Here are her easy tips. The "quicknic" is all about simplicity. Use items that don't require cooking such as an assortment of gourmet crackers, cheeses or fruit and nuts. Pre-washed raw veggies and sliced fruits from your grocery store are always refreshing on a hot day. Just put them in a plastic container and squeeze a little lemon over the fruit to retain freshness.

Grab it and go! Fast-food restaurants are a great source for quicknics with salads, low-fat yogurt and fruit and made-to-order sandwiches. One new option is Wendy's Frescata deli sandwiches. The four varieties are made with fresh baked artisan bread, premium-quality turkey and ham and topped with tasty condiments like pesto mayonnaise and honey mustard.

Semi-Homemade is based on the 70/30 rule: 70 percent ready-made products and 30 percent creative, homemade touches allow you to take 100 percent of the credit for a great quicknic experience. For example, pair a homemade side dish with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery or takeout from a favorite restaurant for an easy shortcut to a great meal. Ms. Lee has created a special side dish perfect for a quicknic - Poppy Seed Cole Slaw a mixture of fruit and vegetable.

Also, add special touches to a quicknic by garnishing packaged foods. Sparkling water gives a casual picnic a sophisticated feel when spruced up with a sprig of mint or sliced lemons and limes. Slice them before you leave the house and throw them into a plastic bag. Or, bring disposable containers of your favorite ice cream toppings like sprinkles, marshmallows or other treats to dress up frozen desserts purchased from a near-by store, restaurant or park vendor.

And, always be ready to turn any meal into a quicknic! Turn your winter car-emergency kit into a summer quicknic kit by filling a tote bag with a blanket, Frisbee, plastic flatware, dishes and cleanup items like paper towels and a garbage bag. So when you hit the drive-through next, you'll be ready to drive to the nearest park and enjoy summertime. Consider bringing along a portable radio or iPod for a little mood music. Or a good summer read.

According to Sandra remember to keep it fresh and keep it simple.

Courtesy of ARA Content