July: Turning Summer Mayhem Into Fall Inspiration
Wet Towels Now, Home Makeover Plans Later
Whoa, it’s July! After a weird June that felt like one long deep-freeze-slash-monsoon where I live, Mr. Heat Miser has officially joined the chat—and is apparently not leaving.
If you’re a parent, July is less “lazy days of summer” and more “logistics manager of a tiny, sweaty empire.” It’s the season of sunscreen battles, of wrangling slippery kids into bathing suits that definitely fit last week. It’s the month of endless towel washing, lunch packing, lost goggles, forgotten water bottles and snack crumbs in every crevice of the car.
Let’s not forget: the family vacations that are equal parts joy and logistical gymnastics, the travel sports tournaments that devour every weekend (along with your bank account) and the nightly conundrum: Who’s cooking dinner? Do we even have any food?
And even if you’re not knee-deep in kid chaos? July still delivers its own flavor of mayhem. The revolving door of houseguests. The BBQs, potluck and parties that sounded fun until the packing, planning, and where’s my overnight bag? kicked in. The plants that are either parched or drowning. And the fridge that—despite three grocery runs—contains only rosé, mustard and suss lunchmeat.
Oh, and somewhere in this Hot Mess Express? That job that helps pay for it all. Bless.
When Design Takes a Back Seat
Here’s the thing: during this season, launching a big home project might feel about as doable as keeping track of whose goggles belong to whom. And that’s totally okay…but July is a great time to dream and plan.
When you’re tossing in that 50th load of pool towels, make a mental note that maybe it’s time to add fun wallpaper or a smart storage system to that laundry room you’re spending so much time in.
As you cajole/bribe the kids through their summer reading, imagine a cozy new reading nook, fresh living room seating or those throw pillows you’ve been meaning to swap out.
And while preparing for visitors, consider a new pull-out sofa and lighting scheme for the guest room (or wherever you put them up).
I keep a running list on my phone of every decorating idea—big or small—that pops into my head. Because no matter how brilliant it seems at the moment, we will forget by September.
Give Yourself Grace
Listen, this season of life? Not For the Weak. Whether you’re juggling kids, houseguests, work deadlines, travel plans or just trying to keep the plants (and yourself) hydrated—sometimes getting through the day is enough.
Give yourself grace and remember: despite appearances, it won’t last forever.
You’re doing your best. The kids will remember the good stuff—the ice cream runs, the lazy mornings, the way you cheered at the swim meet (even if you were secretly wondering what was for dinner). And you will remember the moments that mattered too—the late sunsets that kept you outside longer than you planned, the impromptu porch cocktails with your buddies, the night you finally let the dishes wait so you could just sit and exhale.
And though fall is its own special kind of unhinged, it can also be the perfect time to regroup, revisit that list, and tackle a few of those ideas ahead of that “other” busy season—not going to say it, but it starts with an H.
Make Your List, Check It Twice (Later)
So here’s my gentle nudge: as you power through July’s chaos, start that running list. Big projects, small updates, tiny ideas that spark joy—jot them down. The Notes app on your phone, a Post-it on the fridge, a scribble in your planner—whatever works. Just get them out of your head and into a safe spot.
Then, when the last towel is (finally) folded and football season is on the horizon, you’ll have a ready-made plan for turning those ideas into reality.
I’ll be taking August off to recharge (and maybe fold a few towels of my own), but come September, I’d love to help you tackle that list. In the meantime? Breathe. Laugh. Eat the popsicle. You’re doing great, Sweetie.
(Special shoutouts to my longtime summer besties: the Woodchips Crew at Martin’s Dam Swim Club and my Philly Blast/Radnor Soccer peeps, iykyk)