3 Simple Ways to Prepare for Spring

Even though the groundhog seems to be a liar because this weather is not cooperating, spring is, in fact, on it's way! With a new spring season comes renewed energy, a new phase and as much as I love the winter, I am already preparing myself for the warmer season! Regardless of the external temperature, there are certain steps I try to take every year that helps and eases the transition from sub zero to singing birds. So in today’s post, I want to share a few of those with you!

Spring Cleaning

It’s directly in the name and year after year, I have learned the value in doing an annual tidy and deep cleaning. There is something about getting organized, tossing items you don’t need and de-cluttering that gives the illusion that you are making progress. With the exception of certain sentimental t-shirts from that one family reunion where your auntie got engaged, when it comes to the closet I enact the one year rule. If I did not wear it more than once in the last year, it goes into the donation or trash pile. Because if I did not like it enough to wear it more than once, I am likely not to wear it again. I go through all of my kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers, tossing the expired and the uninspired. In a true Marie Kondo mentality, if it does not spark joy, out it goes. Also, a clean space breeds a clean and inspired state of mind. Have you ever noticed the difference in your mood and all the dishes are clean and your bed is made? Taking that and expanding it to the neglected rooms in the house will make your space THE place you want to be.

Adapt Skincare

Just like your wardrobe undergoes a transition into the warmer weather, your skincare should also. What your skin will need will vary as the weather warms up. For me, this typically looks like a bit less thick of a moisturizer, reduction in facial oil use during the daytime and serums less focused on retaining moisture and more on skin reformation. I will continue to use a water cream/gel as my daily moisturizer like the Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel or more high end Belif Aqua Bomb, as they are the best balance between hydration and light weight for daytime. For serums, I focus on chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid and vitamin C to provide a smooth and even base, as makeup applications get lighter in the warmer weather. And always, always, ALWAYS, no matter what season or your skin color, wear your sunscreen! For us melanin steeped ladies, I know it’s hard to find one that doesn’t make you look casket ready, but do yourself a favor and pick up the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It also works so, so well as a makeup primer.

Quarterly Self Audit

I have written about the importance of doing routine self audits (see post here, here and here) and I will continue to do so because I’m a strong believer in it! Take stock in your year so far and ask yourself: how am I doing against my goals? What has worked, what didn’t? And my favorite question to answer is what I can do to enrich myself in this next quarter. My goal for Q2 to is to read a book/month. For many, it is not much of a feat, but for someone who only manages about 6 books for the entire year, I’m looking to change that!

How do you prep for a new season!? Let me know what is most important as you transition to the warmer months!

Love Loudly. Live Loudly.

Jenn