Amazing Ways to Celebrate Spring
You don't have to be a kid to love spring. March 20 is the first day of spring, and everyone is ready to celebrate after a particularly long and hard winter across the US, particularly the East Coast and the snowy apocalpyse that has battered the region. The first day of spring is also known as the vernal equinox, and it's one of two days during the year when day and night are of equal length.
With all that extra sunshine, here are our favorite ways to celebrate the day. So go ahead, take a hike, visit your favorite outdoor cafe, or just sit in the sun and bask in the awesomeness of the summer ahead.
Celebrate the season
Go hiking. The official Opening Day for Trails, March 28, is hosted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Rails-to-Trails is asking bikers, walkers and runners across the country to Take the Pledge (via their website) to get out and be active on their favorite trails. To date, more than 10,000 have taken the pledge. Opening Day for Trails encourages all Americans to get outside and get active by emphasizing the many ways people of all abilities can participate and benefit from using their local trails - from dog walking to bird watching, from a leisurely jog to a casual bike ride, and more. Opening Day for Trails features various local events occurring all across the country.
Celebrate the first day of spring by dining alfresco with a picnic on your patio or at the park. Try making a big batch of cocktails with a bourbon punch or this garden-to-glass libation with apricots. It’s delicious and pairs beautifully with grilled foods.
Open every window in the house. The fresh breeze will be a great start to spring.
Snip and clip some fresh spring blooms - daffodils, forsythia, hyancith - and then take them inside to brighten up a room or place at your entryway.
Stop by the bookstore on your way home from work and then spend the evening on your porch reading under the sun's final rays.
Create a container garden for some spring vegetables and herbs. Then get ready to fire up the grill all season long.
Have a sprinkle party. Buy worms from your local bait and tackle shop and let your children sprinkle in the yard. This is a budget friendly way to aerate the lawn and watch your kids smile.
Spring decorating
Focus on your home’s décor – tuck away your velvet pillows and chenille throws and bring out the twill and cotton in bright accent colors.
A great way to welcome spring is by wearing spring makeup colors. In the fall, most women usually end up wearing darker vampy lip colors and more smoky eyes. For spring, take out those cool toned pastel eye shadows, that coral blush and peony colored lipstick and celebrate.
Spring into action on the first day of spring and de-clutter an area of your home that's been bugging you all winter.
Spring forward and pay it forward. Take time to go though your winter clothes. Anything that doesn't fit you or your lifestyle can be passed on to someone else.
Pull out your favorite spring outfit and wear it. This is a huge way to signal that fact that you no longer have to put on eight layers in order to go outside. The spring item you wear could range from a different color choice that what you have worn all winter, placing a flower in your hair, or just breaking out that spring dress.
Celebrate spring is by adopting an animal, specifically a puppy being that Monday, March 23 is National Puppy Day. The special day encourages the adoption of puppies, and Up Country’s ADOPTED dog collar would be the perfect gift for a furry new friend.
Experiment with pavement painting. This is a great excuse to go outdoor and burn some energy, with or without your kids in tow. Make paint by mixing regular food coloring with water, grab some paintbrushes and hit the sidewalks and start channeling your inner Jackson Pollock.
Buy a bouquet of spring flowers such as daffodils. It’s simple and easy and beautiful.
And some companies are celebrating the concept with freebies. Rita's Italian Ice with 600 stores coast-to-coast will be celebrating its 23rd annual First Day of Spring Free Italian Ice Giveaway by spreading “ice, custard and happiness” to celebrate the new season. All guests who visit a Rita's store on Friday, March 20 will receive a free Italian Ice in a limited-edition First Day of Spring cup. All stores across the country will be participating and will be giving away ice from noon to 9 p.m.
Sources: Carmen Johnston, owner of Carmen Johnston Gardens; Jason McCoy, Voice Over Talent; EVINS Food, Wine & Spirits; Shivani Karwal from Glam Diaries; and Shanta L.Evans-Crowley.
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