Wednesday, June 21, 2017

7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer

It's that time of the year. Kids are out of school. The sun makes regular appearances. Everyone has the urge to get out and enjoy it.

Well, everyone except for me. I'm hunkering down with my air conditioning, refrigerated foods, and a few good books...around the screaming of kids. If you're doing the same, here are a few quick tips to help make your summer stellar: 

1. Who really needs anything more?


2. Hit the pool.


3. Pick summer vacation destinations that make you feel summery.


4. Don't stay out in the sun too long.


5. Don't get in over your head.


6. Try out a new adventure...but preferably of the less dangerous variety.

And 

7. Read a good book, or fifty.


As of this post, I'm cutting back to one post a month until...well, until there's sanity. Wish me luck with home schooling and surviving this pregnancy!


Two weeks ago, Theresa Milstein shared TIME AND CIRCUMSTANCE along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed was entered to win an ebook or print copy.

The game:


1. Right after college, I landed a job as a make a makeup artist at Macy's, Herald Square, New York City. This led to a year doing makeup for a few shows on The Food Network. 

2. During the summer, I worked as a carney in the game booths on Long Island. I hated working the fixed games, though I hated running the sticky cotton candy booth even more.

3. One semester, I interned with a U.S. Congressman in New York, which meant handling a lot of angry phone calls, looking up data, tracking potholes, and attending events.

The lie: #1. 

From Theresa: My sister, Kathleen Brown, actually did some makeup for fellow cast members when she performed plays at a local theater during college. Afterwards, someone recommended her for a makeup gig. She faked it until she made it. Now she gets to do makeup on TV shows (including the Food Network) and movies on a regular basis. She gets to meet celebrities all the time. Pretty cool, huh? However, she does credit me for teaching her how to apply makeup when she was a teen in the first place. 

And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Congrats, Jennifer!

SPEAKING OF SUMMER, now, for a WONDERFUL contemporary you don't want to miss this summer that I LOVED! (I even reviewed it!):

Who would have thought that a teenager could have a successful career creating makeup tutorial videos on YouTube? For Lacey Robbins, this dream has been her reality. An up-and-coming YouTuber, she has thousands of fans and can't wait for the day when her subscriber count reaches the one million mark. And when she is offered a high school internship at On Trend Magazine, she figures that this could be the make it or break it moment.

But sometimes your dream job isn't all that it seems. Her editor is only interested in promoting junk products, and her boss in the Hair and Makeup department introduces her to the larger world of makeup artistry, making her wonder if making tutorials online is all she is meant to do. To top it all off, when the magazine's feature subject, musician Tyler Lance, turns his broodingly handsome smile her way, falling for him could mean losing her fans, forcing her to make a decision: her YouTube life or her real life?

Fans of Zoella's GIRL ONLINE will fall right into the world of this YA DEVIL WEARS PRADA and stay hooked from the first blush to the last glossy kiss.

Buy your copy on Amazon.

Ready to meet the author?

Beth Ellyn Summer writes contemporary young adult fiction that somehow always includes the following elements: fame, makeup, and television. She graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Print and Electronic Journalism. Interning for Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon was the highlight of her college years. When she's not writing, Beth can be found swatching eyeshadows, solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles, and playing with her adorable cat, Penny Belle. Beth lives on Long Island in a cookie cutter town that, in an ironic twist of fate, doesn't have a single decent bakery.

If she absolutely had to choose only one favorite cheese, then she'd say Parmesan. It's so light and salty and delicious that she usually grates up about four pounds of it on top of her pasta at dinner, or adds it to a salad. Her favorite place to eat Parm (and all cheese, really) is in the kitchen, where she can easily go back for more cheese.

Beth gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. If you guess the lie, right or wrong, you will be entered to win an ebook of AT FIRST BLUSH! (Open internationally.IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BLOGGER ACCOUNT WITH AN EMAIL ON THE PROFILE, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENTS OR EMAIL IT TO crystal@crystal-collier.com WITH YOUR SCREEN ALIAS.

