Need Advice On Keeping Cool Without Central Air

[Bilby]

Outside blinds or awnings, stop the sun from actually hitting the window, once the window from heats up from the outside and the sun is in, it's harder to cool a room.
We have no air con, never have and we have some pretty hot summers. We use ceiling fans and have outside roll down blinds, blinds up and windows open when sun is not hitting that side of the house and blinds down and windows open when the sun does go that side.
Make sure the blind is not to close to the window (to do with arm bars, depends on blinds) or it's stops the air coming in under to cool the room. Solid fabric is best but shade cloth is ok just not as good.

[Lisa Berry]

Yep sounds like everyone covered what I do. I live n HUMID Delaware w/ no air. I keep windows open w/ curtains blinds down 3/4 way. Ceiling fans running, cookin early n morning or use grill, crockpot or salads alot. I did plant shrubs and trees on west and east side which helps. South is blocked from plantin by shed and driveway area so i put reflective solar cover from hardware store on south windows. It helps I think.