It’s finally HERE!!! After what has felt like the longest winter in Minnesota history, spring finally, finally arrived in Minneapolis this week. The snow is beginning its slow melt and the first 60 degree day of the year is in the forecast for early next week. I am over the moon excited about it all. While we can’t quite put away the winter gear yet (anyone else remember last year’s APRIL snowstorm?? Ugh.), I’ve ditched my heavy parka for a lighter coat and my trusty winter boots have been set aside for my favorite wellies. The change of seasons always gets me excited about new things to do, read, wear, and listen to so I thought I’d share what’s on my radar for this spring in our Friday Five: Spring Things. Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip – A Perfect Early Spring Recipe!

01. Spring Reads

I’ve been doing a ton of reading lately and man, have there been some great books out there this year! So far I’ve loved this one, and this one. I just started reading The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly by our good friend Rebecca Ansari and it is absolutely delightful. If you haven’t had a chance to grab it yet, definitely hit up your local bookstore or order a copy online. You won’t regret it! And, I’m happy to report, after a few unsuccessful tries at audiobooks (which Lane loves and swears by) I’m currently listening to Michelle Obama’s Becoming and it’s fantastic. I love hearing her tell her own story. What a treat.

02. Podcast Obsessions

This spring has also brought a bit of a podcast kick for me. My recent podcast binges have been courtesy of our friend Tracy, who told me all about some great podcasts while we were on our recent Ojai trip. She got me hooked on The Smartest Person in the Room and 10 Things To Tell You. I love the idea of learning about things from people who really know their stuff. The series on bias was particularly great and really pushed me to think about things outside of my own comfort zone. Thanks for the recommendation, Tracy!

03. The Perfect Spring Boots

We’ve been reveling in the warmer temps this week and heading outside for a walk or ride around the neighborhood with the kids after dinner. With all of the melting snow, my all time favorite wellies have been earning their keep in my closet once again. They are a bit of an investment, but I can tell you, after almost 5 years of steady wear (year round!), these are still going strong and are totally worth it. I wear them all the time and can’t recommend them enough.

04. New Recipe Inspiration

My #52weeksproject is still going strong over here and I’ve already had a handful of huge recipe successes (along with some minor failures – more on that in a future post). Part of the fun of the project is scouring the internet and my stash of cookbooks to find my next week’s recipe to try. Lately I’ve filed away the recipes for these Sourdough Crackers with Olive Oil and Herbs, this Persian Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice, and these Hot Cross Buns, perfect for the Easter holiday! Have you tried any must make recipes this year?

05. My Salad Dressing Obsession

Of course, I’m always a fan of making your own salad dressing, but lately I have been absolutely obsessed with the Lemony Herb Vinaigrette from Salad Girl. My husband laughs at me because I basically buy a bottle a week – just for me! I love that they are a local company and all of their dressings are organic, gluten free, and don’t use any cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Four of the dressings are also vegan. You can get them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores here in the Twin Cities, or buy them online. FYI: I’m not being compensated in any way for writing about them.  I just honestly love their product and hope you will, too!

Bonus: If you’re looking for an easy early spring recipe, check out our Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip. It’s perfect with those spring strawberries!