My Favourite Ways to Beat the Heat

Once again Ireland has experienced a lovely sunny and warm summer, something that wasn't always guaranteed or expected. While we love the sun and the dry weather the heat can sometimes be unbearable, especially for me. Growing up in Montana meant my summers were full of dry hot weather that led to horrible forest fires and smoke ridden skies. Now living in Ireland the heat is heavy and humid and I feel as if I'm melting all the time. It certainly doesn't help that the air conditioning at work is on the blink and none of the windows open, but still I shouldn't complain, at least it's dry. However, if like me you're feeling a little like the Wicked Witch of the West after her encounter with Dorothy, then feel free to try some of my heat beating tricks below! Got some of your own? Well feel free to share. 1) Blackout Curtains – One of my best investment pieces, these curtains keep heat out during the summer and helps keep heat in during the cold winter months. Plus they help darken the room that little bit more helping with sleep which is always a plus. 2) Thermal Water Spritz – Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring water is my favourite but there are many brands around that offer a beautiful refreshing spritz. I use it every morning after applying makeup and every evening after cleansing and moisturising. I highly recommend it, soothing and cooling. 3) Eat Light – Salads are your friends especially during the summer months. They are a nice light bite that doesn't require a hot oven to prepare them. Plus you can dress them up with all kinds of little treats. My SO does a lovely one with duck breasts and mango. 4) Cold Compress – Fill a sock with rice, tie with twine and freeze for two hours before bedtime. Then slide it between the sheets. Or place it on your chest. It helps to cool down your core, cooling the rest of your body to. The best part of this sock invention is you can also heat it during the cold winter months or use as a heating pad when cramps visit during shark week. 5) Think Cool – Escape with a book to a cold climate. Think The Call of the Wild, Doctor Zhivago or any other snowy set novel. It's a bit of self hypnosis. Myself I'm reading City of Shadows right now which takes place during a freezing cold winter in Berlin. Let me tell you it does distract from the heat. 6) Stay hydrated – When its warm water is your best friend. Nothing like a cold refreshing sup of water. Not keen on the bland taste of it, well enter watermelon from stage left. Made up mostly of water, people actually used to stick straws into them and drink. 7) Light and Airy – Dresses allow more air flow than trousers so those cute summer dresses not only look great but help keep you cooler. Just make sure to keep them in the cotton family as synthetic fibres' don't breath very well. 8) Cool Shower – Now a cold shower might be a shock to the system, but a cool shower can help lower your core body temperature and is better for your skin and hair than hot water. 9) Go for a swim – Growing up around water I learned to swim at a very young age and still love to dip my toes in. However if you aren't a strong swimmer be careful. Always go with someone who does know how to swim and only go places that are deemed safe. 10) Sweet Treat – It wouldn't be summer without ice cream and sometimes you just need to treat yourself. Worried about calories, check out frozen yogurt or sorbet. ​

#summer #sun #heat #cool #skincare #cuisine #toner #fashion