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It may be snowing outside my window right now, but spring is on its way! March is a tricky month, especially here in New England, but if I can brave another week of cold, snowy weather, we all can. Cooper and Dante enjoyed a nice swim at the park last spring. Here's hoping the snow melts away before the end of April! And here are some ideas to help you get a jumpstart on spring.
1. Get outside! I know it sounds easy, but with all of the snow and cold we've had this winter, it's easier to cuddle up indoors to stay warm. However, your house has been shut away and it's important (especially before allergy season) to breathe in fresh, clean air. That said, open up the windows as soon as you can. Even on a warm 40+ degree winter day, it's good to air out the house. It also helps to dry things out while you're cleaning up. (See #2.)
2. Clean up. If you got a jump on your spring cleaning last month, now is the time to actually clean rather that purge and organize. I just cleaned out my fridge from top to bottom, wiped down the tops of upper cabinets, and now I'm getting ready to tackle dust from all of those hidden places. Our furniture has been locked down too, so it's a good idea to clean upholstery and carpeting. One thing I will note, if you have allergies, specifically mold or dust allergies, take caution. Wear a mask when dusting and opt for dry clean methods instead of wet where more mold and dust can grow. (Check out this ultimate spring cleaning guide.)
3. Rearrange the furniture. You don't have to spend money to redecorate your home, all you need is a little time and muscle. Move the sofa to take in a view, or spread out your seating arrangement or create a new one. Remove heavy drapes, blankets, and miscellaneous clutter. Consider redecorating your mantel or sideboard with fresh colors and materials. Start small and then dream and plan for future updates. Be inspired by these two posts: One-Day Makeover and Makeover Now and Later.
4. Indulge in a fresh bouquet of flowers. An $8 bunch of tulips will lighten your mood and infuse a little color into your home. Have you seen the $10 bouquets they offer at Whole Foods? I absolutely love them. You can tuck them just about anywhere and they last at least a week if not longer. You can see one of them on Kate's bedside table in this post.
5. Celebrate the little things. March is a very looong month. We just found out that Amanda's school is taking away a 4-day weekend (March is the only month without a scheduled day off) because of snow days, which means she has 7 long weeks to wait before her next break. So it's really important that I/we try and make the best of it by celebrating melting snow (fingers crossed), picking up her fitted prom dress, and St. Patrick's Day. Even if you're not Irish, it's okay to celebrate any way you'd like. Go all out and put together a themed dinner party, make a pot of Irish Beef Stew, or dress in your favorite shade of green.
6. Get moving. I'll be the first to admit that I have gotten way off track when it comes to exercising. And although I tend to slow down during the winter months, I don't usually take extended breaks or stop entirely. I want to be able to get on my bike as soon as the removal of snow and ice will widen the roads, so it's back to basics for me. Amanda has graciously lent me her stationary bike and it's been kicking my butt. I'm starting out slowly so I don't injure myself. (I'm still nursing a sore hip and now a rotator cuff issue from shoveling heavy snow!). It doesn't matter where you are—beginner or expert, or how far we've come—we all have to go back to the basics from time and time and never give up.
7. Extend your wardrobe. It's okay to go for a layered look as the seasons change, in fact, it's the best way to stretch your wardrobe without having to buy anything new. Jeans can be worn all year long and so can blouses. Just pair them with a cardigan or vest, layer blouses over a T, or add a warm scarf to see you through. You can wear lighter weight sweaters all year long and pare shorts with tights if that's the look you're going for. Warm up this winter to spring look with stockings (or leather boots) and a pretty scarf and/or light jacket and you'll get by just fine once the mercury has risen above freezing.
8. Start gardening. The earth certainly isn't ready for planting just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't start seedlings indoors. If you're not much of a gardener, I highly recommend planting herbs. Take it from someone who has killed more plants than I care to admit, herbs are (almost) bullet proof. And you can keep them indoors all year round if you prefer.
9. Plan your summer or vacation reading list now. I know some of you have already taken a holiday to a warm climate by this time, but for those of you who still plan to get away once the weather cooperates, it's time to shop. The girls and I have decided to theme our reading this summer. That's the plan right now, but I'm sure we'll throw in a few surprises. Check out Good Reads, the New York Times best sellers list, or check out these Pinterest boards to inspire you.
10. Go fly a kite. I'm back to 'get outside'! Kite flying has never been one of my favorite things to do, but I wouldn't mind watching someone else fly one as I was walking or biking on by. I think of them as little beacons of hope....yes, spring is here. Spring is here!
Thank you for reading this series, 10 Things to do in... . In case you missed any, here they are.
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
We've been blanketed with another round of snow. After being snow-deprived for almost a month, January has more than made up for the loss. It's a good thing I like winter! Although this time of year, especially towards the end of the month, I can start to grow tired of the snow just thinking about how long it's going to take to melt. But I don't want to rush the seasons; I like to enjoy them when they arrive. I hope you're enjoying your winter.
1. Build a snow fort or igloo. I know I mentioned lots of things you can do in the snow last month, but it's been a long time since any of us has done this particular activity and it's so much fun. I think the last time was two winters ago. Once the girls and I made our own forts, we had a snowball fight and it was a blast. I just saw fb pictures of my twenty-something nephew building one with his dad this past weekend and it looked like they had a great time, too. And did you see the photo of Kate jumping off the Public Garden bridge into a pile of snow? If you have to shovel it, you might as well enjoy it!
