
Life In Full Bloom: 10 Ways To Absolutely Make The Most Out Of This Spring Season

Chile, the fact that we are already less than two months away from the middle of this year lets me know that time is on steroids. As unbelievable as it may seem, here we are, right on the very brink of spring — it’s a new season and with that should come a few new approaches to this thing called life.
Although it’s pretty customary for me to present some spring-themed content (more to come on that, by the way), this time, I wanted to offer up a semi-brief 10-point plan for making the most ofMarch 20-June 20, 2025. Because since time is moving so swiftly, now more than ever, it’s important to make the absolute most of each and every day.
And so, as far as this spring is concerned, here are some ways to do exactly that, sis.
1. Take Advantage of the “Extra” Hour
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If you’ve ever wondered about the backstory of daylight savings, in 1918, the Standard Time Act was introduced in order for us to have an extra hour of sunlight. And while the feelings about daylight savings time are a bit of a mixed bag (for instance, some studies say that it reduces productivity and disrupts sleeping patterns), if you’re someone who feels more energized when the sun is out, you prefer to drive when it’s brighter outside and/or you need the sun for the sake of your mental health (because it sunlight does help to decrease depression-related symptoms) — use “springing forward” as an opportunity to take advantage of all of this.
Because, when you have a full to-do list on a daily basis, you never know what that extra hour can help you to accomplish. Real talk.
2. Get More Vitamin D into Your System
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Speaking of more sunlight, as the days get longer, why not take walks after dinner or enjoy a cocktail or mocktail in your backyard? Both of these options are very easy ways to get more vitamin D into your system — and that’s especially important for us as Black women because our extra melanin makes it harder for our skin to absorb the vitamin D that comes from the sun.
That said, since vitamin D helps to boost immunity, fight off heart disease, regulate our moods, aid in weight loss, and strengthen bones and muscles and the the sun is getting brighter and the weather is getting warmer as we speak, why not absorb all of the benefits of that vitamin D (from the sun) has to offer — just as soon as you possibly can?
3. Become More Creative
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Did you know that, as it gets warmer outside, your dopamine levels start to increase? This is cool to know because dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a direct role when it comes to your moods, how you experience pleasure, your attention span, your memories, and your ability to learn. And that’s why there is quite a bit of data that says spring can help you to become a more creative individual.
So, if you’ve been thinking about taking an art class, launching a website or even just writing a poem or song, this would be the time of year to do it. Why wait?
4. Be Open to a (More) Romantic Relationship
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Here’s something that might trip you out. If you’re starting to think more about dating, commitment, and/or sex right through here, the spring season may have something to do with that. Yep, according to science, during the wintertime, your serotonin levels are lower than they are during the warmer months. And since serotonin (a natural body chemical) plays a role in things like your mood and even your libido, if someone (you trust) wants to set you up on a blind date — why not go? You never know what the spring season may bring you. #wink
5. Realize That Humidity Does Have Beauty Benefits
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As it gets warmer, it’s pretty common for humidity to go up a notch too. And since humidity levels are simply based on the amount of water vapors that are in the air at any given time, your skin can certainly reap some of the rewards of there being more moisture in the air. Humidity can give your skin more hydration. Humidity can help new skin cells to turnover at an accelerated rate. Humidity can even slow down the signs of aging. And all of this is just one more reason to spend more time outdoors (with some sunscreen on your face and body, of course).
6. Spring Cleaning Can Get Things (Back) in Order
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Although many people think about hitting those baseboards whenever spring cleaning comes to mind, I’ve written articles for the platform like “Yes Couples, You Can 'Spring Clean' Your Sex Life” and “Let's Finally 'Spring Clean' ALL Of Our Exes Out Of Our Lives, Shall We?” as a reminder that, at the end of the day, spring cleaning should really be about (re)organizing your home and your life, in general.
This includes cleaning up your house; putting away winter clothes; clearing out emails and texts that you no longer need; reevaluating your relationships; setting some new goals when it comes to your purpose, passion, and career, and cultivating a schedule that will help you to make the most of your time.
7. Enjoy Your Local Farmers Market
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Apples, apricots, avocados, cabbage, collard greens, kale, garlic, pineapples, strawberries and turnips. Wanna know something that all of these foods have in common? They’re all in season in the springtime. Know what else? There’s a really good chance that you’ll be able to find them at your local farmers market.
I adore the farmers market for a few reasons. For one thing, the produce tends to be fresher than it is at the grocery store. Another thing? Oftentimes everything is cheaper. Not to mention the fact that by shopping at a farmers market, you are literally supporting the local farmers in your area. Plus, it can be an awesome date experience. Enjoy a couple of hours perusing the market and, if things go really well there, cook some of the things that you purchased and have a picnic later on. Perfection.
