The trees are blooming, vibrant strawberries populate the market, the sun is peeking through gray clouds. Spring’s here! I’ve been going on long morning walks on the beach before I sit down and get to work. This small habit has been monumental for my mental health. Getting to hear the birds sing and being close to the water is so soothing. It brings me a much-needed sense of balance and stability. I highly recommend carving out time to truly connect with nature and yourself in whatever way you can. Spring is the season of new beginnings, from fun new experiences to interesting snacks, here’s five favorite things I’ve been loving lately:

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and suddenly I was on an uber with friends on our way to check out the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. I’m not gonna lie, I was instantly mesmerized by the lights. It’s not the spectacular experience I was expecting, but it feels very special nonetheless. The music sets the tone and elevates the show, which made me feel like I was inside a movie. It’s just beautiful and romantic. The space wasn’t crowded so it felt like a calming, quiet experience. It’s arguably overpriced, but I truly enjoyed it.

Butter Stuffed Dates

We’ve all seen and tried the peanut butter stuffed dates trend. Um chocolate covered? Delicious. I like eating mine frozen and sprinkled with some sea salt, by the way. A top-notch snack. Easy, healthy, quick.

But hear me out, I’ll see your peanut butter stuff dates and raise you butter stuffed dates. Sounds weird? I get it, I was skeptical at first, too. But it is unexpectedly so delicious! It’s even quicker than the peanut butter ones – no freezing time required. I just stuff them with a dollop of good quality butter – this is imperative – and that’s it. So creamy and so good. Give this little snack a try and let me know. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The Audacity by Katherine Ryan

I’ve already talked about how much I love Katherine Ryan and her excellent pieces of advice. I really enjoy reading celebrity memoirs, they usually involve tales of grit and serendipity, stories that fascinate me. So unsurprisingly, I’ve been looking forward to reading her book The Audacity. It did not disappoint. Katherine is so pragmatic and hilarious, and she has lived so many different lives. I really admire her approach to life and career. The book is entertaining and honest – I literally laughed and cried reading it. I finished her book feeling a little bit more audacious myself – as cheesy as it sounds – so I’m sharing one of my favorite quote (above). The more gratitude I had, the more abundance came my way. Nothing matters much, a little matters at all.

The Cloud Cable-Knit Crew

I’ve been building a summer capsule wardrobe – or at least intended to – until I came across Everlane’s sale section and saw this classic cable knit sweater. It was love at first sight and I accidentally placed an order. Oops.

60% off? 42% Merino Wool, 31% Pima Cotton, 27% Alpaca? Sign me up!

More Snacks: Cinnamon Toast

It’s not a revolutionary concept, but just a reminder to make more cinnamon toast! Such a quick comfort-food type of snack. If you, like me, happen to have leftover cinnamon roll filling, just keep it in a small container in the fridge. You’ll be pleased to have it on hand when you feel like having a quick snack, or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Spread the cinnamon butter mixture on both sides of the bread. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for a couple minutes, flipping halfway through, until caramelized – but not burnt. It’s perfectly crunchy, and well, caramelized. Sprinkle with some sea salt and it’s so yum.