Hello Spring!

It's officially spring!! The first day of spring, Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday.  I would have to say this is my second favorite time of the year just behind fall. Everything is beginning to change, and the world is coming to life again. After dropping our nephew off after church, we took the back road to Joe's grandmother's house. That road is a tiny, winding road, but it has some of the most beautiful scenes you will see in this area. I started thinking of all the reasons I love springtime.

1. Flowers. Greenery. I love love love all the flowers and trees coming into bloom. I stepped out on my front porch just two days ago and realized the only two trees in my yard are in full bloom. The lilies are beginning to sprout. The grass is green. Our allergies are in full force. This year we promised ourselves to update the outside and add a walkway from the porch to the driveway.

2. Birds. Call me a nerd. I've always been fascinated with birds. I had two parakeets growing up, and I loved them so much! Just this past week, we filled the feeder, and some visitors are slowly stopping by. I can always tell when birds are at the feeder because the cats sit glued to the window tails waving and teeth chattering.

3. Sandals. I hate wearing shoes, and do not even get me started about socks. I'm also not one of those people who thinks flip flops in 30 degree weather is not acceptable. I just want to slip on some sandals when I have to leave. No socks. No shoelaces. No zippers. No problem.

4. Skirts and Dresses. Just like sandals, throwing on a dress or skirt is easy and not to mention super cute.

5. Everyone quits whining about winter. I swear. This past winter I came across some of the most whiny, angry people. I was so tired of seeing winter getting hated on.  But would you appreciate spring, if it weren't for winter? Let that soak in.

6. Pastels! Somehow I started getting this style magazine in the mail. The Spring edition came in the mail, and it is filled with pastels. Baby pinks, icy lilac, canary yellow, and powdery blues.


7. BABY ANIMALS EVERYWHERE. No more explanation needed.

And with that note, I will end because what can top baby animals?!

Why Not Wednesday? Jergens BB Hand Cream

This winter we've been incredibly lucky to have more warm days than cold. I've not had to be as diligent in taking extra care of my hands from the cold weather. This second round of cold and snow is beginning to take a toll though. My poor hands get chapped so easily, so I have to slather on extra, extra lotion and take some preventative measures to keep them happy.

My winter hand care tips:

• Wear gloves when outside. Not for the obvious reasons of warmth, but a shield from blistering winds. 
•  Apply emollient at night before going to sleep, and slip on some cotton gloves for the night. 
• Limit the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and when washing, use mild soap and lukewarm water. 
• Drink extra water to keep skin hydrated. 
• Moisturize, moisturize moisturize!! I'm talking applying 5 to 6 times day.  

There are so many options on the market, and I'm not one to stray from my usual lotions/creams. (Mostly because of my sensitive skin.) However, I came across the Jergens BB Hand Cream on clearance at our local Walmart back in the fall. This is not something I would normally buy, but when it is 75% off, I thought why not. This hand cream provides SPF 20 and also claims it will diminish dark spots within two weeks. The hand cream is made for all skin tones. (They also have a body BB cream offered in different skin tones.)

You can purchase at any drugstore and find online from multiple sellers. I've linked the Jergens Website, so you can check out the details. Depending where you purchase- this retails from $6-8.00.

Instant Benefits- As the bottle states it hydrates, smooths, and protects instantly. It definitely hydrates the skin, My hands feel moisturized immediately after application. My hands also appear to be smoother and more youthful. I like this cream when my hands start to become really dry. I do not use this as my every day hand lotion. It's super thick, but does not leave a heavy or oily feeling. My hands feel silky smooth after. It instantly rejuvenates my hands overall and makes them happy again.

In 2 weeks- The bottle claims it will diminish dark spots and even your skin tone. I do not use this consistently enough to comment on the long term benefits.

Would I purchase again? Full price- absolutely not. At a really good deal, possibly. It's not a hit, but it's not a miss either. If you're interested, it may be worth checking out. :) 

Cold Snap! Oh Snap! Top Reasons I Love Fall

These two days of cooler weather reminded me why I love the fall. I would have to say this is my favorite season, and like every year, it greeted me with illness. Seasons change- never fails I have some sinus, respiratory, ENT issue. I am on the tail end of bronchitis and a double ear infection and a super mega dosage of antibiotics.

Of course, illness is not why fall is my favorite season, and like other girls, it is not my favorite season because of leggings, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Fun fact: did you know people abbreviate this as PSL? I didn't, and I was incredibly concerned when a ton of people on my social media got their first PSL this year. I thought the zombie apocalypse was beginning.

Why do I love fall though? Not why most would think...

5. It's the season of crock pot meals, chili, and soup. I have a really hard time eating soups throughout the spring and summer. I just don't understand why someone wants a heavy, hearty meal in the sweltering heat. One year, I prepped 30 days of crock pot meals, so we took full advantage of the beginning of crock pot season.

4. No more shorts and tanks! I can finally pull out those comfy sweats and over-sized sweater and not be judged for wearing it! The other plus... no need to shave our legs. Every. Day. I always joke and say shaving my legs is my cardio for the week. I mean, be honest... it is similar to a full body work out. Don't get me wrong, I don't have like man legs, but I am a little more lenient.

3. All. The. Decorations. Can we be honest? I was ready to set up all my pumpkin, acorn, candy corn, and leaf decor in the beginning of August. A dear friend told me, if it's still 80 degrees out, I can't. With this cold snap though, I totally started digging out my decor. This is the season for decorations. You start with fall decor, move into Halloween, transition to Thanksgiving, and top the year off with the mightiest of all decor Christmas.

Disclaimer- I am looking for some fall DIY decor ideas. Last year I made some incredible door decorations, but haven't decided my plans for this year.

2. The short span where central heat/AC isn't necessary. We take full advantage of this time because we save mega bucks on our electric bill. (If you're on Jellico electric, you totally understand.) IT is cool enough to leave the AC off, and warm enough to avoid turning the heat on. Cold? Get a blanket. Warm? Turn on the fan. Open the windows, and get some fresh air!

1. Changing of the colors. There is some magical about the fall. The foliage begins to change colors, and the leaves descend from the trees. The crisp cool air and the dense fog settling in the mornings. I always viewed the transition from summer to fall as some type of renewal.  Shedding your leaves and flowers in preparation for winter and a brand new awakening in the spring. It's a reminder of how the world works, and tomorrow is always a new day.

 

So here's to fully enjoying my favorite time of the year! Maybe I'll finally catch up on my ever growing pile of books to read!