SPRING HAS SPRUNG; LET'S CELEBRATE OUTDOORS

Spring has arrived, and with it comes opportunity to get back out and enjoy the outdoors. See our best buys from Westgate Lifestyle to get you started!

Sitting in the hairdressers the other day, flicking through a magazine, I came across a comment from NZ gardening great Lynda Hallinan.

She said the first day of spring often feels like a joke without a punchline. Why? “Because although our social media feeds are always chock-a-block with cherry blossoms, cherry daffodils and perky pet lambs, spring often has a sting in its tail. There’s invariably at least one freak snowfall, hailstorm or flood of biblical proportions to come before we can truly declare that spring is here.” True, all that, I think, wrapping my scarf tight and buttoning up my coat. But, it’s hard not to get excited about the fact daylight saving is nigh and with that comes the true promise of summer. It’s then officially time to start celebrating the outdoors. And, that’s what I am doing here. It’s time to plan picnics and camping holidays, think about getting out on the water, pound the pavement, lounge on the outdoor furniture, or get out in the garden. With those things in mind, and with a spring in my step (I couldn’t resist that), I went shopping to check out product. And hence, the tent and kayak from Rebel Sport, the fitbit from Harvey Norman, and the gumboots from Bed Bath and Beyond (the ground may still be a little squelchy underfoot, plus the boots are on special). I looked at various options for outdoor seating, and I loved the portable speaker with its splash-proof fabric so it’s perfect for poolside parties as well as backyard barbeques. It may be that you feel inspired to tweak the décor to reflect the change of season – the likes of tropical-themed candles and a water-themed print will do the job nicely.

Of course, some people associate spring with cleaning, and for those, a trip to vacuum cleaner land – aka Godfreys – could be in order. If that’s not such an appetising idea, then how about heading down to Tank where those delish salads and vitamin-c laden drinks may well hold more appeal than ever as those days get warmer… albeit, slowly.

1. Coleman popup tent, two person, $149.99, from Rebel Sport | 2. Lifetime youth wave kayak, $299.99, from Rebel Sport |3.Tablefair backpack picnic set for four, $129.99, from Briscoes |4. Rubbermaid 5day Durachill wheeled cooler bin (47.3 l) $199.99, from Briscoes |5. Delmar outdoor café set, $299.00, from NOOD |6. Fez outdoor armchair and footstool, $899, from Hunter Furniture |7. Kent MKII modular package 5-piece, $3,299.00 from Freedom |8. Chelsea tall gumboots, $29.90, from Bed Bath and Beyond |9. Solace tropical wharf landscape wall art, $24.90, from Bed Bath and Beyond |10. Fitbit Versa, $349.00, from Harvey Norman |11. JBL Xtreme portable Bluetooth speaker, $349.95, from Harvey Norman |12. Tropical candles, three styles, $7.50, from The Importer.

Note: Prices mentioned, and availability of products featured are subject to change. If you love the look, we recommend you head in store to find out more.