It’s never too soon to develop a green thumb. Kids Container Gardening: Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out provides 3rd- to 8th-graders a quick guide to the plant world. It covers all the basics on how best to grow plants (zones, nutrients) and then walks kids through a number of specific projects such as creating a greenhouse, making a butterfy garden and lots more. You can find it on Amazon for $9.72.

If you’ve recently tried setting up a media room, as we have, then you know the agony that prevails way before any ecstasy of audio-video nirvana is realized. So before attempting this home project — or completing it (and let’s be honest, media rooms are best done in stages so that your blood pressure can periodically reset to norm) — we recommend this primer from Smarthome. It may not prevent all the screaming and crying that comes with installing a home theater, but it will help you avoid some common mistakes and provide bits of hope amid the tangled nest of wires and impenetrable instruction manuals.

Shoppingblog.com always has great finds, including these interesting Lacoste Radius Suede/Mesh Velcro Sneakers. We agree they look perfect for fast casual moments. Velcro just makes everything a snap — well, not a snap, but, you know, easy. Why should pre-schoolers and first-graders be the only ones to enjoy the easy access lifestyle and these shoes look pretty cool, too.

Looking for a spring pair of go-with-everything jeans? Banana Republic has one of the biggest inventories of capris, cullottes, and cropped pants in narrow and wide styles. We like this cool pair of distressed capris ($78) with a hip-hugger cut that doesn’t require a tattoo ala Angelina to “complete the look.” Other good finds: Summer weight denim capris at LL Bean ($39) and slim extra-long Bermuda shorts at Eddie Bauer ($39.50). Thank you Eddie from the bottom of our thighs.

If you need a little extra computing power this tax season, Dell is currently offering free upgrades to big 19-inch screens and extra memory with its XPS series packages. In particular, we like the spunky little XPS 200, which Dell says is 79 percent smaller than its big brother, the XPS 600. The slimmer case means this model can be used in kitchen areas and other public spaces without looking like a hulking gray elephant. On the performance side, its optional dual core processor and all that memory means it can crunch your numbers and juggle, say, music or video, with aplomb. It starts at $999. Pray for an IRS refund.

Soft blouses are back for spring, and better than last season when too many breezy blouses were a tad too breezy for those who appreciate loyalty in a top, as well as style. If you know what we mean! We like this soft, but not too frilly, hip-length faux (important) wrap v-neck from Ann Taylor Loft, $44. The empire waist, pleating and slight flare at the hem will suit many figures. See similar tops at moderately priced JC Penney and upscale Anthropologie.

We’ve been busting our bulbs looking for the best solar garden lights….Everyone has them this year: Home Depot, Lowes, Front Gate. Trying to strike a balance of quality and economy, we found that Solar Light Store had a good selection and a range of quality items that won’t burn a solar hole in your wallet. Here’s one example: A pair of Champlain solar lights in copper with white LED bulbs ($54.87). Tip: Look for LED lightbulbs in solar garden lighting. They last longer and can put out more light. Choose amber light for mellow ambiance; white light for brighter pathways. Pick metal casings of aluminum or copper for better durability. Plastic lights are more economical — and more squashable.

As we rush irreversibly into wedding season, it’s nice to have a handy list of gift ideas so we are spared the agony of figuring out all this on our own. That’s exactly what sfriedman13 was kind enough to do in the Yahoo! Shoposphere. Her list Our Favorite Wedding Gifts includes this Felicity Vase in hand-blown cased glass — and it’s on sale from Crate and Barrel for just $11.50. Now that’s worth celebrating.