Weekend Ideas during COVID 19 Quarantine
We are in our fifth or sixth weekend (who’s counting) of quarantine in the Bay Area and I feel like I have gone through the motions of
Cooking up a storm
Doing online exercise classes at nauseum
Walking the same loop everyday
Playing every conceivable board game with the family
Binge-watching TV shows, and movies
Socially engaging on Zoom with friends
But, now I am starting to get restless. I l used to love the weekends because they help me recharge for the over-scheduled week. Eating out, taking hikes, seeing friends, hitting up a cool new spot was always on the list but since we can’t do any of those things, I started thinking about what can we do that could be a bit different from our usual. How do we make the most of this unusual situation and yet feel like it’s a weekend.
I started compiling a list of things that caught my eye during the course of the week via social media or shared by friends and I’d love toto share them with you in case they spark an interest. These can be done alone (if you need “me time), with a loved one or as a family.
Watch Phantom of the Opera
I was so excited to know that Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical, Phantom of the Opera, is being streamed for free this weekend. I have seen this musical live four times and absolutely love the music. The streaming begins Friday, 4/17 at 2/1c through Sunday, April 19 at 2pm ET.and runs on The Show Must Go On Youtube channel for 48 hours in the U.S. and 24 hours in the U.K. To watch, you can go to Webber’s Youtube page and play it from there.
Livestream the One World: Together at Home Broadcast
One World: Together At Home hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert is being broadcast to support the frontline healthcare workers and the WHO. The event will feature dozens of celebrities and musicians.
If you're in the US, a linear broadcast will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on NBC, CBS and ABC. In the UK, the linear broadcast will air Sunday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. BST on the BBC.
But there will also be a digital stream running online from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, TIDAL,, Twitch, Twitter, Yahoo and YouTube.
Try Candle Light Yoga
This gentle yoga class by Nicole Wargo offered for free via Mobius Fit is perfect for anyone. Light some candles, play some soothing music and let your stress melt away.
Indulge in a DIY Beauty Treatment
Soothing Facial Mask
Ingredients:
● 3 Tbsp Plain Yogurt (regular or greek)
o The lactic acid in yogurt provides gentle exfoliation and prevents break outs.
● 1 Tbsp Chilled Aloe Vera
o Aloe Vera is acts as an antibacterial that prevents break outs and an anti-inflammatory
to help diffuse redness.
o Aloe Vera is also a natural source of Vitamin C containing polysaccharides that stimulate new cell growth.
● 1 Tbsp Honey
o Honey is an anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant or super hero for the skin cells preventing break outs and skin imbalances.
o Honey also contains enzymes that exfoliate the skin and natural humectants that draws moisture from the air creating a bright and dewy completion.
● 2-3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil**
o Lemon essential oils are an astringent which lightens skin, heals breakouts and reduces excess oils.
Instructions:
Always start with fresh ingredients. I like to use a chilled Aloe Vera, so if you are using fresh Aloe Vera make sure you prepare before and place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Measure ingredients and then place them all in a bowl and mix well. Make sure you apply on clean skin, you can spread a light layer using your hands or with a fan brush (like you’re at a spa) leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse and apply eye cream, serum and moisturizer and always make sure you use sunscreen. Essential oils can make your skin a little sensitive to the sun. Use now or you can store in the fridge for about a week.
(Courtesy: Miraval)
Take a virtual tour of these famous places
San Diego Zoo, California - Check out Polar Bears, Pandas, Monkeys, Tigers, Giraffes in their habitats through the Livecams.
The Uffizi Gallery, Florence- This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de'Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de'Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.
Musee D’Orsay, Paris - You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.
National Parks - Take a tour of a national park of your choice using Google Earth.
I hope you have a lovely weekend and if you try any of the above suggestions, or have other suggestions I would love to hear from you.