I couldn’t be happier that it’s summertime!
There is just something about it that lifts my spirits and makes me smile a little more everyday. The only thing about summer that surprises me every single year is how stinkin’ busy it is! Not sure about you, but I look forward to the sunny months filled with day dreams of relaxation, fun get-togethers, awesome barbecues, evenings of giggles, and family vacations.
While these things all usually happen and are super fun, I, at times, get discouraged that most summer days are just as busy as every other day of the year. Anyone else?
Well good. Because I have found a new motivation to be positive and have rounded up ten ideas to help us stay organized and keep everyone happy at the same time. Let’s consider it a…new summer resolution, of sorts, and start fresh by Keeping It Simply Smart!
First up, the…
1. Easy Do-It-Yourself Menu Planner
Meals can be a tad more difficult in the summer, the normal school routine isn’t as set and more evening activities are happening for all members of the family. This DIY menu planner is super easy to make and can definitely help you and your family know what to expect throughout the week. A win-win for all people involved!!
2. A Visual Schedule for Your Family
For those little ones in your family, a visual schedule might be the best idea to keep them on track throughout the day. It’s a great way to teach them order, expectations, chores, and more. It’s simple enough to make one for each of the kids!
3. Great Closet Organizing and Storage Ideas
As the summer days come upon us, it’s a great time to get into those closets and get rid of those items that are not needed. Cristi has a lot of great ideas for organizing, storing, and preserving the things you want to keep. Don’t forget to donate the items you don’t use as often to those who need them.
4. Pantry Reorganization – Six Great Ideas
Another place for organization…the pantry! These little spaces can get crazy when there are more people in the house throughout the day. Follow these great tips and have everything in their place in no time!
5. Chore Chart for Multiple Kids
Keep all those kids on track with this DIY chore chart for multiple kids! It’s a cute home decor piece that allows you to mix up the chores freely and lets you stay organized about who’s doing what.
6. Gift Giving Organization Ideas
A lot of last-minute parties come up during the summer months–this party organization tip will make things so much easier for you and your kids! All you have to do is grab, go, grab, and go…you’ll see what I mean…
7. 72 Hour Kits for Kids
This is one of the most important things to organize this summer! You never know when something will happen, and being prepared will bring so much peace in a time of stress. Everything you need for the kits is included, even the pdf list. I dare you to get started today!
8. Messy Car Solution
Many summer days are spent in the car headed to and from family vacations. Take a few minutes to make this easy and cute over-the-back garbage container. You’ll be glad you did!
9. Jewelry Organization – DIY Earring Holder
This DIY organization piece is both easy to put together and looks stunning on the wall. It makes getting ready everyday…that much more glamorous!
10. Easy, Healthy, & Refreshing Summer Snack
Last, but not least, turn to healthy snacks this summer. Your body will thank you. These smoothie ideas are both healthy and delicious. There is nothing better for you and your kids. Right?
Now it’s your turn…
How Do YOU Keep it Simply Smart in the Summertime?
We could all benefit from each other’s genius ideas that make summer the best time of year!
AND GUESS WHAT?!?…
For sharing your tips with us, you could win a $100 Cooking.com gift card!
Sweepstakes Rules:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 7/23/12 – 8/23/12
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Geri says
Love all your great ideas! Thank you!
danielle says
The kids are home and always hungry! I keep healthy choices within their reach at all times.
Kelly M says
I use crocks on the counter to keep all my cooking and baking utensils handy and in one place!
Whitney says
I do a lot of batch cooking so I can have extra meals ready in the freezer. This allows me to spend more time with the kiddos in the evenings bc dinner is already made.
TriciaHomm says
I belong to a “play group” with older kids. At the beginning of the season, us moms get together to plan group outings throughout the summer…about one every 10 days. And budget is always kept in mind, so the activities are never very expensive. It’s a great way to get out & stay connected to friends throughout the summer!
Kelly D says
I keep it simply smart by having sandwich ingredients and fresh fruits available. A sandwich with a side of fruit makes a quick and easy meal in the summer.
