Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

This summer’s been a real scorcher so far, and it’s not over yet. Wherever you are: at home, at work, at the beach, or the pool, it’s important to keep cool. Fortunately, we have everything you need to beat the heat.

Staying Cool at Home and in the Office

On hot days, we perspire much more than we normally do. Therefore, we need to stay hydrated. The best way to do this is to keep water bottles nearby—on the bedside table, in the car, on your desk at work, and so on. However, buying water is a more expensive, and less environmentally-friendly choice than purchasing some of our reusable water bottles.

Beat the Heat Water Bottle

Another great way to keep cool is to use our Tropi-cool towels and scarves. Just soak them in water and they’ll remain cool even as they dry. You can also keep them in the fridge and use them to beat the heat at home or in the office.

Beat the Heat cool towel

If your kids are feeling the heat too, nothing beats running through a sprinkler on the lawn. Just pick one up, turn it on, and watch them smile, as they keep cool while enjoying the sunshine.

Beating the Heat at the Beach

Beach towel beat the heat

The beach is a wonderful place to keep cool, but you need to be prepared. In addition to sunscreen and sunglasses, beach towels and clips are must-haves. Also, it’s a good idea to grab supplies like buckets and pails, as well as an inflatable beach ball. Swimming is great, but it’s important to be ready when kids get tired of splashing around in the waves.

Making the Most of Pool Time

mermaid tail beat the heat

‘Tis the season of pool parties! While it’s great exercise to swim lengths, it’s also nice to relax sometimes. That’s why we have an awesome selection of floats. Picture yourself relaxing on an enormous mermaid tail, an inflatable beverage holder nearby, and a cup full of fresh lemonade. For the children, why not get some pool noodles, or float seats featuring their favourite characters?

Let’s make this hot summer a fun and memorable one!

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We have consistently been in the Tri-Cities “A-List”.

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

5-skin-care-tips-summer

For most of us, Summer is the best time of the year! We lose our routine and await for those long bright evenings to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. However, it is also that time of the year to ensure we take extra precautions to protect and nourish our skin from the sun’s harmful rays and environmental elements. Plainly said, our skin takes a beating in these blissful months.  So we thought we would share these 5 at home skin care remedies to help protect that gorgeous face of yours.

  1. Sunscreen

    Protecting your face, drinking plenty of water (and perhaps even splashing some on your face to remove the dirt throughout the day) and leading a healthy lifestyle will all aid in keeping your wrinkles at bayI think what comes to mind first is the obvious…sunscreen! As part of your morning routine, apply a minimum 30 SPF sunscreen that protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

  2. Cleanse your face

    Cleanse your face morning and night by using a little bit of honey and yogurt. Equal amounts applied to your face and left on for approximately 10 minutes will leave your skin feeling smooth and very clean.

  3. Exfoliate

    Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week by using a mixture of baking soda, olive (or coconut oil) and honey. Why? Because the baking soda will remove the dead skin cells and balance the PH levels. It also is very soothing and will decrease any inflammation present. Here’s a little recipe you can try: combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and olive oil and ½ teaspoon of honey. Mix together and apply to your damp face for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water, pat dry and apply your moisturizer as usual. Or you can use a mixture of equal amounts of lemon juice and sugar…rub in circular motions and rinse off.

  4. Moisturize

    You can use extra virgin Coconut oil and apply a small layer on your face at night (coconut oil provides essential fatty acids) to give you glowing skin in the morning. Just rub into the palm of your hands to warm up and apply it sparingly. Or, you may want to use some fresh Aloe Vera from the Aloe Vera plant. The Aloe plant contains hormones that reduce skin inflammation…perfect to have on hand for those sunburns. Aloe is excellent for hydration but did you know that you can also freeze the juice into small ice cube trays? Just use when needed!

  5. Mask

    Mask, using bananas. Yes…bananas! Bananas contain potassium, Vitamins C and E and are responsible for promoting clear glowing skin. Mash a ripe banana, add some milk or an egg white and mix thoroughly. Apply it evenly to your face and leave on for about 20 minutes then wash it off with tepid water and moisturize. Who knew bananas have multiple uses!?

