Archive for the ‘Potpourri - Misc. Topics’ Category

Picnic: An Event to Cherish

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

When we hear some words they connect us with pleasure, play etc. One such word that brings us close to our happiness is ‘picnic‘. The moment we hear or overhear the word ‘picnic’ it takes us to a new feeling of joy.

Today I want to let you know the benefits that a picnic can bring us. Though it appears to be casual event it has huge advantages associated with it directly and indirectly.

  • Bonding: A picnic connects all the members to have an understanding about each other. As people find it hard to bond in normal days, a picnic provides a perfect place to associate with the family, co-workers, or even superiors.
  • Fun: Picnics are fun events. Many of us are stressed out with monotonous work or vexed with a challenging relationship or even bored doing mundane tasks. A picnic acts as a change agent and adds a touch of life rejuvenating us holistically.
  • Beauty: A picnic usually happens in the lap of nature thus bringing us closer to its serenity and awesome beauty. Nature itself acts as an open health spa by allowing us to breathe fresh air and generates a feeling of euphoria.
  • Team spirit: Most picnics are loaded with fun games. Playing with new people allows us to develop team spirit. Each one contributes his part to make his team win. We work for a common goal and this indirectly makes us feel good.
  • Network: A picnic is a gathering of diverse individuals. You may find a mentor to guide, a friend for life, or even your future life partner on such occasions. It is a great platform to find people who interest you. Relationships flourish, naturally.

I hope you will have lot of fun in your next picnic. Take an initiative to have a picnic with your family, co-workers or friends. Make sure to plan a picnic every quarter with different social groups. Remember a picnic well-planned with the right equipment will enhance your experience and becomes an event to cherish.

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Company Picnic

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

A friend of mine told me a story about a great company picnic she was part of, and I’d like to share it with you. She works for a moderately large corporation, and she and her co-workers are inside an office most of the time. Due to the loads of work and pressure everyone is under, they really don’t know each other very well. But since the wonderful company picnic, things are changing for her a little, and in a great way!

My friend – let’s call her “Lisa”, since that’s actually her name – was a bit hesitant about even going to the company picnic, since she didn’t know who she was going to talk to or sit with. But she had such a great time! They scheduled in during a work day, and it wasn’t required for anyone to even go. But about 80-100 fellow workers showed up. It was at the park, and it was a beautiful sunny day.

Her employers were there, dressed casually – not in their typical suits and ties. That was certainly a refreshing look for them. Instead of the dreaded “company speech”, they hired a comedian to entertain them while they ate. They also gave everyone a personalized picnic tote that they has customized by Picnic Supply World.  Did I mention the food? The food was catered from three different restaurants in the area, so they had diverse menus to choose from. And of course, there was beer and wine.

All of those things combined made for a lovely day, Lisa said, and she actually got to know a few really neat people from the office.

I think what employers can learn from Lisa’s experience is to try and give the employees what they want when throwing a company picnic. Work is work, of course. But there are times to let loose a little and enjoy each other’s company. It can only make the office more tolerable and even enjoyable!

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More Anniversary Picnic Ideas

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

I’d like to say a little more about Anniversary Picnic Ideas, because this is a big one that people ask about. I don’t think that we can ever have too many ideas.

We talked about getting away for the day and calling ahead and all that. So now I’d like to talk a little about the food, in case you’re bringing your own.

A friend of mine once told me the story of her 15th anniversary, and it moved me. Romanticism can certainly be alive in marriages for 15, 20, even 50 years.

On the day of their wedding – 15 years later – Michelle and Barry set out for what was to be a fun, relaxing day picnicking at the base of a mountain a few miles outside of their town. Barry just couldn’t have gotten things more right that day.

When they finally got to their spot and started laying out the food, Barry explained to Michelle why he packed the foods he packed.

“As an appetizer, I wanted to have something that reminded me of your beautiful blue eyes, so I brought some fresh blueberries,” Barry said.

This continued with some other foods and the lovely wine that Barry brought in the picnic basket, but you get the drift. A man in love with his wife can sometimes see his wife’s beauty in everything – even food or the essence of food. Pick foods that you know your wife will love, and while it’s not necessary to compare her to the food you bring – honestly, how far could a person really take that? – find a spirit of whimsy in your day and what you’re eating.

