How Do YOU Water Your Body?
This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.
The drawing is closed, and the winner has been chosen. Thank you ALL for participating, and congratulations to Thorne.
As I write these lines, I am resting in my lounge chair my back porch. I’m sipping cool drinks and trying to stay properly hydrated. That’s essential when the temperature is already in the triple digits in June! Do you have any tips on how you stay hydrated and fresh in the summer heat? If you leave me a comment to tell me about it, you’ve got a chance to win a $100 Visa Card from Crystal Light.
If my Daddy were sitting here with me, he would say, “It’s hotter’n a two dollar pistol!” I have no idea what that phrase means, but doesn’t it roll off the tongue nicely? I can tell you that it is so hot that my grandmother would remark that I have begun to “dew.” That’s what Mamaw called perspiring. She said, “Ladies don’t sweat! They either dew or glisten.” Between you and me and the gatepost … I’m sweating like a pig!
I hear some of you thinking, “Well, quit whining and go inside to the air conditioning!” But, I can’t go inside (I can’t quit whining either, because that goes against my nature). I have to stay acclimated to the heat so I can work in my yard. If I step inside and feel cool air, I will be done for the day, and I can’t afford to quit. I have too much yard work to do.
Do you see that mess? I’m embarrassed to show it to you, but hope that by doing so I can shame myself into cleaning it up. My beautiful purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are about to blossom, but nobody will be able to see it for all the monkey grass and vines! I want to get that cleaned up in time to see the blooms, and I want to be able to appreciate my Great-Grandfather’s hand plow and his woodstove. That isn’t just junk that I’ve thrown in my yard … it’s decoration. There’s a fine line between the two.
For months, I have been trying to clear out the vines and underbrush that threaten to overtake the house. All in the world I want is to be able to walk through the yard and see where my foot is going to land. We have snakes, poison ivy, fire ants, and Heaven knows what else lurking under the leaves. There are no lions and tigers and bears (Oh, my!), but I’m thinking there are plenty of places for them to hide.
So, I’m staying outside to work, and that means I’m going to sweat. Now y’all know the truth: I’m not the least bit ladylike, but perspiration is a good thing. It means that I’m getting enough fluid in this unseasonable warm Texas weather. If I weren’t sweating, that could be a sign of heat stroke coming on. According to Medicine.net, other signs include strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and disorientation. The only way anyone will recognize that I am about to have a heat stroke is if I stop sweating. Heck, those other symptoms apply to me all the time!
I surely don’t want to have a stroke while working in my back yard. Nobody would find me for hours, and by then the fire ants would have carried me off to the lair to be food for the Queen. That wasn’t how I planned to “go out.”
I am not making light of heat stroke. It’s a serious and life threatening medical condition. I’m doing what I can to avoid it. I try not to overexert myself in the heat of the day AND I drink a lot of fluids. Sometimes I get so busy working that I have to put the timer on to remind me to sit down and drink something!
I’m told that caffeinated drinks aren’t the best choice to stay hydrated, but I’m not fond of the taste of our city water straight from the tap. My solution is to add Crystal Light to our tap water so that I’ll be sure to drink enough liquid. I also drink through a straw, because a friend told me that by drinking through a straw you take in much less air (and feel less bloated). Without the excess air, you can drink up to four times more liquid before feeling full.
That’s how I stay hydrated during these hot summer days … well, that and running through the sprinkler half nekkid (but that’s another story). Now it’s your turn. Leave me a comment and answer my question:
You can comment once a week, for four entries in the drawing and you can get additional entries by:
- Mentioning the posts on Twitter or Facebook (pick one). If on Twitter, just hit the “retweet” button.
- Writing a post linking back to mine on your own blog.
Now, if you choose to earn those additional entries, be sure to come tell me about them, so that I don’t miss them! You could conceivably enter twelve times!
But, that’s not all! There are six of us giving away $100! AND, there is a grand prize of $1,000! Holy Cow, you could have a summer getaway with that cash! Go to the BlogHer round up page to learn more and be sure to check out the Official Rules Page.
Watch for new posts each week at my list of Crystal Light posts.
![\"paperclips\"](\"http://thiseclecticlife.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_15/images/clips.jpg\")
{ 63 comments }
Next Comments →
I like Crystal Light iced tea to stay hydrated. I also enjoy Aquafina FlavorSplash Strawberry Kiwi.
The tea is now on my grocery list. I haven’t tried it yet. ~skt
I used to HATE the taste of water, the only way I could stand it was lot’s of ice and lemon juice. I’ve since grown to like water even straight up. Sometimes I buy bottled water from the store and I even drink it room temperature.
These days since it’s now getting warm again I’m now treating myself to ice water with lemon juice. 1l water with loads of ice and 3 capfuls lemon juice, does the trick for me.
It’s good that you can drink water “straight up.” There was a time that I could, but Denton city water cured me
~skt
Oh – I re-tweeted too. I might mention it on FB too later on. I just got some ribs in the oven, it’s a rainy day here so a good day to get the house hot.
Thank you, Teamouse. Yumm! Sounds like some good cooking is going on! ~skt
I love Crystal Light Raspberry Iced Tea, and right now I’m drinking a bottle of CL Fruit Punch!
I guess I’m going to have to try every flavor! Y’all are making me curious about them. ~skt
I use the Crystal Light Lemonade! Love it!!!! I am currently training for my 4th 60 mile walk and I need all the hydration I can get and Crystal Light is one of my favorites.
Wow! Melanie, you are “more of a woman” than I am. 60 miles? Good luck, and you go, girl!
I like Crystal Light Lemonade. It’s not available in Israel unfortunately, but there’s always plenty in the pantry when we visit my folks in New Hampshire.
———————————–
My photography is available for purchase – visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
Get your family to send a “care” package! I will! I think I even have your address
~skt
I confess I only drink water while at work or exercising. I do drink 32oz a day on average. Being from the South I also drink ice cold sweet tea year round plus waaay too much Diet Dr. Pepper. I always have a jug of lemonade & Kool-Aid in the frig as well. I use Splenda for sweetner since I’m type 2 diabetic.
Diet Coke (not Dr. Pepper) is the drink I abuse. All that caffeine isn’t good for me, so I’m really hoping that I’ll stick with the Crystal Light ~skt
I just re-tweeted this!
Thank you, Elizabeth. ~skt
Well, I’m drinking lots more water now than I used too, having cut back quite a bit on sodas, and dropped wine altogether. Of course, I find the very best way to hydrate and stay cool in the Texas heat is to jump in my pond while the sprinklers are running.
I envy the pond! I just use the sprinklers
~skt
We increase our water intake in the heat of summer and spend a lot of time at the rec pool or the lake.
There was a time that I spent all summer at the lake *sigh*. I miss that! ~skt
With water. Our water here in Louisville has a very good taste. Of course, a little CL never hurt either.
I think that our local water has too much chlorine, or something. If I can “smell” the water, I don’t really want to drink it
~skt
When I am outside in “wicked” hot weather, I keep a bottle of water handy. If I am golfing, I will walk through a sprinkler or pour a bottle of water over my head. It’s not pretty, but I like to cool off my head.
I already knew you were a gal after my own heart!
Pouring water on your head… You know, “pretty” isn’t important when you are trying to stay hydrated! ~skt
I like Crystal Light for hanging around the house and at the office – very tasty! For strenuous activity in the heat it doesn’t really do the job for me. I can have plenty of water and still get awful leg cramps if I run out of electrolytes. I favor the kinds of electrolyte replacement drinks I get at bike stores if I’m going to be out on the road in 100 degree weather. One part Orange Juice and three parts water with a liberal addition of salt will do the job in a pinch.
And, as much as you bike, you know whereof you speak! You’ve been riding a LOT lately!~skt
My favorite Crystal Lights are the “on the go” lemonade. I like to have one when I’m at the pool in the summer, lounging in the sun and relaxing. I actually prefer the taste of plain water to anything, though. Well, except coffee, of course
Coffee, of COURSE! However, in the heat it probably isn’t the best choice (even iced). I wish I could stand plain water … I think I used to like it, but I don’t know what happened to me
I stay hydrated by carrying around a re-fillable bottle in my bag. I use a glass bottle or a aluminum bottle, no plastic. Glass and aluminum retain temperature better AND they’re eco-friendly
So that I can refill the bottle with water, or heck, even Crystal Light through the day and can even drink and stay cool on the go. Thanks!!
Somewhere, hidden in all my stuff, I have a water bottle holder that will clip to a belt. I used it when I walked all the time. You’ve reminded me of that, so I have to go digging in my closets now…~skt
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/15793603979
Thanks for the tweet, Amber!~skt
Crystal Light Peach Tea! Love love LOVE it! I usually drink plenty of water anyway, but when I need a thirst quencher AND something cool and delicious, I reach for Crystal Light Peach Tea.
Peach tea is a favorite of mine, too! ~skt
retweeted @tnshadylady
Thank you, Deb! ~skt
I plan on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Carrying a water bottle. I also plan on avioding hot weather.
Hawaii it is then, Jeanette! I’ll join you there
~skt
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/15821848429
I appreciate the tweet!~skt
fresh during the summer – I shower at lest twice a day!! It is a must in this humid midwest heat!
Be sure to use baby oil or lotion so your skin doesn’t dry out! ~skt (aka Crocodile Skin)
Water water water, though my two favorites, which I am usually too lazy to get up and make, are weakest ice tea with extra lemon and lemonade made of just water and lots of lemon. Ya’ll can have the sugar.
Tweeted and linked, Ms. Shelly. BTW – straws cause gas… you suck in air, in theory, though might be better than gulping…. : )
Gotta make a note to put you down for 3 girl. Thank you! Heck the thing about the straws I heard the opposite. Who knows?~skt
I have this horrible fear that Seattle is never going to figure out that there is supposed to be a summer this year. We are still in the 60′s. Sigh…
Don’t complain, darlin’! If you complain, then the weather will get back at you
~skt
I just did my first ever retweet!
Whoot! Thank you, Susie! ~skt
I carry my portable water bottle with me wherever I go but it’s never filled with plain water…I’m a huge Crystal Light drinker. I mix up a pitcher of half Crystal Light Lemonade and half Crystal Light Iced Tea. It’s really cut down on my Diet Coke intake.
Sounds like a good plan!~skt
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/15868851033
Thank you, shel!~skt
I always carry a water bottle with me, and I make sure the kids have water bottles too. They love to add the crystal light packets to their water bottles.
I love those tiny packets of Crystal Light, too. I’ve got some of the lemonade, that I keep in my purse. I just don’t like to drink plain water!~skt
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/15923169114
Thank you! ~skt
I carry my water bottle with me at all times- or I at least have one stashed in the car. Eating lots of water filled fruits and veggies helps too!
You are right about the fruits! Watermelon is my drink of choice
~skt
Water, water, and more water. I keep water eveywhere. I have a bottle in the car, in the office and at home. I also keep a cooler of water when we are out in the garden.
You are a smart cookie! I never think to take a cooler of water into the garden. May have to put that on my list
~skt
blogged http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2010/06/blogher-contests.html
Thank you! I’ll get by there. We had a death in the family & I got behind! ~skt
i make sure to have my reusable water bottle with me at all times
Good idea
~skt
i tweeted http://twitter.com/redfuzzycow/status/16084550601
I appreciate you Jennifer! ~skt
I try to keep lots of water in the frig in reusable bottles so the kids can have plenty of water while they play outside.
Excellent suggestion! ~skt
I keep ice cold water in a pitcher on the kitchen counter, and have sliced lemons in it. Having it front and center makes it so readily available for all of us to stay hydrated all day long.
cdziuba@aol.com
That’s a smart idea! Out of sight is out of mind … The lemons might help
~skt
tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/16095990535
I stay hydrated by keeping at filled water bottle with me at all times. Thanks for this giveaway!
Thank YOU for stopping by (but Crystal Light is giving away
) ~skt
I drink tons of water and if I’m outside I take a spray bottle full of water to spritz myself – does wonders!
Spritz, or run through ANY sprinklers you see
~skt
I am drinking Crystal Light, the sunshine flavor, right now and I absolutely love it! Normally, I am a diet coke fanatic because I like the fizz but I have found that CL actually does a much better job at keeping you hydrated. It is 103 today in Florida so we definately have to be careful here not to get dehydrated. So to answer your question, Crystal Light is how I plan to stay hydrated this summer definately. TY for the giveaway!
I’ve been wondering if you could add some “fizz” to Crystal Light. How would it do in carbonated water? Hmmm. ~skt
I stay in the shade as much as possible and drink iced tea & water!
Oh that I could find some shade! ~skt
my tweet: http://twitter.com/warp65/status/16098848704
Thank you, Tina! ~skt
Frozen grapes! You can pop them in your mouth and suck on them for a bit before eating. Not only are they nice and cold, they’re refreshing as you eat them from all the yummy fruit juicy-ness of them, and they’re healthy! It’s a three-peat!
EXCELLENT idea! I’m going to freeze some right this minute. Thank you!~skt
My stay cool trick is to try not to heat up in the first place (those weeds would still be there come fall!) Then 1st choice after that, cool shower which you continually, but slowly turn the hot totally off… yes it gets cold, but it feels soooooo good. And of course a tall, ice cold Crystal Light Iced Tea.
I retweeted, Twitter name: 1prizewinner
Thank you, Johanna. From your Twitter name, it looks like you know the drill with these giveaways
~skt
I stay hydrated by drinking crystal light before each meal and when i feel hungry. not only dose this quench my thirst, but often times i am really thirsty and i think its hunger…thank GID for Crystal light because i would not drink plain water as it is just too bland!
http://mommyofalittleblond.blogspot.com
I am sooo with you on the “water thang.” I don’t like to drink it plain, and I couldn’t say why (other than Denton water is icky). Drinking before the meal is a really good idea! You are right that often when we feel “hunger pangs” it is really because we are thirsty. Drinking plenty of fluids is always the first thing the experts suggest when trying to lose weight.~skt
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/LynnAnnMatthews/status/16233947387
lynnnjoe(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you!!~skt
I absolutely love Crystal Light Raspberry Ice Tea!!! Also Kool-aid water fizzers
I haven’t tried the Ice Tea, but I’m going to have to give it a shot. I love iced tea, but I drink it “Texas style.”
I usually drink plain water, but I do like to add the great taste of lemon now and again. I like my beverage cool, not icy cold. That tends to give me a headache.
You are right that “icy cold” isn’t very soothing. Brain freeze! I don’t use lemon often, though I don’t know why!~skt
I drink “more than my fair share” of Diet Coke with Splenda. However, I should drink more water – maybe Crystal Light will help…
Honestly, I wasn’t sure I would still like it (it had been years since I tasted it) when I took this gig. But, we are drinking it daily now. It’s doggone tasty.~skt
Crystal Lite lemonade is my choice other than water or iced tea because I prefer flavors tangy to sweet and Crystal Lite lemonade is delicious.
You are right about the need to be hydrated particularly when summer comes around. Now about working in your garden in that heat. Just declare it a lovely Victorian “wild garden” and wait for Fall.
That garden is pretty darned wild. After the snake … I just am not enthusiastic about it. I like their lemonade, too … and I put cherries in it
~skt
Next Comments →
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }