Christie C. This season, our theme is Outdoor Adventures. As inflation complicates budgets and food, I thought it would be a great opportunity to explore local hiking trails and nature reserves, which are all mostly free. We’re also going to be creative with our food this season by foraging and exploring quite a few local markets, ingredients, and foods indigenous to North America.
Outdoor Adventure Goals
It might be getting hotter, but I’m excited to get outside more. Last summer, I spent the majority of my time inside renovating my home, so now I plan on getting outside and exploring the wooded areas near my town.
1. Explore Local Nature Reserves and Hiking Trails
- Trekking and Wildlife Observation: Let’s try walking along trails, paths, and rugged terrain. It’s good exercise and we might discover something new. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, hidden caves, and unique views.
- Forest Bathing and Meditating: Use this time to take in the trees, grass, and flowers. We can meditate to help us relax and unwind from the usual drag of daily life.
- Exploring: At our own risk, we can try deviating from the main trail and explore side paths, streams, and other concealed views.
2. Picnics and Summer Dishes
- Picnicking: I love a good picnic. We can enjoy homemade meals outdoors and mingle among good company.
- Summer Cuisine: Grilling and barbeque, fresh salads, seafood, and frozen treats all make for some popular American dishes for the summer. We’re going to put a twist on it by experimenting with a lot of local products and money saving alternatives.
- Farmer’s Market Finds: Summer is peak season for farmers’ markets across the country, offering fresh produce, herbs, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and locally made condiments. I’m excited to see what is available this summer.
3. Gardening and Native Foods
- Summer Harvests: This is the perfect time to start harvesting some goods from the Spring garden. I look forward to some greens, peas, beans, and other goods.
- Foraging: We’re going to practice foraging this season, learn more about edible plants, and experiment with cooking them. The United States is filled with untapped potential when it comes to food. Greens often mistaken for weeds are often edible and ripe for picking.
- Native American Foods: This is the season where I will be experimenting with foods and ingredients native to American soil. We’re going to focus less on beef, chicken, and pork, and more on game meats, wild berries, and nuts.
Hidden Bee Color Palette Color Palette
This season’s color palette is inspired by the colors of one of my local hiking trails. When summer hits, it is full of warm greens, honey yellows, and chocolate browns. These are the colors that surround me the most on hiking days. Plus, bees often buzz around the branches.
DIY Projects and Crafts
In the spirit of saving money, we’re going to still be crafting and creating by recycling, upcycling, and using whatever is on hand. Let’s buy less. Also, it’s beach season! Let’s dive in to some ocean themed crafts.
