While I know it can be hard to be stuck at home (especially with summer approaching) and nowhere to go, nothing to do…it doesn’t have to be boring! Here are 15 ideas for you to spend the long hours you are cooped up…and make them not so long, WHILE also feeling productive!

1. Cook – Make some of your favorite foods OR try out that NEW recipe you have been waiting for the right time to use.
2. DIY Craft Projects – We all have them lying around somewhere…and it does make you feel really productive to get it accomplished, finally.
3. Spring Cleaning/Organizing
4. Read a Book – Take away some stress and cabin fever by losing yourself in a good story. There are so many good ones out there!
5. Exercise – You know that excuse “I don’t have time”? Yeah, not really valid here.
6. Diet – See above…
7. Learn an Instrument – Dust off that family piano!
8. Family Games
9. Puzzles
10. Coloring Books
11. Plant a Garden – Springtime! New beginnings, beauty blossoms, moods boost. You can start your own! It is actually VERY satisfying to watch things grow.
12. Go for a Walk (Get OUTSIDE!!!) – Vitamin D…good for your mood AND immune system. Win Win!
13. Prayer  – This is a great time (when you have nothing but time) to lift up our nation and neighbors in prayer
14. Epsom Salt Bath – You now have some time to relax. You can take advantage of that. Your body will thank you. It’s good for stress, muscles, and mood.
15. Detox – While all canned food and boxed goods are hard to find, now is a good time to take advantage of all the fruits and veggies that are well stocked.

Have you ever wondered why some fruits and vegetables only grow at certain times throughout the year…not all year ’round? Well, maybe that is because God only intended us to eat them at specific times…

WHY?

• They are fresher and better tasting. Now I KNOW you have bought produce from the store and have found it to taste much better and have such a good flavor at certain times, as opposed to others. Did you ever notice if it was one season versus another? When you eat (say…a strawberry) during the months when it grows naturally out in the garden as it was meant to be (as long as you don’t pick it too soon) you get a nice juicy berry flavor. Now, compare that to a strawberry you buy at the store during December. Harder, not much flavor or juice, and maybe even a bit sour, huh? Which would you rather eat?
• They are cheaper. It’s true!
• You get better nutrition from your foods when you consume them when they were naturally meant to be. 

Think about it: What if we were all back to growing all our own food? When would you be eating them? When they grow, right? RIGHT!

OK…so now that we have understood WHY we should eat foods in their proper season, let’s look at WHAT foods to eat in which season. Now, it also depends on where you live (as some foods are in season a little differently than in other places), but here are some main ones to get you started:

Spring/Summer Fruits and Vegetables:

Asparagus                                               Apricot

Beans                                                      Blackberries

Broccoli                                                   Blueberries

Cauliflower                                              Cantaloupe

Corn                                                        Cherries

Cucumber                                               Figs

Eggplant                                                 Grapes

Lettuce                                                    Kiwi

Peppers                                                   Mango

Summer Squash                                      Peaches

Tomatoes                                                 Pineapple

Zucchini                                                   Plum

                                                                 Raspberries

                                                                 Strawberries

                                                                 Watermelon

Fall/Winter Fruits and Vegetables:

Beans                                                    Apples

Broccoli                                                 Cranberries

Brussel Sprouts                                     Grapes

Cauliflower                                            Grapefruit

Cucumber                                              Lemon

Eggplant                                                Orange

Peppers                                                  Papaya

Pumpkins                                               Pear

Tomatoes                                               Persimmons

Winter Squash                                       Raspberries

                                                               Tangerines

So take the list and eat to your heart’s content! Bon Appetit!

“To everything there is a season…”

Spring Cleaning

Something about spring makes us want to clean and organize our homes. Cleaning out rooms and getting rid of things we don’t need or want any more makes us feel lighter and fresher. A fitting feeling for spring I would say.

However, spring cleaning shouldn’t just be focused on our homes and the “stuff” in it. I think it should also apply to our bodies as well. Cleaning up our diets and getting rid of all the yucky foods that our bodies don’t need is a great way to get that lighter, fresher feeling both inside and out! Plus, you can kill two birds with one stone and give your fridge a good cleaning out at the same time!

