"Use egg cartons to organinze jewelry - safe and colorful storage. -- Beth"

"Keep shower essentials in perforated plastic basket, so that you can take it into the shower with you. -- nicole"

"I feel one thing we need to keep organized and together is our body...make an appointment for your annual checkup with your Doctor and your Dentist -- Sherry"

"Throw away old makeup before buying new. -- Alicia"

"Organize your cosmetics for fall. A large wineglass makes a great holder for cosmetics like eyeliner and lipliner. It's attractive on your bathroom shelf, and the tall stem raises it above smaller containers. Extra wineglasses also help organize jewelry on your dresser with a bit of flair. Beads or pearls look great in the glass. -- Shirley"

"I have very loose curls. In fall's windy weather, I always use a light hair gel rather than a traditional hair spray so I can easily finger-comb my hair back into place. -- Diane"

"Three times a year I go through my makeup and jewelry drawers/cabinets. I discard broken, unpaired jewelry or jewelry I haven't worn and realize I probably never will, and I discard makeup in 'almost empty' or broken containers or makeup that I haven't worn in the past few months. Keeps away clutter and makes it very easy to find the makeup and jewelry I actually want to wear. -- Susan"

"I keep a package of mascara brushes (the kind you purchase at a beauty supply store) handy at my makeup table to brush off extra clumps of mascara, to separate lashes and to groom my eyebrows. They can be washed and re-used. -- Lucianne"

"Keep the bathroom counter clear of everything except what is necessary for your daily routine. It helps with keeping good habits going, especially for kids who find all kinds of distractions when told to wash their face. -- Melanie"

"Save empty lipstick tubes until you have several then dig out the lipstick left in the bottom of the tubes. You will be surprised how much is in the bottom. Mix it all together and VOILA you have a unique shade all your own to apply with a lipbrush. -- Margaret"

"Use white vinegar to take the sting out of sunburn. Put it on with a microfiber cloth for a gentler, less abrasive treatment. If you can't find microfiber cloths near the washcloths and towels - look in the cleaning supplies area. -- Mary Ann"

"Instead of keeping my daily used items in a drawer I keep them under the sink in a plastice bin, one for hair and one for face! Quick clean up and out of sight! -- Carol"

"Tear out the perfume ads that are in many magazines and put them in all of your clothing drawers. Smells great! -- Sarah"

"I take inventory of all my clothing, skin care products, lipsticks, and nail polish, and throw out used mascara(every season, then replace the items I need in tune with the changing of the season. in other words, colors that coordinate with the deeper wardrobe colors of Fall. -- Peggy"

"I have a basket of the things I use every morning--my cleanser, my Dove® Deodorant, my toner, my moisturizer, my lip balm, my body lotion, a small container of Q-tips® cotton swabs, my hair brush. I grab the basket and set it on my vanity and just go through my routine. Then I put that basket away and grab my day make-up basket (I have another with darker shades for when I go out at night) that has my powder, blush, eye shadow, mascara, and lip stick and gloss. I use what I need and put it away. No muss, no fuss. -- Michelle S."

"For organizing in the bathroom, I purchase a little clear container with a silver lid to hold my Q-tips® cotton swabs. It looks very nice& my kids think it's neat to open the lid & get a Q-tip® cotton swabs. -- Cathy M."

"Preparation is the key to organization. In order to have a good start to the day, I prepare everything I'll need the night before. For example, I put one of my Dove® exfoliating pillows in the shower, so it's there for me to use. I lone up my Degree® deodorant, make-up items, and Q-tips on the counter for quick access. I do the same with my clothes so they are all ready to go as well. I found that I have a much better day if I can start it off with less stress. -- Denise B."

"Keep things right where you need them. For example, keep dove® hand lotion on the back of your sink and use it every time you finish washing your hands. Diane M."

"Get great baskets to store everyday beauty products (like Vaseline® Intensive Care and Thermasilk® Styling products) on bathroom counters and then they can be moved when company comes. -- Linda S."

