C: Is for staying Cool!

I watched tonight as the sky filled with a greenish lightening and the air cooled a blissful 15 degrees. Elissa and I hung out the window looking out onto 79th Street, taking the glorious sight in. As the air cleansed our souls I knew I had tonight's column. This was the best display of nature in full glory and it was free. With looming prices and the heat soaring, here are some inexpensive ways to stay cool.

One way to stay cool and calm is with an ice-cold facial spray. Citrus, mint and rosewater feel especially refreshing, and lavender works best on oily or acne-prone skin (it's a natural antibacterial). Try Caudalie grape- and peppermint-scented Beauty Elixir ($56; sephora.com) or Shu Uemura Depsea Water ($22; 888-540-8181), which comes in nine scents including mint, rose and chamomile. Or apply Estee Lauder's new Fresh Air Continuous Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($34; esteelauder.com). This light tinted moisturizer uses time-release technology (called AquaSphere encapsulated water technology) to help skin feel refreshed all day. Or you can make your own concoction for pennies by going to your local health food store. Go through essential oils and breath in. Concentrate on the one that makes you feel the coolest and that is the one for you. Trying mixing scents. Add to a spray bottle, with distilled water and chill. Spray and feel the difference.

What about cooling off on the Hudson? There are several options. "The New York City Waterfalls" run from June 26th through October 13th. The Circle Line Downtown will provide the OFFICIAL Water Tours for the "New York City Waterfalls", with an audio introduction by the internationally renown artist who created them, Olafur Eliasson. Choose from four different ways to marvel at this monumental work of public art, with insights from the artist. The 90 to 120-foot Waterfalls will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be illuminated after sunset. Visitors will be able to see an up close views of the waterfalls, Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Pier 35 in Manhattan, and Piers 4&5 in Brooklyn on the tours. The price for this is $10. For $21 enjoy a boat ride with bite! A heart-pounding, 30-minute speedboat ride that leaves you in a shower of waves. And it's more than just the thrill of wind and water in your hair. It's a full-fledged show featuring a tour, music and plenty of laughs. And if you are struggling there is the Staten Island Ferry. This free ride is comforting, provides sites and a cool way to enjoy that sweltering day. The best part is you can ride and ride and nobody will kick you off.

My last recommendation is the Russian & Turkish Baths, an East Village institution since 1892. They claim the hottest rooms and the coldest pool of water. I have yet to have tried this but my friends who have swear by it. What intrigues me is the aromatherapy room, the swedish shower and the Turkish sauna. All of these can be had for $30 for the day. There is also a reasonable restaurant with traditional foods. For $8 you can enjoy the top dishes, which is unheard of. I definitely need to try the Platza Oak Leaf known as "Jewish acupuncture." Specialist scrub you (actually beat you) with a broom made of fresh oak leaves, sopping with olive oil soap. The oak leaves contain a natural astringent, which will open your pours, remove toxins, and actually take off layers of dead skin. For $48 how do you beat this?

It looks like the summer is going to be long and hot but it is a easy to stay cool without breaking the bank. All it takes is creativity and that is a tingling F.A.C.T.