You have until Tuesday, July 4th at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer on July 5, 8 a.m. EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE

1. I really hate movies! So much so that I haven't been to a movie theater in eight years. 

2. I appeared in a Saturday Night Live sketch once as an extra! It was nearly impossible not to laugh, especially around such a brilliant cast, but I kept a straight face.

3. I never learned to ride a bike.

So sleuths, which is the lie? What are your summer cheat/trick/traditions? Have you met Beth? Do you like contemporary stories? Are you going on vacation this year?

101 comments:

  1. Now, if there's an air conditioner and some snacks tucked under that giant pile of books, I'm all set. :)

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  2. Summer is so at odds with itself So busy and so slow all at the same time. Very confusing.

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    1. Unless you home school. Then it's just more of the same. ;)

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  3. Right on with the popsicles! I love freezer pops, especially the Italian ices ones.

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    1. Oh yeah! We're going to be making some of those tomorrow, the kids and I, as part of their "culinary lessons." =D

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  4. I love your summer tips and the images made me smile! I love fresh fruit popsicles! They can be made at home and taken out of the freezer whenever you feel like something cold and refreshing! And I am grateful that there is central air conditioning here where I live, because it can get dangerously hot and humid here in Montreal. Such a great post, Crystal! Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. All for the fresh fruit popsicles! We'll be making our own soon, and the kids are pretty excited. So glad you could make it by, Linda.

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  5. where do I get me a pool full of men like that? In other news I hate summer, I fell like burrowing under the earth till it's over. No vacation, I'm translating Katherine Arden's THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE for the readers in this part of the world

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    1. To each their own. =) Truth, fall and spring are the best seasons where I live, so I can't blame you for disliking summer. Best of wishes with translation!

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  6. I'm amazed how quickly summer is slinking by this year. I'll remember your list, especially the menu. hehehe

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  7. I kinda want in on that pool party ;) I like spring and fall. So there's that. But I plan to write the crap out of this summer, so at least I have goals.

    I say #1 is the lie.

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    1. Write like a maniac, and enjoy your AC while you do!

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  8. Those photos are hilarious. Great thoughts indeed, making the most of the coming days is everything. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Hi, Crystal...

    Definitely good luck this summer... EEK to be pregnant in FLORIDA in the summer. UGH... not fun at all. Keep that AC on extra cold and DON'T LEAVE the house. Take good care and stay hydrated!

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    1. LOL. You know, it's not as bad when you've lived here for a few years. Believe it or not, you do grow more accustomed to the heat, but yeah. I'm mostly staying inside.

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  10. Crystal,

    I don't have to worry about bored kids but I do the heat. Blah! There aren't any vacation plans here with DH still on the mend from Retina reattachment surgery and looking at (pun intended) two more before summer ends. Not to worry, we'll do some fun things close by home. The problems associated with his eye makes enjoying sight-seeing and hanging out in our Smoky Mountains difficult but things will get better. Enjoy your summer and eat plenty of Popsicle or ice cream for me!

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    1. Will do! And I wish you the most pleasant stay-cation for your summer.

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  11. Oh I will miss your energetic, hilarious posts. Those guys jumping in the pool--tell me it's Photoshopped? These young guys are amazing.

    I'll see you in a month!

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    1. You're so sweet. I hate cutting back, but you have to do what you have to do, eh?

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  12. All great ideas, especially the reading books part. I do that a lot.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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  13. Woot woot! Popsicles are the way to go. Yay for Beth! I'm looking forward to her book. I'm going to say the lie is #1.

    Hope you stay cool and keep up with the kids and homeschooling, Crystal!

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    1. You won't be disappointed. Her book is wonderful.

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  14. Sounds like a fun read! I'm guessing the lie is #1. Who hates movies?

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  15. Not jumping into a shark's mouth but a pool of men would be fine. (And those do look like real manly men who would like a pool full of women.)

    The first one sounds outlandish but I'll pick # 2 as the lie.

