Hooray! 2020 is a leap year, so we get a whole extra 24 hours – and even better, February 29 falls on a Saturday this year (it feels like this should give us a three-day weekend, but somehow it doesn’t). Here are seven ways to make the most of your extra day this year.
1. Have a lie in!
After all, this is a day that only exists every four years, so no-one can blame you for spending a more of it than normal in bed. You’ll need some crisp white cotton sheets, plenty of cushions, a throw or two, a book, access to Netflix and someone willing to bring you cups of tea on a frequent basis.
2. Get up early and go for a walk
Staying in bed not your thing? Then savour every one of those extra daylight hours by taking a long walk. Collect boots, children, dogs, rucksacks and waterproofs and head out – perhaps strategically planning your route to end up at a tea shop or pub.
3. Wash every glass or ceramic surface and ornament in the house.
If the weather isn’t looking very promising, then this is a really satisfying thing to do – and if you’re anything like us, it could easily turn into an all-day job.
Start with the windows, then you can see what you’re doing! If they’re really dirty, wash them first with warm water with a little washing up liquid added. When they’re dry, make up a spray bottle containing half white vinegar to half tap water, spray and polish with a soft cloth.
Then, go round the house collecting up anything glass or ceramic and bring it all downstairs to wash. Everything made from 100% glass or china is washable, but take care not to have the water more than hand hot and also watch out for delicate edges on ornaments. Some ornaments have felt or leather glued underneath to protect furniture so take care not to get this wet or it may fall off. Dry ornaments carefully on a soft cloth, or for very delicate things leave them to dry naturally. This is also a great opportunity to have a bit of a clear out!
4. Stock up the freezer
Another great indoors activity, and one that you’ll be grateful for come March! Try your hand at something new, such as baking bread, or just get ahead by preparing freeze-ahead meals such as fish pie. Lots of vegetables, such as carrots, can be prepared, blanched and frozen in portions so that you just have to cook them at the appropriate time.
Alternatively, how about hosting a big brunch party or afternoon tea?
5. Have a home spa day
If you received some nice toiletries at Christmas and haven’t got round to using them yet, then now’s the time. After all, February 29 is an extra day so no-one can complain if you spend it on yourself. We’re pretty sure that’s reasonable.
6. Go somewhere different
We’ve all got places that we want to try ‘when we have time’ – whether that’s a new dog walk, new cafe or a restaurant recommended by a friend. Make February 29 the day you finally go.
7. Learn a new skill
These days, you can do this from the comfort of your own home, thanks to the power of Youtube! If you’d like to get started with basic knitting skills or want to learn how to pipe the perfect pink icing rose for a cake, then online tutorials can show you how.
All images: Pixabay
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Love the sound of the spa day, not so much about washing all my glasses though! Sadly I’m currently in hospital so it will be an extra day in here for me, I’ll just have to have the spa day when I’m come out