When it's raining...

It's been pouring in New York City. It seems that it has been raining a lot everywhere. Atlanta, Los Angeles, Paris, London... no sun. We're 2 weeks shy from summer and people are still wearing boots, jackets, and scarves. Ah.. miséricorde!

I don't know about you but this weather makes me want to curl up in a hole (or my bed) and stay in there until the sun calls my name. However, since I am of an optimistic nature, I have decided that I am going to set aside my disillusion and disappointment and welcome the rainy days (*ahem*) with some comforting indoor activities. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of these grueling almost-summer-yet-no-sun-to-be-found days:

#1 Host a board-game night with Cranium Wow. This fun game combines pictionary, charades, and trivia to really get the party going. Another entertaining game that triggers some hefty clowning around is Apples to Apples. I played this word association game on a rained-on camping trip in New Hampshire and I can count that moment as one of the silliest and enjoyable moments in recent years!
Bonus snack to keep everyone fueled with energy: Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips with Tribe 40 Spices Hummus

#2 Curl up and reminisce 1990's TV series night with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, or, what the heck, Dawson's Creek! Make delicious popcorn with this easy DIY recipe:

3 tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup corn kernels
1 3-quart covered saucepan

Heat oil in saucepan on medium/high heat. Put a few kernels in pan and cover. When kernels pop, add rest of kernels. Cover and remove from heat and count to 30 seconds. Return pan to heat. When the corn starts to pop, shake pan gently. Once popping noises start to slow down, remove from heat and put in a large bowl.

Seasoning option #1:
1 to 2 tbsp Brown sugar and cinnamon (to taste).
Seasoning #2:
3 tbsp parmesan, 1 tbsp oregano, 1 tsp sea salt.
Seasoning #3:
1 lime, squeezed. 1 to 2 tsp chili powder.


#3 Relax an unwind with a hot shower. Stimulate your senses with Yves Rocher Vanilla Body Wash, leaving skin soft, smooth, and fragrant. Then pick up a book you've been meaning to read for a while, or a book you really enjoyed and always wanted to reread. Mine is Seeing me Naked by Liza Palmer.

[image 2 thanks to {-Maria-} according to this license]

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