Dogs Don't Eat Pizza

Happy First Day of Spring (or, as my daughter called it this morning, “Spring 1st”!)!! I love spring – it is my favorite season. Today, for The Friday Five: Five things to do now that spring is here.

1. Spring Cleaning

When I was teaching, I always looked forward to spring break so I could do spring cleaning. There’s just something about coming out of the hibernation of winter. There are some great spring cleaning checklists out there, including my faves: this one from The Happier Homemaker and this one from Mom4Real.

The first thing I like to do when spring cleaning is changing our bed cover – from the heavy duvet and cover to a lighter cotton quilt. I wash them and put them away for next year. While I’m there, I switch my closets from winter to spring by getting out the warm-weather clothes. Sweaters go to the cleaners or in the wash and then get put away until the next cold snap.

Then I start cleaning. I put on some fun music and boogie while I clean.

2.  Clean Up the Yard

I know some folks are not fans of yardwork, but I love it, especially that first time out after spring has sprung.

Time to clean out the weeds from the beds and add a fresh layer of mulch.

I don’t go crazy planting shrubs or flowers until I know we’re officially done with frost, but I plan ahead for what I want to buy and plant in the yard.

3. Change the Batteries on Smoke Alarms

If you didn’t do it when the time changed (that’s usually when I do it), change the batteries in your smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors.

4. Enjoy the Porch

My favorite spot in the house is the back porch.

I’m loving the warmer weather and longer days to spend time on the porch – whether hanging with my family, writing, or just taking a little nap. If you need to clean your screened porch, I’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to clean a screened porch here.

5. Freshen Up

Once the sun is out and the weather gets warmer, I want everything to be a little lighter. I put away the heavy wool throws in the living room and put out cotton quilts. I have been known to want to paint rooms lighter colors, too (for example, my laundry room). And I want the food to be lighter, too – fewer stews and soups, more fresh veggies and grilled food.

What’s your favorite thing to do when spring starts?