Spring! Fun things to do in our community.

Spring! Everything is warming up, the grass is turning green and the flowers are blooming. What a great time of year. It's exciting to see the changes and the warmer weather beckons you to come out doors. 

This spring you can enjoy several fun activities right here in our community...

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011, 9AM - 4PM

GET READY FOR LIFESTYLES HOME & FAMILY EXPO Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 9 am to 4 pm located at the Waxahachie Civic Center at Highway 287 and I-35E.

ELLIS COUNTY'S LARGEST EXPO OF ITS KIND is serving up over 60,000 square feet of entertainment, shopping, and fun for the whole family!

OVER 130 RETAIL EXHIBITORS booths will be featured at LifeStyles, offering a unique getaway for people from all walks of life!  Expect autos, jewelry, clothes, home improvement, door prizes, kids activities, and more!

"A TASTE OF WAXAHACHIE" will feature an entire room dedicated to serving up delicious samples from local restaurants including a special Texas Wine & Cheese Tasting.

Spring Art Show & Sale, Date 4/9/2011 @ 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Please join the Ellis County Republican Women for their Spring Art Show & Sale.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Date 4/9/2011 TO 5/30/2011, @ 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

Scarborough Renaissance Festival  

KIDS FISHING DERBY, Date: 4/9/2011

The Midlothian Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a free Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 9, 2011 for 4 to 15 year old's at the site of Midlothian's future Community Park

Easter Egg Hunt, Midlothian Date: 4/16/2011 @ 10:00 a.m.

Midlothian DBA is hosting the annual Easter Egg hunt at Kimmel Park, ages 1 month to 10 yrs. for more information click the link below.

Midlothian Downtown Easter Egg Hunt 

Texas Theater presents Classic Rock Revival-2 bands, Date 4/16/2011,@ 7:00 PM TO 10:30 PM

Tax Man is a Beatles Tribute and Bird Dawg is Classic 70's rock. $5 cover charge

Dallas Arboretum Concerts Date: beginning 4/19/2011 @ 7:30 p.m.

Concerts in the Garden 

Spring Fling, Midlothian, Date: 4/30/2011, @ 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce at Heritage Park (8th St.) for this years Spring Fling! 

Gingerbread Classic, June 3, 2011 @ 1:00

The 2011 Gingerbread Classic will be held Friday, June 3 at the Waxahachie Country Club.

Check back soon for more fun & local activities!
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Spring is in the air!

I just love those first signs of winter fading & spring coming. What you can do around your home right now:

1. Cut back your roses and give them a sprinkle of rose food & blood meal.  They will reward you with happy healthy blooms in the weeks to come.

2. Keep a sharp eye for those pesky new weeds in your flower beds.  Pluck them quickly before they can spread seeds. Weeds are a gardens biggest struggle but getting a jump start on the battle will help provide a beautiful and easy to maintain spring & summer garden.

3. Check your sprinkler system.  Making adjustments to schedules, repairs and testing the heads for any blockage will get your system off to a good start and keep your lawns & gardens evenly watered.

4. Repair, replace, or add outdoor lighting.  What a great time to replace those burned out bulbs, replace broken fixtures or add some new lighting to make your outdoor space more enjoyable.  The coming weeks will provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor living.

5. Take advantage of the rain.  Watch the weather schedule and take advantage of Mother Nature's water and turn your sprinklers off & set out your house plants to enjoy the fresh air & get a deep watering.

6. Set out new plants.  In Texas we have a chance of a late freeze until early April.  However, it's a great time to set out bushes, trees, and any mature plants.  Just watch for any freeze warnings to cover the plants for the evening.  The spring rains & cooler temperature's will allow the plants to take root and adjust to their new environment before the summer heat sets in.

7. Clean & tidy.  Give your outside windows a good wash.  Power wash your decks and walkways. Check your outdoor furniture for any needed repairs, rust removal or needs for fresh paint. If you have a pool now is the time to start giving it a good brush down and lengthening the cleaning schedule.  Check your chemical balance & make any necessary adjustments. Give all the pool towels a fresh wash and set them in a closed weather proof container for easy access.  Adding a small box of baking soda & a bag of damp rid will keep them ready to use!  Getting a jump start on a fresh clean start will reward you on those impromptu get together's on the patio.


8. Prepare the vegetable garden.  Now is a great time to turn the vegetable garden, add compost, clear any weeds, and prepare the beds for lettuce, herbs & squash.  Great cool weather plants to get your outdoor kitchen garden started!

9. Take inventory.  Check your outdoor toys.  Get rid of any broken or damaged toys and make a list of what your family might need to keep this spring & summer's outdoor time active & fun.  Remember to plan storage for your outdoor toys.  Having clutter and debris spread all over your yard isn't comfortable or enjoyable for anyone.  Your outdoor space should be a reflection and extension of your home.

10. Add a soft touch.  Having a few throw pillows, natural fabric throws or small blankets, will add comfort and personality to your outdoor living area.

Winter wind down...

Things you can do now to get a jump on Spring. 

Outdoors:
1. Start prepping your planting beds.  Pull any early or dead weeds, turn the earth and add some organic planting mix.

2. Orders seeds! Seeds are a great cost effective way to have a flower bed full of color and the envy of the neighborhood.  Home centers have seeds now but a lot of heirloom seeds and old fashion favorites can only be found at seed catalogues.

3. Make a list of things you would like to see accomplished in your outdoor spaces.

4. Check stored cushions for mildew or damage to assess needs for the coming season.

5. Plants that have been indoors for over wintering can use a little extra water and a feeding in prep for moving outdoors.

Indoors:
1. Clean window seals , ceiling corners, and the bottoms of tables and furniture of cobwebs. These are all areas that spiders like to nest and lay eggs....help cut down on household spiders now!

2. Start evaluating what things to pack away that give your home that cozy wintry look and assess your belongings to update throws, pillows & accessories for a fresh up to date look for Spring.

3. Starting mid March in our area you can start cleaning extra blankets and beddings and store in plastic bags for safe keeping for next winter.

4. Gather and clean all the hats, scarfs, and snow clothes for summer storage. 

5. Pick up cedar balls for use when storing linens and clothing.

6. Start looking at your favorite catalogues for this seasons colors so you can find inspiration for an item or two to add that special punch to your space!

Everything in it's place...

I don't know about all of you but this is something I continually strive for.  I have been studying Interior design & home organization for years and find there is always room for improvement! 

Coming soon I will share tips for budget friendly kids rooms and how to get them on top of their game with taking control of their own rooms!  Keep in mind I'm not a miracle worker & age appropriate expectations have to be the focus.

Kids rooms can look great and they can keep it that way!  From elementary to college I will highlight rooms that are truly lived in.