"Summertime good weather helps me exercise outdoors more than any other time of year. My friends and I meet at various locations for fun and fitness. Exercising w/friends helps us to be accountable to each other. I doubt I would exercise as much alone! Exercise helps me glow from the inside out... -- Colleen"

"Making the most out of summertime means eating a healthy bounty of fresh fruit such as: cherries, blueberries, peaches,pears and watermelon; besides, they make your skin glow and hydrate your skin in a healthy way! -- Nancy"

"I like to keep a basket near the tv with lotion, a nail file and nail polish. It is easy to use the beauty items during commercials, and I end up with soft skin and pretty nails as a result. -- Alison"

"Drink lots of water - wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat when being outdoors. -- Joanne"

"During the spring & summer months I keep a light weight beach chair & a book or magazine in my car. When I have my lunch break I pull out the chair, book and sunglasses and sit outside w/my bare feet in the grass.. After lunch I'm refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day. -- Maria"

"After spending too many summers getting sunburned, I learned the best way to put on sunscreen is before you put on your bathing suit. Apply sunscreen everywhere while you're still naked -- that way, you won't leave any skin unprotected or get sunscreen on your bathing suit! -- Marina"

"I keep my sunscreen next to my toothpaste. It sounds silly, but that is the best way to make sure I keep it in my daily routine. It is so important, but it is so easy to forget. -- Rita"

"Hats are a great way to prevent hair color fading and scalp sunburn. -- Katherine"

"Switch to lip gloss for the summer to keep your lipstick from melting in your handbag. -- Karen"

"Your children can brush up on their writing skills without even realizing it this summer. Let them each pick out a few postcards when you are vacationing. They can write to Grandma & Grandpa or friends back home. -- Alison"

"Recipes in a three ring binder are easy to remove and take to the grocery store or carry around in the kitchen. They're also easy to copy if they become tattered or splattered while cooking or if you simply want to share them with a friend. -- Alice"

"Connect your pierced earrings to a makeup sponge when traveling. It's a great way to keep them from getting lost. And it even keeps the backs of them cleaned. -- Victoria"

"Buy some small travel bottles and fill them with summer necessities like sunscreen and carry them with you for those unexpected trips to the pool or shore. -- Laura"

"I store my bug spray on a shady shelf in the backyard and not in the bathroom medicine cabinet. This way it's handy when I need it most and we're more likely to spray some on. -- Heather "

"A pedicure is a must to start off the season. I schedule a pedicure every month - and choose a summertime coral shade of polish! I love to wear sandals, but you have to have pretty, polished toes to show off. -- Rita"

"I keep a spritzer bottle of ice cold water in the fridge all the time. Since I don't have access to a pool/swimming hole/beach all of the time, I will spritz my face, neck and shoulders for a wonderful pick me up on a hot day that also keeps my skin hydrated! -- Terri "

"While still wet from my shower, I rub in moisturizing lotion to cut down on dryness caused by exposure to the sun. -- Emily "

"If you live in a hot climate, keep eye pencils in the refrigerator. It will be easier to sharpen them, and instead of smearing/melting when you use them, they'll stay sharp. -- Deborah "

"When I travel I put all my liquid products like shampoo in plastic baggies so the don't leak out onto other things. -- Lisa "

"When I come home from work on those 90 degree plus days, I get into some shorts and tank top and cool off with a fine water mist. For this get a plastic plant mister (one with a fine mist adjustment on the nozzle), fill with H2O and keep in the frige. Mist face, neck underarms, etc for a misty, quick cool-off after work or any time you are feeling too hot. It's great! -- Victoria"

"I make sure to buy a foundation with at least SPF 15 sunscreen included. This way my face gets sun protection but I don't have the extra step of applying sunscreen! -- Elizabeth"

"When traveling on long flights, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Avoid sodas and alcohol. Also dampen your face with water during the flight. Air in an airplane can dry out the skin. -- Velma"

"I wear light-weight, light-colored clothing and a straw hat when I go for my early morning walk. It's a great way to get some exercise for my health and give me a glow. -- Janice"

"I tend to use my many pairs of sunglasses, especially as a hair accessory! They come in handy on hot humid days to push hair away from my face, and are conveniently located on my head when I need protection from bright sunshine. -- Rachel"

"When I travel I alway put my soap, lotion, shampoos and other liquid items in plastic baggies so that if they spill they will not leak out on anything else and ruin it. -- Lisa"

"Shea butter cream products are great for shaving in place of shaving creams. Especially for those of us with very dry skin. Shea butter hydrates your skin almost immediately and when shaving with it, it tends to keep the moisture in well -- Brenda"

