This week gives us the first official day of spring. Hallelujah! So here are seven fun things to do with your longer spring days. And not a single one involves cleaning.
1. Plant an herb garden. Parsley, basil, rosemary, mint. Growing your own herbs saves money and adds an essential oomph to home cooked meals. Select a sunny spot with good drainage as close to the kitchen as possible.
2. Watch a movie outside. Whether you go to a drive-in, attend movies in the park, or project a flick onto the side of your house, view a favorite film al fresco.
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3. Anticipate Easter. Christmas gets all the attention. Why not make just as big a deal about Easter? Decorate, make special treats, and start new traditions. This mom of three makes resurrection rolls and has started a meaningful crown of thorns activity. You could also incorporate daily or weekly readings to lead up to that most sacred day.
4. Make strawberry jam. Find a farm at pickyourown.org to harvest a bushel of strawberries with your kids or your best friend. Then grab some sugar, a couple lemons, and a sweet tooth to make a simple strawberry jam to have with toast or to give as gifts.
5. Go for a bike ride. Rent, borrow, or unearth a bike from your garage and set off on an adventure. Pack a picnic and pedal your way to a lovely park where you can fly kites and feed ducks.
6. Visit a state park. Among the 50 nifty United States, there are more than 7,000 state park units! With activities ranging from archery to kayaking to rock climbing to sailing, state parks are an accessible way to enjoy the great outdoors for the day or an overnight stay. Even if you’re not looking for a wild adventure, one of these local gems could be the perfect place to fire up the grill with friends, go fishing, or find a sunny spot to do your Bible study. Locate one near you at americasstateparks.org.
7. Make a birdseed wreath. Feed the birds and decorate your door all at once. Making a birdseed wreath is less complicated than baking a cake and is a fun craft to do with kids.
Gather:
- 4 cups birdseed
- 1 packet gelatin
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 3/4 cup flour
- Cooking spray
- Bundt pan
- Ribbon or twine
Do:
In a large bowl, mix the gelatin packet and warm water. Whisk until dissolved. Gently whisk in the corn syrup and flour. The mixture will be paste-like. Add the birdseed and blend well. Spray a Bundt pan with cooking spray. Press birdseed mixture firmly into the pan. Set it aside for 24 hours to dry. Once dry, gently flip the wreath onto a plate. Hang with ribbon or twine in a dry place.
By day, Larissa Arnault is a Marketing Specialist for Lifeway Women. After hours, however, you can find her trying new recipes in her prized Le Creuset Dutch oven while listening to French music. Follow her cooking blog at KillingTimeBetweenMeals.com.