CTVNEWS

Practical tips for keeping cool in the summer heat

Amrita Singh Founder, PrettyFrugalLiving.com

Published Thursday, July 9, 2015 7:49AM EDT Last Updated Thursday, July 9, 2015 7:50AM EDT

Text:

With summer in full swing it can be hard to beat the heat. Here are a few fun and frugal ways to stay cool!

MAKE AND THEN EAT NO-CHURN ICE CREAM

This ice cream recipe couldn't be easier. It requires very few ingredients and no special equipment! Once you have the base recipe figured out you can experiment with tons of different flavour options.

2 cups whipping cream
1 can condensed milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Pour condensed milk into a small mixing bowl and add extract. Mix to combine and then set aside. Pour whipping cream into a large glass mixing bowl. Whip cream with electric beaters until soft peaks form. Fold in condensed milk until combined. Pour into loaf pan. Cover well and put into freezer. Ice cream will be ready for tasting in 3-4 hours.

DIP YOUR FEET INTO A COOLING FOOT BATH

While your ice cream is setting, why not take time to enjoy a cooling and soothing foot soak? This spa-worthy treat is easy to assemble and costs just cents.

1 litre lukewarm water
1/3 cup epsom salt
Handful fresh mint leaves
1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Combine everything into a large basin that will fit your feet comfortably. And, be sure to discipline the mint before it goes in! A mixologist taught me this trick. Put the mint leaves into your palm and slap down your other palm to help release the oils. This makes a big difference! Epsom salts are easily found at the dollar store and are known to relieve achy body parts plus combat odors. The mint in this soak will bring a lovely cooling sensation to your feet.

MAKE HOMEMADE ICE PACKS FOR YOUR BODY'S PULSE POINTS

You can cool yourself off quite quickly but pouring water onto your neck and inner-wrists. The exact same effect, if not even better, can be achieved with gel ice packs. This frugal DIY is a must-try for the summer months.

2 cups water
1 cup rubbing alcohol
Freezer bags
Food colouring (optional)

Combine the water and rubbing alcohol. Pour the liquid into freezer bags. Seal the bags and remove as much air as possible. Freeze over and over again to keep the gel consistency. The rubbing alcohol prevents the water from freezing to a solid. Remove these packs as needed and press them to your body's pulse points and feel your temperature instantly cooling!