By Mid-March is full of reasons to celebrate! St. Patrick’s Day and National Goof Off Day are the perfect excuses to have a little fun this week. Of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to homemade donut delish thanks to American Chocolate Week.
You’re sure to get a great mental boost too. Welcoming the first day of spring with a beautiful bouquet will lift your spirits, and partaking in the physical activity of your choosing on National Memory Day means easy strengthening for your brain. Keep reading for our clever ideas to celebrate these mini holidays!
Monday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
Raise a glass today with a festive St. Paddy’s cocktail. This green drink from the Woman’s World mixologists is inspired by a French 75 cocktail with a fizzy twist.
To make a Lucky Leprechaun: In a cocktail shaker, add 1⁄2 oz. of simple syrup, 1 oz. of gin, 1⁄4 oz. of lemon juice and 1 Tbs. of pasteurized egg whites. Cover; shake for 30 seconds. Add ice. Strain and pour into a glass. Top with 4 oz. of champagne and 1 drop of green food coloring. Garnish with a St. Patrick’s Day party favor. Makes 1 drink
Thursday, March 20: First Day of Spring
Welcome the change of seasons by displaying peonies in your home! “Peonies are great for a bouquet because they are a wonderful focal flower, meaning they draw focus and take up space,” says floral designer Alison Fleck, owner of BloomCultureFlowers.com. “You can make a statement arrangement with just these blooms.” To help peonies last, display the flowers in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from vents. “A consistent temperature will help keep them happy!” she adds.
Friday, March 21: National Memory Day
Ready to sharpen your memory? Engage in your favorite physical activity—it’ll give you a brain boost for up to 24 hours, say researchers reporting in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. They found that people ages 50 to 83 who exercised more than usual on any day performed significantly better on memory tests the following day. The reason: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of brain chemicals that help with cognitive functions. Another habit that improved scores? Getting at least 6 hours of sleep!
Saturday, March 22: National Goof Off Day
Set aside your to-do’s and enjoy some extra fun today. One way to let loose? Play a video game! Doing so can lift your mood in no time, say researchers at the University of Oxford. In their study in the journal Games: Research and Practice, participants experienced a better mood after just 15 minutes of playing a popular video game—a change comparable to the mood boost seen from other leisure activities like shopping, reading and listening to music. The researchers theorize that, for most people, gaming helps reduce stress.
Other perks of video games: Additional research finds that games like Crush Saga and Tetris speed reaction time and improve memory and decision-making skills by keeping your brain engaged.
March 16–22: American Chocolate Week
Chocolate donuts to celebrate this yummy holiday? Yes, please! They’re easy to DIY with this fun recipe!
To make: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cavity (1⁄3-cup capacity) donut pan. In a bowl, combine 1⁄2 cup of flour, 1⁄2 cup of sugar, 1⁄4 cup of cocoa powder, 1⁄2 tsp. of baking powder and 1⁄4 tsp. of salt. In a separate bowl, combine 6 Tbs. of milk, 1 egg, 1 Tbs. of butter (melted) and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract. Stir into flour mixture. Pour into a pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to rack; let cool completely. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 (16 oz.) can of chocolate frosting in 15-second intervals until melted, stirring. Spoon onto donuts. Add sprinkles. Makes 6.
Help a Hero
Donate gift cards!
Do you have new Visa, Target or Walmart gift cards to spare? If so, send them to American Military Family! The nonprofit organization will use them to buy essentials for troops, veterans and their families going through tough times. Mail cards to American Military Family, P.O. Box 238, Firestone, CO 80520.
