We have had more winter storm warnings this year than in any recent year I can remember. I may be misremembering, but I think we typically only get one or two full blown winter storm warnings. But not this year! This year we’ve had five so far. Each storm has dropped between 3-6 inches of snow. At the time I’m writing this, the temperatures are frigid, the walking paths are iced over, and to be honest, it’s hard to stay motivated when the spring garden you’ve been dreaming is covered over in snow. So what’s a girl to do? I’m glad you asked! I’m going to tell you how you can start to beat the winter blues with a little creative productivity!
Set the mood
When I feel the need to beat the winter blues, I typically press into all things spring. I find it helpful to whisk myself away to things that remind me of warmer days ahead. That includes what I listen to, what I choose to eat or drink, what I spend my time doing, and what products I use.
Today’s playlist is of a seaside cafe with Bossa nova music. It reminds me of a little hotel we stayed at on the Outer Banks. If you listen closely you can hear the coffee shop sounds, the murmur of distant conversations, the ocean waves and the seagulls. It’s the first thing I do when I need a little spring pick-me-up and I’m looking to beat the winter blues.
Do a little spring cleaning
One of the fastest ways you can put a little spring in your step (and in your home) is to do a little spring cleaning. I’m not talking about deep cleaning or all-day organizing. I’m talking about picking a space, and really giving it some love. If you’re feeling the winter blues, it’s possible your home is too!
It’s too cold open the windows and let in the fresh air for too long, so how do you infuse that springtime feeling while it’s still the doldrums of winter? Fragrance! And I have a couple of good ones for you.
I have been loving the Method all-purpose cleaner in clementine scent, and the Mrs. Meyers Baking Soda cleaner in apple blossom. Both of these cleaners has such a beautiful spring-like fragrance. Today, with the snow covering everything in sight, and the temperatures setting off cold advisories, these two scents have been a breath of fresh air that reminds me of warmer days and helps ward off the winter blues.
The next fragrance I can’t get enough of is the Tangerine and Mango scented candle from Hobby Lobby. It’s such a nice compliment to the Clementine cleaner and it makes the whole space smell like a fresh spring day.
Dig a little deeper
While not going full on spring cleaning, sometimes it’s nice to clear the kitchen counters and really give them a good wipe down. That leads me to a cleaning method called the eye-level test. I wish I could take credit for this, but I cannot. I learned about it several years ago from Melissa Maker at Clean My Space. I’ll list her video here so you can watch it later.
Basically, what she teaches is that when you look at a counter – especially a patterned counter top – it may ‘look’ clean to the naked eye. You sprayed the cleaner, you wiped it down, and it looks great! Except it’s not really clean. Here’s what I mean: This corner of our kitchen counter had just been sprayed with that yummy clementine cleaner, wiped with a bamboo microfiber cloth, and is nice and sparkling clean. Or is it?
When you lower down and get right at eye level with the counter, you have a new perspective altogether about how clean your counter tops really are….or aren’t! This is the same counter as the photo above. I had just cleaned it. Do you see all the crumbs on the counter next to the marble cheese board? And what about all the crumbs hiding under the marble candle holder? Now look again from the photo above. You cannot see them. You only see what was missed when you get down to eye level. I’m telling you….this is a game changer in the kitchen!
So if you’re wanting to beat the winter blues with a little spring cleaning, this is one tip you are going to love!
Infuse a little life – even if it’s faux
Finally, while you’re doing a little spring refresh, why not infuse a little spring life – even if it’s faux? After the holidays have passed and we’ve settled into the long deep of winter, it’s often difficult to find any touch of spring. I love picking up a few fresh florals or greenery from the grocery, but this time of year, the selection can be hit or miss. That’s when I rely on my faux greenery.
Not all faux greenery is created equal, friends. I’m thinking back to the plastic ferns of the 1980’s, and the ‘silk’ ivy of the 1990’s. But faux greenery has come a long way since then! There are amazing faux greenery options on Amazon. Some of the most realistic options come from afloral, but truly, you can find anything from spring tulips to hydrangeas, to greenery.
Let me show you a few of my favorites. I’ll try to link what I can, but I’ve had most of these for so long I’m not sure they’re still available.
If you aren’t especially fond of faux greenery and want a more trendy look, you could always go for a moss bowl! Places like RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) and Arhaus use moss bowls in their styling every spring! It’s an easy and inexpensive project, and you can create the look you want for your home in just a few minutes. I have an article about it linked here.
Hydrate with the freshness of spring
We hear all the time of the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated. But especially in the winter months when the air is dryer, our skin is flakier, and we are generally a little on the dehydrated side of life. While you are working at freshening your home, why not ward off the winter blues by refreshing your body as well?
Add a few slices of lemon and fresh sprigs of herbs (if you have them) to a large pitcher of water and sip it throughout the day while you work. The lemon will help detoxify your body and the herbs will leave you feeling like spring is right at the doorstep!
I simply used a sliced lemon, a few sprigs of thyme and a sprig of rosemary. It was amazingly refreshing, and such a welcome reminder of the days to come.
Beat the winter blues by infusing spring
If you’re over the winter weather already, but still have a few weeks before spring, you can start to beat the winter blues with a little productive spring cleaning. Believe me, it does wonders for your home, your heart, and your mind!
Give it a try and see if you don’t feel better in a jiffy!
Leave a comment and let me know your favorite fragrance for spring cleaning!
