The thing about summer picnics and the type of food you should bring is that you want to make it something simple, easy, and something that you will want to eat despite the heat and humidity.

Today I put together a few of my favorite go to items to bring when I go out for a picnic or when I need to bring something along to a cookout.

Cheese and Crackers
I mean, who doesn't love cheese? You can make it even easier on yourself by getting pre-sliced cheese that you can eat right out of the packaging.  I like to make pretty arrangements on a cutting board so I always pack one of those along.  This is a great food option when you're going to a winery!


Mini Waters or Wines
Obviously if you enjoy wine, you should bring along mini wine bottles because it's much less mess than pouring glass after glass out of a large wine bottle.  And always always ALWAYS bring mini water bottles to keep you hydrated if you're going to be outdoors!

Subs or Sandwiches
Subs and sandwiches are a GREAT hot weather food because they're easy to consume, a breeze to clean up, and they don't have to be heated at all.

Fruit Salad
Bringing a fruit salad along can be as simple as dumping your favorite fruits into one big container.  It's a refreshing, colorful, yummy treat!

Veggies and Dip
Veggies and dip are cool, refreshing, and healthy.  They make virtually no mess and the colors always look pretty on display.  I like to get things like carrots, celeries, little tomatoes, and then cucumbers because they are full of water and help cool me down in the heat.

What's your go to food to bring along to an outdoor picnic?

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4 Summer Crafts You Can Do Outside

The one good thing about summer is that when you wanna get crafty you can actually do a lot of craft projects OUTSIDE to keep the mess off your inside furniture.  This is especially great if you have kids because we all know how much of a mess they can make.


So today I wanted to put together a few crafts that you can do outside in the Summer and why they're great ideas!

Sand Art
Sand Art is fun especially for kids but the best part is that it's okay if sand spills and goes everywhere.  You don't even have to vacuum it up afterwards.  When I was a kid my mom always had us sit outback in the yard on a picnic table to do our sand art projects. And if you want to do some adult sand fun consider getting different colors of sand and filling empty bottles or vases and displaying items around your home.  I even use colored sand in my makeup brush storage container so I can just store the brushes sticking straight up out of the sand.

Painting Pots
Whether you plan to use them or not, painted flower pots look amazing in your yard.  I have seen people paint them but instead of filling them with dirt and flowers they just stack them decoratively on a patio or stoop. This is also fun for kids because they can choose their own plant to grow in it and it teaches them about gardening.  I love painting flower pots and I even love when they start to fade over time because it makes them look nice and rustic.

Painting Stones
Painting stones is another fun outdoor project that you don't have to spend much money on.  Look for smooth rounded stones in your own yard or buy a bag at the garden store. You can paint them however you please and leave them around your yard.  Some people mix them amongst other landscape stones they use as mulch.  And if you feel like making someone's day, leave it at a local park for someone to find.

Tie Dye Clothing
Whether it's shirts, blankets, towels, or bedsheets, you can really enjoy tie dye crafts when you're outside. You can even hang things up out there without fear of it dripping inside!


Whatever you choose to do this summer when it comes to crafts, take advantage of the ability to make a mess outside and hardly have to clean it up!


What summer crafts do you enjoy?

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3 Adventurous Summer Activities to Keep You Cool

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One of the things that keeps me stuck at home and cooped up inside is the fact that the air conditioning feels better than the sun and humidity outside in the middle of the Summer season.  But, depending on where you live... actually almost anywhere you live... you can still find a few activities that will keep you cool while also getting you out of the house. So whether you have kids or you just want to get a bunch of your adult friends together, check out these 3 summer adventures!
 


Water Parks
Obviously water parks are fun for kids but even as an adult, you and your friends can have some great fun AND stay cool.  There are plenty of water parks in each state and some local pools even have water slides and other little set ups inside them if you don't feel like making a huge trek away from home. You need to remember to pack your bathing suit obviously but also a change of clothes (Splashing, hello!?), wear plenty of sunscreen, and stay hydrated while you're out in the sun.  Even though you may feel cool because you're in water, you can still get dehydrated and sunburned so be smart!


Museums
Museums are a great way to spend a day indoors in the air conditioning but still be very entertained.  There are all types of museums in all types of locations and the possibilities are endless.  Lots of people don't want to be stuck indoors when the weather's really nice but in the frigid cold of winter or the unbearable heat of summer a museum will always give you something to do and get you out of the house.  It's a fun idea to make a museum bucket list and cross off all the different places from your list as you visit them.


