About House & Home: Stay Cool as the Summer Heats Up

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House & Home From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor Last week, I complained about the cool temps and torrential downpours we've been receiving. But after talking to my sister, who lives on the East Coast, I take back most of my complaints. With record-breaking heatwaves, humidity so thick she can barely breathe, and pollution rates at an all time high, I dedicate this week's newsletter to her and all our readers who are trying to keep their cool in the grueling summer heat. Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning My sister and I reminisced about the summer when we shared an apartment and spent 10 consecutive nights sleeping on the small balcony that barely held us both, all because the building's air conditioning system had shut down. While we all depend on AC, there are times when it's just not available - like at the office picnic or an outdoor wedding - and that's why you need to read this article. See More About:  air conditioning  ceiling fans  swimming pools How to Manage Your Lawn in a Drought Humans aren't the only ones to suffer in the heat, our gardens, trees and all things green depend on rain to be at their best. So, what do you do to keep your lawn healthy during a drought? Find out. See More About:  lawn maintenance  lawn care techniques  building a healthy lawn Heat Stroke First Aid Worrying that their kitties might develop heat stroke, my nephew uses a wet sponge to soak the cats' fur then places them in front of a fan. While pets can suffer from heat stroke just like people, their symptoms are more difficult to diagnose. Check out this great article that covers everything from causes to symptoms to cure - all in one place. See More About:  heat stroke  puppy first aid  62 Water-Saving Ideas for Outside Your House Most cities enforce water bans during heatwaves, and that means we each need to conserve as much as possible. Of course, we should be trying to save water even when we're not experiencing a drought and this article provides easy ways to do just that. Like collecting water from the roof to use on the garden or using a tuna can to measure your sprinkler's output - brilliant! See More About:  drought tolerant  water conservation landscaping  water-wise pathways House & Home Ads Bathroom Design Bathroom Ideas Bathroom Tile Lawn Maintenance Heat Stroke Symptoms Featured Articles Make Your Apartment Look and Feel Bigger The 9 Best Scrapbook Pages of Summer 2011 What is the Hawthorne Effect? Start a Home Decor Business How to Keep Bees Easy Urban Garden Ideas   More from About.com 10 Bathroom Remodels There's nothing worse than a bathroom remodel that looks like it belongs in a gas station. If you're looking for inspiration, you'll find it in these luxe, lush photos. More> Inspired Bathroom Tile Choices New tile can transform your bathroom in countless ways, whether you're looking for a playful, colorful child's bath, a cool and elegant sanctuary, or a bold sophisticated escape. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement