Message from Maggie:  My in-laws are in town this weekend to celebrate Easter.  I am working to do a little each day to prepare.  Today I did the first round of grocery shopping for the non-perishables and will get the rest of the produce closer to their arrival.  I made two Easter inspired flower arrangements to get the house in the holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Big vase
• Small glass
• Flowers

Instructions:

1. Buy enough carrots to fill the outside of your vase.
2. Trim the carrots to the same length, just below the top of the vase. Note:  Try to use carrots in the same shape and size to keep a consistent look.
3. Place a small cup in the center of the vase and stand the carrots up around the cup.
4. Insert flowers into the center of the carrots. If your carrots are too large to allow the flowers to fit in the center, cut the carrots in half so the side facing out is still rounded, but the side facing in is flat.
5. Fill vase with water.

Instructions with photographs:

1. Buy enough carrots to fill the outside of your vase.
2. Trim the carrots to the same length, just below the top of the vase. Note: Try to use carrots in the same shape and size to keep a consistent look.
3. Place a small cup in the center of the vase and stand the carrots up around the cup.
4. Insert flowers into the center of the carrots. If your carrots are too large to allow the flowers to fit in the center, cut the carrots in half so the side facing out is still rounded, but the side facing in is flat.
5. Fill vase with water.

Cost:

• With a bag of carrots for a few dollars and a bouquet of flowers you can achieve this look for under $10.