How to Stay Cool During the Summer Months

Wow, summer is heating up! Before you go outside to play, swim, or hang out with friends, remember to ask an adult for permission and to check the air quality, too! Knowing the air quality for the day can help you and your family make a safe and smart decision for how long to play outdoors. On Spare The Air days, I avoid running around outside, especially in the afternoon, when air pollution is at its worst. When it is a Spare The Air day, the air can be unhealthy to breathe, so I generally play outdoors in the mornings when it is cooler outside (and there is less air pollution).

As a fun activity when it is hot outside, or when it is a Spare The Air Day, I make homemade popsicles! They are delicious and refreshing treats and are so easy to put together. All tasty and healthy popsicles start with a favorite fruit. Since some of my favorite fruits are strawberries and blueberries, this month I will be sharing a mixed-berry popsicle recipe. With an adult, you can start the popsicle process in the morning so that by the time you come back inside from playing, you will have a frozen snack ready!

Things You Will Need

  • Blender
  • Popsicle molds
  • Popsicle sticks (optional)
  • 1 cup, frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup, frozen blueberries
  • 2 cups, orange juice

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients into the blender and blend them well. The mixture should pour out easily but should not be completely liquid. If the mixture seems too thick, slowly add more juice (or water), and blend it to the thickness that you prefer.
  2. Fill popsicle molds with the popsicle mixture according to their directions. I like filling them as close to the top as possible but be sure to leave a little space because they will expand a little as they freeze.
  3. Freeze the filled popsicle molds for 2-3 hours, or until they are completely frozen.
  4. Remove the popsicles from the mold and enjoy! Sometimes, I run the popsicle mold under warm water for a few seconds to help get the popsicle out!

Although this recipe is specifically for a mixed-berry popsicle, I love all kinds of fruit combinations. Try mixing different frozen fruits, like strawberries and bananas, mangoes and pineapples, peaches and nectarines – it is your turn to get creative!

To learn more about air quality, visit SpareTheAir.com, or ask the adults in your family to follow us on social media to receive Spare The Air updates.

Until next time!