Tag Archives: spring

Lake House Activities for Spring Break

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Throughout the United States, there are many highly desired homes. From mountainside living to high loft city apartments to a beautiful lake house oasis, we all have our fantasy home. If you grew up with a lake on your property, you probably have many fond memories of it. However, if this is your first lake house, you do not want to be missing out on the fun! There is plenty to do with your lake this spring break. Here are the top three must-dos for any lake house owner:

Boating

If you have a lake, you need to be on it! There are hundreds of different styles of boats to get for your home. Depending on the size of the lake and your community regulation, find the boat right for you. You can get powerboats like bay boats, cruisers, or deck boats, or you can get smaller options like kayaks or canoes. Depending on your swimming level, you may want to invest in some lifejackets as well.

Fishing

Fishing is also a great way to facilitate your lake. Make sure you invest in everything you need. Get your rod, extra line and hooks, bobbers, and bait. You may also want to pack some needle nose pliers and a small first aid kit for the day. Fishing is a great hobby to help relax and pass the time. Just do not forget to bring the sunscreen!

Swimming

Nothing feels more authentic and true to nature as swimming. Swimming is a timeless pastime that is great for all ages! Simply set up some lake activities and purchase some floating devices. Swimming in the lake is a great way to get the most out of your lake house.

If you are blessed with a home on a lake, make sure you use the many advantages associated with it. This exterior privilege is excellent for hosting guests and making great memories. All landscapes have different advantages, do not miss the opportunity of yours.

Spring is Here!

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2016-03-20

In other parts of the country the first day of spring is exciting after what is often a long, cold and gray winter. Here in Arizona our winters are warm. sunny and the envy of most of the Eastern United States. But there is a flavor to spring in Arizona if we take the time to see it.

First we have the orange blossoms blooming. Orchards full of them in some places in Arizona, and it’s rare to drive down the street without seeing at least a few trees in bloom. Roll your car windows down in some parts of town and your nose will be inundated with the smell of orange, lemon and grapefruit trees in bloom.

Even in the desert, flowers cover the normally dry landscape. Yellow, of course, but some blue and purple smaller ones too dot the roadside. Easterners are surprised by the variety of flowers our cacti provide this time of year. We calmly explain, “we had a lot of rain…” In other parts of the country flowers bloom everywhere every Spring. Here, we know how lucky we are to have the rich display we’re seeing this year.

And of course we can add to that with flowers at our own homes. Plants in pots – either individual flowers or luscious mixes – look wonderful clustered around the front door. Consider adding a few flowering bulbs under the trees in your yard. Simply follow the instructions at your local nursery – putting them in the refrigerator for a few weeks will allow you to end up with daffodils and tulips out here.

Don’t forget the pleasure of spring plants in your home. Either in pots or as cut flowers, daffodils make a grand display at a brunch or in your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking at the calendar or outside, Spring is here. Enjoy it!

Say Hello to Spring with Home Décor

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25712497_SDo you feel challenged making your home feel like spring without changing out the colors in your home? It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to add a splash of spring.

You can create a feeling of spring in your home simply and easily with flowers. The photo on the left shows several good options.

Forcing bulbs will create a lovely and long-lived flower arrangement. Here snowdrops and daffodils brighten up the day.

Forsythia and pussy-willow branches – cut and put in water – will bloom and last for several weeks. Although these don’t grow in the Phoenix area, a number of grocery stores and flower shops stock them this time of year.

The tulips are cut and in water. If you want to avoid drooping tulips, cut a small slit in the stem just under the flower itself with a sharp knife. By the way, tulips will continue growing after being cut, so don’t be surprised to find your flower arrangement taller than it was.

22337400_SIf you want a simpler arrangement that still adds spring charm to a room, how about the flowers on the right? Some stores sell small bunches of daffodils for less than two dollars in the spring.

By placing one or two flowers in a collection of brightly-colored vases, you can create a festive spot of spring yellow in your home. If you don’t have vases, even water glasses will work. Don’t worry about making it perfect, the flowers will carry the spring mood.

Bring a Taste of Spring to your Winter Home

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801743_SIn Arizona, winter means beautiful cool weather, sunny days and time to take long walks or eat al fresco. In the rest of the country, however, winter holds on to moods and weather with a vengeance and back there they’re far from the spring we’re already experiencing.

If you or friends or families are in the middle of this very difficult winter, here are a few ideas to remind you that spring is coming – eventually!

Bring branches inside: Forsythia and pussy willows can be forced to bloom if you bring them inside and place them in water. Pound on the woody stems with a hammer to help them soak up water, and watch the yellow forsythia flowers and fuzzy willow buds open up.

Take a look at how inviting these branches are in this winter room. The small yellow blossoms say just wait – spring is on its way.

23771815_SForce bulbs: Paperwhites, tulips, amaryllis and hyacinth respond well to early forcing. You can buy bulbs already planted, order them online or set them up yourself. Check online or on Pinterest to get the instructions. They are all beautiful, but nothing smells as wonderful as hyacinths in bloom. With one plant, the entire room will sing of spring.

18586921_SPlant herbs: A little inside kitchen garden looks charming, smells lovely, and adds freshness to your meal prep. Consider a mix of basil and Italian parsley to add to salads and pasta sauces. Add mint in its own pot – it spreads too much to share – and perk up desserts with a couple of leaves on top. Rosemary has a great smell and just a small amount turns chicken into something special.

You can bring spring into your home, or into the homes of others, by adding these simple fresh plants and flowers to a room or two. And if you live in the Midwest or New England, remember that winter will leave eventually, bringing lovely weather for you while we swelter. So we don’t gloat.

Anticipate Spring with Accessories

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8755374_SWith temperatures hitting close to 90 this week in the Phoenix area, we need to celebrate spring before we get into the middle of summer. Here are some fun ways to dress up your home to create the spirit of spring.

1) Look for unique and interesting pastel containers to hold fresh-cut flowers. These little ceramic boots with butterflies say spring even without flowers. It’s a nice touch to have two to remind you of a child’s set of boots, but notice that only one vase has flowers in it – you can break the rules and still end up with a charming vignette.

12464404_S2) Look for spring bulbs in pots to have flowers in the house for weeks. Crocuses like these, tulips and daffodils are available at many grocery stores. Pick several types and colors and group them for a spring splash of charm. Consider adding a Hyacinth or two to your selection for the rich floral scent they produce.

17919516_S3) Look for inexpensive plastic and metal children’s sand toys and gardening tools in bright colors. With the selection to the left, you could add a few fresh flowers or spring candies and have a festive centerpiece for a dinner party buffet. You might also want to consider placing your plants in more inviting containers such as these to add to the spring mood.

4) For additional decorative elements, look through your wardrobe for a straw hat or scarves in pastel colors. Placing them among your flowers or other decorations will contribute to a spring mood. With just a few touches such as these, your home will remind every visitor that spring is here.