Living Large In The Cheap Seats- April 23

Living Large In the Cheap Seats is starting to look a little different given the current state of
crisis the world is experiencing.   The fact that we are being asked to limit our exposure to
groups of people larger than 10 people really impacts our ability to get out and enjoy various
local experiences.   Therefore going out in public is of a low priority in our household for the
time being.   However, we are hoping to change that come late spring/early summer.   
Therefore, I am going to focus on incorporating a little Hagge into my life with a few Small
Group (aka family based) activities, Virtual Activities and things you can do now in order to
secure more fun for the warmer months.   Well- hopefully. 




Add a Little Hygge into your life:
So, what is Hygge?  Hygge is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable
cheerfulness that causes a feeling of contentment or well-being.”   I believe that Hygge is
living a simpler lifestyle that is filled with contentment and rich relationships, but how do we
get started?  

This week we celebrate self care.   It is so easy to fall into depression with everything that is
going one, so take  care of yourself and lift your spirits with the little things in life.   Stay
home and enjoy! 

Enjoy a Spa Night 
Regardless of if you have a luxurious deep soaking tub or a regular size tub.      Get out
your bath salts or bubble bath and fill it up with warm water and soak away.    This will help
to melt the stress away.    Since I love to have a spa night at least 1 time a month, I am
fortunate to have a few more items to add to the experience: candles, warm towels, a bath
pillow, lotions and a variety of essential oils.   

Hot Cup of Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate 
Although I love a good cup of coffee in the morning and a relaxing cup of tea in the
afternoon, when I want a treat to recharge my batteries, I turn to hot chocolate.    There is
just something about a sweet, silky, warm cup of chocolate to make me happy.     I will
replace my dessert with hot chocolate and just sip and enjoy.     

Celebrate Connecting with others  
Our family has been under a stay at home order for over a month and are still making a
point of not only getting our personal time but to share time together too.   It may look like
watching movies, playing a board game or just being silly together.  Humans need to
connect with others, so it is important for everyone’s mental health to feel connected with
others.     

Elevate your Food 
It doesn’t matter what meal you are planning, take a little extra time to elevate it.    Get out
the good dishes, add different colors to your plate such as vegetables, just pay a little more
attention to details and make it the best meal you can.   Remember we eat with your eyes
first, so make each plate appealing.   

Dress for the day 
I know it is easy to stay in your pajamas all day, but it is important for your frame of mind to
get changed and add a little something- something to your outfit.  I like to add a scarf, put on
makeup or perfume or just wear my favorite outfit.   Whenever I need a little pick me up for
the day, I wear perfume.    

Social Distancing Fun

Have you wanted to read a book series?    Have you always said, “If I only had the time, I
would ...” ?  I know that our state is waiting for the governor to lay out the plan to re-open
our state and what exactly that will look like.   

Our schools are closed until at least the end of the school year and  I am expecting that it
will be really slow for our state to fully re-open.   So I am planning on doing things that are
really adhering to social distancing.   

Here are some ideas to help you to enjoy life and stay safe. 

Read that Book Series-   Take time to read.    I have personal time that I use to either
ready one of my books I picked up from the library before it closed or a downloaded one.  
On nice days, I enjoy going onto my patio with a nice cup of tea and reading in the sunshine
while enjoying my outdoor space.  

Movie Night-   Our family would always have movie night on Saturdays with Cheesy B
Movies.   We make a bowl of popcorn, watch the movie and make fun of all the bad parts.   
It helps us to laugh and enjoy each other's company.  

Game Night- Dust off those board games and start playing them again.    It helps you to
stay connected with your family and share some positive memories of this time.  It doesn’t
hurt, if there is a little competition.   

Puzzles-  I have physical puzzles, electronic puzzles, riddles, and so much more.   It is
amazing what you find in the basement when you are stuck at home.     As a bonus, our
community does a social distance appropriate scavenger hunt.    Each week, there is a
theme such as teddy bears.   Then people who want to participate will place a picture or
physical teddy bear in their window, on their doorstep or somewhere in their yard.    Then on
Friday evenings, the kids will walk through the community and try to find all the items.    It is
great fun for the younger ones in our neighborhood.   

Hobbies Revisited-   Prior to the stay at home order, I found it hard to find time to enjoy my
hobby.   However, now I have a lot of free time, so I have dusted off my camera and started
to practice taking pictures again.    Before the library closed, I was able to pick up a
photography course on dvd, so I am planning on watching it this week.    I can’t wait to see
what I learn.  

Summer Planning

Free Bowling For Kids (ages 2-17)  This Summer
Register your child(ren) for a summer of free bowling.   Your children will receive 2 free
games per day for the entire summer.   (Note- You will need to rent shoes or bring your
own.  We purchase used shoes and resell them each summer to pay for our new shoes.)   

Free Fishing Days 2020
These are some days that some states offer free fishing weekends- where anglers can fish
without a license.  Check out the days your state offers free fishing days. 

Summer Movie Clubhouse 2020
Each year Cinemark Movie Theaters offers select kids movies for just $1.00 per person.   
Last year they were offered on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00.   However, Cinemark
Movie Theaters are currently closed because of the Health Crisis.   


Do you have a great idea on how to enjoy life during this stressful time?  
Leave a Comment Below

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