Heatwaves are no fun. But there are things we can do to make ourselves more comfortable, from the way we dress to the way we run errands, to the way we work. I like a little sun. I like a little warmth, but there comes a time when too much is too much. I know I shouldn't really be complaining given the winter we had last year, but when outdoors, if dressed properly it is certainly easier to keep warm on a cold day than to keep cool on a hot one. Frankly, I look to heat waves as an excuse to stay inside. Sometimes you just don't want to be outside... Sometimes you need someone to say it's ok not to be out in the good weather. Sometimes you need someone to tell you that it's Ok to stay inside and watch a marathon of your favorite television series, or lose yourself in a good book... sometimes it's really ok to do nothing and you don't need anyone's permission. 

1. Dress cooly - in layers and in loose fitting clothes. 

Clothes that are fitted will stick to you on hot and humid days. Wear loose and flowy clothing like linens, cottons and gauze. Dress in layers, sometimes the air conditioning indoors feels practically arctic. During the summer I always cary a lightweight sweater around with me. Also keep your skin covered with fabric when outside. While you might think it'd be cooler to wear a sleeveless dress over one with long sleeves, a lightweight, long sleeve dress will actually feel more comfortable outside as the fabric will act as a barrier shielding your skin from the hot sun. 

2. Take a dip in the pool, ocean or lake

You may prefer to go out early in the morning or at the end of the day as the sun starts to set and not during midday and early afternoon when the heat is oppressive. I think there's nothing better than an end of the day swim! If this isn't possible, luxuriate in a long relaxing bath with your favorite essential oils, and epsom salts. 

3. Eat ice cream!

Summertime is meant for ice cream! - frappes, milkshakes, Fribbles, Blizzards - whatever cold and refreshing treat your heart desires! Hot days are meant for ice creams. Are you a chocolate or a vanilla? Hard or soft serve? I'm dreaming of mint chocolate chip. 

4. Order take out.

No one wants to cook on a hot day. Eat light and eat healthy. Stay away from rich, heavy items such as Chinese food. Order, salads, sushi, sandwiches, and chilled soups.

5. Stay indoors

If you don't have to go to work or an office there's nothing wrong with staying inside. This weather may be a perfect excuse to get caught up on reading, paperwork, bills or those mundane chores you've been saving for a rainy day.

6. Go to the Movies

Often during the week you can go to a matinee for a bargain. In the days before I had air conditioning in my home I did what I could to stay out of the house. I loved going to the movies. Lose yourself in the plot, fall in love with the characters and bring a sweater. Extra butter on my popcorn please!

7. Go to your favorite library or bookstore 

I can spend hours upon hours upon hours at the library and bookstore. There's something about the way a heavy book feels in my hands... There's something about the way the paper feels on my fingers, they way the paper and ink smell. I like to settle down in a large, comfy chair and a pile of books and start reading each and every one of them. I totally judge a book by it's cover. Do you?

8. Sip a freshly brewed iced cappuccino

Add some whole milk and sugar for a refreshing and decadent treat. A nice cold iced cappuccino and a good book is my idea of perfection. 
To make the best iced cappuccino you'll need:

1 16 oz glass
1 cup of ice
2 ounces freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
1/8-1/4 cup of milk
Sugar to taste
Plastic straw

In your espresso or coffee maker brew 2 shots (2 ounces) of espresso or strong coffee and pour into the ice-filled glass, shake gently. I prefer non-crushed as the crushed melts too quickly and waters the flavor down too much for me. Add the milk and sugar to taste, stir, add straw enjoy!

9. Stay in bed! 

This is your only excuse. Treat it like a snow day. Stay in bed - or go back to bed. Lose yourself in a good book or catch up on your latest Netflix or Prime indulgence. There's just something about being covered up by those comfy bed linens with the AC on full blast... Don't forget your iced cappuccino!

10. Situate yourself in front of a fan

If you can get your hands on a spray bottle, spritz yourself with water every so often. Remember that this too shall pass and in 6 months from now, as we're shoveling snow and ice, we'll be looking back at these days fondly!