Make it fun. Even a little “corn”y if possible!

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Anniversary Picnic Ideas

Monday, July 6th, 2009

If you’re anything like most of the population, Anniversary Night typically means going out to eat at your favorite restaurant, maybe followed by or following a movie. While that can definitely be great fun, I have a few other ideas I’d like to recommend to switch things up a little bit.

First the place:

  1. Where did you meet?
  2. Where do you like to go together?
  3. Where is a somewhat-nearby place that you’ve been talking about always visiting.

Once you figure that out, all you have to do is plan it out. Or don’t plan it out! Surprise your loved one with a packed picnic baskets in the back seat of the car on the way there.
Note: if you’re going to surprise him (or her), make sure that he/she LIKES surprises. And if you’re asked what you’re going to do on your anniversary, just call it a surprise.

Again, ONLY if your sweetie likes them.

So once you’ve figured that part out, plan out your day a little. One really fun thing to do is to call ahead – or visit the place a day or two ahead – and let the people with whom you come in contact know it’s your anniversary. Tip them something and see if you or they can come up with something fun and romantic to say or do for you on your little excursion. Imagine how neat it would be if three or four “strangers” congratulated your wife on your anniversary!

Have some food ready to be picked up if you’re not packing the basket. Put the food in the basket or cooler, find some grass somewhere, and sit down with a bottle of wine from the wine basket with your wife and relax the day away.

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How to Meet New People at the Beach

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

We’ve all had them, and they’re almost always fun. So what can we add to a great beach picnic that we’re not already doing? Well, maybe nothing, but here’s a few ideas that you may not have tried that you might find interesting:

  1. Bring extra drinks, whether it’s just water, soda, or beer. This usually works best if you’re not planning a romantic, secluded beach picnic, of course. If you’re at a beach in the middle of the day for a picnic, it’s always nice to be able to offer someone else a drink. What a great conversation starter and way to meet new people, especially if you’re new to the area.
  2. Bring extra food in the totes for the same reason. Chips – small bags – are a great choice, as are small, bite-sized candy bars.
  3. Bring a dog. Even if you don’t have one, borrow someone else’s. A ton of beaches allow dogs, and the dog will have a field day running and playing in the water. If the dog is cute (and friendly), everybody will want to pet him. It’s another fabulous conversation starter.
  4. Fly a kite. Kite People are just cool, and everyone will notice you. It’s a great opportunity to have a little fun and maybe strike up some conversation.
  5. Bring your mom. No, this probably won’t help you meet new people, but sometimes it can. Sometimes she’ll notice little things about other people that you didn’t. For instance, if you’re a guy looking for a special someone, she often notices the looks that last a little longer than most. You know, things like that.

Have fun!

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Picnic Music

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

I think the thing that people forget to take along on picnics the most is music. And if you ask me, I think it can be an integral part of picnicking.

Or taking the WRONG music.

In this first example, imagine a gentleman taking his new girlfriend out for a nice picnic at the park, with backpacks for 2. The food is out, the wine is flowing, and he pops in a Metallica CD. No. Metallica is fine and they have their place certainly, but if you’re still in “dating mode”, forget it. For these situations, I’d highly recommend some light or smooth jazz. Some examples are the saxophone sounds of Dave Koz (check out “The Dance”), anything by Michael Buble, or even the bass sounds of Wayman Tisdale.

You see, at a picnic, sometimes it’s better for the music to be in the background rather than at the forefront. Picnics are a time for people to talk and relax, and jazz can be a perfect addition to add to the ambience.

In this next example, imagine that you’re having a picnic on the beach while intermittently playing some beach volleyball. If you bring smooth jazz, you may get some strange looks from your teammates. Conversely, the right music can get you motivated to play your heart out! For this, I recommend either some current dance music or anything from the charts from the 1980s. It can get your friends motivated and excited to hear what the next song is going to be.

So as you’re planning your picnic or day at the beach, remember that music can make or break your outing.

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Romantic Picnic for Two

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Whether you’re trying to impress your new date or want to put some romance back into your marriage, a Romantic Picnic for Two is bound to create some sparks. With just some basic picnic items, a couple of rib eye steaks, and a bottle of Cabernet, you can turn an otherwise dull day into a day of romance, not soon to be forgotten.

Not convinced?

