TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
I can easily think of 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING! The changing seasons don’t happen everywhere. If you are so lucky to live where the 4 extremes of seasons occur then you understand the anticipation for each one, and you can easily say what you love about each one!
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Winters are so long in the North! Nothing is more welcome than a bright sunshine filled winter day after so many days without direct sunlight. Add to that the occasional gift of temperatures above 30 degrees and everyone flocks outside in Northern Michigan! And so on with Spring flowers popping up eventually to kick off the long anticipated thaw! Here are my TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING!
Each season offers it’s own exciting opportunities to really enjoy what only nature can provide us! What is your favorite season, if you have changing seasons? What do you anticipate with joy about each of the seasons you do receive? Do you possibly live without dramatic season changes in your locale? Where is that located, perhaps we should all consider living there to pair down our closets!
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”
~Hal Borland
“It’s a spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want to — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!“
~Mark Twain
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#1 ROAD TRIP TO SOUTHERN SUNSHINE
Is there any better way to spend your spring break days? Our children grow way too fast…
So many options are available for a spring break get-away for a busy growing family. Do your research and pick a “safe” location to travel to a southern state experiencing great warm weather with a healthy dose of sunshine. Everyone’s mood lightens and relief from the dull-drums of winter will pass. Watch the eyes light up and the giggles commence!
A week in the sunshine, relaxing and resting from the sprint of life that we all endure is essential to re-charge your batteries. Pick your route carefully to avoid any problems (COVID restrictions). Select your destinations with the same careful planning. Many resorts have made careful selections with local stores for on-line shopping and delivery to the resorts free of charge. Take advantage of these services if you do not wish to leave the resort upon arrival. OR, go shopping! Practice smart distancing and wash your hands regularly. Plan to spend the majority of your time outdoors upon arrival! The ocean shoreline is vast, beaches are abundant. Pick a great spot and enjoy it for a week!
“Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.”
~Gustav Mahler
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#2 OPEN YOUR WINDOWS – BREATHE FRESH AIR
At the very first signs of temperatures above 35 degrees our windows get opened a bit to allow some fresh air into our house! Airing out the stale winter air is essential to my sanity! It is very invigorating to allow yourself the luxury of fresh air even while remaining to heat your home. I know this sounds wasteful, but fresh air just makes me so happy! Hearing the sounds of nature outside my window just makes life more full. Joy…it brings me joy! Simple pleasures.
Even in the car, crack the window to allow a modest amount of fresh air into your vehicle. It changes your mood and makes you so happy to sense the fresh air all around you!
“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”
~ Harriet Ann Jacobs
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#3 RAKE & MULCH
Okay! Let me start this discussion with the knowledge that my husband is a Landscaper! Yes, we have a very nicely landscaped LARGE yard. Several anniversary gifts have been perennial gardens (less lawn to mow), new blooming trees or shrubs, landscaping around buildings or decks, or patio walkways, etc. (I’m still waiting for my pond-less waterfall feature on the hillside.) With that said…outdoor yard projects are never ending at our home! From the moment the snow melts, we are pruning, raking, aerating, fertilizing, seeding, mulching, planting, etc. This continues through summer where annual maintenance projects take over. (SEE HONEY-DO LIST BELOW)
I LOVE getting outside in the spring as soon as the snow melts to work at our yard. It is a great excuse to get sunshine and fresh air. It is so rewarding to clean up after the winter weight of the snow on the earth and to “wake up the ground” in preparation for the earth to grow its blessings again! Critters return. Some welcome, some not so welcome. From birds, bugs, and creepy crawly things to pest like skunks, racoon and opossums. But life returns to the earth once again to grow in its revolving cycle.
In early April in NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA MICHIGAN, we usually witness the first signs of spring annually. Trilliums, Daffodils, Crocus, and Tulips are usually the first to peek through, where the warm sunshine has softened the earth, even when bits of snow remain present.
“The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing.”
~S. Brown
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#4 REPLACE PATIO/GARDENING ITEMS FROM WINTER STORAGE
So, every spring the same process happens. All of the patio furniture from the various decks that was placed in storage last fall must be removed from storage and brought back out to it’s proper place. Maintenance or replacement of anything broken along with assessment of necessary improvements is noted. Garden adornments, bird feeders, and wind chimes are unpacked along with sun umbrellas and empty flower pots.
