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Chill Out - How To Keep Your Cool

Summertime - and the living's not so easy. Your favourite outfit has gone limp and creased. Your skin feels as hot as a car fender. You dread the idea of heading to the kitchen to cook dinner. But wait! Don't sweat it. We can help you through the hottest of summer days without losing your cool - literally.

Get Out of the Kitchen
When it's hot in the kitchen, it's key to avoid running your oven or boiling anything on your stovetop. Proteins, veggies and even some starches can be grilled or baked on an outdoor barbecue. No grill? Choose thin cuts of pork, beef or chicken that fry up in minutes. Or rely on one of your gadget buddies (think microwave, slow cooker, toaster oven) to get dinner cooked and served with less heat.

Cook in the Raw
Without cooking we mean. Summer is the perfect time to switch to lighter meals such as sandwiches, salads, cold soups, fresh fruit, ice cream and frozen yogurts, and smoothies.

Whir Wisely
Maximize cross ventilation by using one fan in a window on the shady side of the house pointing toward you; a second fan in the opposite window should face outward. This is especially important if you plan to cook indoors during a heat wave.

Be an Early Bird
When the weather calls for blisteringly hot days, wake up earlier to finish your bathroom routine before the temperature rises. If you don't have air conditioning, shower and then get out of the bathroom immediately. It's the highest humidity place in your house. Towel-dry your hair, then blow-dry it in the bedroom.

The Big Chill
Clear some space in your refrigerator for beauty products that go on your skin: moisturizer, perfume, and liquid foundation. You'll feel chills when you apply them. You can also keep a spritz bottle of water in the fridge and spray your face for instant relief.

Exercise Caution
Restrict workouts to morning or evening. Don't exert yourself while you're already hot, because your muscles produce heat energy.

Make Clear Choices
Of course, you want a tall drink by your side - but not just anything that pours. Water lowers your body temperature. Sugar, alcohol and caffeine do the opposite because they extract water from blood.

Cool Cravings
Nothing cools you off while satisfying your sweet tooth like an icy cold dessert. Smucker's® has created 3 irresistible creations to take you through this season's heat waves.