Kelly D says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/227400333192744961
Heidi V says
After washing swim “stuff” I pack everything for a day in a beach bag (towels, suits, etc). When we want to go swimming we just grab a bag and are ready to go. I pack the suits on top so we can put them on at home before we leave if we need to but that way everything is all in one place for everyone.
Lauren Guilbea says
My secret is going to yard sales that go on every weekend all summer, you can find some great stuff!
Livivua Chandler says
we keep it simply smart by eating from a lot of simple recipes and bbq-in. And sometimes we rotate the gatherings where everyone bring things to keep from cooking a whole meal by themselves
Livivua Chandler says
https://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/227428781227376640 – tweeted
Shelley D says
I have a drawer in the kitchen that has all of the arts/crafts supplies that my kids are allowed to use without adult supervision. I, also, keep the healthy snacks on a lower shelf in the pantry and in the fridge so that the kids can reach them on their own.
Jen H. says
I keep a bin of towels and bathing suits in my trunk. Along with water and snacks. Always ready to go!
Julie says
We do a lot of cooking on Sunday and freeze meals so that they are available during the week.
Taysha Riggs says
I keep it simple by stocking up on pasta during the fall/winter so whenever a BBQ or gathering pops up I whip up a pasta salad to bring along.
mary says
We have lots of guest that come through during the summer and I make up goodie bags with water, snacks, fruit, chocolate and a fun little surprise for them to take when they leave the house. Most are traveling and they appreciate the thought.
ashley says
I keep fresh produce on hand for quick healthy snacks, I pick uo whatever is on sale that week.
Ranelle says
My #1 tip to stay organized all year round is to make lists! I use everything from the notes app in my iPhone to post-its… writing everything down is key for me!
Tanya says
I love your site so much! I am always finding wonderful tips! I have 4 kids, so summer time is a busy season for me. I keep it simple by giving them spray bottles of water & letting them loose outside. It’s cheaper than squirt guns & just as much fun!
Monica says
We take an annual road trip tour to visit family in several different states. With all that time in the car, having things the kids can do is key to everyone’s sanity. So I have a set of travel toys that come out just for this trip. I add something new each year and the rest seems new since it has not been played with since the last trip. The favorite things to play with are puppets, flash cards, and trio blocks. The crayola color wonder markers and coloring books are also great – no worry if you can’t find a marker or a lid. We also do not allow any sugar in the car and stop at parks instead of eating out.
Brandy D says
I like to spend sunday night making lunches for the week. M-F the kids and I can pull out our ready made lunches without having to spend time making them.
jessica w says
We try and grill outside so our cooling bill stays lower since that way the stove and oven don’t heat up the house.
jessica w says
I tweeted too
https://twitter.com/jrwarfield/status/227544738314739712
Heather Zeh says
Great ideas! I keep the fridge stocked with fruit and in sight so the kids can snack and be cool and be healthy thoughout the day
Heather Zeh says
tweeted https://twitter.com/hzeh818/status/227549356948070401
Theresa Sea says
I take advantage of all of the fresh produce that’s available, and we eat more healthful-which makes life simple because there’s not a whole lot of prep for corn-on-the-cob and salads! 😉
kate m. says
batch cooking saves tons of time!
Jayme C. says
I organized the pantry so the kids know exactly what they can have at snack time – only healthy items are allowed. 🙂
jen says
my kids love ‘make your own lunch’ days. i toast the wheat bread so it will hold up better to spreading, then layout cream cheese, peanut butter, assorted jellies, and honey. they can make what ever combination they want as long as they eat it, and i don’t feel like a waitress.
Debbie says
I love the picture frame earring holder! I was just trying to think of a way to hang my earrings instead of keeping them in a drawer–that’s perfect and cheap!
