Bobby’s Bookmarks: Ways To Stay Entertained, Inspired, and How You Can Help
While we are all dealing with an extraordinary situation, we think it’s important to retain some sense of normalcy. That’s why we’re still bringing you our weekly dose of inspiration. But in addition to our usual content, we’ve also got tips on how to stay entertained, informed, and ways you can give back to those in need.
Whether you need something entertaining, ways for your kids to keep occupied, or just something inspiring to focus on in this difficult time, we’ve got something to help you out. And if you’re wondering how you can help others in need, we’re also sharing resources and organizations you can donate to during this challenging time. Plus, we’ve also got a couple of beautiful homes to share too in case you need a little distraction.
Scroll down to see everything we’re sharing this week. And if you need a little more inspiration, click through here to follow us on Pinterest to see everything we’re currently loving.
Keeping Kids Entertained
Keeping yourself occupied when keeping social distance is one thing, but keeping the kiddos entertained, well that’s a whole other story. While you may find yourself overwhelmed at the prospect of being home all the time with little ones, there are plenty of resources out there to help you make the most of time at home.
- Learning at Home
- Scholastic has launched a Learn at Home website that has courses for students from Pre-kindergarten to grades 6 and up. With a new subject daily, t’s a great way to keep kids engaged and learning about something new every day.
- Mother Goose Club offers free e-books, worksheets and activites you can print for kids. They also have lots of educational and entertaining videos.
- Activities
- Mix a little cornstarch or flour with water, and you’ve got an instant (and safe) material for hours of building and creating.
- Use those extra Amazon boxes to make forts, cars, dollhouses, or anything else their imagination can think up.
- Turn your bookshelf into a pretend library and let them “check out books”.
- To bring a little family zen, try Cosmic Kids Yoga. They have a collection of super cute yoga videos that incorporate cartoons and fairytales that will have kids thinking they’re on an adventure, while actually helping them relax and de-stress.
- The YouTube channel Art For Kids is the perfect way to get your kids engaged with art. They offer hundreds of instructional videos on how to draw animals, characters, and much more.
What To Watch & Listen To
We live in an age of endless digital entertainment options, so when you’re stuck at home, there’s no shortage of options to keep you occupied. Here are our picks for the best ways to stay distracted, informed or just entertained.
- TV & Movies
- Netflix – If you’re not streaming all the seasons of Queer Eye, there are still lots of other options out there. You could watch one of the 40 highest rated movies, 20 inspiring documentaries, or even watch something with a friend who’s also stuck at their home. Netflix Party allows you to synchronize your video playback and add a group chat to any content. So it’s like you’re watching with someone right next you.
- Podcasts
- If you like to stay informed, check out this list for the best news podcasts. For something uplifting to give your day a little boost, try one of these options. And if you’d like to hear from Bobby, check him out on the Clever, Life is Short, and Business of Home podcasts.
- Music & Relaxation
- Soothing Sounds- This list is full of apps to help you relax, unwind, block out the world, and even get a peaceful night’s rest.
- Opera- For something more cultural, The Metropolitan Opera is offering free nightly streams of some of its iconic productions, shown in HD.
- Staying Productive- Check out these playlists when you need to hunker down and get things done.
A Few Inspiring Moments
It wouldn’t be a bookmarks post without some inspiring content. Since we could all use a little escapism right now, here are 2 homes that are full of cozy and comfortable design.
- A Blossoming Boutique
This charming boutique hotel, located in the Australian countryside, feels like the perfect place to hunker down for a few weeks. Called Poet’s Lodge, it was originally built in the 1850s and fully restored into a collection of spaces with open fireplaces, high ceilings and timber paneling (and lots of places to curl up with a book). - Rustic Townhouse
Re-used and reclaimed materials come together to create this warm and textured London home. Designed by the owners of Retrovious, a shop specializing in salvaged building materials and objects, the family home is filled with re-used items, rustic wood, and a neutral and natural palette. The result is a super cozy space abounding with unique pieces and lots of design inspiration.
To Help Others In Need
If you’re looking for ways to help those affected by the virus, or organizations that are making a difference, check out these resources.
- Fair Wages– Supports tipped other service workers who are not able to work during this time.
- Feeding America– Supports food banks across the country providing meals those in need.
- Save The Children– Supports training health teams worldwide how to protect themselves and prevent further spread, along with providing protective equipment and supplies.
- COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser for WHO -Supports the World Health Organization’s global efforts to combat the virus.
- GoFundMe COVID-19 Relief Fund– Supports a general relief fund to directly support individuals affected by the coronavirus.
And if you’re looking for information on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe, you can find resources here:
Thank you so much for this article! We appreciate all you & your team are doing to help us maintain our sanity during these difficult times. Thank you
We’re happy to do it! Thanks for reading. -B
Bobby and team, your emails are a bright spot in the day. Thank you for all the great tips and the beautiful interiors. You rock honeys! ?
Thank you so much! Happy to help in any small way. -B
Thank you
Great compilation of activities to pursue during these difficult times. Hope you are well, take care
Tammy
Perth, Western Australia
Thank you! Glad we can help. -B
This site is inspiring for the designs alone… But I LOVE that it’s also being used as a platform to offer ways to be informed and connected during this time. What an amazing touch and use of being in the public eye. Thank you!!
You’re so welcome. We are happy to do a small part. -B