insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 11 - January 2016 | Page 73

DAYSOUT

have a day in
The weather’s not looking promising, to be honest. It’s grey and grim, damp
and drizzly, and even when the sun is shining the air is still cold enough to
freeze even the smallest of muddy puddles. BY LISAMARIE LAMB
It’s January.
But despite the weather, January does not have
to be a boring month. Okay, so you can’t
(necessarily, each to their own, of course) go
frolicking in the fields or spend a day at the beach,
but there is plenty to do within your own four
walls that can make a day out pale in comparison.
We’re advocating the day in, and we know just
how you can make it memorable for you and
your family.

Baking
You don’t have to be a domestic goddess, or
god, when it comes to baking. Recipes abound
on the internet, or maybe it’s time to dust off
some of those underused cook books that contain
such scrumptious ideas. Many of the most
delicious use everyday staples that you’ll have in
the fridge or cupboard, so you won’t even need
to brave the wind chill to pick up supplies.

matter what their age, no matter what their – or
your – talent will always raise the spirits. No
instruments? Make your own! The kitchen is a
great resource for things that make noise… The
voice is an instrument too, don’t forget!

long chat with friends and family who you might
not see very often?

Make A Website or Scrapbook

Writing & Drawing
Have you ever wanted to write a story? Now’s
the time to do it. Maybe you could put some
ideas onto paper and then into a bowl; everyone
takes turns to pick one and create a story around
whatever it says. Or brainstorm a story together
and come up with something unique and
personal. Once it’s complete you can even get
everyone to contribute by drawing an illustration.

To make it really fun, why not have a bake off?
Challenge your family members to create the
most elaborate cake or pastry, test their skills by
getting them to create their own recipe, or even
forget the instructions altogether and just have
fun. And when you’re done, there will be
something to eat – bonus!
These days it’s easy to start a website from
scratch for free, especially if you use a blogging
site such as WordPress or Blogger. Here you can
record your family’s thoughts, feelings, ideas,
achievements, and anything else you might want
to note down.

Music
Since you’re recreating Bake Off, you may as
well give Strictly a go too. Pop on your favourite
tunes and create some unforgettable dance
moves – is it Latin or ballroom that gets your feet
tapping? See what shapes you can throw, and
have your family score you out of ten. Take it in
turns, or work out an epic routine with a partner.
On the subject of music, you can always make
your own. A jam session with your children, no

Contact Friends & Family
If you find the weather is keeping you indoors,
you can bet others are finding themselves in a
similar situation. So why not pick up the phone,
or log into Skype or FaceTime, and have a good

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If you prefer something a little less virtual, why
not make a scrapbook? You can fill it with photos,
drawings, ticket stubs, menus, anything and
everything that you pick up on your days out (or
in!) with the family. As they begin to fill up it’s fun
to look through them and indulge in a little
nostalgia.