Today is brisk and sunny, the calendar says spring is seven days away, my turtles agree, rustling back from hibernation. Warmer days have coaxed determined shoots of crocus to burst from the muddy tree plots that dot the sidewalk in my midtown New York neighborhood. The dogs want longer walks (yes I curb the pooches!) and I'm happy to oblige. Actually I'm glad to have the walks to slow down and think; besides the launch of my new book that will make this year a super busy spring, March is the start of a season full days to celebrate.
Here are five things I need to do this week:
- Wash the windows. Now that the light is brighter and the garden is coming back to life I want to make the view as appealing as possible. This is one of the simplest things to do to make your home look fresh even if you don't have the time or inclination for a spring cleaning, clear windows make any view better.
- Dress up the window sill and the dining table with a flat of perky bulbs. Potted pansies, flats of wheat grass, boxes of daffodils and troughs of baby tears are my favorite because they're easy, long lasting décor that will take me through a couple of weeks of birthday parties and holidays.
- Stop at the farmer's market. There's no better place to design a seasonally smart menu. It's still early for the spring crop but I will pick up leg of lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots to make a crock of Irish stew.
- Stock up on party pantry goods. Big box stores offer the best deals and its time to buy more votive candles, a case of sparkling, red and white wine –I depend on my neighborhood merchant for interesting bottles from around the world but I have found wines and spirits that are real crowd pleasers at prices that make it easy to celebrate often
- Attend a book signing for New Nesters at Martha Clara Vineyards. A great barn space on a family farm located on a country road in Riverhead, NY in the wine country of Long Island. It's also near my weekend home where much of my book was photographed. This vineyard is a welcoming destination and a fabulous location for weddings, family reunions and wine tastings. I'll look forward to meeting many people and talking about celebrating life.
What plans do you have in the beginning of spring? Leave your response in the comment field below by March 23rd. Gather Editorial will select one respondent to receive a copy of Party Basics for New Nesters.
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2. Clean windows. This really needs to be done, we'll see if it actually happens!
3. Start a new flower bed. I got the bushes that were blocking all of the sunlight out this past weekend. Now I have to dig out some bricks, fill in some holes with dirt, and plant some fowers! This is a big project, but one I'm really looking forward to!
4. Find some local people to buy produce from directly. A project I'm working on to bypass the high prices of the grocery stores. I'll also be visiting the farmer's market!
5. Have people over! I love to entertain, and since we have a young one it's actually easier for us to have people over than go out. We had people over on Saturday for a veggie potluck, and I hope to have a going away party for a friend on Friday.
1) I am giving away my clothes. I find I have one too many and half of those, I don't wear either.
2) Sorting through books. Out of 4000 odd books, I need to get rid of more than half. A very big project as it involves a few neighbourhood libraries and second hand book-shops.
3) I have to sort through my papers. Most are useless and I am still hanging on to those.
4) I need to give away old junk too. Things I did ot know I still had with me.
5) Then get the house painted so as to get new tenants!
Sigh!
Just stopping by to tell you that I noticed this article is featured on Gather's homepage right now!
Here's a 10 rating & have a nice day. :o)
1. Wash down walls
2. Sand and repaint porch
3. Remulch the flower garden
4. Scrub down windows
5. Wash Ceiling Fans
6. Enjoy the sunshine
On the top of the list is:
*painting (LOTS OF PAINTING)
*putting down stones for a walkway and putting up a little gate
*creating a worm compost
*planting some climbing flowers on both ends of our front porch
*giving away lots of things we no longer need via freecycle
Not only for new nesters but also for newly emtey nesters alike!