Tag Archives: activities

Apr1

Self-Isolation Check In

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Self-Isolation Check In

Hi! Towards the third week of March, Ohio issued a stay home order that put a name to the suggested self-isolation constantly being recommended. This means that the only times you should be out in the general public is if your work is deemed “essential” or you are shopping at an essential business like the grocery store, pharmacy, or are stopping at the gas station.

This hasn’t been too bad, because all of the nonessential businesses and restaurants have already been closed for a while so it’s not like a bunch of fun stuff instantly got taken away. Both my boyfriend and I work in fields that are considered “essential” so we are lucky enough to still be able to go to work. But, trust and believe that as soon as we get off of work, we are hunkered down in my apartment for the rest of the day.

My time in self-isolation has proven to be pretty fruitful. I love spending time with my boyfriend playing video, card, and board games and watching all kinds of good movies and shows. Recently, we got into watching Lego Masters and that has been our latest obsession in quarantine.

I also have made good on my promise to read Doctor Sleep by Stephen King and have been enjoying that greatly. And, as often as I can, I try to practice the languages that I am learning on Duolingo: French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Czech. It makes me feel good to exercise my brain after what feels like nonstop TV time and it also really helps to break up the boredom with something more mentally stimulating.

What I am most excited about during this stay at home order, however, is that the weather is finally nice enough to hike – which is still allowed! I am looking forward to being more active with walks as often as I can because I am in such a slump without being able to go to the skating rink. So, hopefully this will help decrease all of the energy I have in the evening from not doing much of anything for the past month! 😀

How have you been spending time in self-isolation? Did you set any goals for yourself to accomplish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar23

Passing Time In Self-Isolation

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Passing Time In Self-Isolation

Hi everyone! I hope that all of you are managing to stay healthy and safe during this crazy time. I also hope that you’re staying sane after hearing coronavirus related news all day every day because that can be a bit much, too. As more businesses, schools, and gathering places close and events are cancelled, it’s easy to feel trapped. And, if you are practicing self-isolation you might be running out of things to do to keep occupied which just adds to the panic. So, allow me to come in with a few suggestions:

Read A Book:

This is such an obvious idea but you’d be amazed at all of the posts I see on Facebook asking for binge worthy show suggestions as opposed to an un-put-downable book. Crack open that novel you’ve been holding off on reading for ages, sit back, relax, and read. And I mean really read, which means more than just one chapter! A few weeks back, I borrowed Doctor Sleep by Stephen King from the library and am hoping to finish that during my free time.

Work On A Puzzle:

I happen to really enjoy a good jigsaw puzzle and, while everything is so up in the air, it is a great way to kill an afternoon. Although I still have to go to work, I plan on limiting seeing my clients just in their home instead of in the community so I definitely see a lot of puzzles in my future. You are not limited to jigsaw puzzles, though! Try a word search, crossword, jumbles, Sudoku, or Mahjong to fill up some free time.

Binge Watch A Little:

Lol, it would be cruel and unusual to not put this suggestion on the list but try not to go overboard with it. Limit yourself to one to two episodes a day so your brain doesn’t turn into complete mush. That’s not to say you can’t treat yourself to an America’s Next Top Model bingeathon (God knows I have!), but don’t make that the norm while outside activities are so limited.

Spring Clean:

If now isn’t the perfect time to spring clean, then I genuinely don’t know when it would be. Set aside some time during the day to tackle at least one room or area of your home or apartment. Disinfect, dust, sweep, and Swiffer until your place is sparkling. Don’t forget to really clean things like light switches, door knobs, handles, and the toilet flusher!

Games Galore:

While in self-isolation, my boyfriend and I have grown very partial to video games, particularly Rock Band. We have such a blast playing the different songs, talking about music, and honing in on our skill. We both play on hard on the guitar… But I don’t mean to brag. 😉 My beau and I have also been playing Little Big Planet, Unraveled, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. to help pass the time. We both highly recommend Unraveled and, although it has long since been beaten, we always enjoy playing it again from time to time.

