#edm tips

5 Tips to Beat the Heat at Hard Summer 2019

For those of us based in Southern California, we’ve been waiting for summer to hit, and now that it’s here, it’s going to be a late, long, and hot summer. Temps have been hitting 100° easily already, and if you’re like me, thinking about being at a rave in that heat is quite frightening.

But if you’re also like me, you know there’s ways to beat the heat to be ready to survive a hot weekend.

Hard Summer this year is once again going to a hot-hot-hot event. The event takes place Saturday, August 3 - 4th in San Bernardino, CA. A summertime racetrack event, there’s not a lot of natural places to escape the sun. Instead, Hard takes the time to make some chill zones, but you can also come ready to beat the heat yourself with the tips below.

And to be specific, here’s the weather at Hard this weekend. Yep. 102°. X_X

Hard’s doors open at 1PM, right as we’re approaching the hottest part of the day.

5. Pack a Water Bottle

I know this seems like an obvious one, but do yourself a favor and pack a bottle for your mini backpack, with a carabiner to clip to your pants, or invest in a hydration backpack to stay hydrated at the festival. I don’t care what you’re doing, drinking, rolling balls or staying sober, you’re going to need water -- and lots of it. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to pay $5+ for a new water bottle each time, so save your money and bring your own refillable bottle.

iHeartRaves has an awesome selection of hydration packs so you don’t have to settle for one that doesn’t match your outfit. You can still even order it to arrive to you on time. Check them out here. Just make sure it’s empty when you get to the security checkpoint.

I’ve found the hydration packs are great for a group cuz they hold a lot more water than just one bottle of water. When it’s just me, I usually am OK with one bottle that I refill and hold in my backpack.

Pro Tip: if you and your squad is driving to the festival, pack some FROZEN bottles in the car for the end of the night with even some snacks if you want. You’ll thank me later.

4. Light Layers and Sunscreen

110% pack your sunscreen. Hard’s list of what you can bring says Sunscreen lotion. It doesn’t say it has to be new or closed, which is interesting so I guess it can be already used but it says it will be inspected upon entry. This is great to me cuz sunscreen is big and expensive and you would never use a whole one in a day, so I’m glad you can bring the same one both days.

Personally I’m a big fan of the cooling sunscreen sprays on super hot days. I also think the Sport option is a good idea too because we’ll all be sweating a lot, and this helps from it just washing off. Also according to SkinCancer.org - you should apply sunscreen 30 mins prior to heading outside, and then reapply every 2 hours. I’d suggest maybe even more if you feel it sweating off.

If you’re super nervous about being exposed to the sun for long hours, pack some light, loose layers to wear. Light layers for example is kimonos, mesh tops, and of course there some real SPF options as well.

Powerful Python Sheer Kimono: iHeartRaves, $17.52 Trinity FIshnet Jogger Set: iHeartRaves, $39.95 Walkin’ On A Dream Rainbow Kimono: iHeartRaves, $29.95 Holographic Cropped Hoodie: FestFashions Shop, $30

3. Learn the Map

I feel like this is a stellar recommendation for any event, but like seriously, this is SUPER important for an event that has any extreme weather conditions. Make sure to make note of the water refill areas, shade areas and cool down zones. I’ve done you a favor of highlighting them out on this version of the map.

Also because of this crazy world we live in, please be aware of all exits from the venue, depending on what stage you are at.

2. Spray Bottles

Spray bottles and misting fans are a favorite way of mine to stay cool, and make friends! You can bring a bottle that holes 1.5L or less, and it must be empty upon entry. Just use a hair tie around the top of it, and then some ribbon to make a little hodler so you can keep it on your shoulder! I’m probably rocking this event solo, so I plan on bringing one cuz it will be an easy in to start talking to people and making friends! Just make sure to not spray anyone with a phone or nice camera!

1. R&R

R&R stands for rest and relaxation! Make sure to take a break from the crowded stage to sit down in some shade, get some food, refill your water and let your body recover. There’s always lots of food options to check out with some bomb food trucks. I love checking them all out, finding a meal then resting in the shade for a bit before I head to my next set! Try to plan ahead where your “open times” will be in between sets so that you are ready ahead of time to head to the food trucks. It’s easy to get lost in the headliners and forget to stop for a break!

