11 Indoor Gardening Hacks for Spring, No Yard Required

1. Lavender

Lavender in a latte is sheer heaven. I’ve DIY’ed my own lavender syrup before (it’s too easy), but you can also buy it ready-made! Any sort of syrup makes for an easy coffee upgrade, really. Brands like Jordan's Skinny Mixes and Torani are my go-to’s, and they sell a vast array of flavors to suit any taste!

2. Cinnamon

I’m convinced cinnamon belongs in everything. I put it in my protein pancakes, yogurt bowls, and cookies, but it’s also a supreme add-in for coffee and even matcha lattes! The warm flavor notes of cinnamon are also perfect for cozying up in the fall and winter.

3. Honey

Cinnamon in coffee gets even better when you put honey in the mix with cinnamon. It’s one of my pal’s absolute go-to’s in lattes (hot or iced), but it also works just as well in hot drip coffees or cold brews.

4. Oat milk

Oat milk (or milk of any kind) is a perfect coffee hack for those who can’t stand black coffee. It helps cut the sharpness and acidity of the brew, adding some creaminess and color to each sip. I find that oat milk is the best pairing for breakfast time!

5. Protein shake

In place of milk, I also really like adding a splash of a protein shake to my coffee for a dose of creaminess and flavor. The protein is just an added bonus!

I really love Koia’s protein shakes since they sell a lot of different flavors, from Cinnamon Cereal to Pumpkin Spice.

6. Brown sugar

I’ve used brown sugar many times to make a Starbucks copycat brown sugar shaken espresso right at home. I’ll simply add equal parts instant coffee and brown sugar to a mason jar with ice, shake it up, and top it off with cinnamon and milk.

If you prefer sipping on something a little less fancy, adding a spoonful to a plain hot coffee could be really delightful, too!

7. Cold foam

The final (and tastiest) coffee hack I drink on the regular is cold foam! Target sells a good range of cold foam cans in various flavors, but I’ve really come to love the salted caramel iteration. It’s perfect for topping of iced coffees for a nice mid-day treat!

This Starbucks copycat recipe is still as gooey and sweet as the OG. Using all fresh ingredients to make these bars will make them even better than the drive-thru! (via Brit + Co)

This seasonal drink doesn't have to be just for the holidays anymore! Simply follow the copycat recipe and adjust the sweetness, type of milk, and garnishes how you like 'em. (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks' egg bites will always be famous. Recreate the best flavor at home with under 10 ingredients! (viaBrit + Co)

The citrusy-sweet effect of this Starbucks copycat recipe will keep you company on sick days or cold winter nights. Plus, it's only 4 ingredients? Say less. (via Brit + Co)

Starbucks Lemon Loaf

There's no doubt that the lemon loaf is one of the best items on the Starbucks breakfast menu, but they can get pretty pricey once you start ordering them regularly. This copycat recipe yields a slice just as soft, sweet, and lemon-y! (via Brit + Co)

Now you can enjoy your go-to seasonal bev year-round! This caramel-infused Starbucks drink earns a dessert-y feel, which is perfect for pairing with bedtime. (via Brit + Co)

R.I.P. the original Eggnog Latte! Luckily, you can revive the now-discontinued drink right at home super easily with eggnog, espresso, and nutmeg. Add a splash of Baileys if you're feelin' fiesty! (via Brit + Co)

Gotta love some shaken espresso for on-the-go! Start your mornings off strong with this intensely-caffeinated iced coffee that won't cost $6 each time you drink it.(via A Virtual Vegan)

​One of our fave Starbucks hacks is asking for a splash of peach juice in our iced teas. As opposed to Starbucks' pre-made peach tea, this copycat recipe leverages ​fresh ​peaches for a ridiculously refreshing sip! (via Hello Little Home)

The best thing about this Starbucks copycat recipe is that you can easily customize what goes into them. Instead of the expected mix of mushrooms and spinach, try adding bacon, sausage, cheese, peppers, and more. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

With this copycat cup, you'll first craft your very own pistachio syrup. It'll yield a ton of syrup that you can use for drinks in the future. It's a massive time-saver, plus it's tasty AF! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Make sure to brew an extra strong cup of espresso for this latte. The bitterness of the espresso strikes a not-too-sweet balance with the addition of brown sugar and cinnamon spice! It’s a more indulgent way to get your daily dose of caffeine. (via Diethood)

These muffins are addictive! But, like anything you get from Starbucks, the money you spend will rack up quick. Opt to make an entire batch at home to last you and the fam weeks – instead of minutes. (via Averie Cooks)

Use vanilla bean paste in this scone’s frosting for a punched-up dessert flavor. It’s one way to make your morning meal feel like a special treat! (viaCrazy For Crust)

PSL season doesn't have to end in October! Keep all things pumpkin goin' past fall time with this easy copycat recipe. It uses pumpkin puree to keep the flavor fresh and authentic. (via Vanilla and Bean)

You can have your strawberry Frappuccino and drink it too with this easy Starbucks copycat recipe. It’ll turn your post-gym smoothie into a healthy Frappuccino that only tastes like an indulgence! (via Desserts With Benefits)

This copycat S’mores Frappuccino recipe is like a quick camping trip... without all the bugs, dirt, and potentially inclement weather. Enjoy this chocolate-y drink in the comfort of your home, with ingredients you have in your pantry! (via Baking Beauty)

Not-too-sweet pumpkin scones get a double dose of vanilla icing in this Starbucks copycat recipe. One icing is plain and sweet, while the other packs a pumpkin-spiced punch. Now you can experience fall any time you want! (via Brown Eyed Baker)

This skinny vanilla iced coffee doesn’t require a trip to the store or Starbucks. It’s only three ingredients — coffee, your milk of choice, and vanilla extract. Yay, saving money! (via iFoodReal)

The key to recreating passion tea lemonade in your home is Tazo Passion Tea bags. From there, all you need is lemonade and a dash of vanilla extract. (via Cincy Shopper)

Jazzing up your chai with vanilla is such an easy idea. Plus, this make-at-home bev is only three ingredients and takes just over five minutes to make. Never wait for your name to be called out again. (via Mom Makes Dinner)

Recreating this Starbucks wrap at home lets you add more ingredients that the original might lack. Add extra feta cheese or spinach to satisfy your morning cravings! Best of all, you can really taste the difference in freshness with this Starbucks copycat recipe. (via The Big Man’s World)

Hot chocolates are classic – but there's no need to go spend $7 on a single drink when you have all you need to make one at home! Sugar, cocoa powder, water, salt, and oat milk make this sipper super easy. The marshmallows and shaved chocolate garnishes are optional, but we say go for it! (via Earthly Provisions)

Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas

I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.

If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!

Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!

1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.

Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.

2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.

Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!

3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.

This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.

4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.

A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.

5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.

You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.

6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.

Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.

7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.

'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.

8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.

It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.

9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.

You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.

10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.

Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.