ingredients for spring, part deux

You may remember this post: it had 5 fresh and fun ideas for welcoming in spring! I'm back with 5 more ideas to get you feeling springy:)

1. Get out and enjoy nature:

It's easy to let your days off slip by quickly, because you turn on the TV or computer and before you know it, half the day has gone by. Plan ahead to get out and soak up some sunshine or greenery! You can click here to find trails in your neighborhood.

2. Take a class: 

Spring is all about things becoming new again, so why not celebrate by learning something new? Most communities and cities offer free or inexpensive classes on everything from watercolor painting to dog obedience training. Lots of stores like William Sonoma and Home Depot offer free classes, as well.

3. Go green with your cleaning! 

This is something I've been slowly working on for the past year or so, and at this point ... all our cleaning products, from laundry detergent to window cleaners, are homemade and green! If you think your cleaning products are harmless, just Google "harmful chemicals in cleaning products", and you're in for a surprise. There are tons of great recipes on-line for everything you need to keep your home, clothes and dishes clean. You'll feel better, breathe easier, and save tons of money.

 4. Work with what's in season: 

We get a bit spoiled by convenience, because these days every sort of fruit and veggie is available all year round. Since moving to CA, my husband and I have tried to shop at the farmer's markets as much as possible, and it's been a fun challenge to learn to cook according to what the farmers are growing. You can click here to find out what fruits and veggies are fresh and in season now, as well as recipes to try!

5. Enjoy a meal al fresco:

Whether it be a picnic at a beach or park, lunch at an outdoor cafe, a springy snack on your porch, or a BBQ in the back yard, plan at least one meal a week to be enjoyed outside ... before it gets too hot!