Quaratine and Chill?? - 10 Creative Things to Do While You Wait!

The COVID-19 has people across the world quarantined inside of their homes. If you are like me, you are bored out of your mind. On #DayThree, I began curating a list of things to do while you wait this thing out.

By the end of the quarantine, you can create, produce, and curate many creative projects. Sometimes it just takes some additional time in your week to complete it. Use this list as a starting guide for activities you are interested in.

Whether you are home alone or with some family members, you can look at this list as a way to get your day started with productive and fun activities. You can opt to do all of these activities all in one day or you can stretch them out over the course of the quarantine. It is totally up to you!

1. Have a Home Spa Day

What did the famous group XSCAPE say? "Kick off your shoes and relax your feet." Kick your feet up with a wonderful spa day in the comfort of your home. You can:

• Soak your feet in warm water and epsom salt for 10-20 minutes
• Make a DIY face mask (click for 5 easy face masks!)
• Paint your nails
• Make a DIY hair mask (click for a list of hair masks!)

2. Update Your Personal Resume and Cover Letter

If you have recently had a new career transition, commissioned more art, started a new job, learned a new skill, or feel like tapping into your creative side, the COVID-19 virus has given my fellow procrastinators additional time to update their portfolios, resumes and cover letters!

3. Organize Your Space

Take a look around your residence and observe all of the projects you have put to the side. You can use this time to tidy up your bedroom, reorganize your pantry or bookshelf, or even sort through all of your clothes. You may never know what you may find until you clear your space.

4. Try a New Recipe

Since many areas are placing non-essential businesses on lockdown like restaurants, this is a great time to brush up on your cooking and baking skills! Take this time to re-create your favorite menu item from a restaurant or search your favorite foodie blogger for new recipes. (DISCLAIMER: I am not advocating eating all of your food in your home. Please do not eat all of your quarantine snacks to complete this!) 

5. Create a Bullet Journal

If you love itemized order, bullet journals are super helpful! The idea of bullet journaling is simple: you can write on any topic and organize a journal by particular themes. I have seen journals that list positive affirmations, exercise plans, recipes, movies or TV shows to binge, and more!

6.  Make a Bucket List

Quarantining makes an excellent opportunity to list of the things you want to do in life. By writing a bucket list during a time where you are not allowed to do many recreational things, it may inspire new experiences that you want to try.

7. Follow a workout video

During the regular (and normal) week, working out may be hard to fit into your schedule. If you have the space and ability, you can use this time to follow along to a workout video. My personal favorites are Personal Training by Dee for personalized virtual workouts and Yoga By Candace for any yoga practice.

8. Discover Passive Income

Ok, this can lead to greater things beyond the quarantine. I have learned that there are so many ways to garner passive income. You can start a blog, invest in stocks, curate an e-commerce retail store, or even research property management.

9. Curate a Playlist

You can create a playlist on any of your favorite streaming apps: Youtube, Spotify, Tidal, Soundcloud, Apple Music, etc. You can even curate a watchlist for your friends and family on apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

10. Call Your Loved Ones and SQUAD!

This quarantine can be special in many ways because you can reach out to people that you haven't spoken to in a while. I know that this may be hard task for some, but I think it may have many benefits. Start a group chat with your closet friends or all of your cousins; reach out to a mentor for advice; call your grandmother and talk about the family history. The possibilities are endless!

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5 Homemade Hair Masks for Natural Curly Hair

Our hair needs love and sometimes a little bit more than TLC, right?! If your hair is natural like mine, the changing seasons can transform our hair like night and day. In the hotter months, my hair can seem very dry from the sun; in the colder months, my hair doesn't retain styles!

Hair masks are useful when transitioning in between hairstyles. All of the following recipes, I have personally tested or use. My personal favorite is Olive Oil + Honey hair mask because it leaves my hair fully hydrated and added some shine

Here are five homemade hair mask recipes that you can recreate in your home. The ingredients are simple and may already be found in your kitchen pantry!

Olive Oil + Honey
Recipe:                                                Length: 20 min.
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey

Apple Cider Vinegar + Honey + Eggs
Recipe:                                               Length: 20 min.
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 eggs

Banana + Honey + Yogurt
Recipe:                                              Length: 30 - 35 min.
1 banana
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt

If you enjoyed these recipes, please let me know in the comments below. Be sure to follow @SmallPinkDreams on Pinterest and Instagram! 

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5 Simple DIY Face Masks for ALL Skin Types

Photo by Adetayo Adefala on Unsplash

During a professional facial by an esthetician, a face mask is applied after cleaning, analyzing the condition of the skin, exfoliating, (some) extractions, and deep pore or light facial massage. Face masks are especially important and can treat a particular skin type or condition, whether it's dry, dehydrated, sensitive, red, or oily. As face masks are intended to treat a particular skin condition, it is especially important for you to choose the right one for your skin type.

Sometimes, professional facials are expensive and out of the budget. Whether you prefer to do it in the salon or make your own facial mask at home, getting a facial mask can go a long way to improving the overall health of your skin. 

If you're using a professional skin care line, your esthetician can usually recommend a facial mask for you to use at home, but some are only available for professional use. If you are like me (a Beauty on a Budget), take a look at the following face mask recipes to re-create at home!

Disclaimer: These are my personal favorite masks that I tend to use periodically. Please consult with a dermatologist and/or esthetician for a better personalized recipe!

Turmeric Mask - For acne treatment, glowing skin, and even complexion

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of milk 
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey

Apply the mixture onto your face. Leave it to dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse and remove mask.

Honey Oat Mask - To clear scars + dark marks

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of Oatmeal
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of water

Mix and apply an even amount to skin. Leave on for 5-7 minutes. Rinse and remove mask.

Egg White Mask - To blackhead treatment

• 1 teaspoon of egg whites
• 2 teaspoon of lemon juice.

Apply the mixture on your face. Leave to dry on skin for about 8-15 minutes. Remove the mask and rinse with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera Mask - Helps with dry skin

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (substitutes: coconut oil or avocado oil)

Mix and apply an even amount to skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse and remove mask.

Sensitive Skin Mask - For clear and glowing skin

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 2 tablespoons of bananas
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Apply the mixture onto your face. Leave on skin for 15 minutes. Rinse and remove mask.

Do you have a favorite face mask? Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment below!

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