2023 Spring Shopping Guide

For Your Outdoor Activities 

As the days become warmer, longer and brighter, it's time to enjoy the great outdoors and make the most of your garden. Whether you're planning on entertaining guests or simply spending some relaxing time in your own backyard, comfortable and stylish garden furniture is a must-have for any outdoor space.

When it comes to choosing garden furniture, there are a plethora of options available at varying price points. Choosing furniture that is weather-resistant, durable and comfortable is key, and the material and design will influence the price. The most common materials used for outdoor furniture include wood, metal, wicker, and plastic, with each material having its own unique properties, benefits, and drawbacks.

In 2023, furnishing your outdoor patio with a mix of materials and collections is a great way to create a functional yet stylish space. This year, we'll be seeing the use of complementary mixed materials in outdoor furniture such as teak and aluminum, ipe wood and willow, rope and aluminum and natural materials. Don't be afraid to mix and match outdoor collections. The integration of different colours, feature tables and chairs from other collections ensures an eclectic designer look.

While the garden is an ideal spot for relaxing and entertainment in the spring, there are plenty of other outdoor activities you could pick up. Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails and enjoy the spectacular scenery and fresh air and as the weather warms up, camping becomes more popular, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and spend quality time with loved ones. 

Springtime is also a great time to hit the bike paths and explore the local area on two wheels while the warming waters make the season an excellent time of year for fishing, whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater. Or why not pack a nice picnic for the family and head to a nearby park or beach to enjoy a relaxing afternoon? 

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Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Now is the perfect time to find your favorite way to stay active. Exercise benefits our bodies in so many ways, and spring is the perfect time to start a new fitness routine. The trick here is to find something you like. This will help you stick to it and reach your fitness goals before you know it! Plus, exercise does wonders for your mood. If you're stuck in the winter slump, you can instantly generate feel-good endorphins by adding some physical activity to your day.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep and taking time to relax and recharge, especially as the days get longer and you're adjusting to daylight saving time. Spring is all about awakening to new colors, sounds, tastes, and aromas that tingle the senses so why not try waking up earlier to savor as many new experiences as possible? You’ll have more time to start the day with a workout, a nutritional breakfast, and an improved skincare routine. This will give you more hours of daylight in general so you can soak up the sun, read a book, work on a new hobby, or just kick back and relax to soothe your senses. 

However, this may not be an easy undertaking for many since we're all adjusting to the longer days. Try using a sunrise alarm clock that uses sounds and light to ease you into the new day, gradually making it earlier a little at a time. If necessary, start going to bed earlier, too. Try relaxing tea or a hot bath to make this easier.

Waking up early doesn't mean forgoing a good rest and quality sleep. It's recommended that you establish a sleeping schedule and stick to it even on weekends, limit screen time, and keep the room cool by opening a window, using a fan, or investing in a cooling mattress pad. 

The right bedding can make a big difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Make sure your sheets, pillows, and mattress are comfortable and supportive. Consider purchasing a cooling pillow or switching to satin sheets in bright colors or florals that will update your bedroom's look for spring. This SLIP silk pillowcase on Anthropologie provides comfort even to people with allergies and sensitive skin and comes in a variety of beautiful colors for a luxurious touch to any room. 

We can't forget hydration when we talk healthy living. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when exercising in warm weather as water plays a critical role in cooling the body during workouts. The transition from cold, dry winter air to spring humidity can leave your skin feeling parched, so that's another reason to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. To ensure proper hydration, it's worth investing in a sturdy leak-proof water bottle that you can take everywhere with you to keep you refreshed throughout the day. The Takeya Actives stainless steel water bottle is a rugged sports bottle with with unique double-wall vacuum insulation to keep water nice and cool for up to 24 hours. 

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Prioritize Wellness and Self Care 

Spring is a season of new beginnings, making it the perfect time to focus on wellness. After a long, cold winter, spring offers an opportunity to renew your mind, body, and spirit. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it's essential that you prioritize your wellness this spring.

The new season is a great time to focus on nourishing your body with healthy foods. As the weather warms up, switch from heavier, warming winter dishes to lighter, fresh spring meals. Incorporate fresh produce into your diet or start meal prepping. Come springtime, we're also looking at different food supplements to add to our diet so consult your physician on what vitamins, minerals, and proteins you could start taking. 

If you still haven't given into the air fryer trend, now is the perfect time to shop for kitchen appliances that will help you put together healthier meals while saving you time. A new blender to make delicious smoothies packed with vitamins or a salad spinner for tasty, crunchy, light meals should be on your spring shopping list. Include your pantry and fridge in the spring cleaning and get handy food storage containers to keep your products fresher for longer.

