You love privacy, and so do thieves. Before heading out of town, walk along the sidewalk and view your house critically. Are there places a thief could hide while breaking into your home? Get out the pruning shears and start snipping for a safer, more secure summer.
Hose down the walks and furniture. If the day is warm, power wash outdoor fabrics early in the day, then set them in the sun for a fresh, clean smell. Adding garden flowers to water-filled vases just before guests arrive will make your garden pop with "Wow" appeal.
Plant tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries in with your annuals. Layer them by size, and you'll not only enjoy viewing your planting beds, you'll eat out of them, too.
Make sure your fridge is loaded with quick-to-fix lunch items. Cold cuts, jelly (for PB&Js) and bottled water will keep your little ones satisfied. Try preparing your bread and peanut butter ahead and storing it in the fridge to give your sandwiches a cool "snap" when your kiddos dig in their teeth.
Short showers are a great summer alternative to baths. Your water heater will run less, and your bill will tumble like a stone.