25 Things to Do When You’re Stuck Indoors

Hurricane Sandy The Frankenstorm has been up and a-brewing the past few hours, and while New Jersey hasn’t yet been feeling the worst of it, we’ve been put on travel restrictions (!) for this statewide emergency. Funnily enough it isn’t the emergency thing that has me sitting anxiously on my bed—it’s the travel restrictions that are mandated in less than half an hour (it’s currently 11:30 a.m. as I write this). Cabin fever is as real as it gets, ladies and gents: let me be exhibit A for evidence. I’m a restless soul by nature and the very thought of comfort—unless you’re talking about cashmere tracksuits—has me anxious to the very bones. It’s a suffocating feeling, being restricted—especially for a girl who values her freedom more than anything else in the world.

But let’s not lose our sanity over the next two (or more!) days while we’re stuck indoors! Here’s to hoping that the power and Wi-Fi stay strong for a while longer, but should the last of our batteries be drained away, keep those gourmand candles lighted and let’s keep ourselves busy, shall we?

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1. Re-organize or re-style your room. There’s no better feeling than a perfectly zen bedroom – nor is there a better antidote to antsy-ness than a good sweep-down with your trusty Swiffer. I’ve been up since 5 a.m. and already did the whole works; my closet and lingerie drawer have been properly organized, and now I’m on to clipping out spreads for a new moodboard. Start browsing Pinterest or Houzz maintenant.

2. Clean out your closet. All you need is a Sharpie and three garbage bags. Keep it, chuck it, or donate it. If you’re hesitant on a piece, you don’t actually love it—donate it. It could be someone’s new favorite or go-to signature.

3. Write 750 words. Do it. Don’t think. Just write.

4. Get through that stack of un-read magazines. Once school starts I’m often too busy to sit down for more than a few minutes; no laptop means endless, tangible inspiration.

5. … and make collages when you’re done. A new moodboard for your office or room, an art piece, or clippings for your style direction this upcoming season. Tote that little notebook around with you whenever you find yourself tempted to shop: it’ll keep you on the right track.

6. Cozy up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and watch a few films. Hocus Pocus (in light of Halloween!), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The September Issue, Valentino: The Last Emperor (it’s available on Hulu, woohoo!), Bill Cunningham New York (which is currently queued on my Hulu account as well), Clueless, Vicky & Cristina in Barcelona, Pride & Prejudice, Miss Representation, No Strings Attached, Chocolat.

7. Here’s 12 dozen places to education yourself online. Knowledge is power. Also incredible is this compilation of the top 10 nonfiction essays written over the past 50 years.

8. Pick up a book and start reading. Any book. Familiarize yourself with the feel of paper and the look of ink and remember it. Books are a beautiful thing.

9. Answer 50 questions that will truly free your mind. It’s less about the right answers, but about the right questions that will bring you to whatever it is you’re seeking. Seems a little too new age-y for you? Try it anyway—you’d be surprised. Take your time with your answers.

10. Update your resume. And LinkedIn profile, if power permits. Your resume is your spokesperson, your PR rep, your everything in the real world.

11. ...and design a new set of business cards while you’re at it! I highly, highly recommend Moo—it’s a beautiful site to work with. Choose a template or start from scratch; either way, the design process is incredibly satisfying from beginning to end. There’s not an inkling of doubt that you won’t love your final product—everything is impeccably packaged and printed at the highest quality. I’m so happy with how mine turned out. 

12. Read your favorite blogs from beginning to end.

13. Exercise! Grab the weights, unroll the mat, and shimmy into your favorite leggings and sports bra. One hour of anything of your choosing – Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, or your favorite workout DVD. Tracy Anderson is my everythinggg right now. Everything. I may practice Pilates sporadically (as I confessed on Twitter), but Tracy is my religion at the moment.

14. Dress up. Play stylist; make new outfits, snap photos, and up the ante on your wardrobe’s versatility. But what I like to do—being the practical thing I am—is try on special occasion dresses (or in this case, Halloween costumes) and do a whole trial run with the makeup and hair. Have a dance party while you’re at it.

15. Bake something completely and inexplicably decadent. Indulge healthily—the two can be done! But if ovens aren’t an option given the no-power situation, I love looking to Sweetly Raw for inspiration.

16. … and while things are a-cookin’/a-settin’ in your kitchen, print out your favorite Instagram-ed photographs and arrange them into a modern-day Polaroid heart. Wake up or work to your loved ones – it’s the most beautiful source of love and comfort.

17. Take a moment to think about how you’re living your life. Meditate on it for as long as you need; read this for inspiration.

18. Go over your finances; organize, highlight and label everything. A strong woman is one who, amongst other things, is financially savvy and economically independent. Remember: save your money and don’t spend it all on fashion. Be smart and conscientious. Commit this quote to memory; I have a newfound love and respect for Erin Wasson (as told to ITG):

“Clothing is disposable; it’s made out of fibers. Jewelry is alchemy: throw it in the bottom of the ocean, it’s still there. And trends are scary. I think they totally hold us by golden handcuffs. It’s really unfortunate that women feel…that we have this desire to covet things that might personify something we’re trying to gain access to. But it’s like, you can’t get the access to it without the experience, itself. So, if you’re into some trendy-ass print, then figure out what the nucleus of it is and maybe go visit the country, instead of being like, ‘Oh I spent 12 grand on this piece.’ It’s funny because girls want to emulate my style, but you can emulate my style for, like, 20 bucks. Go to a thrift store! [Laughs] I don’t spend money on clothes. I’m not that person. I don’t do the whole Isabel Marant thing. I love her as a person, and I think what she does is fucking amazing, but am I going to buy into a world of a French woman selling me what I grew up with?”

19. … and on that note, book yourself a week-long cruise with the ladies, or a trip elsewhere in the world with you and yourself. Experiences are everything. Brew yourself a cup of coffee and sit bundled up in bed with an ex-pat’s blog. I could read them for days…

20. Write a letter by the candlelight. For your mom, dad, brother, sister, best friend, significant other – even if he/she is just a room down the hall. Slip it underneath their door or into their everyday bag as a surprise. There’s nothing more heartwarming than words from the heart.

21. Invest in a lingerie chest. Little things make the biggest difference—trust.

22. Learn one of Britney Spears’ dances. “I’m a Slave 4 U” or “Toxic,” anyone?

23. Revamp your life with Pinterest. 

24. Make it a spa day. Light a few candles and slip into a steamy bath with your favorite Lush  or Laura Mercier products. Massage a few drops of serum onto your face before applying a Kaolin Clay-based or essence-based sheet mask. Play some John Legend in the background; indulge in a few homemade truffles. Exfoliate from top to toe and finish with a lush body butter or creme before slipping into a satin robe and comfy slippers.

25. Catch up on your sleep. Precious zzz’s are the key to a healthier and happier mind, body and soul.

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