The New Nation - Internet Edition

It's summertime, and the living is easy. But wouldn't it be nice if it were just a little easier? The Smart Woman Survival Guide is here to help.

Below, we offer 10 Smart Woman Survival Guide-approved ways to make this summer a little sweeter.

1. We're all in the same bloat. If you've indulged in a little too many treats and can't do your pants up. Looping an elastic band through the buttonhole and around the button of your pants. "It seriously works! And no one knows if you wear a longer top."

2. Working out the bugs if you're dining al fresco, you probably don't want any creepy crawly unwanted guests at the table. Put the legs of your picnic table in containers of water: ants can't swim and therefore can't join - and spoil - your fun.

3. No sore feelings been bitten? Baby wipes will temporarily soothe bug bites.

4. An apple a day Use apples to ripen your tomatoes. Apples emit ethylene, which helps tomatoes ripen faster than they would on their own. Simply place them together in a container with a lid.

5. Getting some sun. Put tomato-stained plastic containers out in the sun. The sun will naturally bleach out the stains.

6. Make the most out of melons Leave uncut watermelons out on the counter. In the fridge, they lose their health-friendly levels of lycopene. Store them in the fridge only after they've been cut.

7. Get back to your roots. When buying potted plants to transfer to your yard, look for roots that are white and fuzzy. Anything else is a sign of root rot and even the greenest of thumbs won't help them last long.

8. Take time for TV. Missed your favourite show while on vacation? Just go online. Many major networks make their shows available for online viewing after their original airdate. And keep up with current plotlines of major shows with television blogs.

9. No kidding around. While kids are out of school, be in control of what they watch at home. Visit the TV Guide listings and official show websites to learn what a program is about before your kids sit down to watch. And watch TV with your children. Discuss what you've seen, and plan activities or reading that relate to the themes of the programs.

10. Sleep easy. Want a good night's sleep? Being outside in natural light for at least 30 minutes a day will help you sleep better at night.