Let’s be sure to take advantage of the long light-filled evenings. Eat outdoors whenever possible; sit outside and enjoy your deck, patio, yard or porch. Bring out a magazine or two, play music, light incense, sip wine or tea, or chat with neighbors.
QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY:
- Make menu plans for the week and create your grocery list
- Make socialization plans for the week and plan next weekend if possible. Be sure to leave time for Family Night (if you do that sort of thing). nd I always try to leave at least one evening empty for a quiet night at home.
- What are you doing for Fourth of July?
- Dump out your purse during a break today (or while waiting in the car during kid-related activities). Clean and sort it, throw out unneeded items and trash. Can you find two items you don’t need to carry with you every day? I typically have multiple pens, and two packs of tissues when I only need one, etc. I also have three or four lip glosses more than I actually need. I should put those back in my bathroom drawer where they belong.
- Take inventory of your condiments for picnics and barbecues. Do you need to throw any out? Do you have enough mustard, ketchup, relish, and mayo? Pickles? Sauerkraut, if you like that kind of thing? If you use mayo alternatives, do you have a small jar of the real stuff to offer visiting guests who might not enjoy your alternative versions?
TODAY’S PROJECT: Box Sorting
I have a never-ending quest to clean out my garage, de-clutter closets, and get rid of unused items. Today I’ll work towards this goal by sorting this box of my paper doll collection. I doubt I will be able to get rid of any of these, but I want them out where I can look at and enjoy them. They aren’t any good to me sitting in a box in the garage. I’ll make room for them on a bookcase in the playroom. This means something else is going to have to go, however, to make room for these. I suspect I can find some books we’re not reading and games we’re not playing, to donate or recycle. I expect this project to take less than an hour, depending on how much time I spend oohing and aahing over my paper doll treasures. I suspect I’ll become intrigued by something and spend a bit of time cutting out more outfits!
LOVELY BATH & BODY: Daisy Soaps
I think these cute daisy soaps would be delightful in a guest bathroom in summertime. I’m not sure guests actually work up the courage to use cute decorative soaps, but a bowl displaying these would sure brighten up a bathroom.
LOVELY BLOGS: Sift & Whisk
This blog specializes in from-scratch dessert recipes and baking tips. Recent posts I’ve enjoyed include Baking Basics: Homemade Vanilla Extract, Berry Pies, and Vanilla Ice Cream Two Ways.
LOVELY BOOKS: Mother Earth’s Children
“The Frolics of the Fruits and Vegetables” was published in Chicago in 1914. It features Elizabeth Gordon’s charming illustrations. What fun to take a moment to rest between work and housework and browse through the quaint images! My favorite is “Miss Parsley.”
Mother Earth’s Children, at The Internet Archive
LOVELY FASHION: Summer Stripes Dress
I’m so delighted with this simple striped maxi-dress I bought from The Gap this month. It’s already come in handy for my vacation to Lake Chelan, been worn to a recent casual dinner party, and kept me stylish during a recent trip to the farmer’s market. Soft, comfortable, and easy to accessorize
LOVELY LINKS FOR TODAY:
Are ‘Tiger Moms’ Better Than ‘Cool Moms’? (The Atlantic)
The Barcelona Gin and Tonic (CHOW)
Guide to Summer Cooking (Cooking Light)
How to Make Royal Icing with a Hand Mixer (The Bearfoot Baker)
Fashion Editorial: Paris in the Spring (Solis Magazine)
Laduree Tea Salon Opens in NYC (Vanity Fair)
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches (Pint Sized Baker)
9 Stunning Strawberry-Rhubarb Desserts (Epicurious)
Ten Pretty Summer Skirts You’ll Want Right Now (Chatelaine)
The 13 Most Important Kitchens on Television (Bon Appetit)
Waffle Macarons with Maple Bacon Buttercream (Raspberri Cupcakes)
