We
know it’s going to be another scorcher out there. Amid the climbing temperatures, stifling humidity,
and scorching sun, looking for things to do indoors sounds like a pretty good plan. If a few random projects could make your
summer more productive, try these on for size:
Organize a Closet – Yes, I started with a
biggie, but turning boredom into bustling results could be well worth it. Try on clothes for fit, make piles to donate
or sell, hang your clothing up by color, give your folded laundry and shoes new
order, and arrange accessories to be easily seen and retrieved. A pretty closet can be a thing of real
beauty.
Sort Your Stacks – Go through DVDs, CDs,
and books, arranging your keepers by category - or alphabetical order if you’re
feeling scholastic – and making a stack for donation or resale at a local
shop. You may find a great summer read
that’s been stashed away or get motivated to organize a group movie night.
Paint Something – New hooks for
entryway storage, picture frames for a cohesive gallery look, or a wrapped
canvas ready for a movable wall decal can all be quick and easy afternoon
projects with just a brush and some acrylic paint.
Tend a Garden . . . in
the Kitchen
– Some small pots, pea gravel, and kitchen herbs can bring a little of the
outdoors in and provide fresh additions to your summer meals. Enjoy basil, rosemary, thyme, or another
favorite variety, all while watering right at the kitchen sink.
Take Pictures – Capturing a great
outdoor scene is customary. Why not turn
the lens around and focus on things inside, like taking a snapshot of your life
today. Get artistic with a dressy pair
of shoes, a stack of recipe books, a keepsake piece of furniture, or the lamp
that shines down on your bedside table.
Beef Up Your Cold
Storage
– If you’d like to enjoy that delicious field corn or family summer dish a
little longer, make extra batches for freezing and eating later. If you’re already working in the kitchen, you
might as well make it count twice.
Go, Go Gadgets – Wrangle all of your
chords together and make them user friendly, perhaps tying individuals in tight
bundles and labeling or color coding them.
Sync your music player. Charge
all of your electronic devices to start fresh.
Organize your remote controls in trays where they are used.
Turn on the Tube – I admit I can watch
the same reruns over and over again in my favorite TV series. But this is a great time of year to tune
into, we’ll say, more productive television, and watch cooking shows to find a
new recipe to try, home makeover shows to inspire a DIY project, and travel
shows for a little future vacation inspiration.
The
beach is a great getaway. But if you had
something a little cooler in mind, beat the heat and make your air conditioned
time count with projects fit for the great indoors.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 14th.