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  16. I'm going on a staycation this summer. I'm staying away from everything that's not relaxing to me and sitting at home with lots of books and my dog.
    I'd say the lie is #3 only because I know someone who doesn't go to movie theaters and only watches a handful of movies a year through streaming. Guess I like those longshot odds.

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  17. Absolutely hilarious post! I'm feeding my kids Popsicles today, all three meals, and may do so again tomorrow. Good luck with the summer, the pregnancy, and whatever else comes your way.

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  18. Well mostly everyone loves movies so its got to be No1 is the lie. I find it hard to believe you've avoided the cinema for eight years! You're pulling my leg!

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  19. I keep trying to get rid of popsicles. For some odd reason my oldest decided that he doesn't like them. He's usually not a picky eater. Maybe he thinks they are for kids, he's almost 12, so he's too good for them. I'm not sure. Preteen and teenagers are difficult. I teach teens, so I have some experiences with them.

    The boys read their hours for the library, which is great! I need to! I'm thinking recovery time from this surgery on Friday will lend to some reading time.

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  20. Yes! I agree. Popsicles for all day refreshment. I think hubby likes them more than I do. We're staying inside too. It was 117F here yesterday.

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  21. Great tips! I'll definitely be doing the reading lots of good books part...probably from the shade:)

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  22. I like these summer tips! They should come in handy. :) Nice to meet Beth. Thanks for the intro. :) Wishing her well with her book.

    Stay cool and take it easy, Crystal. I'll write you a note that says you can, and of course, the cheese clause will be in there too (all the cheese you want!).

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  23. It's difficult to be pregnant during the summer. Put ice cubes in cool bathwater, hop in, and stay there. I loved summer when my kids were out of school. It seems so long ago now.

    Love,
    Janie

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  24. That little fella sitting in the chair and getting a snoot full of salt water is absolutely adorable.

    Enjoy your summer break and growing tummy. Stay cool, and take care!

    I'll guess #1 is the lie this time.

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  25. I try to keep to a routine over the summer, but at the same time I make sure to stay flexible. Let's face it--I'm a lot less productive over the summer in terms of writing. I'm learning to embrace that, and to remind myself that my kids are making memories and I want them to be good, fun ones, ones that I'm part of!

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  26. Summer can be fun but busy. Hope you enjoy yours and your reduced blogging until the baby is born. We'll miss having you around more, but you need to prioritize. I'm planning to try to read a lot too.

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  27. I could eat popsicles all day once it hits 80 degrees. ^_^

    Who writes about fame and doesn't like movies?! Going with #3.

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  28. Wishing much success to Teresa and Beth Ellyn.

    Crystal, wishing you sanity:) We'll leave the light on for ya.
    Hugs,

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  29. Those pictures cracked me up. Also I can only think #1 is probably the lie since I've never known anyone to hate movies. Not that it's impossible. As for a vacation, I'm just doing a stay-cation next week.

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  30. Summer is more about what I get to do. I love to get out to the Sawdust Festival and the OC County Fair.

    For the lie, I'm going to guess #1.

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  31. Crystal have a great summer and I certainly do 'wish you luck with home schooling and surviving this pregnancy!'

    Take care, sending my good wishes

    All the best Jan

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  32. You know I've cut back with posting. You have to do what works for you.

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  33. Thanks for sharing my life. Congratulations to Jennifer!

    For this round, I say #3 is the lie.

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  34. As usual you crack me up! I did recently watch a couple of the old jaws movies so that picture was perfect! I am guessing lie 2 and good luck with the kiddos!

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  35. Love the pics! Good luck surviving both home schooling and your pregnancy. I can only imagine how buried you must be.

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  36. The photos were hilarious. I do like to read a few books during the lazy summer days, especially at the beach. Wishing you luck and try to stay cool. I lived in Florida for a while and it can be extremely warm in the summer.

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  37. Hahaha! The shark picture was really scary. I pretty much stopped swimming once I realized that they didn't clean the pool as often (or as thoroughly) as they should have (shudder). I don't even like being outside when it's raining.

