Ask Mrs Figgins
- Free Advice & opinion on everyday issues – marriage, children, friendship, love, etiquette, politics & faith – dispensed by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!

The art of the picnic.

 

 

Plan a romantic al fresco picnic for two, an intimate group of friends or the entire family. 

Picnics are special, affordable and a fun way to show you care.   They build wonderful memories. 

Create simple snacks, lunch, hors d’oeuvres or light dinners.  

The initial investment for the staples (picnic basket, blanket & accessories) can range from the very affordable to extravagant.  However, once you have the staples, your costs will be mainly for the food and drinks. 

Rule #1:  MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A BREEZE.  

Don’t over pack!  Remember it’s the quality of the time spent together, enhanced by elegant simplicity.  It is not the quantity of things you schlep.   

Location:  If you know of a great picnic spot, stick with it.   A new location can bring unwanted surprises, so if you’re selecting a new location, make sure to take a dry run.  

Your picnic area should be reasonably close to your auto.  Expect that you’ll need to return for one thing or another.

Check List: 

• Picnic blanket

• Picnic basket with accessories.   There are many lovely disposable accessories, including plates, cutlery, water glasses, wine glasses, napkins (make sure to pack plenty).   Try them, you’ll like them!    You don’t want to schlep unnecessary items back to wash at home.  You’ll want to relax after a lovely picnic.

• Small cooler (optional).

• CD (not too loud if there are others close by!)

• Food

• Drink 

• Candles for evening rendezvous!

Back up:  Check the weather conditions ahead of time.   In areas where the weather is unpredictable, have a back up location.   Indoor spots can be every bit as wonderful.

Picnics are supposed to be fun.  Once you master the romantic art of the picnic, you’ll be hooked!

Leave your worries behind and make beautiful memories. 

 

Check out Mrs. Figgins picnic food & drink ideas!

How To,Love,More Finds,Relationships,Retirement,advice

Not Ready For Pasture!

 

Dear Mrs. Figgins:

 My wife and I live in Arkansas.   At 63 we had the money saved up and thought it was the perfect time for both us to retire.  The wife is pretty happy with it all, but I’m not happy like I thought I would be.   

I miss my work, Ms. Figgins.  I miss my friends, I miss gettin in my truck and doing my daily routine. 

I guess I’m not ready to do this retiring thing.  Do I need some type of professional help?

 I’m not ready for pasture.

 

 Dear Not Ready:

The night is still young.    So are you.

Isn’t it a head scratcher how we dream of having time on our hands.  Yet when we have it, it’s double edged.   Your sense of “empty “is normal and understandable.  

What a blessing that you and your wife have planned financially for your retirement! 

 Take heart and trust that the best is truly ahead. 

 Now it’s time to come up with something that you might really like to do on a part time or full time basis.   Since you’ve planned for this day, your list should include paid or unpaid activities.     Don’t come up with silly “fillers” (leave that to stuffing sofas).  

 Think of what will fill the wells of your heart.  There’s no time like the present.

 Starting right now, starting this very moment – make of a few things you have always wanted to do.    If you try one and it doesn’t feel right, then try the next.  You have time and you have the dime.

 There are many organizations need good descent folks like you.   

 You are more valuable today than ever before.    BELIEVE!

 Mrs. Figgins

Love,Retirement,advice

Don’t be stupid!  THINK!

 

Dear Mrs. Figgins:

Can a person fall in love at first sight?

 I just met a great guy this past week and it was like instant between us.    He is 32, and I am 20.

He said he knew the minute I walked in that he was going to marry me.   The only problem is he lives in another state. 

Yesterday before he left he asked me to move with him next month.  I know it may be too soon for some people but I’m considering it!

My parents have been away on vacation so I haven’t had a chance to tell them yet.   

How do I tell them that we fell in love at first sight?  I want their support.

Am I stupid?

 

Dear Stupid:

YES.

Stupid is as stupid does – and you’re in for a world of trouble if you don’t get your wits about you.

You may be instant “in like” but love is nowhere in sight at this point.  

Love takes time, and one week doesn’t give you enough time to figure out what kind of socks to buy him at Christmas.

You don’t know this guy.    You’ve never met his family or know his friends.   You don’t know the first thing about his past other than what he may have told you over a starry eyed milk shake. 

Any guy that would ask you to move in and hasn’t even met your parents is not the one. 

Only time will tell you if “like” will turn into love, and stupid can turn into smart.   It’s time to think about choices and consequences.

Mrs. Figgins

 

www.askmrsfiggins.com  

Free advice on everyday topics dispensed by Mrs Figgins with straightforward common sense and good old fashioned values! 

 

Love,Relationships,advice