If video games aren’t your thing, then board or card and computer games work just as well. There are an insane amount of online games to choose from like Galactic Wins Casino (if gambling is something you enjoy), WOW, and Bubble Pop; the list just goes on. I just wish that Rollercoaster Tycoon was still a thing on the computer! Classic computer games like pinball, checkers, and solitaire are also great ways to kill time and are perfect for a less intense gaming experience. I love playing solitaire and it’s so easy to keep playing once you’re on a winning streak!

I, myself, really enjoy Scrabble and Sequence and I never say no to a good game of Monopoly. One of my clients enjoys playing Poker and I have gotten pretty into that, too. You can also play casino style games online on sites like มาวินเบท if you are lacking a group or partner to play with. Games are such a fun way to pass the time and reconnect since going out to dinner is not an option right now.

From the ideas above to cooking an amazing meal or even starting a blog, I hope these suggestions come in handy when you feel the boredom of self-isolation sinking in. Enjoy!

How have you been spending your free time amid the coronavirus panic? What is a book, movie, show, or game suggestion that you recommend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

Five Rules For The Perfect Game Night

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Five Rules For The Perfect Game Night

If there is one thing that you should be doing at least once a month, it’s hosting a game night. You can switch off with your friends so that you all take turns, but you have to host at least once every single month so that you can enjoy an evening with your friends on your terms. Some people like to make game night an evening thing, with a game of cards and takeout. Others like to make games night one of board game and chips ‘n’ dip.

No matter how you do it, game night needs to be something you’re all going to enjoy and you need to plan it to perfection for that to happen. Game night is all about your friendships, laughter, camaraderie, and total enjoyment of each other’s company. If it’s your turn to host game night, try adhering to the following rules:

Enough Space:

The first thing that you need for game night to go smoothly is the right space. You need enough room for all of you to sit down and if you want to have Pictionary, you need room to be able to get up and draw! Charades requires some moving space, so clear the floor of a room and throw around some beanbags for seating.

Games:

Games night requires games. Break out the board games, pens, and paper for writing things down and a good Word Unscrambler. You need to be able to choose five or six games to play with friends to make your night a successful one.

Snacks & Drinks:

Whether you decide to have your game night outside or inside, you need food and drinks to keep the night flowing. You can choose to make a meal for people to pick at, like a vat of chili and a basket of hot dogs to add, or you can go with the chips ‘n’ dip route. It’s entirely up to you which way you do it. Add drinks – cold and hot, soft and alcoholic – it’s good to have options!

Music:

You need a good playlist for music in the background. You should consider a karaoke machine for when things get a little silly later in the night. You need to think about ensuring that the playlist is a palatable one for all, and keep it low for background music and not blasting through the night.

Prizes:

Not many people do this for game night, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t! You need to think about offering a prize pot for your winners, and you can make it cheap. You can put together prizes from the local dollar stores or you can have a prize pot of cash for the overall winner of the night. If everyone puts in ten dollars, you could have a great prize pot at the end of the night.

Games night: It comes with rules and it’s going to be great!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar3

7 Alternative Wedding Entertainment Ideas

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7 Alternative Wedding Entertainment Ideas

Keeping your guests entertained on your wedding day can help to make it an enjoyable and memorable day for them too. While many couples stick to classic entertainment options such as a DJ or a live band, there are many alternative options that you can try if you want to make your wedding day truly unique.

In fact, you could include these entertainment options alongside traditional entertainment choices, resulting in a wedding party that is certain to appeal to everyone. It is important to remember to always check with your chosen wedding venue first, however, to see if they are okay with your chosen entertainment. If you are having your wedding somewhere such as The Orchard Event Venue & Retreat, you should get in touch with a wedding venue azle tx company to see what their terms and conditions are first, and whether they provide anything that you can work with instead. Regardless of how you do it, here are just a few different wedding entertainment options:

Singing waiters:

Singing waiters could be a fun and comical touch to throw in during the wedding meal. As the food is being served up, you could surprise all your guests by having the waiting staff break out into song. There are catering companies that specialize in this novel form of entertainment. Such a fun spectacle will need to be captured on camera so be sure to look into personalized wedding photography options to catch all of those special moments and let you focus on having the best time ever.

