Warmer temperatures, longer days, greenery, and foliage—spring is a cause for celebration. Welcoming the season is about smelling the flowers, literally.
Summer will sneak up on you before you know it, so make sure you take the time to appreciate nature’s revival before the heat wave hits. We’ve rounded up a couple of tips for you to spruce up your surroundings and enjoy the outdoors.
Make Fresh Produce Your New Best Friend
Once spring hits, you’ll start seeing more varieties of fresh produce pop up at the grocery store. Make the most of it! Stock up on seasonal items like cherries, artichokes, beets, grapefruit, oranges, asparagus, rhubarb, and turnips. You’ll find crisp, tender fruits and veggies that will shine in delicious snacks, springtime recipes, and salads, like Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes made with sun-ripened Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes or a crunchy Fresh Asian Sesame Salad, which we jazz up with tangy, nutty P.F. Chang's® Home Menu Sesame Sauce.
Your Fridge Deserves a Makeover, Too
Think fast—when was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Consider us your wake-up call: It’s time to say goodbye to that salad dressing that expired last year. While you’re at it, it's also a good time to clear it all out, wipe down the shelves, and reorganize. Restock it with all the goodies you picked up at your local grocery store, or better yet, your neighborhood farmer’s market! Use the fresh berries that you bought to whip up a Berry Power Protein Smoothie and treat yourself for a job well done with a generous whoosh of Reddi-wip® on top.
Take a Hike
What better way to enjoy the changing landscape and fresh air than with a hike? Make a day of it with a spontaneous road trip and explore a new local trail. Of course, what’s a hike without the right sweet-and-salty snacks along the way? Maple Energy Bites and No-Bake Chocolate Cranberry Oat Bars are easy to make and will help you power through any steep hills or rough terrain.
It’s Patio Season!
We love dining outdoors for an easy way to channel vacation vibes without leaving town. Plan your own backyard feast! Stay sated while the grill warms up with crunchy Pretzel Party Mix—you’ll have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. For dessert, prep a Strawberry Sheet Cake made with Duncan Hines® Signature Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix and creamy vanilla frosting. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine while you watch the sun set.
Picnic at the Park
Looking for a cheap day date idea with a loved one? Plan a low-key lunch at the park. Pack up the car with a portable speaker, a deck of cards, and your sunnies, then prep your picnic basket with all your favorites. Sandwiches, pasta salads, fresh veggie sticks (with dip, of course!), and some fresh fruit make for a colorful, easy-to-prep spread. Udi's® Banana Chocolate Chip Grain Free Muffins are great for dessert.
Plan a Movie Night–Under the Stars
Create your own outdoor theater experience in the backyard. With a little effort, you can set up a projector, gather a few chairs around, and start streaming. Don't forget the popcorn—nobody has to share with Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP® Popcorn Multipacks!
Spring is a time to refresh and renew, so focus your precious free time on the activities that invigorate you! Share the sights, smells, and tastes of the season as you make way for summer.