"Summer is my favorite season of the year - it makes me feel so alive! So I take advantage of every opportunity to be youthful. I always let my hair air dry, and wear a fun, sexy dress. Armed with a refreshing drink (ice water w/cucumber slices or iced Perrier w/key lime), I am ready to either hit the outdoor cafe with an engrossing book or meet with friends, go shopping at the outdoor mall, or go boating with friends. The key capturing youth is to spend as much time outdoors as possible - the housework will still be there in the fall and winter. -- Halima"

"Get outside every evening and enjoy the long days. I take walks, sit with a drink, eat dinner, or visit with family. -- Sunshine"

"To make sure I use my weekends to spend with my family, I divide up my to do list during the week. For example, If I have five things to do, I will take care of one after work each day of the week. Depending on where the places are located I may be able to combine a couple on te same day. If I need to make any phone calls, I will try to make them at lunch so I am not on the phone all night when I get home. -- Ebony"

"I get up about 1/2 hour early every other day to get my walking in before the day gets to hot, then I can relax when I get home from work. I find this much more relaxing than squeezing in exercise after work. -- S"

"Make sure I have a lovely garden in my yard. Put up the screen tent, Enjoy my Lipton diet Citrus flavor green tea drink. Have a great salad with Wish Bone's Balsamic Breeze salad Spritzer. Take a Dove Body wash shower when I get up in the morning. Put on some Vaseline Healthy Body Glow on my skin. Put on my Degree Deodorant. Go To work. Have a lunch at work, Bertolli Chicken alaVodka & Farnalle. -- Verline"

"When I make my bed in the morning, I sprinkle baby powder on the fitted sheet. This helps me slide under the covers at night and soothes summer tender skin. -- Holly"

"I take it one day at a time. I don't try to do everything at once. I do a little bit of gardening, a little bit of cleaning, etc. until it is all done, all the while having plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of nature outside. -- Margaret"

"Always keep an extra bottle of suntan lotion in the car for those spur of the moment trips. -- Sandra"

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"Teach the kids to pick up after themselves -- and to put everything back in its place -- as soon as they start walking. You'll be teaching them a life lesson -- and keeping yourself organized at the same time. -- Holly"

"When I do my laundry I have two bins. Each one has three compartments. I use one compartment for whites, one for towels, one for darks , one for delicates, one for work clothes, and one for bedding. When one is filled to the top I do that load next. -- Rita"

"Use spare twist-ties from bread packages when you're done with a loaf to bind together wiring (keeps people from tripping over cables when trying to oragnize a desk/workspace area. -- BILL"

"Use a website and enter all family and friends birthday's in it. Have it send reminders. I will help you remember and can even send an ecard while you are at your computer. -- Stacie"

"Keep a list on the fridge to write down items you just used the last of or an ingredient that just popped into your head. When you go shopping you'll save a lot of time and frustration. -- Randall"

"We bought hanging sweater racks for a few dollars each at the local big box store. Each rack is hanging in the kid's closet. On the weekends, they have to put one day's outfit in each compartment. On school mornings, they go to one compartment and their outfit is ready. Sure saves time and hassle on busy weekday mornings! -- Susan"

"ON long road trips, I pack an hourly surprise bag for each child. The bag might contain a small snack, a small toy such as a miniature sticker or coloring book, and a trivia note about the place we are traveling to. Instead of 'are we there yet', I hear 'has it been an hour?' -- Eva"

"Whenever I'm in a department store, I'll go to the cosmetics counter and ask for sample vials of my favorite perfume. I'll then use these small vials to take with me on trips instead of risking taking the whole perfume bottle from home. -- Valerie"

"I keep a travel bag of toiletries packed at all times, so in the event of an emergency I just take my travel bag and it has all the necessary items in travel size. It serves two purposes, 1. I haven't forgotten anything in the haste of packing 2. If it gets left behind on a trip I still have all my necessary items at home in my bathroom. -- Maryellen"

"Use empty egg containers in junk drawer to separate small items. -- Mildred"

"My biggest problem is dealing with clutter - especially mail. I always mean to go through all my mail daily, but inevitably, I put it off and place it on the coffee table. I don't want to throw anything out because it could be important, but as the pile grows, I forget what's there. So now I have a basket just for mail so it doesn't get lost in the piles of magazines, artwork, and catalogs. -- Caroline"

