Warm breezes, cool nights, and picnics…there is no better, more joyous time than spring. Flowers are blooming, baby animals are born, winter skin is shed, and smiles grow a little brighter. So take a whiff of the cherry blossoms, and – if you live in a place with definable seasons – prepare for spring!

Arboretums, botanical gardens, beaches, and state parks: Locate your local public garden or arboretum, grab some friends, and spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful flora and fauna. Do the same with a beach; it doesn’t have to be hot to enjoy the seaside.  If you’re a city dweller, rent a zipcar or take a commuter rail to the coast. These also make romantic date spots, and most of them are free. Click here to find your nearest park.

Lilacs in bloom at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston:

Picnics: Take a break from romping around the gardens and indulge in a healthy picnic comprised of fruits and vegetables harvested in the spring. Make a salad using arugula, artichokes, fiddleheads, and spinach – check out this wonderful guide to seasonal fruits and vegetables. A light sparkling wine mixed with fruit juice creates the perfect spring picnic drink; mix Prosecco and peach juice to concoct a pseudo Bellini, and enjoy your spring day!

Beautify: Winter breeds dryness. We use heavy moisturizers, harsh exfoliates, and lots of hair product to combat parched, flaky skin and static-y hair. So once the warmer weather rolls in, be sure to change your beauty regimen (guys included!) Thick moisturizers and conditioners are no longer necessary; lighten up or you’ll suffer from greasy skin and hair. Switch to a gentle facial scrub, as extreme exfoliation no longer is necessary. St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub will work miracles on your dull winter skin.

Similarly, for the make-up loving lady, spring clean your make-up bag. Save your deep red wine lipstick and black eye liner for the colder months. Freshen up your look by donning a juicy, moisture-saturated sparkly gloss like Stila’s silk shimmer gloss. This beautiful peachy blush by Benefit perfectly compliments the champagne shimmer and perks up any blah complexion.

Physical activity in the great outdoors that doesn’t require you to freeze your butt off: Rally your friends for a pick-up game of soccer or frisbee. Go for a run along the beach with a pal. Do yoga in a field. Whatever. Get out, and get active! Take advantage of the temperate climate before spring turns into scorching summer.

Update your spring wardrobe:

1. Mint Drop  Necklace at Anthropologie

2. Rose Mallow Tank at Anthropologie 

3. Leaping Plait Sandals at Anthropologie 

4. American Vintage Handknit Sleeveless Cardigan in Earth at Revolveclothing.com

Author: Liv

• Inseam