Happy Earth Day!

Every day after work, I'm tempted to go spend money, to find that perfect vase or pillow that will change my life and my living room. :) But today, in the spirit of giving back to the Earth, I'm not doing it. I won't give into temptation. Instead, I will think of ways to reinvent my apartment. Here are some ideas and tips to really appreciate what you have and not want more!

1. Rearrange!---Seriously, this is the best makeover for your home. Even if it means simply moving your nic-nacs around from room to room, do it. I love finding new places to put things, new groupings of vases, etc. Maybe even switch around your throw pillows or your artwork.

2. Clean!---A deep clean will make you feel better and make your place look better, too! Now is the time for wiping down walls and cleaning windows to bring the outside in. Clean out your fridge and microwave. Use a combination of lemon and vinegar (all natural!).

3. Reorganize!---Put away your winter coats, hats, scarves, heavy sweaters, etc. Pull out your lightweight jackets and clothes.

4. Declutter!---Get rid of stuff you're not using or you don't like anymore. I do this almost weekly, it's crazy! I pile up bags of clothes and other odds and ends, sit them by the door so I won't forget to take them to the thrift store the next day. I absolutely love doing this because I know someone else will hopefully buy them. I even gave my friend a pillow I bought because I knew it would match her living room better than mine. Impulse buying can be dangerous. :)

So there you have it. A few simple ways to start fresh!

And here's a spring poem, just because:


Spring is like a perhaps hand

by E. E. Cummings

III
Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere)arranging
a window,into which people look(while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here)and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and fro moving New and
Old things,while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there)and

without breaking anything.