“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”
-Laura Ingalls Wilder
Ahhh, spring. A time of awakening and starting anew. A time for cleaning out the old, and opening the windows and bringing nature back in.
Though this spring may feel very different from any other, it doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate the season in all it’s glory from the comfort of you own home (or yard!). In this post, I’ve compiled a list of simple, mostly free activities for you and your family to take part in and welcome this delightful time of year!
// FRESH FLOWERS AND SEASONAL FOLIAGE
Nothing says spring like fresh flowers! Though many of us are no longer venturing out to the grocery store and farmer’s markets are temporarily closed, many grocery stores luckily offer fresh flowers from the floral department in their pick-up and delivery options.
Better yet, take a stroll through your yard or garden and find some fresh, seasonal foliage to trim and bring inside! Seasonal bloomers right now you may find: forsythia, dogwood, cherry blossom, daffodils, tulips, and Japanese magnolia.
// LIGHTEN UP!
Warmer weather and longer, sunnier days means buh-bye to bulky blankets and hello to light and bright! Time to scavenge that hall linen closet and break out the lighter blankets, throws, pillows and window treatments. Using what you already have is a wonderful way to keep your style sustainable while still switching things up seasonally.
// MAKE SUN TEA
As the days get warmer, it’s the perfect time to sit outside, listen to a podcast or some of your favorite tunes and make some sun tea. “Sun tea” involves adding tea bags, cold water, and any desired fruit, herbs, or sweetener to a large Mason jar and letting it steep in the sun!
Try this lovely recipe from Hello Glow!
// BRING IN SOME SPRING ARTWORK
A great way to refresh a space for spring is with some new art. Think floral paitings, pastel prints and vintage botanicals.
The abstract print below is from Fy! and The Crazy Craft Lady also has an awesome resource for FREE printable botanicals.
// CLEAN, ORGANIZE + PURGE
Maybe not the MOST fun part of the new season, but also probably the most necessary. (Unless you’re like me and actually enjoying cleaning… I know, I know.) Cleaning out the winter cobwebs, changing your air filter, and pressure washing your porch or patio are all great ways to start spring on a clean (and healthy!) note.
Organizing your closets and drawers is also wonderful for letting go of physical and mental clutter anytime, but especially right now. Didn’t wear it all winter? Donate it to a local shelter or organization in this critical time of need for so many. Keeping it? The KonMari method goes a long way for both physical and mental space.
// ADD A SPRING WREATH TO YOUR FRONT DOOR
Though I am normally all about real when it comes to the flora department, for your front door, faux is the way to go!
Though almost every outlet with home decor offers faux wreaths, they can often be quite pricey- thus why I created my own! A simple metal hoop or grapevine wreath base, like the one pictured here, can be found at your local craft store (many of which are doing curbside pick-up or delivery right now!) as well as different florals and ornaments to reflect the season.
Other supplies you will need are: a wreath hanger, floral wire, pliers or wire cutters, and possibly a hot glue gun depending on how lavish you want your wreath.
// OPEN THE WINDOWS
I think we could all use some fresh air right about now! Opening the windows and letting in some fresh air will move the stagnant energy that has been cooped up inside overwinter. Smudging with palo santo or white sage are also great ways to remove any icky energy that has been causing anxiety or malaise.
// DISPLAY FRESH HERBS IN OLD TEA TINS
Because who doesn’t love that, right? Old tea tins, mason jars and vintage tea cups all make great receptacles for spring’s fresh herbs. Place them in a sunny windowsill, or the fridge in fresh water if they’ve already been cut, and enjoy for weeks.
Basil (should not be refrigerated), cilantro, parsley, lemonbalm, mint and thyme are all great additions to spring cooking.
// TAKE A WALK!
Take your pups or kids on a stroll and check out all the new buds sprouting on the trees and the spring flowers popping up in the neighborhood. Take photos along the way, or play a guessing game of what different trees and flowers are called.
// BAKE SOME SPRING TREATS
Light pastas with artichokes and peas, salads with strawberrys and peaches, and lemony baked goods all make me think of springtime in the kitchen. Cooking and baking is also a wonderful meditative way to spend time alone, or with family, and get your mind off of the news for a while.
In our own kitchen, I opened the windows, put on the Allman Brothers and whipped up these Gluten-Free Blueberry Lavender Scones with a lemon glaze on a sunny afternoon.
// BRING IN THE SPRING SCENTS
Spring scented candles and satchets of dried herbs and flowers are great ways of bringing that “springtime air” scent inside. Personally, I love both Trader Joe’s and Hearth + Hand with Magnolia’s seasonal soy candles, and I always save a few used ones and melt them down to create a brand new candle or use the container as a pot for a plant after. Think scents of lavender, gardenia, lemon, grapefruit and sea salt.
// PLANT A SPRING GARDEN
One of the most wonderful ways I’ve seen people spending this time at home is by gardening. There is something so therapeutic about getting your hands dirty and bringing something to life- bonus points if it feeds you and your family!
Many places are currently doing curbside pickup for orders, and some garden and seed stores (like Sow True Seed here in Asheville) will mail you seeds!
// GIVE YOUR PLANT BABES AN OUTDOOR SHOWER
Now that winter is over and we can all get back on our regular plant watering schedules, now is the perfect time to give them their first spring shower! Line them up outside on a warm sunny day and give your plant babes their first feeding of spring food and a good drink. Maybe enjoy one yourself while you’re at it!
So cheers to spring and all that it brings. May we get through this difficult time with sunshine, positivity, grace, and most importantly, each other!
Much love,
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