"I have a plastic basket inches, and big index/divider cards to fit it, and labeled them "Birthday"

"Strive to clean out just one drawer, one shelf, one counter top, etc. each week. This breaks the job into small portions which are easily accomplished and makes getting started easier. -- Margaret"

"Make a list of all things that need to be done inside before cold weather sets in and check them off as you do them, one by one and that way none get overlooked and then you are ready to settle in and read a good book or watch TV and not have to worry about things that need to be done. -- Jackie"

"With fall coming its time to go through the summer wardrobe. Before I put things away for next year, I check for stains,tears, etc. Then decide if its worth fixing or should I donate it to charity. Then I'm not storing something I won't wear next year! -- Nancy"

"Remembering all the pantry essentials you always have on hand, for each favorite recipe jot down any other ingredients you need to purchase. Make a master list with recipe names and additional ingredients required for each recipe. This simplifies making your grocery list and eliminates extra trips to the store. -- Nancy"

"We use a system of pegs and canvas bags to organize activities. From a pegboard near our back door, we hang individual canvas bags which contain softball uniforms, dance class leotards, etc. Kids come home from class, throw dirty things in the laundry, and then re-pack the bags and hang them on the pegs immediately so they are ready to grab for the next class, practice, etc. -- Ann"

"If your kid has a backpack that weighs as much as she does, lighten the load by sending Lipton® Teas to Go. She can buy a bottle of water from the vending machine at school and add the tea for a flavorful drink she doesn't have to tote. -- Marsha G."

"We often have family night, and fall is no different. We start with some frozen pizzas, toss in a green salad with some Wish-Bone® Salad Dressing, and play a board game or watch a family movie. -- Jean L."

"I keep a 3 ring binder with menus my family likes and I rotate them -- Joyce L."

"Get your kids to help you. Put jobs in a jar. Everyone pulls one job. Set the kitchen timer for 15 minutes. Everyone has to finish the job in 15 minutes. -- Katherine M."

"My Daughter is always making small little trinkets at Girl Scouts. Instead of buying those expensive 'junk' boxes from the store, I just give her the containers that my Dove® cool moisture™ facial cleansing clothes come in. They are handy since they have a lid and if it gets broken, I'm not out anything. -- Cathy M."

"I like to take favorite special t-shirts from my daughter's younger days, wash them with Wisk® Liquid, and then sew them into neat little throw pillows. It helps keep memories alive with a useful item. -- Krista F."

"Fall is an especially important time to gather the family around the dinner table. So many new things are happening with the start of school that it is essential to have a place where your children can discuss anything that is on their mind. -- Caroline M."

"Being organized saves time. You don't waste time searching for things. By streamlining processes, you save time. By putting your kids clothes out the night before saves time in the morning. Putting your keys in the same place all the time saves time in the morning and you start the day calmer. You didn't get frazzled searching for them. -- Katherine M."

"If you hang long garments in the closet, hang them all on one side, then add shoe racks, cubbies, or even small drawers beneath the shorter garments to organize & store shoes, umbrellas or other items. -- Marsha G."

"Our family is avid beach goers, so every member of our family has a fully packed beach bag of their own packed at all times. Complete with towels, sunscreen, shampoos, basically the works. So, if a quick trip to the shore becomes possible, we're all ready to go! -- Kristen"

"At the end of a busy work week, I clean house and do laundry on Friday night in order to have a full weekend to enjoy my family. -- Sandra"

"Around my home I place beautiful outdoor plants near windows so that no matter what window I pass I get a lovely view of nature. -- Kathy"

"Forget about obsessing with china and silver, pull out the paperplates and plastic, paper napkins, you will use the time that you would have spent clearing up the table, by having more time for your family. -- Barbara"

"I look forward to buying fresh produce at our local farmers market. Fresh salad greens along with garden fresh vegetables help shed those winter pounds. The Market is also a great place to visit with friends. -- Gail"

"I like to change coffee table and dining room table center pieces to go with the season or holiday. For the summer, I like to use a shallow glass piece, layer some sand in it, decorate with sea shells and place a summer colored pillar candle in the center. It looks festive and I always get lots of compliments. -- Cyndi"

