12 Ways to Stay Entertained and Embrace Social Distancing
In light of the COVID-19 updates and social distancing\’s role in slowing the spread of the virus, introverts are excited, while us extroverts are less than thrilled. However, if we want this virus to slow down and those who are at high risk to have a fighting chance we need to participate in social distancing. I personally had a lot of events planned in March and April, and everything has been canceled. With that being said I am trying to find creative ways to keep myself sane while participating in social distancing. Here are some things I have come up with, please feel free to add onto the list in the comments or reach out to me via email.
Social distancing activities–things to do while you’re stuck at home
1. Spend time with your pet(s)
Jack is about to get extra spoiled with kisses, cuddles and me working from home until further notice. Pets are there for you to love, and make you feel loved. Take advantage of social distancing and give your furbaby some extra loving.
2. Workout
You don\’t need to go to the gym to workout, you can simply do it from the comfort of your own home. BeachBody and Tone It Up App are both offering FREE workouts for two weeks. If you\’re looking for something a little more personalized and tailored to your needs I highly recommend talking to one of my personal favorite trainers Anthony Warhurst. Anthony is one of the trainers at the gym I go to and is extremely kind, understanding and helpful. Check out his website Everybody Health and Fitness, and reach out to Anthony. He wants to make sure you\’re living your best and healthiest life during this time and will work with you to build a workout plan that fits your needs as well as your current situation and help guide you with nutrition.
3. Outside
Everything might be closed right now, but outside is always open. Go for a walk, bike ride, rollerblade or hike. Get outside and get fresh air, we could all use some more vitamin D in our lives.
4. Virtual tours
Do you wish you were on vacation right now? Why not take a virtual tour of museums around the world. Travel & Leisure just shared a list of 12 amazing museums you can take a virtual walkthrough of. First up on my list, Musée d\’Orsay in Paris, France.
5. Organize
Nothing to do? I am sure you can rearrange your closet, cabinets, pantry and other areas of your home.
6. DIY
Now is the perfect opportunity to work on those DIY projects that you never seem to have time for. Plus crafting is a fun way to put your hands to use instead of scrolling through social channels. I plan to start knitting and crocheting again.
7. Bake or Cook
Most of us always having baking ingredients laying around – obviously not in a food hoarding way, but in the I never know when I might want some cookies way. I don\’t know about you, but I am one of those people that bakes when she is stressed out. Since I am not wanting to go to stores right now, (and lets face it what do they actually have left?) I am getting more creative in the kitchen. Use FridgeToTable to help you come up with recipes using whatever you can find around your house.
8. Read
Don\’t get bogged down with the news, find a good book and let it be an escape for you from the everyday chaos going on. With plenty of online book options, you don\’t need to venture out to the bookstores to get a good book.
9. Libby
Connect your library card with this app and get access to your local library\’s audiobook and e-book selections.
10. Meditate
There is no better time than now to get your meditation on. Meditating is a great way to regain control over your mind and body, and it\’s only a 10-minute commitment a day when you use Headspace.
11. Learn a new language
Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Or maybe there’s a vacation you want to go on and want to know the basics of the language they speak. Duolingo offers a free service that will teach you the basics of any language. I am going to brush up on my French.
12. Plan a trip
Eventually, the uncertainty of Covid-19 will calm down, and travel will return. Why not spend some time planning your future dream vacation? I am currently planning out a road trip out west (hello mountains), a trip to Banff and one to Iceland.
Five Things: Friday the 13th Edition
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. Schools are shutting down until further notice and Michigan released that any gathering of more than 200 people needs to be canceled. I went from having an absolutely packed schedule for March and April to a wide-open schedule in a matter of hours. I saw Dermot Kennedy at the Fillmore on Wednesday, and at the time little did I know that this would be the last event that I would be seeing for who knows all the time. While we all sit and wonder what will happen next, I thought I would share what I have been up to for the past week. From taking an Easter picture to a broadway show and trying out macarons this past week has been jam-packed with plenty of fun.
Five Things
Happy Friday the 13th! This has been the craziest week ever, not just in the number of events, but as of yesterday, everything is canceled. Let’s backtrack a little first.
FridayJackie and I headed to the Detroit Music Hall to catch the Naked Magician and let me tell you the show is absolutely hilarious, and I highly recommend checking it out. The Naked Magician makes for the perfect girls’ night out. After the show, we walked down the street and grabbed dinner at the Basement Burger Bar – which was delicious.
Sunday
Typically Jordan and I go grab food on the weekend so we headed to downtown Detroit to get some vegan food at The Old Shillelagh located in Greektown. We split a bunch of food and it was absolutely delicious. You can check out everything we ate here. We also stopped at For The Love of Sugar to get some dessert before we left Detroit. Jordan got some vegan cakes and of course, I had to try their macarons.
Monday
On Monday, my parents gave me an early birthday gift… a SHINOLA watch! I was so excited!
