When I think of spring, I can't help but be happy! There is something so refreshing about spring! I love the fresh air and cool breezes, the Easter holiday, the new flowers and new life; it seems the whole earth is celebrating a new beginning, a re-birth! I can't help but feel like I need a clean slate once spring approaches—I want to start new things and be a better person! It feels like a new start. What better way to welcome the new season than to get your kitchen ready for spring? Here are some ways to freshen up the kitchen and welcome in the new season:

Make potpourri! Boil some water and throw in some slices of lemon, lime, or other citrus—reduce to a simmer and enjoy that fresh scent! (You could also add some fresh herbs like mint or rosemary to create a whole variety of fresh, clean smells).

Open the windows! One of my favorite things about spring is that I can finally open the windows; I can let out that musty winter air and let in that fresh spring breeze! Particularly in the kitchen. Nothing like cooking with a cool spring breeze to keep you cool and refreshed!

Grow some flowers or herbs. I love having fresh herbs and what better way than to grow them myself? It also adds a little green to the home and keeps the spirit of spring alive in the kitchen ;). And what brightens a room more than some fresh flowers? Even if nothing ever grows—there's just something about flower pots filled with fresh dirt that says spring!

Fill a vase with flowers. If you're not feeling up to growing your own flowers, you can always buy some fresh ones or even get some from the craft store and arrange a beautiful bouquet for the center of your table. Nothing says spring like a vase full of beautiful flowers!

Make a birdhouse. And stick it outside your kitchen window! It's always fun to see birds and hear their songs! Why not give them a little encouragement to stick around awhile?

Spring clean in the kitchen! Nothing encourages me to cook more than a clean kitchen. Scrub that kitchen 'til it's sparkling and fresh and ready for lemonade, salads, and smoothies!

Put out some fresh fruit. A bowl of lemons or limes would be a tasty and sweet-smelling way to brighten your kitchen and keep up the spring theme.

Find a bright tablecloth or placemats. You can really brighten the kitchen with some bright-colored decorations!

Make a spring wreath! Who says wreaths can't grow in the kitchen? I particularly love the look of a yarn wreath; and they are so easy to make—you can add any decorations or adornments you want! You can get flowers from the craft store or you can you make your own flowers using fabric. You could also add an Easter theme to your wreath by adding Easter eggs, chicks, and bunnies to your wreath.

I would love to hear any ideas you have about getting your kitchen ready for spring!