun is blocked by a blind and there is always a nice breeze. Where is the "cool spot" at your home?

* Take it underground. If you have a basement, it's likely to be 10-20 degrees cooler than the rest of your house. Hang out downstairs to stay calm, cool and collected.

* Don't run appliances during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid using things that produce heat, like the dryer, the oven, and the stove top. Rely on the microwave or the outdoor grill for cooking, or better yet, enjoy chilled foods like salads. Make the best of the hot sun by line drying your clothes. In many cities, utilities cost more during the hot daytime hours also, so you will save a few bucks on the bills.

* Join a fan club! In the TV room I have the fan pointed right at me. I also have ceiling fans going in every room. The movement of the air helps to keep you cooler.

Any other ideas for keeping your cool?