2. Don't rush spring. But it's certainly okay to start planning for it. For example, I keep up greenery and white lights after the holidays and still bring in fresh winter greens to decorate my home. But I've already started to take down some of the greenery to begin lightening my home décor. In the winter months, I pile on textures, colors, and collectibles, but once the days grow longer, I simply pare down little by little. I prefer this approach. It helps me transition between seasons while still being able to appreciate them.
3. Get a head start on spring cleaning. Once the weather is good, I don't want to be stuck indoors, so this is the time that I like to start pulling things out of cabinets, closets, and my basement. Start small. If you have an hours worth of time that's all you need to go through the contents of your medicine cabinet, linen closet, and/or vanity in a bathroom. If you buy more than one item of something, like soap, consider only keeping a few bars in the bathroom and store the rest on pantry shelves in the basement.
4. Get a handle on paper clutter. Because we heat primarily with wood (and bio bricks) I like to burn as much paper as I can. We save a few newspapers to start the fires, but the rest, along with magazines and catalogs, go off to the recycling center. Letters, bills, and papers that don't need to be filed are either shredded or burned. I find I accumulate a lot of paper clutter this time of year because I'm so busy with other things it just piles up. Once it's gone, find an organizational system that works for you so you can take care of it right away.
5. Enjoy game night. You can do this any time of year of course, but we find it's a great way to spend an evening or a snowy afternoon. Oftentimes, we're playing a game with the girls, but just last week, we were invited to dinner at a friend's home, and after having that lovely dinner in front of a fire, our hosts pulled out some games. (Ever here of Hedbanz? You'll look ridiculous, but what better way to get to know new friends. It comes in family and adult versions. We played the family version.)
6. Prepare for Valentine's Day. I'm the first to admit that this holiday gets mixed reviews....even in my house. However, I think that makes it open for interpretation—go totally romantic, get silly, or just acknowledge the day. Read this post from last year for ideas. Want to watch a romantic movie? How about these? (Read tomorrow's post for romantic dinner ideas.)
7. Go out for ice cream. Yes, ice cream! There may be a few half gallons in the freezer, but there's something really fun about going out and indulging in homemade, really good ice cream....especially in the middle of winter. We're fortunate to have two places nearby, Ava Marie's and Kimball Farms (only open during the summer months). We've driven through snowstorms to get our fix. David gets Moosetracks (vanilla with mini reece's peanut butter cups, and fudge chunks), Kate likes Brownie or Strawberry, Amanda loves Death by Chocolate (chocolate with fudge chunks), and I'm the boring one, I like Coffee! (Or Black Raspberry if it's really good.) Read my list of our favorite ice cream places in New England.
8. Hit the movie theatre. For a while, there weren't too many good movies I'd spend money to go see, but this winter, we've seen several.... Into the Woods, American Sniper, Taken 3 (this one was okay). I missed Still Alice so I'll have to wait until it's on DVD. There are quite a few I missed earlier this season that are coming out soon.
9. Make your own hot chocolate. Kate loves to drink this anytime she can and wondered if she'd like a crockpot recipe she read about on Pinterest. (She told me her roommate likes to cook lots of things in a crockpot!) Well, I found several recipes myself and posted them here in December and one of those recipes uses a crockpot. Makes a great Valentine's Day gift, too.
10. Visit a local museum. The MFA is hosting love-themed activities all month long including 2 for 1 admission. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is hosting Member Guest Days from Wednesday-Friday this week. The Institute of Contemporary Art is offering a family film-making workshop on the 8th.
Bonus: Weekend challenge....Use only firelight and candlelight during a weekend to light your home. Turn off all electronics. Grab pillows, blankets, your comfiest PJs, books, and notebooks, and games. Enjoy!
Photo: A shot of my road the day after another storm.
January 1st! Another year has come and gone and like all of the rest of them, I'm still in awe of how time quickly passes us by. I wish you well in 2015. May it be a year filled with possibilities, good health, good luck, and great happiness!
1. Set goals, not resolutions. I know this is almost the same thing, but resolutions seem so difficult to keep that we get discouraged the minute what we've resolved to do never comes to fruition. Goals can be large or small, but start out small so you're able to achieve what you've set out to do.
2. Be realistic. Now that you've put yourself out there, it's a good idea to make sure that whatever you're trying to achieve can be just that. For instance, if you want to lose weight, shedding a pound every other week is much more realistic than trying to lose a said number of pounds. Or better yet, forget numbers and opt to eat better and move more. The pounds will come off regardless.
3. Take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health should be of the utmost importance. You can't take care of anyone else if you're not taking care of yourself first. Regardless of weight loss or gain, eating well and exercising regularly will help reduce stress and keep you feeling centered.
4. Take joy in simple pleasures. The holidays can leave us feeling a bit let down once the fanfare is all over. I get the holiday blues every year no matter how hard I try not to. So instead of dwelling on what's past, I try (and I stress the word try here because it's not always easy) to live in the moment. I also try to find pleasure in the simplest things....things that don't cost money or cost me anything but time I'm willing to give.
