Spring Fling

Though you wouldn't know it here in New York (90 degrees yesterday, 60 degrees today) the flowers have bloomed and the season of renewal and rejuvenation has arrived. I've made some positive changes in my life in the past few weeks and wanted to take a moment to share them with all of you!

1. Wear sunscreen. EVERY DAY.
It sounds simple enough and this shouldn't be a recent change but alas, I'm trying! Some of you longtime readers will remember that I had sunpoisoning last summer. That was by far the most awful thing I have ever done to myself. I can still see the scars on my legs and they are a constant reminder to be sun-safe. My choice is the Clinique Sun SPF 25 Body Spray. I also use Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick for ears, face, etc. Perfect to throw in an everyday bag.

2. Keep a food diary.
It really does help to write down everything you intake. Did it stop me from having both a vanilla latte and a pecan butterscotch bar yesterday? No, but seeing those both written down is sure to make me think twice today.

3. Fill a piggy bank!
A good friend complained to me yesterday that it's tough to save money (especially in this economy, ESPECIALLY while living in this city). True. I've had a large ceramic piggy bank since I moved here almost two years ago, but I didn't truly start usuing it until recently. I now make sure to put money in my piggy at least once a week. Whether it's $50 or some coins that I found in the bottom of my closet during my wardrobe switch, it is far more visually satisfying to see my money being contained somewhere rather than move a bunch of numbers around on an online account. (Also, my bank has an opening wide enough for me to take money out if necessary. No need to 'break the bank!' Wah-wah.)

4. Buy fresh flowers.

I recently read a study that says if you wake up to fresh flowers, you tend to be happier. Since I'm a terrible sleeper, I'll try anything once. My boyfriend bought me the above tulips for our 3 month anniversary. He put them on my nighttable before tucking me into bed and heading home. I woke up the next morning feeling incredibly calm and decided that this needs to become a permanent 'arrangement' (wah-wah! I'm just full of them today). I have always admired women who consistently have fresh flowers in their home, so why not become one of them?

(P.S. Do you see that dead, wilted thing leaning on the bouquet? That's the rose he gave me for Valentines Day. I know it's disgusting, but I can't bare to throw it away. What can I say? I'm a sentimental gal.)