“The earth laughs in flowers.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#5 PLANT ANNUAL/PERENNIAL FLOWERS
violets #20 
violet patch around rose bushes 
Siberian squill-Scilla #26 
tulips pop up first through the snow – then day lilies bloom for remainder of spring into summer
So, Mother’s Day is my opportunity to take my family to the local store that sells annual and perennial flowers. I have a pretty general idea of how many I like planted each spring in my flower pots and perennial beds. We pick out whatever options seem prettiest and bring them home to be planted. Here is where the fun begins…
I lay out all of my pots that I want planted in the lawn. The men in my world, my two sons and my husband, collect the nutrient rich soil, planting supplies, etc. and allow me to place the flowers in whatever assortments that I want planted. Then, they follow along behind me planting where I indicate! I am so BLESSED! I look forward to this every year! They are so happy to please me and I am so happy to have beautiful flower pots all over! From hanging baskets to deck rail plantings hanging over the ledge! It is so beautiful!
We add to our perennial gardens throughout the spring and summer, as well. Perennials are the easiest because you plant them, water them and ignore them. They just keep coming back each year. Some need to be split and re-planted when they take over, but other than that…they are very low maintenance. I find we keep creating bigger and bigger perennial beds which makes less and less lawn to mow. My lawn mow guy – son #2 – appreciates this gesture!
“That is one good thing about this world … There are always sure to be more springs.”
~L.M. Montgomery
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#6 TRAVEL TO INSPIRE SPRING FEVER
So, get out of your house! Determine five easy travel ideas. They could be local for a day trip somewhere or they could be quick over night stays before returning the next day or perhaps making the weekend out of a fun destination. Where will you go? What enjoyable things will you do? Are there activities that you want to try out? Now that the weather is becoming more agreeable, do not be reluctant to go exploring! Pick safely and wisely, but go!
As temperatures increase and being outside becomes easier, many activities will become so much easier to enjoy! Embrace Spring and enjoy getting outside! Even if it is just to get out for take out and taking it to your favorite outdoor location to eat! Share it with us! Let’s inspire each other!
I’d love to hear where you decide to go! Leave me a comment below on what your ideas may be for an activity that is local to you!
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
~Leo Tolstoy
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#7 OUTDOOR “HONEY-DO” LIST
My husband is pretty talented at fixing things! He complains that all he ever does is fix what’s broken! Apparently we break a lot of items?!?
So, each winter we make a list of items that need to be maintenance, repaired, constructed, or replaced throughout winter and into spring. We giggle as we make this list as my husband rolls his eyes! The truth is that he LOVES fixing things and he’s good at doing it! All you home owners know what I mean when I say that the maintenance list never ends. Just when you get to the end of the list, you realize that you need to start at the top again! Remodeling projects pop up, failing appliances that require another repair, pumps that go out on hot tubs or water circulation heating systems, fuses that fail, staining the decking or exterior of a home, sealing the asphalt, fixing a leaking this or that pipe. How’s the roof looking? It’s all a part of owning a home. Did I mention, fixing trim pieces that may have broken, new carpet or wood flooring replacement, retiling bathrooms, painting interior walls, or redecorating ideas too? It’s like a hamster wheel that just keeps circling, yes, I know!
Spring seems to be that time of the year when we actually inspect things a bit closer and are able weather permitting to get the maintenance done. Have you started your honey-do list? Do you have any projects that you keep putting off and really need to get completed? Maybe this spring is just the time to get it done!
“It’s spring again. I can hear the birds sing again. See the flowers start to bud. See young people fall in love.”
~Lou Rawls
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#8 BIRD WATCH
Have you ever caught a bald eagle in flight? These amazing birds are so majestic to watch. They are symbols of strength, courage and freedom. They peer at you from afar. They will fly away if you get too close. They are predators of mostly fish. They also eat waterfowl, shorebirds, small mammals and turtles. They mate for life, unless one partner dies early. Year after year most return to the same nests. Their life span is 20 years. Alaska has the highest population of eagles, but Minnesota and Florida have the next highest population. Michigan has an estimated 800 nesting pairs.
I enjoy sitting on my deck quietly observing the birds in the bird bath. They are so pretty to watch and so delicate in their movements. Hummingbirds in particular are so quick and zoomy. Super cool to observe!
“Sunshine is the best medicine.”
