Tag Archives: fun

Apr20

Activities For Children In Self-Isolation

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Activities For Children In Self-Isolation

Hello! Many of my friends are now home schooling their children and, for the most part, it’s going great. Some are even thinking of making the plunge to home schooling all of the time. But what do you do when your kiddos have a ton of extra energy and assignments due? How about some entertainment? Help eliminate the wiggles and get some extra focus back with the following activities:

Scheduled Recess:

To many students, playing with their friends at recess is the high point of their day. Schedule some play time outside or board games inside if the weather is inclement after lunch. It will bring some familiarity to their schedule and, after a half hour of free play outside, the next math assignment should come a bit easier afterwards!

Pillow Fort Party:

Are your kids hung up on English homework? Build a pillow fort special for them to do their reading in. Permit playing in the fort once the chapters are read and the homework is complete for a special reward. How about a movie night from the comfort of the pillows and blankets once the day is complete? Don’t forget the popcorn. 😀

Kitchen Helpers:

Kids can learn a lot about math and science through helping in the kitchen. Have your little ones help you out the next time you make lunch or bake cookies. Teach them about different measurements and kitchen safety. If it goes over well, decorating the treats once the “lesson” is done makes for a fine reward.

Talk To Them:

If you’re having a hard time keeping your kids focused on the task at hand, just ask them what you can do to help. Maybe that means playing music as they work. Or what about a dance break to a few songs every hour? They might have their own tried and true methods, themselves, so try sticking to them if they work.

Encourage Their Friendships:

I’m sure it’s so hard for all of the kiddos to be away from their friends right now, especially if they have no one around their age at home. Encourage their friendships even in self-isolation. Allow them to FaceTime or chat with a friend on the phone during a break. Even teachers give their students chit chat time so do the same while you’re homeschooling. Just a small break to talk to someone in their peer group could be a welcome change of pace for your child throughout the day.

I tip my cap to all of the parents at home right now with their children because I genuinely don’t know how they’re doing it! Hopefully, these tips will make their current job a little bit easier. 🙂

How is homeschooling your children going? How do you keep them focused during the school day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr19

Keeping Things Exciting In Self-Isolation

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Keeping Things Exciting In Self-Isolation

Hello! It has come to the point in Ohio’s stay at home order where I am beginning to realize that this shit sucks. Lol, of course being at home is for the best right now and I completely agree with it but, damn, I’m going bored out of my mind. A few days ago, I decided that a little more excitement needs to be happening at my apartment before I go crazy. Here are a few of the ideas that I know I’ll be trying and a few extra ones for all of ya’ll:

Drinks On The Balcony:

Literally one of the first things my boyfriend, Johnny, and I say to each other on a nice day is how we wish we could be outdoors at one of our favorite bars in Kent. So, the next time the afternoon is bright and sunny when we both get off work, we are going to make a delicious mixed drink, set up some chairs on my balcony, and enjoy an evening pretending we’re out with our friends.

So, that last part was lame. But, concocting a rum punch, making some snacks, and spending an evening outside isn’t! If we can’t go out to our old stomping grounds, we might as well just make “Sarah’s Balcony” our new favorite bar!

Build A Model:

Johnny and I have been on a big Lego kick lately because of the insanely fun contest show “Lego Masters”. We have watched the documentaries and the movies and, now, we are ready to try our hand at building some for ourselves. One of our next plans is to order a big Lego set like the two thousand piece pirate ship and work on it together.

I have never played with Lego before and Johnny loves it so I know it will be a fun evening or two spent in block building harmony. Plus, seeing the end result of what we created is a huge exciting bonus. 😀

Make Things Grow:

Although there is nowhere in my apartment community to garden or plant flowers, I can still have some indoor plants! Potted flowers, herbs, or plants are a great project to work on. Or, if you have space to plant on your property – take it outdoors! Tending to a plant and helping it grow is so rewarding and there is nothing more exciting than seeing the first sprouts of your success.

Take Advantage Of Your Options:

In Ohio, carry out is still going strong at restaurants. And, what’s better? It just became approved to do take out drinks, as well! Although Johnny and I have cooked at home almost every day of this quarantine, it is still nice to get a treat. Hopefully this upcoming weekend, we will be ordering Mexican food from our favorite restaurant and Margaritas to go for a day date.

Is this the best option? No. But it’s a damn good one and no matter how bad I want to eat at a restaurant, sitting on the couch while eating Mexican food, drinking Margs, and watching Community with my beau sounds like an enticing close second. Take advantage of the options going on in your area and use it to spice up your day!

There is nothing wrong with saying that everything about right now sucks. But, be that as it may, there are still options to have some fun. Use the ideas above to help you get started!

