Quick & Easy Tips for a Spring Ready Porch

Spring is here in Atlanta. The sun is out again. Temp in the low 70s today. Sorry for all of you who have snow to deal with.

The warm temps are tempting me outside and I'm looking at my porch and deck thinking "hmm, it's time for a makeover." Whether or not a make over is in your budget, here are a few tips to tidy up your space and get it ready for warmer weather.

#1 Get rid of trash.

If there are pots of dead plants, wrappers, coke cans, plant labels and other assorted trash on your porch, grab a trashbag and clean it up.

#2 Clean up dead vegetation.

If you have dead or dying plants, or just something that needs a trim, now's the time. Empty pots into your compost pile (or the trashcan.) And get your snips out and trim up any plants that need trimming.

#3 Declutter

What's cluttering up your space? Forgotten decorations? Extra pots? It's time to declutter. A clutter free porch looks so much better. So clear it off.

#4 Sweep

Sweep the walls and the floor. Dust off tables, chairs, and other surfaces.

#5 Add a decoration or two.

Now's the time to add a colorful, Spring inspired decoration or two. Pillows, bows, wreaths are all great options. Don't be afraid to switch out pillows, add a matching throw and/or tablecloth to give your space a little sparkle. Use old frames to create instant artwork.

#6 Add a Spring plant.

Tulips are great. So are daffodils and crocus. Even a boxwood would do. Create a focal point with a colorful arrangement.

#7 Make doors & windows sparkle

Take a damp cloth (a window cleaner may be necessary) and wipe down windows and doors to get rid of winter dust.

#8 Make a list.

Make a list of things that need fixing or painting. Perhaps the door could use a new coat of paint or you need to fix a shutter. Make your list as you're tidying your porch so you'll have it later.

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A look at sponges

I was cleaning up after lunch today and as I was putting away the sponge I wondered when I should switch to a new sponge. So I looked it up on Real Simple. They've done a few sponge studies, definitely worth checking out.

So when should you switch sponges? They say it depends on how often and how well you clean and disinfect them. Visit this page to learn how to do that.

Not enough sponge info four you? Check out these four great alternate uses for your trusty sponge. I've personally used it as a pet hair picker upper. :)

Spring Cleaning for your Bookmarks

Today would be a great day to organize your bookmarks/favorites. Divide them into folders, putting like with like. It’ll only take a few minutes and you’ll be ready for the rest of the year.

Spring Time

It’s a gorgeous day, almost too pretty to stay inside. It’s got me thinking of all the outside projects I want to tackle.

One thing on my list is window box style planters for the back deck. I have two older ones that I’ve been using for years and I’d like to get matching ones to go all the way around. Probably five all together… but what to put in them.

Southern Living has a great idea for winter boxes. I wonder if some of those plants could work for summer as well.