8. Spend (More) Time with Your Homies
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Quality time is something that we all need when it comes to nurturing our friendships. So, also use the spring season to hang out with your peeps more. Have a rooftop dinner. Go to the zoo. See a play or movie together in the park. Enjoy wine tasting, miniature golf, or go hiking. TIME once published an article entitled, “Why Spending Time with Friends Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health.” Check it out when you get a chance. Then send your friends an invite to welcome the new season in.
9. Embrace the Extra Safety
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Guess what else is pretty cool about spring — it’s reportedly the time of year when the least crime occurs. Interestingly enough, although the summertime is when quite a bit of crime goes down, the spring season is when (for instance), your car is least likely to be broken into. Just one more reason to feel pretty good about being outdoors right now.
10. Start Over. That’s What Spring Means.
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I’m pretty big on symbolism and the spring season certainly has some. Spring represents things like rebirth, renewal, starting over and even finding new love. So, if you’ve been feeling like you’re in a bit of a rut as of late and you’re ready for a change, the spring season comes with the type of energy that can encourage and inspire you.
A poet by the name of Christian Rossetti once said, “Spring is when life’s alive in everything.” Plant some seeds of newness in your life — watch how spring blooms for you once you do. Happy Spring, y’all!
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Your April 2025 Horoscopes Are All About Softening Into Love & Speaking Your Truth
April is a month to slow down and to fully grasp what has been. The month starts in fiery Aries Season, but we are also in the thick of Retrograde Season as we begin the month as well. Thankfully, Mercury finally goes direct on April 7, after being retrograde mid-March, and communication matters are clearing up. This is a month of mental clarity, a fresh start, and not being afraid to dream a little bigger.
On April 12, there is a Full Moon in Libra, and this Full Moon brings relationship and financial matters full circle. This is the time to let go of what doesn’t make you feel balanced or in harmony and to create space for more peace to enter your life. Venus goes direct in Pisces on the same day, after being retrograde since March 1, and love is healing. With Venus now direct, there are more opportunities for commitment and longevity in love, and there is overall a greater feeling of romance, receptivity, and compassion in the air now.
Mercury enters Aries from April 16 until May 10, and what you were trying to see through or understand better while Mercury was retrograde here last month, you are experiencing a breakthrough now. Mercury in Aries is insightful and courageous, and people are more likely to speak their minds and initiate conversation with this energy. Mars then enters Leo from April 18 until June 17, reminding us that sometimes it’s okay to be a little more selfish and to focus on what you need right now. Mars in Leo brings forth confidence, creativity, and passion, and brings an exciting energy to charge of your life and advocate for yourself.
Taurus Season officially begins on April 19, bringing some earth sign energy into the mix, grounding and nurturing what you are creating in your life right now. On April 27, we have a New Moon in Taurus, and this is an abundant and fruitful New Moon. This is one of the best New Moons of the year for you to set your intentions for your financial world and a time for seeing new opportunities for abundance. On the last day of the month, Venus moves into Aries until June 6th, and love requires a little more passion, independence, and excitement during this time.
Overall, April is a month of feeling things through, taking more intuitive risks, investing in yourself, and balancing your needs with the needs of your relationships.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what April has in store for you.
ARIES
April is your month to shine, Aries. With the chaos of March now over, you are starting to see the progress of where life is and how everything has turned out even better than you were expecting. The month begins with the Sun in your 1st house of self, and you are feeling more confident, courageous, and in tune with yourself. With a Full Moon in your sister sign on April 12, relationships are also coming full circle for you now, and you are claiming your peace this month.
Mercury finally goes direct on April 7 and then enters your sign from April 16 to May 10, and this is going to clear up any miscommunications that you have been through. With Mercury now in your sign, your conversations are lively, your mind is inspiring, and you are thinking one step ahead. Before the month ends, Venus enters your sign from April 30 to June 6, and love is also moving forward for you now. Overall, this is a month where you are experiencing some happy outcomes and loyal support.
TAURUS
April is a month of passion and purpose, Taurus. You are living in your abundance, and are focused on valuing yourself and the things you are bringing to fruition right now. Venus, your ruling planet, goes direct on March 12 after being retrograde in your financial house since March 1, and you are moving into the month experiencing more opportunities and also feeling more respected in what you are accumulating for yourself and standing your ground on.
