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13 Clever Ways to Celebrate Spring Without Ever Leaving Your Home

13 Clever Ways to Celebrate Spring Without Ever Leaving Your Home

As I desperately try to form the opening sentence of this blog post, I have counted nine separate instances in which I have been interrupted by my children.

Between the incessant requests for snacks, homeschooling woes and spontaneous emotional outbursts, I must admit … I am having a hard time remaining focused on the task at hand.

Nonetheless, I feel strongly called to continue to show up, power thru, block out the chaotic noise and provide you awesome folks with inspiration/distraction during such destabilizing times.

While it certainly seems the world as we know it is collapsing, we must do the best we can to make the most of what we have been dealt- continually choosing to celebrate the simple joys in life.

Finding beauty in the mundane, or pleasure in what we once took for granted, is a form of meditation which quells anxiety and allows us to remain grounded in the present moment.

While Spring certainly does not feel the same this year, we must do our best to approach this new season with hope and joy….to roll with the punches.

Yes…some days will be better than others (I am fully granting myself Netflix and chill, or freak out, days), but I refuse to spiral into a pit of fear and hopelessness. When I do have those moments of despair, I will do everything in my power to pivot back to hope and joy.

In an effort to celebrate this new season, I have curated some clever ways to observe this special time of year without ever having to leave your home (or spend much money).
spring cleaning and organization ideas

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  1. Corral everyday items with pretty containers.
    Coffee and tea packets are pretty hot commodities in my home, and there is something that makes these items feel so much more luxurious when grabbing them out of  a pretty glass jar. It’s a tactile pleasure I suppose.  Of course.. if you are feeling up to it, you can go for a full-on pantry makeover or spice cabinet organization session. But if you are looking for a more approachable way of elevating your everyday experience,  start by corralling your most frequently used items in pretty containers. Tip: Amazon has some great organization jars to choose from.

2. Do a spring deep clean.
Every time I feel a surge of frantic energy setting in, I find a neglected nook of my home to clean. Take this time at home to clean commonly overlooked spaces like baseboards, ovens, microwaves, showers, washing machines and even home exterior siding and decking.

cheap ways to celebrate spring

3. Open your windows and let some fresh air circulate your stagnant home.
With temperatures slowly starting to creep into the mild territory, I have been keeping my windows open as much as I can. There is nothing like fresh air to keep you feeling alive and healthy.

4. Relax with a lavender spa soak.
While you may not be able to visit a spa, you can certainly create your own zen vibes from home. Using lavender-scented Epsom salts and some chill tunes on my playlist, I like to close my eyes and imagine I am at a luxurious retreat indulging in an aromatherapy session. For an even more exhilarating experience, open your bathroom window and let some fresh air cool your face. The contrast of the hot bath and cool air are so invigorating.

how to celebrate easter from home

5. Decorate Easter eggs. 
Re-connect with your inner child and get crafty with these Easter egg tutorials. In this separate post, I have rounded up 30 unique egg tutorials like the one featured above by my pal Kathy of Up to Date Interiors.

6. Rearrange existing decor and furniture. 
Freshen up the feel of your home without spending a penny. Experiment with a new furniture layout or borrow decor from one room and see if you like it better in another space. You would be surprised just how “new”  your home will feel.

modern farmhouse style with erica van slyke of designing vibes

7. Have a picnic lunch in your yard.
Make a boring meal feel like a special occasion by enjoying it  out in mother nature. This is also a great way to get the kiddos outside.

8. Landscape Prep
While it may be too early to begin planting projects(depending on where you live), you could certainly start prepping for plant time. When the rain simmers down here (we haven’t seen the sun in almost 2 weeks now), I am going to get my happy a$$ outside and  begin ripping weeds, dead-heading my Hydrangeas and pruning our Crepe Myrtle trees. I think I might also take advantage of Home Depot’s free same day delivery and stock up on mulch.

spring activities you can do from home

9. Essential oil therapy with candles or diffusers. 
Create a welcoming ambiance in your home by lighting a spring-inspired, scented candle (my Spring go-to is lavender). I am actually rationing my candle stash (I need to smell a candle in person before I can buy it) by alternating between candles and essential oil diffusers.

