My Spring Display - It's here...SPRING is here!

Yay!  It's officially and finally, Spring!

I must say our first two days of Spring were way-too-chilly here, but today however, well, it was in true Spring form.  Even though I had plenty of 'life chores' that I should have been doing today, I sat outside for a little while enjoying the warmth of the sun as it was giving me the thought that "I could just sit here like this forever!"  It felt wonderful.  Such a beautiful Spring day!

I am so pleased to say "Hellooo SPRING! ...Buh-Bye Winter!"

I felt inspired, and motivated, to put a Spring theme together for my display shelf.  As I always try ever so frugally to do, I managed to achieve the look by using mostly what I already had on hand, along with a few inexpensive items.

I found the wire-backed window at our new Home Goods store and had to get it once I saw it was a half price mark down from thirty bucks.  I love a good bargain!  I've been wanting to make something similar for a while and this was just perfect!  I picked up a few floral items at the craft store to dress up a plain grapevine wreath, and transform it into a simple, but pretty, Spring wreath.  I also found the Bunny there and that cute little thing hopped right into my shopping cart! *wink*  Uh-huh that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

The little cardboard tags were a find after the holidays at the Target dollar area, eight tags for a buck, so I quickly grabbed two bundles.  I knew at the time I'd find a use for them in the future!  I attached my wooden letters to the tags by using reusable thumb-tack/putty, then strung the tags onto some jute twine to make my SPRING-banner.  The little ceramic basket was a mere dollar-fifty of a deal found on the seasonal/holiday isle at the grocery store and I thought it was just so cute that it had to come home with me too. 

I edited a few items and also moved things around just a bit, then settled on this look for now.  I am liking it well enough and enjoy seeing it, and having it as a fun 'welcome' to Spring!

  

Happy SPRING!...

Chicken Wraps - with Avocado, Cheese, Spinach and Basil

These chicken wraps are a satisfying meal anytime, whether for lunch or dinner, they are so quick and easy to make.  I enjoy finding new and interesting ways for adding spinach to my diet.   This is one way that I do that.  I like to make these chicken wraps for lunch or even as a quick snack.  I try different variations, but this one is the basic overall favorite.  I often use the Ole whole wheat tortilla/wraps instead of flour tortillas, I like that they are a lower carb and low calorie alternative.  I love avocados so they are a must-have when I make these wraps.  I prefer the shredded cheese blend of cheddar and monterey jack, and for added heat the mexican blend with pepper jack is good too! 

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Chicken Wraps - with Avocado, Cheese, Spinach and Basil

What you will need:
chicken breast, cooked, diced
avocado, thinly sliced, and/or mashed
soft tortillas
cheese blend, shredded
spinach leaves, or use any lettuce
basil leaves
yogurt dressing/caesar dressing

Optional additions:
thinly sliced-
green pepper
cucumber
onion
tomato

How to prepare the wrap:

Spread avocado down the center of a soft tortilla, add chicken, spinach and basil leaves on top of the avocado, also down the center.  Add cheese, then drizzle on dressing.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Fold one edge of the tortilla over the ingredients, then roll up tightly, can slice or leave whole, then serve.

Enjoy!...

Tammy's Tip Today - Let go and throw out the clutter

I wanted to share a tip today on a couple of useful lists I discovered.  One consists of 200 things to throw away, and the other is 25 Reasons to Get Rid of It.

With Spring approaching, what better time to do some de-cluttering, cleaning out, and organizing throughout the home.

I found these lists to be helpful and perfect for the encouragement of letting go!  Lots of things I hadn't thought about, and I'm sure I have some of them, in duplicate or more even.

I know I for one can admit that I am a bit of a hoarder, but, I also like to have order and organization, too.  Hmm, an organized hoarder, sounds laughable, huh?  It's the crafter and decorator in me.  The Hubby knows all too well what I am talking about.  I've said it before that I do have a need to "hang on" to things, like "I might use that for something, so don't throw that away!"  So my "craft closet" has become an over flow of scattered hiding places where I can put this and that for future use...someday!

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Just getting started may be the hardest part!
Items no longer needed that are in good condition can be donated, recycled, or perhaps sold, maybe via a garage sale if you're planning one and want to make some extra cash from your purge.  Throwing out some of the suggested old, or partially used items is a good place to start for de-cluttering.

Keeping those things that you love or make you happy is a good suggestion, if you really feel you can't part with something.  And, I like the rule of "have you used it in the past six months or longer?"  It may be time to let it go!  Remember to keep in mind not all things are appropriate to just throw out - batteries, paint, household cleaners or chemicals, find out how to safely dispose of those type of items. 

It may be best to start with one room at a time, then decide what to keep, what to donate, what can be recycled, and what to throw out.  Completing the process for each room before moving on to the next should help to keep things in order, and more in control.

Use the lists as a guild to help you let go!  I'll be trying to do just that over the next few weeks, as I get a jump on some Spring-cleaning.  I'm feeling empowered and know I can do this, we all can!

Visit the links at
Embracing Homemaking.net for: 200 things to throw away
Martha Stewart.com 25 reasons to get rid it   Plus: 25 more reasons to get rid of it

Good Luck!...