There may be snow in some parts of the United States, but I'm springing for next season anyway! Of course, with spring comes fresh produce, sunshine, and leaves on trees and petals on flowers. So what better way to prep for the warmer weather than by getting your gardening on? I'm springing for a few on-trend gardening solutions this year because, after all, growing just isn't as much fun with a simple gardening pot as it is with a cool planter. If your sentiments match mine, you'll love what I've got in store. Click through for 7 on-trend planters to brighten your home! - By Michelle Horton

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Ah, springtime is about in session! And you know what that means: It's time to get to growin'. Regardless of where you live or your horticulture skill level, you can start an awesome backyard garden! Really, the benefits of doing so extend well beyond the chance to grow something of your own and add some green to your life. There's what comes during and before that: the documenting of your garden, all the yummy produce you'll have, plus everything in between. Click through for 7 simple ways to start gardening this spring! - By Cyd Converse

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You guys might know by now that I have a bit of a thing for trolling around and finding old things that I can make new again. Items with great lines or a cool finish are fair game for upcycling in my book! I tend to really love scavenging around at garage sales, flea markets and estate sales to see what old but new-to-me treasures I can bring home. Not only is making the old new again super fun, it's also more eco-friendly and generally more budget-friendly than buying new. That's what I like to call a win-win-win. I've got a few examples if you're not sure what I mean. Click through for 7 amazing ways to upcycle old household items! - By Cyd Converse

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You know how the saying goes: March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In our parts (the West Coast that is), it looks like we're in for a lion's entrance with a pineapple express of rain on its way. But the good news is that the flowers will be appearing and spring will soon be on its way for all! So with that thought, I've gathered some clever spring gardening tips - all very budget-friendly - from your friendly neighborhood IKEA. You'll be surprised how many household items can be repurposed, from old soda cans or coffee mugs to coat hangers and vases. Click through for 7 of the most clever gardening tips and ideas to try out this spring! - By Jan Halvarson

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Succulent plants have always been favorites in the world of decorating. They store water in their leaves, which is why they appear more swollen and fleshy. It's hard not to adore these colorful, bubbly plants; plus with their natural hardiness, they can grow in just about anything! Incorporate them into your home or garden for a fun addition to everyday decor. Their striking and unusual appearance make them ideal crafting accessories, too! From whimsical to urban, check out these 7 gorgeous ways to craft with succulent plants. - By Jennifer Hadfield

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Never have I put more time, care and attention into the products I was slathering onto my body daily than when I was pregnant. The idea that my body was no longer my own - that it was growing this tiny seed of life that relied on me to grow - was enough to make me ditch my toxic beauty drawer in search of more natural alternatives. And even though I'm no longer pregnant, the idea of returning to my former ways after relying on such healthful products makes me cringe. Naturally (ha! pun!), I've gathered up 10 of my favorite finds to keep you fresh, pampered and - most importantly - safe. Happy pampering, mamas! --By Erin Loechner

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I live in a loft, so I don't have a place for a larger garden. Thus, if I want plant life around me in the spring and summer, I must use planters. The good thing about using planters is you can move them around and change them out as your needs/tastes desire. Plus, you can also customize them with paint, decoupage and more. I'm personally going to be decorating my porch this summer, and I needed some ideas for planters, so I pulled together what I believe is a great collection that's sure to inspire your inner grower. Click through for 7 creative ways to garden this spring! - By Amy Anderson

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MS

1) Program Your Thermostat

Give AC a rest when you're away for even a few hours. Set programmable thermostats to kick in half an hour before you return home unless you have heat-sensitive indoor pets. Cranking the thermostat to penguin-worthy temperatures won't cool the house faster, since AC works at full throttle until a set temperature is reached. With every degree you lower it, cooling costs increase by about 7 percent.

2) Unplug When Possible

Give small appliances a break whenever you can. Computers, cell phone chargers, and other electronics often continue to use power -- and radiate heat -- even when turned off. To simplify, plug items into a power strip that you can use as a master switch.

3) Get Better Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs put more energy into generating heat than light, so replace high-use bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They burn cool and bright with only a third of the power required by incandescents.

4) Use Your Fan Smarter