Spring has finally arrived in New York City, and with it comes the promise of renewal. After months of hibernation, both the city and I are ready to bloom. Today, I’m taking you along on my ultimate self-care day across the city—from facials to friend dates to fresh pedicures. Consider this your personal invitation to join me in embracing the warmer weather and treating yourself to some much-deserved TLC.
The Magic of March in Manhattan
There’s something undeniably magical about those first few warm days in New York. The entire city seems to sigh with relief as we collectively shed our heavy winter layers. As I sit here typing this, looking out at clear blue skies and sunshine streaming between buildings, I can’t help but feel grateful for the changing seasons.
Today is March 14th—just five days from the official start of spring—and you can already feel the transformation happening. People are trading their parkas for blazers, sidewalk cafés are setting up their outdoor seating, and there’s a palpable energy buzzing through every neighborhood.
For me, this transition calls for a proper celebration: a day dedicated entirely to self-care and renewal.
My Spring Self-Care Itinerary
When planning my perfect self-care day, I wanted to balance physical pampering with meaningful connection. Here’s what I chose for my springtime ritual:
Watch the full experience here:
Morning Facial with Davines
My day began in Williamsburg with something I hadn’t treated myself to since last fall: a professional facial. I partnered with Davines, a brand I’d previously known only for their amazing haircare products. Turns out they have an equally impressive skincare line!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a big advocate for seasonal facials—ideally twice a year. There’s nothing quite like that post-facial glow when your skin feels refreshed, energized, and plump. It’s the perfect reset button for your complexion after a harsh winter.
During my session, the esthetician used a cooling roller that felt absolutely heavenly on my skin. It helped with circulation and lymphatic drainage while providing the most relaxing sensation. I was thrilled when they included one in my gift bag to take home, along with the serum they used during the treatment!
Quick Self-Care Tip: If you’re struggling to think of something to ask for as a birthday or holiday gift, consider requesting an experience like a facial or massage. These wellness treats are something we often don’t prioritize for ourselves but make such a difference in how we feel.
Lunch in Gramercy Park
After my facial, I headed to Manhattan’s Gramercy Park area to meet a friend I hadn’t seen since December. She’s pregnant with a baby girl due in a few months, so I brought along some gifts to celebrate this exciting chapter in her life.
While waiting for her, I spent some time observing the famous Gramercy Park—one of New York’s most fascinating oddities. For those who don’t know, it’s one of the few private parks in the city, accessible only to residents of the surrounding buildings who possess one of the coveted keys.
Standing outside those wrought-iron gates, watching people stroll through this secret garden in the middle of Manhattan, I was reminded of how New York never stops surprising me, even after all these years.
These lunch dates with girlfriends have become increasingly precious to me. Whether you live alone or with a partner, I find it so important to maintain these connections and create space for different types of conversations and experiences outside your daily routine.
Afternoon Pedicure at Sundays Studio
My final stop for the day was a return visit to Sundays Studio for a gel pedicure. I had visited their other location back in January (which you might have seen in a previous vlog), but this was my first time at this particular studio.
If you’re in New York, I highly recommend Sundays. The atmosphere is serene and minimalist—a true oasis in the chaos of the city. Their attention to detail is impeccable, and the gel pedicure I received will easily last 3-4 weeks, making it perfect timing for sandal season!
There’s something so satisfying about looking down at freshly done toes. It’s such a small thing, but it gives me a little boost of confidence knowing that this tiny detail of my appearance is polished and taken care of.
Why Self-Care Days Matter
In our constantly connected, achievement-oriented world, it’s easy to postpone self-care indefinitely. There’s always another deadline, another project, another obligation that seems more important. But I’ve learned that these intentional pauses aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.
Self-care days aren’t about escape; they’re about return. Returning to ourselves, our bodies, our needs. They’re about creating space to remember who we are beneath the roles we play and the tasks we complete.
For me, scheduling these days is particularly important because I work from home. When your living space and workspace are the same, it becomes even more crucial to physically remove yourself occasionally. Changing environments helps me reset my perspective and return to my work with fresh eyes and renewed creativity.
Making Self-Care Work for You
Not everyone has the time or budget for a full day of treatments around the city, and that’s completely okay! Self-care looks different for everyone. The core principle isn’t about specific activities but about intentionally dedicating time to your wellbeing.
Some more accessible self-care practices I love include:
- Taking a long walk in a new neighborhood
- Reading in a park instead of on your couch
- Trying a new recipe that requires full attention
- Meeting a friend for coffee at a spot neither of you has visited
- Creating a mini spa experience at home with products you already own
The key is breaking routine and focusing fully on the present moment—something that’s become increasingly rare in our distraction-filled lives.
The City Reawakens
As I wrapped up my day around 4pm and headed home to edit this video, I couldn’t help but reflect on how perfectly this day captured the spirit of spring in New York. The city was literally coming back to life all around me—art installations in Madison Square Park, people lingering over outdoor lunches, cherry blossoms beginning to bud.
This seasonal transition always feels like nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. That after periods of dormancy and challenge come growth and bloom. That change—like the switching of seasons—is not just inevitable but necessary for new beauty to emerge.
Your Turn to Bloom
As we move into this season of renewal, I encourage you to consider what form of self-care might help you bloom. What small act of kindness could you offer yourself? What part of your routine needs refreshing? What relationship deserves nurturing?
Sometimes the simplest shifts create the most profound impacts. A facial. A catch-up with an old friend. A fresh coat of polish. These aren’t frivolous indulgences but investments in our wellbeing—little anchors that help us stay present in our increasingly hectic lives.
I hope this glimpse into my self-care day inspires you to create your own version. Remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When we fill our own cups, we have so much more to give to everything and everyone else in our lives.
Until next time,
Flor 💗
P.S. If you enjoyed this post and video, I’d love if you’d subscribe to my YouTube channel for more NYC lifestyle content! And tell me in the comments: what’s your favorite form of self-care as the seasons change?
Shop the Post
- 🌟 Earrings: Alexis Bittar (as seen on Beyoncé!)
- 🧴 Skincare: Davines
- 💅 Nails: Sundays Studio
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