Weekend links

The last lump of icy snow melted yesterday as temperatures soared and a warm wind ushered spring through the door. Mateo and I discovered the first purple crocus and a carpet of tiny green ramps pushing up through the damp leaves of the forest floor.

We swept the last remnants of winter off of the deck, dusted off the folding chairs, and served dinner al fresco for the first time this year. It was glorious.

On this Earth Day weekend we have plans to sow the first seeds in the garden – peas, spinach, lettuce and radishes – as well as tidy the yard and build a bonfire. Are you planning to get out in nature at all?

I’ve got some weekend reading for you, in case you’re still relaxing with a coffee.

• My Food Bloggers of Canada Conference un-recap is posted over on my family blog, Under the High Chair: 12 things to do at a food bloggers conference (that you can’t do at home).
• For a much more serious look at the FBC conference, be sure to read Melissa’s honest glimpse behind the scenes of organizing a blogging conference. Wow.
• If you follow a gluten free diet, Lisa has a gorgeous new ebook out with new recipes, entertaining tips, and menu plans. (I’m not an affiliate, I just love Lisa’s work.)

Eat Well, Spend Less

On Monday I shared 12 ways to help you eat well and spend less as well as a classic recipe for Creamy Buttermilk Dressing. Did you catch it?  The other ladies in our group also wrote about their journeys to feed their family wholesome food on a budget. Their articles may surprise you!

• How My Cooking & Grocery Shopping Habits Have Changed | Denver Bargains
• Brace Yourselves…the 2012 Food Budget May Shock You! | Kitchen Stewardship
• Eating Better on a Budget | Life As Mom
• Eat Well and Spend Less… Two Years Later | Keeping the Kingdom First
• Letting Go of Food Guilt & Shame {Eat Well, Spend Less} | Easy Homemade

Have a wonderful weekend, all!