Stephanie says
I try to have many meal options available at one time and keep a running list of groceries to buy. When we need milk, that’s when I go to the grocery store (about every other week) then I buy 2 gallons 1 to freeze so it lasts longer. Fresh fruits and vegis come from the farmer’s market once a week. Kids love picking out the vegetables and eating kettle corn =)
Christina says
I puree watermelon fresh mint and a little sugar into popsicle molds for a summer fresh treat
kaybee says
freeze in batches! thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Tara Johnson says
Summer is the time to get my large freezer organized! I defrost it, then stock it to last until the following summer. I freeze the fresh produce as it becomes available throughout the summer, putting fruit items on one shelf and drawer and veggies in another. I make sure to label everything clearly so I know exactly what I’m taking out. I do freezer jelly, diced fruit, diced veggies, tomato sauce, corn, etc. It makes it easier throughout the rest of the year to know that I have the items for recipes in the freezer and don’t have to spend the time remembering to put them on the grocery list and find them in the store.
domestic diva says
We keep an extra towel in the back of the car and in the bike trailer, just in case we spontaneously decide to run in some sprinklers or play in the creek.
Jana M says
I use baskets for seasoning packets and chips, etc.
Nicole Guttridge says
Thank your the tips! On my way to getting organized 🙂
Jill says
Create an on the go bag that has snacks, sunscreen, juice boxes and anything else you may need as you are running out the door! Would love to win!
susan says
i take advantage of all the fresh fruit and vegetables and try to keep them handy, as well as going ahead and preparing extra for the freezer. next is staying inside out of the heat, but heating up the kitchen canning. LOL!
Kim says
Ive been cooking a bunch of crock pot recipes recently. I don’t have to slave over a hot stove or make the house feel like a sauna from the oven–and allows me to enjoy more sunshine since I can easily just throw the ingredients on the pot and forget all about it. I can scale the recipes up so I have leftovers for a few days for multiple peopl. Super simple and such a time saver!
Kim says
Tweeted! https://mobile.twitter.com/oowidescrnoo/status/227600904164102146
Elaine says
i make a lot of meals at once and freeze them!
Amanda says
We tend to let the “dog days of summer” get us down. So this year we made a summer bucket list full of simple things to do once a week to make sure the summer is an extra special fun family time.
jodi a says
My kids have a snack shelf in the pantry that is always stocked with healthy snacks for them
Carissa says
My husband and I joined a local food co-op, so we always have tons of fresh produce to make dinner. Avoiding a trip to the grocery store after work every day makes my evenings a lot simpler!
Pamela Foster says
So happy to read your (group) blog posts! Love the smoothie and healthy snack ideas from this post in particular. THANKS!
Tonia Jeffery says
Sunscreen! Sunscreen like crazy! Protect all that delicate skin!
Samantha G says
I keep it simply smart in the summer by using pinterest and finding easy healthy recipes to make! I am continually amazed at what I find on there!
Samantha g says
I tweeted about this https://twitter.com/gerbil1904/status/227960106300616704
Katie says
Simple is best especially in summer when schedules are more loose. I like to plan simple art projects simple snacks and simple outings to the park.
Lyndee says
I keep it smart in the summer by doing my water chores in the morning or late evening. I save energy and then I have the day, if I’ve done laundry in the morning, to get it all put away. I also never dry my dishes in the dishwasher. I hand dry them or let them air dry. No sense heating up the whole house; and I save a little money.
Jackie says
I freezer cook and make lots of homemade goodies before we go on trips.
Rachel says
We made a summer bucket list at the beginning of the summer (you can read about it here: http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-bucket-list.html if you like. It’s small and only the most important things made the cut. That way if we get feeling overloaded it’s easy to look at our list and see if the upcoming activity is really how we want to spend out time.
DixiWaters says
Go to the dollar store, buy cheap flashlights and lots of cheap batteries, keep in a handy spot. There are few things more fun than warm summer evenings for kids than inventing night time games and adventures with flashlights, and watching them on the porch for parents!
Christiana lane says
Great ideas!
Thanks for sharing.
Now is the time to get organized before school starts.
Amy Kirchhoff says
When folding laundry, each room in the house is assigned a collapsible cube. As I fold – okay, as my husband folds…I’m one lucky girl – he puts the items in the appropriate basket. It makes putting away laundry simple. No more walking back and forth to the laundry “spot” and returning to where I just was!
Tammy Jones says
I always make sure the house is in order after putting the kids to bed so that when I wake up I can feel free to go do something with the kids in the morning.
Joanne Gregory says
I purchase local fruits and veggies at the farmer’s market, prep them when I get home, and then we have healthy and fresh foods to pull out of the fridge and nibble on instead of junk foods.
