On April 23rd, National Picnic Day encourages everyone to pack up their lunch and take it outdoors.
There are a variety of ways to take part in a picnic. This meal hearkens back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining when all you needed was a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit and you could have a party under the sky.
From the French for piquenique, picnicmeans a meal eaten outdoors.
From barbecues to simple cold plates, picnics are light informal affairs intended to be relaxing and fun for everyone to enjoy the day. Some favorite picnic foods include sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and vegetables,light salads, and homemade bars. However, picnics can be expanded to include grilled items, too. Burgers and corn on the cob cook up nicely on a portable grill. During large picnics, guests often bring a dish to share creating a pot luck atmosphere.
The fresh air tends to rev up our appetite, so getting in some physical activity while enjoying a picnic is nice, too. Games of horseshoe, Frisbee, catch or flying a kite add to the fun of the day.
Celebrate this day by having a picnic of your own. Pack up a cooler or basket with a few of your favorite items. Make sure to include a beverage or two. Be sure to keep perishable items on ice so no one gets sick. Visit a favorite park or recreation area. Lay the blanket out in the sun or shade (whichever you prefer) and enjoy the day with a meal under the sky. Bring a Frisbee or a ball to toss around, too.
If the weather does not cooperate, have a picnic in your home on the living room floor! Share your photos on social media using #NationalPicnicDay.
Spring cleaning: it’s a tradition that feels as old as time itself, yet remains as relevant today as ever. As the days lengthen and the temperature warms, there’s something about the onset of spring that instinctively prompts us to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and undertake a thorough cleaning of our homes. This annual ritual, steeped in history and varying cultures, is not just about maintaining a clean environment; it’s a symbolic gesture towards renewal, rejuvenation, and starting anew.
The concept of spring cleaning can be traced back to several origins, from the Iranian Norouz, the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of spring, to the Jewish tradition of cleaning the house in preparation for Passover. No matter its origins, the core idea remains the same: clearing out the old to make way for the new. In a modern context, this means decluttering, deep-cleaning, and organizing our living spaces to usher in the season of growth and renewal.
Why is spring cleaning so important? Firstly, it’s a practical necessity. After months of being shut indoors with windows sealed against the cold, our homes are likely to have accumulated dust, grime, and clutter. A thorough cleaning helps remove allergens, improve air quality, and simply make our living spaces more pleasant and hygienic. But beyond the practicalities, spring cleaning holds psychological benefits. It can be incredibly satisfying and mentally refreshing to clear out clutter, organize our belongings, and make our spaces feel fresh and new. It’s an act that can signal a fresh start, not just for our homes, but for ourselves as well.
So, how can we tackle spring cleaning in an effective and manageable way? Here are a few tips:
1. **Make a Plan:** Start with a checklist of all the tasks you want to accomplish. Breaking the process down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make the project feel less daunting.
2. **Declutter First:** Before you start cleaning, declutter. It’s easier to clean spaces that aren’t filled with unused or unnecessary items. Plus, decluttering can have its own therapeutic effects.
3. **Room by Room:** Tackle your cleaning room by room. This strategy ensures that you’re thorough and allows you to see progress, which can be motivating.
4. **Natural Cleaners:** Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products. They’re better for the environment and often just as effective as chemical-based cleaners.
5. **Don’t Forget the Outdoors:** Spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home. Take some time to clean up your outdoor spaces as well.
As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that it’s not just about the physical act of cleaning. It’s about creating a space that reflects and supports your wellbeing, a home that serves as a sanctuary as the world blooms anew. Happy cleaning!
The entire month of February is dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to the reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying and otherwise loving books. It’every s National Library Lover’s Month!
Check out some of these fantastic Authors and their books. I’ve said for years “Hollywood needs a library card. Guess someone finally heard me. ” They currently have Movies or series based on the books.
There are lots of great authors and books I cannot begin to list them all here. Make sure you bookmark and like our site for more.
Libraries provide so much more than a place for us to enjoy great novels or to discover amazing adventures and untold history. Yes, they help us ace our research papers and provide a quiet space to study, but they do so much more.
For preschoolers, libraries entertain them with theater and hands-on activities exposing them to music, art and their first friendships. Many communities rely on their libraries for meeting space for public forums, socials, fundraisers and classes.
Libraries lend not only books but music and movies. Rotating art displays give local artists exposure to the community. Larger libraries provide preservation services, preserving some of the most treasured books, periodicals and documents for future generations.
Of course, if you’re even a fraction addicted to books as I am you may have to start your own library. Mine is currently occupying six bookshelves with some still boxed. Since I like to reread mine I use them frequently. As I usually read a full novel in about two days I have to carry a small ton from my local library or draw from my own. I wish e-readers had been around when I started.
If you want to pass this gift to others February 14th is also International Book Giving Day.
Continue enjoying your library, but consider volunteering your time, too. If you don’t have a library card, it’s never too late! Visit your library to get one! Use #NationalLibraryLoversDay to share on social media.
