It seems pretty inevitable – “Frankenstorm” is coming. This means heavy rain, strong winds, possible power outages, and a whole lot of staying indoors and twiddling your thumbs.
However, if you’re like me and are often glued to your iPhone or laptop, you’re going to need some old school power outage ideas to keep you sane. That is why I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite (obvious and some not-so-obvious) ideas for you to partake in while the power is potentially out. Who says you can’t be productive?
Glow-In-The-Dark Bathtub Hangout
Hopefully you get to read about this BEFORE the power actual does go out:
1. Play Monopoly (and other board games)
What better time to play a long board game than when the power is out? Hang out by the “Boardwalk” and Park Place even if Sandy is ravaging the real thing. I absolutely love playing these types of games when the power is out by candlelight – especially when you’ve got nothing else to do. Let’s face it, Monopoly can be a loooong game when there’s power (lots of other things to do), but when there’s no power, what better option is there?
2. Pamper Yourself by Candlelight
Sounds silly. But if you don’t have an acrylic or gel manicure, what better time to soak your nails and give yourself a DIY manicure or give/get a massage? Flashlights and candles get ready – there’s no power needed for this option! Make sure you have a bowl of water ready to go before the power is out if you’re doing your nails. And use lots of light — you don’t want to have the power come back on and look like you dipped your hands in a bucket of paint!
3. Play Cards
I adore playing cards; it reminds me of playing with my grandma in Florida. Here’s a link to some fun and novel card games with rules: http://www.pagat.com/alpha/
4. Read by Candlelight
Oh, how novel. No pun intended. Forget your Nook or Kindle – they’ll be gone in a few hours after the power goes out. Find yourself an old-fashioned book you’d like to read and curl up with a blanket! There’s nothing better. One of my favorite books is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
5. Organize Your Closet, Dressers, Office (etc)
Having no power is a great time to organize your life. Yes, you’ll need some flashlights and candles if it is dark out, but it is a great time to focus on a nagging task or two. Think about color coding your wardrobe, putting summer clothes away and getting fall/winter clothes into your closet & organized, or cleaning and organizing your jewelry/hair accessories. Another great option is to go through toiletries and other bathroom items that you use and don’t use and make a throw-away pile. Cathartic to say the least!
7. Make No-Bake Cookies
Some recipes for you to peruse:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Graham Cracker Sandwiches
- Caramel Crisp Marshmallows
- Skinny Mint Cookies
No power needed!
8. Do Crafts
For your amusement, here are some fun crafts for adults (including a million things to do with mason jars):
9. Build a Fort
This is probably my favorite activity sans power. Ahhh the days of making a fort and just hanging out. Make sure to tweet me pics if you do this! (@HobokenGirlBlog)
10. Drink and Be Merry!
Don’t forget: a hurricane or scary storm doesn’t have to be a day or two filled with anxiety and panic – make it fun! Pour yourself your favorite cocktail or a glass of wine – treat yourself to some cookies or candy that you like to indulge in. Enjoy yourself!
Even after knowing all these fun things to do after the power goes out, remember to take precautions BEFORE the power goes out. Charge up your phones, batteries, laptops, etc — and make sure to have fresh water, food, and other essentials like blankets, wine(!), and matches. Hopefully we can ride this storm out in time for some Halloween festivities…keep your fingers crossed!
What’s your favorite no-power-necessary activity? Please share!
Stay safe everyone!
