It’s raining, it’s pouring and the day feels really boring. It’s no secret, when the weather is less than ordinary, it can really affect your mood. Imagine planning out your entire weekend and then waking up to see the whole sky filled with clouds and lightning. You might as well say so-long to your picnic in the park and get ready to cosy up inside.
Even though the sky is dark and gloomy, your day doesn’t have to be. It’s true, ‘picnic in the kitchen’ doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun activities to do at home when it’s raining outside.
1. Spend the day cooking
The hours might pass by slowly, so if you’re looking to kill time, why not create something delicious in the process? With winter fast approaching, we’re all reaching for delicious dishes and desserts that we can whip up in the kitchen. Want to spend the day playing chef? These lamb shanks and this easy gnocchi recipe are meals that the whole family can enjoy and make for the ultimate comfort food. To finish, take your tiramisu addiction up a notch with this quirky take on the traditional dessert. You’ll be able to find all the ingredients at Coles, Trim’s Fresh or Woolworths.
2.Start a DIY project with the kids
Grab your glitter and glue, it’s time to get crafty! With little ones to occupy, there’s no better way to spend a day inside than with some fun DIY craft projects. Our three picks are DIY confetti vase, how to make slime and, make your own live volcano. These creative (and slightly messy) projects require some supplies, so head into Smiggle, Target and Big W and stock your arts and crafts cupboard with all the necessities. But, a word of warning, make sure you put some towels down first!
3. Organise your house
Marie Kondo is the genius behind “The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up”, the decluttering craze that’s sweeping the globe and transforming homes all across the world. Even though Marie has a waiting list that is a mile long in Japan, that doesn’t mean you can’t use this opportunity to adopt some of her philosophies in your own house. By following Marie’s lesson of tackling categories, not rooms, you can clear out any mess that might be invading your life. On this rainy day, work on de-cluttering your clothing first, then books, photographs and so forth. And for some extra tips and tricks on hygiene, check out our Home Hygiene Hacks.
4. Have a movie or tv marathon
It’s perhaps the most obvious choice when it comes to spending the day inside, but a tv or movie marathon is a match made in heaven with rainy weather. But before you squabble over Harry Potter or Friends, transform your lounge room into the comfy retreat that dreams are made of. You’ll need lots of cushions and throws, pick these up from Adairs, Bed Bath N’ Table or Target. When it comes to purchasing the box set or DVD of your choice, head into JB Hi-Fi for endless options and for movie snacks that will please even the fussiest of critics, click here.
5. Stock your freezer
There’s not many foods that work for breakfast, lunch and dessert, but if there was one that did, it would certainly be banana bread. There’s no question that fresh-out-of-the-oven banana bread is delicious, but if you keep it in the freezer, it can be enjoyed for months to come. A rainy day inside is the perfect opportunity to use up all your over-ripe bananas and stock the freezer, so when the weather finally comes good, you don’t have to waste precious hours slaving away in the kitchen. For other delicious dishes to stock your freezer with, check out our A-Z recipe guide and pick up your essentials from Coles and Woolworths.
6. Have a spa day
Life is busy, right? We’re always on the go and that doesn’t leave much time for a little bit of pampering. So when the rain hits and it’s too wet to go outside, take the opportunity for a little TLC. Get into your most comfortable clothes (we love this snuggly robe from Sussan and sweater from Cotton On) and pop on a face mask. Then, get started on your mani-pedi; nude or pale pink will match every outfit and look classy and chic. For extra indulgence, treat yourself to some luxurious face cream from Napoleon Perdis and new hair tools from Hairhouse Warehouse.
Cotton On Chloe Split Front Sweater, Hairhouse Warehouse Halo The Jennifer Dryer, Hairhouse Warehouse Make Blonde Duo Pack, Moe & Co. Rescue Shampoo 300ml, Napoleon Perdis Hydrating Milk Cleanser, Priceline BLAQ Activated Charcoal Face Mask, Priceline TRILOGY Very Gentle Hydra-Mask, Professionail OPI Nail Lacquer, Professionail OPI Infinite Shine, Sussan Three Quarter Fluffy Gown
7. Get your kids into cooking
It’s dark and gloomy outside, so why not transport the kids to Mexico on this rainy day? Or a tropical destination like Fiji? If you can’t go outside, you can at least pretend! Take this opportunity to teach your kids how to whip up some delicious dishes in the kitchen. These fruity ice-blocks will remind the kids of bright, sunny days on the beach and you can transport the whole family to Mexico with these easy crispy chicken tacos. Not only is it the perfect opportunity for quality bonding time, but it will help teach your little ones an important skill that they can carry with them for the rest of their life. Grab all the ingredients you’ll need from Coles and Woolworths.
8. Throw a slumber party for the kids
The weather outside is frightful, but a slumber party sounds delightful! Drag the mattresses and sleeping bags out, things are about to get cosy. Deck the kids out in some fun pyjamas from Target and Cotton On Kids and get the party started with popcorn, movies and games! Next, stop in at Big W and EB Games to pick up the latest blockbusters and gaming consoles and finally, for extra tips on how to host the ultimate sleepover, click here.
Adairs Kids Sherpa Bean Bag Pink, Bed Bath N' Table Morgan & Finch Chambray Tent, Big W Jumanji Welcome To The Jungle, Big W Popcorn Maker, Cotton On Kids Free Sleepy Homeboot, EB Games Nintendo Switch Neon Console, Woolworths Skittles Fruits, Target Astro Sloth Flannelette Pyjama Set
9. Have a games day
Whether you’re into Monopoly, Scrabble, Guess Who or just love a game of Go Fish, there’s no better time to host a games day than when the weather turns sour. A game of Twister or Charades is perfect for the whole family to enjoy (and will release some of the little ones pent-up energy) or a game of Pictionary or Cranium is always a fun way to showcase everyone’s artistic and creative side. The best part? You can pick-up most of these board games in-centre from Big W or Target. Plus, for an exciting and competitive edge, why not have a fun prize to present to the winner at the end of the day?
10. Organise your wardrobe/donate to charity
We get it, it’s not the most exciting of jobs, but cleaning out your wardrobe is one of the most satisfying and rewarding jobs you can do and it should be done more than once a year! A rainy day inside is the perfect time to tackle an overflowing wardrobe. Start by separating the clothing into styles – dresses, tops, pants, skirts and outerwear. Then, create some smaller piles: keep, throw and donate. For a luxurious and glamorous touch every time you open the doors, switch your hangers to velvet hangers from Target so they are all matching.
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