7 Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Enjoy the warm weather and a little free time with these ways to refresh your home and yourself
Summer is here and the weekend’s in full swing. Whether you’re hanging flags in celebration of Independence Day on July 4, stopping by a roadside farm stand for in-season fruit or simply relaxing on the porch with a good read (manga for tidying, anyone?) and a tall glass of something cold to drink, here are seven ways to make the most of your weekend.
2. Refresh the front porch. Treat your stoop to a new doormat and a potted plant or blooming flowers for a quick makeover. Have a little extra time? Sweep away the cobwebs and clean the front windows too. You’ll feel cheerier each time you walk through the door.
12 Ways to Beautify a Porch With Plants
12 Ways to Beautify a Porch With Plants
3. Scoop up some farm-fresh produce. It’s prime time for summer produce, and the farm stands and farmer’s markets are bursting with color. Swing by your favorite spot or track down an off-the-beaten-path farm stand or market this weekend and load up on seasonal fruit, veggies, herbs and flowers.
How to Grow Blueberries
How to Grow Blueberries
4. Get inspired to tidy … with manga? Looking for an entertaining book to relax with this weekend? Marie Kondo is back with another book about decluttering — this time in graphic novel form. It’s called The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story, and it pairs the story of a woman very much in need of a tidying intervention with Kondo’s solid tips on putting your house in order. Released June 27, find it in stores now.
Can Tidying Up Result in Life-Changing Magic?
Can Tidying Up Result in Life-Changing Magic?
5. Hang a strand or two of string lights. If you don’t already have outdoor string lights hanging in your patio, consider investing in a set this weekend — this one touch can make your outdoor space feel magical. If your home doesn’t have an outdoor outlet, you may be tempted to run an extension cord through a window, but this isn’t a safe solution (especially if there’s a chance of a summer rain shower). Pick up some battery-operated or solar-powered outdoor lights instead.
6. Shop early and avoid crowds. Avoid long lines and crowded parking lots by planning to get grocery shopping done for your Fourth of July shindig early — and early in the day. Before you go, double-check that list to be sure you’re not forgetting key items (such as coals or propane for the grill).
7. Put your to-dos aside and enjoy a summer morning on the porch. Pour yourself a cold brew, grab that book you’ve been meaning to start and head outside. Put the smartphone down and focus on the sounds, scents and colors of a summer morning.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend?
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Homes that sit on a parade route deserve extra flair, but even if the nearest parade is miles away, you may want to put in some extra effort if you’re hosting a big party on the Fourth.
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