Tuesday
My dad and I headed to the Fisher Theater located in downtown Detroit to check out the Broadway show Fiddler on the Roof. Back in the day when my dad was in high school, he played the bartender in Fiddler on the Roof so he was super excited to attend the show. I have never seen it before, but someone managed to know all the songs, thanks dad haha.
Wednesday
Another trip to Detroit. This time to the Filmore for the Dermot Kennedy concert with Jordan. The show was amazing. If you haven’t heard of Dermot Kennedy before, I highly recommend checking out his music.
Thursday
Thursday arrived and things changed quickly. Everything was suddenly canceled. No more shows, concerts, sporting events, school…etc. Everything just kind of froze in time.
Bathroom Remodel Hacks
Is your bathtub an embarrassing part of your home? If so there\’s plenty of things you can do to upgrade it on a budget, and ripping out the tub isn’t one of them. Ripping out the entire tub and starting over means ripping out the flooring that surrounds it, which leads to more money gone. One of the simplest updates is getting a liner for it. Custom tub liners require exact measurements and can be a little more expensive than those liners that are pre-made and typically run less than $200 at Home Depot.
Pro Tip: If you have two bathrooms, give the second a Kohler Luxstone Shower upgrade. I am OBSESSED!Open up space
This super simple hack does not require you to move any walls but will make your bathroom feel larger than it is. Get rid of that shower curtain! Open or closed, the shower curtain adds a divide to a small space. Instead of a shower curtain go for modern glass sliding doors. Not only will it make the bathroom look bigger, but it will add a fresh new look.
Out with the old in with the new
If your bathroom has a vanity, I have a simple and easy hack for you. Most vanities involve a sink, and while you think this is about to get complicated it’s not – also if it’s not something you can do a handyman or plumber could easily help you. Shop around for a new vanity, once you have one disconnect the water supply or have a professional do it. Take out the old vanity and replace it with the new one. Your bathroom just got updated! You can also buy new hardware for the sink to give it an instant upgrade.
Cleanup after the remodel
A clean bathroom has a lot to do with it looking it’s best. Once your bathroom remodels is done, be sure to give the bathroom a good scrubbing. A clean bathroom makes a world of a difference. Also considering a fresh coat of paint to give the bathroom a whole new look. A couple coats of new paint color can transform your bathroom. Adding new rugs, towels and accessories will also change the aesthetic of the room. Reduce clutter, by putting toiletries away instead of leaving them out. Add storage where it is necessary to keep things clutter-free.
31 Things to Do in March
Well hello, March! Typically January drags on for what seems like years, and February is doom and gloom. While January was filled with no sunshine, February provided some moments with the sun peeking out, and to my excitement, both months flew by quickly. I am welcoming March with open arms, and am so excited that spring is on the way. While we wait for springs arrive I am sharing with you 31 things to do in March, from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to getting ready for spring!
1. Celebrate Peanut Butter Lovers Day! I am definitely a big fan of peanut butter, and you’ll find multiple jars in my refrigerator and cabinets. My favorite peanut butter comes from All American Butter.
2. Add a plant to your home or office. Plants are said to make people happier, so why not add a little extra happy to your day with a house plant.
3. Bring some extra luck into someone’s day by leaving pennies facing heads up around town, in the parking lot of a grocery store or restaurant and elsewhere.
4. Eat more greens this month.
5. Plan a staycation in a town near you.
6. Try out a new workout. I am currently loving kickboxing.
7. March is the month of all things good fortune, luck, and gold. Try your luck at a local casino, with friends or make it a date night. I used to love playing the penny slots with my grandma – $20 limit for me though.
8. Head out on a bike ride.
9. Grab some food from a local food truck.
10. Train for a 5k.
11. Break out your competitive side and play a round of putt-putt.
12. Go on a spontaneous road trip. I am thinking about a trip to Toronto.
13. Spring is only days away, it’s time to get cracking on your spring cleaning to-do list.
14. Head to Pinterest and start making boards that will help enhance the curb appeal of your home when the weather gets nicer,
15. Make a sweet St. Patrick’s Day treat, I am a big fan of making Rice Krispies Treats with Lucky Charms cereal.
16. Hang wind chimes outside.
17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Eat or drink something green today.
18. Enjoy something with sprinkles today!
19. The first day of spring is tomorrow, today is the day to make your spring bucket list and get yourself pumped up for the season ahead.
20. Hello Spring! Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for right now, five things that you’re currently afraid of and 5 goals for the new season.
21. Make a delicious cheeseboard.
22. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade hummingbird cake.
23. It’s National Puppy Day! Post a throwback picture on social media of your dog when it was a puppy!
24. Start prepping your feet for barefoot season by heading to the salon for a pedicure. I am loving Zoya’s Calm collection.
25. Spend the day at the zoo. I absolutely love the Detroit Zoo.
26. Try out a new to you ice cream parlor or visit an old favorite.
27. Give meditation a try and clear your mind.
28. Make a bucket list of places you’d like to visit in the United States as well as internationally.
29. Head to brunch at a restaurant you have not been to before.
30. Grill outside whenever the weather is nice.
31. Have a bonfire, and get ready to welcome April.
Fashion meets Food 