Hi Sweet Friends,

I don’t know about you, but the warm breeze and little sprouts on the trees are putting a refreshing spring in my step. Lately, I have been searching for clever and healthy ways to add more brightness to my days, whether it’s with non-toxic cleaners for my dusty bookshelves, a do-it-yourself project, or planning my first vegetable garden (cucumbers galore!).

Where do I go to get the juices flowing? Pinterest! Though I’m still new to the magical world of pinning, it’s shockingly fun and totally addictive. I find more handy/helpful creations and delicious recipes than I know what to do with.

So today I’m keeping things light and bright by sharing digital tidbits that bring a smile to my face. I hope these ideas get you jazzed for a splendid Spring.

My Top Ten Picks for Health and Happiness This Spring

1. Follow this wise kitty’s self-care code.

Living a balanced life might be easier than you think. In less than two minutes, Breton the adorable cat will show you his simple strategies and guide you through everything you need to know to create your own plan. Watch!

2. Blend your way to green juice.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve received an email from someone who wants to know if it’s possible to make green juice with their blender. Luckily, my friend Gena broke down the process in this step-by-step guide. Now, it’s even easier for everyone to enjoy a glass of greens everyday.

3. Practice safe spring cleaning.

A winter’s worth of sneaky dust bunnies and cobwebs are awaiting attack at my casa. I’m finally learning how to make my own cleansers, and this non-toxic, citrusy easy homemade cleaner recipe is versatile and smells delightful.

4. Make old things new.

Earth Day is right around the corner, and what better way to lighten your earth-print than UPcycling? I didn’t realize how many possibilities there were for renovating my old junk until I saw these fifty creative and useful ways you can upcycle your stuff.

5. Be veg-savvy.

Do your fresh fruits and vegetables end up in the trash rather than on your plate more than you’d like to admit? These eight ways to save money and keep your produce fresh will help you cut costs but not health or flavor.

6. Green your thumb. 

Here’s an awesome overview of how to plant your own flowers and vegetables just in time for spring. We’ll be referencing these tips and tricks and advice as we start our first garden at the farmette this year.

7. Lean into loving plants. 

I forget sometimes that vegetables can be intimidating at first. Focusing on one main veggie at a time can make transitioning to a plant-happy kitchen easier. Start now by checking out these Eleven Unbelievably Awesome Uses for Cauliflower.

8. Detox your makeup bag by phasing out harmful products and phasing in non-toxic, cruelty-free ones.

These days, it’s much easier to shop smarter. And you don’t have to sacrifice looking great in the process! Get started by checking out this eye-opening Toxic Cosmetics Infographic.

9. Embrace your inner child (we could all learn a lot from them).

This little plant-based chef made me smile from ear to ear. If this kiddo can whip up something special in the kitchen and have a blast doing it, you can too! Life’s a lot more fun when we stop taking ourselves so seriously (in the kitchen and beyond).

10. Adopt!

A furry friend is a constant reminder to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, making spring the purrrfect time to adopt an animal. If you’ve been considering adoption, go to Petfinder.com and discover your new best friend (and hiking buddy) today. Come on, you know you want to click that link.

Can you add to my list? Share what’s inspiring you to lead a healthier, happier life this spring in the comments. 

Kris Carr is a multi-week New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and health advocate. Kris is the subject and director of the documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, which aired on TLC and The Oprah Winfrey Network, and the author of the award-winning Crazy Sexy Cancer book series. Her latest books, Crazy Sexy Diet and Crazy Sexy Kitchen, will change the way you live, love, and eat! Kris inspires countless people to take charge of their health and happiness by adopting a plant-passionate diet, improving lifestyle practices, and learning to live and love like you really mean it. Her motto: Make juice not war! To learn more and join the Crazy Sexy Wellness Revolution, check out Kris’ website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.