Don't forget to set aside time to relax and unwind this spring. Whether it's taking a warm bath, reading a book, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine, relaxation is important for overall well-being. Make sure to prioritize this aspect of your wellness, even if it means saying no to other activities or commitments.

With the change in weather, it's important to give your skincare routine a refresh to match the season. It's time to remove any dry, flaky skin that may have built up over the winter. Exfoliating will help to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. Buy a gentle AHA or BHA exfoliant like The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and incorporate it into your routine to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores. 

Hot and sunny days lie ahead so don't forget to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Invest in a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and use it every day even if it's cloudy outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you're spending time out in the sun.

Stress can have a big impact on your skin's overall health. Take time for yourself by practicing relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation. Indulging in a little pampering can also be a great way to care for your skin and your mental health. Try a face mask, take a long, soothing bath, and enjoy a nice cup of refreshing tea like the Vivid Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder at Holland & Barrett. Packed with antioxidants, matcha is known to promote heart health and boost brain activity. 

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Refresh Your Wardrobe

Even if you can't be bothered with the latest fashion trends and you're more on the practical side, a seasonal wardrobe update is still in order. If you want to stick to the basics, consider shopping for a spring jacket; it is a must-have for the early mornings and chillier days of the season. Opt for a lightweight denim, bomber, or leather jacket, which would easily pair with any outfit. April showers can come anytime in the spring season, so be prepared with a pair of waterproof shoes. Rain boots or waterproof sneakers are perfect for a day out. 

As the weather transitions, the light scarves are a perfect accessory to keep you warm on cool days. Of course, it's crucial to protect your eyes from the sun so sunglasses are a must-have accessory for the spring season. As we switch to more sustainable materials, raffia bags will be unavoidable this spring. The natural, straw-like fiber from raffia palm is lightweight, versatile, and easy to color or dye so if you're buying one new accessory for spring, look up the multiple designs made from this natural material like the Penelope tote from Chloé that will bring a summery vibe to any outfit but it still suitable for urban settings. 

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Decorate for Spring 

They call it spring cleaning for a reason, and as you spruce up your home, it's time to start thinking giving your space a new look for spring. Whether you're looking to make a few small changes or completely overhaul your space, there are plenty of ways to bring a fresh, bright, springtime feel into your home. 

Spring is all about bright and cheerful colors, so why not bring that energy into your home decor? Swap out your heavy winter throws and pillows for lighter, brighter options in pastel colors like mint green, baby blue, and blush pink. Add pops of color through accessories like vases, picture frames, or wall art.

Make the most of the longer days and extra sunshine by letting as much natural light into your space as possible. Add sheer curtains to your windows to let the light shine through, and consider swapping out heavy drapes for lighter, airier options. Mirrors can also help reflect light throughout a room, making it appear brighter and more spacious. 

Consider adding throw pillows, curtains, or bedding with a floral print, or go all out with a bold floral wallpaper. Just be sure to balance out busy prints with some more neutral pieces to avoid overwhelming a space. Or make the florals a focal point by incorporating them in statment piece like the Scattered Rose Monty Radio from Cath Kidston that you can set to your favorite FM stations or connect with your smartphone to enjoy your feel-good playlists. 

Spring is all about new growth, so adding some greenery to your home decor is a great way to bring that energy into your space. Consider adding a few potted plants or herbs to your windowsill, or create a wall of hanging planters for a dramatic effect.

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Start a New Hobby 

With the sun shining and the snow thawing, hiking is a great way to connect with nature and explore the great outdoors. From national parks to local trails, there are endless options for hikers of all levels. Plus, hiking is a great form of exercise that can also relieve stress and boost mental health. 

Spring is a beautiful time of year to capture the world around us. With the vibrant colors of flowers, the greenery of trees and grass, and the clear skies, there are plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you're using a smartphone or a DSLR camera, photography can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to document all that spring has to offer.

If you don't want to invest into a particular hooby, you can try incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This can include yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase overall well-being levels.

Spring is a great time to connect with loved ones and foster strong relationships. As the weather warms up, plan outdoor activities with friends and family, or simply spend time together outside. Social connection has been shown to improve mental health and overall well-being, so make sure to prioritize this aspect of your wellness.

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Spring is finally here, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and optimism. As the weather begins to warm up and the flowers start to bloom, it's important to give your routine a refresh to match the season. Whether you finally start doing yoga or jogging or you simply aim to improve your sleeping and eating habits, now is the perfect time to start fresh.