Caricature artist:

At the beginning of the reception party, you could arrange for a caricature artist to be present alongside the photographer. You could then pay them to draw caricatures of any guests that want a personal cartoon. It could result in some unique memories for guests to take away.

A corn hole board:

You could also encourage guests to get competitive by supplying a corn hole board. This is a fun and classic sport that your guests can still play while dressed up. Sites such as https://www.cornholeworldwide.com/ can even supply custom-made corn hole boards. This could a fun way of personalizing this entertainment. Games like corn hole, croquet, and giant chess will provide a great time and it’s perfect if you are hosting an outdoor wedding. Have the games set up in stations around your sailcloth marquee reception space. Then, the guests can make their way through all of them without getting clustered.

A roulette table:

For a taste of Vegas, you could turn your reception hall into a casino! This could be operated by a professional croupier who will be able to take people’s bets and ensure that all gambling is done fairly and sensibly. You can read up on the rules of Roulette at https://www.mastersofgames.com.

Fire performers:

Fire performers could bring some thrills to your wedding. Obviously, this is an entertainment option best suited for an outdoor wedding – and even then you’ll probably need to double-check that the venue is happy to host these entertainers. You could even hire performers to perform alongside a firework display if you want your wedding to be truly explosive.

Something as dynamic as fire performers or fireworks requires a skilled photographer so be sure to consider all options seriously for the perfect lasting memories. Photographers like Jules Bower, for example, are well versed in editorial shots that revolve around emotion, story telling, and excellent lighting. An editorial photographer knows how to pull out all of the stops which is just what you need for a wedding with unique entertainment.

Petting zoo:

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, a petting zoo could be a cute option for kids and adults alike. There are many mobile petting zoos that are available for hire which may include animals such as goats, donkeys, or sheep. Make sure to hire a reputable company so that you know the animals are well looked after.

A carousel:

You could also add some fairground magic to your wedding day by hiring out a carousel. Kids will love this and adults are likely to also give it a go. It could also make for some unique wedding photographs. You can read some tips on hiring a carousel ride for your wedding here https://www.candyflosscrazy.com/Tips-For-Hiring-Funfair-Rides.html.

Use the ideas above to create the ultimate experience for your wedding guests!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb16

Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

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Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In

Hi! The recent drop in temperatures in my neck of the woods has left me feeling like doing anything but heading outside and braving the cold. In fact, I’m perfectly content in my living room bubble! However, you can’t watch America’s Next Top Model alone all of the time… Even though you totally can. 😉 So, today, we’re going to talk about Planning The Ultimate Girls Night In for the next time it’s too frigid in your area to remove even one layer of fleece blankets! Let’s get to it:

Create A Theme:

If you are hosting a girls night in at your place, then activities must be agreed upon before the party shows up. The easiest way to plan activities for the night is to come up with a theme to base them around. Having a wine and paint night? The answer is in the question! How about a chick flick marathon? Mani/pedis, face masks, and chocolate for all!

Planned activities help keep the night moving at a fun pace and will also prevent any of those awkward pauses that come after everyone has caught up with each other. Of course, every waking minute doesn’t have to be accounted for in a Task Journal, so save some time for spontaneity, too. 😀

Food & Drinks:

To some of the girls attending your little shindig, the refreshments are the most important part! I often find ordering in to be the best way to go, especially because I’m sure not every gal will feel like cooking for a potluck style meal (I never do!). Everyone could pop for pizza or just DoorDash whatever sounds the best to them to their heart’s content.

If this will be a boozy event, encourage each girl to bring a bottle of their favorite wine. If your ladies aren’t the biggest drinkers, create some delicious mocktails or ice cream sodas for a sweet treat to enjoy.

