Summertime homemaking has me embracing flexibility. Perfection paralysis often plays a part in my decision-making. I try to have all my ducks in a row and do the most practical thing when completing tasks or making decisions. But I’m learning to let go. I’m learning to welcome the imperfect and enjoy the beauty of homemaking in the summertime. For me, embracing flexible homemaking looks like the impromptu trips to the park, time for new projects, new pets, and meal planning.
Some of the things I have to let go of when being more flexible are:
- letting laundry pile up for an extra day or two
- not having a perfectly clean house (the kitchen must be clean, though)
- Letting the kids stay up extra late and sleep in late
- Letting my family help more with chores and being okay when things aren’t done perfectly
Things I’m not willing to let go of when being more flexible are:
- Children’s behaviors. Poor behavior is not acceptable, even when I’m trying to let go of the little things.
- Eating bad food because I’m too busy to cook.
- Scheduling too many ‘fun’ things and forgetting to rest. We did this at the beginning of the summer, and we all ended up sick with colds.
- Sleep. I love my sleep – it helps me be a happy mama.
Summertime Homemaking To-Do List
What are some items on your summertime homemaker to do list? Here are just a few of mine.
Finish Sewing Projects
We’re headed for a camping trip in our rv at the end of this month, and I have been working on sewing new covers for the seat cushions throughout the camper. I have been very slowly working on sewing covers for the cushions for the past three years, yikes, that’s a long time! I’m determined to finish this sewing project this summer. Here is a post on one favorite previous sewing projects.
Here are some pictures of previous camping trips. Check out my post on tips for camping with kids.
Creating a Backyard Compost
Create a compost pile. In our last home, I had a backyard compost pile that wasn’t very successful. I became discouraged and didn’t keep a compost pile for many years after that. One of my summer homemaking goals this year was to make a new backyard compost. I started one with a new technique this time, and so far, so good!
Our compost needs to be bear friendly so I don’t put any kitchen scraps in it. I also decided to not over think the process. I had wanted to buy one of those fancy compost bin rollers that sit off the ground. Realizing that it was unnecessary, I decided to create a compost on the ground. This has worked beautifully! With the compost on the ground, it makes for easy mixing with the rake, and the earth worms have easy access to the compost.
Adding New Animals to the Homestead
Meet our new bunnies. The boys have been asking for new animals, but in my wanting the circumstances to be ‘perfect’ before taking on more pets, I kept saying no. This summer, I’m letting go of perfection and welcoming the beauty of new experiences by inviting bunnies to our home. Plus, I’m excited to use their droppings for the compost.
The timing was perfect. Some friends were looking for a new home for their rabbits and kindly gave us their’s.
There are many more items on my metal to-do list, but I’ll start with these. See where the summer takes us. I’ll remember to get some good rest and let go of the little things. I’m taking in the beauty of flexible summertime homemaking. I hope you will join me.
Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear what you have planned for the summer. Follow along @homesteadonlakeside for from scratch cooking and homemade inspiration.
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