Tag: stay at home

10 Days of Harry Potter

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the main character, Harry Potter, was born on July 31, 1980. As of this year, 2020, Harry Potter turns 40 years old. Since most people are staying close to home, celebrating 10 Days of Harry Potter is a fun way to pass the time.

Ways to Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday

Thousands of people around the globe are part of the Wizarding World fandom. Are you wondering how to celebrate the incredible Wizarding World? Check out the following ideas below:

  • Read the Books: Whether you are reading the series for the first time or the 15th, find a secluded area and immerse yourself into the Wizarding World.
  • Listen to the Audiobooks: If you are a multi-tasker, listen to the audiobooks of the Harry Potter series. The narrators do a fantastic job of making the characters come alive.
  • Watch the Movies: From watching the movies over a week to binge-watching the whole series, enjoy watching the film from the beginning. Watching the Harry Potter series is a great family night activity.
  • Play Games: Board games, video games, or made-up games can provide entertainment while celebrating Harry Potter’s birthday.
  • Do Crafts: On a rainy afternoon, do crafts inspired Harry Potter themed crafts. From drawing to sculpting, making Wizarding World crafts is a wonderful way to celebrate the “boy who lived.” (Rowling, 1998).
  • Food: As Remus Lupin’s character states, “Eat, you’ll feel better.” (Rowling, 2010). Of course, Lupin was offering chocolate after a dementor attack. But still, the idea is the same. Yorkshire Pudding, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Bean, Pumpkin Pasties,  and the entire Hogwarts feast are an easy inspiration for trying themed Wizarding World recipes.
  • Host a Birthday Party: With social distancing, celebrating with friends or family may be difficult. But you can still host a birthday party for Harry Potter with your immediate family. Even if your baking skills are not the best, bake a cake, like Hagrid’s. “Anyway – Harry,” said the giant, turning his back on the Dursleys, “a very happy birthday to yeh. Got summat fer yeh here – I mighta sat on it at some point, but it’ll taste all right.”(Rowling, 1998).
  • Photo Session: Whether you have an entire cosplay outfit or your favorite Harry Potter t-shirt, set up a photo session. Use wands and other props. Recreate scenes. Take a lot of photos, print them, and make a scrapbook.

Having fun is the best way to celebrate the wonderful fictional character, Harry Potter’s birthday.

 

References:

Rowling, J. K. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books

Rowling, J. K. (2010). Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban. London: Bloomsbury

31 Days of Self-Care for May

Whether your essential worker or following the stay-at-home restrictions, self-care is vital to your overall health and well-being. Self-care is taking the necessary steps to care for your own health. The process of self-care does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Just remember, take time out for you.