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  38. Hey Crystal, enjoy your sorta blogging break. You'll be much missed, but not by me, LOL, as I've cut back to just doing the IWSG and WEP. I'll never get all my books out there if i don't prioritize. I hope I catch you when you pop in. And thanks for reading so many WEP entries this month. They were good I thought.

    Denise :-)

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  39. Hi Crystal - good luck with # 5 (I think) appearing on the scene ... and you'll cope I'm fairly certain! No choice really?! Believe it or not there's an American friend over at the moment complaining of our heat!!!! It will thunder and rain ... probably today or tomorrow - way too hot to maintain ... it's a relief being by the sea the moment.

    Love lollies - as a kid ... I think Mum couldn't keep up the production line for us ... we made them at home ...

    Fun to read about Theresa and her sister ... a good sister to tap into for ideas ...

    Good luck and enjoy the summer and I look forward to the next post ... cheers Hilary

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  40. Awesome summertime suggestions. Thanks.

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  41. I think I'll stick to coffee - it's waaaay to cold right now to try out any of your suggestions. My Rottweilers think they're supposed to sit on top of me for warmth and regard books as the reason for winter being colder this year.
    Good luck with the kids and the heat!

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  42. I hope your summer goes well and isn't too crazy. As for the lie (you know I never guess right)I'll guess #1 because I can't imagine hating movies.

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  43. I love that meal plan! Simple and delicious :-) I'll go for #3 as the lie.

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  44. I hope #3 is the lie, because I can't be the only one!

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  45. Here's to staying sane! No holidays, but being in our new house feels like a holiday, it's much better for a lot of reasons. I'll go for #3 as the lie.

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  46. Being pregnant in the summer isn't easy. Been there, done that. Ugh! Kick back and relax and enjoy that air conditioning. I feel like this summer is going to be a hot one. Wait, did I just write that? I sound a million years old. ;)

    Elsie

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  47. Good luck getting through the summer with insanity intact, err, regained.
    I'm going to guess that #1 is a lie.
    Cheers, Crystal.

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    1. Oh, that's a silly slip of the fingers - I meant "sanity". (I'm writing a lot about insanity these days, so there's that. Nothing personal. Smiles.)

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  48. I like your meal planning strategy. The summer does bring on a lot of demands in kidville. Here's to making it through summer and being sane on the other side.

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  49. 1 surely is the LIE, what storyteller does not like story and MOVIES are story and you learn from just like books, so ONE should be the LIE.

    That said what a unique premise for a book. Don't normally read that genre but I am very interested in the story of that one. Cute title too.

    Great gifs.
    ' Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  50. Oh, got side tracked by the book. Loved your tips, especially the one about pick something that makes you feel like summer which made me think how little I actually did that. I am in Florida too, Tavares, Central Florida.

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  51. Give me a nice cool basement room to write in and I'm a happy camper. I don't care much for hot weather.

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  52. Enjoy your summer as much as you can...considering ;)
    #1 is the lie!

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  53. Best of luck, Crystal! Enjoy your summer. Don't home schoolers get a break in the summer too?

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  54. They were really fast to get that picture of them all jumping into the pool like that. And, jeez, they need to put on sunscreen!

    Hi, Beth!!!

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  55. We still have another week of school after this one! Can't wait! Enjoy your summer - those crazy ones are often the very best! :)

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  56. Thanks for the summer smiles. Hope you have a great season with your children!

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  57. 3 for the lie!

    What's wrong with diving into a shark's mouth feet first? LOL. I can't see how that could possibly go wrong... ha ha ha.

    I hope you have a great summer. Stay cool while you're incubating. Get a lot of reading done.

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  58. I gotta tell ya, that England at the moment is up there in the 90's! Absolutely ferocious heat! :) #BringBackTheRain

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  59. Love the pics. I'm certainly going to add some more pics to my blog posts. It really jazzes up your blog and emphasizes the points.All these summer tips reminds me of this bulletin they got posted in my public housing building that reminds its residents to keep cool and the ways how.

