Wednesday, March 20, 2013

10 Fun, Inexpensive Spring Activities

 
 
 




The weather is warming up, birds are singing,
flowers are blooming, and everything’s turning green.
Shed that heavy winter coat, get out,
and enjoy the spring season!


 

1. Have a Picnic in the Park.  Most towns have a park; and even if yours doesn't, then head out into the country…or even your own back yard.  Wrap up your favorite sandwiches, toss in some snacks, and throw some drinks in a cooler – spread a blanket on the ground and your all set. Bring along a frisbee, a board game, or relax with a good book.

2. Four-Leaf Clover Hunt.  I'm in my 40s, and I still can't resist searching through a clump of clover for that elusive lucky charm.  Why not start a tradition and let your kids put them under their pillow so little leprechauns can leave them treats.
 
3. Puddle Splashing.  Remember how much fun it was as a kid to jump right into the middle of a puddle and make the biggest splash that you could?  After the next rain, grab your little ones by the hand, and go puddle splashing.  Throw your cares aside, and get messy!


4. Play in the Rain.  Similar to puddle splashing, but why wait for the rain to stop?  Run through nature's very own sprinkler.    


5. Find a Playground and Swing on the Swings.  Not your kids…YOU!  How many of us pass by a playground everyday on our way here or there?  I challenge you to stop.  Take 10 minutes and remember what it felt like to be carefree.

6. Sleep Outside.  Go to a campground, or just pitch a tent in the backyard – thrill your kids with a campout adventure.  Roast some marshmallows and weenies, and have them make up stories…make it a night they will talk about for a long time.

7. Drink from the Honey Plant.  That's what my friend's 6 year old called it as he showed me how to get the honey from a honeysuckle flower. 

8. Outdoor Photo Shoot.  Plant your kids in the middle of a sea of flowers, or hide them in tall field grass with their faces peeking out.  Make a game of it, and let them take photos, too.  See who can come up with the funniest pose in the most off-the-wall place.

9. Get your Hands Dirty.  Paint garden pots, then plant a flower or vegetable in each and watch it grow.

10. Attend a Spring Festival.  They're everywhere this time of year.  For years, we lived less than a mile from where the annual Spring Festival was held, and we never went.  It was too hot, the crowds were too large…we came up with every excuse in the book.  Stop making excuses, and get out there and have some fun!  



 

Dress up your picnic with this wicker basket filled with vintage jelly jars
available at www.lemaisonbelle.com.



Sunday, March 17, 2013

Fabulous Finds March 17th

Fabulous items...just in time for Spring!



Wire word garden / vegetable marker Eggplant wire word garden / vegetable marker Basil wire word garden / vegetable marker
 
I am in love with these cute little wire garden markers! 

They are handmade by bopPOWER, a San Francisco based Etsy shop.  Choose your favorite herb or vegetable in any color....and at only $12.00 each - what a deal!
 
I couldn't think of a more fabulous way
to add a little pizazz to your garden this year.

To visit their shop, just click the link below. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/bopPOWER





How much is that birdie in the window...

How adorable would this be sitting on a little table on your patio? This amazing wire bird sculpture was handmade by Michael Kuiken, owner of bonsaizeek.
 
(And he's only $29.99!)


To visit bonsaizeek, click the link below. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/bonsaizeek




 Miniature Icosahedron in Yellow: A Wearable Planter Ruby Planter Lapel Pin: A Wearable Planter Red Planter for your Bike: A Wearable Planter 

 Take your garden with you!

Wear it around your neck, on your lapel, or snap it on your bike...these miniature planters let you carry Spring around with you all day long.  Made by a very clever Etsy shop called wearableplanter, they have several styles and colors to choose from.

Check them out at the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/wearableplanter