Ah, it's finally spring again, and that means that the temperature is rising, and we are welcoming back our warm-month traditions and favorite pastimes. Join me in indulging in warm weather perks!

1. Ice cream!

One of the BEST times of the year is when you drive by your favorite ice cream stand and see that neon open sign all lit up. Admit it, the five year old in you wants to run and fetch their piggy bank.

2. Watermelon!

It's in season once again, and let me tell you, in-season watermelon is so much more satisfying than out of season watermelon. Just sayin'. What's better than sinking your teeth into a piece of crisp, juicy watermelon? And by the way, watermelon isn't eaten correctly if you don't have juice all over your face, hands, etcetera.

3. Flowers

On your way to class, work, or to the corner store, and you see it. The moment you've been waiting for. The first blooming flower you've seen in like, a whole year. Seeing a flower bloom after a long, fierce winter is one of the most refreshing experiences ever.

4. Cookouts

Warm weather is the time for BBQs and family cookouts on the grill. I don't know about you, but passing by a house and smelling a cookout is literally the best thing ever. Mmm.

5. Summer sales!

They know you're coming. The stores know just how to draw you in, hook, line, and sinker. Even though you end up spending $50 more than you planned, all of the items you bought were 40% off, so it's okay... right?

6. Races

Watch out, everyone, NASCAR is on it's way! There's nothing quite like sitting out in the blazing sun for hours, feeling the skin on your body sizzling more and more by the second and watching cars go around and around on the same track...

7. Enjoying the great outdoors

When you can go outside without getting snowed on, blown away by frigid winter winds, or [insert any horrid winter occurrence], it's lovely to be able to go outside, soak up some Vitamin D, and enjoy nature. Maybe even bring a friend along and make some memories. Are two person bikes still a thing?

8. Carnivals

I don't care how old you are, carnivals are always a good choice. You'll always find something to do, whether it's games, rides, the ferris wheel, FOOD, or watching live music. They're always over much too fast, so jump on it!

9. Cotton candy

And with carnivals comes... COTTON CANDY. Enough said.

10. Swimming

At the end of the winter, I feel sufficiently deprived of swimming. In fact, I stand by empty pools, longing for the moment it's filled. It's sad, I know.

11. Getting tan

If you're like me, you almost always burn in the sun, but within days, you have the most beautiful tan ever. Having color to your chronically pale skin will raise your spirits, if only because it reminds you of the sun and the great times you have in the warm weather,