10 Ways to Beat Winter Blahs

Happy Thursday, friends!

Okay, I know many, many, many of you have been around for YEARS (thank you!), but for those of you who might be new, let me tell you something super predictable about me…

I am always excited for the next season about one month too early.

Every. Dang. Year.

In May, I am l-i-v-i-n-g for the summer, in August, I have my pumpkins out, in December, I want snow and by the end of February, I am READY FOR SPRING!!!

Why can’t I just get with the natural flow God created?  I don’t know, but it’s who I am.

Needless to say this made me laugh…

…it’s only February 15th, but I have my eye on the next season and am itching for all things “spring”.

Today, I’m sharing my 10 WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS.  This isn’t a “Shay’s Ways”, this is legit just me over here today, right now, trying to cram any amount of sunshine and springtime in my day.   Should you need a little break from the blahs, here you go 🙂 …

I changed the background on my iPhone to this.  I used to keep pics of my family as my wallpaper, but then a few years ago, I listened to Emily Ley’s podcast, and she did an episode on cleaning up her iPhone for a more stress-free/clutter-free/calm life, and I took it to heart including making the background of your phone simple.  For me, changing it out seasonally is calming.  How lovely is this?  Don’t you feel spring-ier already?

I also changed out…

…the wallpaper/screensaver on my TV.  I had a snowy scene for about 6 weeks, but now, I just look up from my desk and it feels less blah to me.  You could do this on your computer too.

I changed out my scents.  I’ve mentioned this skincare brand many, many times before, but I found their actual shop one time in Rhode Island and fell in love with their products, so now, I get it shipped to my house.  I have been using them for years and love, love, love every scent I’ve tried.  I was using Pacific, but this last time I ordered, I bought Coconut Bikini…because yes, please.  That’s the opposite of winter blah.

Speaking of skin…

…after the dry and cold winter, I make sure my skin is r-e-a-d-y for the upcoming season of less makeup with healthier, glowier skin by using my favorite skincare!  I just saw that they’re currently having their CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE, so it’s a great time to stock up!

As a reminder, here is what I use each day:

#1: RADIANT CLEANSING BALM is always the #1 product I recommend. I take my makeup off and wash my face with this every single day.  You know how sometimes when you wash your face, your skin feels tight right after?  This does the complete opposite.  Not only does it remove even the most stubborn waterproof eye makeup, but it leaves your skin more hydrated and moisturized without feeling heavy or greasy.  After years of using this, I cannot imagine using anything else to cleanse my skin and remove my makeup.

#2: VITAMIN C NOURISHING CREAM is an amazing part of my routine!  I first started using this as my nighttime moisturizer this spring and am already on my third jar.  It’s so hydrating and moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling really great the next morning.  Speaking of Vitamin C…

#3: VITAMIN C BRIGHTENING SERUM is another super affective part of my routine.  I apply just a bit of this to my face and neck every morning before my daytime moisturizer.

#4: RETINOL SUPREME EYE SERUM is one of the products I’ve been using since Day #1…since 2019!  I originally bought this because my mom told me this was one of her staple products…and now, it’s mine too.  I like to apply a thin layer under my eyes both morning and night as part of my skincare routine.

#5: AGE RENEWAL SUPER SERUM is my evening serum that I apply after I cleanse and before I moisturize.  It truly is a “super” serum packing quite a punch with more than 20 ingredients to fight the six signs of aging (texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance and tone).  I’ve used it for YEARS and truly think it’s made a huge difference with my skin.  If you only try one of these products right now, I would say this is the BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! My mom and I both use this as part of our daily routine.

#6: SHEER RENEWAL CREAM has been my daily go-to moisturizer since 2019.  I wear this every single day regardless if I’m going out, staying in, wearing makeup or not.  It’s light, not heavy, not greasy and yet super hydrating and easy to wear under SPF and makeup.

And don’t forget, this is the only shampoo and conditioner I use too also from them and a part of the sale!

Here’s what I do:  Shampoo, then condition, get out of the shower and comb through my hair and then add a bit of the Protect & Perfect Styling Cream. At this point, I either let my hair air dry or I use my hair dryer to get it dry.  Whenever I’m ready to apply heat with my curling iron or spruce up “second day hair”, I add a bit of the Smooth & Shine Hair Serum.  That’s it!

I’m watching movies set in warm/tropical/spring/happy destinations.  I’ve put away The Proposal and Grumpy Old Men (see you next winter!) and while I work, I’m watching Six Days, Seven Nights (photographed above on Tuesday) or Crazy Rich Asians or Ticket to Paradise or Eat, Pray, Love…things like that 🙂 .

Easy way to beat the blahs?  Swap out your candles!  I am burning the more tropical “Disney scents” in my office right now while I work.

So, yes, I over-used self-tanner on this day (and we could not stop laughing!), but you guys, when used in moderation, you know this is the BEST SELF TANNER!!!!  I could go on for days.  If you haven’t read my SELF TANNER POST, you should because I still swear by both the FACE TANNER (just mix 2 to 3 drops in with your nighttime moisturizer) and THE BODY SELF TANNER.

I have STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS POST about applying both.  Y’all…this time of year, I will channel spring and summer even if it’s through my self-tanner 😉 .

I have mentioned this SCALP & BODY SCRUB many, many times before.  It’s super refreshing (legit smells like Hawaii) and makes me feel oh so clean especially after a really sweaty workout.  I apply a little to my scalp before shampooing and conditioning and then some to my body as well.  Smells heavenly and makes my hair and body oh so clean.

I love French Cooking Music Radio on Pandora and also…

…Coastal Grandmother on Spotify for a spring-y vibe.

This time of year, I turn to brighter/spring-ier colors when I get dressed too 🙂 .  My HALF ZIP SWEATSHIRT comes in a lot of great neutrals, but the color “nectar” just screamed hello winter into spring!

And finally…

…I plan a warm weather vacation and think about it all the time 🙂 .  Here we are in Turks last spring!  I’m still thinking about it!

Okay, tell me, what do you do to beat the winter blahs?!  I would LOVE to know!!!! xx