Hot.  That’s the Charleston forecast for at least the next 126 days.  Here are five ways to stay cool in style this summer:

1-Turn on the Ceiling Fans-We all know the efficiency of using a fan but have your heard?  Lowcountry Lighting is having a ceiling fan sale when you buy one you get one ½ off through August 31st! http://www.lowcountrylightingcenter.com/

2-Misting Patio Umbrellas-Enjoy the outdoors in the hottest of temps with a market umbrella that features misters on the ends of the ribs.   Refreshing mist cools the air 10 degrees.

3-Freezer Mugs-Keep those drinks cold with these ingenious mugs.  Double wall plastic has liquid that freezes keeping drinks cool without ice.

4-Close the shades-Solar heat gain from direct sunlight makes your summer home warmer.  Simple roller shades, in a chic pattern, is a fashionable way to keep things cool.

5-Eat some spicy food-Scientists believe that spicy foods make you sweat without actually raising your body temperature. Capsaicin, a chemical found in things like hot peppers, will make your skin is damp thus cooling you with evaporation.

Here’s a spicy Cooking Light recipe: Thai Shrimp Salad with Spicy Sour Dressing

• 4 ounces uncooked linguine
• 12 ounces peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot chile sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 4 cups torn romaine lettuce
• 1 1/4 cups vertically sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup matchstick-cut carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted cashews, unsalted

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Add shrimp to pan during last 3 minutes of cook time. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain.

Combine juice, sugar, hot chili sauce, and fish sauce in a large bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add pasta mixture, lettuce, and next 4 ingredients (through cilantro) to juice mixture; toss to coat. Place about 2 cups pasta mixture on each of 4 plates. Sprinkle each serving with 4 teaspoons cashews.

Mr. H says-It’s hard to remain elegant in such hot weather-Enjoy!