Tag: family fun

Create a Project for the Dead of Winter

Posted on by Jordank

There’s always a time of year when the #winter weather starts to wear on a person. Snow and cold likely find you indoors more than you want to be, and there are few holidays or occasions to provide a distraction. We’ve entered the year’s gray doldrums.

There’s a fantastic way to fight any boredom, anxiety, cabin fever or seasonal blues you might be feeling, however: Think up a new #project and get it off the ground! There’s extra time on the calendar, and you can defeat the winter weather to get something accomplished.

At #new year’s resolution time, the project might be yourself and your health. You might have started a dry January or be counting down to a dry February. You might set fitness goals such as losing X number of pounds or visiting the gym regularly.

You might decide to enhance your knowledge by learning something new — a language, a musical instrument, or a craft such as woodworking or pottery. The internet is full of free and reasonably priced classes; sites such as OpenCulture, MasterClass, Babbel and others help you get started.

Perhaps you’ve been planning a few small #household renovations — interior painting and redecorating, installing new insulation or shelving, and so on. As long as you’re trapped inside, you might as well get started on a project that makes your surroundings more inviting.

#Decluttering and #organizing is a great project to start now, since it can rapidly improve your home’s livability and your mood. The Spruce offers a 30-day challenge for the winter months, but you can adjust the scope of the project to suit your capabilities. ClothingDonations.org can help when you schedule a #free donation #pickup.

Projects don’t have to be huge to make a difference. Maybe you have a hobby you’d like to revisit. Maybe you’d like to finish one good book. Maybe you’d like to update your résumé, volunteer locally or help a family member with their project. Now’s the time.

Tackling a project can keep you from getting frustrated and bored during the dreary winter months. No matter what you might choose to do, you’ll feel more confident when you launch a new project and a sense of accomplishment when you complete it. Get it started!

Inexpensive and Fun Fall Activities

Posted on by Jordank

You don’t have to break the bank to have a little #fall fun. Cheap or free things to do include taking a nature walk; spending a day at the local café or reading a book; having a spooky-seasonal movie night; whipping up a batch of soup, chili or cookies; crafting; or playing a game of touch football. Another great thing to do is overhaul your #clothing closets and dresser drawers to meet the cooler weather efficiently. “It’s a wonderful time of year to #donate clothes to those in need,” says The Every Girl. “Spend a weekend getting recentered for a new season and give back at the same time.” #FallActivities

Brave the Fall Temps With Friends

Posted on by Jordank

Feel like you’re stuck inside with the blustery #fall weather? You don’t have to go it alone, says Real Simple. Invite friends to brave the cooler temperatures with you at a tailgate party, hayride, ghost tour or backyard bonfire. If you’re feeling more indoorsy, invite them to go antiquing, visit a local microbrewery or join a potluck dinner. Many areas of the country are having their final farmers markets of the year, but you can still spotlight healthy fall produce such as squash, root vegetables, spinach, pears and apples. You can even pick your own! #FallActivities

Peak Fall Colors Are Happening Now

Posted on by Jordank

Summer may be over, but #autumn offers plenty of things to do for young and old. Perhaps the most iconic is to take a hike or drive to see the leaves change color from lush greens to bright yellows, oranges and reds. “Leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November,” says Almanac.com. “Typically, the second and third weeks of October are the peak times, but prime foliage schedules will shift depending on where you live and your local weather conditions.” Weather plays a role in how vibrant your foliage looks, favoring cool nights, sunny days and moderate rainfall. #FallActivities

Dos and Don’ts of a Memorable Summer

Posted on by Jordank

There’s no right way or wrong way to do #summer. The warmest season offers opportunity for festive gatherings, home and self-improvement, exploration, education, and relaxation. The Organizing Blog has several checklist items that can make your summer memorable in all of the right ways, however.

Do protect yourself against the sun and #heat. With climate change, extreme heat is becoming more common throughout the year; be alert to your exposure and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Make a habit of wearing SPF30+ sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities or cover up to block harmful UV rays.

Don’t waste too much time indoors. Shady and air-conditioned as your home might be, many social, cultural and sporting events happen only when the weather is sunny and warm. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

Do throw open the windows, #declutter and #deep-clean. Household projects are easier to accomplish when inclement #weather isn’t slowing you down. Freshening the home while getting some fresh air may even be energizing! Summer is a great time to tackle larger home projects, too — especially if you need to hire help.

Don’t feel like you have to accomplish everything at once. Even type A personalities can benefit from a lazy day, a leisurely walk in the park or a picnic. Reward yourself with a favorite indulgence for the progress you make at work and at home.

Do take a trip. It might be a day in the city, a road trip to a national park or a flight to a faraway beach, but any change of scenery makes things more memorable. Pile the family into the car or call up an old friend; you’ll be making new memories in no time.

Don’t overplan. Even if you aren’t the spontaneous type, allowing flexibility usually pays off with unexpected discoveries. Make list of the things you’d like to accomplish this summer at home and on the road with must-dos at the top; everything else is gravy.

Do take pictures. Almost everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so record some of the summer memories you’re making as you make them. Share them with friends and family and revisit them often to make this summer one of the most memorable ever!