Caverns
So depending on where you live there should be some caverns and caves that you can visit on a guided tour.  The reason this is a great summertime activity is because they are almost always cool and damp inside. It gets you outside but you still get to stay in the cool air and you get to enjoy cool scenery and learn things about the area. Here in Pennsylvania there are several different caverns but in my area (Harrisburg) Indian Echo Caverns is a huge favorite.  You can take a tour of the inside of the cave and pan for gold and gems outside.


What other activities do you enjoy in the heat of the summer?

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A Girl's Guide to Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

I love sunshine.   I love decent weather.  But for some reason in the summer I struggle to enjoy being outside because I can't get past the heat and humidity and the discomfort of my thighs chafing and my hair frizzing.  If you're like me then you will enjoy today's post because I am giving you some tips on how to make the best of your time outdoors despite the heat and humidity.   

Avoid Direct Sun between 10 am and 2 pm
The sun is at it's strongest between 10 and 2 so unless you want to get a tan, stay in the shade during those hours and definitely don't exert yourself with yard work or running during those times.  That's why you see people out doing yard work early in the morning in the summer and runners tend to be out more in the evening.



Wear Light Colored Clothing
White and pastels are your friend when it comes to beating the summer heat.  Dark colors attract the sun and the heat so you're more likely to heat up and get uncomfortable wearing black or dark blue than you are wearing light pink or white.  Don't believe me? Just think of how hot the black top is versus how hot the concrete sidewalk is when the sun's been beating down on it.

Wear Breathable Clothing
Opt for lower necklines, short or no sleeves, and cotton fabric when it comes to your tops.  For underwear, definitely go with cotton because it'll allow you to breathe "down there" and ladies we know how when you're sticky and miserable, EVERYTHING is uncomfortable.  Cotton lets your skin breathe and it won't feel like you're wearing a blanket when you're outside.

WATER!
I know it's cliché but it's true. Every time you sweat you lose water and you get closer to becoming dehydrated so drink water!  Drink it before, during, and after being outside.  Stay away from soda and sugary drinks.  Opt for flavored water instead. Water will replenish what you sweat out and it helps keep your skin nice and hydrated.


Go Light on the Makeup/Foundation
If you must wear makeup and you plan to be outside in the heat and sun, go light on the foundation.  Opt for powder instead as it's less likely to sweat off and/or clog your pores.  Also be lighter on the eyeshadow because remember, you will likely be dripping sweat and sweat makes makeup run and crease.  If you do plan to be outside for an extended period of time, consider bringing some of your cosmetics along so you can touch up in a bathroom. 

Wear Your Hair Up
This is pretty much a no brainer.  Wearing your hair up in the summer heat benefits you in 2 ways.  First, the more hair you have laying against your neck and back, the more overheated you get because your skin can't breathe.  And second, when your neck and back and arms are sticky with sweat, your hair gets stuck to it and it just looks nasty.  So tie that hair back so you can still look good and feel comfortable.

Wear A Hat
Wearing a hat is super beneficial because it keeps the sun off your head where you can overheat from, it protects your scalp and hair from UV rays, and it can be a great fashion statement while covering up your frizzy hair.  It's also great for keeping the sun out of your face.

Sunglasses
Squinting is not only uncomfortable but it makes fine lines around your eye.  And sunlight can damage your vision anyways so there's really no excuse not to wear a pair of sunglasses.  Trust me, you'll be a lot more comfortable with them on and you won't feel so overwhelmed by the bright sun.

Anti Chafing Assistance
So I despise summer heat because when I try to walk around in a dress, skirt, or even shorts, my thighs rub no matter how fit I am.  There are numerous deodorants and thigh rubs you can get to help protect your skin but when I wear dresses and skirts I also wear lightweight shorts underneath, kind of like shapewear but they are thin and don't make me sweat.  It protects my thighs from rubbing against each other. 

So ladies, what did I miss? What do you do to beat the summer heat or what tip is going to help you beat it this summer?

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6 Practical Facial Skincare Tips for Summer

Summer is here and while it's nice that you can do more things outside of the house, it can really take a toll on your skin.  Different seasons call for different skincare advice since you're battling different amounts of humidity and different activity.   So check out these 6 practical skincare tips for your face and keep that glowing face of yours beautiful and healthy all summer long.


