Hibernation Time Is *Over*

I suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although I moved here more than 20 years ago, I still have California blood running through my veins. I can handle -- and even enjoy -- the cooler months of November and December, but once the holidays are over and the lights come down…so does my mood. Then it’s just cold and dreary and will be so for another three (lately four) months.When it’s gray and cold I don’t have nearly the energy I do when the sun comes out. Pedicures that were once monthly slide into bi-monthly territory. Manicures, too. I highlight my hair every few months instead of every couple…you get the idea. Essentially, I let things slide a little.Once the sun comes out, I’m ready to get things going. Sure, it’s still cold out…but the sun invigorates me. I am ready for yard work, backyard parties, and cocktails outdoors. The problem is…my nails, hair, and skin aren’t quite ready for prime time. If April showers bring May flowers, then it’s time to bloom again, people.[divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]

Step 1: Start exercising again

It makes you feel good and when you feel good, you take better care of yourself overall, so I hope to see many of you at Fitness on the Run this May. Yes, it takes discipline to get to that class in the morning…but boy do I feel better after it’s done. 

Step 2: Get to the hair dresser

Nothing makes you feel better than a good hair day. Stock up on your hair care products so you can keep that salon look going every day. 

Step 3: Mani/pedi

Whether you do it yourself or have it done, clean, manicured nails provide instant gratification. I am currently loving my Smith & Cult polishes and take them to the salon with me. I love the idea of doing it myself, but I can’t paint my nails to save my life. My cuticles, on the other hand, I can definitely paint those. 

Step 4: Exfoliate and hydrate

Get rid of all that dead skin. The one really nice day we had recently enticed me to wear a skirt. After I put it on, I saw the white flakes on my lower legs and gasped. Hello Molton Brown body polisher, bye bye flaky skin. Follow that with a nice, dry oil on the legs and that skirt may just have a chance of making it out of the house. 

Lastly...

If you don’t have a skirt that’s deserving of a night on the town, like this one from The Hive, get one!In essence, it was a long, hard winter. Maybe you didn’t treat yourself as nicely as you could have. I know I didn’t. It’s time to head out again, feel good about yourself when you do…you deserve it.