R&R time is also a great time to get your photos, cuz I know you’ll be rocking some fun looks and need some squad pics to remember the day! Here’s a few accessories I love that add pizzazz to photos!

Dixie Doll Cowboy Hat: iHeartRaves, $16.95 Daft Boy Holographic Fan: iHeartRaves, $26.95 Round Kaleidoscope Glasses: FestFashions Shop, $15

Stoked to see you all at Hard Summer! Tickets are still on sale. You can buy single day, or two day tickets! The event is 1pm to 11pm each day (woo! Early nights!) There’s even city shuttles you can take, check out the SoCal locations they’re picking up here.

I actually quite like the water bottles like this that fold up when you don’t need it. They’re great when you don’t want to carry a whole backpack, and can clip onto your pants easily.

I LOVE festival camping. There’s daytime activities, there’s people all around you, the party never stops! I’ve learned a few tips and tricks now that have helped me boost my camping experience. This weekend is Nocturnal Wonderland which of course has camping! Since it’s only a few days away, here are some items you can Amazon Prime in time for the weekend to upgrade your camping experience.

These are all items I have purchased from Amazon, and have loved! Also FYI, I joined a new affiliate program with Amazon, so when I share links, they have special coding so that if you purchase using my link, Amazon will give me a little money! So use my links and support my blog!

Solar Powered Twinkle Lights

These are the simplest way to make your tent look fab at night, and easier to find. We first purchased some for Lightning in a Bottle because it’s so dark camping there, but I love bringing them to all my festival camping now. You just need to make sure it charges in the sun during the day, then usually as I’m leaving for the night I turn them on (even if it’s still light out) so that when I come home they’re all lit up! I wrap them around the polls on the outside, and we even put a little set inside too. They usually have multiple modes too so you can flash them, twinkle or stay solid.

Colorful Water Drop Lights: Amazon, $8.99 Fairy Flower Blossom Lights: Amazon, $10.99 Honey Bee Lights: Amazon, $11.95

Solar Powered Light Bulbs

Ok so these are more for the functional side of things. Again bought these for Lightning in a Bottle but this past year, and I’m obsessed with them. They are super bright and add real light inside your tent when you’re getting ready or going to bed. They have the cute little hook too so they’re easy to attach to the top of your tent somewhere. If you can’t tell I’m all about that solar power because I believe in saving the planet, so go solar wherever you can!

Solar Powered Light Bulbs (2 Pack): Amazon, $13.99

Mini 3 Drawer Organizer

I share this all the time on my Instagram stories when I’m packing for a festival. It’s the perfect thing for camping because it keeps all your stuff organized and then makes a great side table when you’re camping! I usually tape it closed during travel so that it doesn’t all fall out in the car. I label each drawer too so my friends know where stuff is. This is great to organize little things, like our 2nd drawer has “tools” safety pins, scissors, tide pen, zip ties etc. One drawer for us is always makeup and flash tattoos including the eyelash glue. The third one is for accessories: glow sticks, fans, packs of gum, bubbles etc.

Mini 3 Drawer Organizer: Amazon, $10.56 Or get TWO for $17.56!

Tiny Bluetooth Speaker

I was given the penguin for Christmas and they’re so adorable, fit in the palm of your hand, and actually have really decent sound. The bass isn’t great, but I mean, what do you expect. The battery lasts long, and you’re apparently able to pair them with other animals from their speaker series to amplify the sound. We haven’t tried that yet, but I love that feature, and my friend bought a unicorn one for us to try someday. They’re great for traveling because of how small they are, and would be storable in your Mini 3 Drawer Organizer so it doesn’t get lost!

4 WAYS TO BE MORE GREEN AT LIB17

While this article is tuned to Lightning in A Bottle in particular, it’s an article that’s relevant to any festival you attend. Treating the environment with respect is something we all should do all the time, but at festivals in particular we need to take great strides.

Lightning In A Bottle has made many initiatives to create a more sustainable world, as well as educate attendees on the impacts they can make. I would be amiss if I didn’t help you learn some of the simple ways you can make less of an impact on the environment at Lightning In A Bottle this year.

