How to stay cool on hot summer days

Can't stand the summer heat? Take a hint from some of our readers who stay cool as cucumbers once the temperature rises. Get creative; everything from misting umbrellas to frozen grapes can help you chill out this season.

Cooling off indoors
"When air conditioning is not on, I cool off by filling a bowl with ice and have a fan blow over the ice, cooling off the room."
Donna Mayes, Sudbury, Ont.

"Every morning we close up the house -- windows, blinds, etc., and then late in the evening when things have cooled down, we open it all up."
Marci Menard, Ottawa, Ont.

Chilling out outside
"I place a wet facecloth in the freezer, until frozen, then place it under my hat."
Sharon Kellett, Regina, Sask.

"I live in the Yukon - it is not really a challenge to stay cool anytime of year."
Lynn Mullen, Whitehorse, Yukon

"I have a beach umbrella that sprays a fine mist of cool water."
Leslee Chappus, Calgary, Alta.

"I take a ride in our boat and let the wind do the work of cooling me off, and I don't care what my hair looks like."
Barb Kerr, Kanata, Ont.

"Have a spray bottle on hand to spritz yourself as needed. Add a few drops of lavender oil to the water as further soothing relief from the heat."
Bonnie McCleery, Winnipeg, Mba.

"I visit our floating cottage on the lake - Get hot? Just run and jump in!"
Sandra Long Powell, River, B.C.

"I stay cool in the summer by wearing a cool collar. It is a gel-filled scarf that is soaked in water and tied around the neck. On those really hot days, I stay cool all day."
Trudy Nichol, Chilliwack, B.C.

"I spritz my body with a water bottle filled with cool ice water, lemon juice & mint leaves."
Megan Hannam, Milton, Ont.

"Keep well hydrated, carry blotting papers, a misting bottle to spritz and simply laugh and have fun for summer is so short, I enjoy every precious moment and keep cool by remembering how chilly and long our winters are!"
Lynn Marie, Vancouver, B.C.

Stay fresh with these cool food tips
"When it gets REALLY hot, I'll freeze green grapes and pop them in my mouth for an instant cool!"
Jessica Loughery, Dryden, Ont.

"My wife, three children and I eat - on average - a watermelon per day during the summer."
Dan Sainsbury, Winchester, Ont.

"I live in the slurpee capital of Canada, need I say more?"
Calla Cooper, Winnipeg, Mba.

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