Joanne Gregory says
https://twitter.com/jednc2/status/228103637723906048
Tamrah T says
The simplicity of summer months comes in easy meals. A staple, I keep my veggies prepped and reachable in the frig for an easy snack or fast salad. I have a ice tea maker and keep a pitcher available for a cool drink.
*°•ƸӜƷ Louis ƸӜƷ•°* says
we always keep the basic ingredients for a salad on hand and just add what we are in the mood for or have in the fridge or pantry
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
*°•ƸӜƷ Louis ƸӜƷ•°* says
I tweeted your giveaway
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Anna says
I am so going to use your Messy car solution for our roadtrip next month!
Katy P says
I keep my freezer stocked with muffins, cinnamon rolls, etc for quick breakfasts!
Emily Carter says
With 6 kids I always feel disorganized – but the one thing that has worked the best for me taking an hour on Sunday to organize my week (schedules, meals, activities, etc.). That way I feel there is a little calm in my chaos!!
Ashley H says
I try to make a lot of meals in the crockpot so that I have more time to spend with my family instead of spending it in the kitchen.
Michelle C says
I keep a schedule for everyone and plenty of snacks in the house!
Michelle C says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/Cuevas77/status/228332830927773697
cindy says
I have a white board calendar that I use to keep track of all of our outings, to meal plan, for our Scripture memory verse and for the to-do lists for each member of the fam!
Katrina says
In my house, we write on two whiteboards mounted on the fridge. One list has the things we need to accomplish and the other has things we want to get accomplished (fun stuff). We pick one from each. As soon as the to-do is accomplished, we get a want-to. We erase them as we go and add new ones as we come up with them.
Alice H says
Thanks for the giveaway. During the summer, I keep a couple of towels and a mesh like bag in the car so we are prepared to play in water!
Valerie says
We keep a travel bag in the car for road trips. It contains toys and activities that can only be played with on trips, so they’re ‘new’ to the kiddos and entertaining on long car rides!
Debbie B says
i keep it simple in the kitchen by using my crockpot a lot and
by grilling outside
Debbie B says
i tweeted about this giveaway!
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/228698776557219841
Jessie C. says
I do easy recipe meal plan for summer time, such as fruit smoothies and salad
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/229079271874895873
Tiffany Winner says
i save time by buying pre-chopped onions since i use them all the time and hate cutting them anyway
[email protected]
“I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”
Tiffany Winner says
tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/229297267499208705
[email protected]
“I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”
steph says
i meal plan too! i also try to plan meals that will use each other’s ingredients so i cut down on waste.
steph says
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/229304359920467968
Dernhelm says
Love the stuff I am watching here! so creative and soooo beautiful! thanks!
Katie says
My favorite idea: using a cleaning caddy in the car to corral sunscreen, wipes, bandaids, notebooks, diapers, sunglasses, etc. http://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/40-bags-week-four.html
Katie says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/terpblog/status/230084089267486720
Genoa Blankenship says
Loved the pantry organization tips, especially the use of buckets. I keep things simple by always keeping our kids’ towels, suits and a pack of Capri Suns in the trunks since we live at the pool!
Jolie N. says
I keep a beach bag ready. Sunscreen, towels, goggles, everything we need for a day at the beach/river. That way, when hubby says, Hey, lets go, I’ve got a jump on getting 4 kiddos out the door!
Sam says
All your ideas are great! We use those plastic drawers for kids toys and craft items in – want to give them a cheap face lift? Duct tape! Find the colored/pattern duct tape and wrap it around the outside frame! Of you could even use spray paint.
Jen says
I keep our swim bag packed by the door ready to go & extra sunscreen in all of our bags.
Nelly says
Awesome ideas. I use some already. Thanks for the opportunity for this giveaway!
Sarah says
I like to make meals I know I can turn into different leftovers! Like a Roast chicken one night can turn into a yummy chicken rice bake the next night!
Sara says
I would love to win!
