Like most of you, we are happy to be celebrating the beginning of spring. With the mild winter we had here in the Northeast, spring is here weeks before it arrived last year. Although our daffodils aren't blooming quite yet, our forsythia is covered with blossoms, and the ground is greener than I can ever remember in March. We are usually tromping through snow or mud at this time. With all of the Christmas and winter decor put away for another year, I've been looking for some new spring items to brighten up our old farmhouse and myself.
There are buds beginning to appear on the trees, and just look at this green grass already. It's so nice to peer out the windows and see a color other than brown or white.
I found this silky, textured, paisley top at Kohl's and couldn't resist purchasing it. The 3/4 length sleeves are perfect for this time of year when it's still only in the forties in the morning, but the temps climb to the upper sixties by the afternoon. I love the way this shirt feels and hangs on my body. It doesn't cling to my middle aged midriff, but it doesn't pouf out to make me look twenty pounds heavier either.
I returned to Kohl's last weekend looking for more of those paisley tops, but I couldn't find any left in my size. My husband spotted this short-sleeved black and white one on the clearance rack that is also Croft & Barrow. It's not in spring colors, but at $2.80 how could I not buy it?
Along with some spring shirts for me, I've also been looking for a new kitchen tablecloth for these months leading up to summer. Because there are so many of us, we have a nine foot table, and it is challenging to find tablecloths this long in our town. I discovered that Home Goods had quite a selection, and I fell in love with this blue and green paisley cotton tablecloth. Better yet, it was even on sale. How many days do you think it will take for one of my children to spill something all over it? I'm hoping we can make it through Easter dinner.
Not only did I find the paisley tablecloth, but I also came across these green paisley paper napkins in a clearance bin at Party City. I thought they'd be great for St. Patrick's Day.
My youngest also talked me into buying fresh flowers at the supermarket since we had company last weekend. I'm waiting for our daffodils to bloom.
Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, I made corned beef brisket for the first time ever. I found a simple recipe on Pinterest where you just placed the brisket in the crockpot with some vegetables, beef broth, water, peppercorns and thyme. It cooked all day and was so tender. Some of my kiddos weren't fond of it, but others really liked it.
Since some of my children weren't crazy about the corned beef, we actually had leftovers, which means making my favorite sandwich ever: Reubens. I made Reubens for lunch and dinner on Saturday, for dinner again on Sunday, and for my lunch one more time yesterday. The last little bit went to our beagle last evening. For those of you unfamiliar with Reubens, they're super easy to make and delicious.
Reubens
Spread Thousand Island salad dressing on 2 slices of rye bread. Place sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut in the middle. Toast like you're making grilled cheese sandwiches.
Aside from buying paisley prints and eating corned beef, we've also been getting ready for Easter. Our older daughter has been sick with the flu, so our first grader was eager and willing to arrange our Easter decorations throughout the house. I looked on Pinterest for some new ideas, and when I saw this one, I knew it was simple enough for me to try. Easter grass, malted eggs, and a chocolate bunny placed in a Mason jar. So simple. But does anyone else think this chocolate rabbit looks a little deranged? My kids think it's a bit creepy.
The St. Patrick's Day sign was wiped away, and I drew a new design on the chalkboard for the front porch. I'll refrain from sharing any other Easter foods or decorations until Easter Sunday has actually arrived.
From our mountain farm to yours, I'm wishing you all a Happy Spring, and may the remainder of your Holy Week be blessed.