"During pool parties, I place towels in the fridge before handing them out for a cool treat as they dry off in the hot sun. -- Sarah"

"I tend to leave my clothes in the dryer for a few days until I have time to fold them. To unwrinkle them, I spray water on the clothes just enough to create steam and restart the dryer. Clothes come out wrinkle-free. -- Maria"

"Five years ago my sister and I decided to go on vacation together (just the two of us). We have been doing this every summer since then. Our goal is to visit every state capitol and take our picture in front of the capitol building. This time has made us friends as well as sisters and we have started scrapbooking as a way to remember these vacation. -- Darcy"

"When traveling with my 3 young boys I pack each outfit including, underware, shirts & shorts for each of them in a clear Ziploc bag. That way they are not tearing thru a suitcase & making a mess of the clean clothes. Bonus - their outfits match. I do not pack socks in the bags because alot of the times during the summer we are not wearing socks. -- Kathleen"

"Connect your pierced earrings to a makeup sponge when traveling. It's a great way to keep them from getting lost. And it even keeps the backs of them cleaned. -- Victoria"

"I keep a spray/mist bottle filled with water in the refrigerator and take it along when my daughters and I go for long walks on a hot day. I use it to spray faces, wrists and ankles for a quick cool-off. -- Emily"

"My kids love the sandbox and the sand that goes with it so I made a little spot right outside the back door where they can sit down and shake out their shoes befor entering the house. It has made a huge difference in the amount of sand that comes inside! -- MaryBeth"

"To make it easy to visit friends with little notice and make the summer fun, I buy fun things for the children to do (chalk, balloons, bubbles, sand toys), and put them in a fun container like a basket or beach pail so we always have things at the ready for last-minute, no-stress fun! -- Eileen"

"Watering plants are easy and fun when I fill sand buckets with water and my boys (ages 4&3) help with this chore. After we're done we have a mini water fight and lots of giggles. -- Linda"

"I keep towels in the laundry room which is right off the back door so that when the kids come in with filthy feet, they can wet a towel and clean their feet off before walking on the carpet and linoleum. -- Debra"

"Preserving Memories: My child and I at the beginning of every school year take an old shoe box and cover it in different types of paper. I allow him to decorate it how ever he would like. We always make sure we put the school year and his name on the inside lid. We use this box all year to collect his school projects. At the year end we seal it and store it in the attic with the others from prior years. This will be graet fun for him and his children to go through yearly when they start school. -- Misty"

"Make a chore jar and everybody picks a slip of paper. When all the chores are done, the family gets to play. When you share the chores, the family all contributes and feels ownership and then enjoys the playtime. -- Sue"

"During summer we cook out on the grill quite a bit-chicken, fish and an occasional steak, served with salad and iced tea. Not only are the meals lighter and healthier than some of our cold weather meals, but clean up is quick and simple. -- Edie"

"I keep a box of household items picked up over the years, and in Spring I change things throughout the house to bright colored items, such as flower arrangements, vases, mantle items, curtains, throws, blankets, etc. which pick up my mood and rev me up for the Summer months ahead. -- Barbara"

"Keeping a 'To Go' beach bag at the ready for me and my girls (ages 3 & 5). Not only does it have towels, lotion and all the needed beach toys, but sealed snacks, my favority magazine or book and of course, lots of Ziploc bags for bringing home our precious 'beach finds' (rocks, shells, etc). When a beach day is in the cards, I know I can throw this bag in my car and have everyting I need -- saving tremendous time and energy! -- Lisa"

"For simple clothing repairs, such as buttons that fall off, I keep various colors spools of thread with needles that are already threaded and 'ready-to-go.' Makes life really easy and repairs are always at hand and easy. -- Harriet"

"Freeze water in bottles to take to the beach or the pool. It will stay cold as it melts. -- Diana"

"I organize my closet by matching colors. It not only looks better but it is easier to find and pick things out. -- Noelle"

"To get the most out of summer days, after dinner we soak the dishes and head out for a walk or a bike ride with the kids. This gives us alittle more family time with them. Once they are cleaned up and in bed, we do the dishes. -- Annette"

"I use more paper products for meals so I don't have all those dirty dishes to do. -- Virginia"

"Mow your lawn alter 4:00 pm in the heat of the summer. -- James"

"Visit a different beach everyweekend with my kids. -- Suzanna"

