spring *b* list….

i couldn’t be more happy about the arrival of spring. i just adore the seasons. after a cozy winter inside, i’m ready for some time outside. yesterday, it was a perfect spring day-scooter and i went on a long walk, and we grilled burgers and ate on the patio for the first time this season. we didn’t even turn music on, we just sat and enjoyed the sound of the birds singing…and nothing else. it’s the little things peeps. being in your own little outdoor sanctuary, with the one you love and a grilled burger!

so today’s list is my list of spring faves, from the tangible to the intangible….

spring *b* list-

1. alfresco.  just being outside, whether it’s sitting on the deck, eating dinner, walking, riding a bike (wish i had one!), digging in the dirt, planting flowers….love it all
2. spring cleaning. it’s not so much that i enjoy the actual cleaning, but i do love the feeling of having it done! i did enjoy washing windows a week or two ago. just breathing fresh, crisp air and seeing results for my work instantly was gratifying. i still need to do the second story windows. i almost forgot! i am still appreciating the clean windows on the main floor every day! i think #3 is different than cleaning, so i’ll just add that as i’m streamlining, it feels good to wipe down all the woodwork and use the vacuum attachments on all the closets and neglected areas.
3. purging and streamlining. there’s something about spring, that makes purging easier for me? maybe it’s the ease of taking things to goodwill or the trash….or maybe it’s just an overall attitude one aquires with the sun and warmer weather? no idea, but i have been purging like crazy! has anyone else noticed how much you can get done during commercials? i cleaned our entire front coat closet and the floor of a small linen closet (that was a mess!) during the commercials of dancing with the stars. i would jump up during each commercial and get a little more done. keep in mind, that our house is older and the closets are low on the list of updating priorities…they aren’t a pretty sight even at best : )

i know it’s still an ugly closet…but i FEEL much better and lighter when i open the doors.

     4. a different wardrobe to choose from. i am so tired of my winter wardrobe. i’ve already picked up a couple of springish shirts and shorts, and of course shoes! gotta love being able to wear sandals and flipflops again. i’m going to get a pedi TODAY! my feet look terrible…but nothing that a nice pedi won’t cure! i was walking across the carpet this morning, barefoot, and my heel snagged on the carpet. yuck.

    5. different rotation of recipes. not so much meatloaf and beef stew from this point on. more grilled meat and vegies. more pasta salads with fresh vegies. more salads in general! can’t wait for the farmer’s market! i guess that could be on a summer *b* list. one of our favorites for summer is grilled vegies tossed in white wine, garlic and broth, served over pasta….easy peesy.

   6. more light! pull the blinds and window treatments, throw open the windows and wood doors and let the light in! so good for the well being of everyone! i had the big solid front door open all day yesterday. so much more light flooding the house!

    7. simple entertaining. so easy to invite people over.  grab a basket of eating utensils, salads and drinks out of the frig, meat off the grill and dining al fresco. i’m ready to do some spontaneous entertaining. so much more simple than winter entertaining.

    8. seasonal decor.

i love pulling my spring and Easter decorations out. i put my pink polka dot Easter egg on the front door yesterday and have a box of spring goodies ready to switch out with some of the heavier pieces of the winter season. i plan to switch out some photos too. i really want to sew a few throw pillows with some of the fabrics i bought last week. i’m on a pillow kick right now. they are such a simple accent that can make such a difference.

    9. flea market and tag sale season!!!!  this one might be my very favorite! i am so excited to start scoping out the sales. i’m going to a tag sale on friday and flea market season is around the corner! tom marked a day off for our big flea market day in walnut! i have already started a list of things i want to look for. i really need to start working on the loft. i think i will probably furnish it with flea market finds…and maybe a bit of ikea.

    10. location photo shoots. i am more than ready to be out and about taking photos. i think tom and i need to go to zesto (another spring favorite) for a malt and a drive to look for possible locations for shoots. we make it a ritual. i did see a few spots this winter that i want to check out as the weather warms up. i want to do more unique spots than ever!

i hope this simple list inspires you to really savor the spring season. my goal is to be fully alive and conscious of the miracles all around. i don’t want to live in a semi-conscious state just going through the motions.

in yesterday’s post, i mentioned that i had taken jared and beth’s engagement shots over the weekend. i love them. maybe it’s because i love these two so much and i’m biased….but i am really happy with how they turned out! i just feel bad that they are sharing a post with photos of an ugly closet : )

my new screen saver.

magic and mia are so bonded to jared and beth. they sat and watched the front door when j & b went to run an errand before the shoot.

i always love it, when i’m doing a shoot of a couple and without any direction, they have the exact same expression. like the shot above : )

i really love this last shot. all of the texture around this broken out window and the way it frames them, just makes me happy! there are so many more shots i want to share, but maybe instead of spending the day loading the photos onto my post, i’ll do a small web gallery. if i do, i’ll post a link.

happy saint patty’s day! and happy anniversary to brooke and josh!

i’m cooking corned beef and cabbage for dinner tonight. i think i’ll attempt soda bread too. we invited mom and dad over, so i hope it turns out. the house is sure to smell interesting regardless!

have a great spring day and God bless!