The art of surviving summer

I’ve reached July without air conditioning, so to celebrate I’m writing this post on surviving the summer heat. I could’ve had my dad help me put my window AC unit in, but since I’m moving at the end of the month I decided to skip the hassle. I’ve regretted that decision a few times, but for the most part my window fan has kept me cool enough.

If you know me, you probably know that I am a cold weather girl. Or really any season other than summer. I know that’s unpopular opinion, but I really only like the heat when I’m by the sea or a lake, able to jump in at any moment. I do have to say though I love the longer days of summer, the extra sunlight and the cool breezes that takeover as the sun sets and the sky turns a deep blue.

This summer hasn’t been terrible yet in Minnesota heat-wise, but I thought I would share the ways I have found to successfully stay cool (and essentially survive summer until fall arrives). If you’ve been following me, you know I don’t like to wish time away. So, even though summer isn’t my favorite, I still want to make the most of it and enjoy the season for what it is. These are the ways I can stay sane and do that….

workout in morning or night

…when it’s coolest. I love morning workouts because they start my day off in the best way possible, but if I don’t make it then I like to save my bike ride or run for the later hours, when the sun has gone down and the crowds around the lakes have dwindled.

watermelon diet

I find it hard to eat anything in the heat, unless it’s cold fruit or a smoothie. Lately I’ve been loving watermelon, it’s the perfect dose of hydration and a sweet flavor reminiscent of summers past. For lunches, I’ve been making cold salads with pasta or farro and veggies and kale. Another favorite summer combo is avocado and mango with sea salt. It’s INSANELY good in its simplicity. Or tomato toast. I like to make it with vegan mayo and arugula.

snack dinners

…a term my cousins and I coined which pretty much translates to having a charcuterie board for dinner. I love a good snack dinner anytime of year, but especially in the summer! Last night my friend and I had prosciutto e melone, an arugula/watermelon/feta/walnut salad, and cheese and crackers and it was perfect.

beach days

I truly cannot be outside without wanting to jump into a lake so a beach day is the perfect remedy for this. Lately my sister and I have been loving the beach at Lake Harriet, especially because when we get hungry we can walk to Bread & Pickle at the bandshell for their veggie sandwich. Or, grab an iced latte on the way to the beach. Is there anything better than a quiet lake in the middle of the city, a book, and iced coffee? It’s one idea of heaven.

everything on ice

Speaking of iced coffee, I sometimes still take my espresso hot in the morning. But I have also started bringing a shot or two with me to work in a blender cup, and adding ice and sugar when I arrive for a modified caffè shakerato. If you want to see how they’re made, checkout my ‘espresso’ highlight on my Instagram profile.

window fan

…but you have to know how to use it! Face the fan so that it blows the hot air out when it gets steamy inside, close your windows during the day when your away, and face the fan blowing inside once the night turns cool.

white wine

Best way to cool off? Definitely white wine. I will only drink red in the summer if I’m in an air conditioned restaurant. But at home, a glass of pinot grigio or sauv blanc with dinner is the best choice.