How do you keep things exciting in self-isolation? How do you plan on treating yourself during this crazy time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr16

Things I’m Looking Forward To

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Things I’m Looking Forward To

Hello! Sometimes the best way to keep yourself sane during these difficult times is to just plan ahead and think of all of the exciting stuff you’d like to do once stay at home orders have been lifted. Believe you me, I have quite a few locations on my list as soon as I can safely go but with safely being the key word! When I am feeling down and out about the current situation, I just think about spending time at the following:

TJMaxx:

Lol, obviously TJMaxx is going to be number one on my list! Had I known that the last time I went shopping at TJs was the literal last time, I would have gone much harder. So, now, I look forward to a future massive haul filled with warm weather clothing, skin care, accessories and whatever else my heart desires. Hell, I earned it after months on end of being in lock down!

Elysian Nails:

When I first realized I wasn’t going to be able to go for my monthly fill at Elysian Nails, I was really upset. I know this sounds petty but that is the one thing I look forward to every month like clockwork. To me, there is nothing better than that hour or so of pampering and I always leave the salon feeling so good about myself.

I couldn’t imagine being without my acrylics so, until those salon doors open up, I bought myself an at home acrylic kit so I can attempt to DIY them. There will be more to come on that later when the kit arrives in the mail – we’ll see what happens. 😀

The Shear Shop:

I have to tell you all, I do feel quite lucky because a few days before the stay at home order was issued in Ohio, I got my hair cut and my nails done. But, Lil Red is going to be making a drastic change to her locks once this order has been lifted and I am absolutely itching to get into the salon chair. Look out for a brand new me!

Going On A Date:

Of course I love hanging out with my boyfriend at home and our impromptu date nights but I cannot wait to go on an actual night on the town with Johnny. Drinks on the patio at a bar, a dinner out – the works. I don’t care where we go and it doesn’t have to be expensive, just being in an actual restaurant and having a drink and dinner made for me is more than enough. And getting dressed up will be the cherry on top!

The Skating Rink:

It has been well over a month since I was last able to go for a lesson with my coach at the skating rink and I miss it dreadfully. Ice skating is not only my favorite form of exercise but it’s a creative outlet for me and it’s hard not to be out on the ice once a week. I’m thankful the weather in Ohio is clearing up so I can go for walks but nothing is better than a brisk skate on the ice.

Above are just a few of the things I’m looking forward to doing once it’s safe to do so and just thinking about it makes me feel a little better. What are you looking forward to? Where is the first place you’re going to go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

Outdoor Activities In Self-Isolation

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Outdoor Activities In Self-Isolation

Hello! Although I have been enjoying my time inside during Ohio’s stay at home order, I, like many of you, am looking forward to being able to go out and about like I used to. Despite most stores and restaurants not being open at the moment, there is still plenty to do in the great outdoors. Today, we are going to look at a few of those options in case you’re coming down with a case of cabin fever:

Go On A Walk:

Duh! I know this is an obvious one but it needs to be said. Take a stroll around your neighborhood or go for a brisk hike at a Metro Park – you’ll be amazed at how good you feel after a little exercise and fresh air! Turn on your favorite tunes, give a friend a call, immerse yourself in some social distance chats with your neighbors, or just take in the scenery as you take your walk. I think you’ll feel much better. 🙂

Start A Garden:

My dad has been working in his yard like a mad man now that the weather in Ohio is beginning to improve. He is busy preparing his garden for cool weather crops and I know how much he enjoys getting his hands in the dirt and helping something grow. Not ready for a full on garden? Start with some potted plants or herbs and go from there!

Eat Outdoors:

If you have a patio set or simply a few lawn chairs and the weather is nice, try eating outside. It will feel like a little private picnic! Make your favorite sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade, bring out a good book, and spend an afternoon in the sun instead of sitting on your couch. Don’t forget to take your jigsaw puzzles, word searches, or even just the level of Candy Crush you can’t beat onto your porch, too!

There’s nothing like opening the doors to let some fresh air into your house or apartment, either.

Start A Tradition:

In Ohio, a lot of families have put teddy bears in their windows so parents can take their children on walks to the tune of the nursery rhyme “Going On A Bear Hunt”. Create your own fun tradition to get your neighbors involved like Where’s Waldo windows or a neighborhood game of I Spy. It will be nice to hear excited children participating in the game and it will sure feel good to spread a bit of joy in your neck of the woods, to boot!

Try Some Crafts:

There are plenty of great crafts you can make outside or create with materials you found on a walk so give it a shot! Create a self portrait with side walk chalk, pick some flowers and make a crown, or try your hand at painting or building a birdhouse. There’s nothing like a fun craft to pass the time and it will feel even better to have made something beautiful in your own backyard.