5. Do with less. I feel this goes hand in hand with enjoying simple pleasures. I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to wanting more of something until I realize that getting it isn't going to make me feel better. When I find something I truly enjoy or need, I buy two so I'm never disappointed when something goes out of fashion or they don't make a particular brand any longer. I've pared down my wardrobe, my make-up routine, and my overall day to day needs.
6. Quality over quantity. Are you sensing a theme here? I would rather save my pennies for something special than take short-lived pleasure in something that is destined for a brief shelf life.
7. Be true to yourself. You are the only you out there--be proud of that. Learn to follow your own path and stop standing behind others. Be seen, be heard, be you.
8. Be kind. Nothing can replace a kind word or gesture. Be that person. We are all guilty of grumbling from time to time, rushing through the most mundane tasks, and taking the people we love for granted. Take a moment and a deep breath. Choose to be kind--always.
9. Let it go. If there's something that's been on your mind or bothering you to no end, it's time to let it go. That goes for people, too. There's no room in your life for people who take advantage of you or make you feel bad in any way. Now is the time to cut all of the negativity out of your life.
10. Dream big. Just because you take baby steps doesn't mean you can't set one lofty goal for yourself this year. What's the one thing that you've been meaning to do in your lifetime. Yes, your lifetime. It make take some time, but you have to start somewhere, some day, why not today?
My word for 2015 is TRY.
I'll unveil a new series and my "dream big" goal for 2015 next week.
Happy New Year!
I can certainly believe December is here. We got a nice reminder that winter has indeed arrived last Wednesday. This is a photo of the trees in my backyard. Those pines always look beautiful in the snow and since I start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, it was feeling very Christmassy here in the woods when the ornaments were finally hung on the tree. If I had my way, the snow would stay on the trees and it would continue to snow every day (just a bit) to keep it white and pretty all season long. Then we'd have the entire month off to enjoy the festivities! And since we all need a break from reality every now and again, this month's 10 Things is focused on enjoyment.
1. Enjoy the snow. If you're lucky enough to have snow in December, you should take full advantage of it. Build a snowman, build a snow fort, have a snowball fight. Sled, ski, snowshoe....make snow angels! Take a drive down a country road and enjoy the view. If you don't happen to have snow in your backyard, go find some!
2. Plan a skating party. We're fortunate to have an outdoor skating rink in town and a pond that (when frozen properly) allows us to skate as much as we'd like. If we're lucky enough to have a snow day, then the majority of my family would choose to ski, but sometimes skating is more fun (and cheaper and faster and easier). We also love to skate on the Frog Pond in Boston so we'll try to fit some skating time into one of our trips this month. Here's some tips for a real skating party.
3. Go caroling. I don't think you need to actually plan this—it's just you and the music. Pick a neighborhood or head into town and go and have fun! Here's how it's done. Singing carols in the car or in the shower is also acceptable.
4. Keep decorating simple. There's no need to spend a lot of money on fancy decorations, inside or out. Let nature stand in for sparkle and shine (although glitter can go a long way if it's in the right hands). Dress your fireplace mantle with a dozen or so white candles. String simple white lights through miles of greenery. Clip that greenery and fashion wreaths and swags with twine. Decorate a small tree with jingle bells, pine cones, or gold and silver balls. Be inspired. Now you can use that free time to do something extra special.
5. Write a letter to Santa. I did this last year and it was a lot of fun. Instead of asking Santa for things, I thanked him for all I had. This might be a good tradition to start with children too. Ask them to write their usual letter, but have them write a thank you note as well. Take a peek at mine.
6. Make a little extra. You might have to do a little more work, but your neighbors and friends will think you're an angel. If you're baking this season or even making dinner, why not make a double batch and deliver it to someone you know could use a break. There is so much to do this time of year that if someone dropped off dinner at my door, I think I would burst into tears. It's such a simple act of kindness.
7. Perform simple acts of kindness. (Nice segue, right?) My girls and I started volunteering at the food pantry last year. I don't do it as often as I'd like, but when I can, it feels so good. Not only to help, but to be reminded that no matter what may be going on in my life, I am blessed. I don't care what kind of mood I'm in, I will plaster on a smile on my face all December long because I'm constantly reminding myself what the season is all about—peace, gratitude, faith, and love. I will thank the rude person in line. I will wish a Merry Christmas to shopkeepers regardless of the service. I will hold open doors, pay for someone's coffee, donate an extra dollar, and hum Christmas carols aloud. Watch the smiles grow.
8. Catch up. Years ago, I stopped sending birthday cards out to my many relatives and made phone calls instead. It was good to catch up, hear the person's voice, and find out what's really going on in their lives, even if all I received was the condensed version. In the time it takes you to buy a card, address the envelope, and place a stamp on it, you could have been chatting. Schedule a call once a month with someone you love just to hear their voice, and even if you still send birthday cards.