Taurus Season officially begins on April 19, and it’s all about you right now. This Taurus Season is smoothing things out for you in love, with new relationship developments unfolding and life flourishing for you. The New Moon this month is in your sign on April 27, it’s time for a new beginning. You are truly embracing your strength in April, making things happen for yourself, and no longer doubting your future and what is possible for you.
GEMINI
This month is all about the options becoming available to you now, Gemini. With your ruling planet Mercury going direct at the beginning of the month on April 7, you no longer feel as held back or out of place as you may have in the past weeks. With Mercury now direct, your thinking is clearer, and you are seeing the opportunities in your career and professional world that you may have missed before.
The more you can embrace your authenticity, the less time you will spend doubting how others perceive you, remember that this month.
On April 12, there is a Full Moon in Libra, highlighting the romance in your life and bringing forth understanding and compassion within your close relationships. You are letting go of old attachments or self-doubts that haven’t been serving your love life, and are growing closer to your own heart in the process. Before April comes to an end, Mars enters your 3rd house of communication, and you are overall leaving the month focused on your progress, your vision, and taking up space because you deserve to.
CANCER
This month is all about balancing your time and energy wisely, Cancer. You are being reminded not to overwork or overwhelm yourself in April, and to focus on doing the things that are within your control right now. The Sun is in your 10th house of career for most of the month so you are feeling really passionate about the things you are developing in your life right now, but it’s all about finding the right balance between your personal goals and your needs in your relationships as well.
The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 will be a time to devote your energy to self-care, close loved ones, and overall getting some time to decompress. You are ready to let go of the things that don’t make you feel safe or nurtured and are receiving an emotional renewal right now. The New Moon in Taurus at the end of the month is a time to focus on your intentions on your community, friendships, and aspirations in life, and to pay attention to where you can create more abundance here.
LEO
Things are turning around for you for the better, Leo. April is a dynamic month, and you are owning your inner alchemist. With a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication on April 12, you are getting the messages you have been looking for and the mental clarity you have found is bringing closure to some of your close relationships. This month is about being flexible and trusting the changes that are happening for you right now.
On April 18, Mars enters your sign until June 17, and this is huge for you. You began the year with Mars retrograde in your sign, so you are getting the opportunity now, to rewrite some of the things that weren’t working for you at the beginning of the year. You are overcoming previous obstacles, and experiencing a breakthrough in your life this month. Before April ends, there is a New Moon in Taurus, highlighting your career, reputation, and professional life. This is a good New Moon to set your intentions for what goals you want to come to fruition for you now.
VIRGO
This month is all about building new foundations in your life, Virgo. You are feeling more supported and in tune with your own inner needs and interests, and it’s bringing you closer to people and systems that resonate. Your ruling planet Mercury goes direct this month on April 7 after being retrograde for the past few weeks; bringing more clarity, understanding, and compassion to your partnerships in life. You are focused on love this month and are working together with others to make your dreams come true.
Mid-month, Mars moves into your 12th house of closure and endings, and there is a journey of healing that you experience until June 17. You are motivated to understand yourself better and are looking at the past more right now in order to do so. This is a month of recovering and healing from what has been, for new foundations to be built upon. The New Moon on April 27 is a beautiful way to end the month, as you are getting glimpses of a new, abundant, adventure that is ahead of you.
LIBRA
This is a big month of closure for you, Libra. The Sun is in your 7th house of love for most of April, and your heart is in the right place. With Venus, your ruling planet, going direct on April 12 after being retrograde since March 1, you are finally able to take a breath. You are not experiencing as many obstacles when it comes to communication matters and you are feeling like you have the tools you need to move forward right now.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on April 12, and you are ready to let go of what isn’t working for you. You have been through a lot recently and have gained the clarity you need to let go of old attachments. Venus moves into your house of love before the month ends, and you are leaving the month feeling more in tune with where things are moving forward for you, rather than what you are leaving behind. Your heart moves through a journey in April, and your emotions are showing you a lot.
SCORPIO
April is a month of success, progress, and dreams coming to fruition, Scorpio. You are focused on your health, your priorities, and creating space for the new beginnings that you are creating in your life right now. The Full Moon mid-month is a big closure moment for you, and you are owning the fact that you have healed and you are no longer the same person you were in the past. This is a month of stepping into your power and feeling supported in doing so.
Mid-month, Mars enters your 10th house of career and public life and you are shining within your purpose. Over the next month and a half, you are going to be gaining some new opportunities that will be serving your professional life and goals. This is the month to show up and to let your skills, talents, and authenticity shine. On April 17, there is a New Moon in your opposite sign, Taurus, and you are leaving the month with some pleasant surprises in store for you in love as well.
