Now that summer is here, keeping organized might not be on your list of things to do– and that’s okay! The kids are out of school, so you might have unscheduled days, more spontaneity, and a more relaxed approach to daily life. We seem to have a collective sigh of relief when school lets out. At least for a while. I always thought of the Fall and Winter as a roller coaster. Then summer comes and you finally get off the roller coaster and slow down to really begin to enjoy the time you have.
For some reason, summer and keeping organized just do not seem to go together. Being organized and more strictly scheduled are not in our plans for the beautiful days ahead. But maybe, just maybe we can do both this year. Let’s explore some ways that organization and summer can be accomplished.
Prioritize. What are the most important goals you want to achieve? Is it making more time with your kids? Summer trips? Hanging out with friends and family? Maybe even getting some little projects done. Go for it! Make a small list for yourself and check off your tasks as you do them. You will feel a sense of accomplishment, and it’ll make you want to keep going.
Stay organized by keeping similar items together. Use baskets or dedicated shelves if you have to. For example, create a space for the things you need to bring to the beach. Use a shelf to store towels where you can easily find them in a hurry. Keep a basket with items you need for the beach such as sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and magazines easily available and ready to go when you need them.
Do a few items on your list at a time. Focus a little bit each day on maintaining the state of the areas you worked on the previous day. When you can, make sure that you put the items you use back in the space you allowed. Put things away as soon as you are finished using them. Before you go to bed, take a turn to see if everything is in its place, and it will make the next day a little easier.
Create a calendar similar to the one you use in the winter to keep track of activities, camp, playdates, and trips. This way you can easily see what your days are going to be like and maybe try to set up some “me” time. A little downtime in your schedule can benefit everyone. Take a look at your list and see if you can cross off some things to create some breathing room. This will give you some well-earned time to relax, and it will be the most important part of your day.
If you do find some free time, you may want to make these delicious brownies. They are so easy to make, and you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry! The cream cheese ensures that these treats will be moist and delicious. The chocolate chips and cocoa powder adds chocolatey goodness to each bite. They have a creamy, buttery flavor that is enhanced by the sweetness of the two sugars and eggs. Perfect for a snack or to take to the beach or have as a delightful breakfast treat. Make these treats and your family will love you for it.
This recipe is courtesy of Southern Living and will make 10 to 12 brownies– so be sure to double it for all the folks who will want seconds.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cups chocolate chips
3/4 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup + 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
5 eggs, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Grease a metal 9- x 13-inch baking pan and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter until bubbling but not brown.
Turn off heat, add chocolate chips, and stir to coat.
Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir again until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the butter.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add, brown sugar, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 4 eggs, and 2 tsp. vanilla.
Whisk until well combined.
Add 1/2 tsp. salt, cocoa powder, and flour and stir together until well combined.
Pour into prepared baking pan.
With a mixer, beat together cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 1/8 tsp. salt, and 1 egg until well combined, about 3 minutes.
Spread over top of brownie batter.
Using a knife, draw swirls across the surface of the cream cheese by running the tip of the knife about 1/2 inch deep into the brownie batter as you move it around.
(No swirls here, but just as good!)
Bake until set, about 30-35 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before cutting.
It’s that simple!