"Do chores early in the day, that way you don't feel like you've spent all day cleaning and you will have plenty of time for outside activities. -- Joan"

"When sunny, hot weather arrives, I string a line between two trees and dry my sheets outdoors. Nothing smells as good as sun-dried sheets, and it saves energy, too! -- Edith"

"Foil pans for potlucks and when having company for a BBQ! Easy clean up and no returnrs for platters and containers! -- Janice"

"I always keep one of those collapsable coolers in my trunk for frozen/cold food items after shopping at the grocery. It seems I'm usually trying to accomplish many errands at one time and it helps keep those items cooler longer. -- Julia"

"To make sure I use my weekends to spend with my family, I divide up my to do list during the week. For example, If I have five things to do, I will take care of one after work each day of the week. Depending on where the places are located I may be able to combine a couple on te same day. If I need to make any phone calls, I will try to make them at lunch so I am not on the phone all night when I get home. -- Ebony"

"Every summer I buy my kids, ages 4 and 7, new insulated lunch bags that I keep on the kitchen counter. We love taking road trips, going to the beach, and hitting the town pool. Every morning, my kids decide which healthy snacks (carrot sticks, bananas, water, peanut butter sandwitches) go into their bags and we're out the door! We save tons of money not eating out and I feel great that my kids are putting real food into their growing bodies. -- Christine"

"My children wear their old clothes (jeans that are too short, stained shirts, etc.) when we go camping. At the end of the trip, I just throw the clothing away. It saves many loads of laundry. -- Darlene"

"Keep a collapsible chair or two in the car trunk, so you can take advantage of a beautiful spot when you happen upon it. -- Melissa"

"I keep a supply of file folders at my desk when I read magazines so when I clip something out, I can instantly file it so I can find it again. Otherwise I would end up with an unsorted pile of clippings. -- Sam"

"When I make my bed in the morning, I sprinkle baby powder on the fitted sheet. This helps me slide under the covers at night and soothes summer tender skin. -- Holly"

"Every day, when I get home from work, I grab my latest book and curl up in the hammock for 1/2 hour or so before I make dinner. It gives me a chance to unwind and enjoy the late afternoon sights and smells of summer. -- Cheryl"

"Open all the windows, early in the morning and let in the cool fresh air. Then close them, close the shades... your house will stay cool quite some time - save energy & your $! -- Claudia"

"I keep a simple back pack ready with bug spray, sun block, water bottles, a snack, a blanket and towels in our coat closet so I can easily find all the things we need when we go out to the park or pool. -- Emily"

"Instead of buying everything new for every season, you can always recycle and redecorate what you already have. And don't forget to donate the stuffs that you don't like. -- Prima"

"Cut fresh flowers from your yard and put them in a vase to have flowers around all summer long! -- Kristi"

"I do as much housework as possible on rainy days so I don't feel pressured to be in the house on nice days. -- Susan"

"I wake very early in the morning (5 or 6 am) and get all my chores done in the house. This way I'm done with all my work before the kids are awake and then we can enjoy the day. -- Margaret"

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"For favorite holiday recipes double enter them in your recipe box. Use the holiday, Christmas, 4th of July etc., but also keep the recipe in their own category, like entree, salad, vegetable or dessert. Keeping appetizers like this is a great time saver. -- Rose"

"Need chocolate shavings for your cake? A vegetable peeler used on a chocolate bar makes perfect shavings. -- Chris"

"To save on lunches, I make double batches of supper and take the leftovers in my lunch through the week. It is healthier and cheaper than eating out. -- mary"

"Prepare dry ingredients in advance in freezer bags. Use when needed for convenience. -- Ralph"

"In a hurry? Try this: Lettuce, tomato, carrot, celery, green peppers, mushroom whatever other veggies you like in a salad. Grill some boneless chicken thighs or breasts, slice and place on top of the salad. Toss with your favorite dressing. Quick and easy meal for a summer night or whenever. Put the salad together while the chicken is grilling. -- stephanie"

"When I am cooking up a big meal, I will freeze some of the leftovers to be enjoyed at a later date. -- Raymond"

"When you try out a new recipe from a magazine and it works, copy it onto a recipe card and put it in your recipe box with your tried and trues. It's so much easier than trying to go back and find it in a magazine or book. -- Elizabeth"

