GMWK: Sensational Summer


Today on GMWK- I am going to share 10 ways to ensure you have a sensational summer! We are only a couple weeks into summer break, so it is not too late to make the most out of the season! 


C’mon…. Get Merry with Kari (me)!




#1 SUMMER SCENTS


Pick a seasonal scent and let the scent do the work! This year I chose Bath and Body Works’ “Pink Pineapple Sunrise” as the scent of the summer! I have the wallflowers plugged in and new soaps for the kitchen and bathrooms!


#2 POT FLOWERS


Get yourself a pot (big or small) and pot a few flowers in the pot. Seeing your flowers/plants grow and grow is so uplifting. Be like me and take pictures of your pots when they are just showing off! If you aren’t a plant person, start small. See if it is something you can handle. 


#3 COLD BREW COFFEE


Change up the coffee order and try Cold Brew Coffee. It is so yummy! Here is a go to drink order for me in the summer. Cold brew coffee, splash of half & half, and one pump of SF vanilla. SO GOOD!!!


#4 EAT OUTSIDE


There is something about eating on the back patio that makes everyone content and actually eat! Plus, if something spills, no biggie. If some people in your house can’t sit still, there is a whole backyard to play in. We usually put on an MLB game, talk baseball, and enjoy a summer meal.


#5 START A COUNTDOWN


Are you going on a trip? Are you expecting special visitors? Start a countdown somewhere in your house. Then the kids will stop asking you, “how many days until….?” Build the excitement!


#6 BE ACTIVE


Take advantage of camps, park visits, pool trips, cooler mornings, or the longer days. Find times to add more movement into your day.


#7 MIX UP BEDTIME ROUTINES


Summer is a fun time to change up the bedtime routines. The kids are sick of the normal night time routine, but mom and dad are probably even more sick of it. Find a fun way to mix up the routine for summer. Try adding a family walk after dinner, or playing catch in the yard before showers. Read books outside or go on a bug hunt before bed. Really, the possibilities are endless. Get away from the screens and spend quality time together before bed, that is what I am trying to do.


#8 SHARE MORE THAN CONSUMING


I recently heard this from an executive at Instagram. His biggest advice for people using their platform is to create/share more on social media than you consume. Wow- this was powerful to me. I want to LIVE MY LIFE, not just sit around watching others live theirs through social media. So, you may have noticed I am sharing more (aka a blog). I am also trying to consume less and less.


#9 MAKE SUMMER GOALS


This is huge for me! I have never done this before. But last week I shared my TOP 10 summer goals. I feel more motivated than ever to accomplish them! I challenge you to make a few summer goals and share them with someone to help you stay accountable. 


#10 ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE


Summers are a lot more kid time. I LOVE my kids, but being with them 24/7 is hard work. If I am not cleaning the kitchen, then I am making the next snack/meal for someone. Laundry is constant, bickering happens mid to late afternoon. Many days, I boot and rally to make it to a late night baseball game. You already know all this stuff, but where am I going with this? Make it a priority to be grateful. You dreamt of this life. These kids are your greatest blessings. These clothes are dirty because we are living life! Keep perspective. Give thanks to God for this life. Gratitude changes everything.




And those are 10 ways to a SENSATIONAL SUMMER! Thanks for reading. See you tomorrow!



Check out past GMWK…


Mini Magical Moments

Enjoy Being a Wife

JOY Injectors

Friendship