Encourage A Rotation:

A girls night in could become a monthly or however frequently you want it event with your besties. Create a rotation of which house you will be posting up in for the night and that girl will become the master of ceremonies for the evening. This will allow for each girl to participate in the favorite activities of all of their friends. It will be a blast seeing what each friend comes up with and how creative they can get for the evening’s entertainment.

Still Pressed For Activity Ideas?

If your turn to host girls night in is fast approaching and you are pressed for activity ideas, feel free to use any of the following:

  • Game night
  • Cake/cookie decorating
  • Arts and crafts (Pinterest party, anyone?!)
  • Clothing swap
  • Pampering party
  • Dinner party

Get ready, get set, and girls night in with the tips above!

How would you spend a girls night in with your BFFs? What is your favorite snack to bring to a party? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

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Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

Hi! The weather in Akron, Ohio is currently snowy and freezing which ultimately makes going out a real drag. Believe me, I love nothing more than being out and about with my boyfriend and friends. However, it’s a hard pass when I need thirteen layers on to stay warm! This cold existence has left all of us stranded in our homes, riddled with the desire to still do something while remaining on the couch the whole time.

Cue: A game night

This past month, I have participated in so many game nights, I have lost track. Am I mad about it? No! Quite the opposite, actually. You know why? Because I prefer something like this to going to the bar any day of the week. In this post, we’re going to discuss the makings of a perfect game night for you and your friends to enjoy:

Location:

The host of the game night should reside in a good central location from all of the guests if they have enough room for such tom foolery. You might not want to be Keeper Of The Games in your studio apartment! Make sure there is enough space for everyone to spread out comfortably and I do mean comfortably because no one wants to sit on a threadbare couch!

Snacks:

Snacks are a crucial part of the game night and the responsibility can be divided up pretty evenly among your group. Everyone could throw in money for pizza, share a snack of their own, or a potluck style meal could be what suits you guys best. Either way, it shouldn’t be up to one person to provide all of the snacks for your evening.

Drinks:

Does your group of friends enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some beer or a bottle of wine. Does your group of friends not enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some pop, juice, or you can make mocktails. All I know is, you can’t be snacking on salty treats without something to wash it down with!

Games:

The games for the event is definitely something that should be discussed beforehand amongst your group. Is it a video gaming night? Classic board games? How about a murder mystery night? You could even play games that pay cash so you can fund your next get together! This is all important to know ahead of time so everyone knows what to bring or how they should dress.

Normally, my game nights include a little bit of everything from video games and cards to trivial pursuit and dice. You might even include some Spinni Casino in there if you want to make that part of the experience. You can stick with a theme and alternate weekly or draw different games from a hat. Just make sure that everyone who has a game that they would like to play gets that opportunity at some point.

Game nights are an amazing way to spend time with your friends while saving money that would otherwise be spent at the bar or restaurant. Make your events a weekly or monthly thing and watch your friend group grow even more tight-knit through the bond of good old fashioned fun!

What are your favorite games to play? What are some of your tips for the ultimate game night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec10

3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

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3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

 

Showing your horse can be an extremely exciting and fulfilling act. Whether you have shown before or if this is your first time, there are a lot of preparations that you need to make. It is crucial that you don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some tips to ready you and your horse for the next show:

Exercise Your Horse:

Leading up to the show, you will have to practice and train with your horse. Not only does your horse need to be ready for the show, but so do you. Make sure that your animal can tackle all of the different horse show jumps before you arrive on the big day.

Groom Your Horse:

Grooming can serve as a preventative medicine for animals. It increases blood to the surface of the skin and massages the different muscle groups. In addition, when you groom your horse, you are solidifying your bond. It is a great way for you and your animal to be close, leading up to the horse show.

Gather Your Equipment:

You do not want to forget any of your necessary equipment before the show. You should start to prepare to leave two to three days in advance. The longer that you give yourself to prepare, the less likely you are to forget anything. To make sure that you forget nothing, you can also make a list in advance to ensure that you don’t forget your equipment at home.

If you show your horse, then you already know that it can be an exciting experience. If you are new or if you are looking for tips to create a better experience, then these can help prepare you for the next show.