 

spring decor using items you already have at home

10. Forage for fresh greenery in your yard.
In an effort to cut my grocery expenses while still always having fresh greenery in my home, I like to forage for stems in my yard. While you can opt for whatever branches or flowers that catch your eye (I have seen the occasional daffodil in my yard),  my trusted favorites are magnolia branches (pictured in my kitchen above) and bamboo clippings. If you are super lucky, this time of year is particularly associated with cherry blossoms.  Whatever you go with,  just make sure you clean the critters off of your selections before bringing them inside.

spring projects to do while you are stuck at home

11. Freshen up your front porch and door. 
Time to lively up your front stoop with a spring-inspired wreath and fresh door mats. While you are at it, you may want to knock down spider webs, dust off your lighting sconces and sweep your stairs. After all…when the zombies come knocking on your door, you will want to make sure it is presentable (trying my best to get a laugh from you).  You can click here for the DIY wreath tutorial (featured in the photo above).

12. Hone Your Mani/Pedi Skills
While all of the nail salons may be closed, flip-flop season is still just around the corner. Now is a great time to refresh your nail painting skills.  For a plethora of unique manicure/pedicure tutorials, check out A Beautiful Mess blog.

clever ways to celebrate spring without leaving your house

13. Al Fresco Dining
During the winter months, I tend to gravitate more towards crockpot dinners and stovetop cooking- forgetting all about the grill. To change the pace, or even just your dining scenery, try grilling and/or enjoying a meal outdoors (even if it is just a frozen pizza or your take-out tacos).

From this list, I hope you can find at least one activity which brings joy and comfort to your life.  Even more important, please be kind to yourself. However you decide to process these times, you deserve some slack. After all, we are navigating uncharted territory.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your hectic lives to stop by this little blog of mine. Your presence here truly means the world.

Now go along with your day and try your best to design some good vibes.

PS> Want to be a hero to this small business of mine? Please share this post with a friend or on social media. Thank you so much for your support.

fun spring activities to do while stuck at home

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Welcome!

My journey in interior design and home improvement began with transforming my first fixer-upper home, all while managing a budget and raising two young boys. My work, a reflection of my passion for creating beautiful, uplifting spaces, has been recognized by top publications like Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, HGTV, and more. I invite you to explore my site and witness the transformation of my home and the vibes we've designed.Read more...

Julie S

Wednesday 25th of March 2020

Just reading this made me feel more relaxed and calm! Thanks for these good reminders and some new ideas. We are grateful to live on 2 semi-country acres in California and I'm taking myself outside frequently to stave off the low feelings. The green and the fresh air does wonders.

Designing Vibes

Friday 27th of March 2020

Two acres in California sounds so dreamy! Nature therapy has done wonders for my mental health. Glad you are able to take advantage of it too. Take care, my friend.

Maria

Wednesday 25th of March 2020

Yay for Spring! Here in Vt we are not quite there yet, but reading this post and your ideas makes my wheels turn and think about how this is a time to prepare and be ready for the great outdoors! Once the storm has passed I do hope I have accomplished something:) Take care

Designing Vibes

Friday 27th of March 2020

Warmer and sunnier days ahead, my friend. I hope you are staying healthy and safe. xoxo

Mary

Wednesday 25th of March 2020

We need all the help we can get Erica. I am currently in the deep cleaning mode. Might as well pass the time constructively. Stay safe.

Designing Vibes

Friday 27th of March 2020

Well when you run out of things to deep-clean, I hope you can find some other joyful ways to pass the time. Take care, my friend.

Penny

Wednesday 25th of March 2020

Erica - thanks for the great ideas! I was just relaxing in itself to read your blog. Reminds me, thankfully I have a hoard stash of BBB wonderful smelling candles on hand. I light 3 everyday and it really does help calm the nerves. I love that fabric easter egg idea featured above and may well try it! Other creative and fun easter projects ---

I did some killer modpodge eggs (ala Stonegable); leopard print eggs and fingernail polish eggs (ala This is our Bliss) all courtesy of Walmart plain craft eggs in a carton ($.098 each). Not to mention that Walmart is still open! Speaking of foraging (trickier since I live in the desert), I managed to snag a couple of good size tree limbs and am getting ready to do "DIY Easter Jelly Bean" branches (ala Courtenay Creekline). Then looking to try a fun "Easter Clothespin Wreath" (ala 2 Peas In a Pod).

So grateful to have blogs like yours that keep us sane during these trying times. And I LOVE that pix of you and your boys sitting in the grass. Penny srmarymaid@aol.com

Designing Vibes

Friday 27th of March 2020

Wow, Penny! It sounds like you are being super productive....I think I need to step up my game a bit. Happy Spring! :)

Marty

Tuesday 24th of March 2020

Great post. I think we all need a change of pace from this new "normal".

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 25th of March 2020

Thank you so much, Marty. I hope you are making the most of this mess. Stay safe! xoxo