Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Things to Do While in Quarantine - Master List


Now that everyone's been stuck at home for over a week now I think it's fair we have to start getting creative with our time to keep our sanity! Here's some things I've been doing to keep myself entertained and hopefully give someone else a new idea as well!
  1. Play Board Games 
    Check out my blog post dedicated to all my favorite board games & recommendations! 

    If you have no one to play with because you are self quarantined play online at https://boardgamearena.com/
  2. Learn a new skill 
    This could be anything, but something you've always wanted to do and "never had time" - playing an instrument, learning how to dance, painting, singing etc.
    My dance partner and I have a youtube channel where we teach some partner dancing for beginners check it out! 
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7u0xXNPpO9ckG_ghdXNRJQ
  3. Update your home
    Maybe you've been wanting to redo your bathroom or bedroom and haven't had the time or haven't wanted to "waste" your weekends working - well now's the time! My boyfriend and I are updating our bathroom with peel & stick vinyl from home depot so it's doable ourselves! It could be as simple as repainting and new decor or you could go crazy and do a complete makeover - up to you!
  4. Deep Clean/Organize 
    This may be unpopular but what a better time to give your space a deep clean that it needs (also staying healthy and clean is more important than ever). Reorganizing is time consuming but can be great for an amazing functional space so now's the perfect opportunity.
  5. Spring Cleaning 
    This goes with the last one, but clearing out all the junk/clothes/things that you don't need, use or bring you joy. A lot of people are struggling financially right now with everything going on, so donating is a great option. If you are someone who is struggling financially try reselling some of your stuff! I've used Poshmark and Ebay to resell some things, but do your research depending on what you're selling.
  6. Start a Youtube Channel/Tiktok 
    Everyone has something they can offer the world. Maybe you're really funny, or a great cook. Maybe you have a super cute pet or know how to dance. As long as the videos bring value in some way why not! It could just be for entertainment, but it could also be tutorials on something you're really good at! Or educational in some way. The options are really endless. You don't need an amazing camera, just start on your iphone with natural lighting and go from there!
  7. Zoom/Facetime/Google Hangout 
    Since we are supposed to be quarantined it's hard not to be able to socialize and see your family/friends so virtual hangouts are a great option! Not perfect but better than nothing!
  8. Refine a Skill
    This time is great not to just learn and try new things, but also get better at skills we already have/are working on or maybe once had and lost. Personally I'm trying to practice the guitar which I haven't done in over a year probably. Also trying to spend more time stretching.
  9. At Home Workouts 
    Just because you can't go to the gym or your HIIT classes doesn't mean you have to stop working out. Most places that offer classes like dance/yoga studios etc. are holding virtual lessons/classes so check out your favorite places to see what they're offering or check a new place! Youtube is such an amazing platform as well because there are SO many channels with amazing workout videos.
    My personal favorites are
    https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates (Pilates)
    https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene (Yoga)
    But there's TONS of videos out there so try them out and see what you like!
  10. Get Outside! 
    Just because we can't go places doesn't mean we can't go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! Go for a walk around your neighborhood or if you have any trails near you even better! My boyfriend and I have been going for runs every day to stay active and get some fresh air. Great way to get exercise, get outside and change the scenery. 
  11. Cooking 
    This definitely could be refining and/or learning a new skill, but everybody eats and more people are dining in than ever. I usually look up recipes on pinterest or youtube, or ask my mom for her recipes so you can do the same! Great time to try out some new recipes or experiment a little bit!
    My Pinterest: 
    https://www.pinterest.com/lindsmelville/
  12. DIY Projects 
    This could mean many different things but I think the biggest thing is being able to "do it yourself" and being creative. I was really into DIY skin care and would experiment with different recipes/ingredients. DIY decor is really fun to if you're into that sort of thing and that can go into you decorating possibly! It could be artsy or crafty but it can be really fun and fulfilling! 
  13. Start a Website/Blog
    This goes along with creating a Youtube/Tikok, but if you aren't into making videos you can start a blog or website to share your passions/knowledge or entertain whatever you're good at/passionate about!
  14. Start an Online Side Hustle 
    This is especially great for people who have lost their jobs or just need some more to make ends meet. You could start an online store to sell something of value. Could be stuff you are getting rid of or could be something you make, maybe you sew and make clothes, or maybe you can throw and sell your pottery, or paintings whatever it is. You can make money with youtube/tiktok/podcasts anything like that as well. I would do your research as well to see what could work for you, but as long as you love it and are passionate about it you can pretty much start a business around anything!
  15. Movie Marathon/Netflix Binge 
    I wanted to avoid this one because it's the obvious go to, but nothing wrong with an occasional binge or maybe everyday depending on how you are taking the whole quarantine situation.
    Movie series are a great option: The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Avengers & all the super hero movies if that's your thing
    TV shows: Game of Thrones, The Office, Friends, Gossip Girl, Greys Anatomy
    Those are just a few favorites of mine!
  16. Read/Listen to AudioBooks
    I actually haven't read any books yet, but I'll have to start! If anyone has some recommendations for either books/podcasts please share!
Hope this wasn't completely useless for you and maybe you can try something from this list to help get you through this weird time! Be sure to share what you've been doing or add some favorites that you've watched, read, listened to or done!

XOXO,

Linds

Things to do While in Quarantine (Board Game Edition)

Play Board Games!


If you're lucky enough to be quarantined with family/friends then this is such a life saver. My boyfriend Chris and I are HUGE board game nerds, like obsessed with strategy games (way before this quarantine life, but great to pass time and use your brains!)
If you happen to be stuck quarantined alone don't worry you can play board games on https://boardgamearena.com/ (highly addicting). You can play with other family/friends virtually if you want - they just need account (you can join for free or get premium for $4 a month). Or you can play with randos whatever you feel. 

If you don't like strategy games this list maybe isn't for you but I'll share my personal faves here in no particular order:

1. Carcassonne  https://amzn.to/3aDAM3u

2. Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle Deck Building Game  https://amzn.to/2R2c1pT 
Add the expansion pack too if you're really into 10/10 would recommend: https://amzn.to/3aBNtvV

3. Puerto Rico https://amzn.to/2WZXG19

4. Lords of Waterdeep: A Dungeons & Dragons Board Game https://amzn.to/2wKpLPt

5. Parcheesi https://amzn.to/2w4ptlW

6. Risk https://amzn.to/2X0moON

7. Game of Thrones Risk https://amzn.to/2w9ApyS

8. Catan https://amzn.to/3dMBxcE

9.  Pandemic (warning might be triggering during this time sorry!) https://amzn.to/3dVT7uW

10. 7 Wonders https://amzn.to/2R4xM8D

11. 7 Wonders Duel https://amzn.to/2R55jjb

12. Forbidden Island https://amzn.to/2WWuV5z

13. Chess https://amzn.to/39uUugA

14. Ticket to Ride https://amzn.to/2xJPsPW

15. Splendor https://amzn.to/3dImkcJ

16. Chinese Checkers https://amzn.to/39wgRCt

17. Dungeons and Dragons: Castle Ravenloft Board Game  https://amzn.to/2R1EnAQ (this is honestly beyond the nerdiest game I've ever played or encountered so if only recommend for the super nerds)

This group of games are some of my favorite and all are so interesting and can be so different each time you play! Check them out and let me know if you did!

XOXO,

Linds