Hotlanta is earning it’s name this week. And the fun part? Matt and I have decided to try to save money (“and the world!” says Matt. Hey, stop reading over my shoulder while I write!) by not turning on our air-conditioning for most of the summer. Gahhhhhhh. Readers, you can look forward to gorgeous outfit pics of Cath and a shimmery glistening puddle from me!
One antidote (apart from sneaking on the air when he’s not looking)? Snoballs!!! Notice the lack of a “w” in “snow.” That means we aren’t talking about those things that make snowmen. You eat ’em!
Snoballs are a lot like snow cones, but better. Wayyyy better. The ice is shaved, so it’s light and fluffy and not chunky crystals you get in a cone. You add your favorite syrups on top (New Orleans Snoball Cafe in Decatur has organic flavors and flavors sweetened with agave instead of just sugar in addition to your usual Hurricane, Pink Lemonade, etc.). Then – if you want to be really Cajun about it – you put condensed milk on top, and/or put ice cream in the center of your snoball! On a hot summer’s day, it’s bliss!
Lucky for me (and less lucky for my diet plan), New Orleans Snoball Cafe is right by where I work! It’s much more fulfilling (in every way) than a water-cooler break.
On Cath: sweater H&M • tank from Lavish in San Francisco • skirt F21 • purse from Vivid Boutique in Decatur • shoes MIA
On Lar/Moi: thrifted mens shirt • AE shorts • necklance from Rockit Boutique Decatur • shoes Jeffrey Campbell • purse Deux Lux • cuff Express
I had my first snoball of the season today! There’s a great organic juice joint that does snoballs and recently started stuffing them with homemade gelato. Mmmm!!!
both of you look adorable. Hm snoball sounds soooo good right now.
LOVE your gray bag!
I’ve lived in Atlanta many summers either without A/C or without the money to run it. Nothing compares to a strong A/C unit running 24/7, but there are things you can do to make it more comfortable.
Life without A/C: open windows, fans, cold showers, libraries, thin cotton dresses (your boyfriend will surely learn that old women have the right idea with muumuus and throw pride to the wind when at home.) Another trick: turn on the A/C for 30-45 minutes every other day or so just to get air circulating. Just a short burst of cold, moving air makes a HUGE difference in getting rid of the stuffy feeling. Keeping everything swept, vacuumed, dusted, and dry also helps more than you’d think. And a dehumidifier is like magic. If you wanna avoid the cost of electricity to run one, these little things are great: http://www.dollartree.com/cleaning-storage-hardware/all-purpose-cleaners/damp-guard/212c254c254p308412/index.pro
Such genius ideas, Anne! Definitely going to get those humidity “eaters” 😉 Brilliant!
Lar, shaved ice is soooooooooo delicious! and it’s even better when there are a variety of flavors to choose from, and not just blah blah flavors like orange or lemon (not to call those who love those flavors, blah). My husband and I are also trying to save the world this summer by not turning on the AC, which is deathly for me, but hey, everyone dies right?:) Luckily, all our rooms have ceiling fans, which I plan on having on at least when my husband isn’t home. 🙂
Hawaiians have a name for Snoballs, too! Shave Ice! Yeay! You can come eat them in Hawaii with me and Nate next year!! Double Yeay!!
BOTH OF YOU look majorly adorbs. I can appreciate a girl who can rock clogs. especially because I myself can’t envision them on me. 🙂 Kind of like the Litas, except the Litas are way more barf-worthy.
You girls are so cute!
FYI, if you have a ceiling fan, set your A/C to 74 or 75–it’ll still save money, but using the ceiling fan in a counter clockwise (google this, I may be wrong) will circulate the cool air around the house. Also, draw the curtains closed for any western facing windows during the day and open them at night. This will minimize the sun warmth from the windows that get long exposure during the day. You can still do a/c during the summer and save tons of cash!
Another way to save money? Power strip EVERYTHING in your house that doesn’t need constant energy and make sure to flip that switch when not in use. Vampire energy accounts for up 17-40% of your home’s electric bill. Up your fridge a few notches, too. Instead of the manufacturer suggested 5, put it down to 3.5 or 3. Dry clothes on a line, wash your clothes in cold. If you run a dryer, set the timer to 10 minutes less, or a lower time setting, throw in a bath towel or two to help speed the drying process.
I’ve got all kinds of tricks! You can call me if you want more suggestions!
Helps to have another Eco Nazi as a friend, doesn’t it? 🙂
I miss you girls!
xx{ish.},
Mae Lu @ thereafterish.!
Yes! Love having another Eco friend, Mae!!! Makes me realize I’m not crazy for doing some of this stuff.
Thanks so much Catherine for bring my first Snoball to the office today, Pink Lemonade with condensed milk and ice cream in the center. As Tony the Tiger says, It’s Great!!! Now I have a another good reason to continue my Walk for Lunch, walking back with a nice treat.
Awwww, so sweet, Tammy! And that’s my favorite- love the stuffed snoballs 😉
Can’t believe I haven’t this place yet. Looks like I will have to make a stop by there very soon!
cath- i <3 your skirt here!!!
oh how a snow cone sounds so yummy right about now. it's SO HOT here!