For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring is beginning to “spring” and that clear-eyed Wood Element energy is popping up all around us. As all the Spring cleaning gives us a fresh start, we’re able to find a home for all the new ideas and thoughts that emerge. I love to think of this time of year as a new beginning - a tiny bud ready to blossom. Winter is giving way, and all that silence and reflection is about to birth some major energy...
Its giving new baby smell.
As Spring approaches I get so excited about spending more time outdoors. I’m lucky enough to live in a spot where I can spend time outside year-round but this time of year is just bursting with so much energy that it pulls me outside.
Having the doors and windows open all day…
Enjoying the sounds of the birds and brooks…
Smelling the jasmine and orange blossoms…
Watching the hummingbirds fly by… Ahhh, Spring.
It really is that good. That sweet spot - the Goldilocks zone - that is so wonderful in its fleeting existence. Have you ever been to a large city as Spring emerges? The parks! Everyone is outside, taking up every bit of nature there is. The smiles, the frisbee throwing, picnicking… That energy - that’s Spring.
I’ve put together a collection of things that help celebrate this amazing time of year and make the most of its energy. I don’t want this to be a “haul” type post but more of a reminder of what items you may have in your garage or shed that may have been forgotten about. Maybe items similar to these can be found at your local thrift store or from a friend. I’m a big fan on FB Marketplace - you’d be surprised what items cross your path as soon you put an intention out into the world. Maybe I’ll put this amazing Tessa Outdoor Sectional on my list to find. It would fit 100% perfectly in an Ojai yard, plus it’s named after my sister… is it kismet?!
Ok, so Spring… My number one favorite part: dining al fresco. I force my family to eat dinner outside every evening, basically as soon as the time changes and the evenings get longer. We’re (well, I am) paranoid careful around the pool, so I serve outdoors on vintage enamel plates (like these) and use unbreakable wine glasses (like these). I also always have my Messermeister folding knives out there. These are perfect for outdoor use as they fold up, so there’s no exposed blade (also great Feng Shui). Messermeister is an amazing company owned by one of my best friends. They started as a German knife company and now import awesome cutlery from around the world - its a female-run and family-owned company, I highly recommend you check them out!!
If I didn’t already have an outdoor table and chairs I loved, I would put something together with a super flirty vibe like this look below. How cute are the retro vibe from Business & Pleasure? They makes the cutest umbrellas and accessories…
Items above: Bistro Chairs, Pink Table, Bar Cart, Business & Pleasure Umbrella, Striped Outdoor Rug, Copper Lanterns, Lounge Chairs, Fire bowl, Teak Stool/Side Table, Mosaic Stool
Let’s not forget this is the season of the birds and the bees. Birds are amazing Chi enhancers; they bring great energy as they fly and float around. Keep them coming back with a bird bath, bird house or a hummingbird feeder. And don’t forget the bees! Those special little guys need our help now more than ever. Getting them water is a big help. You can make a bee waterer by adding stones or marbles to an existing shallow bird bath, or you could use these adorable little bee cups.
We wouldn’t do Spring justice without talking about gardening and yards, so let’s talk plants. This is the time of year to test your green thumb. A beautiful watering can makes taking care of the yard a lovely experience and is a simple way to make an everyday chore more of an art. Using high-quality hand tools (or even vintage ones) is another way to show appreciation for your yard. These will be something that will last for years to come and even become an heirloom - what a lovely memory to create. Don’t forget the gloves (keep those Spring manis intact). I love a pair of these…
Cheers to a Happy Equinox, a prosperous Spring and beyond. This is the perfect time to start something new, so let me know what you are looking forward to starting!
xo
Abby
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I love the spring vibe this post gives off! It makes me want to reorganize my patio. Speaking of that, I'm actually looking for a new dinnerware set for my outdoor meals. I'll maybe take a look at a porcelain online shop I've heard about. https://bontii.com/