7 Ways to Make the Most of the Weekend
Take advantage of sales, spend time in the garden, set up a homework zone and more
With back-to-school time suddenly on the radar, it may feel like summer is winding down. But several weeks of long August days stretch out ahead of us, so there’s still time to enjoy the season. Make the most of your precious days off by planning a healthy mix of to-dos and reminders to relax. Consider these seven ideas for weekend activities, including hosting a backyard movie night, decluttering the coffee table and helping your child organize a homework zone.
1. Take advantage of end-of-summer sales. Need a new grill, outdoor furniture or beach gear? Many of these items go on sale near the end of August, as retailers try to clear out old stock to make room for new fall inventory. So if that new grill setup you’ve had your eye on is on sale, this could be a good time to spring for it.
2. Photograph your garden. Not only does snapping a few photos of your garden in its full glory make a lovely addition to a photo album, but the pictures can act as a visual garden journal too. Aim to take a few pictures from the same point of view each month, and over time you will be able to track how your garden grows.
3. Watch a movie in the backyard. Warm summer nights seem designed for outdoor movies. Digital projectors have come down somewhat in price in the past few years, but if you don’t want to make the investment, you can rent a projector at most well-equipped office supply stores, as well as some libraries. Hang up a movie screen (or a white sheet), pull up some comfy seating, pop the popcorn and it’s time for movie night, summer style!
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
4. Declutter the coffee table. A neat and tidy coffee table is one of those little things in life that gives a big reward for not a lot of effort. Clear away everything from the top, wipe down the surface, toss or recycle the junk that doesn’t belong and replace just a few favorite books and objects. Then sit back on the couch and enjoy your handiwork.
10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 30 Minutes or Less
10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 30 Minutes or Less
5. Start a gratitude notebook. Stopping to notice the little things we love is a wonderful way to slow down and savor life — something that’s not always easy to do in these days of endlessly streaming content. Of course, there’s no rule that says your gratitude notebook must be on paper, so if you always have your phone with you, why not start a new note dedicated to things you’re thankful for? I find a numbered list helps encourage me to keep going. There is something satisfying about seeing all of the little things you love in life added up together.
6. Help your child set up a homework zone. With school starting soon in many areas, the time has come to get ready for the onslaught of homework and school projects. Dedicate a space where your child feels comfortable working (even if that means the kitchen counter), and stock nearby shelves with all of the essential supplies — for younger kids, that probably includes some art supplies too.
Photo from Michael Zeiler of Great American Eclipse
7. Get ready for the eclipse. On Monday, August 21, a total solar eclipse is crossing the United States from coast to coast for the first time since 1918. If you’re lucky enough to live in its path (see map above from Great American Eclipse), you will have the opportunity to witness a historic celestial event. Be prepared with your NASA-approved eclipse glasses — and maybe a space-inspired eclipse party playlist.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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7. Get ready for the eclipse. On Monday, August 21, a total solar eclipse is crossing the United States from coast to coast for the first time since 1918. If you’re lucky enough to live in its path (see map above from Great American Eclipse), you will have the opportunity to witness a historic celestial event. Be prepared with your NASA-approved eclipse glasses — and maybe a space-inspired eclipse party playlist.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
10 Low-Maintenance, High-Fun Backyards
Get Your Home Organized With a Back-to-School Checklist