Friday Five: New #HomeLife Pass Times

It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for Friday Five. So I’ve been home a lot recently. You too? I kid. I’ve been pretty much staying in 24 – 7. Well 23 – 7 as I’ve been going outside to run for ~45 minutes to an hour each day. Other than the grocery store once a week, I’ve been in our apartment. I’ve been doing the usual blogging, internet stuff and reading, but I do have some new pass times.

Spelling Bee from the NY Times Puzzles section. I mentioned this last week over virtual coffee. This word puzzle game is simple. You basically find as many words as you can with the 7 letters. The middle letter must be in every word. You get extra points if you use all 7 letters (pangrams). I’ve been enjoying comparing notes with Marie, too.

Daily Burn 20 Minute Strength Workouts. I’ve never been one to work out at home. I live in an apartment and we don’t have a space dedicated to working out. Since the gyms are all closed, I signed up for 60 days free on Daily Burn from The Skimm. They have tons of workouts for all levels. I’m loving the 20 minute strength program. I’ve been doing it for a few weeks. I’m a fan! Here’s the link if you’re interested.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole modified from Gimme Some Oven

Cooking New Recipes. I’ve always prepared food but I only make a few recipes and meals. I’ve been trying to make at least one new recipe in a week and have resurrected some that I haven’t made in a while. I’ve even made some successful and tasty ingredient substitutions. Who would have guessed?

Puzzles! Well… puzzle. We now have four 1000 piece puzzles to complete. We ordered one from Amazon and it never came. Then, we ordered two directly from a vendor. The Husband’s sister (a/k/a my SIL) also ordered us two from Maisonette in Brooklyn. Four showed this week and we’re excited. We’re making serious progress on The 1980s. I’ve been blasting the 80s tunes from Amazon Music, too! We’re loving it.

Virtual Meet Ups and Pilates. I’ve been doing virtual happy hours and coffee dates with my running friends in Chicago and NYC, high school college friends, former colleagues, Chicago fitness group and other friends. I’m loving “seeing” everyone. It’s been great to spend time catching up with so many friends all over the country without traveling.

If you’ve been around here, you know that I do Pilates every week with Maureen from Ryan Wellness. Before the gyms shut down, she cancelled sessions to keep folks safe. Two weeks ago we started Monday morning virtual sessions and it’s going great. With a mat, a towel and some weights, I’m getting a solid workout and I love the positive energy and great start to the week.

What have you been doing to pass the time? Which things do you think you’ll continue after we’re back outside? Please share in the comments.

Have a good weekend!

PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!