#CoolerinCotton

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It’s been hot here lately. Like really hot. And yes, it is summer in Florida and so heat is expected, but I’m not sure if it’s a mix of postpartum hormones thrown in that makes it seems like a constant scorcher or if the temps are actually higher than usual. I happen to think it’s the former, like my body has turned into this oven and even though there’s not a bun in there cooking anymore the heat just radiates anyway. Basically what I’m saying is that I’m staying indoors in the air conditioning and pajamas as much as possible with my newborn. But even with a newborn, life moves on and staying inside all summer long just isn’t an option. Plus, the call of the ocean and a cup of ice cream is just too strong… that and other responsibilities like kid’s martial arts classes, work at the studio, family in town, church and more. Lately, we’ve been finding as many ways as we can to keep cool and beat the heat this summer. When we do venture outside on a particularly balmy day (or night!) it always helps to reach in my wardrobe for cotton. Cotton breathes more than other mystery fabrics out there and keeps me and my family cool in the heat.

Two of my other favorite ways to beat the heat is to get to water and indulge in a cool, refreshing sweet treat. Since there are six long weeks to wait before being able to swim after baby, an early morning walk on the beach in the breeze always came in at a close second. And a late afternoon family outing for gelato or local ice cream deliciousness as the evening sky begins to roll in and cool the air? Well, that’s just about heaven. 

Below are a few simple ways to try and beat the heat, and some are just fun whether is a scorcher or not!

1. Cooler clothing. Desert and other heat cultures have utilized loose-fitting, lightweight clothing for years to stay cool in the scorching heat. Take their lead and employ the use of light cotton clothing to beat the heat since it’s a natural fiber and the most breathable fabric there is. Cotton is still stylish, and perfectly versatile for any day or event, while keeping you cool… just check the label! Like I mentioned before, I’ve been employing cotton for myself and my kids this summer since it goes beyond the favorite t-shirt and jeans and I can find it in all different fashion choices… plus, it’s a quality fabric that is washable and durable (and every mom knows that’s important since we’re constantly washing clothes and passing them down to the next kiddo)! Sometimes it’s hard to tell the fabric by just touching since synthetics are making their way into garments where you’d ordinarily expect cotton. So avoid the sweat stains, odors (since it’s a natural fiber that doesn’t retain odors) and stay #CoolerinCotton this summer!
2. Keep it minty fresh. Mint cools the skin so using peppermint lotion, peppermint oil or soaps or powders with mint refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation.
3. Close it up. Keep blinds and curtains drawn to keep the sun’s heat to a minimum indoors.
4. Popsicle effect. Stay cool by eating cold foods and stock your freezer with popsicles or other favorite cold treats like these fruit cubes my kids love (plus it keeps them hydrated!).
5. Order out. Okay, so we can’t eat out all summer, but turning on the oven will heat up the house. On the hottest days, stick to foods that you can eat cold, order out or let hubby man the grill outside 😉
6. Turn on the shower power. Many times you feel the effects of a heatwave at night when sleeping, creating an environment for restless sleep. To combat this, take a cool shower (or an ice-cold shower if you can handle it) before climbing into bed.
7. Up your water intake when the temperatures begin to climb. The more you sweat, the more quickly you’ll dehydrate if you aren’t drinking enough H2O. Sodas and other fluids can actually dehydrate as well, so sticking to water (here’s a great place to use the fruit cubes!) will help keep you hydrated and able to ward off the heat. 
8. Spray it. Create a light, refreshing spray by adding some minty essential oils to a spray bottle of water. Keep it in the fridge to up the cool factor and use a light mist when you need a refresher.
9. Small bites. Eating heavy, high protein meals will actually cause your metabolism to increase which can up your body temperature. Eating small meals more often throughout the day will keep you cooler, and healthier too!
10. Water love. A splash in the pool, a swim in the lake or ocean, a trip to the splash pad… all are ways to stay cooler while playing outdoors. If you can’t get in the water (or if the water is too warm) try a few other water games outside instead. Sprinklers, water balloons, squirt guns and other water toys can be buckets of fun while keeping you chill.

While the summer brings a lot of joy and activities, there are some humorously unpleasant traits that can tag along with the hot, humid weather. This summer, Cotton is releasing a new music video that talks about those moments and how they can be avoided by simply wearing cotton. Check out their witty approach to something we all face, like unwanted sweat stains and odors, and how easily many of those awkward situations can be avoided with cotton.

I’m ready for summer… so bring on the heat! We are always looking for new ideas to add stay cool, beat the heat and have fun! What are some ways you beat the heat this summer? Leave a comment below or share a photo on Instagram and tag it with #freshmommyblog and #coolerincotton so we can all see!

XO

Compensation/Product for this post was provided by SheSpeaks/Cotton. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SheSpeaks/Cotton.