Kids
The end of the school year usually involves being presented with a substantial pile of classroom creations. Rather than tuck them away in an archival box, why not put a handful on display? On a bedroom or hallway wall, frame some choice pieces with painters’ tape, which comes in a variety of widths and colors. The tape is low-tack, so you can keep the art exhibition in regular rotation.
Keep the aphid population under control by regularly checking outdoor plants—especially the stems and undersides of leaves, where the bugs like to hide and feed. They’re tiny, but you’ll often find them in clusters. A blast of cold water from the hose will remove them.
Brush up on food safety: Food shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour on 90-plus- degree days). Don’t crowd the refrigerator, and invest in appliance thermometers—the refrigerator should be 40 degrees; the freezer, zero.
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip during hot weather, but both chlorine and salt water can be hard on swimwear. After each use, rinse out your suit with clean, cool water, squeeze it out gently, and hang it to dry.
When hosting friends for a casual lunch or dinner during the warmer months, I often turn to pasta—it’s simple, doesn’t require hours at the stove, and showcases vegetables and herbs from my own garden. Estimate two to three ounces of dried pasta per person.