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Hello, and happy April!

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If your soul could use a little medicine, there's perhaps no better month to experience beauty than April, when springtime arrives in the Northern Hemisphere.

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I've been filled with gratitude as we prepare to say goodbye to our home, our dear neighbors, and this quarter acre where we've lived for 21 years.

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While tidying the gardens, I've been thanking the trees and plants that have surrounded and sustained us.

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I've been imprinting the views and pretty skies in my memory.

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I'll never forget the animals we've seen here -- owls and hawks, foxes and coyotes, raccoons and rabbits (so many rabbits)!

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As I navigate the many moving parts of this transition, I'm finding comfort in the simple beauty of nature.

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It's easy to get distracted in our busy world, but I'm always glad when I take a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let the natural world offer its peace.

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Whether it’s watching the trees in the breeze, hearing the sound of birds in the distance, or feeling the welcome warmth of spring sunshine, I hope you find those moments of calm and joy, too.

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In a video I've linked to below, Erin Benzakein from Floret Flowers says, "Go looking for beauty, and you will find it."

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Best always,

Eliza Cross Owner, Happy Simple Living ​Read my story​

P.S. Where are you finding beauty this month? Hit "reply" and let me know. I read every email and love hearing from you!

Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes are the Perfect Easy Spring Dessert

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These little strawberry cheesecakes are so easy to make, thanks to a Nilla vanilla wafer tucked in the bottom of the cupcake liner.

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The small size makes them perfect for a dinner party dessert, brunch, a shower, or an Easter buffet.

A Few Fun Goodies for You...

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😀 8 funny April Fool's Day food pranks (like a delicious dessert that looks exactly like mashed potatoes and gravy!)

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🐰 Easter dinner will be simple and scrumptious with my friend Kathleen's Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. (You will love ❤️ her Southern cooking blog, Grits and Gouda!)

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🌸 In this lovely video, "The Creative Practice," Floret Farm's founder Erin Benzakein shares how committing to making a bouquet every week during the growing season changed her life.

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🎂 You’ve probably noticed that cake mix boxes are getting smaller! If you have a recipe that calls for a boxed cake, these tips from Parade magazine are super helpful.

How to Force Spring Blossoms

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Bring a touch of spring indoors with this simple, budget-friendly trick for encouraging blossoms to bloom early.
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Just snip a branch from a spring-blooming tree or shrub, place it in a vase with warm water, and set it in a cozy, sunny spot. In about a week or two, you'll be greeted with gorgeous blooms.

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This technique works with many flowering branches. Forsythia, plum, cherry, apple, and magnolia are all great choices for adding a touch of spring to your home before the season fully arrives!

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked, Easy to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

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When you want perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs, forget tips like adding vinegar or using old eggs.

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I've "cracked" the code to making the best, fresh hard-cooked eggs. The shells will slip right off and the yolks will be bright yellow.

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They're perfect for making the Ultimate Bacon Deviled Eggs recipe for Easter!

DIY Audubon-Approved Hummingbird Feeder Recipe

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Hummingbirds will be arriving in many U.S. states this month.

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Be ready for them with your own DIY hummingbird nectar--using Audubon's approved recipe.

🥓 Try These Crispy Jalapeno Popper Wontons Appetizers

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They look like pretty blossoms on the tray, and these Jalapeno Popper Wonton Appetizers have SO much flavor in every bite!

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Creamy, cheesy filling plus zippy jalapeños and savory bacon in a light, crispy wonton will have your guests begging for more.

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This recipe is from our sister site, BENSA Bacon Lovers Society:

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