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).

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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!