The Plus Sized Autumn

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

May has just started, even though somehow we’re halfway through the month, and before we know it summer will be in full swing…bringing the stereotypical summer weather along for the ride. My hot take? I hate the summer weather.

The infamous South Carolina summer weather is just unbearable. It’s hot and humid, and doing anything that involves leaving my house feels impossible. If you’re from the area or have ever visited, you know how unbearable the heat and humidity is. It’s like living in a sauna 24/7. My sunglasses fog when I walk outside. My moisturizer traps the water from the air on my skin, which leads to getting oily, which leads to breakouts. I always feel so gross that I shower twice a day: in the mornings and a quick one before bed! For me summers are uncomfortable, sweaty, and enough to make me wish we would move- but Josh loves it. Being from Southern California, he enjoys the heat, has no qualms with the general grossness of the humidity, and has earned my loving teases about being “a lizard.”

Don’t get me wrong though, I love having my kids home from school and getting more time to spend with them. We love taking day trips to local (and a few not-so-local) fun spots like children’s parks, zoos, and our local Bricks and Minifigs. It make my heart so happy to get to make memories with my boys! This year I’m planning on driving down to the Georgia Aquarium, and maybe even spending a day or two exploring the North Carolina Zoo or the Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

All of that being said, I have some tips I’ve learned through the years for dealing with summer weather. Ready? 🙂

1. If you can stand it, lukewarm or cold showers are amazing. Sometimes I take two a day, depending on what we got up to! A second one in the evenings helps me sleep better, be more comfortable, and feel like a human.
2. Dry shampoo is one of my best friends. Extra tip: use it before you think need it! If you’re waiting until your hair looks dirty, it’s too late. I use Dove Beauty Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo at night and wake up to hair that looks clean, natural, voluminous, and shiny!
3. Dress for the weather. Think loose, lightweight, and light colors. I love linen and dresses in summer, though I still wear denim shorts to protect my rear end from hot surfaces! I actually follow this tip from late spring to late mid Fall.
4. Find a hat or two and some sunglasses that you love, for both the sun and your style!
   • Some of my favorites are listed here.
5. Keep a mini travel fan in your bag, and a charger if it takes one. Honestly this is one tip that has made a huge difference for me.
   • Neck fans are nice, but I prefer a handheld. There are cool ones (ha!) that mist water, and I’ve recently discovered a fan that clips onto your waistband under your shirt!
   • Here’s a look at a few of my favorites!
6. At the risk of sounding like your mother: staying hydrated is important. I keep my 40oz “emotional support cup” within reach at all times. I only use ice and water in it, but I also recommend incorporating electrolytes, sugar, and some salt. Sweating burns a lot of energy, and those things help more than plain water. There are lots of mix-ins and ready-to-drink options, so take a look at your local grocery store for some flavors you enjoy!
   • Another great option is incorporating snacks that are cold and have a high water content. Think cucumbers with Ranch dressing and Greek yogurt with frozen fruit! (Thanks for this one, Erin!)
7. Keep sunscreen and aloe gel on hand. Preventing sunburn and treating it when it does happen is important. I’m allergic to some standard sunscreen ingredients so I have to be careful, but I like Blue Lizard, Bondi Sands, and Neutrogena with helioplex.
8. Humidity ruins hair and makeup. I know some people don’t care much about that, but I do! I like to keep a hairbrush, hair ties & a hair clip, and setting spray or powder in my bag. I also keep tissues and baby wipes in my car!
9. This one might be the most important: know the signs of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Know when to call for help and when it’s time to head to the nearest emergency room. You never know when you’ll need to help pets, children and babies, the elderly, or a passerby.
   • If you have a dog, don’t walk them on any surfaces that are too hot for your palm. To check if a surface is too hot, touch your palm on the surface for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s way too hot for your dog’s sensitive paws!

I hope these tips help you tackle this summer, and every hot and humid day, head on with a smile! Which one is your favorite, and what would you add?