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  60. I'm for that Popsicle diet. Summer begs for cold and icy. I'll take #2 as the lie of the week. :-)

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  61. That's summer in England all right.
    Big congratulations to Beth Ellen! I'll guess number three.

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  62. Sanity? What is this weird thing you speak of? Is it something desirable? Should I get some? ;)

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  63. Stay cool this summer and relax as much as possible. I plan to keep inside with the air conditioner and read and write and entertain my kitties.

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  64. First of all, thank you for your beautiful comment on the blog. I truly appreciate it and found comfort in your writing it becomes less with time and distance.

    Secondly, good luck with home-schooling, the air conditioning and your kiddos as well as your pregnancy. I hope you get some relaxation time and get popsicle-wasted. XOXO

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  65. Hope you have a "cool" summer. Being pregnant in the heat....Ooh...boy do I ever remember that in Georgia heat in August. Lime popsicles and nothing greasy all summer. But you probably have that figured out by now :)

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  66. Your collection of images fitting to your words made me laugh or smile, so enjoyable. With that sense of humor, I think you’d survive the hot and busy summer even if surrounded by kids running wild. My daughter is also pregnant, but I think she’ll be okay with 4-year-old boy, who is curious, inquisitive, and (adorably ) naughty as long as the severity of morning sickness decreases. Wish you nice summer with good health and spirit.

    Yoko

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  67. I have been very out of the loop. I had no idea you were expecting. Congratulations!!! Stay cool. Have a wonderful summer!!!

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  68. That was funny! I totally get the sanity thing. I'm barely holding on to mine. Good luck with all you've got going on over there! Try to enjoy your crazy, insane summer!

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  69. Lol! These tips are spot on.
    This looks like a great read, and I'm guessing #1.

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  70. Fun summer tips. :) Good luck getting your life together this summer. I can only imagine how crazy things are for you!

    Love seeing Beth's book here. Yay! So happy for her. I am not sure- but I think the lie might be #1.

    Have a great week!
    ~Jess

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  71. Love those tips, and especially like the image of the melting ice cream van.
    Have a great summer.

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  72. Hi Crystal, I love all the images at the top of this post, especially ‘the lads’ hitting the pool and the one of an English summer!
    One post a month sounds like a very good idea, wishing you luck and sending hugs.
    I think the lie is #1

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  73. I admit, I laughed way too hard at the gif of the little kid with the chair. :P But I hear you about the staying inside with the AC going. WA got a hellish heat wave this weekend, so that's all I've been doing, lest I melt when I go outside. Best of luck handling all the insanity over the next few months. ^_^

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  74. Oh my gosh. I want popsicles. All of the popsicles preferably. :)

    I hope you are enjoying your AC, cold food, and books this summer. :)

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  75. Your post made me laugh! LOL! Please take care of yourself!!! Big Hugs!

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  76. LOL, that poor ice cream truck... XD

    Anyway, good luck! Cutting back is inevitable sometimes. Hope you have a fantastic summer, despite how chaotic things may get...

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  77. I'm way late here, but I needed a good chuckle, thanks Crystal. Wishing you luck and a blessed pregnancy!!!

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  78. Love the popsicle diet - works for me. And that poor little guy in his beach chair! That seems like something that would happen to me - now, not when I was little. ;)

    Take care, Crystal. I wish you the smoothest pregnancy possible.

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  79. Not going to the movies for 8 years despite all the great ones that came out in the past years? Wow, that's amazing.

    This sounds like an interesting book to read.

    And it's still so summer here so I can so relate to these.

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  80. Good luck with the home schooling and enjoy the pregnancy!
    Have a fab summer, Crystal!

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  81. No kids here... which means more popsicles for me. Awww yeah.

    Enjoy your summer, and good luck with your pregnancy!

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  82. Good luck with the pregnancy!!! <3 (I think #1 is the lie!)

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  83. Mealtimes are always o tricky - I think I'll try your way ;)

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Hit me with your cheese!