There should be a communal thread happening around social media right now where we strictly share ways to stay busy AT HOME.  The annual SXSW Festival that happens in Austin was canceled for the first time in 34 years to help lessen the risk of Coronavirus spreading.  I’m getting the idea that a lot of people are chilling, at home.  Whether we want to admit our concerns of getting sick or we’re just plain lazy – the days at home are stacking up rapidly.

Lucky for you, staying at home is my favorite hobby.

Below is a master list of my favorite books, movies, tv shows & ideas to keep you busy at home & keep the cabin fever away.  I tried to keep the recommendations interesting rather than popular, to help give you something NEW.   This post & these ideas happen to fit right in with my word of the year – FUN.

The Ultimate List of Things to Do to Stay Busy At Home

Books:

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert (here):  a fabulous book, meant for the girls & a reminiscing read!

Untamed by Glennon Doyle (here):  I haven’t read this book but I KNOW it’s going to be everything.  If you haven’t read Love Warrior, you must read that first.  The emotional journey & companion you’ll have while reading is priceless.

Becoming by Michelle Obama (here): a long read, simply because it takes a while to digest, but this book is a motivating story of a strong & brilliant woman – no matter your stance on politics

The Magnolia Story by Chip & JoAnna Gaines (here):  I know I’ve recommended this book a million times, because if you haven’t read it you must!  It’s a surprisingly motivating book that I think can help anyone with their goals.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (here): While reading The Great Alone I didn’t realize how much the story would stick with me, but it has.  This book helps connect you to our sweet earth while having grace for people around us.

(* more books: here & here *)

Movies:

Judy:  A movie that you might not expect to keep you glued, but will

The Peanut Butter Falcon: super cute & a total feel-good movie that I don’t think received all the attention it deserved

Just Married:  an older movie that should not be ignored, especially if you haven’t seen it yet – OMG hilarious comedy about a couple on their honeymoon

The Good Liar:  I feel like this movie didn’t get enough attention, but it’s pretty good!

JoJo Rabbit: Another one that didn’t get much attention & totally surprised me, but it’s a great movie to watch

The Other Guys: what the hell?!  How did these guys act this movie out without laughing? Watch it again!

Nikki Glaser Bangin’: I saw this stand up live, & still laughed my way through the special

TV Series:

Shitt’s Creek (5 Seasons on Netflix): I mean my God if you haven’t already watched this series you need to go laugh right now & watch it!  SO FUCKING GOOD you can easily watch it twice.  I’ve watched it 37 times through.

The Mitch (2 Seasons on Hulu):  I CAN NOT believe this series isn’t still going, the funniest comedy – ever.

The Good Place (4 Seasons on Netflix): Cute, light & silly

Stumptown (1 Season on Hulu):  Unfortunately, only 1 season out right now, but it’s a great drama that can still kill a few hours.  I love this show because I don’t feel the urge to scroll on my phone while it’s on.

The Fosters (5 Seasons on Netflix): Praise God I just found this series & it has 5 SEASONS! BINGO!

Younger (7 Seasons on Hulu):  It took me a few episodes to commit to this series, but after that I was hooked.

In the Dark (1 Season on Netflix):  I was so attached to the characters in this drama series, I felt sad when it was over.

Good Girls (2 Seasons on Netflix):  You might get frustrated with the female characters as they make mistakes over & over again, but it’s a show you can’t turn off

See (1 season on Apple TV):  If you missed this series when it was all the rage, find a way to watch it!

(* more series: here & here *)

Extra! Extra!:

Puzzles: the trick is to either borrow puzzles from a neighbor OR go to a used bookstore & see if you can find a treasure there for less $$.

Make Pancake Bread:  this gluten-free/dairy-free pancake bread is NEXT LEVEL!  Without all the bad ingredients.  I had to let mine bake like an extra 20 min, but it turned out delicious. (recipe: here)

Clean: always find time to clean things out that you don’t need OR scrub the baseboards because they’re dirty

Invite someone over for Dinner:  You don’t need a wild party or big group to consider inviting people over.  Sometimes an intimate chat with a person or couple can be just the right dose of love everyone needs.  When there are too many people, you don’t get the same amount of time to devote to each other. (also, more people more germs)

Podcasts: While you’re doing any of the above, try listening to a podcast by a comedian to keep things light.  Consider Congratulations with Chris Delia or This Past Weekend with Theo Von.

Art: order a canvas & paint online to CREATE!  I’m dead serious. See what happens!

Another thing that I realized the other day – staying OFF social media & commercials right now is life-changing.  There is an overwhelming amount of negative information flying around like a wildfire.  Whether it’s death, viruses, or politics – the media is ruthless right now.  The only reason I know?  Because I drove the car that doesn’t have Satalite Radio & heard a set of commercials for the first time in a while & almost vomited down my shirt.  I hope you don’t listen to that stuff all day, stick to Netflix & convos with your friends, or… silence.

Ok, thinking of you.

Share your fav movie, series or books so I can keep occupied!

Be thoughtful

Xx