Dec5

Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

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Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

Hi everyone! Despite the chilly temperatures outside, I always enjoy outdoor winter activities… and then warming up inside with hot chocolate! Depending on your area, there could be a ton of exciting options for you and, lucky for me, there are a lot to pick from in my neck of the woods. Some of my favorites include:

Winter Lights At The Zoo:

On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents, boyfriend, sister, niece, and I went to the Akron Zoo during the after hours to check out their amazing holiday lights display. The whole property was lit up with gorgeous color. Some of the lights blinked, others flashed, and the bigger ones were timed to light up to the beat of Christmas carols.

Of course, it’s always fun to see the animals at the zoo but the light displays were just spectacular. I loved all of the lights shaped like different animals, especially the elephant whose trunk moved! Definitely check out if any of the zoos in your area do any special winter displays because it’s a wonderful option for all ages.

Outdoor Skating Rinks:

During the winter, I try to hit up an outdoor rink at least once. As a skater girl, it is such a good time to hit the great outdoors and show off a bit for the general public! 😀 I love the rink at Lock 3 that we have in downtown Akron, which now includes bumper tubes and ice bikes, if skating isn’t your thing.

A lot of the outdoor rinks will feature other fun activities like sledding, Christmas crafts, and holiday markets. And, did I mention the always delicious hot chocolate stands? Skating at an outdoor rink makes for a great date or hang out with your friends but try and go during a less popular time (morning or early afternoon), if you aren’t the most confident skater.

Toboggan/Sled Rides:

There is a toboggan chute in my area that I have been dying to try out and I would love to give it a go this year. It can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH, which is awesome if you are a thrill seeker, like myself. If this sounds a bit too intense for you, sled riding is another fun option and is a good one to take your children or nieces and nephews to. I am definitely hoping we can take my little niece, Valerie, down a baby hill or two this year!

Hikes Are Nice:

I always enjoy taking at least one hike during the winter time at one of the many amazing Metro Parks in my area. I think that it is so much fun to bundle up, pull on my boots, and trudge around in the snow. Not only is it an excellent work out, but I especially love to see all of the gorgeous snow coating the trees and feeling myself warm up just a little bit more with every step.

Playing In The Snow:

Playing in the snow is not just for children anymore, especially because boozy hot chocolate is definitely a thing! Gather up your friends during a fresh snowfall and relive your childhood with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Finish out your snow session with a bonfire to warm you up!

When there’s so many fun options for outdoor winter activities, you can create a memorable and inexpensive afternoon with your favorite people. Keep the spirit of the day going with Christmas movies and warm drinks after!

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your favorite way to warm up after a cold day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

Cycling Safety Tips Women Should Always Remember

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Cycling Safety Tips Women Should Always Remember

Cycling is an exhilarating activity that many people enjoy. Sadly, it does not seem to be a sport with a lot of women involved. In fact, only 29 percent of cyclists in San Francisco are women. Meanwhile in Barcelona, there’s only a single female cyclist for every three male cyclists.

Women deal with many struggles when cycling, which include violence, discrimination, and harassment. Just as much as people need to be educated against such behaviors, women also need to learn how to protect themselves when cycling – whether it is from rude drivers or from potential road accidents. Enjoy cycling by staying safe. Here are eight safety tips that women can apply when they hit the road:

Gear up:

Cycling requires you to be on the road, which means that you will be exposed to hazards every driver faces. Make sure to wear appropriate attire. Don’t let anything hang loose, as it could get snagged along the way. Wearing a helmet is also an extra protection that will save your life. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, especially on easily exposed areas like the back of your neck. And upgrade your bike to improve its condition and to ensure your safety.

Be seen:

The more you dress like a peacock, the more you will stand out and get seen on the road. Always wear high-visibility gear when cycling. Choose ones that are not only reflective but also breathable. Bringing along a backpack will cover the majority of your back and block your high-vis outfit. You can opt to invest in a reflective backpack to make you visible from the back.

Keeping the lights on will also help you see the road at night and make you visible at the same time. Bring backup LED lights just in case the main lights go off.

