A Spruce for Spring and a Coupon!

Greetings, Chicago families! Like you, I have been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for the warm weather to finally arrive. Spring is a wonderful time to connect with the outdoors and bring the warmth and sunshine into our homes. It also creates new ways to connect with our little ones so they savor springtime as well.

Here are some ideas to make your spring a time of fun and renewal. Use them as inspiration for your own growth and sense of style. And be sure to check out the bottom of the page, where GoPicnic is giving FITL families a special coupon code to make our outdoor adventures extra tasty! 

1.  Spring Cleaning and Rewards

Kids love to feel grownup, and it’s never too early to give them age-appropriate responsibilities. Create a spring/summer chart of “helper” activities that your little ones can do around the home (making the bed, setting the table, washing and folding the beach towels, watering plants, etc.). After they’ve completed a week’s worth, reward them with a treat, an allowance, or extra-screen time. You’ll have an eager and happy helper in a flash!

2.  Buy a Green Beach Bag

Spring is the time for quick trips to the beach or pool. Fill a beautiful beach bag with essentials like a new towel, beach toys, sunscreen, a little change purse for “ice cream” money, water bottles, and anything that will add a little more fun to your outings. And don’t forget the band-aids for those occasional and unavoidable tumbles!

3.  Grow a Family Garden

There is nothing like a vibrant plant or two to bring spring right into your living room, and children have a magical relationship with all things nature. A simple window box or pot of herbs might be ideal, depending on your space and the greenness of your thumb. Your local garden shop is a great family outing and should spark some new ideas about how to let your children create a little garden of their own, inside or outside.

4.  Prep for Picnics

There is something about spring that makes me crave a picnic!  To get kids involved in the planning, set aside an area of your kitchen for picnic prep. Create healthy, new seasonal treats to make together. Cute containers for sandwiches, dips and flatware for on-the-go meals make it easy and enjoyable, too!

I hope this inspires you to find some new and inspiring ways to bring the joys of spring into your life and your family’s life this year.   Create new routines, add new foods and, most of all, GET OUTSIDE and take advantage of living in the middle of this gorgeous lakefront city.

Have a sweet and wonderful spring! 

Anne Book, Signature Style

Many thanks to GoPicnic for giving Chicago families another reason to celebrate the sunshine!  At checkout, use the discount code FITL 10 for some extra special savings!