~UNKNOWN
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#9 NATURE WALKS
Exploring in the woods or along a lake can bring so much peace of heart, body, mind, and spirit. An abundance of fresh air, exertion, and time to process your thoughts can be just what is necessary! If you are lucky you may just find some fresh spring flowers poking through to blanket the woods too!
Do you have a special place you like to hike or explore in the spring? What is your favorite spring flower? In Michigan the woods are blanketed with white trilliums. They are exceptionally pretty! In your area what is the predominate spring flower?
“April showers bring May flowers.”
~UNKNOWN
TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING
#10 MUSHROOM HUNTING
Can you say morel mushrooms? These giant were found on a nature walk by my husband while turkey hunting one afternoon on a walk in the woods.
May is morel month in Michigan, one can actually find them from late April until mid-June, depending on the location and species. Morels are not just found in the north – some of the best picking is in southern Michigan. Many will go for a nature walk to gather some for their steak dinners! This gourmet ingredient grows in abundance in our area. This is a popcorn bowl full from a short walk. Fresh morels in season can go for up to $20 per pound locally mostly due to the fact that their growing season is so limited to a few short months. In some markets around the world, dried Morels have sold for as much as $254 per pound.
Please note that certain mushrooms can be deadly or toxic. If you are not sure of what you are picking, certainly do not eat them, EVER!
I look forward to hearing from you! What are your TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE BEAUTIFUL SPRING?
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
67 Comments
Tiffany
I can’t wait for spring vacations and getting my garden started!!
Barbara Robinson
Sounds wonderful!
Jill DeMasi
I always look forward to Spring! I can’t wait to open the windows, walk outdoors and start buying new plants for the patio!
Barbara Robinson
Same here! Love spring!
Alice
I love getting out in the spring in northern Wisconsin. I now live in a larger city and I’m not sure where I can go to see some beautiful nature yet. Going to get my camera ready!
Faye
I am looking forward to tilling the earth, letting the horses out into summer fields, moving the bunnies to their new runs andthe bounty I forage of detoxifying food which the forest offers each of us
Barbara Robinson
Sounds wonderful doesn’t it! And…the promise of summer on it’s heels is just as lovely!
Sabrina
I embrace Spring because I know Summer is just around the corner. Spring is the beginning of my favorite season. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Robinson
I completely agree! I love spring, but I adore summer!
Debbie
I always look forward to the beautiful Spring colors! Hoping the recent severe weather didn’t interfere here!
Chelsea
Opening our windows is definitely one way we celebrate and embrace spring? It feels so refreshing to breathe in fresh, cool air!
Barbara Robinson
YES! It is so hard for me to live without a window open!
Alexis Farmer
I’m craving spring! Can’t wait to open my windows and get more plants going 😊
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Yes! Yes! That is the best!
Keirsten
Love this! I also love going on early spring walks just as the winter season is ending and you can smell that shift in the air as things start to emerge and life begins to thaw. Thanks for all of these fun spring ideas.
Barbara Robinson
I LOVE spring!
Carey
We just did a toys clean out for the backyard, I have seeds growing to plant soon in the garden, and planning a trip to a local garden for the daffodil festival. I love spring!
Megan
Opening up the windows is my favorite part of the warm weather coming back!
Barbara Robinson
Fresh air is so wonderful! Fresh WARM air is even better!
Tammy Horvath
I can’t wait to travel to inspire spring fever. Hopefully, I can start traveling again soon.
Barbara Robinson
I completely agree!
Danielle Ardizzone
That shot of the eagle is seriously awesome. I love opening the windows and getting some fresh air!
Barbara Robinson
Me too! Fresh air is a big gift!
Whitney Woodley
Excellent tips! We keep the windows open even in the winter sometimes. lol We are just weird. Thanks for sharing!
Barbara Robinson
Then I’m weird too…I like fresh air especially when I’m sleeping!
Marianne
I can’t wait for spring. My favourite is the way the air smells! Opening windows is not something I usually wait for spring to do.. lol… I crack them open in winter too! I just love seeing the flowers and everything begin to green up again.
Barbara Robinson
Fresh air is such a gift! Especially right off the lake or ocean!
Laura
I am really looking forward to spring in Missouri. My biggest mistake is rushing into a few of these things too early, like planting flowers. Spring can tease us, and winter returns again.
lisa Manderino
We always have a honey do list going on in the Spring!
Chelsea
Bird watching is a great idea! I’ve seen so many new nests in my yard! And a few fuzzy baby birds too!
Sandi
Bring on spring. I’m sick of snow.
