Melissa Verdone

When March hits, I’m ready for full-on spring mode. Except in NY, spring doesn’t really kick until later in April… So when I can’t work outside, I can refresh my home inside. With the holidays long gone, my house is ready for classic decor that can be used for the majority of the year. Here are some affordable finds that can be used to freshen up your house for spring!

All of the plant care, organization, and styling products that I actually use! I think you learn best by experience, and I’m happy to try a variety of products and techniques to find what works for me in my home and classroom. I’ve learned a lot from the online plant community, so tap into the many resources on social media! You can follow me on IG, FB, and TT, of course… 😜 Some might say that I live and work in a jungle, and I’m okay with that!

I love Kohl’s for seasonal decor! They always have the biggest selection at great prices. Every year, I look for something new to freshen up what I already have. Here are some of my favorites from this year!

Has anyone else been bitten by the online auction bug??? Since I want my house to look like a natural history museum, Whatnot and Palmstreet are excellent sources of great sellers of plants and crystals. There are pros and cons to each platform, but you can find a variety of things at great prices! While I mainly focus on plants and rocks, there are so many other sellers of products from food to labubus. I posted my sign up links for both platforms in case you need to sign up!

If you have a 6 year old like me, here are some of his favorites that might inspire your holiday gift list for your own kid!

I actually do love teaching middle school! I love how they’re always fun, crazy, and wanting to challenge you every step of the way. I have to stay on my game, though. So here are some of my favorites for organization, activities, and day to day teaching these crazy kids!

If you need gifts for any planty person in your life, why not shop small and support some amazing business owners! From planters and accessories to plants themselves, here are several of my favorite places to shop for my ever-growing (see what I did there?) plant collection.

I am a middle school teacher of 20 years and mom to a 1st grader. A teacher’s reach only goes so far - it’s important for parents to set their kids up for success. Here are a few tips I suggest to parents and items I use in my home for my own kid. 1. Create a routine. 2. Provide a device-free setting. 3. Set up an area with all necessary supplies. 4. Use a paper homework agenda book. 5. Ask your child to see their finished work, even if they “finished it at school.” 6. Check your child’s parent portal often for grade updates and missing assignments. 7. Don’t be afraid to message the teacher (kindly/professionally) with questions! 8. Encourage independence! Remember: You spend more time with your child than they do with their teachers. A great education begins at home!

I’m always brainstorming holiday gift ideas that can apply to a variety of interests, styles, and likes. It’s not easy trying to balance generosity and budget! Here are some things I’m considering gifting to my own family! 1. Games: Everyone loves to play some sort of game, alone or with friends and family. 2. Food: You gotta eat, right? There are so many options, you can find something for everyone. 3. All the rest: Decor, home goods, kitchen items, and more

Looking for a gift for that plant parent in your life? Want to help create or inspire a new plant parent? The best ways to do this are to… 1. Buy them a plant 2. Buy them things to take care of a plant 3. Buy them fun plant merch! Check out some fun things that as a houseplant hobbyist, I would love to receive for the holidays.

Doom scrolling? Why not learn some science, instead? Here are some of my favorite science and nature TikTok accounts that have amazing stories, beautiful specimens, and interesting facts.

I love spending time outdoors, and I especially love walking in the gardens and greenhouses of Long Island. 1. Bring your camera! There’s so much to see! 2. Pack a snack or picnic lunch! 3. Spend the day alone and enjoy some peace and quiet. 4. Or….All of these places are family friendly! Also, many of these locations are free or for a very low fee, so save your money and get outside!

These are my favorite places to buy house plants locally on Long Island! They have great options if you don’t want to shop online, pay for shipping, or have plants delivered in hot or cold weather.

Here are some low-maintenance, easy care plants that are also beautiful. Water when mostly dry, place in a sunny window or under a grow light, and they’ll do great! I have all of these in my home and classroom.

Right now, I’m very much in my romantacy era. Give me fae or dragons and I will definitely read it! I think that modern authors have made this genre so popular, because I don’t remember this category of books being around 20 years ago. I also love science fiction, which is not far from the fantasy world. There are some amazing authors writing interesting stories based on modern science. When it comes to non fiction, I mainly read science and nature books. I’ve never been into history, but history of science and evolution I can get behind.

I love having a cozy home! A dog, a bunch of throw blankets, some candles, and I’m happy. I used to change out decor for the seasons, but I think it’s important to invest in things that you can keep out all year round. That being said, I also like affordable options, and luckily, there are plenty out there!

Things a 45-year-old teacher and mom of a 6-year-old uses to attempt to take care of herself…🫠

I am a 45-year-old teacher and mom of a first grader. I like to be comfortable but put-together. Here are some of my favorites for getting dressed every day!