If you’re feeling increasingly bored during your stint with a stay at home order, get outside and participate in the ideas above!

What do you enjoy doing outside? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr13

Sunshine Blogger Award #7

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Sunshine Blogger Award #7

Hello!! This past week, lifewithlilred was nominated for its seventh Sunshine Blogger Award from my friend Debby at Debby SEO. It was such a pleasant surprise because I haven’t been nominated for an award in forever and I’m hoping that they make a comeback because they are such fun to complete and pass on! Now, let’s get to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in the post and link to their blog
  • Answer the 11 questions asked of you
  • List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post
  • Write a new list of 11 questions for your nominees
  • Nominate 11 bloggers for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Q & A:

Are you familiar with SEO strategies? Have you optimized your site yourself? Did you do off site or on site SEO for your blog or website and are you happy with the results? I am but I typically don’t talk business on blog posts!

What is the most embarrassing clothing item you have ever worn? Normally I love my Sexy Raggedy Anne Halloween costume but I remember wearing it when I worked in the mall and had to pass out candy for Trick Or Treat. I was so embarrassed but a bunch of dads definitely loved it, lol!

If you were given $750 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? I would pay my rent for the month and then go to TJMaxx to spend the rest. 😀

If you had enough money that you never needed to work again, what would you do with your time? I would like to travel and finally get a pet because I would be home more often. A puppy and a bunny, please. ❤

If you could start over your life and change one thing, what would you change? Mmmm… I would have liked to do a bit better in high school so that I would have started college right away. But I’m happy with how things turned out.

What do you consider your greatest strength, your greatest weakness? Greatest strength is probably my personality and greatest weakness is that I can be pretty sensitive which is annoying sometimes haha.

What have you tried lately that is new and exciting? Playing Animal Crossing while riding out this stay at home order!!

What was the greatest adventure in your life so far? Dating my boyfriend and running two businesses.

What makes you happiest and when you think about it you cannot help but smile? My family, our two dogs, and my boyfriend.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. How has your neck of the woods been effected by the coronavirus?
  2. What have you been doing to pass the time during self-isolation?
  3. What shows or movies have you been binging?
  4. Last book you read?
  5. Last movie you saw in theaters?
  6. What is something that you are looking forward to?
  7. What is your favorite restaurant in your area?
  8. What is your favorite tourist attraction where you live?
  9. Do you have any phobias?
  10. Last thing you purchased from the store?
  11. What is the first thing you plan on doing once the coronavirus dies down?

Thank you so much again to Debby for the Sunshine Blogger nomination! How would you answer some of Debby’s questions for her nominees? What about some of the questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr12

Celebrating Special Occasions In Self-Isolation

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Celebrating Special Occasions In Self-Isolation

Hello! Ohio has a stay at home order in place until the beginning of May – as for right now. Unfortunately, special occasions don’t just stop because we are practicing self isolation. So, if a loved one has a birthday coming up, it can certainly feel like a bit of a bust. Thankfully, there are still ways to keep communication alive from the comfort of your own home. Use some of the following tips if anyone you know is celebrating their big day:

Order Them Takeout:

If a friend or family member is celebrating a birthday, you could do the social distancing equivalent of a birthday dinner by sending them over some takeout. Pick out a delicious meal from their favorite restaurant and Door Dash it on over for a birthday surprise. And, how surprised and thankful your giftee will be when he or she finds out that they don’t have to cook dinner!

Special Delivery:

Online deliveries are, for the most part, still a thing. How about sending your giftee a quarantine kit to help keep them entertained? Assemble a care package filled with adult coloring books, board games, books, or movies with the promise of a game night/late celebration once the stay at home order has been lifted.

Have A Virtual Drink:

Virtual drinks and happy hours over video chat has become a new trend as of late and my boyfriend and I are so there for it. We have participated in a few rounds of virtual drinks with our friends and it is always a blast. Call up your friend or family member on FaceTime or Skype who is celebrating a big day and toast to them. And, of course, real life drinks at a later time goes without saying!

Plan Ahead:

If all of the virtual mumbo jumbo isn’t your style, send your loved one an email or some snail mail inviting them to a celebration hang out at a later time. Your giftee will be 1) tickled that you remembered and 2) excited to have a fun event to look forward to. Plan an itinerary for an afternoon or evening on the town with the person celebrating and don’t forget to mark it in the calendar!

Don’t let your loved one’s special day go uncelebrated with the tips above and happy happy days to those celebrating during a stay at home order! ❤

How have you celebrated a special occasion during self-isolation? Will your birthday take place during the stay at home order? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr10

Just Saying Hi!

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Just Saying Hi!

