DIY Guide to Staying Cool in Hot Weather

San Francisco is in the midst of its annual indian summer – a final fling with the season where the temperatures actually get above 80 degrees and no one can stop talking about how hot it is, I mean, really, can you believe how hot it is? Um…yes, I can (mostly because it does this every year. Then goes right back to being damn chilly and foggy for the other 360 days). But, take a few minutes to arm yourself and you can enjoy the three days of summer we get. Or at least not suffer. Here’s how it breaks down:

DIY-Shade: Create yourself some. Hang sheets over windows, cover lamps and light sources

The Grade School Classic

DIY-Fan: What do you have? Cardboard? Popsicle sticks? Leaves? Fold or cut yourself a fan. Stretch and staple fabric over it, add tassels, or peacock feathers. The super-ridiculously easy version is to fold a piece of paper like you used to in third grade or cut out two circle shapes and glue a popsicle stick between them; the super DIYer version is to craft your own Georgian or Japanese fan from sticks, thin paper and fabric.

DIY-Hydration: Liquids are important. Sure, you can always go with the classic wet-bandana-tied-around-an-apendage but you could also fill a glass jar or container with flavored ice cubes. Kool aid, juice mixed with ginger ale, pick your poison and pour it into your ice tray (keeping in mind that alcohol doesn’t generally freeze well). And if you have a couple of bowls, a pot, some milk, sugar and cream you can make ice cream. You don’t even need an ice cream maker ’cause you’re a right proper broke-ass!