10 Tips for Organizing your Home for Spring Equinox

Sharon Schweitzer • February 20, 2019
A pantry filled with lots of jars and bottles of food.

As the first crocuses and daffodils begin to peek out of the ground and the days grow warmer, it’s important to prepare for the coming summer months ahead. March 20-21st marks spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. On this day , the sun shines directly onto the equator, and the length of the day and night are almost the same, but not quite. This March 20-21st astronomical landmark kicks off spring time. As with all seasons, advance preparation is optimal. Enjoy these top ten tips for your home and spring holidays. (photo from the whitepad.com)


1. Maintenance Check: Safety is top of the list so change the air conditioning filter and schedule an AC service. After holiday baking, be sure smoke detectors have fully charged batteries and carbon monoxide (CO2) detectors are in place and working.

2. Home Exterior Gutters: Hire a window washer and consider a gutter clean-up service. Removing accumulated leaves and debris allowing water to flow properly which is essential to home safety.

3. Attic Inspection:
Inspect the attic for signs that critters or insects may have hibernated during the winter. Check carefully for mold, which may appear as black or gray stains. Prevent mold with proper ventilation and insulation. Take care of it now to stop it from forming as the warmer months approach.

4. Spring Cleaning: Neighborhood family and friends will be spending more time outdoors, so you want your home sparkling. Organize the garage and back yard. Power-wash before cleaning outdoor carpets and windows. Deep clean the kitchen, refrigerator, and freezer in preparation for spring parties.

5. Spring Holidays: Review your spring and summer entertaining needs now. Plan menus, invitation lists and remember to check linens. Reduce the stress and enjoy.

6. Donate Extra Décor: Inventory your décor and donate excess holiday, valentine, spring and summer decorations . Start early so others benefit. Save valuable storage space.

7. Create Space: Organize your storage, pantry, and hall closets. Wash and dry clean winter sweaters, scarves, and coats before storing. Add an umbrella stand in anticipation of spring showers.

8. Check Rain Gear Now : Test raincoat and boot sizes now to be sure your family has the right sizes. Donate spring clothing to Dress for Success or another charity.

9. Camera & photos: Upload holiday and winter sports photos to drop box or the cloud. Purchase new memory cards for Easter, Passover, and warm weather sporting events.

10. Personal Address List: Remember those holiday cards that were “return to sender?” Now’s the time to update mailing and contact lists, if you haven’t accomplished this already.

Christie's Handbags Online: The New York Edit

June 4, 2025
HERMÉS, CIRCA 1990S Estimate: $100,000-200,000 NEW YORK - Christie's is pleased to present Handbags Online: The New York Edit , a curated selection of handbags from Hermés, Chanel, Dior, and more. Bidding will be open from 4-17 June, with highlights on view at Christie's Rockefeller Center galleries from 6-16 June. Leading the sale is an exceptional Rare Sterling Silver Mini Kelly (Estimate: $100.000-200,000). Produced in Mexico in the 1990s, the original solid sterling silver design is among the rarest handbags in the world. Additional notable highlights include a Bleu Marine Diamond Kelly 25 (Estimate: $100,000-150,000), and an Hermès Special Rdition 706 Madison Kelly (Estimate: $35,000-45,000). This exceptional piece, created to commemorate the opening of Hermès Madison Avenue flagship, features intricate leather marquetry inlay inspired by the Hommage á Gene Kelly scarf design. This season's sale offers a captivating blend of whimsy and timeless sophistication. designed to appeal to collectors at every level. A standout feature is a magnificent single-owner collection titled Sculpted Ions: Handbags From the Vault of a Discerning Collector , showcasing exquisite examples from Schiaparelli. Chanel, Hermès, and Fendi. Among the highlights is an Orange Crocodile Diamond Kelly 25 (Estimate: $100,000-150,000), noted for its bold color and precious detailing. For the first time at Christie's, a selection of bags by Schiaparelli will be offered. The group includes four striking designs, with estimates ranging from $1,000-6,000. Highlights include a Crème Leather Bijoux Secret Top Handle Bag with gilded brass and enamel hardware (Estimate: S4,000-6,000), and a Black Calfskin Anatomy Jewelry Bag featuring enamel and hammered gold brass accents (Estimate: $3,000-4,000). Auction Information : Click Here ALL IMAGES PROVIDED BY: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2025 Sale Highlights

The Cigar

June 3, 2025
ACCLAIMED AUTHOR AARON (SIG) SIGMOND HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HIS WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE (NOW NUMBERING AT OVER 20) ON NUMEROUS TOPICS INCLUDING FINE MECHANICAL TIMEPIECES, HOTELS, AUTOMOBILES—ALL OF WHICH FALL WITHIN THE SOMEWHAT VAGUE “MEN’S LUXURY” CATEGORY—CIRCLE BEAUTIFULLY BACK TO ONE OF HIS FAVORITE SUBJECTS, HIS LOVE FOR CIGARS. AN ACCOUTREMENT THAT HAS BEEN A PART OF HIS LIFE SINCE COLLEGE.

A TASTE OF THE AEGEAN ARRIVES IN WEST PALM BEACH: INSIDE THE NEW ESTIATORIO MILOS

June 2, 2025
There’s a new jewel sparkling along the Intracoastal in West Palm Beach—and it speaks fluent Greek. Estiatorio Milos, the acclaimed seafood-forward restaurant helmed by legendary chef and restaurateur Costas Spiliadis, has opened its thirteenth global location and second in Florida, bringing the breezy sophistication of the Mediterranean to the heart of South Florida. Nestled within the sleek, waterfront One Flagler tower, Milos isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-sensory journey to the shores of Greece. Step inside, and you’re immediately transported. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a soft palette of natural materials, and thoughtfully curated art create a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the space is as much about serenity as it is about style. Pentelikon marble, warm oak, and textured stone echo the materials of Cycladic islands, while an open-air terrace fringed with greenery brings the outdoors in. A dramatic staircase, a signature design element across Milos locations, provides a striking focal point—modern yet rooted in classical influence. But of course, the real story here is the food. Milos is revered worldwide for its dedication to purity of flavor and ingredient integrity. Each morning, whole fish is flown in directly from the Mediterranean—snapper, lavraki, dorade—then displayed on ice for guests to view before choosing. Local bounty also takes center stage, from Florida stone crab to daily selections sourced from fishermen in the Keys. The result is a menu that’s fresh, unfussy, and deeply soulful. Signature dishes like the paper-thin zucchini and eggplant tower with tzatziki, or the simple grilled octopus with Santorini fava, let the ingredients do the talking. And the experience is meant to be shared—Milos encourages the Greek tradition of philoxenia, or warm hospitality, where tables are filled with plates passed around among friends and family. To complement the cuisine, Milos West Palm Beach offers one of the most expansive Greek wine lists in the Southeast, showcasing varietals such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko, all carefully selected to pair harmoniously with the flavors of the sea. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or simply curious, the staff’s knowledge and passion make wine exploration an integral part of the experience. As the sun dips below the horizon and the waterway glows, the setting takes on a romantic, almost transportive quality. You could close your eyes and swear you were perched on a terrace in the Greek isles—until the silhouette of Palm Beach Island reminds you where you are. For those seeking an elevated dining experience rooted in simplicity, season- ality, and timeless elegance, Estiatorio Milos West Palm Beach is nothing short of a revelation. Reservations are recommended.  To book your table, call (561) 437-8889.
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