Hello! Wow, what a weird time amiright? Ohio’s stay at home order has been officially pushed back to May first so “normal” life seems even farther away than ever. I am so thankful for my quarantine buddy, Johnny, who has kept me company and sane this whole time. I am also thankful for our new addiction of Animal Crossing for also keeping us company and sane this whole time, lol.

It’s a very awkward time to be a blogger right now because it’s sure hard to make content when you can’t go shopping anywhere/do anything. So, major kudos to everyone still sitting down at their laptop and making posts happen even if they have nothing to do with your regular subject matter because it’s difficult.

I, for one, am struggling with keeping up with my once daily posting. So, I thought that it would be fun to accept writing prompts in the comments for future posts. It could be anything that comes to mind or a question that you might have for me. And, I’ll reply with a writing prompt back for you. Let’s see what happens!

What should I write about next? What should you write about next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

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Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

Hello! Crazy times, amiright? And, amid all of this craziness, it is so important to keep yourselves safe and healthy. This means limiting your time in public as much as possible. And, you know what? That’s fine by me! I have been having the best time hunkered down with Johnny (my boyfriend) playing Rock Band, watching Band Of Brothers, and indulging in our new obsession of Magic The Gathering. As much as I enjoy an evening at the bar, a quiet evening in is definitely what I prefer.

I had to laugh at a meme that said something like “when you realize your normal lifestyle is considered a quarantine” because that holds quite a bit of accuracy to me! But, if you’re still struggling to find ways to keep yourself occupied, allow me to suggest the following:

Learn Something New:

Sure, you could spend your time in self-isolation binging TV… And, believe you me, I’ve had my fair share of America’s Next Top Model marathons. But, you could also use this time to learn something new. Take a virtual tour of a museum, which is now being offered through a lot of establishments. Try your hand at a new language. Give a craft on Pinterest a shot. You’ll be amazed at where you end up once the self-isolation recommendation has lifted if you chip away at a new skill every day.

Cook A Great Meal:

I am so thankful that I went grocery shopping a week before all of the closings started happening because my pantry is fully stocked. And, since going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, I have enjoyed cooking in my kitchen every day. I love making breakfast over the weekend for my boyfriend and revel in when I can have dinner ready for him when he gets home. It is never not satisfying to me to lay out a meal that I made.

Open up a recipe book and give a few new ones a go, cook an old favorite, or bake and decorate a cake. An afternoon helping mom or dad bake cookies always goes down well for the little ones, too!

Exercise:

Unfortunately, all of the skating rinks in my neck of the woods are closed so I cannot have my weekly skate sesh. This sucks but it also doesn’t mean that I can’t still be active, which is so crucial when you’re stuck at home and being more sedentary. Do some crunches during your TV time or lift some weights. And, although community hangs are frowned upon – going out for a brisk hike or walk around the neighborhood isn’t.

Rearrange/Redecorate:

If you’re beginning to feel the effects of cabin fever, try rearranging your home or the room that you spend the most time in. Switching out knick knacks, changing the position of the couch, or reorganizing your book or movie shelves can breathe a whole new life into a space. And, if you’re on the hunt for something brand new, order online and make sure you love it since you’re going to be seeing a lot of it for a while. 😉

Although things feel scary right now don’t let it get in the way of enjoying yourself as you try out the ideas above!

How has the coronavirus effected you? What have you been doing to stay occupied? 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. 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

Mar21

Fairy Hair Pt. 2

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Fairy Hair Pt. 2

Hello! During my family vacation to North Carolina this past summer, I noticed a boutique offering “fairy hair” AKA hair tinsel. I was so charmed by the adorable name and the variety of colors of the tinsel that I just had to get some put in. I was absolutely obsessed and they added such a sweet, girly touch of fun to my locks.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. I simply refused to live without them, however, and ordered a hair tinsel kit off of Amazon identical to the one that the boutique in North Carolina had. I knew my hair stylist could do the fairy hair that I so desperately craved and she worked her magic the last time I got my hair cut.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. SO I GOT MORE PUT BACK IN LAST WEEK! Check it out:

hairrrhairrr1hair

As per ushe, my stylist, Anna, knocked it out of the park. In fact, this time it is even better because she worked on her tinsel knotting technique and I have only had two fatalities thus far. Anna expertly layered the different hues of tinsel that showed up the best in my choppy new do and within a half hour or so my fairy hair was complete.

I was so happy with how my hair bling turned out and the compliments literally don’t stop, which is a major ego booster! I remember when fairy hair was a thing several years ago and I loved it then and I am still just as in love now. My next goal, you may ask? Bringing back hair feathers! Hopefully there will be a kit for that on Amazon… 😀

How do you like to spice up your hair style? Do you plan on getting your hair cut for the warm weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah