We're a few days into the new season and spring is most definitely in the air. Winter is awesome but who couldn't welcome the first few rays of spring sunshine and the promise that summer will soon be on its way? But the problem with spring is that among the other seasons, it plays the role of the overlooked sibling. You know - the quiet one who sits in a corner and reads while his siblings garner all the attention? And when you do notice spring's presence, it's there all too fleetingly.
But that's quite unfair because spring actually does have as much to offer as it's seasonal counterparts. It's the perfect time to be out and about if you prefer mild weather to the freezing cold or blazing heat. And everything is just so pretty from the blossom on trees to all those pastels that everyone's rocking to all the cute baby farm animals being born. Furthermore with spring there's the symbolic aspect of the promise of something new; the idea of rebirth and new beginnings - where everything is budding and blossoming and coming alive; the concept of rejuvenation... There are notions of fresh hope and light coming after the dark. Surely these are all things to look forward to!
With the other three seasons, there are events and activities that are connected with those times of the year: Beach holidays (summer) going to see the fall colours (autumn) and ski trips (winter.)
But what do you do during spring?
Quite a lot as it happens! If you think that spring is a quiet season where nothing much happens other than chocolate eggs being stacked on supermarket shelves (that actually happens in winter!) then think again. Check out all the fun things you can do at this time which will definitely put a spring in your step. So spend some time outdoors; watch the season literally blossom; soak up some rays and savour the taste of those delicate spring flavours.
1. DECORATE YOUR SPACE
Spring is here so pack away all your winter bits and pieces, and decorate your home with all that's light and bright. We're all familiar with the concept of spring cleaning -and there's a major clue in the name! Spring is the season of everything becoming refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalized, and that starts with the home. So before you give your home a mini makeover, get it spring fresh by getting rid of all the dust, grime and cobwebs from the winter season. It's also a case of out with the old and in with the new (that's not just for new year!) So it's good time to declutter and get rid of/donate anything you don't like, want, or use, before giving something brand new pride of place in your home.
Give your home a thorough spring clean. That means seeing to the places you tend to ignore such as behind the wardrobe, the tops of kitchen units etc. Deodorize carpets, clean windows, sort out the junk drawer/cupboard/room etc.
Decorate your home with spring flowers
Plant a spring garden
Make a bird feeder
Create a spring-themed wreath for your front door
Donate items you no longer need
Replace your thick heavy winter throws, curtains, bedding etc. with lighter spring-appropriate fabrics
Hang windchimes
Decorate a birdhouse
2. HAVE A SPRING IN YOUR STEP
We wait for the other three seasons to participate in activities that are associated with those times of the year. And spring is no different. So make the most of the season and what it has to offer.
Ice cupcakes in spring colours
Take pics of the season
Check out the gorgeous blossom on the trees
Get caught in an April shower
Go clothes shopping! You can pick up bargain winter clothes for the end of the year, and discover the new spring trends as they hit the shops
Celebrate the seasons holidays and festivals - Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day...
Play pranks on April Fool's Day (we're sure that's still a thing!)
Plan a spring break trip
Go birdwatching
Make a flower necklace or crown
Create a spring-themed nature scavenger hunt
Seek out the first spring flowers
Stalk the Easter bunny - and get your pic taken with them
3. ENJOY THE SPRING WEATHER
It's more than likely that you've been stuck indoors since last November so spring weather is the perfect time to be outside more. The temperatures will be higher than it was during the winter of course but not so scorchingly hot that you can't bear it. So make the most of it.
Have a picnic
Fly a kite
See an outdoor movie/play
Have drinks at your local beer garden
Read a book outdoors
Eat brunch with friends
Dine al-fresco
4. INDULGE IN SEASONAL PRODUCE
With each new season comes delicacies, produce and flavours to indulge in until the new season comes along. So grab these spring goodies while you can and try out new recipes.
Make some apricot jam
Go strawberry picking
Roast asparagus spears
Bake a carrot cake
Steam some artichoke hearts
Make a fennel salad
Add mange tout to stir-fries
Think of all those yummy puddings you could make with rhubarb!
Try out a new recipe using fresh spring produce
Brew tea with fresh mint
Roast a leg of lamb
Poach some salmon
5. OH THE PLACES YOU COULD GO!
It's no secret that everyone's social life picks up a little more during the spring months (unless the year is 2020!) After months of staying in during the dark, cold winter months, we want to catch up with our mates and be out when the sun's out!
Go on that planned spring break trip!
Visit a farm to see the baby animals
Go to farmer's market
Check out yard/car boot sales
Art festivals and exhibitions
Have drinks at a rooftop bar
Outdoor concert
Play mini-golf
Go to a baseball game
Go camping
6. OR JUST STAY IN!
But don't feel the pressure to be out all the time if you're really a homebird and you'd rather spend time indoors. You can have just as much fun at home.
Garden tea party
Game night
Movie marathon
Backyard bonfire
Barbeque
Get your skin summer-ready with lots of home spa treatments
7. ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS
Bask in the simplicity of the prettiest of seasons and indulge in the simplest of spring pleasures.
Watch bees hard at work
Feel the sun on your face
Open your windows to let in the spring breeze
Go barefoot in the grass
Go on the hunt for four-leaf clover
Sketch/paint some nature
Pet a bunny
8. HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
We admire anyone who's dedicated to their fitness regime. But it's well known that some people just don't have the same motivation during the winter months. Who wants to go for an early morning run on a cold, dark December morning when we can stay all tucked up, cozy in bed? But spring is the perfect time to break out of the exercise rut and make up for lost time.
Go for a hike
Go canoeing/kayaking/paddle-boating
Ride a bike
Go running
Take a long walk
Meditate or do some yoga at your fave outdoor spot
Go roller-blading
Do a 5K run for a worthy cause
Try a new fitness class
9. SPRING FASHION
As much as we love the coziness of autumn and winter fashion, one of the best things about spring is that we get to put away our heavy overcoats, pack up our thick woolies and thermals, and wear clothing that much more lighter, brighter and cheery!
Ditch the layers and go bare legged
Wear open-toed shoes
Wear flip-flops
Go pastel!
Wear floral prints
Paint your nails in pretty spring colours
As our hair will not be buried under a hat, we can now be more adventurous with our hairstyles
AND FINALLY...
At the time of writing this post, we are well aware that the world is still in the midst of the pandemic which will inevitably limit the kind of activities you can do this year depending on the rules of where you live. Remember there's always next year when hopefully life will return to some kind of normal!
Photos: Pixabay
Word cloud: Angel Noire
We have a farm nearby where I take the kids to see and pet some of the animals, and I absolutely live for going to the farmers' market! I will look forward to going this spring to see what lovely fresh spring produce they have!
Spring is so pretty. I love winter for the snow sports but I absolutely crave the heat of the summer season. Bring on the sun!
I simply adore spring. It's my favourite season so I really liked this article and all the great ideas here. There's something so refreshing and invigorating about spring. It's the perfect outdoor weather and I'm never happier than when I'm outdoors.