Spring makes me feel reborn after hiding away inside and underneath a coat all winter long. I’m done with dreary! I’m done with dull! I’m done with unforgivably cold temperatures! All I can think of are the possibilities springtime offers up just by being itself–warm, sunny and full of life.

I’ve put together a list of things I want to do this spring. Some are meaningful, but of course some are just for fun (like #1)!

1. I’m going platinum blond. I’m talking white blond. I just gotta.

2. I’m shortening all the dresses in my closet. It’s time for nothing but minis. I might even add tons of tulle to a few of them. And you can trust that I’m going to work the frilly socks with open toe platforms trend for as long as it lasts. Precious.

3. I’m going to take my new laptop (thanks, Mom.) to the park and write in my spare time. Maybe I’ll finally pick back up on the screenplay that’s been sitting dormant for the last two years.

4. I’m going to go on the perfect first date. Spring=love like.

5. I’m going to go to as many shows as I possibly can. And I won’t be afraid to start dancing even if everyone else is too serious to boogie down. It’s time to rock out!

6. I’m going to try and spend 25% of my time outside. When you work in NYC, that’s harder than it sounds. But I’m up for it!

7. This is an extension of #6. I’m going to forgo the subway at least once a week. 30 blocks is nothin’.

8. I’m going to make plans to see my BFF in Chicago. I miss you, Kim!

9. I’m going to start a new hobby. Knitting this winter didn’t work out so well. Any ideas?

10. I’m going to make peace with rain. Spring is precipitation’s best friend, so I need to finally accept the morning-of outfit changes, caught-in-the-rain sprints and mud monster touch-ups.

What are you planning to do this spring? Comment to tell me!

Happy almost spring, lovahs!

Kathleen <3

P.S. Don’t forget to set your clocks back this Sunday. Longer days–another wonderful part of spring!

 But it looks like I’ve finally figured out my problem. I own way too many clothes. Right now my wardrobe occupies a closet, four dressers, two trunks and about five garbage bags. (I’ve acquired quite an impressive collection over the years, if I do say so myself.) I’ll be honest though, only about 25% of what I own ever gets worn and there are even some things in my closet that still have the tags on them!

 Parting is such sweet sorrow and it seems that I can never muster up the strength to get rid of my last-last-season’s jeans. To make way for a new spring wardrobe, I’ve decided that the time has come to give some of my clothes a new home—and free up some much needed floor space!

 Here are some ways you can get rid of things you never wear!

 Donate, Donate, Donate! Organizations such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries are always looking for people to donate their unwanted clothes. Check out their websites for drop-off locations or you can schedule a pick up. You’ll also score some major karma points!

 Have a Party! You’re not the only one who has unwanted clothes. Get your cheer team together and have a clothes party. Meet at someone’s house and bring a bag of stuff you don’t wear anymore and have your friends do the same. Then go through each other’s stuff and do some cool trades. Out with the old, in with the new!

 Make some extra cash! Don’t have time for a garage sale? Don’t worry. There are many other ways to make extra money from your old clothes. Look for thrift stores, second-hand stores or consignment stores in your area. At certain times during the year (especially when the seasons are about to change) these places are willing to buy your never-to-be-worn-again items.

 ♥ Stephanie

 What to you do with your old clothes? Let us know in the comment box below!

photo credit: treehugger.com

Instead of letting the stresses of everyday life get to me and settle for drudging through the day in a cranky mood (which, let’s face it, doesn’t help anyone), I’ve started to do something to make sure my day begins on a positive note.

Every morning when I get into the office, I write a Gratitude List. By starting my day with an “attitude of gratitude” I’m taking a step toward focusing on the positive instead of the negative, which helps more than you can believe. If you want to start a Gratitude List of your own, here’s what to do:

What's Alicia grateful for? Her teammates at Quinnipiac University, of course!

1. Find a group of friends or family members who’d like to join in on your Gratitude Lists.

2. In the morning, someone should start the mass e-mail, CCing everyone in your group, and adding either the date or day in the subject line (my friends and I like to come up with creative subjects, like “Wonderful Wednesday Gratitude” or “TGIF Gratitude”).

3. Write up a list of everything you can think of that you are grateful for that day. It can be small things (finding a quarter on the sidewalk) or big things (you got news that you were named captain of your squad!). The number of items is completely up to you (it can range from 5 to 25, depending on your level of gratitude that day).

4. Then, everyone else in your group should take turns replying to all, and leaving their own lists.

And that’s it. So, how does making a list help? Well, it’s difficult to walk through your day ticked off and depressed when you’ve just listed all the GREAT things that are happening in your life.

So, why not start a Gratitude Group today? To get things started off, I’m including my own list for today, below.

1. My morning coffee.

2. My friend, Kate, for trusting me with the keys to her apartment.

3. Miley Cyrus and her music. It always pumps me up in the morning!

4. Deadline is going smoothly so far.

5. Our groovy interns who are so helpful!

6. My BFF, Tammy, always makes me smile.

7. I’m 100+ pages into writing my new book, Painless.

8. Last night’s episode of “House” was awesome!

9. All the magazines I’m catching up on this week.

10. It’s a beautiful sunny day outside.

11. My boyfriend, Matt.

12. You all!

What are you grateful for? Leave your lists below!

Brittany

First off, I have to mention the stunning Sandra Bullock, who took home the Best Actress award. A former cheerleader at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, Sandy had on my favorite dress of the evening.

Host Steve Martin also has a spirited past. He cheered at Garden Grove High School in California, long before his comedy days.

Then there was the lovely Miley Cyrus, a former cheerleader at Premier Athletics in Nashville, who looked lovely as a presenter.

How can I not mention Meryl Streep? This living legend, and Bernards High School cheerleader, holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations. We think her grace and positive attitude might’ve started on the sidelines in New Jersey.

Another favorite part of the night was watching the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers perform. Amazing!

Photo from ABC.com

Did I miss anyone? Let me know!

Vienna & Jake