* School ends in my metro-Atlanta county next Friday, so I’m thinking summer projects now (it’s not too early for you to get a jump on these as well). I drive my younger daughter crazy when I do this, however, because I come up with all these involved, complicated ideas, all of which get thrown out the window once the 90-degree days descend on us and all I want is a nap. Well, guess what? The 90s have hit already, and I realize that if I really want to achieve a summer project, I’ve got to commit, line up service companies (if needed) and focus on the desired outcome. Here’s one I’m definitely doing–new window treatments. I had taken down the old ones in a wild tear around the house in the chill of February in order to “bust the dust” and reduce indoor allergens. Well, now the sun is blazing through my transom windows and the air conditioner is cranking as hard as it can to keep the house cool, which, of course, is a huge waste of energy and money and reminds me I need a tune-up. An interior designer named Jen at Niche Interiors recommends not covering up transom windows so you don’t hide their function and beauty. She suggests using a window film instead. I’ve already done that, however, and although it does lessen the heat effect and glare, it’s not enough on the southern exposure side of my house. And if I were talking about a bedroom (as in this photo), I’m not sure I’d like that early-morning wake up call every day from Mr. Sun. The window treatments (remember when they used to be called curtains?) are a must.
* Another summer project? Making my “Compost Corner” way more attractive than it is right now. The current “let’s throw old branches and bean vines in the corner” strategy is definitely producing compost but not necessarily impressing company. I think that corner is due for an upgrade. There’s no reason aesthetics shouldn’t matter–in fact, you can now get a compost bin system to match your white picket fence. How’s that for neighbor-pleasing?
* A third? I do still pine for that fire pit. Will that happen this year? Not sure. I’ve kind of run out of room in the backyard, now that I planted that popcorn (I kid you not), but I know numerous people who have put fire pits on their front lawns. Look at this doozie. See more “make the most of your front yard” ideas here (which is where I found the photo).
* And finally, the master bedroom closet. It is going to get cleared out. It will be gorgeous. It will be simple. It will be roomy and wonderful. ( I know, I know, keep visualizing, Pattie). If I can just stay away from the huge tub of photos and my old journals, then I might be able to plow through in an afternoon. Maybe I’ll reward myself with homemade ice cream. With berries. From the garden. Where the hammock is . . . no, stay focused! Here are some photos of celebrity closets from a fun blog named Material Girls–which one speaks to you? 
(Gosh, that was a pretty quick transition from compost to cosmopolitan, wasn’t it?) (But seriously, if you do nothing else this summer, make ice cream. A blogger who writes Cook or Go Out raves about this Cuisinart ice cream maker. Won’t that look nice as an accent in a remodeled white kitchen?) 
*Here’s what’s not going to happen, much to my sadness–a tree house. My kids have kind of passed that window by now, so that one will not be part of our family life experience. But if your kids still think a bucket on a rope in which Mom puts the tuna sandwiches sounds like fun, do it! They’ll have so much fun up there they won’t even know you’re trying on all your old shoes. And, yes you can get one with the white picket fence–matches the compost bin! Isn’t that what you dreamed about when you were young, carefree, and hailing taxis in the city?
Don’t go it alone. Let Kudzu help you find service pros to build that bin and tree house, cover those windows in style, and de-clutter that closet. Carrie would do that, don’t you think?
