HOW TO STAY COOL IN SUMMER’S HEAT

With Monday being the official first day of Summer, it’s time to start preparing for the hot weather ahead. No matter which region you live in, there are bound to be some hot times ahead. But don’t fret! We’ve gathered together our favorite “chill” Summer tips that’ll keep you refreshed and revived all Season long. From fashion to food to drinks to fragrances, take a look and start feeling cooler already.

HOST A POOL PARTY

On the hottest of Summer’s days, why not take the opportunity to host your own pool party. Not only will everyone cool off, but it’s a good time to catch up with your best friends and have a little fun as well. Be sure to include lots of floats for young and old alike, and stay cool and fresh in your favorite patterned print romper paired over your favorite Summer swimsuit.

Our favorite Summer Party wear to try:
 “Aliza” Printed Rayon Romper
“Iara” Handkerchief Shorts Set
“Cabana” Teal Bikini

STAY HYDRATED

Whether hosting a party, having a friend over, or indulging yourself, be sure to stay hydrated with cold, refreshing beverages throughout the Season’s hottest days. While we all know that nature’s chilled water is always best, dare to have a little fun now and again with some tasty alternatives. And why not dazzle in style as well in your favorite cool cotton tank sundress.

Additional  cool “hostess” Sundress options to try:
“Adelaide” Pink Jersey Dress
“Romantic” Ruffled Floral Sundress

Our favorite unique Summer “adult” beverage is Captain Morgan’s Guava Nectar drink:

Recipe: 1.5oz grapefruit rum
1.5oz Goya guava nectar
2oz club soda
0.5oz lime juice

Throwback to Summer fun as a kid at your favorite amusement park with homemade frozen lemonades or spice things up with a “Blue Hawaii” direct from the Hilton Hawaii Village. Click below to get the recipes:

Frozen Lemonade
Blue Hawaii

You are sure to be the “hostess with the mostess” in a cool, flowy maxi this Summer. Look for dresses made with sheer silk or soft cotton to stay cool thought the day as you entertain your guests.

Our other favorite Maxi Dress options to choose from:
“Brea” Yellow Silk Chiffon High Low Dress
“Billie” Coral Pink Satin Maxi
“Sonnie” Pastel Pink Strapless Twill Dress

GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to do is heat up the kitchen. We suggest making cold salads and dishes throughout the Season to keep the house cool. Start with personalized seven layer dip and chip cup appetizers, layering refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and freshly diced tomatoes on top. Take advantage of Seasonal fruit at your local market, and fill ice cream waffle cones with freshly cut melons, berries, kiwi, apples, and whatever else appeals to you.

Next, serve a luscious cold Mexican chopped salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and packed with nutritious  iron, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Not only will your taste buds have a party, but also you won’t have to work twice as hard for that perfect “bikini” ready body.

Click here for the full recipe
Summer Mexican Chopped Salad

CREATE SUMMER SCENTS

Make your living space fresh and cool with sunny scents of Summer paired with romantic floral arrangements. Fill a simple mason jar or vase with water and freshly cut lemons, adding your favorite Summer posies for fun yet easy DIY interior decor.

Not only can you keep your home smelling fresh, but you can also refresh yourself 0n the hottest of Summer’s days. Create your own cool mist spritzers, perfect for everyday or when you are hosting an outdoor Summer party. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and julienned cucumber or a few sprigs of mint and lavender. Bonus: cucumber is known for its hydrating properties, and lavender and mint are reputed insect repellents.

HEAD TO THE BEACH

When you feel like getting out of the house, pack up some sunscreen, a good read, a  floppy hat, sunglasses, and a cooler filled with plenty of cold beverages to stay hydrated against the Summer sun. Now is the perfect time to show a little skin and bring out that Summer body you’ve been working on in a chic ivory lace crochet swimsuit.

Want a little color? Try these other swimsuit options:
“Flight of Fancy” Purple Ruffle Bikini
“Guilty Pleasures” Teal Crochet Swimsuit

Bring a touch of romance to your Summer beach look and pair your lace bikini with a cool off the shoulder romper or lace tunic.

Other favorite “lacy” cover up options:
“Prisca” Ivory White Lace Chiffon Dress
“Naomh” Strapless Maxi Dress
“Azaria” Lace Trimmed Kimono

COOL OFF AT THE LAKE

If your region doesn’t offer a sandy beach, another alternative  is a visit to your local lake. Whether you decide to bunk overnight in one of the lake houses, tootle around in your own canoe, or enjoy a good read while soaking your feet, you’ll bask in the beauty of nature while cooling off against Summer’s hot sun.

Stay cool while chillin’ in a casual “Cabana” drop waist dress or flowy blouse over your swimsuit, just in case you decide to go for a dip.

Other “lake view” Summer options? Try a chic shirtdress, cool, stylish, and free.
“Femi” Flutter Crepe Navy Dress
“Cabana” Silk Cotton Shirt Dress
“Eda” Lace Trimmed Tunic Dress

THERAPY SHOP

Finally, at the hottest part of the day when the heat becomes unbearable, head to your local indoor mall to cool off and do a little retail therapy. Give your air conditioning at home a break while you enjoy the cool open air at the mall. Grab an ice cold tea and take advantage of the Summer sales.

Don’t go at it alone. Don your favorite “boyfriend” jeans and take your best girlfriends with you.

