Making the Drab, Fab!

Hello Friends!

We're in a tough season here - February/March is the most challenging time of year for me. It's cold, damp, getting lighter in the evenings, but not enough to allow for too much fun post work. The promise of spring is coming, but just far enough away that it leaves you cold. I'm a sun shiny girl - and this season just give me a permanent case of the Mondays. Blah.

So, I've decided to turn my drab season into my FAB season! These things seems silly, small, and insignificant, but I've noticed that I'm feeling more springy, already!

Fancy Water.  Since kicking the soda habit, I've been guzzling water. But its BOR-RING. I miss FLAVOR. So, I've decided to dress up my water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber. It feels ever so chic and grown up, and has that little bit of flavor - cool, crisp - that makes me think of lunches with patio seating, or sipping on something while hanging out at the neighborhood block party. 

Fancy Toes.  Why does a fresh coat of polish on your little piggies make you feel fabulous? I don't know, but it makes me want to wear peep toed pumps, flip flops, or be barefoot!  It's like a tiny infusion of summer straight through my toes. 

Bring the outside in.  Not literally - it's too damn cold and that snow has no business inside the house. But I've noticed that green things or a pop of color makes me happy! I'm not repainting all the rooms in my house or office, but adding a small plant, flowers (even if they're fake), bowl of fruit, art, whatever (!), not only brightens the room, but it brightens my mood! Sometimes even brightly colored food or a beautifully arranged plate of food can perk me up. 

Get out of the cabin.  Winter time blues (aka cabin fever) gets me every year. Because I loathe the cold, I tend to stay home where it's warm. While that's not always bad (who doesn't love to snuggle with a book/movie, fire and popcorn?), it can wear me down and make me mopey.  I just scheduled a girls night out - dinner, drinks, and tons of dancing - and it was just what the doctor ordered.  I didn't spend a ton of money, didn't drink too much, and had a great time with the girls. Plus, I count it as a workout (3 hours of dancing!!)

Spring Cleaning.  We all could use a little umph when it comes to spring cleaning. But what is more exciting than a freshly cleaned and organized closet? A de-cluttered cupboard or drawer? Or a spotless garage? Well, lots of things, actually... but the feeling of accomplishment and 'clean slate' mentality really gives my mood a boost! The hubster and I are hoping to put our home on the market this spring and the list of chores is quite long. I think it's time that I took on the challenge and gave myself a mood boost!

Get your sweat on. C'mon, you knew it was coming. I'm sure to many of you, it seems like I'm ALWAYS working out. But the truth is, it's not just about the sweat, muscles and cardio work. It's a social outlet for me. I enjoy hanging out with the ladies I workout with, I love shaking my proverbial tail feather at Zumba and laughing with the folks there, and I don't even mind when Ben convinces me to do a 5am class, because I know that Kathy, Bella, Molly and, yes, even Ben, will be there. Jokes, banter, movie reviews, moans and groans when the workout gets tough - all helps me relate to other people and forget that the weather outside sucks and I'd rather be laying by the pool, basking in the sun, picnicking or whatever.

So - my whole life is built on 5 pillars to take care of myself physically. But I also need to work on things that help me MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY. I'll share tips and tricks I run into when I find them, but I'd love to hear from you. What do you do to turn a day from "Drab to Fab?"

Until next time,
<3Jen