June 18, 2024 — Living year-round in the heat and humidity of SoFla, we’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with the frustration that comes along with the pleasure of this winter paradise. Today we thought we’d pass a few tips along to those of you in this week’s record-breaking heat wave states.
To the extent possible:
1. We plan our days around the weather
– Keep east and west-facing window curtains closed during times we’d otherwise get direct sun.
– Schedule appointments and shopping trips in the heat of the day when inside temps will be set lower than Mother Nature keeps it outside.
– Make doggie rush hours 7-8 a.m. and p.m. when it’s relatively cooler for people, pets, and their paws.
2. When outside, we do all we can to beat the heat
– Wear light-colored, natural fibers and sun-protective clothing. I’ve invested in a good sunbrella and welcome passersby who comment to feel for themselves that it’s a good 20 degrees cooler under there!
-We don’t go anywhere without a bottle of water as well as a portabowl for the dawgs.
– Keep a few ice packs or wet washcloths in the fridge to drape over our necks if we must head out when it’s most beastly.
3. Spend energy wisely. Rather than wearing ourselves down and out whining, “Can you believe this heat?!” we aim to embrace it with gratitude. “Thanks, God, that we have AC, and the income to pay for it. Thanks for all the water we drink and the wisdom to drink it! Bless those who are doing their all to combat climate change (especially when we are not :( and protect those who labor or live with no roof over their heads.”
4. Stay in! Even though I moved to Miami Beach from Chicago mid-winter three decades ago, it still seems unnatural to sit inside looking out on a beautiful sunny day. But just like northerners hibernate in the winter, we do the same in the summer here. When stepping out into the ocean breeze feels like opening an oven door, I love nothing more than staying in, stretching out, and aiming my pen at a stack of cards that will connect me to friends far and wide.
More often than not, I’ll tuck magnets in those cards. We’re showing you the great one way up top today in honor of Cardie David Puett who said it so well: “While it would be very hard to pick a favorite design — very hard! — one that I loved from the first time I saw it, and still smile every time I see it, is kids floating in the pool with their legs up over the side. The picture is so cool, and we all can remember doing that very thing in our younger years!”
Hehe, I have always loved our “same kind of crazy” magnet, and never more than when dear friend and Contributing Cardie Maureen Kund gave me one along with the messy little mermaid that she’d picked up here on da beach. “Don’t they look like sisters-in-spirit?” Mo said. “Like us!”
So tell us, Cardie sisters and brothers, any wise or fanciful ways you have found to beat the heat?
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
June 18, 2024 — Living year-round in the heat and humidity of SoFla, we’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with the frustration that comes along with the pleasure of this winter paradise. Today we thought we’d pass a few tips along to those of you in this week’s record-breaking heat wave states.
To the extent possible:
1. We plan our days around the weather
– Keep east and west-facing window curtains closed during times we’d otherwise get direct sun.
– Schedule appointments and shopping trips in the heat of the day when inside temps will be set lower than Mother Nature keeps it outside.
– Make doggie rush hours 7-8 a.m. and p.m. when it’s relatively cooler for people, pets, and their paws.
2. When outside, we do all we can to beat the heat
– Wear light-colored, natural fibers and sun-protective clothing. I’ve invested in a good sunbrella and welcome passersby who comment to feel for themselves that it’s a good 20 degrees cooler under there!
-We don’t go anywhere without a bottle of water as well as a portabowl for the dawgs.
– Keep a few ice packs or wet washcloths in the fridge to drape over our necks if we must head out when it’s most beastly.
3. Spend energy wisely. Rather than wearing ourselves down and out whining, “Can you believe this heat?!” we aim to embrace it with gratitude. “Thanks, God, that we have AC, and the income to pay for it. Thanks for all the water we drink and the wisdom to drink it! Bless those who are doing their all to combat climate change (especially when we are not :( and protect those who labor or live with no roof over their heads.”
4. Stay in! Even though I moved to Miami Beach from Chicago mid-winter three decades ago, it still seems unnatural to sit inside looking out on a beautiful sunny day. But just like northerners hibernate in the winter, we do the same in the summer here. When stepping out into the ocean breeze feels like opening an oven door, I love nothing more than staying in, stretching out, and aiming my pen at a stack of cards that will connect me to friends far and wide.
More often than not, I’ll tuck magnets in those cards. We’re showing you the great one way up top today in honor of Cardie David Puett who said it so well: “While it would be very hard to pick a favorite design — very hard! — one that I loved from the first time I saw it, and still smile every time I see it, is kids floating in the pool with their legs up over the side. The picture is so cool, and we all can remember doing that very thing in our younger years!”
Hehe, I have always loved our “same kind of crazy” magnet, and never more than when dear friend and Contributing Cardie Maureen Kund gave me one along with the messy little mermaid that she’d picked up here on da beach. “Don’t they look like sisters-in-spirit?” Mo said. “Like us!”
So tell us, Cardie sisters and brothers, any wise or fanciful ways you have found to beat the heat?
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
Jodee, I love that prayer! Add to it my thankfulness for ceiling fans. They do make a difference! And Starbucks addict that I am, I also love their Sky drink and cold brews. Here in NC we are “enjoying” 90+ degree days with matching humidity, but hey, at least there’s no ice on the roads. HA! Happy summer and love to you~ :)
I’m one of those odd ducks who enjoy the heat. It’s in the 90’s and I’ve yet to turn my AC on. I will say, if I’m hot, just cooling my feet seems to work for my whole body. Of course, all bets are off if you are in Arizona in June. Yes, it’s a dry heat but you might as well just be sticking your head in an oven. Only AC works then! 😅
My suggestion – Drive in your A/C cooled car or the local bus to a Planet Fitness near you and ride a bike or walk on a treadmill. They always keep their facilities nice and cool. If you get the ‘PF Black Card’ you can bring a guest anytime. Two cool ;).
Ride a noodle in the lake. One summer we had a family reunion at the cottage & it was so hot we couldn’t stand to be in the cottage. We all grabbed noodles & rode them like bikes as we chatted away. Sheer bliss.
I sit with my feet in ice water 😁