9. Have a PJ Holiday. During Thanksgiving dinner, we sat around to discuss what was happening when this holiday season. Then we started to talk about past holidays—the disasters and the successes—and we all agreed that our most favorite Christmas was the one where we didn't get out of our PJs all day. We let the house get messy, we pulled out as many blankets and pillows as we could into the living room, and then we ate and talked and laughed and sang and danced the day away. It all ended with all of us in our favorite seats stuffed and sated watching Santa Claus 2. I highly recommend it.
10. New Year's Eve for two. Some day I might make it to Times Square, but I've done the get-all-dressed-up-and-attend-a-party thing. It can be fun, but now I'm more likely to snuggle up on the sofa with my dogs, my girls, my husband, or just a blanket and some good TV. Sound boring? Not if you don't let it be. It's all in the planning. Don a party hat, wear silk pajamas or a ballgown if you want, get out the noisemakers, and then surround yourself in all of your favorites—music, food—whatever you'd like. Toast the year ahead and go outside in the crisp, cool air and wish upon a star. (Here's a recipe you might enjoy for your party for two.)
"Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast"*. The leaves are off the trees, the wood stove has been in full swing, and winter will soon be here. With the holidays just around the corner, and visits from family and friends bound to increase, it's time to get the house ready for their arrival.
1. Give the gift of yourself. We all wish we had more time to give, but know that even if you wait until the month of November, your time is greatly appreciated. Consider working at a soup kitchen, volunteer at a food pantry, or participate in a food drive. Help organize or assemble holiday packages for our troops. Bake a little bit extra for a neighbor or bring over a big pot of stew. Run in a charity race. It's the one month out of the year that we should all reflect on just how thankful, grateful, and blessed we are. What a better way to do that than to give back in some way.
2. Safety first. Now that the clocks have changed (Do you like Daylight Saving Time? I'm not a huge fan.), there are a few more things you should do before winter sets in. If you're unsure of what to put in an emergency kit, read through my list of ideas and a few from Women's Day magazine.
3. Deep clean your kitchen. There are two times a year that I deep clean my home—spring and fall. But there's always something that gets overlooked. So before company arrives and you start to roast that turkey....clean your oven, vacuum those refrigerator coils, clean out that refrigerator, dust the tops of cabinets, clean out the pantry, take inventory of all you need and ways to store it, and don't forget the light fixtures and ceiling. Everything wants in this time of year and for some reason they head straight for the lights or light-colored surfaces.
4. Be holiday ready. Yes, I've already started Christmas shopping, Yes, I've already stocked my pantry with holiday foods. Of course there's more that needs to be done, but I like to enjoy the holidays instead of rushing around and fighting the crowds. Make your lists and check them twice. Order or purchase holiday cards and stamps (as soon as they become available). Plan your holiday menu. One year, I had 16 unexpected guests sleepover because of a snowstorm. Get your home company-ready and clean musty linens. Once I've done this, I like storing them in space bags with a few fabric fresheners. There's no need to buy new china and silver. Beg and borrow from neighbors and friends (who says everything has to match anyway?), or invest in some plain white china dishes like these from Pottery Barn. (Psst. They're having a sale!) This guide from Real Simple should help, too.
5. Jump in a pile of leaves. Sure there are chores to be done, things to be bought, and foods to make, but don't forget to have a little fun while you're at it. Run through a corn maze, go on a hayride, have a bonfire, drink lots of apple cider, eat pie, hike in the woods, play football, get outside!
6. Go through your family photos. This isn't just a lesson in organization, it's a lesson in remembering. One year, I gathered a grouping of about 25 family photos and placed them in a bowl. On Thanksgiving day, we passed the photos around and told stories, shared memories, and laughed until we cried. Make more memories by making sure you have enough space on whatever device you're using to take pictures and videos—lots of them.
7. Take some time for yourself. We give and give and give; it's okay to take a little time for yourself. Enjoy reading by the fire. Take a long, leisurely bath. Go out for a treat. Go to a movie. Make a date with yourself when you know no one will be home and take this time to do whatever you want in the comfort of your own home. Anything except clean, organize, or cook.
8. Cook more less often. Since there is more than enough of this activity planned for the month, give yourself a break and plan non-cooking nights. Let someone else do it or prepare foods in advance so you have plenty of leftovers to re-heat. Soups, salads, and sandwiches work well, too.
9. Get a jump on holiday decorating. I start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, but over the years I've learned to start even earlier. If you love to string lights outdoors, do it this month while the weather is still cooperating. David and I started doing this a few years ago and it makes such a difference. We now string lights around our pergola and trees while the sun in shining and when we can still feel our fingers. I know, you can see them, but you don't have to turn them on until you want to.
10. Participate in NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. Every November, you can to join the tens of thousands of people who take part in the challenge of writing a novel in just one month! You get to track your progress, get tips and support, and interact with fellow writers. It's not too late to sign up.
Bonus: Read my blog this month. Home and family mean the world to me and over the next couple of months, I will be concentrating my posts on how to enjoy these two very special things.
*From The Months poem by Sara Coleridge
October is one of my favorite months. The scenery here in New England at this time of year is breath-taking. Every year I'm still surprised to look around and see one beautiful scene after another. The air is crisp, the sun is still warm, and there is still time to enjoy the outdoors without too much difficulty. And then there's Halloween...one of my favorite holidays. In fact, the first in the trifecta—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's a magical time of year that goes by much too quickly.
