We all love summer – the clear blue skies,the long days and the warmer weather. But let’s face it, lately it has been downright hot. Dare I say, too hot.

Rather than wish our few remaining weeks of summer away, here are some all-American ways to help us combat the heat. Stay cool!

Tara & Kirsti Grinna Swimwear - Made in Conway, SC

We all know that one of the quickest ways to beat the heat is to hit the water. Why not look good doing it?

As women themselves, this mother-daughter duo know how difficult it can be to find the right swimsuit. Tara, the mom, has been working diligently for over 25 years to develop fashionable swimwear that addresses women’s “issues.” Her suits are available in a variety of attractive styles and sizes that will fit your body, whether you choose a maillot (left, $174), tankini, bikini, or bandeau. If you want an additional (attractive) layer of confidence, try one of her cover-ups (middle, on sale for $115.50).

Bringing her own aesthetic to the family business is Tara’s daughter, Krista. Her line of bikinis (left, $96 as shown) may be less forgiving than her mother’s designs but are equally as well designed and constructed. One of the bikinis from Krista’s first collection was featured in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue.

Whether you want help concealing it or flaunting it, the Grinna girls have you covered. Visit store.taragrinna-swimwear.com.

Birdwell Beach Britches – Made in Santa Ana, CA

Okay guys, you might like women’s swimwear as much or more than women do, but you can’t wear it. So why not try these board shorts instead?

Started by Carrie Birdwell Mann in 1961 as an out-growth of her sewing and alterations business, this company is still very much a family affair. With the fourth generation at the helm, this company epitomizes the adage: do one thing and do it well.

Today Birdwell Beach Britches are available in 7 styles — short to long, original to loose — and 26 colors. (At left, long slim fit adult model #303 – available in sizes 27-42 for $61.)

Find a look to “suit” you at www.birdwellbeachbritches.com.

Eliza B. – Made in US

There is a lot of debate about you lose most of your body’s heat through your head and feet. Whether it is true or not, who wants to wear “real” shoes in the summer? (Please do not even get me started on socks.)

If you love the freedom of flip-flops, then you will really love Eliza B. She has a wide variety of designs for both men (left, Washed Canvas for $40) and women (second from left, Sail Cloth Sandals for $48).

If you do not find what you are looking for or you want something special, you can design your own. You can choose your own colors for the footbed, accent ribbon, toe ribbon (second from right, Designs You Own for $48). If you like you can even get monogramming (right, Grosgrain Custom $65 w/ monogram).

AO Eyewear, Inc. – Made in Southbridge, MA

If you cannot beat the heat, you can at least look cool. (Oh, and keep the sun out of your eyes.)

Since 1958 AO Eyewear, Inc has manufactured the official sunglasses of the US Military. In that time they have been issued to millions of US soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. Ready to be impressed? Neil Armstrong and the crew of Apollo 11 wore the Original Pilot Sunglasses (right, $74) in 1969 during the first moon walk. (Armstrong’s sunglasses are in the Smithsonian Air and Space Musuem.)

Now you can take advantage of the years of precision engineering and classic styling that once was only available to the military. Whether you choose the General (left, $82), Pilot or one of AO’s other designs, you will definitely be satisfied.

Look sharp. Visit www.aoeyewear.com.

Lasko Products – Made in US

If you are finding the rising temperature a little more than your AC (or wallet) can handle, try a fan.

Lasko is “the leading U.S. manufacturer of portable electric fans.” In an industry that has virtually vanished from US shores, Lasko is an exception. They make table, floor, box, pedestal and outdoor fans. So no matter where you need to cool down, they can help.

However, if it is really hot in your house, or heaven forbid you have a project to do in a garage or out-building, try their high-velocity fan (left, $139). It’s metal blades are designed for maximum air movement and it has a pivot feature that allows you to direct the air.

Visit www.shoplasko.com.

Woolen Mill Fan Company – Made in New Park, Pennsylvania

Meet the another hold-out who is a real stand-out in the US fan business.

Not only has this business not gone off-shore, its owner, Jay McGinnis rails against everything that “off-shore” stands for. Woolen Mill Fan Company is founded on the principles of craftsmanship and character. Concerned by not only the loss of quality, but also with the loss of artistry that is the result of mass production, McGinnis set out to “recreate an environment that is as timeless as it is mysterious.”

The designs begin in a small pattern-making shop; move to an Amish foundry where the metal parts are cast; and, ultimately, everything is assembled by hand.

Before you ask, yes, these fans do cost more than the ceiling fans made in China and sold at big box stores. But don’t you think they are worth it (left, Emu for $908).

Visit www.architecturalfans.com for more information and www.architectural-specs.com to purchase.

U-line Corporation – Made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nothing is better on a hot day than a really cold beverage.

Thanks to U-Line, you can get an undercounter ice maker (left and second from left, $1799) that will have you ready for a heatwave or a party.

Henry Uihlein founded U-Line Corporation in 1962 and was the “first to develop and patent an automatic stand-alone undercounter residential ice maker.” Today, U-Line is still a family business albeit with an expanded product offering. They now make a variety of commerical, outdoor and residential ice-making and refrigeration units (Wine Captain at right for $1529).

Chill out and visit www.u-line.com.

eCreamery – Made in Omaha, Nebraska

When all else fails, eat ice cream. (Not a bad personal mantra.)

Guaranteed to lower your body temperature is everyone’s favorite summertime treat. If you have not tried, eCreamery you should. They have your favorite flavor. How can I be so sure? Because you make the flavors. Genius, I know.

You choose from 3 ice cream bases – sorbetto (non-dairy), gelatto, or ice cream – and then you choose up to 2 flavors for the base. The flavors range from old favorites like chocolate, cookies and cream and strawberry to the slightly more daring cotton candy, lavender and creme de menthe to the down right exotic cardamom, chipotle and black licorice.

Once your make that difficult decision, you then may choose up 2 add-ins. The list has something for everyone, unless of course you do not like chocolate truffles, candied ginger, cookie dough, gummy bears, walnuts . . . I think you get the idea.

Once you have created your concoction you get to name it. The name you select will be printed on the carton design of your choosing. Prices start at $49.99 for 1/2 gallon, shipped as 4 pints.

For the most deliciously creative way to keep cool, visit www.ecreamery.com.

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