Just think about how often food and romance seem to merge. In fact the bond between food and sensuality is legendary. All good romance novels contain at least one good picnic. Most of the romance movies you have seen contain the start of a romance out in the middle of a field, picnic basket and blanket in hand.

Here are a couple of food facts for you to chew on:

  • The grape figured prominently in the sensual rites of Greek Dionysian cults, and well-trained geishas have been known to peel plump grapes for their pampered customers.
  • Numerous herbs and spices, (basil, mint, cinnamon, cardamom, fenugreek, ginger, pepper, saffron, and vanilla, to name a few) appear in ancient and medieval recipes for love potions, as well as in lists of foodstuffs forbidden in convents because of their aphrodisiac properties.
    One of our most beloved food items, chocolate, is said to be an aphrodisiac.
  • The most common gift on Valentines Day is flowers and a box of chocolates.

It seems food and sensuality goes hand in hand. At least for the past several thousand years it has.
Not to mention the cost of a picnic isn’t near the expense of a nice restaurant. And yet a well planned picninc can be far more romantic.

Now that I have you convinced that a romantic picnic is just what is needed, let’s get started planning.
To ensure that your picnic has the desired effect, start off with a quality picnic basket and wine basket. Remember, you’re trying to show someone how much you love them and not how cheap you are. Let’s do this right or you may well be having some lonely nights.

That means don’t just shove some food and a bottle of wine into an old diaper bag! Shop for a good quality picnic basket and wine basket. Wicker is very elegant and will last a lifetime. A good picnic basket will hold everything that you will need unless you are going to be cooking steaks. If you are going to cook, a small tabletop propane grill will do the job nicely and add some warmth to a chilly night.

Of course you are going to want something elegant to lay everything out on. I have found a picnic blanket comes in pretty handy for this. That’s right, don’t use the old Purdue University blanket for this. Live a little and shop for a nice picnic blanket for use just for your romantic picnics.
One quick note, try and not lay it on an ant hill if at all possible. Those little critters have a way of putting a damper on things just when things are getting good.

Once you’re done eating you can push everything aside making room for some well needed snuggling. There are waterproof picnic blankets available if the ground is damp or you are planning on picnicking in a canoe.

Remember, you’re not here for a feast, but rather to enjoy the company of your loved one while blending into the moment the various tastes and surroundings that nature has to offer.

When deciding upon what foods to take select foods to snack on that are simple yet elegant. Try to avoid greasy and messy foods that might be a pain to deal with. Keep the main dish light and easy. Try and avoid items such as garlic and onion that may leave your breath smelling badly. Finger sandwiches work very well and are easily prepared. They also add to an already elegant setting.
Ue your imagination when planning your romantic picnic. Cut sandwiches into heart shapes and wrap chocolates in rose petals.
Here are a couple more suggestions to get you started.

  • Grapes are a must. Not only are they sensual in nature with a wonderful taste, they also fit nicely into your picnic basket.
  • Small crackers and wafers can be laid out on a platter. Fill a small elegant bowl with dip of choice and place it in the center of the platter. Lay a bunch of grapes on either side. Trim a rose down and lay it next to the bowl. If you put it into a small vase or glass it may get knocked over when reaching for the dip. You can scatter rose petals around the platter for an added effect. A small bowl of flower petals also adds to the picnic theme. Use your imagination. Try and keep the colors soft and easy on the eye.
  • Use cloth napkins as opposed to paper ones. Wrap with ribbon or yarn for a band when preparing your layout. Then place a trimmed rose between the band and napkin.
  • For your wine, use real wine glasses. Don’t use paper or plastic cups from the house. That’s for koolaide and kids. Romance is about the atmosphere. Somehow I think pulling out your old beer mug and filling it with wine will kill the effect.
  • Small chocolates are great items for feeding to each other. As are grapes. If it’s really warm outside it might be best to stick with the grapes as the chocolates may get a bit messy and make cleanup a hassle.
  • Some soft music can sometimes add to the surroundings. But I find that the sound of nature is the best bet for relaxing and getting into the moment. Save the music for when you get home where you can dance the night away.

The main object is to spend time with your loved one, alone and preferably secluded. Try and find somewhere that you can relax and feel at ease. If you have to walk a little bit, well then that’s ok. You are still spending time with your partner and hiking can be very enjoyable. Not to mention you probably could use the exercise.

