Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

After weeks of bitter cold, yesterday finally felt like a turning point — not warm, exactly, but gentler, as if the season had loosened its grip just enough to let a little hope in. It was the kind of day that makes you want to be out in the world again, so I headed to Bloomingdale’s to see what was new.

The store felt lighter, brighter, full of early spring arrivals. I sampled Tom Ford’s new cologne, Fig Erotique — green, creamy, sun‑kissed — the kind of scent that makes you think of leaves unfurling. That alone lifted my mood. Then I treated myself to a new phone case: a cheerful green background scattered with spring flowers. A small thing, but it set the tone for the day.

From there, I walked over to Neiman Marcus to try Balmain Verte, which truly does smell like spring in a bottle — fresh, elegant, a little dewy. By then I’d racked up nearly 10,000 steps, so I ducked into a newly opened spa in the mall for a foot massage. Bliss.

Revived, I wandered into the Free People boutique, where not only spring pieces but some fun, breezy summer tops caught my eye — soft fabrics, easy silhouettes, that carefree energy that makes you imagine warm evenings long before they arrive.

My final stop was Trader Joe’s to stock up on favorites. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, they were offering samples of a pink mousse cake — light, sweet, and festive. It was such a simple pleasure, but it fit the day perfectly.

All in all, it was a fun, restorative little escape — a reminder that even in February, spring is on its way. Today it’s back to work, but with a brighter mood and a hint of green in the air.