#1: WEAR SUNSCREEN
I know it's the most commonly spouted bit of advice but there's a reason for that.  Not only can unprotected skin get burnt to a crisp, but it can increase your chance of skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots.  This doesn't mean you can't enjoy being outdoors, just be smart.  Even when I lay out for 15 minutes on a random Saturday, I am covered in sunscreen especially on my face.  Even if you have makeup on that says it has an SPF, it may not be enough. Be smart and just apply sunscreen! There's even special formulas that work with difficult skin on the face that prevents breakouts.


#2: HYDRATE
If you don't think drinking water is important for your face, just google what a dehydrated persons face looks like.  It's always important to drink several glasses of water each day especially if you're outside in the sun or doing physical activity that makes you sweat.  Remember that sweat is water leaving your body so you need to replenish it.  A hydrated face has a nice complexion, fewer breakouts, and a nice glow!


#3: WEAR A HAT
If you are going to be out in the blazing sun with little to no shade around you, consider wearing a sun hat.  You know those gorgeous big beige hats that are actually pretty fashionable? Well, not only will you look pretty but you'll protect your head from sunburn and sweating profusely. 


#4: SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses are a fashionable way to prevent squinting and sun damage.  Both of those things can cause wrinkles and fine lines so why would you want to be walking around struggling to see?  Look for sunglasses that block out enough light that you can still drive safely without being bothered by reflections off of car windows around you. Again, this is another way to be fashionable and sun smart.  


#5: WASH YOUR FACE MORE OFTEN
In the winter, washing your face too much can actually dry it out but in the summer you're sweating a lot more and your pores can get clogged.  If you notice your face is extra greasy and oily or that you're getting more breakouts, consider washing it twice a day.  For me, my skin is still dry in the morning so I just rinse it and blot it dry with a towel.  But in the evening after I remove my makeup with special oil-based remover wipes, I do a thorough cleansing and scrub all of the debris off my face so that it can't clog my pores and cause breakouts.


#6: MOISTURIZE
Some people think that since you sweat more in the summer you don't have to moisturize your face as much.  That's not true at all.  Especially if you've been in the sun, your skin needs to be hydrated with a good moisturizer that won't clog your pores.  Every time you use a cleanser on your face you should always moisturize afterwards since cleansers usually leave your skin dry.


What do you do in the summer to take extra good care of your face?

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The COOL Girl's Guide to Beating the Summer Heat

 
This post was a long time comin'.   In Pennsylvania the summer heat gets very oppressive.  It's swampy, humid, and hot hot hot!   Instead of being miserable, I wanted to put together a little survival guide on how to make the most of summer in all aspects of life.  From budgeting on a/c bills to dealing with boob sweat.   I'm even including links to the products I use so if you want to stock up you can! Enjoy!

[HAIR]

Yes, I know, it sucks.  Hair gets frizzy and icky and no matter what you do it looks like crap.  I do have a few solutions though.   For starters, since dry hair tends to absorb moisture in the air, I try to avoid drying my hair out.  My hair dries out quickly from washing it too often so I wash every other day. 

I do notice it helps a lot and I also use an anti-frizz spray that seems to work well. In between washes I use dry shampoo to keep it smelling nice and looking a bit less greasy, although depending on your hair type it can be inevitable.  

When I am attending an outdoor party and my hair looks like a frizzy mess no matter WHAT I do, I opt for an adorable sun hat like this one! Seriously, it covers the frizz and it's really cute.

Or you can just tie your hair up in a top knot and no one will see that you're actually a frizzy greasy mess.

[BODY SWEAT]

Did you ever notice how literally EVERYTHING sweats in the summer?  Yes, I mean I'm sweating all over the place.  Sometimes I get up from sitting and I feel like I peed my pants.  Sorry but it's true.   So I have several ways I try to combat that. 

For starters, I always use an antiperspirant deoderant.  I found one that works well for me and lasts.  Once you find a good one, stick with it.

Got boob sweat?  You can apply a powder (baby powder, makeup finishing powder, WHATEVA!) underneath.    Also, I keep body wipes with me so I can freshen up around my neck, hairline, and my boobs throughout the day. 

Now, if you're like me, your thighs rub. I know some people wear dedorant there but that doesn't help me because my thighs still rub and it's uncomfortable and annoying.   So I wear thin little panty hose style shorts.   The ones with a serious control top are too oppressive in summer weather.  These little numbers are adorable and I have a pair in black and nude. I wear them underneath dresses and skirts and they act as a little guard so that I get the benefit of wearing some sort of fabric without the heat and discomfort. 

And if you're concerned about hoo-ha and bum bum sweat, just remember to wear breathable cotton panties.   Also, you'll thank me later but if you go to a pool party, don't sit too long in your damp bathing suit bottoms. That's a great way to get a yeast infection and there's NOTHING worse than a yeast infection in the middle of summer!

