Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Go Outside!

 If you're over a certain age, it's a safe bet that when you were a kid and started driving your mom crazy, you were probably ordered to "Go outside and play!" 




I remember spending hours and hours outside as a kid.  Riding bikes, roller skating, climbing trees, rolling down hills, playing barbies on the front porch, playing house under the big oak tree, reading on the back deck, and making daisy chains.  We even used to beg to be allowed to eat our lunch as a "picnic" in the backyard.  

I'm not sure exactly when I outgrew that love of being out of doors.  Maybe as a teenager.  Probably because I was too worried about the wind messing up my hair or because I would rather be inside listening to music or watching television.  (this was before the days of cell phones, tablets, and wifi)

This spring I have been rediscovering the joy of the great outdoors.  If the weather is over 60 degrees and not rainy or too windy - I get out onto the back porch where I crochet,  eat lunch, work all the online stuff I do for my Etsy shop, eat my lunch, or just sit and read. In fact, I'm sitting out here right now writing this blog post! 

My view while I write this post

I have a little table, complete with a patio umbrella - because this gal gets a sunburn in the blink of an eye. There are several bird feeders, including one for the hummingbirds, and I love when a feathered friend drops by for a snack while I'm out here.  And of course my windchimes. 

The dogs are also enjoying all the outside time.  They love napping in the sunshine.  And barking at anyone that might pass by while out for a walk.  (sorry about that to all my neighbors!)

I suppose at some time in the not-so-distant future the temperatures or the pollen count will get high enough to drive me back inside.  But, for now, I am enjoying as much time out here as possible. 

Do you enjoy spending time outside?



Monday, March 30, 2020

Bad Timing

I realized the other day that this whole Covid-19 pandemic couldm't have hit the United States at a worst time of year.

Spring equals pollen season.  This means that many of us will very soon be sneezing, sniffling and coughing non stop.  If we're not already.




Allergy season can be miserable enough under the best of circumstances. Now, we'll have the added stress of wondering if it's really our seasonal allergies or if we should be more concerned.

We'll probably be getting more than a few side eyes and dirty looks as we sneeze if we have to leave the house for groceries, medications, etc.  Thank goodness for delivery and curbside pickup services!

Bad timing, indeed.


Friday, May 13, 2016

Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Essentials

Welcome to another Favorite Finds Friday!  Spring has been in full swing for a couple of months, but if spring where you are us anything like spring here - that means some rather erratic weather.  Even in the middle of May we can get some cool mornings.  With blazing hot afternoons.  And back to chilly for the evening. All this back and forth can make dressing more than a little complicated at times.

Despite that, there are a few items I consider my "Spring Essentials"...

Scarves:  I know what you're thinking...  "Scarves?  I thought she was talking about Spring essentials.  Not winter!"  Scarves, for Spring?  Uh... YES!  I love a good scarf year 'round.  Especially with a cute sweater or tunic and boots during autumn.  But once the weather turns warmer, I put away the knit scarves for lighter and brighter materials.

Scarves are perfect for adding a not-too-heavy layer on those cooler days when you need a little extra to keep the chill off.  Plus they can add a fun something special to a tshirt dress or a simple shorts and top combo.

Fun Nail Polish:  After wearing darker shades for winter (think navy, deep grey, and rich wines), or being downright neglected because they're hidden away inside my boots - my toes are ready to come out and play!

This means a wardrobe change to fun, bright colors.  Bring on the corals, the teals, and the bright pinks!

Dresses & Skirts:  I find pants a challenge any time of year.  It's difficult to find a comfortable, well fitting pair of pants.   Which is why I lean heavily on skirts and dresses once the weather warms up. (And I no longer have to worry about a winter wind finding it's way up my skirt...  brrr!)

Easy.  Cool.  And comfy.  That has Spring into Summer written all over it!

Speaking of being comfy pants challenged - I am crazy curious about the pants at Betabrand.com .  They have these Crop Dress Pant Yoga Pants which look perfect for Spring and Summer.  I am dying to try!  If I could look dressed, while having the comfort of yoga pants... yes, PLEASE!!  Check 'em out for yourself!  And while you're there, have a peek at some of BetaBrand's suggestions for Spring Essentials:


What are your Spring Essentials?  Share in the comments!


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Monday, April 18, 2016

Sunday Getaway

I have been hard at work on Etsy shop business the past couple of weeks with a custom order, a few standard orders, and a wholesale order.  So, it was a welcome break on Sunday when the Man of the House and I took a few hours to head over to the Biltmore Estate for a hike.

It was a perfect Spring day.  Clear blue skies.  Temperatures in the low 70s.  A bit of a breeze.  We couldn't have asked for better weather for our walk!