Food – What’s in Season?

Asparagus – This super food is chock full of Vitamins K and C! It helps feed the good bacteria in your digestive tract. Comes in handy during the seasons when our immune systems can be compromised. 

Broccoli – The Italians introduced it to us. You can cook it, boil it, steam it or just eat it raw… and get a good dose of Vitamin C, calcium and fiber.

Rhubarb – Yes, we make a famous pie out of a vegetable! In addition to being high in fiber to help with proper digestion, it is a great source of Vitamins K and C and iron.

Mango – A good dose of Vitamins C and A, full of fiber and potassium and can help your digestive system. It’s really a wonderful refreshing spring fruit!

Strawberries – On top of being delicious and very refreshing, they are high in Vitamin C to help build up your immune system during these compromising months. And they are also good for your teeth! 

Weather and Colors

It really is true that colors have an effect upon our moods. Do you like to dress in colors that match the season? Florals or brighter, happier colors than you did in the fall and winter? The changing of the seasons is a good time to brighten up your wardrobe… and even your overall mood!

Good Springtime Oils 

Jasmine – Sweet spring smell in a bottle! It lifts up your spirits and can help ease stress.

Lavender – This one is very well known. It’s sweet and uplifting smell can help to soothe stressful days, support the immune system and brighten your mood and get you eager for spring!

Lemon (other citrus oils) – Very few people can remain gloomy after smelling citrus. Lemon and orange are great for waking up the mind, and for supporting the immune system.

Peppermint – A favorite of many and a smell recognized by all, it brings alertness to your senses, supports your immune system… and makes you and your home smell wonderful!  (Peppermint is wonderful mixed with lemon…for a double whammy!)

Favorite Spring Events

The weather is so pretty! Get outside and enjoy it while it lasts! Hot scorching weather is coming… especially for Texas.

Get some exercise. Walk around your neighborhood, go for a hike or a bike ride. Take some deep breaths of fresh spring air… and take your camera with you! You might find some beautiful scenery or blooming flowers to photograph.

It’s spring time… and St. Patrick’s Day in the same month! It’s time to bring out the green! Green shirts, green decorations, green food… wait, what?

Yes, your first thought of green food MAY not be a pleasant one, but let me reassure you: Green is such a delicious color! There are so many great healthy foods and recipes you can make. So when you plan your next St. Patty’s day party (or even just a spring get together) and you want to go all out with color of the season… you’re covered!

• Avocados – A great source of healthy fats, protein and fiber, there are so many delicious dishes you can make with avocados. From smoothies, to brownies, to chocolate mousse, to the ever popular guacamole.
• Broccoli – Raw or cooked, this green vegetable is high in calcium and good for your eyes. Place them on a vegetable tray to serve to guests or serve them cooked with a little bit of sea salt sprinkled on top.
• Cucumbers – This green vegetable is great for hydration and detoxification. Throw some slices of cucumber and limes in some water for a nice hydrating drink.
• Green Apples – Top the slices with cinnamon and you have a sweet and nutritious dish that can help your heart and digestive system.
• Green Cabbage – Cabbage feels like a must-have on St. Patrick’s day. It is also very good for you, giving your body some much needed iron and vitamin C.
• Green Tea – There is more than one type of green tea… but whatever kind, and whether you drink it hot or cold, it boosts your heart health, brain health and helps weight loss. So make a cup, try adding lemon or orange juice for a refreshing burst of flavor… or, if tea is not your thing but you still want the benefits, you can try adding some chilled green tea to ice cream, or make a green tea and mango smoothie.
• Limes – Boost your immunity and enjoy some refreshing drinks (limeade is a favorite) AND dessert. It’s a win win!
• Spinach – A fresh garden salad on a spring day is so refreshing. Toss in some fresh kale for some added antioxidants and detox ability.

Now that we have had our daily dose of fruits and vegetables, it is time for dessert. Have some mint… and add it to your ice cream!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A few other delicious green foods you can add to the list are honeydew, kiwi, green beans and asparagus.