Lightning In A Bottle (LIB) takes place May 24-May 29, 2017 over Memorial Day Weekend. The festival takes place just about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in Bradley, CA. A festival that is easily my favorite, is one that is not to be missed. There’s so much to explore and learn at LIB that it is a festival that is almost impossible to write just one post about. Therefore, this post is dedicated to the green experience of LIB, and in particular, how you can help to create less of an impact on the environment during your time at the festival.

LIB has made many initiatives to create a greener festival experience. From things they do as hosts, to education for attendees, it’s clear why the festival won the Outstanding Greener Festival Award 3 years in a row. While this article is about the ways you can help create less of an impact on the environment, I thought you might like to learn first about the ways LIB is creating a more sustainable world.

Reduce LIB uses LED stage lightning as much as possible, and even solar lights where they can.

Renewable Energies The festival maximizes renewable energy sources such as biodiesel, solar and wind. All the cell phone recharging stations are run on solar power, and free to use.

Carbon Offsets Any energy LIB cannot eliminate they offset through certified carbon offsets. You can contribute to the carbon offset by adding a $2 offset fee to your ticket purchases. This year, offsets will go toward the Fiscalini Dairy Farm in Modesto, CA.

The farm runs on an anaerobic digester system, huge words, so let me break it down. Anaerobic digestion is the process of breaking down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. It is used to manage waste and produce fuels. 

At the farm, fumes from methane are captured to create electricity to run the farm. A liquid by-product from the process is used to produce fertilizer for the crops, and a solid by-product is used as bedding for livestock. The farm is verified by the Climate Action Reserve.

While these all seem like huge things LIB is doing, there are some really simple ways you can help contribute to creating a greener festival experience.

Number 1: Carpool

One of the easiest ways to make less of an impact is to take fewer cars with your squad. Make sure you figure out who wants to go, and then decide on only a few drivers. Fill as many people as you can into one car (as seat belts allow), and avoid driving alone unless absolutely necessary. This will also help you reduce the amount of stuff you bring into the festival too, keeping it to one car.

Number 2: Invest in a Solar Charger

While the charging stations at LIB are powered by the sun, there’s nothing more dull than sitting around waiting for your phone to charge at the festival. It’s so easy to purchase your own charger and then charge on the go. With a portable charger you can sit at a lecture and charge, or nap under a tree and charge. Strap it to your backpack and let it charge up all day so you’re ready to plug in your phone when you need it.  

On the same note, we found solar powered lights for our tent. We would let them charge all day, then we could turn them on at night so we could see inside. Some nights we left them to turn on automatically when the sun set so we could find our tent. With all our solar chargers we were able to avoid needing batteries at all. What’s great too, is that in both cases they are items you can you use at future festivals or on camping trips.

Number 3: Bring Less Waste

Whatever you bring into the festival make sure to take out with you. To make this easier, think ahead: what do you really need? What’s going to create waste? Instead of bringing cases of water bottles, find a big reusable pitcher you can fill up for your campsite. Everyone should also bring their own reusable water bottle to carry around. There’s free water all over the festival, and rarely a line to fill up.

Perhaps you have a new tent, new toy or food boxes. Instead of dumping all that packaging to the camping grounds, take it out of the packaging at home and be sure to properly recycle it there. Which brings me to number four.

Number 4: Throwaway Your Waste in the Proper Bins

One of my favorite things about Lightning in A Bottle is how every trash bin has three bins, Compost, Recyclables and Waste. In theory, at LIB you should be putting the least amount into the Waste bin. Most items, including the cutlery from vendors, are compostable.

Make sure that when you have any trash you sort it into the proper bin. It’s an education to learn how you can recycle or compost at home. There’s also always someone helpful from LIB around to ask questions of if you’re not sure which bin your item belongs in.

So take these lessons to LIB and make your festival experience more green. Buy your tickets and organize your squad, it’s a festival that’s not to be missed.

At just 21-years-old, Martin Garrix has gone from bedroom producer to one of the dynamic DJs of our generation. During a recent interview with the Huffington Post at Web Summit is Lisbon, Martin Garrix talks about how he’s managed to scale his music career from just himself, to a business that employees more than 20

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