Stay Cool In The Summer Heat

Here in Florida, the heat and humidity are no surprise. Us Floridians have survived years of dripping-sweat-right-after-you-walk-outside, melting-as-you-sit-in-your-car-waiting-for-the-AC-to-cool-off, oh and my favorite, taking-an-afternoon-jog-and-not-being-able-to-breathe-the-thick-humid-air.

At this point it might sound as though no one should live in Florida. That is not the case friends. You just have to know how to live in Florida. And us Floridians, we know how to do it right. We know how to beat the heat. The beating takes place a little something like this.

1. Know how to enjoy an overly chilled glass of sweet ice tea when you can feel the heat.

2. Always be cool with a summer dress to help the breeze on your skin.

3. Never forget to use the beach. The wind will cool you, and so will the ocean water.

I hope I've given you some pointers on how to be a true Floridian. Now go out there and beat the heat!

Long Weekends With The In-Laws

This is why we celebrate Memorial Day. Remember who has fought for you.

Memorial weekend is now done and over. The mini vacation we all looked forward to has passed and now we're waiting for the next. July 4th is around the corner, so be prepared to purchase some kick butt fireworks and a new patriotic shirt to fashion for the day.

I don't know what you did for fun the past few days, but I went camping and boating with my in-laws. The weekend consisted of water shoes, sunscreen, and a nightly fire to keep the bugs away. I'll say I had an amazing time. I do, unlike many people, love my in-laws. Also my husband loves doing activities in the great outdoors; needless to say, he had an awesome time.

With all the laughter, good food, water sport activities, and the fact that I'm still alive, there is no complaining to be had. Though here are a few things I want to say.....

1. Chopping wood is a lot harder than you think. You may miss the wood completely and almost chop off your leg (I did this)

2. Driving a boat isn't so difficult, but you'll find that turning the steering wheel is harder than expected.

3. Killing a pygmy rattlesnake while camping...not that uncommon.

4. Water shoes for when you are walking in mucky water...always have them.

5. Keebler fudge striped cookies with a roasted marshmallow in the middle...delicious.

6. If your in-laws are making redneck jokes about themselves and the things they have done...they might have just a smidge of redneck in them.

7. Seeing an alligator in Lake George...very do-able.

8. Driving a jet ski = fun. Riding on the back of a jet ski = not as much fun.

9. Don't put the Brim (fish) you caught in a bucket of still water...they may die. I'm not confessing to anything.

Sunshine and Summertime

Well, we've reached it again...Summertime. when the sun shines, the clouds mostly stay away, and it is hot and humid like you've never felt before. Living in Florida makes you become accustomed to heat and humidity. Sometimes you still need to cool down.

Luckily, Florida has an abundance natural water resources to enjoy. On two coast sides there are beaches. There are a few beaches i reccomend.

1. St. George Island: Pretty water, cute town, and it's not bustling with too many people.

2. Anna Maria Island: Located in the Gulf to give you crystal clear water and white sand beaches.

3. Destin: Cute shopping and restaurants surround this beach area. The beautiful water doesn't hurt either.

4. Daytona: This is more of a party beach, but some people like that. Honestly, that is all this beach is good for.
5. Jacksonville beach: This beach is in large city so there is plenty to do.

These are only a few beaches to choose from in the tropical state of Florida. There are so many more. Besides beaches, there are natural lakes and rivers to splash around in. Just be sure to watch out for those gators.

1. Lake George

2. Lake Monroe

3. Lake Tohopekaliga

4. St. Johns River: A large river that runs through North and Central Florida.

So the next time you find yourself sweating during the humid saturday afternoon, go enjoy some natural Florida water. If you can, grab a friend with a boat or a jetski. This can add a little excitement. If these aren't in reach, just grab a friend to accompany you at the beach. That's all you really need. Just make sure you enjoy the sunshine and summertime and cool off while you do it.

Let's just be kids

Well it's summer and it's hot here in Florida. When I say hot, I mean hot. The humidity is always high and rising which makes everyone sweat constantly. So what can we do to cool us off, let's just act like kids again. I remember what I did to cool off in the hot summers during my childhood....

1. Run through a sprinkler, yes these still exist.

2. If you don't have a sprinkler, turn the hose on and make your own sprinkler.
3. Slip n Slide is never overrated, it's just always fun.
4. Squirtgun fights should continue throughout life, so have one tomorrow, or today.
5. Balloon fights, sometimes painful, but always fun. So fill some balloons and start throwing. 

So be a kid and have some fun...cool off while you do it!