We parked down by the lagoon and followed the Deer Park Trail over to the Bass Pond.  This is a very hilly trail, taking you through large meadows and provides views of the estate and the home which most visitors never see.





After pausing at the Bass Pond to enjoy the view, we walked up through the gardens - where the azaleas and tulips were putting on their best colors.






Then it was back down through the deer park to the lagoon where we finished off our beautiful hike with a stroll and a relaxing picnic by the French Broad River.







And we even got to see some baby geese.  How cute is that?




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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Spring Like

I know it's not officially Spring for another couple of weeks.  But today is one of those days that tries to fool you into thinking Winter is over.  You know those days, right?

Sunny.  Bright blue sky.  Temperatures in the upper 60s.  A bit breezey.



The grand baby and I ate our lunch on the back porch today.  He enjoyed a peanut butter sandwich and pretzels with a juice box.  I had a sliced apple, a clementine and some walnuts.



It's been so nice; we're still here.  He's playing with bubbles while I write this on my tablet.

Hoping we have many more days like this before the heat of summer sets in, chasing us back inside.


Tuesday, March 1, 2016

March-ing Along

Welcome to March, everyone!  I know those of you who dislike the winter are celebrating today and anticipating Spring.  However, as much as I am looking forward to the blooming of daffodils and forsythia, and the milder days ahead; I do so cautiously.  The biggest blizzard in memory was 23 years ago this month.  I know not to trust Spring in these mountains and to hang onto the winter wardrobe until May rolls in.

This morning I was scrolling through pages of Google images, just looking for a March picture...  when I came across THIS:


Now, I have been trying to schedule some time into my week to sit down and brainstorm ideas for blog posts.  If you write, you know what a chore that can be!  And while I have come up with a few (very few) fresh ideas,  I was lacking.  

As I read through the above list of prompts, many of them lit a little creative spark with me.  A few made me cringe or groan a little, but I can just skip those.  

Sadly, it appears the original source of this particular challenge closed up shop sometime between 2013 when it was written and now.  But, Tiffany - where ever you are now - THANKS for the inspiration!

And as for the rest of you - keep watching for my responses to the prompts.  Or even better - follow along on your own blog!!

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Three Things I Love About Spring

Spring has sprung!

I'm not one of those who complain about winter or the cold weather.  But that doesn't mean I don't look forward to the springtime.  There are plenty of  reasons to adore the spring.  The Man of the House gets happy about softball season starting.  My Dad comes home from Florida.  Flip Flops. Easter. It's a great time of year!  And here's a few more reasons why...

1) Perfect temperatures - I am not a fan of the hot weather that summer brings.  I just can't take the heat anymore.  If I ever find a place on earth where the climate is consistently between 60 and 75 degrees all year - I am moving there!  Immediately.  Fortunately for a brief month or two, I get to enjoy that sort of weather right here.

2) The blooming trees and flowers - I just love the flora of spring time.  The daffodils. The tulips.  The dogwoods and lilacs.  Some of my favorite flowers! All here to herald the arrival of spring.

photo - publicdomainpictures.net

3) Not having to run the heat OR the air conditioner.  Spring and fall are the two friendliest seasons when it comes to the ol' electric bill.  Gotta love that.

What do you love about the springtime?


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Friday, March 21, 2014

Springing Ahead

Spring is in the air my friends! We have made it through the dark, cold winter.  The big warm up is in front of us.

Despite the fact that they are forecasting a chance of a wintry mix early next week; I am choosing to look forward to the warmer days ahead and planning my Spring To-Do list!


http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=35255&picture=spring

  • Visit NC Arboretum to see all the Spring flowers in bloom
  • Go to tailgate market to purchase some fresh Spring veggies
  • Read outside
  • Spend more time on back porch
  • Start an herb garden
  • Clean windows - inside and out
  • Hike!
  • Give my self a bright Spring-like pedicure
  • Dine outside
  • Eat my weight in jelly beans 
  • Walk outside more and on treadmill less
  • Buy sidewalk chalk. Make a mural (or write love notes to the Man of the House) on the driveway
  • Color Easter eggs with the family
  • Fill a vase with fresh flowers
  • Go berry picking
  • Make a new wreath or other decoration for front door

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Friday, March 14, 2014

Spring Is On The Mantel

Although, I don't mind the winter months so much - like many others, I have reached my limits and am ready for the warm weather and flowers of spring.  

 I have welcomed Spring a little early by decorating the mantel for the season..




 I kept it simple, a few spring flower sprigs - forsynthia, pussy willow, and hydrangea. 



Some green candles, and a couple of cute little chicks I picked up last year at Target. 











I might add a little bunny next month for Easter if I can find one I like that is inexpensive enough.



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