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Spring is finally here! In case you didn’t know, I currently live in the Washington DC metro area, so I do experience four seasons a year (yay!).
This morning I woke up and couldn’t stop sneezing. The temperature was in the 60s, so I knew something was up.
It wasn’t until I got to the office and couldn’t stop the runny rose or the constant sneezing that I could confirm spring had finally come to DC.
Seasons is such a weird concept to me. When it’s freezing cold outside, I just can’t wait until spring.
When spring arrives, bringing with it allergies, I just can’t wait until summer.
When it’s scorching hot outside, I tell myself fall would be really beautiful.
I actually enjoy fall the most. It’s neither too hot or too cold. It’s just the perfect weather.
Below is what I like and dislike about spring:
LIKES
1. Less laundry
Hot weather means light clothing which means a lighter laundry load -> less use of water and electricity -> saving money.
2. More outdoor activities
There will be lots of outdoor activities. It means there will be picnics and potlucks.
I might need to increase my grocery bill to contribute to such events, but I think it’s totally worth it. It’s still much cheaper than eating out.
3. More space in the closet
I felt so light and more organized after I put away those heavy winter jackets and sweaters. It’s time to take out my beautiful light dresses and tops!
4. DC cherry blossom
Spring is when DC welcomes tourists from all over the country and the world. It’s great to see so many people flying thousands of miles just to see the city where I live. I feel so proud and lucky.
You know someone is a tourist when they hold a DC map, ask how to get to a certain metro station, or just keep checking whether they’re supposed to get off the train yet.
If you live in DC, you just sit quietly on the train looking out the window or dozing off since you know exactly where to get off.
DC is well known for its cherry blossom festival.
DISLIKES
1. Allergies
The constant sneezing and a runny nose is definitely no fun. I use more tissues to wipe my nose more often than usual -> waste of paper.
2. Spending on allergy meds
This is my second biggest dislike of spring. It’s one thing to physically suffer from sneezing and have a runny nose. It’s another story to financially suffer to get over the physical nuisance.
HOW TO SAVE
1. Allergy meds
I still have lots of allergy meds from last year that expired a couple of months ago. I read online that it’s ok to take expired allergy meds. It may not be as strong as before, but it’s not dangerous. The frugal side in me is screaming Yes!
(If you’re pregnant, please be careful with any kinds of allergy meds and don’t take expired meds.)
My friend, who’s working at a big pharmaceutical company, advised me to buy generic brand allergy meds which have the same ingredients as name brands but are much cheaper.
2. Use a fan instead of turning down the AC
When I got home today, my room felt like an oven since the window directly faced the sun. I went to check the thermostat which showed 76 degrees for the whole house.
I turned the temp down to 74 and took out the fan to help coon down the room instead of turning the thermostats down to 72.
3. Double-check all of your clothes from last year
Before you head to the shopping mall to buy new clothes, you might want to take out all of your spring/summer clothes from last year to see what you have.
I don’t have a lot of clothes to begin with, but sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised to see a top or a dress I haven’t worn in a while. No need for more shopping!
Conclusion
Despite the allergies and the meds, I’m excited to see flowers blooming everywhere and the sun shining even at 7 PM.
Life is beautiful!
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I unfortunately take antihistamines year-round, as does my wife, and we used to spend hundreds if not $1k+ a year on meds. But a pharmacist gave me a tip that has made allergy meds extremely affordable. You can buy about 50 to 100 generic 24 hour antihistimines, comparable to Claritin, for about $5. Pair that with generic sudafed(?) OTC and you can get 10 day supply for $5. Since they are 12 hour pills, take one a day instead of two (unless you really need to) and you just saved yourself a TON of money!
Wow that’s awesome advice! Thank you so much for sharing. I usually buy generic-brand allergy meds but still dread spending that money. I’m still trying to finish up the meds from last year. Last year I spent $25 on two eye drop bottles and still wonder until today if it was a wise decision. I bought the $6 one before, but it didn’t really work that well.
I’ll definitely follow your advice next year. 50 to 100 generic 24 hour antihistimines for about $5 is a such a good deal! 🙂
I am very fortunate that I don’t have spring allergies. I really like spring as well, gotta love the longer day light and warmer weather.
I’m so jealous! j/k :p I’ve been enjoying the warm weather too. It’s nice to see kids running around and neighbors outside talking with each other. We’re also planning a lot of activities in our community too (i.e. picnic, potluck), so I’m super stoked! 😀
Yeah – another local Blogger from the DC area. Is the cherry blossom picture your own? That is an awesome shot. I’ve been meaning to sneak down to the Basin in the early mornings for some great CB shots for years, but still haven’t made it there. Another vote for generic allergy medicine here. I actually use the over the counter version from Target and save a ton of money doing so!
OMG it’s such a great surprise! I had no idea you were also in the area. I got the cherry blossom picture from Pexel.com. I’ve lived in DC for almost 4 years but haven’t gone to the cherry blossom festival (it’s on my to-do list though!). I have a bottle full of Kirkland allergy meds my friend gave me since her family moved away last year. It expired in September 2016, but I read online it’s not dangerous, so I’m taking it every day. I have to use eye drops too since my allergies are really bad -_-