[BILLS]

It seems like summer gets expensive around the house.   You start showering more often so your water bill may go up a bit, but what really gets people fired up is the electric bill.   Here's a HUGE tip - when you're not at home, your house dosen't have to be an icebox.  It's just a waste of money.   And if you have pets - rest assured they will survive.  You people act like they are stranded in the desert!   When we're away from the house we turn the thermostat to 75. The second we get home we turn it down to 71 or 70.   We also keep the fan running from time to time so the air doesn't get stagnant.  

Want to save even more on energy costs? Consider shutting the blinds and curtains when you aren't home so the sun's rays aren't beating into the house.   Don't let doors or windows open when the heat is oppressive.  Consider upgrading your thermostat too. The NEST thermostats are so amazing!

[EXERCISE]

So you love being active outdoors but once it gets to that unbearable temperature and humidity level outside you lose all motivation right? Well, plan accordingly.   Get your walks and runs in later in the evening or early in the morning before the sun is bright and directly overhead.  Change your route to streets (or sides of the streets) where there's more shade.  Or consider riding a bike so you can at least have wind on you at all times.   Wear light colored clothing, a hat, and stay as hydrated as possible without peeing your pants.

[HEADACHES]
This kind of fits in with a lot of other things on this list. People often complain about headaches in the summer.  Well for starters, make sure you drink enough water. Not sure how much to drink? Take your weight and divide it by 2 and that's generally the ounces of water you should be taking in daily.   Try to avoid sodas or alcohol when you're out in the sun because it will just dehydrate you quicker. And remember just because you're in the pool doesn't mean your body is hydrated. You still have to drink water.

Also, wear sunglasses! Squinting all day can give you tension headaches, plus you look like a goofball always walking around with your eyes all squinty and your face all scrunched up.

[SWEATY STINKY FEET AND SHOES]

Trust me, I can't stand wearing sandals or slip on shoes that are full of stink and make my feet sweat. I have an amazing solution to that.  Obviously with sandals I wear a foot deodorant.

I put it on every morning and it really does make a difference with my sandals.  After a hot day where I'm sweating a lot I will also set my sandals out in the afternoon/evening sun so the light zaps some stink and bacteria.

For flats and slip ons I wear little teeny tiny socks that actually absorb sweat and they make my shoes last a heck of a lot longer. 

[SUNBURN]

The sure fire way to look like a goofball in the Summer is having red skin because your stubborn ass didn't put on sunscreen.  First off, you can still get a tan through sunscreen so stop acting like you can't protect your skin because you want some color.

So there you have it - from boob sweat to stinky feet.  I hope this helps you survive the summer.  What other tips do you have?

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How To Make Your Own Popsicles this Summer

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I don't know where you live but in Pennsylvania the summer weather is sticky, hot, and humid.   I basically stay confined to my screened in porch because there's shade and I will do whatever I can to stay cool when I'm outdoors.  A great way to cool down is to have a frozen treat, so today I am sharing with you a super easy (I mean SUPER EASY) tutorial for making your own popsicles at home!

Step 1 | Get a Popsicle Mold

This really is necessary otherwise how can you form a popsicle? So this is the Classic Pop Mold from Zoku. Zoku has an awesome selection of pop makers and accessories for slushy and frozen drinks and treats.

These are really cool because the stick and the little holder just snap together! It's super easy! Plus I love the fun green color.

Step 2 | Place Cups in Mold

Place the cups in each slot of the mold. 

Step 3 | Fill with Liquid of Choice

You can use juice, soda, or even make an adult beverage pop.  Get creative!

Fill to the line that says "fill line" and make sure you don't go over it.  

Step 4 | Insert and Snap Sticks

Now you take the sticks you snapped together when you first get your Pop Mold and you press them into the mold cups until you hear a snap and know it's connected.

Step 5 | Freeze for 24 Hours

So simple - just place in the freezer and take out after 24 hours.

See how I filled one up to high and it's oozing out? So that's why you don't do that, lol!

Step 6 | Rinse Under Warm Water

In order to slide the pop out of the cup, you need to hold it under warm water for maybe 10-20 seconds until you can pull the cup off easily.

Step 7 | ENJOY!

See I told you it was super easy!

I love how much of a refreshing snack this is and it's so easy to make.  It's also great when you have friends over.  The Pop Mold was less than $10!  You can't go wrong.

What would you put in your homemade pop?

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