Chasing Away the Winter Blues

I don't know about you, but I am very ready for spring. I'm now entering the 4th month of wearing tights AND long johns to work (in addition to pants, of course), 2 pairs of socks, and on average, 4 layers on top (usually including two turtlenecks and a sweater). I also wear a scarf, my fingerless gloves (so I can actually type/work), and have a blanket wrapped around me. It's getting a little redundant, and I am ready to be warm again.

Ready as I am, Philly's weather doesn't seem to care much. It's still 28 degrees outside (which, unfortunately, isn't "too bad" for our weather lately), and I need some help in remember that a time will come again when my fingers will thaw and I will be able to wear "just" a pair of pants and a sweater to work. Lately I've been relying on a few creature comforts to speak to me of spring. These are, admittedly, from a very feminine perspective, but there are a few that work across genders.

1. Satsuma Body Butter from The Body Shop: 1.7 oz - $10, 6.9 oz - $20. If the scent of this body butter doesn't immediately make you think of warm, exotic places, I don't know what will. For my dry skin, there is nothing better than this tropical-scented lotion. While $20 for the big one can seem a bit high, it's well worth it, and it will last you quite a while.

2. Beauty Rush Lip Gloss from Victoria's Secret: $7/each or 2/$12. Normally I'm not a "pink" kind of person, but these lip glosses bring a lot of pop and flavor to my lips. I have a bunch of them from the past few years, and my favorite flavors are probably Passion Fruit Pop, Lotta Colada, and Strawberry Fizz. They keep my lips soft (mine get chapped SO easily), and also add a little color and shine. Also, they go on sale pretty frequently, so don't get scared away by the $7 price tag. In fact, over Christmas I bought a box of 6 for $15. Definitely on the list of "think of spring" items.

3. Tiger Spice Chai from David Rio: $8.95 for a 14 oz canister (about 12 cups). I love chai. I have a slight obsession with it, and am pretty elitist about it, too. This is one of the best "instant" mixes I've found. While I'd love to make all my chai all the time, that isn't possible or practical (especially when I need a pick-me-up at work). While this little canister of goodness doesn't necessarily help me hope for spring, it does make the winter a little more bearable.

4. Bamboo and KANIST Vase from IKEA: Bamboo $1.99, Vase - $2.99 (though I linked to the bigger vase online). I need green in my life, especially in the winter months. We have three of these plants in our bedroom, and they bring me a lot of happiness. I've had two of them a number of years and they've grown quite tall (the third is getting on its way). They're really easy to take care of, and can survive just about anything. Trust me. Just fill the vase with some rocks and water, and you're good to go.

5. SKAMT Vases from IKEA: $1.49 each. These vases are just plain fun. As you look at the picture, you'll notice a trend - color. I need color in the winter months. These vases come in SO many different colors, they're super cheap, and they're great to stick in random places around your house for some spring cheer, especially if you have a single flower to put in.

Ok, the last items are all obviously earrings. I love wearing earrings, especially the big, dangling kind. As I'm longing for warmer weather, I'm turning to colorful clothes and colorful accessories. It can totally change your day knowing you're wearing a pair of sweet earrings. The following are a bunch of pairs I wouldn't mind picking up. (Forever 21 is a fantastic place for earrings if you're not into spending much, like me.) Also, since I'm not very good yet at digital imaging, I suggest just looking at the website pics to really see the earrings.

6. Ombre Swirl Earrings from Forever 21: $3.80

7. Beaded Wire Hoop Earrings from Forever 21: $3.80

8. Beaded Hoop Earrings from Forever 21: $4.80

9. Mini Flower Earrings from American Eagle: $12.50

10. Mini Flower Earrings from American Eagle: $12.50. I know I put these in twice - but I like both color combinations. Plus, they're currently buy one get one 50% off online (makes them about $9.35/pair).

So, if you too are fighting the winter blues, perhaps one of these things will give you a little inspiration, and help make your cold days pass a little faster on the way to a much-anticipated spring.