The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 3/20/26 – We celebrate the First Day of Spring!

Today is the First Day of Spring! We celebrate with the Big Blue Crew by talking about how we plan to enjoy the new season!

Click HERE to hear from our WNZR Staff members OR click on the image below.

We shared a list of ideas on how to enjoy this beautiful new season.

1. Watch for the First Robins

Robins are one of the classic signs of spring. Take a few minutes to watch and listen for birds returning after winter.

2. Open the Windows

Let fresh air into your home for the first time in a while. It’s a simple way to refresh your space and welcome the new season.

3. Try a “No Jacket” Walk

If the weather cooperates, enjoy a short walk without a winter coat and appreciate the warmer air.

4. Visit a Farmers Market

Some early markets begin opening in spring. Pick up fresh bread, honey, or early greens.

5. Make a Spring Bucket List

Write down 5–10 things you want to do before summer arrives—festivals, hikes, day trips, or projects.

6. Change Your Seasonal Decor

Swap out winter décor for lighter colors, flowers, or greenery around the house.

7. Take a “Signs of Spring” Photo Challenge

Look for buds, puddles, birds, flowers, or sunshine and take photos of the first signs you see.

8. Make a Bright Spring Meal

Cook something colorful like a salad with fresh greens, strawberries, or citrus.

9. Call Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a While

Spring is about renewal—reach out and reconnect with someone.

10. Read Outside

Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, grab a chair on the porch or sit in the sun with a book or devotional.

🌱 Bonus idea: Write down one thing you want to grow in your life this spring—patience, kindness, faith, creativity, or health—and pray or reflect on that throughout the season.

MORE IDEAS:

The first day of spring is the perfect excuse to reset your routine, get outside, and celebrate something fresh 🌱 Here are a mix of fun, meaningful, and easy ideas you can actually do:

🌸 Get Outside & Enjoy the Season

  • Take a walk at a local park and look for the first signs of blooms
  • Have a picnic (even if it’s a little chilly—blankets help!)
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset to mark the new season
  • Visit a farmers market or garden center
  • Start a small garden or plant flowers in pots

☀️ Refresh Your Life

  • Do a mini spring cleaning (just one room or even one drawer!)
  • Swap out winter clothes for lighter, brighter outfits
  • Open the windows and play music while you tidy up
  • Rearrange a room for a fresh feel

🌼 Simple Joys & Self-Care

  • Buy yourself fresh flowers
  • Try a new spring recipe (salads, fruit dishes, lemon desserts)
  • Journal about what you want this new season to look like
  • Set a few light, realistic goals for spring

🌷 Connect with Others

  • Invite a friend for coffee or a walk
  • Write a handwritten note to someone
  • Do something kind for a neighbor

🎉 Make It Fun & Memorable

  • Create a “spring bucket list”
  • Take photos to document the day
  • Start a new playlist with upbeat, fresh songs
  • Have a themed dinner (spring colors, fresh foods)

🌿 Meaningful/Reflective Ideas

  • Spend time in prayer or quiet reflection
  • Think about what you want to “let go of” from winter
  • Focus on gratitude for new beginnings

May is National Salad Month. Let’s toss and taste a healthy and delicious dish!

tastemade salads

We wrap up our Food Focused week by celebrating National Salad Month.
Check out these 4 delicious and healthy salad recipes from www.tastemade.com.

 4 Delicious & Healthy Spring Salads

Tomato, Cucumber, and Red Onion Salad with Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lg. cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and sliced

  • 12 ounces grape tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 ounces crumbled feta

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon (3-4 leaves) fresh basil, sliced

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine vinegars, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and basil.

  3. Add vinegar mixture and gently toss to coat.

Blueberry and Spinach Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups mixed baby greens (spring mix)

  • 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

  • 2 cups blueberries

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

  • 3 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoon raw honey

  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined, and then set aside.

  2. Combine strawberries, blueberries, almonds, and greens.

  3. Add dressing and toss to coat.

Spring Pasta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa farfalle noodles, cooked and drained

  • 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, shaved

  • 2 carrots, shaved

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon shallot, minced

  • 1 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

  2. Combine the noodles, asparagus, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and parmesan in a large mixing bowl.

  3. Add dressing and toss to coat.

Sugar Snap Peas with Creamy Yogurt Mint Dressing

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 pounds sugar snap peas, blanched for 3 minutes

  • 4 small radishes, thinly sliced

  • 2 ounces crumbled feta

  • 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 4-6 mint leaves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon shallot, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mint, shallot, sea salt, and black pepper.

  2. Combine the snap peas, radishes, and feta in a large mixing bowl.

  3. Add dressing and toss to coat.

 

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