This morning, I woke up with that peculiar ache in my nose that signals the onset of spring. Of course, someone should clue Mother Nature in because it’s still way too cold out there. Despite that, I am already thinking spring here — and am so excited to see all the pretty spring-like kitchen accessories hitting catalogues and websites.

Window shopping for seasonal room makeovers is so much fun. So when I was asked to check out a whimsical Victorian Isles Collection at World Market and share some of my favorite items, it was a perfect fit. I decided to go with a spring makeover for my favorite room — the kitchen. The fun items above would bring such a refreshing sweetness to the kitchen this spring, wouldn’t they?

All of this comes from World Market, which I visited a few years ago in Seattle and absolutely love. With an incredible selection and good prices, I would shop there all the time if there was one here in Connecticut. Here’s what I am totally crushing on in the Victorian Isles Collection (photos above, links below — L-R, top to bottom).

• Rectangular Victorian Glass Plates, set of 4
• Beechwood Bird Spreaders, set of 4
• White Deep Dish Open Baker
• Eyelet Lace Tablecloth
• Aqua Bird Ceremic Salt Cellar
• Let Them Eat Cookies Canister
• Blue Lila Wallpaper Memo Board

Love World Market too? You can also connect with them on Facebook and Pinterest!

The Great and Powerful Sweepstakes presented by World Market

I’ve also been asked to share some info about a fun sweepstakes being presented by World Market (have I mentioned how much I love World Market)? There are some really fabulous prizes to celebrate a world of adventure. Check it out:

The Grand Prize Package:

• Private movie screening for you and 50 friends of OZ The Great and Powerful
• Free IMAX Movie Tickets for a Year
• $1,000 World Market gift card

Three First-Prize Winners:

• $500 World Market gift card

Want to enter? It’s easy to do online — just go to worldmarketsweepstakes.com.

Also, Disney’s OZ The Great and Powerful hits theaters on March 8, 2013. Experience it in IMAX 3D. (Psst. You can also check out the movie trailer!)

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Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and World Market, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WorldMarket. http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

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There are signs of spring all around – the blooming forsythia, flowering daffodils, blossoming tulips. Everywhere you look, at least here in Connecticut, trees are coming alive again and animals are emerging from long winter rests. Just this morning, we spied a skunk (beautiful, however smelly) across the fence. Rabbits, foxesUnfortunately, it also means that the blasted groundhogs are back. Can’t have it all right?

When winter melts away, leaving the pleasant warmth of spring, one of the most refreshing things is fresh, cold fruit salad. It’s a simple thing, no doubt. But it’s also one of those glorious gastronomic experiences that is best eaten with the freshest fruit. Why? With fresh fruit, there is a snap, then a burst of sensual, sweet flavor. You just cannot get that from flash frozen fruit or canned varieties.

I’ve been playing with a recipe for a simple fruit salad that would take well to the refrigeration. I didn’t want to go too far outside the box or reinvent the wheel unnecessarily. What I came up with was an evenly sweet, enticing salad that goes well for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The addition of the juices helps to marry the flavors together. And the romano cheese shavings adds a slight sharp dimension to the salad.

2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1 cup fresh seedless watermelon, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Fresh Romano chunk

Combine the pineapple, strawberries and watermelon in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice and lime. Pour over the fruit.

Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Spoon into serving dishes. Top with Romano shavings and serve immediately.

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This is my entry for Sweetnicks’ ARF/5-A-Day Tuesday. Be sure to check Sweetnicks for great, healthy recipes in the ARF roundup.

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But at least it’s spring!

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