Tired of hibernating? Get moving this spring with crafts and family activities that are sure to motivate you to get off the couch.

Say goodbye to winter and welcome the warmer weather with food that features sunny, seasonal flavours. For starters, give Aunt Jemima a break and head to your local maple syrup bush this weekend. Many communities offer guides and tours that start in the woods and end with a demo in the sugar shack (and if you're lucky, a tasting!). Don't forget to bring home a bottle of fresh, locally made syrup for the Tested Till Perfect recipes below. For dinner, simple spring pasta dishes sing with fresh asparagus, spinach, snow peas and herbs.

In the mood for a low-key afternoon of crafting? Surprise a friend with a lovely note that they can plant in their garden. We have exclusive instructions below for flower-seed paper that's easy to make at home, plus a cute chirpy chicks craft to keep the kids busy.


Sugar shack party: Get out to the sugar bush then host a maple syrup party

Taste fresh maple syrup in your local forest with friends, then warm up back home with a menu of cocktails and canapés.

When spring is close at hand, the sunny, warm days and frosty nights cause the sweetish, watery sap of sugar maple trees to rise from the awakening roots – ready to be transformed into sweet maple syrup, taffy, and sugar. How about tea with a dash of maple syrup, maple glazed squash, chicken with a maple-ginger marinade, followed by maple-sweetened sugar pie and ice cream topped with syrup.  A trip to the sugar bush with friends and family is a great way to explore local food and learn how sap is transformed into syrup. Then have a party serving maple goodies at home!

Photo gallery: Spring pasta dishes

Renew your tastebuds with the fresh flavours of new spring vegetables for dinner.

As spring arrives like a breath of fresh air, we delight in the new vegetables coming into season -- asparagus, spinach, snow peas, green onions and herbs, too -- the inspiration for these lively and delicious midweek suppers and entertaining ideas.

Learn how to create flower-seed paper

Recycling made pretty: plant this flower-seed paper in the ground for a beautiful flower patch!

You'll brighten a special someone's day with this pretty handmade card, and you'll also liven up his or her garden. Tell the recipient to plant the card, just like regular seeds, in the ground for a flowery surprise that will last all summer long.

Kids' craft: Learn how to make these cute chirpy chicks

Keep the kids busy with this quick and easy craft they'll love.

These quick and easy fuzzy chicks are fun for kids to make with craft supplies you have on hand. Showcase your favourites around the house for a touch of spring-time whimsy, or have your kids make some to give to friends and family.


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