"Plastic baggies make a great substitute for a pastry bag. Just fill, snip off a corner, and pipe away! -- Chris"

"For a delicious summer salad, layer sliced watermelon with mashed avocado, drizzle with balsamic and sprinkle with feta. -- Brian"

"I have a monthly rotation of meals that changes twice a year (spring and summer; fall and winter). I have pre-typed grocery lists for each week's meals. This eliminates time planning meals and shopping for ingredients. -- Carey"

"To save time, money and calories, I buy snacks in bulk, then put them in single serving sizes in "snack sized" baggies. I can take them to work and the kids can put them in their school lunches. -- Denise"

"At the start of month I have the kids mark of which days they would like to purchase lunch at school. At the start of each week I put the money in individual envelopes marked with the childs name and day they are buying. When the day comes they know exactly where there money is and I don't have to scramble for spare change for them. -- Michelle"

"Use a photo album for recipe card display. The cards slide in and are covered by plastic. No stains from cooking. -- Theresa"

"I like to use seasonal products in my cooking whenever possible. So in the fall my family goes to the orchard to pick apples then we spend a day making applesause, apple butter and, of course, apple pies. We jar the sauces and freeze some pies for later when we don't have time to make more fresh. -- Kathleen"

"I freeze my bottled water. That way when I am working out in the yard on a hot suumer day my water stays cold for a long time. -- Kristine"

"I love to buy fresh basil & tomatoes and make a brushetta out of left over breads -- Reesa"

"To give a little cool flavor to your lemonaide drinks add frozen strawberries or any fruit you desire. -- Mary"

"Make some cold marinated salads to have stocked in the fridge, such as marianted mushroom salad and three bean salad, etc. These are great when you have no time to cook and it is too hot to light the oven. -- Gina"

"We keep the heat down in the house by grilling outside most of the time or eatting alot of cold cuts and salads. Ths kids love to help since you don't have to worry about the hot stove. -- Amy"

"Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes in summer drinks so drinks stay cold but never get watered down. -- Tricie"

"I grow fresh herbs (basil, cilantro) in pots outside my backdoor and clip them right before cooking. Dishes always taste better when fresh herbs are added to them. Especially a quacamole dip with fresh cilantro paired with a perfectly blended Margaritta. -- Michelle"

"When I make ravioli or tortelloni for dinner I cook extra to toss with salad dressing and throw into greens for a quick a delicious cold lunch the next day. -- Debra"

"I use Wish Bone Salad Spritzer's on summer salads and even spritz some on grilled chicken for added flavor. I'm getting the most out of my diet and summer by watching the calories I consume. -- Yvonne"

"For a simple delicious dessert from the grill, cut fresh pineapple into rings, cover in brown sugar, place on grill for 2-3 minutes, turn, grill for 2-3 minutes. Remove and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Everyone will rave. -- Joan"

"Make an ordinary weekday dinner a great memory by making it a picnic in your own yard. This can be a romantic gesture for you husband or a fun family treat. Even if it's just burgers and dogs the change of dinner setting will make everyone appreciate the summer quality time together. -- Kelly"

"I keep my freezer full of ice cream, sorbet, fruit pops -- and my refrigerator full of fresh fruit so there is always something cold to enjoy whenever family and friends are over. -- Marsha"

"Mix blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and grapes together and use as topping for waffles or 1ce cream. -- Robert"

"I cut and clean up vegies as soon as I get home from the store. That is a very healthy way to make sure we all will grab some when we want to snack. The kids love em and so do the adults. -- Barbra"

"My husband and I make our weekly menu plans on Saturday. We shop on Sunday and keep that week's menu posted on the fridge. Come the work week, first one home will start chopping the veggies, giving us a head start on dinner that night. -- Vicky"

"Enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream sandwich by pressing a scoop of your favorite ice cream, softened, between your favorite cookies--purchased or homemade. You can create personalized combinations that you'd never find in a box! -- Rachel"

"I keep alot of peanut butter on hand for summer. It makes quick, easy sandwiches for summer when you're on the go. -- Jan"

"When I buy a big chunk of meat to make burgers, I buy extra and make a batch of the meat needed for tacos. With leftove burgers, and then the tacos, I have dinner made for at least 3 more nights. -- Annette"

