Ahh spring, such a lovely time of the year. A verdant season of beauty and growth. A season that reminds us to slow down, savor, and be thankful for God’s beautiful world.
I don’t know about you, but my spirits are always lifted when I open the front door, and my senses seem to explode all at once. The sound of sweet birds singing, the smell of the fresh green earth, the sight of the sun’s rays beaming down, and the feeling of warmth shining down on my face. What a wonderful way to wake up!
~Outdoor Homeschool Lessons~
During the spring, the children and I are outdoors as much as we can be. We even have school outside on a picnic blanket we brought from England. (Fun fact, and maybe it is like this in the United States too, but nevertheless- it was a new idea to me- the English picnic blankets have a plastic underlining, as it is often drizzly and damp in England, so this way you do not get a soggy bottom!) Whether you are a baker or not-nobody wants a soggy bottom!
Two of our favorite homeschool activities are nature walks and lying under the clouds. We have such sweet, candid conversation while we observe the changing shapes that appear in the sky.
Often a nature walk is our first activity of the day. I give the kids several items to collect on our walk- and then we look at our found treasures- and discuss them for a mini-science lesson. It also serves as a physical education lesson… so we kill two birds with one stone. (My school-aged children are in second grade and pre-k so they enjoy hands-on learning whenever possible).
Sometimes we drop off a picture the kids colored for a special neighbor, or we collect flowers from the backyard and tie a little ribbon around them and leave a sweet bouquet on someone’s front step. I like to teach them that thoughtfulness does not have to cost any money at all.
We also enjoy making homemade juice popsicles to enjoy after playing in the backyard. Simple pleasures are even sweeter when shared on a beautiful day with those you love!
As a teacher, I believe that learning does not just take place in the classroom, but also in the great outdoors. The world is a child’s schoolhouse.
~Spring Thrifting~
In the springtime (like any other time of the year), the children and I go browsing for treasures at our favorite thrift stores where we are drawn to beautiful things that symbolize or celebrate spring in some way, shape, or form.
This week we celebrated springtime in our home with some lovely thrift store finds. As I have said in a previous post, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will share photographs with you that will help to illustrate how we used or displayed those secondhand items in our home.
In English cottages, they often have many knick knacks and antiques and bits and bobs that have been collected over many years. The feeling and atmosphere it represents is a considered feel-where nothing matches exactly, but instead, compliments the other, and gives an overall cozy, homely feel and appeal.
These items are not English to my knowledge, but the cozy English cottages are my inspiration.
I hope you enjoy and feel inspired to go secondhand shopping for your spring decorating treasures.
~The Thrifted Treasures’ Transformation~
Okay, so first we have a thrifted goblet. It is marked “c 992” on the bottom and while I could not find much information on the goblet, I believe it is vintage- just looking at its construction as well as the fine lines on the inside walls of the goblet.
It is not necessarily something that would typically grab my attention, but my first thought was to use it as a flowerpot (which I did- as you will see in the photographs).
I also found some beautiful crystal candlestick holders that reminded me of spring because of the beautiful flower bases and tops that hold the candle. I also loved the thin, dainty aesthetic they had. Seeing as they were an identical pair-I thought they were worth having.
Earlier in the year, I found two blue glass pieces at different times. I loved the spring color as it reminded me of the beautiful blue sky the children and I so often lay under and dream.
I was not sure what I would do with them, but I ended up making soy candles out of them both. I added white tea and strawberry oils to the wax to create an English-inspired, spring scent.
My second find this week was not necessarily spring-inspired, but you can’t always help what items “find” you.
I actually have a very similar pair of silver candlestick holders, but these are slightly different, and they were too good of a bargain to pass by.
They were very tarnished, but a bit of baking soda and silver polish did a good job of bringing their sparkle back.
I did not know I would find four candlestick holders this week, but I am so glad I did.
I love the fact that they can fit into any seasonal décor. The color of candles available is limitless, and these candlestick holders would be beautiful for a spring tablescape or a Christmas tablescape.
I also like to use them on a mantel or even on the top of a dresser to add a bit of glamor and interest.
*A side note, before trying out any commercial polish, baking soda mixture, etc., I recommend trying the product out on an inconspicuous area first- just to be sure no damage occurs. Some products can be too harsh for certain vintage items and do more damage to their overall finish than good.
Using some of my previously thrifted glassware, alongside the new-old candlestick holders and plant pot, I was able to create some sweet spring moments in my home.
Each unique item helped us to celebrate this beautiful season of growth by adding a touch of charm to our inside/outside spaces.
Happy spring, I hope you enjoy and revel in the simple, beautiful moments that surround our word during the lovely season of spring.