It’s a good thing we have Facebook and Twitter… without the incessant whining and continuous shock at the temperature outside on my homepage, I would have no idea it was HOT OUTSIDE. Oh wait.

As an ardent pragmatist, and overall cheery kind of person, I feel like it’s better to look for a solution than to whine about it, right? So what does one do when it’s hotter than blazes out? GET CREATIVE. To help out, here’s a handful of thrifty heat busters for all ages, and some links to more fun on all fronts.

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So you have kids. And it’s hot. And you can’t keep going to
that expensive water park over and over… No problem!

This crafty mom took plastic pipes, empty juice & milk jugs and other simple plastic containers
(usually under $1/each at Thrift Town) and made a water play place for her kids.

• Simply poke or cut various sized holes in the containers (cover edges with duct tape if rough)
• Zip tie the container to the fencing at different heights: “shower” one higher to stand under, etc.
• Fill a big tub with water and give them cups to pour through the containers.
• Most of the water will end up all over your kids. Perfect.

Try this post for 9 more DIY water play ideas, most of which start with just a big tub and some water.

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EVERYONE LOVES POPSICLES. Parents, kids, even grandparents.
When it’s crazy hot out, be prepared to throw together some yumminess to help everyone chill out.

Don’t have fancy popsicle making apparatus? Swing by the cups section at Thrift Town and grab a colorful assortment of plastic kid’s cups for under $1 each. In the kitchen, add your ingredients into the cups in layers, pop in the stick and freeze.

For 5 super yummy recipes, check out this post! (Aw man, now I want a popsicle…)

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When it’s inconsolably hot and you can’t run and frolic in the sprinklers like a 5 year old, one must take crafty measures to keep the crazy temps at bay while working in an office or around the house… HOMEMADE COLD PACKS!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
12″ x 12″ square of cotton fabric**
A few cups of rice (regular, not quick cook)
Any aromatherapy goodies you want to add: not required.
Sewing supplies

**thrifted cloth napkins or pillow cases are perfect for this DIY project! Pick out fun patterns & colors!

• Fold the fabric in half right sides together.
• Sew all the way around the edge with a 1cm seam,
• leaving an opening about 2″ on one short end for turning and filling.
• If you’re concerned about the seams breaking and rice covering your house, sew a second line next to your seam within the seam allowance, or overlock the edges.
• Clip corners and turn right way out.
• Using a funnel or a cone of paper (or a teapot!) fill the bag about half full with rice.
• Move all the rice to the other end of the bag.
• Tuck the seam allowances in and very slowly stitch about 2mm away from the edge.
• When you get to the end, turn around and come back, so that the seam is reinforced.
• TA-DA!

Once you’ve made your little pocket of awesomeness, just throw it in the fridge or freezer for a few hours. *AAAAH*

In the colder months, your chilly rice pack is now your personal heater! For the oven: put the pack in a 250°F oven for 5 - 10 mins. Remove with oven mitts and let it cool a little before using, or microwave on high for 1 - 2 mins.

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When all else fails, I say get out of the house and go shopping! Stores go out of their way to keep it frosty so you’ll be comfortable while you shop. Personally I think Thrift Town is your best bet for a budget friendly stop. Tank tops, shorts, supplies for the projects above… Hope to see you around the aisles soon! - Kari

Kari Shipman is thrifty, eco-conscious, and knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been our featured blogger since we started the blog in 2010, and has a serious passion for fashion. In addition to owning her own Fashion Consulting Business, Juniper James, Kari is the Co-Owner of Flywheel, a non-profit, all-local designer retail shop/art studio.

Kari lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and their black lab, Gracie.