"We like to make the shepherd's pie version of pizza - whatever we have leftover in the fridge gets put on a pizza - we've come up with some great new combinations this way and it's a great way to not only use up leftovers but also to encourage the kids to eat their veggies. -- Jennifer"

"When it is very warm outside I like to make inside out sandwiches. I use no bread but put a filling, like cream cheese with chopped veggies, on the meat then roll it up. You can cut them into slices. Very refreshing. -- Nanette"

"When making ice tea put slices of orange into it...it is refreshing and delicious on a hot day. -- Binnece"

"We love to grill out. To help save time, I buy the big pack of chicken breast, trim it and put it into freezer bags with Wish Bone Italian or Balsamic Vinegrette Dressing, then into the freezer. As it thaws it is also marinating in the dressing. It's also great to take camping. By putting it in the cooler frozen, we save space and it marinates as it thaws. -- Mary"

"I keep grapes in the freezer for a quick, cool, high fiber snack. -- Mary Ann"

"I freeze lemonade, iced tea, or fruit punch in ice cube trays and then use them when I serve those drinks at gatherings. That way, the drinks retain their flavors instead of being watered down. -- Crystal"

"When storing items for a salad, use stackable containers to keep them fresh and organized in your refrigerator. When stored separatly your friends can put only the items they like insted of having it mixed together. Think of it as your own personal salad bar. -- Teresa"

"Summer is my favorite season of the year - it makes me feel so alive! So I take advantage of every opportunity to be youthful. I always let my hair air dry, and wear a fun, sexy dress. Armed with a refreshing drink (ice water w/cucumber slices or iced Perrier w/key lime), I am ready to either hit the outdoor cafe with an engrossing book or meet with friends, go shopping at the outdoor mall, or go boating with friends. The key capturing youth is to spend as much time outdoors as possible - the housework will still be there in the fall and winter. -- Halima"

"Have a taco night a couple of times a month! It's easy to prepare and the family will have an great time assembling their meal. -- Jenice"

"Any vegetable can be grilled. Just rub with a little olive oil and cook until al detente. -- Lee"

"Before I start the day, I put purified water, four tea bags, and either sliced lemon or blueberries and strawberries in a jar on the porch. At the end of the day of chores or big events, I can enjoy a glass of sunbrewed tea on the porch. -- April"

"I love fresh strawberries but my family can't always eat them before they go bad. So, when I have too many on hand I make this concoction that is very versitile as slushy base for kids or frozen drink mixer for adults. You could even make popsicles with it. Wash and remove stem from very ripe strawberries. Place strawberries in food processor and blend until in a liquid state. Add 1 cup of white sugar for every 1 and 1/2 pints of strawberries used. Blend until sugar is dissolved. Place a quart size freezer bag in a large bowl. Pour mixture into freezer bag and close. I double bag mine to prevent spillage in freezer or freezer burn. Once frozen can add to club soda to make a fun kids drink or blend with favorite spirit in blender to make frozen adult drink. -- Shannon"

"I shop primarily at farmer's markets. Summer provides the freshest vegies and fruits. I make cold soups such as gazpacho and have berries/peaches and ice cream for dessert. No oven or stove top cooking needed. -- Chris"

"To make sure I use my weekends to spend with my family, I divide up my to do list during the week. For example, If I have five things to do, I will take care of one after work each day of the week. Depending on where the places are located I may be able to combine a couple on te same day. If I need to make any phone calls, I will try to make them at lunch so I am not on the phone all night when I get home. -- Ebony"

"Before heading to the beach I grab a jar of Skippy Crunchy Peanut Butter, a bag of bread and some homemade strawberry jam for a great afternoon snack. -- Amanda"

"I keep a supply of snacks that I have prepared in the freezer, so that any time we get invited to a last minute BBQ, I can bring something nice and don't have to rush to make it. -- Liz"

"Make an easy supper by stopping by the deli section of the grocery store and picking up some of the family favorites cold cuts and a loaf of french bread. Everyone can make their own sandwich. Serve strawberries and you're set. -- Alison"

"When making freshing summertime pool side drinks, add a mint leaf to your drinks. That will really make a hot day at the pool cool. -- Matthew"

"I try to pre-make several meals at one time during the week, so we can eat something nice but won't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen (or heating up the house). -- Mary"

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