How I am romanticizing my life this spring

And my inspiration in photos

There are a few things that signal to me that it is springtime:

• Smelling fresh cut grass

• Seeing tulips

• Farmers planting crops

• Birds chirping

All indicate the beginning of something new and beautiful. Vibrant colors, warmer temperatures, fresh fruits and veggies, adorable baby animals. And 2 out of 4 things from my list have happened so far so I guess I am ready to officially classify it as spring.

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.”

- Ernest Hemingway

I spent a majority of the winter in warmer weather so the shift from cold to not as cold come early spring wasn’t as “monumental” as it was for most Midwesterners. 60 degrees just doesn’t hit the same when you haven’t spent the last 3 months mostly below freezing. But having spent a good chunk of my winters in northern Illinois, I am no stranger to the feeling of the change in the air and abrupt end of the winter blues when spring does hit. An instant mood booster and the best reminder that change is a magically thing.

Today I had an extra boost in my mood and got so excited thinking of all the potential opportunities coming my way and I decided to make a list of things I wanted to do this spring. And since there is something that just feels romantic about spring I added a little twist to the list.

22 ways I am romanticizing my life this spring

1. Buy myself flowers. This is a 3-in-1 because I want to buy a bouquet of flowers, pick and create my own bouquet, and make a crochet bouquet. I don’t need anyone to buy me flowers and neither do you. And no one knows what you like better than you.

2. Take my indoor activities outdoors. Going for more walks, exercising, yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music, writing, working will all be done outside as often as possible.

3. More fresh fruits. Nothing reminds me of spring/summer more than a big bowl of fresh fruit especially with breakfast or as a midday snack. Refreshing and always delicious.

4. Find my signature scent. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that when you leave their home you smell like them. I don’t know if I already have my own signature scent (if I do it’s probably a mix of all my essential oils), but I’m on the lookout for a good springy scent.

5. Transition my closet to spring. I’ve started this and it’s been a work in progress. I still have half my wardrobe left to sort through and I’ve already donated 2 garbage bags full of clothes. I guess I should add decluttering to the list as well.

6. Create a capsule wardrobe. Full of versatile, comfortable, light, natural, timeless pieces. I have been wanting to do this for a while, but have a hard time finding items I really love. I am looking to thrift as much as possible that if I buy more than I should I don’t feel as bad.

7. Dress up for no reason. As if I need an excuse to wear a cute springy dress and the perfect pair of sandals, bag, and jewelry to match.

8. Have a picnic. What’s more romantic than a picnic? I can picture it now…a warm, sunny day with a blanket, a cute picnic basket full of yummy snacks and beverage to toast.

9. Create a spring playlist. Bloom by The Paper Kites is one of my favorites songs that gives off springtime vibes and it will definitely be added to the playlist.

10. Update my vision board. I usually do this seasonally anyway because as my mood changes with the seasons so do my visions and goals.

11. Reflect on my 2024 goals and intentions. Add a few, remove a few, change of few, and see what I have accomplished so far this year. Reminder that it’s okay if you don’t accomplish everything because what was relevant in January might not be now.

12. Rearrange my space. I switched around my bed and tv in my room last week and why for days after was I more excited to walk into my room each time? It’s truly the little things in life. Now I want to expand the rearranging to my closet and my extra storage space.

13. Create a go-to spring mocktail. I don’t know if anything can beat my favorite lemon elixir drink, but I’m gonna attempt. I can’t wait to mix up different flavors and of course try all the combinations.

14. Find a new recipe to try. Once I find a food or meal I like, I tend to eat a lot of it. I’m trying to expand my palate and venture out trying new cuisines. I will also take this as an opportunity to cook for myself more.

15. Find a cute new pajama set. I’ve never been a pajama girly, but I want to be. I usually just wear a tshirt and shorts to bed, but how much more fun is it if I find the perfect matching pajama set.

16. Get more sunlight. Especially in the mornings. Great for your circadian rhythm and getting energized for the day ahead. Some days that make look like getting out for a walk, while other days it might look like opening the blinds to let the light in and lying back in bed for a few more minutes. It’s called balance.

17. Plan an entire day for myself. Filled with all my favorite activities. Half the fun is in the planning itself.

18. Take a bath. I take baths anytime of the year, but that doesn’t mean I can’t switch out my candles, or the scents for my bubbles and bath salts to be more springlike.

19. Unplug. Disconnecting more from my phone, checking emails, and social media each day so I can reconnect with other parts of myself that have taken a back burner.

20. Start a nature journal. While disconnecting from my phone, I can connect more with nature. I love spending time outdoors and in nature, but I want to take it a step further by keeping a journal of my experiences.

21. Journal my favorite moments. I’ve been slacking on journaling lately so to slowly get my way back into it, I will journal all my favorite moments at the end of each day.

22. Change up my morning/evening routine. I currently have a short and simple morning and evening routine that I love and look forward to doing each day, but I want to add one or two more things in. I’m excited to try out a few new ideas that will still feel natural and sustainable for me to do everyday.

My inspiration in photos

Let’s chat

• How are you romanticizing your life?

• What is your favorite springtime activity?

• Do you have a signature scent?

• What song should I add to my spring playlist?

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Did you hear?

I created a second Substack!! Books & Nooks a place where I will share recaps of the books I’m reading, host a seasonal book club, collab with other readers/writers and anything else book related. Check out my first published post ⬇️

-Leanna