  1. Unplug: Simply turn off your cell phone (or set to vibrate), step away from the computer, turn off the news, and relax.
  2. Hot Bath: Pamper yourself with a long hot bath or shower. Soaking in a bubble bath is an easy way to relax.
  3. Binge-Watch: Spend an evening or the entire day binge-watching your favorite television show or movie series.
  4. Get Outdoors: Take your favorite four-legged friend for a walk, go hiking, or just sit in your favorite outdoor chair.
  5. Garden: Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables is a great way to unwind. Even if you can only set a container in the kitchen window, enjoy the process of plant growth. Playing in the dirt is always fun.
  6. Read: Relax in your favorite comfy chair, grab your reader or book, and just fall into the story. Yes, graphic novels and comic books are perfectly acceptable reading material.
  7. Draw or Paint: Art supplies do not need to be expensive. Stop at your local dollar store or order supplies online. Practice drawing or painting. Yes, stick figures drawings and paint by numbers count.
  8. Craft: Invest in some craft materials. Or purchase craft kits that have step by step instructions for creating a specific item.
  9. Create a Family Tree: If you have ever been interested in your family roots, create a tree. Discovering genealogy is a fun and rewarding activity with many benefits.
  10. Happy Mother’s Day: Call your mom. Make a homemade card or have a meal delivered.
  11. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
  12. Eat Proper Meals: Eating healthy is essential during stressful times.
  13. Mediate: Spend some time meditating or praying. Either activity can provide a sense of inner peace.
  14. Exercise: Try low-impact yoga or other exercise routines.
  15. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Day: Spending the day focused on you, soak your feet in warm water with lavender. Paint your nails a new color. Give yourself a facial.
  16. Go on a Virtual Tour: Many museums, art centers, and other establishments are providing virtual tours. Spend an afternoon touring new places.
  17. Make a Bucket List: Write down everything you want to try this summer. Make a local and dream bucket list.
  18. Listen to a Podcast: With all types of podcasts available, you can easily find one or several for your listening pleasure.
  19. Wash Your Bedding: Wash all of your blankets, sheets, and comforter. The smell of clean linen is a great way to relax.
  20. Light a Candle: Purchase a candle in your favorite scent.
  21. Play Games: Online games are popular. Find one that matches your interest. Spend an afternoon playing a new game.
  22. Clean: Tidying and cleaning your living space can provide a sense of accomplishment.
  23. Journal: Write all your thoughts down on paper.
  24. Make a Grateful List: Create a list of gratitude. Recognizing all the positive things helps you concentrate on the good.
  25. Write an Accomplishment List: Sometimes, you can get too focused on current events, you fail to recognize your accomplishments. Make an accomplishments list. Jot notes by your successes and write future goals.
  26. Sleep: Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in. Getting extra rest during stressful times is right for you.
  27. Turn Up the Music: Turn on the radio or other listening device. Sing along. Dance. Enjoy yourself as the music plays loudly.
  28. Call Friends or Relatives: Is there someone on your mind lately? Take the time to call.
  29. Write Letters: Grab your favorite pen and write a letter to a loved one. Or write a thank you note someone from your past that has made a difference in your life.
  30. Try a New Recipe: Cooking something new provides a sense of accomplishment.
  31. Do Nothing: Yes, sometimes the best you can do for yourself is nothing. Do not be afraid to just relax without any goals for the day.

Celebrating Easter at Home

Celebrating Easter at home may not have been your original plan. Yes, the big family gatherings will not happen this year. Canceled Easter Egg hunts, church services, and other events are inevitable. The pandemic brings changes to protect your health.  But there are still numerous ways to make Easter special.

Start by turning off the news. Unplug from your devices. Set your cell phone to vibrate. Simply enjoy the quality time with the ones you love.

Make a Family Meal

Dust off your baking skills and cook a homemade family meal to enjoy together. Do not forget dessert. Bake some cookies or other special treats to celebrate Easter. When baking, ask your children to help. Even younger children can help pour, measure, or stir the batter. The quality time will turn into a lasting memory. For added fun, decorate the table together.

Do you want to do something different than a traditional Easter meal?

  • Pull out the grill and BBQ for Easter.
  • If the weather is warm, consider an outdoor picnic. Or set up a picnic in your living room.
  • Order from a local restaurant. Many food establishments are still open for delivery and curbside pickup.

Dress Up for a Family Photo

Most cameras come with a self-timer, which is perfect for a family photo. Dress up in your Sunday best. Yes, you can take off your good clothes after the picture. The photo will be a lasting reminder of celebrating Easter at home.

Set Up a Photo Booth

 Using a sheet, tablecloth, or bare spot on the wall for background creates an instant photo booth. Pull out hats, scarves, beaded jewelry, and other accessories to add to the fun. Use a poster board, index cards, or construction paper to make photo props. Bunny ears, an Easter 2020 sign, mustache, big smiles, or glasses are easy to make. Place your prop cut-outs on wooden dowels, popsicle sticks, or hold with a clip clothespin.

Dye Easter Eggs

Even if you do not have any Easter dye, you still can color eggs. Use food coloring, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and boiling water to make a color mixture of your choice. Stir the solution, allow the contents to cool, and dye your eggs.

Listen to a Church Service

Numerous churches are hosting services online. Listen to an Easter service before starting your day. The words may bring you comfort and joy this Easter season.

Do Easter Crafts

Spend the afternoon, crafting as a family. Do not know where to start? Pinterest has numerous ideas for Easter crafting.

  • Paint or Draw an Easter scene
  • Cut out Easter eggs from construction paper or plain paper to design.
  • Make collages out of everyday materials, including cotton balls, magazine pictures, cloth scraps, etc.
  • Paint Easter eggs.
  • Make placemats for your meal.

Call Loved Ones

Easter is definitely different this year with social distancing and self-isolating. But, you still can keep in touch with loved ones. Call, text, message, or video chat with friends and family.

 

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