It's HOT, y'all.

We have had a long and cool spring, an unusually cool early summer, and a pretty nice steady amount of rain so far.

But summer is here.  Like it or not.

And I don’t know about you, but summer heat is not my favorite. I love the colors and foods of summer, but I can do without the rising temperatures.

So, I am always looking for ways to cool off in an enjoyable way. Not everyone can have a swimming pool, or creek, or lake nearby.

But staying hydrated from the inside is very important as the heat comes in and you start sweltering.

Some people go for cold drinks like sodas or iced tea, but both can cause dehydration which is the opposite of what you need!

We solved our thirst quenching problem a few years ago, when we started making infused water.

What’s so special about infused water?

Well, many of the herbs help with kidney function, helping to flush and hydrate, the fruit gives you a natural sugar boost, and the vegetables have a cooling effect on your body as well as helping you absorb your water intake.

And BONUS, they’re pretty and taste great!

How do you make this super refreshing water?

Fill a half gallon mason jar with filtered water and add all kind of fruits, vegetables, and herbs combinations to it, let it sit for awhile, and keep it cold in the fridge.

It doesn’t take much, just a handful of herbs, or a few slices of fruit or vegetables. Mostly just to your taste.

Sometimes I do 3 or 4 different kinds at once to keep on hand. And I never have to remind my kids to drink when they come in from playing and doing chores, outside in the heat.

Lemon Basil makes an exceptional infused water

Here are some of our favorite refreshing water recipes!

• Strawberry & Mint

• Blackberry & Lime

• Blueberry & Lemon

• Raspberry & Mint

• Lemon Balm

• Lemon Basil (my absolute favorite! very lemony)

• Cucumber & Strawberry

• Watermelon

• Cucumber and Watermelon

• Orange, Lemon, Lime

• Kiwi

Nothing could be easier to make, and such a fun way to get your kids to drink more water.

Also, be sure to use organic, chemical free ingredients. You don’t want to go through all of that trouble rehydrating your body, only to have your water infused with harmful chemicals. Remember, those toxins are readily absorbed into your blood stream!

Do you have any favorite water combination recipes? What do you do to get some extra water in during the heat of the summer?

I’d love to hear your ideas!

Stay cool,

Tabitha