While we spend next week vacationing on the beach, the mountains, or our couch back home, most of us will forget a very important date: Mar. 20 marks the first day of spring, not to mention my birthday - sorry, but I had to throw that in there.
So why not begin to celebrate the arrival of the Vernal Equinox and push springtime into Boston a little earlier this year? A few changes in your wardrobe or d?©cor are bound to drive away the winter blues.
While black may have been all the rage this past fall season, a little color can bring some cheer to these cold days. Ditch your black sweater for a pastel version in mint green, baby pink or lemon yellow. Or trade in your Burberry scarf for a more colorful neck warmer for a little springtime flair.
Even if you don't want to dive into spring with pastel accents, your clothing can still smell the part with Bounce dryer sheets in a fresh Spring Awakening scent.
Or simply pick up a new perfume that brings you into a springtime garden with floral delights. "Gardenia Passion" by Annick Goutal, found at Neiman Marcus, is sure to do the trick.
Not the perfume type? Try a springtime scent in the shower. You can pick up a bottle of Suave Naturals Lavender shampoo at any drugstore. The light flowery overtone will delight your senses, not to mention those around you.
After hopping out of the shower, slap on a new moisturizer. Crabtree & Evelyn, found at Copley mall, offers a Spring Rain Scented body lotion. The line is also featured in an array of soaps, oils and scented drawer papers. While you're stuck in your room finishing that take-home midterm, you can at least pretend you are in the countryside smelling fresh morning dew.
Aside from wardrobe and scents, d?©cor is a sure way to jumpstart the springtime mood. Pick up some fresh flowers on your way back from your internship or stop by a flower store and buy longer-lasting eye candy such as a bromeliad.
I had bought one for my room back in October and it is still flourishing. Even better, the plant I purchased from Costco only cost $12! The long green leaves and interesting red flower adds a cheerful addition to my room. Another plus? The plant only requires weekly watering, allowing for easy care.
If you completely lack a green thumb, there's another way to bring spring's flowers to your room. Order a "Moodtape" from Amazon entitled "Nature's Bouquet" and play the relaxing film in the background as you work on a paper or study for a test. The colorful flowers and peaceful melodies are sure to release a soothing and cheery aura.
If your workload is light, try watching an actual movie that features glorious spring scenery like Eric Rohmer's "A Tale of Springtime." The 1990 Oscar-nominated film not only stunningly captures the French countryside, but it also has a romantic story filled with humor and beauty.
While watching your film of choice, prepare a springtime beverage. My friend's mother used to make a drink she called Spring Fling. She cut up fresh cucumbers, lemon and mint and then soaked the ingredients in a pitcher of vodka and sugar overnight. The next day she added sparkling water and ice and served the beverage garnished with the leftover mint.
The refreshing liquid had us all celebrating spring upon first taste.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck with your last week before the break and I hope all of you celebrate spring wherever your travels may take you.
