by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: February 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

After a long winter, the first signs of spring's arrival provide a welcome reprieve from the cold, wet weather and the short daylight hours we've been stuck with. Stepping outside into the sunshine and seeing the long-hidden flowers beginning to peak out of the ground puts a "spring" in your step and a smile on your face. You can sense that the season of refreshing and renewing is upon you and you experience a desire to react to that feeling. The following are ten ways that you can welcome spring and make the most of this beautiful time.

1-Go outside to your yard and plan your gardens for the year. Both flower and vegetable gardens should be prepared at this time. Plant your bulbs, if you are adding new ones or beginning your first flower garden. An English garden is a beautiful way to go, even for beginners. Soil should be turned, weeded and compost added. Your vegetable garden can be started with seeds inside, until the chance of an additional frost has passed.

2-Spring is the perfect time to get together with your loved ones. Plan your season's first picnic or barbecue with friends and family. Prepare your menu and guest list. Make pretty spring themed invitations to send out and start getting your home and yard ready for its best presentation.

3-It's time for spring cleaning! Set aside a full day to dedicate to the refreshing of your home. Starting at the top and working your way down, dust, wash, shine and organize every nook and cranny. Windows should be washed, ceiling fans and shelves dusted, cupboards wiped down and organized, walls washed, ceilings and corners dusted for cobwebs, appliances cleaned, and floors washed and shined. At the end of your cleaning, place a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers somewhere special in the home. If you don't have any in your yard yet, pick up one from the local florist or grocer.

4-Bring springtime into the home with a color change. The earth tones of autumn and winter can be replaced with the pastels of spring. Accessories and throw pillows can be changed. Candles in votives can be switched out. Decorative towels can be purchased in spring tones. There are many easy ways to bring spring into your decor.

5-Go through your closets and dressers, removing winter clothes and storing them while bringing back your spring/summer wardrobe. If anything is in need of repair, set is aside to do in the evening while you are relaxing with family.

6-Do you pay monthly for a gym membership? This is a wonderful time to cut costs and

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