Dos and Don’ts of a Memorable Summer

There’s no right way or wrong way to do #summer. The warmest season offers opportunity for festive gatherings, home and self-improvement, exploration, education, and relaxation. The Organizing Blog has several checklist items that can make your summer memorable in all of the right ways, however.

Do protect yourself against the sun and #heat. With climate change, extreme heat is becoming more common throughout the year; be alert to your exposure and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Make a habit of wearing SPF30+ sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities or cover up to block harmful UV rays.

Don’t waste too much time indoors. Shady and air-conditioned as your home might be, many social, cultural and sporting events happen only when the weather is sunny and warm. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

Do throw open the windows, #declutter and #deep-clean. Household projects are easier to accomplish when inclement #weather isn’t slowing you down. Freshening the home while getting some fresh air may even be energizing! Summer is a great time to tackle larger home projects, too — especially if you need to hire help.

Don’t feel like you have to accomplish everything at once. Even type A personalities can benefit from a lazy day, a leisurely walk in the park or a picnic. Reward yourself with a favorite indulgence for the progress you make at work and at home.

Do take a trip. It might be a day in the city, a road trip to a national park or a flight to a faraway beach, but any change of scenery makes things more memorable. Pile the family into the car or call up an old friend; you’ll be making new memories in no time.

Don’t overplan. Even if you aren’t the spontaneous type, allowing flexibility usually pays off with unexpected discoveries. Make list of the things you’d like to accomplish this summer at home and on the road with must-dos at the top; everything else is gravy.

Do take pictures. Almost everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so record some of the summer memories you’re making as you make them. Share them with friends and family and revisit them often to make this summer one of the most memorable ever!

Shop for Cookout Tools at the Thrift

Missing some essential #grilling tools for your upcoming #Memorial Day #cookout? Look no further than the local #thrift and #secondhand shops supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org. Thrifts are a great source for the dishes, bakeware, tools and small appliances that make #cooking a breeze — and a great source of festive holiday decorations, too. You never know what you’ll find at the thrift, and the proceeds from your purchases go toward essential #veterans programs. What better way to observe Memoiral Day? #MemorialDayHacks

Dress up Store-Bought Sides for Your Cookout

If you’re hosting a #Memorial Day #cookout but don’t have a lot of time, Today suggests following chef J.J. Johnson’s last-minute, labor-saving hacks to make people think you spent hours in the kitchen. You can “dress up” store-bought potato salad with your own own hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish and salt and pepper, or doctor ready-made macaroni salad with Old Bay seasoning. Add unexpected fun to burgers by supplying a crunchy topping such as chips, and make “batched” drinks. And for dessert, get a store-bought pound cake and add your own whipped cream and berries. Put on a festive playlist and get the party started! #MemorialDayHacks

How to Grill the Perfect Burger

To make perfect burgers for #Memorial Day, start with a clean, hot #grill, Litehouse recommends. Baste your burgers with a pat of salted butter. Use a blend of beef and pork for flavor, or go with one of the cheaper cuts of beef, which have a higher fat content. Indent the center of patties with a thumb before cooking to keep them from puffing up, avoid pressing down during cooking to keep them juicy, and try to flip them just once before serving. And while it may be tempting to offer every topping under the sun, keep things simple by offering just two condiments and three toppings. #MemorialDayHacks

Hacks to Make Your Memorial Day Cookout

Thinking of having a #Memorial Day #cookout? Consider a few #barbecuing “hacks” to impress everyone with your #cooking and hosting skills. Cut an onion in half and rub it on the warm #grill, cut side down; it will impart flavor and keep foods from sticking. Mix drinks in batched pitchers for guests to pour and enjoy themselves. Try a condiment bar for your burgers and hot dogs — and use muffin tins to keep multiple toppings separate. Grill burgers inside a slice of raw onion, suggests 30 Seconds, or try stalks of rosemary instead of bamboo skewers for your kebabs. Finally, allows some time to enjoy socializing with your guests! #MemorialDayHacks