Something I can always get behind? A little spring style refresh. Nothing like taking an afternoon to clean out your closet, making a donation pile of things you don’t like/wear (or that don’t fit) and bringing in some SPACE for a new season.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I do, it can be such a mental reset, too. A chance to pause and ask yourself:  what’s working? What’s not? What’s my vibe right now…and what do I want it to be?

To me, clothes are such a fun tiny daily way to create a *feeling* in my life. Whether it’s to feel more light, bright, cozy, calm, grounded, etc…what I choose to put on my body each day really can change how I’m entering the day.

And let’s be honest– most days it’s yoga pants and a layers of a cozy tank and sweatshirt for my momming-work-from-home life. But having the OPTION, and getting myself dressed a few times a week is so good for my soul.

Don’t believe me? Give it a try this weekend! Take an hour or two to pull everything off your hangers and out of dresser drawers, and be ruthless: if you don’t wear it, it doesn’t fit or you don’t even like it all that much, someone else can get MUCH better use out of it. Trust. Add it to the donation pile (bonus if you can find a local women and children’s shelter to drop it off at. If you’re in Seattle, I love to support Mary’s Place). 

And I think these days, especially, we could all use more mental space. And some sparks of joy, and color and fun. Especially as we enter Spring. BYE winter, see ya next year.

They are small, simple ways to care for ourselves— so that then we can give our fullest love and energy to others.

So today, I want to share some spring style favorites and picks, so that you can intentionally source a thing or two that your closet may be missing…

My spring style favorite picks right now:

Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I’m all about a thoughtful gift. If you want to give the mamas in your life something extra special this year, here are my best ideas!  

• Chatbooks is my fav way to capture family memories in meaningful gifts that matter. I created some Chatbooks to give as gifts over the holidays (plus I finally got all my family photos from the last 6 years printed in books)— and it was so easy. I’m telling you all, I love this app. Whether it’s photos from the year or other fun customized prints, this is my go-to company now! Shop all of their perfect Mother’s Day options right here! 
• Made by Mary Jewelry is the maker behind my daily necklaces— I adore them, I never take them off, and I always get questions about them! This company makes incredible pieces. I had a necklace made for my mom with the grandkids’ initials, and she treasures it. In my own jewelry collection, I have the ⅜ Initial Necklace with my kids initials on it, the Poppy Choker, and the Hera Gold Chain. I also love their earrings! I wear these hoops all the time, and I just ordered the big and small sets of these earrings.
• A self-care moment is perfect for any mom, anywhere. Gift her a massage at a local spa, or surprise her with a solo night away (better yet, with her best friend) at a local hotel or Airbnb. Quiet time or quality time, both are such great gifts to give. 
• Love letters or appreciation letters: sometimes it’s the most simple things to do (that don’t cost a thing) that mean the most. The more specific, the better I think 🙂
• A class or a workshop on something she’s passionate about (or curious about): ceramics, cooking, herbalism, plants, art, etc.
• Planning a day of things she loves: a walk, hike, trip to the farmers market, going out to eat, making a meal together, relaxing, etc.

From the SRH polls: I threw this question out to you all, and got some great answers (as always). Here are some other fun Mother’s Day ideas:

• Storyworth: ok, this sounds so cool, and a few of you mentioned it. It’s a personalized book of someone’s stories, for generations to come. It looks like emailed prompts with fun questions they answer, and then it gets collected into a keepsake book. Such a beautiful gift.
• A house cleaner– truth. This has got to be up there with one of the best gifts of all time. The one that keeps on giving. If you’re local to Seattle, I love Seattle Green Earth Cleaning if you’re wanting to go the non-toxic cleaning route. 
• Car detailing: yes, please.
• Other acts of service: the thing she loves or appreciates or just brings her joy (but that she maybe wouldn’t do or create or organize for herself)
• Monogramed or engraved jewelry, artwork, handprints, photos, etc
• A “Mother’s Day Journal”: in lieu of a card every year, just starting a sweet little book with entries from kids each year. This is darling, right?
• Other top 2 mentioned gifts (each of which I have to agree, makes my daily life feel delightul, easier and simplified): the  Vitamix, and a Red Light Panel (you know I’m obsessed with my light panel, and I’ve got a code for you too, just use “simplyrealhealth” at checkout)

More than anything, it’s about the thought & intention behind any gift: what would feel good to them?

And don’t forget to tune in to the Simply Real Life Podcast this week, we’re tackling a hot topic for so many: How To Stop Saying Yes When You Really Want to Say No. Aka, how to make more time and space in your life for the things that really matter (instead of giving it away to the things that don’t). 

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Join me for 5 inspiring days, where I share daily ideas & tiny tricks to creating a  healthier life this Spring (without the all-or-nothing & perfectionist mentality).  Each day has a mini challenge, simplified rituals & a bonus assignment! You won’t want to miss it. 

first image: talitha bullock second image: carina skrobecki