 

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

15-summer-road-trip-essentials

 

Summer Road Trips.

Yes! Who doesn’t love road trips…the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the water awaits and it’s your annual escape from your predictable routine. Whether it’s a solo trip or with your friends and family, make sure you are well prepared with these 15 essential tips from the beginning of your summer road trip to your final destination. Can we say “start the car”?!

  1. Car Ride

    Let’s begin with the car! Do you have your Driver’s licence, registration and car’s manual on you? Seems simple right? Don’t leave home without double checking for these items!

  1. Car Ready

    Speaking of being “car ready” ensure your spare tire is inflated, your emergency roadside kit (with a battery operated flashlight) is in-tact and your paper maps (just in case there is no cell service) are handy.

  1. Bring Cash

    Let’s talk about money. Yes, good ole hard cash is still the boss in some remote areas especially if you are at a rest stop and want to buy some snacks.

  1. Stay Hydrated!

    Remember to stay hydrated and bring a large water bottle and its sister called the “toilet paper roll”.

  1. Phone/Charger

    Don’t leave home without your phone charger and/or USB adapter cord. Also, remember to stay safe and bring your Bluetooth head piece for “hands free” driving.

  1. Tunes

    A really fantastic play list is a must. Maybe you are lucky and have satellite in your car but for some of us, we have to rock it “old school” with playlists. Variety is the key here.

  1. Camera

    Capture those special moments. Most of us have cell phones with a built in camera but maybe you have a more advanced professional model that takes A M A Z I N G pictures…pack it now!

  1. Car Activities

    Do you have company traveling with you? Keep your children entertained in the car with travel games, tablets, a good book, their own music with headphones and their favourite movies.

  1. Sleep

    A warm blanket and pillow will come in handy for your passengers or just in case you get stuck with a road closure and have to sleep in your car.

  1. Travel Mug

    Your best travel mug. To keep your cold drinks cold and your hot coffee steaming.

  2. Sunglasses

    Maybe an extra pair…just in case!

  1. Sanitizer

    Before you (and your children) start snacking ensure your hands are clean and germ free with your own car sized hand sanitizer.

  1. Towels

    A towel. Or more specifically, a large beach one. Just in case your hotel doesn’t provide enough for everyone or you plan on spending some time in the water. Lake towels and shower towels should have their own separate use. And don’t forget that beach blanket!

  1. First Aid & Medication

    Emergency medication for headaches, rashes, fevers, motion sickness, allergies, bee stings, etc…it’s simply no fun being in the car when you aren’t feeling well.

  1. Mints & Gum

    Lastly how about packing some mints or gum along to not only freshen your breath but keep you awake while driving.

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

perfect-patio-party-tips

Summer is in full swing and we are so excited to enjoy the outdoors, bask in the sun, take a break from routine and invite our friends over for a Patio Party! Yes, it’s that time of the year again to plan your Summer Soiree. Host the perfect patio party with these 5 easy tips.

Tip #1: Set the scene

Let’s talk about decorations. Every patio party needs a little light when the sun goes down. So, our first tip is to brighten up your space and bring in the “fun factor” with strings of patio lights. These are super easy to hang and don’t require a lot of thought, in fact the more random these lights are strung the better your patio will look. Once hung, you can keep these lights shining bright for the rest of the Summer.

Tip #2: Skip the dishes

Disposable cutlery, plates, coordinating napkins/tablecloths, serving platters and plastic glassware is a must. With many patterns, sizes and colors to choose from you can create your party theme with ease. Perhaps you opt for splashes of colour throughout to give your patio that extra punch or go for a more classic theme with neutral colours, either way we have everything you need and on budget.

patio-party-summer-tips

Tip #3: Have some fun!

Don’t forget the inflatable pool toys and fun yard games. If you have a pool you can bet the children and adults alike, will be in it for hours on end…IF you have some cool floaties and diving games for entertainment. No pool? No problem! How about a water gun or balloon fight?! We stock a fantastic collection of backyard games and other pool accessories that all ages will enjoy.

