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Is there really such a thing as too many tips for summer? Whether you live on the farm, in town, or in an apartment, summer is a joyful and busy time! With all the hustle and bustle of the days ahead, here are some of my favorite ways to make the best of every moment.
Make the most of your time inside!
Warm, sunny days beckon you outside like a moth drawn to a flame. There are always outside chores to do. Flower beds to weed, vegetables to water, grass to mow. If you live on a farm, the list grows even larger. Even if when the jobs are complete, the sunshine and warmth calls. There are walks to be taken with friends, books to be read in the cool breeze of the shade, and water to be swam in.
After the sun sinks low, when bellies are full, little ones are tucked into bed, the same old indoor chores and tasks remain. I know some talented women who have no trouble managing their indoor and outdoor chores, meals and children, all without breaking a sweat. Maybe that is something that comes with time, but my day has not yet come. Until it does, I have discovered a trick that helps me to keep my head above water. It may be the ultimate tip of tips for summer. The Cleaning Schedule.
The cleaning schedule
I was raised on the Little House on the Prairie series, and I have reread it many a time over the years. One thing that has always stuck with me is Ma’s homemaking schedule.
Ma’s homemaking schedule is simple yet so effective. While it may not list some everyday tasks, it does give a general plan for the week. What better schedule to model than a storied homemaker that so many of us grew up reading about?
I don’t do a lot of churning, mending, or even ironing but the same principals still apply. When developing my schedule I took into account the same ideas of Ma’s schedule. Every weekday morning I unload the dishwasher and washing machine. I also fold laundry and reload any breakfast dishes. Weekday evenings I throw in a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, and do a quick pick-up.
Monday is bathroom cleaning day. I organize and clean the counter, clean the toilet, scrub the shower, and sweep. Tuesday I clean the surfaces around the house. Think counters, nightstands, table, desk, etc. Wednesday is kitchen cleaning day. Scrub the sink, counters, and stovetop, mop and sweep the floors. This is also the day that (time permitting) I clean appliances like the oven and microwave. Thursdays are the day I spend the most time at home, so that becomes laundry day by default. Friday is another bathroom cleaning day, and also bedroom cleaning day. Saturday is catch-up day. Sunday is the day of rest.
I will offer the disclaimer that more often than not, I run out of time at least one day which throws my schedule off. If your goal is perfection, you will only disappoint yourself. Give yourself grace and do your priorities.
Make the most of your time outside!
Are you ready for one of the best tips for summer? This seems like an obvious concept, but so often we get sucked into our habits and forget that we can shake things up. Here are some of my favorite ways to take your inside tasks outside!
Bible study/quiet time
What better place to study the word than in our Lord’s creation? I recently acquired a patio set and it is the most wonderful place to study and spend time with Jesus. I love to look up from my bible and see the sunrise peek through the clouds. This may just be my favorite way to get outside.
breakfast
Some of my favorite people would look at me like I had grown a second head if I suggested it to them. To be honest, I can see the oddity to it. However, breakfast is such an important start to your day, and breakfast outside in the early morning sunshine only makes it better. After all, how much harder is it to carry your plate past the table and out the door?
mundane tasks
Meal planning. Cutting potatoes. Polishing boots. Knitting. Any seated task can be taken outside. Go soak up those rays, and get your to-do list done.
I couldn’t offer a list of tips for summer without the tip I need the most: It’s OK to say no.
Summer and fun go hand in hand. Opportunities with families and friends present themselves every day, and my husband will be the first to tell you that I do not want to say no to a single one. Let me paint you a picture though. Imagine a weekend with guests arriving on Friday, graduation parties on Friday night. Shopping with friends on Saturday and a dinner out on Saturday evening. Sunday with church, community events, and a bible study. That was my weekend not long ago, and it was so fun, and yet so exhausting. When Monday rolled around, my house was a mess and the week ahead of me was yet again full. Life cannot continue like this.
You can love your people and still say no. It will actually help you serve them better in the long run.
You cannot be the best for them when you are overwhelmed and exhausted. Hear it now from someone who is relearning that every day.
Looking for some quick summer eats? Try these!
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