I think there is symbolism in nature and springtime of hope and rebirth. That’s why I’m excited about getting the first garden seeds started indoors. Follow me here to see how my seeds grow.

You need:

• Plug tray (for starting seeds) with clear dome (we got our reusable trays at Lowe’s for $7)
• Seed starting soil (85% peat moss)
• Spray bottle (filled with water)
• Seeds!

You do:

• I started by going through all of my seeds and determining when they needed to be started, and which should be planted directly in the ground as opposed to starting indoors. To help me remember, I wrote the date for planting on each packet.
• Next fill each “plug” with seed starting soil. Mist with water to moisten.
• Place seeds in the middle of each plug and then cover with soil.
• Mist with water again and cover with the clear dome.
• Keep in a warm place out of direct sunlight.
• Remember to keep soil moist, but not sopping wet.
• Watch them grow!

Spring goodies to brighten your day!

Very berry earrings by snapdragonbeads





Buttercups eyelet baby booties by Aurelia and Anna





Red poppy hair pins by poppychic designs

The school where I work held a BeadforLife fundraiser and it’s such a cool organization I had to share. Check them out, and consider buying their jewelry for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift!

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful bead jewelry, and people who care open their hearts, homes and communities to buy and sell the beads. The beads become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope.

Here’s a few of my Spring to-do’s. What’s on your list?

• Start vegetable garden seeds indoors
• Plant bulbs, plus some pansies for color
• Expand & till garden in backyard
• Clean-up flower beds and prune bushes
• Incorporate outdoor walks back into the sched
• Tune the bike & buy a helmet!
• Paint inside of closets in guest room, office, and foyer

Today I’m feeling inspired by the buds of springtime….little bits of green and color sprouting up from the ground and off the trees. Isn’t it amazing to watch the outdoors go from grays and browns to greens and pinks and yellows and purples? Happy Spring!

Many of us had them as kids…cork boards in a wood frame. I managed to move mine with me to college, (into 3 different dorm rooms and apartments), then 6 times since. They’ve held mementos from high school and college, photos, office “to-do’s” and more.

Finally, when the office got a makeover, so did the board. Here’s how…

You’ll need:

• Colorful Fabric (I bought a $.99 remnant at the fabric store)
• Stapler
• Sawtooth hanger (Set of 4 for $1.50 at the craft shop)

You’ll do:

• Iron fabric and lay good side down.
• Remove wooden frame from board.
• Lay cork board face down on fabric.
• As if wrapping a present, fold fabric along back and staple down.
• Nail in sawtooth hangers in the top left and right corners (I also used glue in the hole to make sure they stay in).

You’re done!

Received this metal bulletin board from our wedding registry. It was meant for the office, but never made it there. Now it’s home to my jewelry - and makes a great colorful wall hanging, right where I can see it when I’m getting ready for work each morning. I DO have a jewelry box, but who can really fit all of their jewelry in one jewelry box? There are many ways you can organize or display your jewelry. Check out how Little Green Notebook transformed the inside of her closet door into accessory access.

A few friends that have visited recently have commented on my weekly meal plan on the side of the fridge. But, don’t be fooled! This planning takes me less than 10 minutes. And while I get a thrill out of such planning and list making, knowing that it only takes minutes will hopefully make it easier for those of you “not-so-Type A” inclined.

• 12:17 pm - Check calendar for the week’s schedule
• 12:19 pm - Start meal plan - easy stuff like homemade soup from the freezer/chicken sausages on busy nights; spaghetti as a comfort food standby (at least once a month), a more elaborate meal or new recipe on weekends.
• 12:24 pm - Finished meal plan, adding to grocery list as I go
• 12:27 pm - Finished grocery list (to include items for packed lunches, snacks, breakfast, and desserts)

Now, I’ve only recently perfected this quick planning, but here’s a few tips on how I pull it together:

Grocery List

• Keep it on the fridge with a pen nearby, adding to it whenever you run out of something or have an idea for next week’s meal plan
• Organize the list how you shop (produce at the top, dairy and frozen section at the bottom)

Meal Planning Tips:

• Monthly stand-by: spaghetti, burritos or quesadillas, breakfast-for-dinner, Chicken stir-fry
• Quickies (or No-Cook Nights) - chicken sausuges, soup & salad (or grilled cheese),
• Comfort Food: potato pancakes w/applesauce or sour cream; homemade mac & cheese; chicken divan; lasagna; chili
• Have a full day available on the weekend? Cook up a big pot of soup or chili and freeze a bunch. Have the kids help and make it fun!

I rotate these throughout each month, and then fill in with 3 course meals (think veggie, starch, protein) and new recipes for nights where there is a little more time or we’re hosting friends. The main reason that I like to do all of this is a) because I’m busy, b) because I don’t like to waste food and throw away bad produce, and c) because we spend less when we plan. And now it’s a habit!

Absolutely you can be eco-friendly and not a packrat. In fact, I think being a “packrat” means I’m probably acquiring more “stuff” than I should, and it’s time to give it to someone less fortunate, especially if that ’stuff’ is only getting dusty in a corner in my house (or worse, in a box in the attic!)

I happen to save alot of things I think can be re-used. I do this, though, because I have a specific space to store it. I have to adjust when I live in a different space. In my old apartment, I couldn’t store everything.

Don’t get caught up in “saving” all your trash in your closet “just in case”, unless you are actively USING these things and have a specific place for them in your home. Your spouse or roommate will thank you.

Spring is almost here!

Bug stickers by BrambleberryLane





Spring Gift Card & Tag set by ScrappyFoofadoodle

Cherry blossom clutch by FIAZCO