Tip #4: Great food and drinks to be had by all

Make it easy on yourself and feed your hungry guests traditional hamburgers and hot dogs with a self-serve building station. Or perhaps a taco bar complete with salsa, beans, tortilla chips, hot sauce and other topping favourites. Did you know we also carry water, pop, juice and other non-alcoholic beverages you will need to host your perfect patio party?

Tip #5: Don’t forget the music!

Theme = check. No dishes = check. Fun = check. Food = check. One last thing to organize…music! A well thought out music selection that everyone will enjoy can be challenging to say the least. You know your guests best and no doubt you will tailor the music list accordingly however, don’t forget the extension cords and smart phone or blue tooth adaptors you may need to stream your music outside…let the dancing begin!

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

Buntzen lake-dollarsandcents

So maybe you don’t have a pool and the bathtub just won’t do. Not to mention those water restrictions that stop you from running through the sprinkler on a scorching hot day. It’s time to peel off the couch and check out some favourite places to cool-off around town this summer.

The great thing about going to any of these pools is that you get the comfort of knowing there is a safe, confined area for the kids to play and swim with lifeguards on duty. Hit the springboard or just work on your tan at these outdoor pools in your community:

Al Anderson Memorial Pool (4949 207th Street, Langley)
Rocky Point Pool (2800 Murray Street, Port Moody)
Westhill Pool (203 Westhill Place, Port Moody)
Eagle Ridge Pool (2689 Guildford Way, Coquitlam)
Spani Pool (655 Hillcrest Street, Coquitlam)
Aggie Park Pool (3050 Chester Street, Port Coquitlam)

Pools are great but sometimes it’s nice to float down a river or jump into a fresh lake on a hot summer day. If this sounds more like your kind of day, then check out these local outdoor swimming spots:

1) Brae Island – Just across from quaint Fort Langley is Brae Island. Enjoy the day having a picnic at the beach along the Fraser River and bring the dogs for a swim as well. Aside from the day-use area, there are also campgrounds available for booking if you are looking to make a weekend out of it. There are public washrooms and other amenities as well.

2) Sasamat Lake/White Pine Beach – White Pine is a beautiful man-made lake situated in the mountains around Port Moody/Anmore. There is a concession stand, washrooms, white sand, grassy areas, picnic tables,and lot’s of trails to explore more secluded swimming spots. Take a floaty and enjoy the lake!

Tip: Get there EARLY! Weekends can be crazy as this is a very popular spot for people from all over Metro Vancouver and once the parking lots are full they close the gates and you will have to hike about 20 minutes to get to the beach.

3) Buntzen Lake – Located adjacent to Sasamat lake is the natural glacier lake of Buntzen. The water here is so clear, not to mention a bit chilly, that you can see the bottom in most areas. This beach is complete with volleyball courts, picnic tables, washrooms, lots of beach and grassy areas, and even an off-leash dog park with full water access! Bring family and friends to enjoy a day at this amazing gem located close to home.

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

Don’t worry sun-lovers, summer has finally arrived and we’ve got some great ideas to help you enjoy the beautiful weather on your patio this summer!

Patio-Pillows

 1. Decorative Throw Pillows

Create a cozy and comfy lounge space by adding some soft throw pillows to lean into. Pick from a large variety of designs to suit the style of your patio and give your guests a reason to stay just a little bit longer.

Patio-Lights

2. Patio Lights

The sun is going down but the party is still going – don’t panic, there’s a solution for that! String up some patio lights so you can continue to show off your deck and keep the mood alive.

Drink-Glasses

3. Mason Jars

Looking for a new way to serve up cold beverages? Well, everyone knows mason jars are all the rage right now and they are a great way to make any drink feel unique and funky. And with a little creativity, any jar can be customized with a few simple craft supplies!

Craft-Beer-Glasses

 4. Craft Beer Pints

Any beer drinker appreciates a nice pint glass to hold their precious summer beverage. Forget the sleeve this summer and upgrade to pint-size to satisfy everyone on the patio.

Tip: Frost your pints ahead of time in the freezer to make sure those drinks stay extra cold on a hot day.

Lanterns-BirdFeeder

5. Candle Lanterns and Bird Feeders

Looking for a way to attract more than just your friends to your patio? Try hanging a decorative bird feeder to bring nature to your deck and you can feel good knowing that you fed more than just your neighbours this summer.