Barbara Robinson
Yes, me too!
Emily
One of my favorite things about spring is opening the windows!
Kristin
Love the idea of just opening your windows and getting fresh air. Something so calming and inspiring about fresh spring air! Excited for spring to come!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Me too! I completely agree!
Denise
What a timely article. I have noticed that there are so many more birds out the last few days! I am feeling spring in the air. Definitely time for a little more time outside!
Angela
Love the Honey-DO list – I think my honey would love it if his list was only in Spring. haha
Carolyn
Being a Chicago girl, I totally concur! Getting outside is the very best way to embrace the spring, whether it’s garden prep, winter clean-up, or just feeling the sun on your face!
Suzan
Warmer months are my happy months. Love the quotes!
Barbara Robinson
Thanks! I love quotes too!
Kendra
I’m looking forward to spring so much! We have blue skies and 60-degree weather today so I totally have the windows open for some great fresh air!
Ashley Pacheco
Mushroom hunting is popular here. Also fun to do fires in a firepit so we can sit outside and enjoy the outdoors even if it’s still cool.
Jason Gowin
great tips to survive the winter blahs!
Chantelle
I’m definitely ready to embrace spring! I love opening the windows to fresh air!
Melissa Jones
Great reminders! I know I’m definitely ready to enjoy some warmer weather!
Cindy
These suggestions are perfect! We’ve been prepping the garden this week. And I have a road trip planned for later in the month!
Tiffany
Cannot wait for spring! We have our garden and landscaping on our list. Looking for more color this year!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Spring brings so many things! Camping, travel, flowers, and summer not too far off!
Maya
Can’t wait to open the windows & get new plants for our patio!
Alexis Farmer
I got my seeds started yesterday and it definitely put me in the spring mood 😊
Barbara Robinson
We traveled for spring break to soak up the rays and returned to Northern Michigan snow and ice storms…”sigh!” WELL…maybe soon we will have spring here! 🙂 (SEE WHY I TRAVEL?)
Jan
I love Spring! Living in Switzerland, it comes a bit late. We just got snow last week! I enjoyed your list!
Barbara Robinson
We traveled for spring break to soak up the rays and returned to Northern Michigan snow and ice storms…”sigh!” WELL…maybe soon we will have spring here! 🙂 (SEE WHY I TRAVEL?)
Susan
I LOVE spring! Looking through your list, I smiled at each one – and thought YES! I can’t wait to do that! Our weather keeps swinging violently from warm (almost 80 degrees one day last week) and now back to 40’s and hard frost at night. Hopefully, spring will actually show up to stay very soon, and I can get out in the yard and start the season’s work.
Barbara Robinson
Ditto about loving spring! We traveled for spring break to soak up the rays and returned to Northern Michigan snow and ice storms…”sigh!” WELL…maybe soon we will have spring here! 🙂 (SEE WHY I TRAVEL?)
Tiffany
NATURE WALKS! We actually try to go each month during the winter to one of our favorite groves to walk and LOVE when spring starts to peak its way through! Of course we had a last (hopefully!) snowfall this past Saturday and by Sunday spring was trying to break through again!
Barbara Robinson
Great joy can be found to observe the spring growth pushing it’s way into exitance! I love nature and its discoveries!
Keirsten
I am so ready for Spring!
Barbara Robinson
I awoke to snow this morning, so ME TOO!
Suzan
Spring, Summer, Fall for me. Literally stop and smell the flowers during any one of those seasons works for me!
Barbara Robinson
Snow dusted the ground last night, so I awoke to snow! UGH!
Sabrina
The long winters of the North is one of the reasons why we headed South. With the shorter Winters Spring arrives that much sooner. Gardening and planting begins in early March. Love it here all year round.
Barbara Robinson
TEMPTING TO HEAD SOUTH FORSURE!
Tiffany Gunther
This is a great list of ways to enjoy spring! Wow, I can’t believe you have bald eagles that fly over your home. That is incredible!!!
Barbara Robinson
And Turkeys that wander through our yard, bunny’s that eat my plants, deer that mow off my Hosta, racoon that tear into unsecured garbage, coyotes that howl and chase other animals at night….
Sabrina DeWalt
For us, morels are the highlight of the Spring season. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any here in Florida. We spent a few days in Virginia and were hoping to find some, but it looks like we were there a week early.
Barbara Robinson
Our town actually hosts a Morel Festival there are so many found annually.