It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
I'm a sucker for Phoenix in the Spring. This Spring took a little longer to get here and I am ready for it.
I'm a sucker for Phoenix in the Spring. I love everything about it. Spring Training, the first of many pool days, hiking in the sunshine, and spending an afternoon playing yard games or dining al fresco on a patio are my favorite Arizona activities. This Spring took a little longer to get here and I am ready for it.
We recently remodeled a home and while the interior has been completed for a couple months, the outside is just finishing. The rain and frost are likely over, so we can start planting and go from being cooped up to hosting cook outs. During this remodel, we tried to maximize out outdoor entertaining while minimizing maintenance. For us, this meant fake grass and a long bocce ball court filled in with decomposed granite. Hopefully, this keeps us active with lawn games and not active with lawn care.
If we do leave the house in our downtime, it will likely be by foot or by beach cruiser. For me, enjoying our sunshine and great weather on the way to a patio is as fun as relaxing on one. Look inside this newsletter for some of my favorite patios and bike safety tips.
Let me know what your favorite Springtime activities are by connecting on social media. I look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying the Phoenix Spring weather!
- Kerrie Kruse
Surviving Summer!
The Arizona heat is often the butt of many jokes, but things can get dangerous if you aren't careful. There are certainly some things you want to avoid in the Phoenix summer heat.
DO:
Drink Lots of Water. This is the most obvious, but it’s amazing how quickly you can get dehydrated in the summer. Always have a bottle of water with you and never refuse a bottle of water when it’s offered to you.
Stock Up on Lotion and Lip Balm. The ground isn’t the only think that gets dry in Phoenix.
Get Sun Shades for Your Car. Did you know you can literally bake cookies in your car during the summer heat? (I’ve done it. Ask to see the pictures.) Tinted windows and sun shades are widely used here for good reason. In addition to helping keep your car cooler, they can reduce the wear from the sun on the dashboard and help keep you from burning your hands on the steering wheel. Still watch out for that metal belt buckle, though!
Protect Yourself from the Sun. Hats, umbrellas and sunblock are all your friends! It’s easy to forget the sun is intense here, especially when you’re in the pool or under a mister. Make no mistake you should find shade and SPF whenever possible.
DON’T:
Don’t Do Strenuous Activities Outside. You may need to mow your lawn or wash your car in the summer, but don’t wait until after 9 am to do them! Exercising and chores that must be done in the summer, should be done first thing in the morning.
Don’t Leave Children and Pets in Your Car. Temperatures can rise to dangerous and even deadly levels within minutes in the hot sun. Don’t leave anyone in the car. Not with a window cracked, not with water, not for anything.
Don’t Be a Tough Guy (or Gal). It may be a dry heat, but 115 degrees is hot, no matter how tough you are. Once you’ve lived in Phoenix for a while, you do acclimate, but even the natives know when to slow down and find the air conditioning.