Remember that time when you could leave the house without a coat? Yeah, well ladies, it’s nearly that time of year again. In just a few months we’ll be frolicking around in flower-filled fields and basking in endless days of sunshine… (gotta be optimistic about these English summers, right?)
READ MORE: Here's How To Throw The Best Party Ever Without Blowing All Your Hard Earned Cash
While we’re waiting though, and assuming you’ve got some money left over that hasn’t been spent on summer hols or festival tickets, do yourself a favour and throw a fully-throttled celebration of SPRING time.
It’s all about making a massive deal about the first daffodils you’ve seen, the fact that you can walk to work and it’s not pitch black, hell - you can even eat your lunch outside again if you’re feeling really brave. Thank f*** for that.
First, get yourself off to a swimming start with this sea breeze cocktail
What's the one thing summer wouldn't be complete without? Sitting by the sea, feeling the warm breeze tickle your toes, while you sip away on a super refreshing cocktail obviously. The Sea Breeze with it's sharp cranberry, grapefruit and Grey Goose vodka is the perfect thing to quench your thirst as you recline in your deck chair/mould old sofa in your living room you've chucked a brightly coloured blanket over. Get the recipe here.
If it's a motley bunch you're making drinks for and you fancy making a whole batch, check out this summery Caribbean rum punch should also do the trick.
Next, make yourself look spring-y with these beauty looks
So your skin probably needs to catch up with the change in weather, which means you’re going to have to get the fake tan out. Top that with a clean, dewy look and you’ll look as fresh as a daisy.
The new makeup look that we loved during the fashion weeks was ‘strobing.’ with models rocking the look at Issey Miyake and Marni, amongst others. Typical, if like us you’re only just starting to get your head around contouring - but strobing sounds cooler so it’s a-ok. To get the look try MAC’s Strobe Cream (£24.50) or for a lower budget option make good use of your Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream - putting it on your eyelids, cheekbones, your upper lip...FRESH.
Then, buy the first spring-like outfit you see!
This spring it’s all about culottes, yellow, gingham...and anything that screams seventies. So get your flower-power on.
We <3 these Love culottes for their shape and simplicity - plus if you’re a bit nervous about wearing culottes (us too) these are a great first step as they look a lot like a mid length skirt too. And, to top it all off….these ASHISH X Topshop platforms are the one. They’re so outlandishly wonderful they’d basically go with anything.
Then, turn your house into summer
So now you* look* like summer, your house needs to too. Pinterest have some great inspo (albeit bridal themed) for how to turn your house into a flowery paradise. Try tying jars of flowers onto the bottom of helium balloons…
(Plus your Mum will be so pleased to hear you’re not spending all your time in the pub, putting your weekends to good use by learning new DIY ‘skills.’)
And you know what will really get you in the mood? Turning the heating up full blast (like that time in Friends) and just pretend that it’s hot and gorgeous even if it’s still only 12 degrees outside.
The playlist to listen to that'll make you feel all warm inside...
Spotify have really raised the bar recently with their mood-based playlists; there's literally one for every moment of your life. ‘Spring Forward’ has everything you need to help you warm up for summer. Press play and smell the flowers....
Make food that tastes of spring with this scrumptious recipe
Who to turn to for food inspiration than the lovely Deliciously Ella? This spring saladis super cheap to make and the real taste comes from the dressing - it would look great divided up into little jars (so hipster right now) and served to your guests.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
Make Some Jewelled Ice Cubes To Take Your Cocktails From Meh To Magnificent
How To Kit Your Kitchen Out With All You Need To Become A Master Cocktail Maker, For Under A Tenner*
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.