Tina M says
Meal planning every week
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/230459662254870528
Amy Tong says
I love your organizing tips. So helpful. My tip in Keep it Simply Smart in the Summertime is to keep healthy snacks around the house, such as making frozen banana Popsicle with ripped bananas. So, nothing go to waste and the kids gets a healthy treat.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
Tweeted about this giveaway:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/230557251239292928
amy [at] utry [dot] it
shannon says
I tweeted about the giveaway ! https://twitter.com/shan340m/status/232512971245486080
Karina Lee says
https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/233325216456114176
Karina Lee says
i prep as much as i can beforehand
Natasha S says
I keep it simple by staying organized… Everything is labelled and in its place….
sy says
I don’t do anything special for summertime, I always put the most used ingredients in the most accessible place, and try to do things in parallel as much as possible. Thanks for the tips and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
sy says
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/234251133332361216
songyueyu at gmail
Kerry says
The crock pot is my biggest time saver – love crock pot dinners!
debbie taylor says
I keep it simple in the summer buy purchasing a deli (cooked)chicken and using it in different recipes. You can make chicken salad, pasta salad, shred the chicken for BBQ sandwiches etc.
Clever Colleen says
I love the ideas on this post. Bookmarked it to keep coming back to for the next ‘thing’. Cool! Thanks.
Clever Colleen says
Tweeted –
https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/Clever_Colleen/status/235181884865392640
Kelly Massman says
I make it simple by organizing like items together! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Betty C says
I rely on my slow cooker to get meals on the table with a minimum of prep time and fewer dishes to clean afterwards.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/237412396929527809
Becky says
What great ideas! I will definitely put some of these to use! 🙂
Erica Best says
I buy alot of summer squash and use it my recipe replace oil
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/237937202544381955
Cindy Brooks says
I keep a basket with swim towels and sunscreen right at the back door all summer. When it’s time to hit the lake, we’re ready at a moments notice! In the winter, I keep snow hats and gloves in the same basket!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
Cindy Brooks says
tweet!
https://twitter.com/someluckydog/status/238144724366659584
someluckydog at gmail dot com
amy Marie Ward says
I use the crock pot and my grill almost every other day. I can grill while the kiddos are in the pool, than once done eat outside for a no mess kitchen. EVEN better is when mom can sit on a floatie and catch some sun while dad grills Id say thats Simply smart.
cole says
I try to move all my summe things to the front for easy access
angie lilly says
I save my cheese rinds via freezing and throw a few chunks into my homemade soups to add extra flavor. Its easy and really adds a whole new dimension to my cooking FAST!
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/238361896514879488
Amanda Sakovitz says
I plan dinners in the summer a week in advance so I’m not stressing out or rushing around at the last minute.
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/238368182954508288
ewhatley says
I live in south Florida where it’s summer all year. I’m obsessively organized so I make the most of my time in the kitchen by having everything organized, plan meals, do ahead/in bulk as much as possible and shop with a list at the grocery store.
Sarah L says
I redid the contents of my cupboards & drawers so that I have the things I use most closest to where I use them.
Thanks for the contest.
“I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”
Sarah L says
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/08/win-100-cookingcom-gc-from-blogher-823.html
“I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”
Carolsue says
I keep freeze red & green peppers and put them in ziploc bags. Then we can grill Fajita meat and mix that with the peppers and have almost instant fajitas.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
LAMusing says
I make double batches of a few meals each month and freeze half so I can have a few nights where I just pull something out of the freezer and re-heat.
Norma says
Meal planning saves money, time and storage space.
maria cantu says
I do the meal planning and the 30 minute meals.
anash says
I do meal planning for every week so i get in and out of the kitchen! Thanks for a super giveaway!
anash says
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/238824273521819648
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Lane R. Nettles says
My Sisters, mom, and I share a blog to stay in touch and we post our craft ideas on there. http://ourownglue.com/. This summer we went to the beach and brought some sand and shells home to use for crafting at home while away from the beach. We drew on glass, which a parent could let their child do to decorate their cup they may use all summer(less dishes piling up in the sink.) Just remember to bake it for thirty minutes on 350. My sister and I also made a stop motion video together. We had fun being creative with the drawings to go with the lyrics. It takes a while so if you have “free” time in the summer, it’s perfect!