1. Take in the view. No matter where you live, Mother Nature is giving us a gift. Take the time to look around and appreciate it all. I'm not one of those people who grumbles as tourists take up parking spaces this time of year. I just thank them for coming and I hope they enjoy their trip.
2. It's time to cook with pumpkins, play with pumpkins, and have fun with pumpkins. My family and I have already chosen the big guys that sit on our porch, but I still have to buy some jack-be-little's for decorating indoors. There's lots of creative ways to use pumpkins. (And I promise you'll enjoy this Pumpkin Bread recipe, too.)
3. Rake up the leaves. But have fun in the process. Luckily, with all of the trees I have on my property, I don't have to rake too many from the yard. But as I've seen when we've gone trick-or-treating in the past, piles of leaves can be used for other purposes...like hiding scary people. Then it's time to take them to the compost pile. As you may have seen on Instagram (yes, I'm using my account again), David and I have been re-shaping our yard. Leaves come in very handy when you try to fill in holes. Someday those leaf-filled holes become grass. And I don't have to tell you what a wonderful asset they are to gardens of all sizes. I've learned to protect plants from harsh New England winters the hard way.
4. Go on a hayride. We watched children pile into the orchard wagon on Saturday to go pick pumpkins and I couldn't help thinking about all the times the girls did this. Kate assures me that her own children will be tossed up onto the piles of hay. This is a great way to slow down and watch the leaves fall.
5. Get ready for Halloween! I start to haunt the house around mid-month. This is Amanda's favorite holiday, and now that she's a senior in high school, I have to pull out all the stops for this year's bash. I'm not going to tell you what I have planned, but I can assure you that I'll share photos when I'm through. In the meantime, be inspired by checking out past Halloween decorations and costumes.
6. Brew up a spicy scent. I love spicier scents in general whether it's perfume or fragrance for my home. And I adore spicy food. So here are a few spice mixes to use when cooking and one to make your home smell delicious.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 4 teaspoons ground ginger, 3 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 teaspoon vanilla powder. Mix together and store in an airtight container.
Chili Spice: 2 teaspoon paprika, 4 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoon oregano, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Mulling Spice: 3 strips dried orange rind, 2 strips dried lemon rind, 2 tablespoons whole cloves, 1 tbsp. whole allspice, smashed, 1 whole star anise, smashed, 4 cinnamon sticks, smashed. Break larger pieces into quarters, then divide mixture into equal parts. Make a spice bag using cheesecloth and use one spice bag for every 2 quarts of cider (or wine).
Home Fragrance: 1/4 C of fresh cranberries, an orange, a few cinnamon sticks, and a tablespoon of cloves. Place them all in a pot and cover with water, then simmer away.
7. Get ready for winter. New England winters can be brutal, so it's better to take care of things ahead of time than when you're in the middle of a storm. This is why we've been tackling our driveway this year. It was time. If you heat with wood, or just use it for the occasional fire, bring your wood closer to the house, but don't bring it too close. Make sure you start to store firewood inside by the end of the month, too. If those heavy blankets aren't out of storage yet, they should be. Check on your battery and emergency supplies. Now is the time to take stock of what you have on hand for perishables. My basement is filled with shelves of supplies—water, canned foods, toiletries—whatever you don't want (or can't) go out into the cold to get.
8. Stock up on fall/winter-themed books. I love to read about the seasons when they happen, not the other way around. So anything with a summer theme must wait until then. I also like to challenge myself to read specific titles or genres. Last winter I set a goal to read all 7 Harry Potter books. Well, the 4,175 pages took me until July to finish, but I did it. (Try 20 YA Reads, or one of these titles.)
9. Watch fall-themed movies like Dan in Real Life; Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (a little early for Thanksgiving, but I thought I'd toss it in); Hocus Pocus; Practical Magic; Goodwill Hunting, Autumn in New York; The Blind Side; and Step Mom. I'm looking forward to seeing This is Where I Leave You in theatres.
10. Buy a new sweater. Can you really have enough sweaters? I know I can't. I'm hopelessly in love with cashmere, but I do find sweaters in other materials that can be almost as soft (which is my #1 sweater rule). I found a few here, here, and here. (And here is a little cashmere, too.)
I can't believe it's September already. I've always considered September to be the start of a new year. I guess it's because summer always seemed like the end of something special and once school started, it was time to begin fresh. My girls are now both in school. We dropped Kate off yesterday and she starts classes on Wednesday. College move-in day in Boston is always crazy busy, but the energy is just electric! May your September be filled with new beginnings.
1. Attend a country fair. A throw-back to another era, country fairs still exist. 4-H clubs show off their animals, candy apples and fried dough are a must, and of course you can't leave without going on some rides. David and Amanda went on this contraption while Kate and I (happily) watched from below.
2. Go apple picking. This is something we have done as a family every September for 24 years! We head back to the same apple orchard in Massachusetts, eat a picnic lunch on the town square lawn, and go home with enough apples to munch and bake with for a good month.
3. Enjoy some comfort food. I have already made a batch of beef stew, baked an apple pie, and today I'm baking a chocolate cake for Amanda's 17th birthday! Soon enough, I'll be baking peanut butter cookies for our apple picking picnic, a pot of chili for Sunday football watching, and a roasted chicken thrown in for good measure. Yum!
