How to Turn Your Home and Garden into a Summer Retreat

When the summer sun sizzles, you and your family need a cool place to escape the heat.

With a bit of creativity, you can transform your home and garden into the perfect summer retreat!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The first important step is blocking the summer sun. Close the drapes. Pull the blinds. Make sure the shutters are tightly shut.
   
   Did you strategically plant trees to provide shade for windows? If not and if there's no money in the budget for custom shade screens, look for large screens (or even decorative room partitions) at garage and yard sales.

2. Make the most of the best part of the day by setting your alarm early enough to be dressed and out the door before the sun comes up.
   
   Walk the dog, jog a few miles, or ride your bike.
   
   Try a cool shower instead of a hot one.
   
   Even though some areas seem to cool off in the evening, always give the sidewalk and pavement a quick feel before you even consider walking the dog. If it's too hot to keep your hand on for a few minutes, imagine what it will feel like to your dog's paws!

3. Lighten up and brighten up your interior. Put away the heavy bedspreads and use lightweight comforters to make the beds.
   
   Ceiling fans will help make any room feel cooler, but don't worry if you didn't manage to squeeze that expense into your tight budget. Tall oscillating fans will work well too. Just remember to turn fans off when nobody's in the room.
   
   Make the most of your utility's time of day rate by turning the thermostat down and cooling the house before the higher daytime rate kicks in. Keep the cool in by minimizing trips in and out.

4. Your landscaping should provide a shady oasis. Comfortable chairs or even an outdoor dining area would be ideal to enhance your retreat.
   
   Can't afford a pool (even the above ground variety?) Pick an area where the landscaping won't be damaged and take turns spraying each other with the hose to cool off.

5. Keep everybody well hydrated by providing plenty of ice water (try lemon wedges or mint sprigs to make water more interesting.)
   
   Iced herbal teas or fruit infusions (made from dried fruit) are another good alternative.
   
   Banish sugary sodas and fruit punches as well as caffeine laden drinks.
   
   Switch to summer menus that feature cold main dish salads like green salad with strips of chicken or steak, pasta salads with chunks of tuna or salmon.
   
   Serve an indoor picnic of assorted sandwiches, carrot and celery sticks, and ice cold watermelon.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a "vacation" from your regular breakfast by putting a scoop of frozen low-fat or non-fat yogurt on your favorite cold cereal instead of milk.
• Cut down on cooking (indoors or out) by making extra chicken/beef/fish to enjoy cold for other meals.
• Skip the dishwashing. Buy colorful disposable paper/plastic plates/cups instead.
• Limit time in the sun and make sure the whole family is protected by sunscreen. Don't forget hats and other protective clothing.
• Don't forget to transition to earlier bedtimes and a more "normal" schedule well before the scheduled start of school!

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide