March in Colorado looks like snow-covered daffodils. Spring break blizzards and play dates at greened-up parks. And fleece jackets one day and shorts the next. Just the way we like it here at Stepping Stone™. Whether the outside world agrees or not, spring really is just around the corner. So here are some tips for preparing your home for the season.

1. SPRING CLEANING

First, let’s talk about that long-revered tradition of spring cleaning. Maybe ‘old’ you would pull out the Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, and 409 and get after the ooky winter build-up. But ‘new’ you would rather avoid unleashing harsh chemicals in your home (and downstream via your water pipes). No worries. Using this list of natural ingredients, you can clean with a clear conscience.

•  Distilled white vinegar
•  Baking soda
•  Olive oil
•  Borax
•  Liquid castile soap
•  Essential oils (found at any natural grocery store)
•  Microfiber cloth

 

Windows

Fill a spray bottle with 1/4 cup vinegar and one quart of water. Spray onto glass windows, and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Bathroom counters

Mix two parts vinegar and one part baking soda with four parts water. Apply with a sponge to your bathroom countertops, scrub clean, and wipe with a damp cloth.

Floors

Mix four cups of white distilled vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil, such as peppermint, lemon, or grapefruit oil for a little aromatherapy while you clean.

Wood surfaces

Mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and rub evenly onto wood furniture for a natural shine.

Toilets

Sprinkle baking soda on a toilet brush and scrub the toilet bowl. Dip a rag into distilled white vinegar and wipe the seats and outside surfaces.

Air freshener

Soak a cotton ball with your favorite essential oil and place in a small dish (out of reach of children) in any room that needs a little freshening.

Multipurpose cleaner

Fill a spray bottle with water, two tablespoons of liquid castile soap, and 10-20 drops of essential oil. Shake gently to combine, then spray on any surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

2. FRESHEN YOUR DECOR

Swap out your throw pillows

Show off the happy colors of spring with bold new covers for your throw pillows.

Switch out your bedding

Give your bedroom a mini-makeover with a new duvet cover or comforter.

Add a splash of green

Go green with accessories, or bring in fresh green houseplants.

Buy colorful blooms

Pop into Trader Joe’s or Costco for an assorted bunch you can split into several small vases throughout your home.

Take area rugs to the cleaners

Give your rugs a new lease on life by taking them to the cleaners. While your floors are bare, take the opportunity to give them a thorough cleaning.

Freshen up outdoor seating

Clean up the patio furniture, or take stock and see if you might be due for some new outdoor seating.

3. CULTIVATE YOUR GREEN-ISH THUMB

No major skills are needed for a terrarium project, which will add welcome green into your home. Terrariums with cacti or succulents are beautiful and easy to maintain, even if you’re among the “most wanted” for crimes against houseplants.

Supplies

•  Clear glass vase or container
•  Pebbles
•  Potting soil for succulent and cactus
•  Succulents and cacti of your choice
•  Sand

Follow These Steps

1.     Choose a clear glass container with an opening on top. A vase, fish bowl, or even a cleaned-out spaghetti sauce jar will work.
2.     Fill the bottom of the vessel with a layer of pebbles (about one and a half inches) for water drainage.
3.     Add about two and a half inches of potting soil specifically made for succulents and cacti.
4.     Using a spoon, make a hole in the soil big enough for the roots of your largest plant, and nestle the roots in the hole. Press the soil down firmly around the roots.
5.     Plant the rest of your succulents or cacti in the same fashion, moving from largest to smallest.
6.     Finally, distribute about one fourth of an inch of white sand around the base of your plants (optional).
7.     Now for the fun touches. Add miniature animals, figurines, shiny marbles, rocks, or favorite stones.

Keep your terrarium in a location near a window where it will get indirect sunlight, and lightly water about every two weeks or when the soil dries out.

Want more ideas about home, specifically one at Stepping Stone? Learn more about the homes available now and those coming soon.