If you want the birds but not the pesky mosquitos away, try putting citronella candles in your candle lanterns to create a warm atmosphere without the bites!

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool This Summer

Bacon-Wrapped-Chicken

Grilled Chicken with Rosemary and Bacon

Ingredients

  • 
4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves deals
  • 
salt and pepper to taste
  • 
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 thick slices bacon

Directions

  1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder on a chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Lay one rosemary sprig on the chicken breast. Wrap the bacon around the chicken to hold the rosemary on. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or an additional thick rosemary stem.
  3. Cook the chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Stay near the grill to combat any flare ups from the bacon. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Recipe by Skoo, All Recipes

 

Seafood-Burger

Nathan Outlaw’s seafood burger

Ingredients

  • 2 shallots
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 fresh green chilli
  • olive oil
  • 200 g cod fillet , skinned and pin-boned, from sustainable sources
  • 100 g fresh white and brown crabmeat , from sustainable sources
  • 100 g raw king prawns , from sustainable sources
  • 2 baby gem lettuces
  • 4 burger buns
  • pickled onions

WASABI MAYONNAISE

  • 2 free-range egg yolks
  • 1 lemon
  • 300 ml sunflower oil
  • 50 g fresh English wasabi or wasabi paste
  • 1 small handful of rocket or other peppery leaf

Directions

  1. Peel and finely chop the shallots and garlic. Deseed and finely chop the chilli.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over a medium-low heat, then add the shallots, garlic and chilli. Cook for 3 minutes, or until softened but not coloured. Set aside on a plate to cool.
  3. Roughly chop and place the cod into a blender, then pulse for 20 to 30 seconds; it should still have some texture.
  4. Scoop it into a bowl, add the crabmeat and stir to combine.
  5. Peel and devein the prawns, roughly chop, then add to the bowl with the cooled shallot mixture. Season and mix well.
  6. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and use your hands to mould them into patties. Put them on a plate in the fridge for 45 minutes.
  7. Get your barbecue going to a high heat, then make the mayo.
  8. Put the egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into a bowl and whisk to combine.
  9. Keep whisking while you add the sunflower oil – slowly add it in drips to begin with, then gradually pour it in a steady stream until it’s all incorporated and the mayo is thick.
  10. Finely grate or stir in the wasabi until combined, and season with a pinch of sea salt. Finely chop and stir in the rocket (if using). Set aside in the fridge until needed.
  11. When you’re ready to cook, trim and thread the lettuces onto a large barbecue skewer.
    Brush the seafood patties with a little oil and place them on the barbecue for 3 minutes.
  12. Turn and cook for a further 3 minutes, adding the lettuce skewer at the same time. Char them for about 1½ minutes on each side.
  13. Halve and pop the burger buns on to toast for 10 to 20 seconds, until bar–marked.
  14. To assemble your burger, place a couple of the baby gem leaves on the bottom half of each burger bun with some pickled onions, then top with the patties.
  15. Add a generous dollop of the wasabi mayonnaise, sandwich everything together with the bun tops and serve.

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

 

blackened-sweet-potato-mash

Blackened sweet potato mash

Ingredients

  • 1kg sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • juice 1 lime
  • 4 wedges to serve
  • 4 spring onions
  • sliced on the diagonal
  • extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

  1. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, then put each one on a piece of foil. Drizzle with a little oil, season, then tightly wrap them. If you have a couple of smaller potatoes, wrap them together so they cook evenly.
  2. Carefully place directly onto the coals of a hot barbecue and cook for 35-40 mins until partly blackened and completely soft inside. To test, insert a skewer through the foil into the centre of the potato – it should go in easily. Alternatively, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the potatoes on the top shelf of the oven and roast for 45 mins, then heat the grill to its highest setting and grill for 5 mins, turning halfway, until slightly charred.
  3. Put the potatoes on a large platter and lightly mash with a fork, skins and all – they will fall apart easily. Drizzle over the lime juice and a good glug of extra virgin olive oil, and season well before topping with the spring onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Recipe by Sophie Godwin, BBC Good Food