Fun in the Sun: Summer Smarts for the Kansas Heat
Plus, a list of quirky ways to keep cool!
Summer is here, and Kansas is already bringing the heat—literally. Before you bust out the lawn chairs and fire up the grill, we’ve got a few fun (and surprisingly useful) tips to help you stay cool, safe, and sunburn-free this season.
☀️ Sunscreen is Your Summer Sidekick
We get it—slathering on sunscreen doesn’t scream summer fun, but future you (and your skin) will thank you.
- Go for SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply every two hours—yes, even if you're just “popping outside for a minute.”
- Don’t forget sneaky spots like your ears, feet, and the part in your hair!
😎 Shade Isn’t Just for Plants
It’s not weak to retreat—it’s wise!
- Bring a hat or umbrella to outdoor events.
- Plan yard work or walks for early morning or late evening.
- If you’re sweating just thinking about it, it’s probably too hot.
💧 Hydration = Summer Superpower
Nothing kills the vibe faster than a dehydration headache--or worse!
- Keep a refillable water bottle close (bonus points if it’s insulated).
- Add fruit slices or mint leaves to your water for a little pizzazz.
- Swap one soda or adult beverage for water every now and then—your body will thank you.
🍦 Keep Cool in Quirky Ways
Get creative when the thermostat rises:
- Freeze Aloe Vera Gel in an ice cube tray for instant post-sun relief.
- Run Cold Water over your wrists or splash the back of your neck when you overheat.Or keep a cloth in your cooler to chill your pulse points.
- Your Fridge is Your Friend! Store your facial mist, lotion, or even pillowcases in the fridge (you’re welcome).
- Chill with Cucumbers: Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes, on your temples, or even on the back of your neck for a spa-style cool down. Bonus: they reduce puffiness and help you pretend you’re on vacation.
- Freeze Your Socks (Yes, Really)! Stick a clean pair of cotton socks in a ziplock bag in the freezer. When you're overheated at home, slip them on and thank us later.
- Drape a Damp Towel Over a Fan. Instant air conditioner vibes! Just be careful not to block the motor. Add a few drops of essential oil to the towel for a DIY cool mist aromatherapy moment.
- DIY Cold Pack Necklace: Pop a few water-soaked sponges in the freezer, then wrap them in a thin scarf or bandana and wear it around your neck. Fashion meets function!
- Frozen Fruit Cubes are the Coolest--toss grapes, chunks of watermelon, or slices of kiwi in the freezer for a refreshing snack that doubles as a personal air conditioner from the inside out.
- Cool Down Your Bed Before You Climb In. Slip a gel ice pack or bag of frozen rice between the sheets for a few minutes before bedtime. Remove it before climbing in—ahhh, chill perfection.
- Make an “Ice Pack To-Go” Kit. Keep a cooler bag in your car with a cold washcloth or mini ice pack for unexpected heat emergencies—or just when the steering wheel is too hot to touch!
-
🐾 Bonus Tip for Pet Parents
Hot sidewalks = hot paws! If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog. Early walks, shady routes, and pet-safe sunscreen are the name of the game.
Kansas summers are beautiful, but they don’t play around. Stay safe, stay smart, and most importantly—enjoy every golden minute. Whether you’re poolside, porch-sitting, or popping open a popsicle, we hope your summer is full of fun (and just the right amount of SPF).
Winter has a way of slowing everything down — shorter days, colder mornings, and a calendar that somehow fills up fast.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 5 hours Yield 8 servings Slow-cooker chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food made easy with shortcut ingredients. This recipe requires minimal effort, so you can enjoy a filling, home-cooked meal anytime! Ingredients 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup chopped carrot 1 cup chopped celery 1 garlic clove, minced 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram 2 cans (10 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 cup frozen or canned peas, drained 1 can (6 ounces) large refrigerated buttermilk biscuits Chopped fresh parsley, optional Directions Place onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a greased 6- or 8-qt. slow cooker; stir. Place chicken thighs or breasts on top. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper, and marjoram. In a small bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and broth, then pour over the chicken. Cover; cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred chicken with two forks. Stir in peas. Cut the biscuits into 4 pieces each; arrange them on top of the chicken. Cook on high 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until biscuits are cooked through. If desired, top with chopped parsley and additional pepper. Source: tasteofhome.com
It comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.
Mid-Season Tips to Keep Your Home Safe All Winter Long
A Delicious Taco Night Upgrade!
The school year is in full swing, and with it comes the daily challenge: what to pack for lunch? If you're tired of uneaten sandwiches and sad-looking fruit, you're not alone! Packing engaging and nutritious lunches can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and some smart strategies, you can transform lunchtime from a chore into a highlight of your child's day. The secret to a successful school lunch lies in a few key areas: making it appealing, keeping it fresh, and ensuring it's easy for kids to eat independently. Think beyond the basic sandwich and consider incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and flavors. Bento-style boxes or compartmentalized containers are fantastic for offering a mix of small, exciting bites. We've put together some fantastic, kid-approved lunch ideas that are designed to be fun, fast, and fridge-friendly. These options aim to entice even the pickiest eaters and might even spark a little "lunch envy" among their classmates! Lunchbox Bragging Rights: Fun Lunch Ideas Kids Actually Eat (and Other Kids Might Envy) list for parents: Mini Pizza Lunchables (but cooler): Empower your child to assemble their own mini pizzas with pita rounds, marinara, cheese, and toppings. Dino Nugget Charcuterie: A playful take on a classic, featuring warm nuggets, veggies, and dip. Wafflewich: A sweet and satisfying breakfast-for-lunch option with toaster waffles, nut butter, and fruit. Snacky Bento Box: A customizable selection of cheese, crackers, fruit, deli meat, and a small treat for a balanced and fun meal. Deconstructed Taco Day: All the components for a DIY taco, kept separate and ready to assemble. PB&J Sushi: A fun and easy twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Egg-cellent Protein Pack: A protein-packed option with hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and crunchy dippers. Lunch Packing Pro Tips to Make Your Life Easier: Compartmentalize with Color: Use silicone muffin cups to separate items and add a pop of color to the lunchbox. This prevents sogginess and makes the lunch visually appealing. Freeze for Freshness (and Function!): Freeze yogurt tubes or juice boxes overnight. They'll act as eco-friendly ice packs, keeping food cool until lunchtime, and will be perfectly thawed by the time your child is ready to eat. Cookie Cutter Fun: Use cookie cutters to transform ordinary sandwiches, cheese slices, or fruit into fun shapes like animals or silly faces. This simple trick makes lunch instantly more exciting! Add a Personal Touch: Slip in a sweet note, a funny joke, or a small drawing to remind your child you're thinking of them. These little gestures can brighten their day and make lunchtime extra special. By incorporating these creative ideas and simple tips, you can turn school lunch packing into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. You can do them on your own for a daily lunchtime surprise, or let your kids get into the fun with you! Say goodbye to uneaten lunches and hello to happy, fueled-up learners!
This Sheet-Pan Gnocchi and Sausage Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Small, screen-free resets for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike.
Perfect for a crowd!
So easy and so good!
