35 Things to do During Quarantine

We're all in this together. Some of us have been "under quarantine" longer than others, but we are all feeling the heaviness on our country and communities. A lot of us are spending way more time at home than we are used to, and sometimes we just need some creative ideas to keep us going! Here's my list. What would you add to it?

7 Things In The Kitchen

1) Your own Cooking Show

Simply record what your whipping up in the kitchen, and post on Facebook or Youtube to show with family and friends what magic you're creating in the kitchen

2) Chili Cook-off (or any meal) with Friends

Get a few friends involved, all find a different recipe for the same meal, share steps and processes along the way, and each give a review at the end. Delicious? Or, wouldn't try that recipe again? Use social apps like Marco Polo, WhatsApp or Google chat, for easy conversation and sharing.

3) Make Power Balls or meals for the freezer. Power balls or Protein bites are great pick-me-up snacks, and freezer meals are great preparation for that night when you just don't have time (or motivation) to make dinner.

4) Island Challenge - Give yourself random, unrelated items and pretend you are stuck on an island and that is ALL you have. You have to get creative and make the best out of what you have. (This activity would also be great for middle-aged kids).

5) What is hard for you to perfect in the kitchen? Lemon meringue pie? Cheesecake? Ribs that are perfectly seasoned and fall off the bone? PERFECT that skill through multiple attempts, until it couldn't get any better.

6) Challenge yourself with a NEW recipe. Do you lean towards making the same meals over for your household? I know I certainly do. Try something different, like a cultural meal, OR - ask your spouse to help in the kitchen. 

7) START cooking. Are you used to take out and on-the-go meals? Now is your time to dive in and see what it's like to cook at home. There are so many easy, fool-proof meals to get started: like scrambled eggs & toast, or pasta.

7 Things for the Crafty Side

1) SEW Masks! There's a great need for masks all around the country.

2) Re-purpose old clothes. Make a dress into a skirt, or sew together a skirt and cute top for a creative dress.

3) Learn to knit or crochet. (Youtube can be a learner's best friend, just search - learning to knit).

4) Create a wall art with Macrame (Endless ideas on Pinterest).

5) Make cards.

6) Plant a garden. Big or small, don't get overwhelmed, just enjoy the process of nurturing life.

7) Scrap Blanket or quilt. Old jeans? Old clothes? T-shirts that bring back the sweetest memories? Do an easy scrap blanket.

7 "Fun" Work Ideas 

(Okay, disclaimer, I know these may seem more like work, than fun, but my solution to any project is - turn on some tunes or your favorite jam, and dance while you work. Or, play a podcast or audio book. This way it can be productive, practical, and educational or comical.)

1) De-clutter the Garage or Mudroom.

2) Clean out drawers.

3) Wash Windows.

4) Sort through old clothes, donate or repurpose what you don't wear anymore.

5) Deep clean sofas and chairs (Come on, not fun but we know they should get attention).

6) Wipe down cupboards and cabinets in the kitchen.

7) Organize the pantry (You might even be inspired to cook something new)

7 Things to do with Kids

1) Play Doh (Easy homemade recipes if you don't have some on hand). Create monsters or food items and see who has the best model.

2) Make a Fort (Rearrange some furniture, drape some linens, and your imaginary fort is in place

3) Pour dish soap and water on the floor and have a slip and slide!

(This might be a crazy idea, but you'll have a decently clean floor afterwards and the kids will love you)

4) Pull out the macaronis and pasta shapes and let the kids string them for necklaces. 

5) Have them write their own book. Let them write a story and draw illustrations on paper, than fold together, and ta-da, they wrote their first book! Don't forget to add the authors name on the front!

6) Plant seeds in an egg carton. Herbs, flowers, or vegetable plants.

7) Scavenger hunt around the house. You write the clues, they're the detectives! 

7 Things to do for free

1) Read. No books at home? Online sites like Scribd or Libby have downloadable books to read on your favorite device.

2) Walk/Run/Hike. A bit of exercise does a lot of wonder! Get moving, get your heart pounding, and release some endorphins.

3) Dance. Similar to above, dancing is a great way to burn energy and lift the mood. Turn on your favorite tunes and let your body move with the music.

4) Yoga. Relax, breathe. Start slow and concentrate on breathing and posture. Access tips and tutorials online if you need some guidance.

5) Games and puzzles. Hopefully you have a deck of cards or some classic games, but if you don't, no worries! Apps like Heads Up is awesome to play with the family. Or check out Wordscapes for a crosswords puzzle to keep your mind sharp.

6) Learn to draw. 

7) Write poetry or journal.

What have YOU been doing during quarantine?