Summer decorating is best when relaxed and fuss free.  Enjoy this tour of my Summer Bedroom – cleaned, simplified, and refreshed for the warmer months.

Did ya’ll see my Summer tour in the Living Room post?  If you didn’t get a chance to, I’d love to have you view it as well.  This bedroom Summer tour is pretty much in continuation of the same decorating theory I had for my living room, where the word “RELAX” was my inspiration.

*Room Sources found at bottom of post.

Friends – you are all my friends right now because I’m going to be completely transparent.

I have a problem learning to relax and not stress over life.

I blame it on my mothers disposition.  😉

But since I decided to “relax a little”, both in my decor and in my heart, I have discovered many joys from having my 4 children all home with me in the Summer time.

Joys I was certainly not expecting when that fearful last day of school rolled around.

Joys made possible because my goal was to relax.  I’d like to share these 10 newfound Summer joys with you, my friends.

I hope they leave you inspired to enjoy the simple things in life, maybe spruce up a room, and most importantly . . .

. . . to relax.

SUMMER JOY #1

Waking up before my kids.

It’s a total 2017 miracle that all 4 of my kids sleep in until about 8:00 a.m. every morning.  I get to enjoy a couple hours all to myself each day in complete reflective and productive silence.  It’s heaven.

SUMMER JOY #2

Slow mornings.  Need I say more?

SUMMER JOY #3

Chore charts.  Another 2017 miracle – they are actually working still!  My 3 girls wake up and get to their morning tasks with only a slight nudge.  Unless we have to run errands early, their beds are made every day, they read books and scripture, get ready themselves, practice their music lessons, and actually help me with daily tasks like watering plants, dishes and sweeping.  I honestly contribute their positive attitudes to my calmer relaxed disposition.

SUMMER JOY #4

Connection.

I’m not even going to pretend we don’t have sibling fighting and some disobedience, but there have also been grand moments of connection.  Connection between siblings, and re-connecting with my older children who usually spend most their days in school.

SUMMER JOY #5

Freedom from schedule.  Mind you, I love my schedules.  But to only have my sons “maybe” nap time as our only scheduled activity most days, is surprisingly freeing.

SUMMER JOY #6

Summer fruit and Ice Cream for dinner.

I’ve tossed a lot of meal planning out the window, and we wing it most evenings.  Who knew that concept could actually be enjoyable?  Fresh salads, hot dogs from the gas station, BLT sandwiches, grilled veggies, and smoothies galore.  Yummm.

SUMMER JOY #7

Would you believe me if I said my house is actually cleaner?  Have I mentioned 2017 miracles yet?  But it’s true.  Rather than hitting whole house cleaning hard on one day, I’ve opted to do a room a day and we all get involved.  It takes less than 1/2 hour, there is some serious bondage happening, and I get to teach my kids how to clean.  It’s working great so far!

SUMMER JOY #8

Softball games.

I used to find my kids softball games deathly boring.  But me oh my, I now go with the attitude of the game being an opportunity to relax, and Thursday night games can’t come soon enough!

SUMMER JOY #9

More hands-on mothering.

At the beginning of Summer, I had a insatiable desire to teach my kids.  So if the day allows, we have “Summer School” at 3:00.  I’ve let go of perfection, and we do a quick search on Pinterest for a topic my kids are interested in, and we print off some goodies and learn, create, and explore together.  It’s been so fun, I had this ever-so-fleeting moment where I thought homeschool would be a good idea.  That thought is long gone now (hello reality), but here are a few lessons and activities we’ve enjoyed together so far.  They keep all their material in their own binders, and the kids love to look at them again and again.

Lesson on Planets

Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

Two Handed Art

Summer Constellations

Supportive Material for teaching Cooking Concepts

• Measuring Chart Printable
• Let’s Bake a Cake

And we’ve read stories of Ancestors too!

I can’t wait to keep learning together!

SUMMER JOY #10

Summer nights.

Oh how I treasure the cooler evenings spent with the kids and daddy.  Sometimes we have to-do’s, and sometimes we have do-nothings.  All have been treasured family times, and I’m thankful I didn’t fill their little lives with extra activities this Summer.

 

Friends.  Mothers.  I certainly do not hope to discourage you if you can’t seem to find Summer Joy at the moment.  I’ve been there.  In truth, I could also write a long post about Summer Challenges.

But today . . .

. . . today, I choose JOY.

Before you check out my sources, please let me know in the comments below how you find Joy during the Summer time, or even your challenges.  Let’s chat about it!

*The following are my affiliate links, which means I will make a small referral commission on any purchase made after clicking on my links, at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for supporting TIDBITS in this way!  It allows me the opportunity to keep sharing free content.

Other Sources

Ticking Stripe Duvet Cover:  I found my exact duvet cover in the clearance section of Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I have searched high and low online to find the same duvet cover, to no avail.  I’m so sorry.  It is ticking perfection and I wanted to share it with you.  However, I did find this reasonably priced similar item on Amazon or IKEA stores.  I still think it would look lovely!

Sheets:  These sheets are from Linenspa, and are the most comfortable sheets I have EVER tried!  I will never again buy anything but Tencel sheets.  They are silky yet breathable, lightweight and cozy . . . seriously!  You have to try them!  Every bed in our house got this upgrade!

Blinds Galore:  We love our roller Jute shades.  Visit THIS post to learn more about them.

Grain Sack Strip Decorative Pillows:  For all your Farmhouse pillow needs, visit my dear friend Lisa at Farmhouse on Boone.

Paint Colors:

White Trim and woodworking is Super White by Benjamin Moore.

Soft blue/gray walls is Willow Springs by PPG Paints.

Tutorials for items in post

Master Bedroom Reveal

Headboard

Bedding

Drop Cloth Bed Skirt