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Summer is almost over! The sky is falling!

I have right about two weeks left before school starts.

(Please insert a very, very large WOMP WOMP here.)

The good news is that perhaps this fact will light a large fire under my rear and I will actually get the rest of the stuff on my bucket list done.

summer bucket list

To help me keep track, I’m just going to select what’s left on my bucket list, and then in September, I’ll do a wrap-up post of the whole list.

Ready??

1. Declutter my house.

I would still like to declutter the laundry room and the under-the-steps-closet/storage area.

Bonus points if I get around to my kitchen, which is not in super dreadful shape.

decluttering papers

3. Paint Sonia and Zoe’s room.

Left here: paint the one small wall with chalkboard paint, spray paint a shelf, and hang up curtains, which are due to arrive this week.

I AM ALMOST DONE.

6. Eat outside.

August is generally not the most fabulous month for this type of thing.   So maybe we will just eat outside in September.   😉

10. Finish odds and ends left from the wood floor project.

I thinnnnnnnk that Mr. FG and I are maybe possibly going to look into just paying someone to do this.   We’re thinking it might be worth the money to have it done, and done quickly.   But I suppose that will become more clear once we get an estimate.

stain stairs

13. Plan for the next school year.

The amount of time I’ve worked on this: Zero hours and zero minutes.

But I really should rectify that because, you know, the whole thing about school starting in two weeks.

The good news is that all of my kids are in a stage where most of their books are non-consumable, which means I don’t actually have to buy all that much new stuff these days.   I can knock this out quickly.

15. Teach my girls how to use the sewing machine.

Have not done this yet.

(Please note: Sonia and Lisey have asked how to use the sewing machine. Joshua and Zoe have not, but I’d teach them if they were interested. So, this isn’t a sexist item on my bucket list as some of you have worried, but rather an item based off of my children’s desires. I’m not big into pigeon-holing tasks based on sex.   After all, I’m not afraid to fix washing machines and dryers.   ;))

16. Redo chore lists.

The kids are very anxious for me to do this, mostly because every year, they hope the new rotation will bring about an improvement.

framed chore lists

(I hang their chore lists on their walls.)

I’m not sure they’ve ever been thrilled with their new lists, but the new assignments are at least a fresh change!

_____________________

So.   I can totally get all of this done in the next two weeks, right?   Right? Right??

(Stay tuned to find out.   And come hang out with me on Instagram to follow along with my progress.   My username over there is thefrugalgirl.   Because of course.)

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Elizabeth B

Wednesday 19th of August 2015

My summer bucket list included relaunching my ESL coaching business. Making great strides! Also getting my retirement planning in better order and strengthening my marriage, both of which are moving ahead. Im happy with my progress, but I won't be resting on any laurels just yet. ;)

Kristen

Wednesday 19th of August 2015

Yay for progress!!

Diana

Tuesday 18th of August 2015

I came across this post and I though of you, it might inspire a sewing machine lesson

http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/10/kids-sewing-sewing-machine-skill-drills-for-kids-video-tutorial-pattern/

There are also great simple pillow case patterns kids can make as a first project ( or second), it is also a way to complete the girls room remodel. I love to sew and I hope the girls enjoy it too.

Good luck these final two weeks.

Kristen

Tuesday 18th of August 2015

Thank you! I'll go check it out.

Janknitz

Monday 17th of August 2015

I have the same mesh produce bags and just wanted to let you know they are multi-taskers! They are fine enough to strain nutsmilk or coconut milk if you make your own (very frugal and you get to control the ingredients, plus I dry the pulp for homemade nut or coconut flour!) AND I put stuff like grated zucchini or potatoes in these bags to squeeze all the water out before making zucchini or potato pancakes.

I love mine! I got 5 bags for about $10, I think, and it costs about $15 for a single dedicated "nutsmilk bag".

Kristen

Monday 17th of August 2015

Ooh, good to know!

Diane C

Monday 17th of August 2015

Since you home school, is there any flexibility on when school starts? Just thinking an extra week might be nice...

Kristen

Monday 17th of August 2015

There is, but then on the other hand, we do love finishing up promptly in the spring, so we hate to start late. Decisions, decisions!

SandyH

Monday 17th of August 2015

Nothing wrong with making a FALL bucket list. Now, home schoolers would find this challenging, but if they're little things and not huge daunting chores, it can be done. My fall list item, and it may be the single solitary one on the list, is painting my kitchen cabinets. Now that the countertops are done, they need it more than ever. Now I'm off to find Kristen's post on cabinet painting, hoping for inspiration. I admit, I already feel overwhelmed, lol.

Kristen

Monday 17th of August 2015

So true-if my kids were going off to school in the fall, I'd be able to get lots of things done! But as it stands, summer's my best chance.

Here's the tutorial I wrote for painting kitchen cabinets: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2014/05/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/

Good luck!

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