Tag Archives: hobby

Apr20

Activities For Children In Self-Isolation

Posted on by
Standard
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

Posted on by
Standard
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

Posted on by
Standard
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

Posted on by
Standard
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

Apr1

Self-Isolation Check In

Posted on by
Standard
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

Posted on by
Standard
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!

Indeed, computer games are always being added and improved and it can be hard to keep up – especially if you enjoy playing a lot of different ones! If you are looking for a leg up in a new game or one you are struggling with, you can buy accounts to immediately get you into the swing of the game. For example, you could enter a search for “Clash Royale Account for sale” or whatever game you are interested in to browse your options. This could also be a lucrative side hustle if you have several excellent gaming accounts that you are willing to part with.

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

Mar11

Five Rules For The Perfect Game Night

Posted on by
Standard
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

Jan27

Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

Posted on by
Standard
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! If your place is small, you might not have the room for a full on casino experience if you are planning a poker or blackjack night. That’s okay! Websites like mawinbet offer games like slot machines or sports themed experiences that can be played right from your phone. No trip to the casino or squeezing oversized card tables into your living room required!

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

Jan20

When Can You Say That You’ve ‘Made It’?

Posted on by
Standard
When Can You Say That You’ve ‘Made It’?

Perhaps the easiest thing in the world to do is compare yourself to other people. As children, we learn this technique to help us understand our place in the social hierarchy, for better or worse. As we get older and compare our grades to other children or our siblings, we continually find out if we’re ‘good enough’ or where we’re lagging behind.

This can translate into adulthood, where the means of our livelihood or how much money we pull in each year can be somewhat intrusive areas of discussion at the Christmas work party or family barbecue. But when can you say that you’ve ‘made it’? We often use this term to express artists that now have enough listeners to guarantee material success, but should we really limit ourselves to this description?

In the following post, we hope to widen the parameters through which you may give yourself the real credit of ‘making it’, allowing us to think along healthier and more considered lines. Please, consider:

A Home You Love:

When occupying a home you love, you have one of the most vital and beautiful possessions anyone could hope for – no matter if you rent or use a mortgage to gain said property. A home you love can be a vital part of your personality, help you raise a family, or schedule the best social events within, and generally give you the room to be your most authentic self. General contractors can help you express your creative interests and tastes over the years, and that in itself gives you the opportunity to design to your hearts content. If you have this, no matter if you live alone or own a property in which you keep roommates or a humble family setup, you have something to be proud of.

Connections You Care About:

It’s very easy for us to mark ourselves as only successful when affluent, or able to define our material success this way. But really, the people we know, the loving connections we adopt, the closeness to our family, the genuine experiences we share with our friends – these are the things that count. It’s possible for someone living on a shoestring budget to enjoy and curate the closest relationships around them, while it’s also possible for someone within a beautiful, million-dollar home to feel completely isolated from those they are supposed to call friends. This realization can help you adjust your priorities accordingly.

Curating Your Interests:

Curating your interests is something that can seem so simple and basic. We’re all supposed to have hobbies. But more than simply watching something on Netflix or playing a video game (which are more than justified methods of relaxing and taking some stress off), curating a real interest can help bring you an incredible amount of joy over the years. It might be reading into a subject, learning a craft, or cooking well and eating a wide array of cuisines. We take interests for granted, but really, we should appreciate them as additional pursuits that give our life value. If you have a few of these to curate, you are truly a lucky individual.

With this advice, we hope you can see the conventional idea of ‘making it’ is only worthwhile when contributing to a healthy, humble life!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec10

3 Tips To Get Your Horse Show Ready

Posted on by
Standard
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.