Surviving My Second Summer in Arizona

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com 

A little over a year ago, My family and I packed up all our stuff and moved from California to Arizona. We moved right before Spring but just in time for it to feel like Summer in March, and quickly had to adapt to how different it is living here in the much hotter and dryer desert than the breezy coastal area of Huntington Beach. Regardless of the change of scenery and weather, life still goes on and I’ve come across a few things that have helped us along the way. 

For one, you must carry a water bottle with you if you leave the house. You have to stay hydrated out here or you will feel miserable and who wants that in the heat? So get yourself a water bottle that you know you’d love and are willing to tote around with you. I got this one here and love it. I always aim for about 120 ounces of water a day but sometimes that can feel like a chore. Water alone can feel real blah sometimes, so it helps to have something to give it a little boost. Lately, I’ve been using these Energy Stix from 4C which have helped me reach my daily water goals while also giving me a little kick of energy. The individual packets make it easy to stick one in my car if I’m already out and about, and comes in three flavors that make water more fun (berry, citrus, and orange). Caffeine, Taurine, and B-vitamins give me just enough energy to get through my day without a drag or crash, and I can even mix them in with my morning smoothie which is nice. 

Another thing we do out here to beat the heat is to embrace that sunshine and dive into the pool! I don’t think our Summer would have been as bearable without access to a pool so it’s been really nice that we both were in agreement about having one. I always wanted a pool as a kid, so it’s nice to give my daughter to enjoy. Unfortunately, my baby girl is a bit of a blondie, and pool chemicals can do a number on her hair, and even on mine, which’s a golden brown. We make sure to keep Ultra Swim Shampoo on hand for our swimming season to avoid that green tinge hair can develop from being exposed to pool chlorine and copper deposits. Its moisturizing formula can be used every day if needed, but it typically does the trick for us by using it once per week, and I hear no complaints from my five-year-old who would prefer to never wash her hair, ever. They even have a matching conditioner to help rinse out those tangles out!

I also stay pretty active throughout the Summer when it comes to Crossfit.  Staying healthy is important to me so getting in some hard work and sweat in keeps my mood lifted and gives me time to focus on myself. From time to time, I get small injuries like ripped callouses that can really put a damper on your workout if you are trying to work through it. Liquid Bandage from New Skin has truly been a hand saver when it comes to any cuts or ripped callouses. There are plenty of times where a traditional bandage just isn’t going to stay in place (like the palm of your hands or in between fingers or toes and a brush on liquid works best. The original Liquid Bandage is 100% waterproof, forming a flexible seal over cuts while killing 99.9% of germs. I am used to the traditional New Skin formula, but they now also have a sensitive skin version that is hypoallergenic, latex, and fragrance-free! I love this one for cuts and tears that are more tender, and then switch over to the traditional version a few days after the cut heals. I just ripped my hands in class this week and the sensitive skin version has been my best friend.

The extra heat can really add to the exhaustion of any day, especially when it’s that time of the month. During the week of my period, I feel 20 lbs heavier, more tired, and probably say I want to lay down more than I should. My daughter still needs my chauffeur services to and from summer camp, housework needs to be done, and my workouts can’t be skipped, which is why I always keep Pamprin Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom in my medicine cabinet year-round for period relief. When I take these diligently at the start of my period I feel immensely better to carry on with my normal routine. My bloating get under control so my pants don’t feel like they’re a size too small, cramps disappear and my irritability fades away. Especially important if I’m taking my daughter to the pool — the last place you want to feel bloated or grouchy. 

It should go without saying that some other things that help survive an Arizona summer are copious amounts of sunscreen, lightweight breathable clothing, a good hat that you are willing to wear, sunglasses, and a good anti-chafe balm helps too.  

Arizona Summers really isn’t all that bad, to be honest, but it does take time to acclimate!  I hope these few tips helped! If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments below!