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The Six Must Haves For A Perfect Picnic

07/05/2019 · In: Lifestyle

*this post is sponsored by UNJURY

Nina from Sharing A Journey talks about the six must haves for the perfect picnic

It’s official!  We are in picnic season.  For a successful picnic, it’s important to start with a cute sun dress.  The rest will take care of itself, I always say.  In fact, sometimes a cute outfit or china pattern inspires an impromptu get together.  Yup, I’m that girl.  

So what is on my must have list for a successful picnic?  

A Great Cookbook

For inspiration, I often turn to my favorite cookbooks.  The queen of great picnics in my opinion is Ina Garten.  I’ve collected all but her most recent cookbook, which is on my wish list, I just haven’t gotten around to ordering it yet.  The Barefoot Contessa original book is my favorite for easily packable summer fare with fresh bold flavor.  The thing I love about her recipes is that the seasonings are never overpowering.  Anyway, creating a flavorful and easy menu is job number one, or two after the cute outfit.

An Awesome Picnic Spot

Picking the ideal picnic spot.  We have several beautiful parks near where we live and most of the time, we just pack a picnic and go.  However weekends and holidays can be very busy, so when I want to invite more people, I make a reservation with the City Parks department.  It can often be done on line, and for a nominal fee. 

Woman sitting on rocks next to water with a picnic

A Decorative Spread

I love a great presentation, and I have one of those old fashion picnic baskets and a big quilt to put on the ground.  I also have several sets of picnic ware to choose from, depending on the color scheme and menu for the day.  I don’t know about you, but pretty just makes picnics a little more fun.

Keep Bugs Away

Bug repellent, first aid kit and sunscreen are  musts for your picnic list.  Whether you make homemade bug repellant, use  citrine candles or douse yourself with Off, having the bug situation covered is super important.  Nothing spoils a picnic quicker than bug bites, minor scrapes and sunburns.  I keep a first aid kit in the car just in case.  It’s also good to know the poisonous plants in your area, and, to stay away from them, of course.

Fun games.  

When Roger and I hosted our first picnic with Brooke and her boyfriend, we stopped at Target and bought a ball and a few outdoor games.  Funny thing was that the kids had never played them before so it was quite humorous watching them trying to throw a frisbee and play catch. That was the day I discovered that my child can’t kick a ball.  I can though.

Laughing woman wearing red and white striped dress and strawberries

And finally, a fun desert.  

I’m feeling Strawberry Banana Pops with a little extra protein added in, so I’ll share my favorite recipe:

2 packets or 2 scoops of UNJURY Strawberry Sorbet protein powder

2 cups milk (you can use your favorite type of  milk so long as it freezes well)

1 small box of Jello Instant Banana Pudding mix (which ever variety you like including sugar-free or fat-free)

Pour milk into a bowl, add protein power, stir, and set aside.  In a separate bowl, empty the contents of the pudding mix add the milk and protein mixture to the dry pudding mix stir two minutes or until texture is full.  Label mixture eagerly into popsicle molds or 3 oz paper cups freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.  80 calories if skim milk is used, 10 grams of protein 9 grams carbohydrates and 5 grams sugar. (This recipe is from the UNJURY cookbook)

I have been on a low carb diet for twelve years, you can read about my weight loss journey here.  I occasionally splurge and have a desert like the one above, but mostly I stay away from sweets.  I make sure that I get my protein portions in; the average sedentary female should consume 46 grams of protein per day.  I often use protein powder to boost my protein intake, either by drinking protein shake or grabbing a protein bar on the go.  UNJURY is a great choice as it offers a variety of flavored, vegan, and unflavored powders.  There are also two soups.  If you would like to try UNJURY, I have a discount code NINA 10 and you can visit UNJURY here.

Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50

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By: Nina · In: Lifestyle · Tagged: what you need to do for a picnic

About Nina

Sharing A Journey is an award winning blog for women "of a certain age" who love life and style with a little inspiration mixed in. The blog and it's author Nina Anders has been featured in notable publications including Forbes, Next Avenue, Thrive Global and Parade. Photos by RSEsteyphotography Let's do midlife together!

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Comments

  1. Kellyann Rohr says

    07/05/2019 at 7:43 AM

    That dress is just beautiful on you Nina!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    Reply
  2. Kimberly Malkiewicz says

    07/05/2019 at 8:22 AM

    You found such a pretty location for your photo shoot. I like the pudding pop recipe, it’s a great idea to add protein powder.

    Reply
  3. Julie | This Main Line Life says

    07/05/2019 at 8:39 AM

    That dress is gorgeous. We used to do picnics when the kids were younger, but haven’t in years. These are some great ideas. It would be really fun to do one again.

    Reply
  4. Laurie says

    07/05/2019 at 10:01 AM

    Have a marvellous 4th of July xx

    Reply
  5. Cheryl Shops says

    07/05/2019 at 1:39 PM

    I just had a picnic yesterday and it was the perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July. Happy 4th to you!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    Reply
  6. Jessica A Jannenga says

    07/06/2019 at 12:20 PM

    Another beautiful dress on you! I am loving the longer dresses myself this season. I love the picnic ideas! We have some great parks around us and do enjoy bringing a picnic, or a vineyard packing a picnic. Mosquitos love me, so I have to be ready for them! The strawberry pops sound delicious!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    Reply
  7. Monica says

    07/11/2019 at 11:26 AM

    I’m always getting eaten alive by bugs when I’m outside haha! So that tip is perfect! Also, love your dress!
    Thanks for stopping by the linkup! http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com

    Reply
  8. Angie says

    07/19/2019 at 6:29 PM

    Hi, Nina – I feel inspired to plan a picnic! 😀 This was a fun post. Usually my husband and I go to the beach and lie down under a tree with a picnic cooler or basket. Usually we need a cooler. Then we read and do puzzles and take a dip in the water when we’re get hot — lazy summer afternoons…except we don’t have hardly any summer afternoons available this summer to be lazy! Still, I feel inspired. Thanks for this reminder to look for time to relax and have some fun! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

    Reply

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