4. Makeover your garden. I just replanted my porch urns with two large burgundy-red mums. The plants that are partially dead have been cut down, and I'm getting ready to prune some bushes. Once flowers and plants have passed, it's a good idea to get ready for next season and cut back any over-growth as well as freshen up beds. This mini make-over will now allow me to transition into fall and make room for pumpkins and cornstalks in October.
5. Go crazy for magazines. I haven't subscribed to many magazines in a while now. Unfortunately, with all of the new technology, I can pretty much get my fix on a variety of subjects without having to purchase any. However...fall is the exception. Vogue, September issue—a must. Fashion and decorating magazines galore fill my cart. I just love the fall!
6. Spruce up inside. Spring cleaning is certainly something I do every year, but I also clean and organize in the fall as well. I get my home ready for winter by packing away summer items first. The flip flops are still out, but the straw bag is not. I will concentrate this week on transitioning my interior by swapping out accessories and warming up the color palette with pillows and blankets. I got to play decorator yesterday when I helped Kate with her dorm room. Her bedding was given a fall makeover this year. We added two leopard pillows, deep plum-colored pillows, and topped her comforter with a cream and coffee-colored spread. By the time we were done the room was too dark to photograph well, so you'll have to wait to see.
7. Plan for the holidays. Yes, I'm already making lists for gift-giving. The girls have mentioned a few things that they want, and I can tell you from past experience; if you don't buy it now, it won't be there later. I find that even if something costs a little extra, I'd rather get them something they truly want than run around in December trying to piecemeal together a few acceptable gifts. I keep a list and take photos of anything I come across. Sometimes I'll buy it on the spot (when they're out of my sight) or I'll simply go back or order it online. Once this practice becomes the norm, you can then concentrate on what the holidays are really about—family.
8. Enjoy the outdoors. Just because we start to focus inward as the temperatures drop, doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh air and sunshine, even if it's only for a short time. Bike rides, picnics in the park or your backyard, a campfire, nature walks...it's still all there just waiting for you. So grab those sweaters and jackets, pull on some boots, and enjoy the changing scenery along with the changing temperatures.
9. Start something new. Since I think September is the month of new beginnings, why don't you take that to heart and jump in with two feet. Attend a class—art, yoga. Start a journal. Make something—a wreath for the front door, salvage an old piece of furniture and use it in your home. Consider starting a new hobby that you do at least once a month. Think bigger and consider starting a new career (maybe on the side). Do what you love and the money will follow. My husband put himself though college working construction. Between our house and other mini projects, we've actually talked about re-vamping houses in our next stage of life. The wheels are definitely turning.
10. Embrace family. Although I do see a lot of my extended family during the summer months, visits start to dwindle once we're all back to our school-year schedules. But, I've decided that I'm going to use those night-time hours to get things done around here and save the weekends for more family time. I'm definitely heading into Boston more to see Kate and it's a great meet-up destination to see other family members as well. Trips to a couple of museums are already in the works. If you live a good distance from your family like I do, maybe there is a destination spot where you all can meet up for lunch, dinner, or a bit of sight-seeing and catching up.
August already... This last month of summer is the time to take advantage of the warm weather and the outdoors with gusto. Although my summer vacation is officially over, I won't let the clock keep me from enjoying those last sweet days of summer.
1. Watch the sunset. If you haven't done so already, now is the time. As the days grow shorter (hard to believe) the sunset seems to sneak up on you. Find a favorite spot and enjoy a late night supper or simply sit back and enjoy the show.
2. Go night swimming. The waters have warmed up enough that enjoying a dip after twilight feels so good. Believe it or not, as the temperature drops the water actually feels warmer. Just have a towel and dry clothes ready when you get out!
3. Challenge yourself. This month is full of all kinds of sporting events from sprint or Olympic triathlons to bike races, and for my nephew... an iron man!
4. Enjoy a movie night. Summer storms can put a damper on nighttime plans, but you can always watch a movie. Better yet, watch one outdoors when the weather does cooperate. Set up your porch or patio with a big screen (a big white sheet will do) and rent a projector. Pop some popcorn, pull out the sleeping bags, comfy chairs, and lots of pillows and enjoy. (Learn how to build your own movie screen.)
5. Transition your wardrobe. Warm days and cools nights mean pulling out a sweater and a pair of jeans. Dressing in between seasons can be a challenge, but take a good look at your wardrobe and see what you can stretch into the fall before you spend a dime. Sleeveless tops looks great under cardigans, shorts skirts can look equally flirty on top of a pair of tights or leggings... and don't forget to stock up on next year's essentials like tanks and tees while they're on sale.
6. Supper on the beach. When spending the day at the beach is no longer an option, pack a picnic supper and enjoy the water a while longer. My girls and I do this even in the height of summer. Most of the beaches on the Cape require a sticker, but if you wait until 5:00, anyone can go. We pile chairs, drinks, and other essentials into the car then pick up sandwiches at a local shop. It's become a tradition. No beach? A park will do just fine.
7. Pamper yourself. Summer sun can leave skin and hair dry and brittle. Treat yourself to a few moisturizing treatments to extend your summer tan and tame your hair. Here is a link to some great homemade body recipes and information about what makes homemade safe. Try this hair moisturizer.
8. Go to a concert, an art exhibit, or a game. This week, the girls are headed back to Gillette for a concert, we're trying to squeeze in a Red Sox game before school starts, and my youngest daughter, and future scientist, is planning to attend the Body World exhibit at Faneuil Hall.
9. Develop vacation photos. I'm terrible at this. I just downloaded over 300 vacation photos from two cameras yesterday and that's where they'll probably sit. Although I use a lot of photos on the web, family photos are forever locked in my computer. I have several years of catch up! Don't be like me. Download them now and bring them to your local camera shop to get them printed and into albums. (Enjoy the process regardless. We all sat down to view the photos and videos and laughed out loud. It was a great way to reminisce while it was all still fresh in our minds.)
10. Get organized. As the month rolls along, cross off one more thing on your bucket list. (Eat one more s'more.) Go through your wardrobe and pack or give away things that you no longer wear. Make a list of the things you'll need for school and calmly cross them off your list. My youngest daughter and I are doing this today in fact. She's applying to colleges early so we've got a lot to get done in a short amount of time. My remedy to avoid chaos...to-do lists clearly prioritized. Then take a trip to the beach!
Photo: Orleans, MA
It's July! What's not to love about July? It's summer! The only month during the year that doesn't involve school books, when everyone seems to be on vacation, the month of red, white, and blue. Just relax and enjoy.
1. It's time for a parade. If your town doesn't have a 4th of July parade, you should find one. I still remember the parade the town I grew up in had each year. My family would set up lawn chairs along the parade route and kids would throw candy out into the street. Well...they still do that. We spend the 4th enjoying the Orleans parade. It's filled with marching bands, a collection of classic cars, bagpipers, veterans, more music, our favorite local baseball team, and kids throwing candy into the street.
2. Of course there can't be a parade without fireworks. When we delayed our vacation, we watched Atlas put on quite the show here in town, then we'd find at least a couple of towns down the Cape that hosted their own displays. We've even watched them from the beach where it seems everyone is exempt from the no fireworks permitted law, and again in August during the Festival of Fireworks. I even love to hear them go off all summer long as I'm drifting off to sleep.
3. Have a watermelon spitting contest. A potato sack race. Play kickball. Volleyball. Just some good old-fashioned fun that doesn't require anything electronic. Can you unplug for an entire day? How about a week? Try it.
4. Swim until you can't swim any more. If I'm lucky, I get to spend most of this month under water. In the ocean, in the lake...it doesn't matter to me as long as I'm thoroughly submerged.
5. Wear red, white, and blue. You don't have to look like an American flag, but you can combine all three if you're careful. And if it's just too much, then the combinations of red and white, blue and white, or blue and red work well too. Or decorate your rooms with touches of red, white, and blue. Get crafty with these ideas and don't forget to decorate the kid's bikes with lots of streamers!
6. Shuck some corn. Nothing tastes better than local produce, so if corn isn't your thing, take the time to find a farmers' market and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Don't bother cooking them. Snap some beans and eat them raw or slice up a big, juicy tomato and add a little salt or olive oil. Then dig in.
7. Go barefoot. Feel the grass and sand between your toes. Even if you're not keen on walking around barefoot, slip off your shoes when you picnic in the park or your backyard. Then pamper those feet with this wonderful homemade foot scrub.
8. Eat lots of ice cream. Did you know National Ice Cream Day is July 20th? Visit one or several of your favorite places this month or try out some of mine.
9. Enjoy all kinds of outdoor entertainment. From baseball games to concerts or movies in the part, to arts and crafts fairs, library book sales (that's entertainment to me), to yoga on the beach. These are simply things we can't do during the winter months and must be enjoyed if you have the opportunity to do so.
10. Camp under the stars. Pitch a tent in the backyard, find a national park or private campground and just marvel at nature. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the bullfrogs, the birds, and a the delightful smell of a campfire. Just because you're camping doesn't mean you can't enjoy the comforts of home. Pillows, blankets, books, food...bring all your favorite along. If you want to rough it, do so in style and with these tips.
Image: Brewster, MA
It's June! The month of grads, dads, no more school books...freedom. Summer may not officially start until the end of the month, but I think it's a state of mind. My family and I are looking forward to the lazy days of summer where schedules and have-tos are put on hold.
1. Buy a new swimsuit. If you're in and out of the water as much as we are, you need a few good suits to see you though the summer. Fading and stretching are natural, so try on your suits to see what fits and what doesn't, then treat yourself to a new suit that's fun and colorful.
2. Get ready for summer reads. Make your lists, swap books with friends and family (like I do each summer), and read something you wouldn't normally read like a biography, a book about birds, or a romance novel.
3. Hit the road. My parents were really into day trips when I was a child. We'd take off early and end up hours from home just to take in a change of scenery, eat at a new restaurant, or just enjoy the ride. When they come to visit, their car is like a traveling hotel room. They keep snacks, clothes, books, and just about every convenience you could think of stashed between the seats. I now have a basket filled with essentials that goes wherever I do. (Check out how to clean and organize your car.)
