This is such a time of uncertainty, but also a time to re-group and do things differently for a while. With both of my kids home, I have been working on a list of things to do if you have to stay at home and I am sharing it with you today. I actually consider it a gift to have this “extended stay” at home, especially to have more quality time with our teenagers. I am also including some inspirational quotes that might help you along the way.
Things to do if you have to Stay at Home – with some inspirational quotes
DEEP CLEANING – Clearly, at this time, this is an obvious one. Today, I am tackling all of our refrigerators. Fortunately (and, unfortunately), we have four refrigerators and four freezers. My husband has been stocking up at Costco, so we need to make more room!
CLEAN OUT YOUR DRAWERS – Being organized is so good for the soul. When all of this craziness started, I cleaned out our bedside tables and it felt so good! More to come…
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS – My daughter proactively took this on for herself. Her room has never been so organized. She usually tackles these projects when she is under stress. She really likes her spaces to be organized when there is a lot going on.
READ A BOOK – I am in two text groups with several of my friends sharing book ideas. You can find a long list of my favorite books on many topics HERE.
CHECK ON YOUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS – We have several on our street and we have a group of us that are checking on them regularly and taking them food. There is absolutely NO reason they should be getting out during this time where they could be exposed to severe illness.
TRY A NEW RECIPE – Now is such a great time to try new recipes. I will be working on several that I will share with you soon. My Mediterranean Tomato Bruschetta is a great one to try!
STAY IN REGULAR TOUCH WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS – It is so easy to feel isolated at times like these. Skype and Facetime are great ways to have face-to-face time with your family and friends. You need them and they need you!
TREAT YOURSELF TO A FACE MASK – The SriVectin Acid Glycolic Resurface Mask is my favorite. It provides great exfoliation for smooth, soft skin, and diminishes the look of fine lines & wrinkles. It also brightens & restores your skin so you will be ready for the new world we get to embrace when this is all over.
TAKE A LONG, HOT BATH – This is one of my favorite things to do, especially in times of high stress. A while back, I shared a post of our Master Bathroom Bathtub Refresh where I also shared Tips for a Healthier Bath and a Healthier YOU! BEST TIP…always light a candle and have a cocktail with you!
CREATE A CRAFT – Creating things yourself can be so therapeutic! One of the things I enjoy making the most is my Easy Homemade House Seasoning Gifts that I keep around the house all year long to give away. Before Christmas, I also share a post with my Favorite DIY Homemade Hostess Gift Ideas that would be nice for you to peruse for ideas. Pinterest is LOADED with ideas!
SPEND SOME TIME OUTDOORS – Being “couped up” can be depressing. Getting outside can really help you feel refreshed. Go for a walk, hang out in a hammock, plant some herbs, hang out with your dogs…whatever does your heart good. We have had brilliant weather for the last few days and I have been working in the yard furiously to get things done before our pending blizzard. At least, I am getting some downtime today to let my body recover from overdoing it the last two days in the yard. 🙂
PLAY SOME GAMES – When is the last time you sat down with yourself or your family to play a game?! Personally, I love to play Solitare. As a family, we enjoy playing Rummy, Hearts, and Spades. What are your favorite games??
BINGE WATCH A NEW SERIES OR MOVIES – One of our favorite places in our home is our movie theater in our basement. Last night, we watched Charlie’s Angels (LOVED IT!) and then Renegades. A few days ago, we watched Midway and it was amazing! Ozarks and Ray Donovan are on our list as well as a few others. Please share your list below so the rest of us can hear some of your ideas!
LEARN A NEW SKILL – As a blogger, I am constantly having to learn new things to improve the experience for my readers. Google and YouTube have been my friends! Whether it is learning new ways to use an InstaPot, new spring pruning skills, wellness improvements, new cooking tips…the internet is at your service! It is so rare to have this kind of time on your hands to learn a new skill.
MAKE A CLASSIC COCKTAIL – Since we can’t go out and order a special cocktail, treat yourself to one in your own home. Why not throw yourselves a party?! A couple of weeks ago, I shared my version of a Charleston Fizz. It was a big hit at the baby shower we hosted. I have a Pinterest Board featuring Cocktails that would be a great spot for you to find some yummy inspirations. CHEERS!
SPEND SOME DOWNTIME ON PINTEREST – Spending time on Pinterest over the last several years is actually what inspired me to start this blog. Whatever your interests or hobbies are, there is something for everyone on Pinterest. Being a regular pinner, I have compiled over 50,000 pins of so many things that have inspired me. Come check out my 99 boards HERE. I could and do spend hours on Pinterest learning and being inspired. Plus, it is a great “escape” from the troubles of the day.
TAKE A NAP – Enough said. Just do it!!
REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE OR ACCESSORIES – I do this all year long, but now would be a great time to give yourself a new look in your home. Just moving your own things around can help make it feel like you have a whole new, refreshed room!
SET A PRETTY TABLE – Setting a pretty table can make mealtime feel so much more special and that everything outside is just fine. Light some candles, use some flowers, experiment with mixing up your dinnerware…whatever makes you feel good. Here a few examples of some table settings I have created recently for spring. I am linking each post under the images. Be creative…you have time!
Blush Pink and Blue Spring Table Setting
Simple Spring Green and White Tablescape
Blush Pink and White Spring Tablescape
PROMOTE CALM – As I type this, I realize this is an area that I really need to work on. Admittedly, I am one that suffers from anxiety and these days are no exception. My poor family! For our lives to go through this without worry controlling us, we have to have faith in the fact that God is ultimately in control of these situations. “May the God of all Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
This is our central challenge…to promote calm. It is so hard to grasp all of the unknowns and not have fear. Please know that I am thinking of you all and the safety and health of your families and friends. I pray for you daily and our nation and its leaders. Hopefully, you can share with the rest of us your ideas of things to do if you have to Stay at Home so we can all get through this together!
I’ve just begun re-watching Mr. Selfridge. I really love period pieces. Please all you blog readers share some of your favorites.
I do too, Kristin! I was a Downton Abbey junkie!! I will look into Mr. Selfridge! Thanks for chiming in! Stay healthy out there…
Such great ideas Holly! Fortunately/Unfortunately I’m still going to the office every day, and busier than ever! But if I ever end up at home, the first thing I’m going to do is make some of those cocktail, and take a bubble bath by candlelight! 😉 Probably with a book too!
Take care out there – and enjoy your family time!
That is crazy! What do you do?! Hopefully, they will send you home soon. Stay healthy out there, my friend! XO
Ha – yeah, I’m feeling a little left out! 😉 I’m the assistant to the president of a metal fabrication company. We’re all actually pretty spread out already – I have an office by myself, as do several others, and everybody else sits well over 6 feet from each other. So we’re still working. However all our meetings are cancelled, we make sure we keep our distance, and wash our hands and everything we touch all the time! Proper protocol is in place, but I’m in the market for some hand lotion!
Good luck – sounds like you’ll be having fun over there!
Well, stay super safe and healthy out there. Hopefully, you can stay home soon! XO