SAGITTARIUS
April is a new beginning for you, Sagittarius. You are focused on putting the action and effort behind your goals, and you are being proactive within the opportunities that you are looking for right now. With a Full Moon in your 11th house of aspirations mid-month, you are letting go of the way you thought things would play out for you and are owning a more abundant version of things.
On April 27, there is a New Moon in Taurus, which will be highlighting your health and what your body needs more of right now. This is a New Moon to set your intentions for your everyday life and to create a new, beneficial routine that will make things easier for you at the end of the day. Before the month ends, Venus enters your 9th house of adventure, and you are leaving the month with your sights set high. Travel plans are likely, and this is a good time to create some new plans for yourself.
CAPRICORN
April is about putting one step in front of the other with patience and dedication and trusting the decisions you are making for yourself right now, Capricorn. The Sun is in your 4th house for most of the month, and you are yearning for your safe spaces, comfort foods, and loyal people. Giving yourself more time to decompress, take care of yourself, and ground your energy is essential this month.
Mars enters your 8th house of transformation mid-month and will be fueling your need for some change, excitement, and emotional rejuvenation over the next month and a half. You are entering an impactful moment of the year for you, and you are motivated toward change right now. The New Moon at the end of the month is in a fellow earth sign, highlighting the romantic new beginnings you are entering now. Overall, this month is a process, and you are opening new doors while finding gratitude in what is here for you now.
AQUARIUS
April is about giving yourself time to process, accept, and gain a new perspective, Aquarius. You are being guided towards friendship, connection, and community, and are understanding what may be creating the discord in your life that has been distancing you from that. The Full Moon this month is happening in Libra on April 12, and you are ready to let go of feeling like you have to do it all at once or all alone. This month is a reminder to take your time with all the experiences you want to have, trusting that they will come to fruition for you.
Mars enters your house of love and partnership on April 18, and you enter a passionate and steamy time. Romance is in the air for you as you move through the month, and you are spending more of your time with those who you want to move forward with. Venus also moves into a relationship area of your chart before April ends, and you are surrounded by love and community. Overall, this month is showing you that you are not alone and you don’t have to go through the heavy stuff alone either.
PISCES
This is a month where your heart is shining, and you are feeling in tune with the progress you have made in your life and within your relationships, Pisces. You are owning your value, your worth, and the beauty of who you are, and are ready to leave the past behind. With Mercury and Venus both going direct in Pisces this month after being retrograde in your sign for the past few weeks, you are in a better space than you have been, and there are fewer obstacles and miscommunications in your life.
You have been through a journey of understanding yourself better through your goals, perspectives, and interests, and have been committing yourself to your authenticity. On April 27, there is a New Moon in Taurus happening, and this New Moon is a good time for communication matters, getting your message across, and for your creative pursuits. With the clarity you feel within your mind and heart right now, you are making a lot of progress in April and feeling pleased with where life is headed.
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‘I Am Done With The Trauma’: Samira Wiley Won’t Be Returning For 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Sequel
Don’t judge me, but, last month, I watched The Handmaid’s Tale for the first time. And I was immediately hooked. I binged all five seasons just in time for the sixth and final season, which premiered on April 8.
If you’re not familiar with the Hulu drama, long story short, it’s a dystopian series based on a novel with the same name that is set in Gilead, formerly a part of the United States.
Due to environmental hazards, which are affecting the birth rate, a new regime takes over, forcing the remaining fertile women into sexual servitude in an effort to repopulate the earth.
The series stars Elizabeth Moss as June and her onscreen bestie Moira, played by Samira Wiley. It was recently announced that the Emmy award-winning series will have a spin-off, The Testaments, which takes place 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale events.
During the season 6 premiere party, Parade caught up with Wiley about the sequel, but the actress let it be known that she will not be returning.
“I'm not gonna tease and say maybe or nothing. Nope,” Wiley said. “I am done with it. I am done with the trauma. I am. I mean it. Margaret Atwood, the way she writes these characters, the depth to all of it, I feel like I have played my part and my story is done.”
I understand why she feels that way. As a viewer, some of the scenes are pretty tough to watch, so I can only imagine what it's like to be in the scene. However, we finally get to see Wiley’s character come out on the other side of it.
The Orange is the New Black star also shared how she turned to different wellness practices to make sure her mental health was intact during filming.
“I had to learn some techniques — meditation and mindfulness and all of those things — to consciously take myself out of the world of Gilead,” she said. “I often tell people who binge watch the show like, please take care of your mental health.”
The final season shows the characters pulling together to take down Gilead. The first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale sixth season are now available.
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