Just remember, whether your romantic picnic is in the middle of a grassy field, or on a beach next to the ocean, or even in your own backyard, a picnic planned with love can not go wrong.

So put some spice back into your life and plan a Romantic Picnic for Two!

Ellen

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Picnic Ideas

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

Picnics are a delight to all when well organized and managed correctly. And the perfect picnic is always a time long remembered.

One key to a successful picnic is that much of the food is prepared at home, and then transported to an outdoor setting. Don’t waste your time during the picnic to make dishes that can be made the night before and stored in airtight containers. Use this time to enjoy yourself with family and friends.

When deciding upon a location for your picnic you have a great variety of choices. But whether it is a beach, a grassy knoll overlooking a trickling brook, or a designated picnic area, your goal is to be certain your picnic is fun and relaxing.

What to Bring
Before you pack your picnic cooler take a stroll through your garden and pick some nice ripe vegetables or whatever you might have growing. Fresh strawberries straight from the garden are always a favorite. If you don’t have a garden take a trip to your local fruit stand. The fruits and vegetables that you buy here will usually be much fresher than the items that you buy at the local grocery store.

Be sure and include a few sprigs of mint when you pack. Put these in the center of your picnic blanket or tablecloth to keep the bees away. Take a few extra sprigs to enhance the flavor of the lemonade. A tray of oregano, basil and chives allows guests to take a piece of whatever they choose to add to other greens.

For a beautiful centerpiece, scoop the center out of a head of cabbage to make a bowl. Set it in the center of a colorful tray and place carrot sticks, celery, green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower around it. Fill the “cabbage bowl” with spinach dip. This adds color and a touch of class to your picnic.

Plant pansies or petunias in mugs for each of your guests. These can be set beside each plate. When your guests leave, they can take them home, transplant the flowers and keep the mug as a memento of the great day you spent together.

If your picnic is going to take place in the evening, add a citronella candle to your box of supplies. This adds a nostalgic atmosphere and keeps pesky bugs away.

You can choose to prepare all of your food beforehand, taking only things that are ready to serve, or you can take a few prepared foods and cook the rest on the barbecue or grill.

Be sure to add cups, plates, serving utensils, a serrated knife, cutting board, napkins, flatware, salt and pepper and trash bags to your picnic basket. The use of picnic baskets and picnic totes help in keeping your picnic well organized.

Add items to your basket for special picnics. For example, a romantic picnic is more of a hit with crystal wine glasses and fine china along with your wine carried in an elegant wicker wine basket. On the other hand, a family picnic will be more successful if you add a pair of binoculars, a kite and a Frisbee to your basket. This type of picnic calls for sunscreen and insect repellent.

Unwanted Guests
Ants, clouds, and bees are not the only threat to an enjoyable day. Always keep foods in the refrigerator until you are ready to pack your basket. Add a bag of ice or ice packs to keep food cool. Cold foods should be kept at a cool 40 degrees. Never pack your picnic cooler too full. Be sure there is room for air circulation. Hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees or above. This avoids turning your picnic into a salmonella delight.

Keep uncooked meats in airtight containers so juices cannot contaminate other food when transporting them to the picnic. Wash hands, surfaces and utensils before and after handling uncooked meats.

Raw and perishable foods contain bacteria or parasites. When these foods are served undercooked or are prepared, handled or refrigerated improperly, dangerous toxins may develop. This can cause guests to become ill from food poisoning, which causes flu-like symptoms, which makes your picnic not quite so successful.

If salads cannot be kept cold, use vinegar-based salad dressing as opposed to mayonnaise based dressings. Mayonnaise can cause food poisoning if not kept at 40 degrees or cooler.

Wash all produce with cold water before cooking and eating. Cold water helps remove bacteria and toxins such as pesticides.

Always marinate meats in the refrigerator. Boil marinade for a full ten minutes before pouring over cooked foods.

Keep It Simple
If you follow these tips and use your imagination you will have an enjoyable and unforgettable day in the great outdoors. Your food will be fresh and you will keep microscopic guests away.

Remember, there is no need to cook elaborate foods for a quality picnic. The simplest picnic recipes are delicious when eaten under nature’s canopy.

Enjoy!

Ellen

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