With the current state of world pandemic and the continuation of social distancing, it has proven difficult to keep ourselves uplifted! However, in my opinion, it is best if we try to adapt to the situation and make use of technology the tools around us. Life is worth celebrating, and there are still safe and easy ways to do so! Technology is the one tool that has helped us all connect with one another, especially now. Have you tried any group video chat apps? There's several of them, and each of their features vary! I've narrowed down the list to 6 different apps that you can use, all linked up with more info. Be sure to do your research, and never leave kiddos alone! I did a poll on my Instagram and 50% of you didn't know what several of these apps were, so I thought this was the perfect way to share more! Here are 6 apps you can utilize to connect while staying at home:
Now that we have the tool.. what will you do? Of course you can just connect with friends and family to chat! I love doing video chats so that the children can chat with each other too. It's such a challenging time for them, as all they want is to play and have fun. My little one is not quite 2.5 years old, so telling her about germs works for about an hour.. and then she asks me again why we can't go see her grandparents, her cousins, or her friends. Utilizing tools like these apps truly helps us stay connected in trying times like this. Not only this, we are watching as entrepreneurs are having to change business models, long term employees are being laid off, and front-line workers are risking their lives for the health and well being of others. With all of these changes, things that were once a vision cannot simply work. I thought this would be a good time to possibly shift or pivot ourselves to better suit our markets, or allow our business to continue to succeed. What better way than to create or adjust our vision boards. DIY Vision Board Party Have you created a vision board before? Do you already have one for 2020? This may be the best time to do so! If you are at home, there is no need to push yourselves to do more.. but it's always a good time to focus on ourselves and our growth, don't you think? A vision board party with your best gal-pals, or business team, or anyone..really, can be just what you need to feel that positivity flourish! You are essentially wanting to create a board that embodies the future that you envision, that you desire, that you want to come to life. You can use magazines, print outs, or any other clip art pieces that highlight these goals. Your board can be small, large, 3D or any style really... do what works best for you! Doing so via video with your friends allows you all to chat with eachother, and share what inspires you. Perhaps.. you'll find something from them that works for you too! We're in this together, and this is a fun way to enjoy that. There are several online examples that may inspire you too. This time that you all set aside is a perfect way to sit, focus, enjoy some drinks, and get your goals aligned without distractions. You all loved our free digital bundle from last week, and so I went ahead and created a FREE printable sheet for you to print off, cut out, and incorporate in your board! You can print in colour, or in black/white, on the letter-size sheet. The printable includes: - Polaroid, Speech Bubble, Thinking Bubble - Hand/Heart/Star Checklist Items - Dreams/Goals Bubbles - Quotes - Motivational Words These elements are in hopes for you to create the vision board that is meaningful, inspiring, and a true representation of your goals. All you need are scissors and glue, and you can pop these onto your board in no time. A quick + easy way to personalize the board and keeping it cohesive. All you need now is to send the invite! I can help with that ;) Virtual Food/Potluck Party You were planning to have a pizza party with the friends for a birthday, or just because.. and now, well, it just can't happen. But! You can do so virtually! Send personal pan pizzas to the friends, and one for your kiddo, and hop on to a video chat service! Pizza party, with the friends, but from home.. win win! You can do this with a dessert delivery service, or adults can do so with a beer delivery service ;). This is a fun way to still stay engaged, while social distancing and keeping safe. Try this: have each person use a delivery service (shop local!) and send a little something to each household.. that way, everyone partakes and it's just like a potluck! Virtual Birthday Party Kids look forward to their birthdays the minute everyone goes home on their current birthday! I can only imagine how disappointed they would be if they couldn't celebrate with their loved ones. This is where you can do a fun birthday theme with friends, while staying at home! Each idea can also include the budget you were going to spend on the party, on small gifts or deliveries, to make it that much more personal. Kiddo into art? Do an art party! Tell the friends to bring any sort of materials and just make crafts. You can also gear this more like a "Paint Night" and have everyone follow along a YouTube tutorial (like this: https://youtu.be/651JSSwImiQ) together. You can even make the art relate to the theme of your party, or send your party guests/friends a small basket of the art supplies. What about a Netflix party? You can watch a movie together, while everyone stays in the comfort of their home! You could even make a "goodie bag" with popcorn and treats, and have it delivered to the friends doors so everyone can enjoy! You need a desktop or laptop, and the Chrome browser. Here's some info to help you setup: Netflix Party Did you know museums, Zoos, and theme parks are all doing virtual tours right now? All are at different times (check timezones too), and on different days.. so keep those in mind when planning. We came across this amazing article with places you can tour from Good Housekeeping that we'd love for you to peek at: 30 Amazing Virtual Tours. Drive By Birthday Party You have spend so much time planning a lovely birthday for the kiddos, for yourself, for your hubby.. and now, it just cannot happen to the same degree. Although one of the above options are the best way to stay at home.. sometimes a drive is a good way to get out of the house but stay safe. You can invite your friends and family to a "drive-by" birthday! They stay in the car, and you stay in your home and the birthday person feels extra special! A fun alternative, while keeping safe, and getting the human interaction. Sometimes just a smile from a loved one is all you need! Check out our digital invitations if you need a digital invite to send! You are not stuck at home, you are safe at home. I sincerely hope these ideas prove to be helpful! I am trying to find small ways to help you all continue to celebrate, while keeping your distance. We need to bask in the glorious days that we've been blessed with. It is easy to spiral down into a cave, but I am hoping these small ideas prove to be a BIG help in uplifting your mood!
I read a quote and I loved it. It went something like this: you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home. Most importantly, keep safe and don't forget to wash your hands. xo, Sonia |