Spring Refresh

I love spring for various reasons. There's the sunny skies, blossoming flowers, cropped pants paired with flats, and the pastel resurgence. But, I also love spring for the sense of growth and renewal. The month of March always seems to drag for me, but this year I am actually finding it to be moving pleasantly along. There are a few things I like to do every year around this time to refresh for the season. Whether it's revolves around my closet, body, the home, or just in my mind, I am ready to revitalize after a long, dark winter! Here are some ideas if you're looking to hop into spring with a clear mind and happy spirit.

THE CLOSET 

I like to start with the closet. I always pick this time of year to do a real purge and go through all my clothes and giveaway what doesn't fit, doesn't work, and what I've been pushing aside for too many months. I take this time to grab items I may need to get altered, if I can't be bothered they become giveaways! Piles propagate on the bed and floor as I go through the dresser, closet, then move to the places that people often ignore--  the sock, underwear, bra drawers, then I finish off with the bags, shoes and accessories.

Not only is it important to purge what you don't need, but you are also re-organizing in the process, putting away winter essentials and bringing forward your spring/summer wardrobe. I like to take the purge a step further and really look at how I am building my closet. I make a list in my phone of key pieces I may be missing (i.e.: boyfriend jeans, black blazer, white button down, etc.), that way when I go shopping I am not tempted to buy every floral/pastel/blush pink dress I see and focus on what my closet is lacking. Quality over quantity! 

THE BODY/MIND

Spring is also a great time to give your body a little detox. The weather is finally getting warmer which makes it the perfect time to add outdoor walks on your lunch break. Sitting at a desk all day can really make me go a tad crazy, and my butt ache! I hate not being able to get outside during the colder months, so once spring hits I'll be heading outdoors on lunch. I also love that spring allows me to add more outdoor runs to my work out routine. Just getting the fresh air can do wonders for your mental state of mind. Bye-bye treadmill! 

Spring is not only the perfect time to do a little detox or cleanse, but also add in a bit of pampering! I don't treat myself to spa services often, so I take the change in season as the perfect opportunity to get a massage,  facial or mani/pedi. Not in the budget? Hit up the drug store and treat yourself to a fun nail polish, face mask or body scrub. Add in a quality candle, an interesting book and bubble bath to that mix and you're set for a spa night at home.

Taking care of the mind is just as important as taking care of the body. Sometimes the change in season can create such stints of low energy. I like to really up my green intake to keep my mind clear (and it's great for the physical body too). I've been getting inspired from Julie Cove's new book "Eat Better, Live Better, Feel Better" lately, and although the whole lifestyle isn't realistic for me to follow, she has some great tips on how to sneak more greens into your meals, and what to cut out if you are feeling sluggish,bloated/gassy or have low energy. For example, eating too many types of food in one meal can cause bloating, so try taking a digestive enzyme. Or swap out banana for avocado in your next smoothie to really up the greens.

THE HOME

Over the winter months, junk seems to pile up. Take the upcoming month to clean, de-clutter and organize. Start with the make up and toilettes that seem to have been sitting around for too long, then move to other areas of the house like the office, kitchen (yes, you-- Mr.Pantry) or front closet. It's amazing what a little purging can do for your mental state. Just knowing that things are more organized helps me sleep better at night. While we're on the topic of sleep, if you do need help getting back into a good sleeping routine, check out these tips for a better sleep. 

So! To sum it up for you-- surround yourself in a clean space, with positive people, try to get outside more and eat more greens. Pretty much guarantee a fresh start to a new season! How do you prepare for a new season? Do you have any tips to refresh for the spring? Let me know!

Tips For Going Monochrome

There is something so fresh and inviting about an all neutral outfit, don't cha think? Last weekend I took full advantage of the brief stint of spring-like weather we had and went bare legged! I love playing with different tones of neutrals to give off such an effortless, yet put together look, regardless of the season. Whenever the sun is shinning it's like I am compelled to wear lighter, or brighter tones. It just ups my mood and makes me most happy. Since this day was the first mild, sunny day in a bit of time I guess I went all out!

Although there definitely isn't a formula for going monochrome, there are a few rules I like to follow while decked out in the same colour palette. 

1. Play with the shapes. Combining a tight fitting skirt with a more loose fitting pullover really gives some definition to the outfit. Tucking in the pullover forces the waist to become the point of interest and keeps the outfit from looking like a shapeless, long garbage bag (am I right?).
2. Mix up the textures. The sweater is knit, the skirt is cotton and although both pieces are ribbed, the ribs are different widths, which is more visually appealing. The marble-esque bag also adds in another textural element and creates another point of interest. On a side note-- do you believe I almost sold this bag because I didn't think I'd wear it enough?!! Crazy, I know. SO glad I hung onto it! 
3. Combine shades. Each piece is of a different temperature, but they totally complement each other when paired together. I love going monochrome for this reason; it allows you to pull unlikely pieces together and create something beauteous! 

Add in some fun jewels and some low booties (this was a Sunday afternoon, after all) and you are ready to rock!

Do you have any rules or guidelines you like to follow when going monochrome? I'd love to hear! 

What I'm wearing:

J Crew (similar) pullover

Forever 21 skirt (similar)

Rebecca Minkoff bag (sold out)

Sam Edelman boots

Aldo cuff, Shop for Jayu ring

How to Care For Air Plants

When I first discovered these little babies at Centro Garden in Burlington I was absolutely smitten. Air plants add so much life to otherwise stale areas of your home since they literally just need the air to breathe and grow. I love how they create such interesting interior design elements just by being there! They really look great anywhere. Since I'm still deciding where I want to hang my Umbra wall vessels I have been styling my air plants in various places around the room, on little trays and in little vases. Add them to little terrariums, little pots, put them on a shelf, or hang them from the ceiling, all without worrying if your black thumb will kill them within the week!

Before I took two home I made sure to get the low-down on just how to take care of air plants, and believe me, it couldn't be simpler!

Here are my tips on how to give your air plants the best care possible:

1. Light. While air plants need bright, natural light, they shouldn't be placed directly in a window sill with direct sun exposure. Ideally they should be placed 3-10 feet from a window. 

2. Water. Air plants absorb nutrients through their leaves, not their roots, so to water the plant you must submerge the whole plant in water for a few minutes. Remove from water, shake off any excess and let the air plant dry on it's own.
**If you notice the leaves soft and light in colour it's time for a watering, otherwise the leaves should feel full.  Water roughly 2-3 times a week.  

Other tips:

*Don't leave the plant submerged in water. 

*Since they originate from South & Central America, they can survive outdoors in (our) summer months. Just be sure to leave them in a shady location with no more than 2 hours of direct sunlight. Perfect for adding some interesting decor elements to your exterior dining table, or seating area!

*You can fertilize twice a month for optimum growth. Use Bromeliad Fertilizer. 

Simple right? Such a great way to add some elements of fresh, green life into your home! How would you style air plants?