Consider these other cool denim options as well:
Citizen’s of Humanity’s “Gibson” loose fit shorts
Joe’s Jeans’ Floral Denim
J Brand’s Cut Off Tangerine Shorts

On Summer’s hottest days, stay cool while shopping the sales in a pretty cotton floral sundress or breezy silky shorts.

Consider these fun options as well:
“Time to Turn Heads” Coral Cotton Sundress
“Denise” Sleeveless Printed Tank Dress
“Livia” Printed Crepe de Chine Shorts

Whatever you have planned as the temps rise, we hope you follow our easy breezy ways to stay cool this Summer. Don’t let the heat get you down. Kick back, stay cool, and be fashionable this Season, and let the good times role.

And remember we here at Posh at Play always want you remember that no matter what
Be You, Be Fabulous, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS: CREATING THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your favorite fun activities to do with your significant other. We all know life can get busy and sometimes relationships unintentionally take a back seat to daily duties. The best way to keep the romance alive is to find interests that delight you both and make weekly plans together on the calendar. Connecting with your love doesn’t necessarily have to cost a lot of extra time or money– it is the meaning and thought behind them that counts. Creating small moments and memories are often the things we remember most. We’ve gathered a few fun activities to get you started. Take a look below, get creative, and start planning the perfect romantic summer for two.

START YOUR MORNINGS TOGETHER

Kick start your day by simply sharing your favorite coffee beverage together each morning.  Whether brewing your own “cuppa joe” at home or driving to your local coffee shop, this is a great way to connect with each other before the day begins. On weekends or your next day off, slip into comfy lace and plan your own “B & B” getaway with breakfast in bed. Check out Rachael Ray’s “Breakfast in Bed” recipes and start planning your next morning together with a little “R & R.”

ENJOY NATURE AND EXERCISE

With the nice weather ahead, nourish your spirit in nature AND do a little exercise to benefit the body as well. To avoid any bickering, pick an activity that you BOTH enjoy doing whether it be riding bikes in the park, jogging down the street, golfing on the greens, hiking up the mountain, or swimming at the beach. And why not look stylish for your honey at the same time in a chic pair of printed shorts and sunshine yellow top. Best of all,  nature and exercise are rewarding yet free of charge.

PLAN A PERFECT PICNIC

Why dine inside when summer’s sunsets offer the most romantic of backdrops? Step right into your own romantic “Hollywood” film set with a lovely picnic in the park for two. Pop open a bottle of champagne, enjoy a basket of goodies, spread out a lace crochet throw, and bask together in the glow of twilight.

Look lovely for your love in a simple yet romantic lace dress and a favorite pair of sandals, tousling your natural hair with a little Bumble and Bumble surf spray for carefree “beachy” waves.

COUPLES CAMPOUT

Speaking of the outdoors, another favorite summertime activity to plan together is a weekend “couples campout.” Whether for overnight or an entire week, pack your favorite “boyfriend jeans” and hiking boots, and enjoy getting “lost” in the woods. Spend quality time walking the forest trails, swimming the refreshing lakes, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, and drifting to sleep to the sound of the wind through the trees. You are sure to create moments you will never forget.

RELEASE STRESS

One of the best ways to feel connected while taking the stress off daily living is a “couples massage therapy.” Check a listing of your local spa and massage centers or book a private session from the comfort of your own home. For a true getaway experience, book a luxury resort hotel for a night that offers couples’ massages and spa services. Afterwards, order room service and enjoy a private candlelit dinner for two in his and hers organic spa robes.

BE KIDS AGAIN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK

Don’t take yourselves too seriously. Create laughs and re-live your carefree childhood days with fun at your local country fair or city’s amusement park. Don your favorite summer dress, pack on the sunscreen, and stroll the Boardwalk of carnival games with your sweetheart. Enjoy ice cream and hand spun cotton candy, ride the roller coaster, laugh in the fun house, and end the day with a romantic kiss atop the ferris wheel. Bring a little innocence back into your relationship the Summer.

ENJOY A MOVIE DATE NIGHT

Throw on your favorite “LBD” (little black dress) and hit the town together in style. Nothing is quite as romantic as a walk hand in hand down the street to your favorite movie theater. Feel the giddy excitement of first love again as your hands graze sharing popcorn for two and you snuggle down into your seats as the lights dim.

Throwback to a time gone by and go to an old fashioned drive-in movie. Pack up your favorite snacks, toss in some cozy blankets, don your favorite comfy jogger pants and tank, and get ready for a romantic evening under the stars. Check your local listings for the closest drive-in near you and create a night to remember.

No need to spend a lot of cash. Create the perfect movie night at home on your own couch, TV, and plenty of “movie theater” snacks. A favorite “movie date idea” with extra cuddling incorporated is a “scary movie date” complete with your comfiest tee, homemade popcorn, a little red wine, “death by chocolate” cupcakes, and a cozy “scary movie snuggle blanket.” No problem with a little romance tonight.

END THE DAY TOGETHER

Finally, wherever your day takes you, don’t forget to end the day together. Whether you take a walk on the beach, meet for a late dinner, or watch the sunset, spend the last few hours of the day side by side. Relate the details of your day, tell a funny story, share your thoughts, listen to each others’ dreams for the future, and most of all, enjoy each other.

Whether dining at the finest restaurant in town, camping out in nature, or enjoying a movie night at home, you can create the perfect “date night” this Summer. Fancy or simple, outside or inside, extravagant or cheap, the goal is to create personal memories to last a lifetime. We here at Posh at Play know you are brave enough to create your own Summer to remember. And remember no matter what, be confident, be fabulous, and always be feminine.