I don't know about you, but the past month has been a doozy. I am not usually one to look to the cosmos for explanations, yet recently I have been hoping there is something to blame for much harder life has been as of late. I'll spare too many details aside from saying that out home has been plagued by illness and some very close people to me have been facing some of the worst life has to offer. As I try to keep my life afloat and support those I love I've been clinging to the fact that winter always turns to spring (as on of my favorite buddhist teachings says).

 

In fact, today is the auspicious vernal equinox. After watching this TikTok, I decided that I would use the coming of spring as a fresh start on my new year and leave the woes of February (and early March) behind. The start of spring has always been special to me. My beloved grandmother's birthday was the first day of spring (give or take a few hours depending on the year). Like a budding flower breaking through winter, she was always hopeful and ever resilient. Her youthfulness even as she faced the ailments of old age was a constant reminder that I can take on the challenges of life and still find joy in the everyday. So in celebration of what would have been her 90th, I am declaring the coming of this season a chance for me to reset my intentions for the year.

I have recently become obsessed with the Indyx app where you can digitally organize your wardrobe and make outfits. It is so fun to use and intends to help you get the most out of the clothes you already own. I was inspired to do a major closet reset out ahead of the warm weather and I am already feeling lighter for it. It also has options to work with a personal stylist, I haven't tried it yet but am intrigued. The app itself is free so if you join let me know so we can connect! Use my referral code "GinaStovall" to receive $10 toward personal styling, I get a $10 credit too!

 

In the process of cleaning out my closet, I got the urge to add a pop of color to my outfits and these red ballet flats from J Crew have me head over heels. I know, I know Mary Janes are all the rage right now, but I am just a classic ballet slipper kind of girl. These have a modern twist with a square toe box and are super comfy too.

 

In addition to spring cleaning my wardrobe I am refreshing spaces in my house room by room and have nearly finished my bedroom. The last item on the to do is hanging an “organic blob” mirror that just arrived (j'adore). I fell deep into mirror research in the process of finding mine so I did a little round up of my affordable favorites.

 

Every holiday feels hyper-commercialized, or maybe I am more acutely aware of it now as a parent. Honestly, I am dreading the incoming deluge of uber cute Easter baskets that will fill my feed in the days to come (no shade intended to those who partake). The temptation to buy all the bunny related items at Target is already strong. Instead, this year I want to keep it simple and sustainable and try naturally dying eggs with my son. This simple guide got me excited the colors and textures possibilities!

 

Continuing my spring obsession, I have been researching window box plantings. Look at all of these creative and fun combinations! In the past I have usually stuck to just one or two varieties per box, but this year I am going to branch out and lean into a cottagey aesthetic for our balcony terrace. Wish me luck!

 

And lastly, this podcast episode had me sitting in the car at my destination to finish listening. It is Esther Perel digging with Ira Glass, the genius story teller behind “This American Life,” as he grapples with his mortality and how he is spending his days. It's has a very different feel than her other episodes, one that honestly I didn't love quite as much because the intimacy and vulnerability were lacking, but the content had me thinking for days to come.