4. Do something different. When's the last time you played mini-golf? Or kayaked, boated, or canoed? How about played badminton, volleyball, bocce ball, or croquet? We try to do something each summer that we haven't tried before or done in a while. A few years ago, we went go-carting. Last year, the girls tried surf-bikes. And this year, I want to go clamming. What about you?
5. Try a new recipe. Take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables and make delicious fruit shakes or these Fresh Corn and Summer Squash Tacos. When I cook on the grill, I make steak tips (on skewers with onions, peppers, and cherry tomatoes) with orzo salad (orzo, olive oil, garlic, and basil) that everyone enjoys.
6. Invest in a summer hat. If you're not a hat-wearer, it's time you were. Not only does it shade your eyes from the sun, but it saves your skin. I'm the one on the beach wearing a hat, sunglasses, and cover-up while sitting under an umbrella. I love the sun, but I'm not a fan of wrinkles.
7. Take up hiking. Walk in the woods and enjoy the shade of the trees. Take a stroll through the dunes. Or get reacquainted with your neighborhood.
8. Mix up your summer routine. Take one extra hour each day and spend it outdoors to get your dose of vitamin D or some fresh night air. As I mentioned last month, it's time to ditch the TV in favor of star-gazing. Play cards by candlelight on the porch. Work outside if you can. If I'm writing or researching, I can do this easily from my porch sofa. And I eat breakfast and lunch out there if I can't.
9. Become an artist. Grab that pad of paper, some pencils, paints, clay, or your hot glue gun. You don't really need to be an artist, just have fun. Put those pencils to use and try your hand at this drawing. If you're a seasoned crafter, how about making these outdoor cushions—perfect for concerts in the park. Scribble, doodle, use crayons. The more colorful and messy the better.
10. Make a summer playlist. Add upbeat, get-moving music to your iPod...the kind of music that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. (And date it so you can look back and see what you listened to.) Here are some of my favorites: "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams, "Our Song" or "Starlight" by Taylor Swift, "Beautiful Day" by U2, and "She's So Perfect" by 5 Seconds of Summer.
Photo: Orleans, MA
It's May! The month of crab apple blossoms, lilacs, prom, mothers, and the return of the BBQ. It's time to celebrate spring in all its glory and to welcome the unofficial start to summer as it comes to a close.
1. Smell the flowers. I have a large lilac bush that sits just outside my living room. I love to open the windows and let their intoxicating scent drift into the room. Lilacs are only around for a short time. A small reminder that you should take the time to smell the flowers while you can.
2. Pack the car. Fill the trunk with a basket or bag containing a Frisbee, a couple of tennis balls, non-perishable snacks, water bottles, a blanket, and whatever else you can think of. The idea is to be ready to pull over wherever you want and have a little fun in the sun.
3. Plant an herb garden. Even if you're not a gardener, trust me, you can do this. Mint will grow anywhere (Keep it contained or it will take over. It's perfect to plant in pots.) Thyme (lemon thyme is a favorite), sage, rosemary, lavender...these are all great starter herbs. And if you like chives, they'll spread and thrive no matter what. Even if you don't have a yard, you can fill containers and place them all around.
4. Create an outdoor room. Whether it's adding to your patio or porch furniture, creating a patio area, or something more involved like building you're own playhouse, you'll want a place you can be just as comfortable outdoors as in. Hang a hammock, set out a rocker, buy new pillows... Think sun and shade. I have strapping on top of my pergola so I get dappled sunshine. Think privacy. It's okay to screen an area. Use fencing, lattice, or a few large bamboo roller blinds for privacy. (Check out this outdoor space.)
5. Spruce up. Touch up the house trim, paint the front or back door, replace dated outdoor fixtures. Fix what needs fixing before the good weather really makes it impossible to concentrate on outdoor chores. Don't procrastinate. You'll enjoy the view from that hammock all the more.
6. Get out the grill. Scrub racks, make sure you have enough charcoal or propane on hand, gather new recipes, and pull out tried and true favorites. Anything can be grilled, even vegetables and fruits. That first meal eaten outdoors is the best.
7. Service your air conditioner. I like the windows wide open too, but allergies keep me from taking advantage of this in every room. Before the hot weather hits, you'll be glad you've replaced the filter and scrubbed all of its nooks and crannies.
8. Cut down TV watching. I'm as guilty as the next person. It's cold, it's raining, how much more cleaning can I actually do indoors(!), but it's time to cut the cord. I go an entire month without television in the summer, sometimes longer. Instead, get ready to spend more nights sitting under the stars and talking, playing board games, reading...anything that doesn't involve the TV or technology. Cut back slowly and you won't miss it.
9. Wear a flirty dress. When's the last time you wore a dress? Well, guess what, no more excuses. Short, long, and everything in between is in this season so there are no excuses. Now go ahead a twirl around. Make the fabric move!
10. Drop by. Now I'm the first to admit that I would never just show up to someone's house without an invite, but I have done the occasional drop by. Drop off dessert, a bouquet of flowers, a potted herb to a neighbor or friend. No need to stay. We've all been pent up in our houses for too long, it's just a nice way to say hello.
