La Primavera...enjoyed more fully after spring cleaning


Spring…Primavera! It’s here and it’s grand. Outside the colors are vibrant and fresh. I’m fantasizing about taking a nap on my back patio and relishing in spring like Botticelli's three dancing Graces. 

Spring cleaning on the other hand, is something I dread. I don't imagine Botticelli's three Graces having to do spring cleaning. Over spring break, that’s just what I did. Going through my son and daughter’s room for a few days straight was dreadful. Sifting through the past few years of memories and deciding what to keep was something I’ve been putting off for a long, long time.

I had help. My mom was like Botticelli's cupid, targeting me to focus on uncluttering. She was my second set of eyes and with several boxes we managed to make since of their rooms again…now much more age suitable (and I can close their drawers).

Spring cleaning requires much needed therapy. I found mine in yoga class and at the Dallas Arboretum. My yoga teacher began class by saying, “It’s spring and it’s time to clean out the clutter.” Cleaning out the clutter physically means you clean clutter out of your head too. It feels so good.

Clean the clutter out of your child’s backpack and out of your counter with this must have app artkive. I don't feel guilty about throwing away my child’s art/school work…take a picture of it and then artkive it.

Take some reading material with you before you take that nap in your back yard. There are several websites that help you to unclutter and be more productive Unclutter, Lifehack, Dumblittleman, 43folders and Martha’s spring organizing tips

Rewarding yourself for your uncluttering is absolutely necessary. I suggest an outing to enjoy the beautiful spring time weather. You could feel like this...


Celebrating La Primavera at the Dallas Arboretum.

Swing into Spring




Jean-Honore Fragonard’s 1767 painting, The Swing is famous for its Rococo style and flirtatiousness. It has that has that a “love is in the air” springtime flingtime feel. It's fun to know that back in 1767 it caused quite the scandal. I can’t help but sing Melanie Safka’s1971 song in my head…it just works!

“I’ve got a brand new pair of rollerskates
You’ve got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and
Try them on to see"

Flirtatiousness can translate to any century or age but springtime is the time when we feel the most flirtatious. Can't you just hear that French flirty woman singing Melanie's...la la la la la la's as she kicks off her shoe to one of her lovers?


Read: Flirtatious French writer, Colette's 1910 novel The Vagabond (the wanderer) tells the story of a woman, Renée Néré, who becomes a music hall dancer after a divorce and contemplates another marriage with a man who is crazy for her. Colette's character, Renee, is based on her own life which makes The Vagabond even more riveting. Written over one-hundred years ago, it still has relevant charm that just can't be dated.  





Smell:
Neroli (the orange flower) is associated with love and romance and known for it's calming effects. In the 17th century an Italian princess, Anne Marie Orsini (princess of Nerola, Italy) was so fond of orange blossom that her name was given to this flower...neroli. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, Neroli 36, Neroli, and Fleurs D'Oranger are four top neroli frangrances that will sooth you and all those who come in contact with you. 


Spring Romance...Texas-style:
The Lone Star State's bluebonnets are blooming. Texas ladies like to wear pretty boots with flowy skirts and dresses. These Old Gringo boots would be perfect for a romantic picnic. I like the romance of letter writing and what a special way to personalize your letter with a Texas size return address stamp. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? What about your state around your neck? What a perfect way to show your pride. GaugeNYC state pendant necklaces give "Deep in the Heart of Texas" a visual meaning. I love the idea of wearing my state close to my heart. 


Listen:
Madeleine Peyroux's new release, The Blue Room, is perfect for springtime flingtime love and afternoon delights. I love her versions on four of Ray Charles' songs but my favorite is her take on the Everly Brother's, Bye Bye Love with her Billie Holiday pitch...it's beautiful.


Spring Patterns:
Spring is the perfect time to mix and match patterns and colors. I can't get enough of Sferra's Piccadilly country pattern. It's just right for a picnic and Easter brunch. The kind of girl that wears the Clover Canyon Turquoise Valley Neoprene dress is a girl who wears rollerskates AND kicks them off in a swing. I'm so excited that it's time to think about swimsuits. I love these pretty feminine springtime patterns of one-piece suits by Camilla and Marc and Madewell

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

It's spring...time for a brand new pair of rollerskates! And make sure you bring the key! xx





  

Shamrock's and Shepherd's Pie...Ten things to do before St. Patrick's Day!

Top Ten Irish "must do" list for St. Patrick's Day
  1. breakfast: The proper Irish breakfast includes bacon, sausage, fried eggs, mushrooms, and tea.
  2. eat: Have a picnic and soak in the sun for lunch then enjoy shepherd's pie for dinner. 
  3. wear: AG jeans are soft, vibrant and hug you in all the right places. These jeans are in a color called Shamrock...how perfect is that?    
  4. send a card: Be sure to find the perfect Irish greeting to send to your parents and friends. 
  5. find a parade: Family friendly parades are not hard to find. I like that the Dallas St. Patrick's Day is making an effort to focus more on the family. 
  6. Irish beer: Irish beer for St. Patrick's Day. Find one or try several. I like the Rogue.
  7. Irish-style cocktails: How does a green sangria sound? I think I could drink it all spring and summer long.
  8. quotes: There are so many Irish blessings and sayings but my all time favorite is this one: May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. You can find many more in a former post I wrote here
  9. movie: There are three fantastic Irish movies to enjoy in honor of the Emerald Isle...watch the Commitments, Once and Waking Ned Divine
  10. linens: These clover Piccadilly linens are perfect for a St. Patrick's Day picnic.
May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

Family fun...what it's all about! Happy St. Patrick's Day!! xx