Embracing Summer: Your Guide to Home Management, Childcare, and Creative Solutions
As summer draws near, many of us are gearing up for the joys and challenges of having children at home, hosting friends and family, and traveling. This season naturally brings more clutter, laundry, cooking, and the constant quest for entertainment. If you've got mixed feelings, you're not alone. Let's explore some strategies to make this summer both enjoyable and manageable.
The Power of Community
Before diving into practical tips, let's talk about the importance of community. The best thing you can do is reach out to friends, family, and neighbors for support—people want to feel needed, and a strong community can make all the difference.
Here's a quick personal story: I recently found myself out of coffee creamer one morning. A quick text to my neighbor resolved the crisis swiftly. I sauntered over to her front porch and filled my cup, both literally and figuratively. The joy of having a community where asking for help is encouraged is immeasurable. I hope you have the same sense of community, and if not, I hope you feel inspired to get to know those around you and build one.
Now, let's explore three key areas to help you prepare for summer:
Check-ins: Peace of Mind While Away
Being away from home can be a source of anxiety. That's why Curated Concierge offers a home check-in service designed to give you peace of mind. Whether you're on a business trip or vacation, we visit your house weekly to:
Check on the overall security and condition of your home
Bring in mail and packages
Water plants
Ensure yard work is being completed
We provide a text or email after each visit, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Contact us to add this service to your summer plans!
Childcare: Resources for Summer Care
Finding summer camps and childcare options at the last minute can be challenging. Here are some resources to help secure the best care for your child(ren) this summer:
Local Facebook Groups
Charlottesville Area Childcare Network
Crozet Area Childcare Network
Charlottesville Grad Student Babysitting Group
Care.com
Creative Clutter: Managing Children's Artwork
Children's artwork is precious, but it can quickly clutter your home. Here are some creative ways to display and store their masterpieces without overwhelming your space:
Rotating Gallery: Use a dedicated wall or frame to display a rotating selection of artwork. Swap out pieces regularly to keep the display fresh and exciting.
Art Books: Create custom photo books with high-quality images of the artwork. This allows you to keep a digital archive while minimizing physical clutter.
Gifts: Use the artwork to create personalized gifts. You can print their drawings on mugs, t-shirts, calendars, puzzles, playing cards, or even create custom wrapping paper.
My go-to online shops for this are Shutterfly and Artkive.
Summer can be a whirlwind, but it's also a time for joy and connection. Embrace the fun, delegate tasks when you can, and don't forget to take breaks! Remember, you're amazing and essential to those around you.
At Curated Concierge, we're here to support you in making this summer memorable and stress-free. Whether you need help with home management, organization, or just some expert advice, we're just a call or email away.
Ready to make this summer your best yet? Contact Curated Concierge today to learn how our services can help you enjoy a stress-free season.
Now go out there and have a fantastic summer! ✨