It’s Time For Spring
It’s time to freshen up the outside of your home! Spring is a great time of year to give the outside of your home a once over to check for all the things that need to be updated from the winter weather. Sometimes all you need is a good pressure washing to make the whole place look brand new. Clean your gutters and your outdoor vents and check all caulking and weather stripping. It’s also time to clean your porch furniture, service your yard equipment and prep your grills for all the upcoming cookouts.
It’s a wonderful time to get out and move so, why not get some yard work done also. This is a great time to pamper your yard, seed bare patches and groom your shrubs and trees. If you are thinking of planting a garden, this is the perfect time to prepare your soil. The weather is warming and the days are getting longer so take advantage of some extra outdoor hours before the HOT weather comes. They say that planting and gardening relieve stress – who doesn’t need help with that. Right?
If you have a pool that has been covered. Now is the time to take the cover off, skim and vacuum your pool and adjust the water level. You will also need to check your chemical levels and adjust as needed. You might also want to see if that itty bitty teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini still fits or guys you try on that speedo!
So, now that we have the outside looking good. I have a few recipes to share that might just make your house the hit of the block.
RASPBERRY LEMON COCKTAIL
1 PINT FRESH RASPBERRIES
2 LEMONS
2 TBSP SUGAR
4 OUNCES VODKA
ICE
16 OUNCES LEMON SPARKLING WATER
Muddle ¾ of the raspberries with the sugar and lemon juice until the berries are crushed. Add the vodka. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake vigorously. Using a strainer, pour about 4 ounces of the mixture into a glass and to with 4 ounces of sparkling water. Garnish with raspberries and lemons.
SPRING SALAD WITH STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
Salad
1 Bag Salad Spring Mix
½ fennel bulb – thinly sliced
¼ red onion – thinly sliced
1 pint strawberries sliced
½ cup pecans
2-4 ounces feta cheese
Dressing
1 cup strawberries sliced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon shallot - minced
1 clove garlic – minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Add salad ingredients to a bowl. Put dressing ingredients to a food processor and pulse. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Mix and serve.
Enjoy Spring !!!!