Don’t be sour about “losing” an hour …
Sure, Sunday, March 13th, might be shorter than the rest of the days in spring, but if you put a positive spin on Daylight Saving Time (commonly referred to as Daylight Savings Time) you can actually use this day to your advantage. After all, more daylight after work means more time for activities! It only gets brighter from here.
Celebrate changing the clocks forward an hour, with these five useful activities, so you can be ready for whatever after-work plans are in store for your spring season.
UNCOVER THE PATIO FURNITURE
It’s happened to all of us — you walk outside after work and realize that, holy moly, it's nice out, only to get home and remember that all of the outdoor furniture is still put away. Or even worse, you left it out and now have to clean it before you can enjoy one beverage before dinner.
Avert this disaster by dedicated Daylight Saving Time to cleaning up any outdoor chairs and wiping down the table. It only takes a few minutes, but it will make that first warm evening in spring that much more enjoyable. And since late-season snow storms and heavy rain (or even hail) is inevitable during the rollercoaster weather that is spring, dedicate one day a week to wiping down the patio. Then you can enjoy the benefits all season long!
PUT SWEATERS INTO STORAGE
Sweaters is the key word here. Leave long sleeve shirts and jackets at an arm's reach for those cold spring days, but there’s no place for chunky, knit, over-the-top Christmas cardigans after Daylight Saving Time. Find a storage bin, fold the sweaters nicely, and tuck them in for long warm-weather hibernation until next fall.
Not only does this signal a new season, but it can seriously increase the amount of space in a closet or wardrobe. And if you don’t have a basement or good storage spot, find bins that can slide under the bed. Out of sight, out of mind, until you can’t stand it any longer and have to start playing holiday music again.
TUNE UP YOUR BIKE
Longer days means longer rides! Get the bike squared away soon so you can enjoy all of the after-work outdoor activities like bike rides with your partner, dog, or friends. Bike shops only get busier as the weather gets warmer, so get an appointment today to guarantee you’re ready to ride ASAP.
Plus, if you’ve ever thought about commuting to work via two wheels, now is the time to try it. It’s a safer ride home when the sun is still shining, and you can bike instead of drive to after-work happy hours. Win. Win.
CLEAN THE GRILL
Trust us, the urge to dine alfresco will quickly manifest into cooking alfresco. But this can’t be done with a waterlogged, rusty, or grimy grill. Plus, regular cleaning will extend the life of this very important piece of cooking equipment. Begin by shutting off the gas, and carefully disassembling the parts, then give your grill a good scrub.
With a few simple tools like a scrubber, plastic putty knife, clean paintbrush, and soapy water, you can get your grill in the best shape for spring and summer. Do this during Daylight Saving Time and you’ll be ready to go as soon as a nice day comes your way.
ORDER CANNED WINE
This is really the only thing you need to do to be completely ready for Daylight Saving Time. We can almost guarantee the longer days will stretch into longer happy hours with friends after work, and what’s easier than a bottle? Canned wine. What’s more convenient as a one-serving beverage? Canned wine.
What’s best to take on bike rides, drink on the patio, or sip on while grilling? Canned wine.
So crack open a can and cheers to Daylight Saving Time!
