April 2018 14 The Rustic Lifestyle Spring cleaning? Please God, no! I hate cleaning. It’s the worst. While we must all eventually get on board the cleaning train, or face our inevitable debut on a future episode of Hoarders, I’m refusing to acknowledge reality and sharing with you some ways to take your spring to a whole new level! 1LAY BACK AND ENJOY THE PERFECT WEATHER! Find a patch of grass and do some cloud watching with the fam! What objects can you see? 2GET YOUR FRUIT ON! Use a few spring-themed cookie cutters and punch them through quarter-inch pieces of fruit. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple are perfect for this project. 3TAKE IN A PEEP SHOW! Make traditional Rice Krispy Treats, but replace the marshmallows with marshmallow candy Peeps. Play around with flavors and layer different colors in the pan for a rainbow effect. 4GO FOR A FAMILY DRIVE! When was the last time you just drove around with no apparent destination? Take in the scenery, some sweet tunes, and family conversation along the way. No electronics allowed. 5PREP FOR MARY POPPINS’ RETURN! Disney still thinks that there is merit to flying a kite, and who am I to argue with Disney. Wait for a windy day and watch your kite glide through the air. 6ROCK ON! This simple activity is close to free and fun for the whole family. Grab some rocks, paint fun designs on them, and then hide them around town. Join local rock groups on social media (ie: the Kindness Rocks Project) to see when people find your rocks and/or post when you find others. 7RIDE A COWBOY HORSE! Grab your best friend and set out on a ride. Become one with nature and visit an unknown trail. 8DONATE YOUR JUNK! While this may cross into Spring cleaning territory, it can be liberating to minimize and downsize. Get rid of unwanted or unused goods in your house, donate to a local nonprofit, and de-stress in the process. 9BE A TRUE AMERICAN! There’s nothing more American than baseball. Lucky for you we live in baseball central where several pro teams practice. Take in a game or two. By Desiree’ Byrne, Founder of Front Porch Pickins The Rustic Lifestyle column is dedicated to sharing about all things related to country living: home décor, travel, fashion, family, faith, and more. Jim Byrne, SurrealMediaAZ.com Reserve Your Tour Today! Wickenburg, AZ Explore the BeautifulSonoran Desert by Jeep! bcjeeptours.com Yellow Bliss Road 3 Kindness Rocks Project 6 “I’m gonna soak up the sun. I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up.” – Sheryl Crow