March Wrap Up (Decorating, Shopping and More!)

*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

March Wrap Up – Decorating Ideas:

Simple spring updates to the coffee table…

As the days get warmer, I get inspired to freshen up my decor.  Recently, I added some springy items to my living room coffee table.  Most of the time, I keep stacks of decorating books displayed here.  For this spring season, I added some extra greenery and a few candles.

Since I love cabbage ware dishes, I had been searching for more decorative pieces.  When I found this adorable tea light candle holder, I had to order it!  Not only is it absolutely perfect for my home but it was so inexpensive!  While shopping, I came across this much more expensive version (for taper candles), but I like the color and texture of mine so much more!  

In case you missed it, I recently shared my Easter table ideas where I used my cabbageware (aka lettuce ware) salad plates.  In that blog post, I also shared some spring vignettes around the house.

Simple Recipe for Spring:

While we’re talking about greens, here’s an arugula and avocado salad…

Since I eat arugula practically every day, I’m always looking for new salad variations.  For spring, I like to mix arugula with avocado, cucumbers and pecans.  Then I’ll sprinkle on some lemon and olive and oil for the dressing.  To make it into a meal, I’ll add some grilled chicken.  So easy for quick lunch or light dinner!

Tip to keep your avocados fresh longer…

For someone who eats avocados on a regular basis, it took me awhile to learn how to keep them fresh.  In the past, I would just store them at room temperature in my fruit bowl.  Once they’d ripen, I’d be in a mad rush to eat them before they spoiled.  Since then, I’ve learned to move them to the refrigerator once ripe.  It makes them last a few days longer!  Was I the only one not aware of this?  

March Wrap Up – Travel:

Spring break in the Bahamas…

This March, we took my son and his friend to the Atlantis Bahamas!  (Our older son was on spring break with his friends during the same week).  Normally, we like to stay in small hotels or condos.  This time, we opted for this huge resort to keep the two college boys entertained!  

Well, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised!  The resort was beautiful and had something for everyone. At first, I worried that we’d have to wake up early to save beach chairs but that was never necessary.  With the way the property was spread out, it never felt crowded…shocking since it was prime time for spring breakers!  I’d definitely go back!  

First weekend of spring in Vermont…

After spending spring break in the Bahamas, I was done with the winter weather!  But the winter weather wasn’t done with me!  On the first day of spring, I drove my younger son from Connecticut to Vermont to visit his brother at college.  When we left CT, it was sunny and warm but then we got stuck in a huge snowstorm for the last 50 miles of the trip.  Since the drive took forever, I ended up booking myself a hotel room that night.  If you’re ever in the Burlington, VT area, I recommend the charming Green Mountain Suites Hotel!  It’s where I always stay when I’m up there.

The next morning, I drove to our condo in Killington and the boys joined me there for the rest of the weekend.  We went out to dinner, made a fire and watched March Madness on TV.  Despite the snowy driving conditions, it was a wonderful weekend with the boys!

Dinner at a luxury resort…

At the end of March, we joined some friends at Ladd’s Tavern, one of the restaurants at the Natirar Resort (a luxurious countryside retreat in the hills of Somerset County, New Jersey).  Even though I didn’t take any photos of the actual restaurant, we did walk around and take some photos of the adjoining rooms…

March Wrap Up – Recent Reads:

In March,  I read two books…

As a big fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, I tried one of her earlier books, Maybe in Another Life.  Even though the book was entertaining and thought provoking, it wasn’t one of my favorites from this author.  Since the story is told from two timelines, it was confusing at times and also a bit predictable. Having said that, the characters were very likeable and I enjoyed how the book explored the impact of life choices.  Overall, it’s worth reading if you want something light and easy for the beach.

With all the hype about the New York Times bestseller, Broken Country, I had to add it to my reading list!  Well, I’m happy to say I definitely recommend this one!  The book was a fast paced emotional roller coaster with suspense and surprising twists and turns.  To me, the characters felt very real and the writing was powerful.  I finished reading it in just a couple days. (As a warning, the book does deal with grief and a heartbreaking storyline involving a child).  If you can handle intense emotions, I think you’ll love this book too!