It is the first day of spring, yeah right!

I’m sitting under a blanket watching a fist class blizzard outside my window. This has been the longest, coldest winter I can remember and I am so ready for it to be over. There are a few things that I have been doing to cope with the dull grey days.

Citrus is my first defense, not only is it good for you but the scent helps to lift the spirits. Long after you have peeled an orange the fragrance stays on your hands and it is an instant lift when you inhale that wonderful aroma. Citrus peels are also fantastic to use in your sink disposal unit as it freshens and deodorizes the blades. Any tropical fruit scent will help to take you away momentarily as you inhale its wonderful aroma. Spend a little extra and pick up a passion fruit or pineapple and indulge in a tropical getaway.

Be conscious of the light in your home, it can be tempting to shut the world out to avoid looking at the depressing snow but even that bright white light is great if it floods your home.

Allow as much natural light as possible into your home and make a point of sitting next to those exposed windows, even if you have to don fuzzy slippers and a blanket to enjoy the light!

If you are itching to start spring planting but have to wait for those 5 ft. snowdrifts to dissipate, bring the outdoors in. I am not much of a gardener but I find that fresh flowers are especially important right now. Flowers like tulips and daffodils will bring an exciting burst of spring into your home.

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this would be a good time to start some bedding plants or herbs from seeds, the sun is warm enough to start developing those tender young plants in a south exposed window. The first sign of life will instantly revive you long before any life starts showing outside.

Where would an article of mine be without me talking about colour?

It is officially spring so you are legally allowed to bring colour out in your wardrobe and your home. Paint those toenails bright coral and feel free to paint your bathroom that perfect shade of lemon yellow, what else can you do on a snowy day?

Take that dark corner of your home and revive it with paint or some brightly coloured art, your spirits will be instantly revived.

Bring back your favorite summertime food – true Canadians barbecue as soon as the snow is off their grill!

Nothing will feel more spring like than homemade hamburgers and corn on the cob. Toss up a fresh salad and then roast marshmallows over the bbq for s’mores. The time for hearty stews and comfort food is over. Why not push summer a little bit, even if your backyard is still covered with snow?

The days are getting longer and it is warming up, even if it seems like Mother Nature is taking her sweet time. Just hang on a few more weeks and spring will arrive, it has to!

Every year the anticipation seems almost unbearable but spring always arrives to our endless joy and delight.

Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.