Stay alert:

Always keep your eyes on the road and have a presence of mind when you go cycling. Look out for other drivers, motorists, and fellow cyclists. Even pedestrians walking their cute pets can distract you in one second. And anything can happen in that single second.

Be aware of others:

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable on the roads. Because of this, you need to be extra cautious of others. Yes, do everything in your power to be safe; from wearing a high-vis outfit to following road rules, but be aware of those around you too. If you do end up being injured, you should seek expert assistance. You can read this personal injury guide for more information.

Follow road rules:

If you haven’t biked or driven lately, you may need to get a refresher course on the road rules, especially ones that are applicable to cycling. Most importantly, know the bike safety rules. This will help you prevent the most common cyclist accidents. Being over familiar with safety rules and preventative tips is one of the best ways to protect yourself. However, if an accident does occur specialized accident lawyers are at hand to help defend your case, and bicycle accident reconstruction litigation even exists wherein experts can forensically examine your bicycle to help conclusively determine what happened in the accident.

Be confident:

Cyclists have as much right on the road as motorists. Be confident in your decisions and abilities. To keep safe on the road, let road users know your intention clearly early on. This will help keep traffic flowing. Avoid road accidents by steering clear from vehicle blind spots. Staying close to the side or behind a moving car will not end well for you in case an accident occurs.

Prevent doorings:

Always be on the lookout for possible doorings. You will never know when accidents will occur, so you should take steps to minimize this occurrence. Watch out for parked cars and look ahead at their mirrors for any vehicle occupants. Avoid riding inside the door zone as doors could spring open unexpectedly.

Be safe by bringing along some first-aid supplies, such as an elastic sports tape that will help relieve inflamed muscles. These should come in handy if you ever encounter a dooring or any other accident.

Ride smart:

Whether you are cycling in your local area or cycling across America, your safety is paramount. Before setting off it’s a good idea to study the area you are riding in so there are no sudden surprises. Plan when to ride ahead of time. Early mornings or evenings will let you ride in less traffic and keep you a lot safer. Avoid peak times, especially if you ride anywhere near shopping centers or school zones. If you find yourself riding in such settings, though, be extra careful. Watch out for pedestrians and drivers and always be prepared for anything.

Stay secure:

Keeping yourself safe also means keeping your trusty steed secure. Don’t forget to include a bike lock when you prepare for a ride. This is especially useful when you’re taking a quick stop and have to leave the bike in an unfamiliar area.

Both women and men have the right to participate in cycling. Just like any sport, there are many hazards that surround it. But these shouldn’t stop people from doing the activities they love. Simply follow the rules of the road, apply the right safety tips, and you should enjoy cycling to the fullest.

Featured Image By: Shutterstock

Nov11

Holiday Shopping: Sequence Edition

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Holiday Shopping: Sequence Edition

Hello!! One thing that I really like to gift to people during the holidays is board games. I love me a good board game, myself, and I love that it promotes family fun and spending time together without being glued to your phone. This past year, I have grown particularly fond of a board game called Sequence. I played it with a client’s family and I have been hooked ever since. I have already given it as a gift to my big bro for his birthday and I definitely plan on passing it along to my loved ones this holiday season. Check it out:

seqq

Image From The Spruce

Sequence is a game of strategy and a little bit of luck thrown in for good measure. The basic gist is that each player or team takes turns placing a chip on the board that coincides with a card in their hand. The goal is to get five of your chips in a row, like Bingo. But, if you have a one eyed Jack, you can replace an opponent’s chip with one of yours and a two eyed Jack is a wild card. As I’m sure you’ve guessed already, the player or team with the most sequences wins.

I enjoy playing this game so much and it’s just as fun playing it with one other person as it is on teams. It’s a simple game to learn, which will make it the perfect choice for when you’re having a get together or just killing some time during a rainy afternoon. You can’t beat the thirteen dollar price tag on Amazon and it will make a great stocking stuffer or a gift under the tree for someone on your shopping list!

What is your favorite board game? Have you ever played Sequence before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah