50+ Guide and Tips

5 Reasons To Like Large Print Books

by Deb C May 2, 2025

First of My Reasons to Like Large Print Books

If you are an avid reader like me, one of the plusses of being 50plus today is that more and more books are being printed in Large Print format.

The first of my reasons to like Large Print Books is that they are easier to read when I’m tired. With large print, my eyes are less strained. I can read longer without having to give my eyes a rest. This is very helpful when I am really involved in a story and don’t want to put the book down. As a Baby Boomer, I really appreciate that they reduce eye strain.

Second of My Reasons to Like Large Print Books

Large Print Books are easier and faster to read than regular print books. I find my eyes glide along the page and I seem to finish books faster than those with regular-sized print. I don’t struggle to focus. I can quickly get through descriptions that may have little bearing on the main plot. As I love to read, especially mysteries and thrillers, I get to “who dun it” much faster. I also get on to the next book faster. (There’s always a next book in the queue.)

Third of My Reasons to Like Large Print Books

Large Print versions of popular books are more likely to be found on the library shelf than regular-print books. I used to head over to the Express Books or New Books section when I entered the library. Then I changed my habit to look on the New Large Print Books section first. This is because I often find, to my delight, recent bestsellers there. Therefore, I don’t have to wait until they show up on the regular shelves or reserve them and wait for my turn on the waiting list.

Fourth Reason: Get Your Hands on Bestsellers quicker

Want to cut your waiting time on the library reserve list for a newly published and popular book? Reserve the Large Print version. The waiting list is much, much shorter. Sometimes there’s almost no wait at all, or you could be first when the book is on order. If your library’s copy isn’t available, often another library’s is available, and it’s quickly sent via inter-library loan. Not instant gratification, but close.

Last of My Reasons to Like Large Print Books

Large Print books tend to stay open easier. I like to prop my books on a book stand so I can read and enjoy a cup of tea. I generally have to use another book or a chip clip or similar large clip to help keep regular books open to keep my hands free. Somehow the weight of the binding helps to keep the book open.

Summing Up My Reasons to Like Large Print Books

Easier on the eyes, faster to read, more readily available, shorter reserve lists, and stay open, what’s not to like about Large Print books? Well, yes, they are heavier, but then they keep your strength up, too!

One of the plusses of being 50plus today is that more and more books are being printed in Large Print format

Are you a fan of Large Print Books? Why or why not? Please leave a comment below.

May 2, 2025 0 comment

50+ Guide and Tips Nostalgia

7 Tips for keeping, selling, donating vintage vinyl records

by Deb C March 30, 2023

My record player doesn’t work. My kids don’t want my records and would toss them if I let them. My records are taking up space literally and mentally. Does this sound like you? I promised my kids this would be a year of purging. And my vinyl records are on my “things to let go of” list. Here are 7 tips for keeping, selling, repurposing, and donating vintage vinyl records. Some are obvious. Some, not so much.

1st Tip: Condition is king when it comes to vinyl records

Whether keeping or selling your vinyl records, condition is king. Even sought after records should be clean and free of scratches, dirt, and fingerprints. The outer and inner sleeves should also be present and in good/great condition.

Always handle by the edges or the record label, keeping your fingers off the grooves. This helps keep the listening experience optimum. Dirt and oil from your fingers and environment result in skips, hissing, and other hiccups.

Things that affect the value of vinyl records:

mold – on the sleeve or the record
writing, such as the name of the owner written on the sleeve or record label
wear on the sleeve or label
scratches on the record
evidence on sleeve that the record was stored flat in a pile
missing sleeve or inner sleeve or record notes

2nd Tip: Desirability, availability, condition, and re-issues make a difference in value

Some bands and singers just aren’t desirable, even if once famous. Some records are readily available and others have been re-pressed, or reissued with updated sleeves and changes.

Some bands may have slightly different versions of a record issued in the United States, as opposed to other countries.

You may own an album still in its shrink-wrap that nobody wants.

Record stores and consignment shops I researched or dealt with refuse to buy or consign classical music, Broadway musicals, or show tunes albums. They aren’t particularly interested in 45’s, either.

They don’t want records that don’t have sleeves or if the sleeves show the outline of the record indicating that the record was stored flat in a stack.

3rd Tip: Why and how to clean your records for yourself and for sale

If you want to keep and enjoy your records, you need to clean them regularly. I never knew that it’s recommended that you clean them before and after using them. I do have a record brush that I used occasionally.

You can’t just pull your albums out of the cellar, garage, or attic and expect to use or sell them as is. Well, maybe at a yard sale when expectations are lower, but so are the prices they command.

Record sleeves can reveal a lot about where and how a record is stored. Dust, dirt, and mold on the sleeves and records kill interest.

I discovered that using an antiseptic wipe does wonders for the sleeves. It didn’t seem to damage either the shrink-wrap or the cardboard sleeve. After realizing that my records probably had mold on them, I washed my hands and put on plastic gloves before handling them. Now, this is what I chose to do, taking a chance. You need to decide for yourself as far as using wipes or the method below for cleaning the records themselves. I take no responsibility for your choices.

I discovered a great way for me to clean records on YouTube. It seems that the most efficient way is to have a sort of assembly line and commit to cleaning a batch all at once. There are cleaning kits and cleaning fluids available, and several videos on You Tube. I found I liked holding the record with suction cups to cover the label and washing and spraying with a homemade cleanser the most appealing method. Here’s the link to Dean Cook”s “How To Clean Vinyl Records 4 Minutes.”

4th Tip: Deciding how and where to sell your vinyl records

First, you probably want to get a general idea of pricing. I used Google to research my records, which brought up examples on Ebay, Etsy, and other sites.

I discovered later that the go-to website is Discogs. This website has a massive database and lots of information about how to grade and price your records.

Note that this is time-consuming. If you don’t want to put the time into it, or your first results show that generally your records aren’t worth that much, you may be better off just selling in bulk to a local store or on consignment.

Some reasons not to try selling your records individually yourself online:

– expectations of the buyer may be higher than what you graded your record

– packing up your records to ship involves buying special packages

– shipping fees and time involved in preparing record for shipping aren’t worth it

Except for a couple of albums, my records weren’t in great shape. Some sleeves were in poor shape or written on. I didn’t think it was worth while to try to sell my records online due to their condition, moderate value, packaging expense, and shipping prep. A core group were originally my records, purchased in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Others I bought second hand when I owned a consignment shop in the 1970’s, as well as picking them up at yard sales. In short, most of them had more sentimental than actual value. I also didn’t want my reputation as a seller dinged on Etsy or eBay if a seller disagreed with my assessment of condition, or if the record arrived broken.

My goal was to weed out duplicates and those I bought as curiosities. I had some special commercial editions, like a Frank Sinatra tied into an airline due to his song “Come Fly with Me.” Interesting, but not a hidden treasure. So, I decided to try consigning them and then sell the rest wholesale to a vintage record store. I hoped as much to pass my records on to folks who appreciated them, as much as to make a little money.

5th Tip: Be prepared to have your records rejected when you go to sell them

Due to the lack of salability of a record for the reasons above, what’s precious to you, may be of no value to others. Or, of such low value that it’s not worth the store owner’s space and time to take your records, even for free.

You might see a record like one you own for sale online, but when you go to sell it, at least in person, no one bites. Just because someone posts a record for sale doesn’t mean it will sell, or that yours is exactly the same and in as good a condition.

I cleaned my records and sleeves (see cleaning tips) and brought only the ones that I thought were in the best condition to a local consignment shop. (Not my beloved Classic Consignments.) I was very annoyed with the employee who was the store’s “expert” on accepting records. She said she will look at them and see if they are salable or “only worth using as Frisbees”. I kept my cool but asked that they contact me if they don’t want any of them. They would do that, as they didn’t want to have to deal with disposing of them. Although the owner had approved, by email, for me to bring in my 45’s, they were rejected in the spot. The “expert” said they didn’t sell many. I had several Beatles with their sleeves, but nope, not interested.

The store did sell almost all of the records they did accept, a few for $25, so “The Expert” appears to know the customer base, but she doesn’t know good customer relations.

On the other hand, I took the “rejects” to a record store that buys them outright. I had to leave them for a few days to give them time to look them over. In the end, the owner bought a stack of them. They were pretty much those that I thought had appeal and some Beatles albums. He also took a couple of what I’d call novelty or curiosity albums, like Kate Smith of “God Bless America” fame and a Liberace Christmas album. I still had to take home about three dozen. Plus he said his 45’s just aren’t moving so he wouldn’t take a peek at mine.

6th Tip: What to do when you can’t sell your records

When you don’t want to keep or throw out your records, there are three options: donate, offer to friends and family, or repurpose in craft projects.

When I discovered that my local record stores and consignment shops didn’t accept classical or Broadway musical albums, I donated them to the local thrift shops. Any others I have after I’ve explored other options I will donate, or offer on Facebook or Freecycle.

At a family gathering, someone of my generation mentioned that he had vinyl records that he didn’t know what to do with, but didn’t want to throw out. The “twenty-something” cousins at our table perked up. They both said “Don’t throw them away, let us take a look!”

I decided I would let them take a peek at mine, too.

While searching online for ideas of what to do with my vinyl records, I discovered there are all kinds of ways to repurpose them. I recalled that, when I was in my teens, a idea for repurposing 78’s. I made a fluted “bowl” out of one by placing it on top of an empty soup can in a heated oven until it softened and loosely cupped around the can. Once it cooled, the idea was to spray paint it in gold or silver, and perhaps sprinkle glitter on it. A very 60’s decorative item.

I have seen clocks made out of records, both 45’s and albums. Some have songs that have to do with time, like “Rock Around the Clock” so they are whimsical as well as nostalgic and practical. Other ideas are wall art, coasters, and a cupcake stand. There are kits to make your own cupcake stands and the hole in the records makes them ideal for DYI.

7th Tip: Keeping the vinyl records important to you

Music equals memories, and hearing certain songs can trigger them. When I hear “More Than a Feeling” by Boston, I’m back dancing at a party in a frat house basement in Boston, Mass. Like the song says, I slip away, mentally dancing back to that time when my college roommate and I would sign up for every frat party that invited girls from our campus and provided transportation.

Owning certain records with special meanings can be important to you. If you find it difficult to give them up, find a way to enjoy them and not just store them. Buy a new record player, or frame them and decorate your walls, or find another way to feed your soul that doesn’t cause clutter or take up too much space. It may help to write notes about them and insert them in the sleeves so that your kids will understand why you didn’t want to let them go. And let them know you’d appreciate it if they found new owners for them and not just toss them.

What are or what did you do with your vinyl record collection? What are your tips? Please share in the comments below.

Want to learn how to start a blog?

Here’s some courses to get you started: Start A Travel Blog

or Start A Blogging Business.

March 30, 2023 0 comment

50+ Guide and Tips Budget-minded Discounts Quirky Finds Weightloss

Aldi Helped Me Lose Weight and Save Money

by Deb C June 29, 2022

How Aldi Helped Me Lose Weight and Save Money

When an Aldi Supermarket opened near us, we quickly realized we could save money by shopping there. Then as we got to know the products, I realized I could save calories as well as money. This post is about how Aldi helped me lose weight and save money.

Just by Shopping There Aldi Helped Me Lose Weight

First, let me say that, as of this writing, I have lost about a dress size since shopping at Aldi. I didn’t change much of anything else in my lifestyle, except adding a stationery bike (bought at Aldi) to my usual exercise methods. And I don’t use that bike daily. See my other post about Aldi.

I haven’t felt hungry or deprived, and the weight was gradual, but it is staying off, not fluctuating, like it used to. What some refer to as a “set point” of my weight has gone down and is heading down again. I think it’s better for those 50-plus to lose weight slowly but steadily as our skin tends to lose it’s elasticity. Rapid weight loss can leave loose wrinkled skin.

I’m not slender, but it’s such a great feeling to put on last year’s summer clothes and find that they are loose. And, I can buy things a size smaller now.

Aldi helped me and can help you lose weight just by making you move more

There’s a little more physical activity to shopping at Aldi. The shopping carts are locked together and released by inserting a quarter. This encourages shoppers to return their carts to the store in order to get their quarter back. So, added steps, depending upon how far away you park. This also helps you save money as Aldi doesn’t have as much overhead as there’s less need for an employee to be paid to retrieve the carts.

You have to do your own bagging. The Aldi cashiers just place everything in a shopping cart and you bag your own groceries in the bagging area. Either bring your own bags, buy them, or pick up an empty box from a cage around the store.

Until you get the lay of the store, and sometimes afterwards, you find yourself retracing your steps to locate a product. Even if you learn where most things are, you may cruise the aisles looking for either new items or something you’ve never bought there before.

Aldi helped me lose weight and save money due to their somewhat limited selection

As Aldi limits it’s inventory to mostly store brands, and limited shelf space. You won’t find your favorite breakfast cereal, and endless choices, but you will find the basic and comparable ones, at a significant savings. As the selection is limited, you are less tempted to overbuy. Not that some of the baked goods and snacks aren’t tempting, but with less variety, the temptation is reduced.

Saving calories while enjoying snacks is easy with Aldi brands

Aldi’s Fit&Active Brand has some snacks that will satisfy your cravings for crunch without you loading up on calories. You can enjoy 17 of their about half dollar sized cheddar cheese rice snacks for a total of 170 calories. They are tasty and filling. They are popped, not fried, gluten free, and there’s no high fructose corn syrup. A six ounce bag has about 6 servings and, at this writing is $2.99. Comparable or less than a bag of higher calorie, less healthy potato chips.

Their Simply Nature non-gmo USDA organic White Cheddar Puffs of baked corn and rice, also gluten free, runs 130 calories for about a one cup serving. The package says not a low calorie food, but if you have a handful or two with a sandwich instead of chips, you are automatically eating better.

Savoritz woven wheat crackers are comparable to Triscuits. No calorie savings, but you can enjoy a similar taste for the same or less money.

Savoritz also makes a Pita Cracker in sea salt and garlic and chive varieties. You can enjoy about 11 crackers at 130 calories, and under $3.00 a box. If you like Trader Joe’s Pita Crackers, these are close. Enjoy them with hummus from Aldi’s refrigerated section.

Saving calories while enjoying sweet snacks is also easy with Aldi brands

Simply Nature has packages of dried fruit, including strawberries, mangoes, and Fuji apples. I find that I am satisfied to have a third to half a bag as a snack. It’s $2.99, but better than pricey diet food snacks. And better for you.

If you like Greek yogurt, try Aldi’s Friendly Farms Non-Fat versions, 5.3 oz, only 59 cents each, the summer of 2022.

Seasonal fruit, like strawberries and blueberries, have been $1.79 a quart, and under $2 for a pint of blueberries. Green seedless grapes have been comparable, or less than other local supermarkets.

Aldi Cookie Thins also helped me lose weight and save money

If you are like me, and like to have a little something with your coffee or tea break, check out Aldi Cookie Thins. So far I have bought and tried Lemon, Key Lime, and Toasted Coconut. At 140 or 150 calories for 6 cookies, you can satisfy your cravings for less calories and money.

The Toasted Coconut have no hydrogenated oil, no artificial ingredients, real toasted coconut, and no corn syrup. The lemon cookie thins also have no hydrogenated oil, no corn syrup, and, no artificial flavors or preservatives. So, tasty, crunchy, sweet, but without many of the bad things in many store-bought cookies. They are about the size of a half-dollar. I break them in half to have the portion last longer.

I will update this post with more Aldi products periodically.

See my other post about Aldi.

Do you like shopping at Aldi? What products do you like?

Leave comments below.

Want to learn how to start a blog?

Here’s some courses to get you started: Start A Travel Blog

or Start A Blogging Business.

June 29, 2022 0 comment

50+ Guide and Tips Stay At Home Tips and Plusses

12 Ways to Socialize while Social Distancing

by Deb C June 29, 2020

Missing interacting with friends and family? Here are 12 ways to socialize outdoors while social distancing.

Being outdoors and interacting with loved ones and special friends are important for your physical and mental health. These 12 ways to socialize outdoors while social distancing are intended to help you do both while reducing the risk of possible infection by maintaining social distancing.

Please note that these suggestions are for those who have been careful about isolating themselves and not knowingly exposed themselves to COVID-19. Masks are still a recommended component, unless drinking and eating. Using any of these ideas doesn’t guarantee safety. Only you can decide what you feel comfortable with doing.

1. Levels

Be on different levels when interacting. Keep your distance but close enough to carry on a conversation by being on different levels. Porch, deck, balcony, open window, even treehouse.

2. Each to Their Own Space

Designate and separate using screenhouses, umbrellas, or canopies, etc. Each party to their own and stay within its perimeter.

Deck with patio furniture on 50plusses.com — This deck and the patio sets can allow for distancing while close enough for conversation.

3. See-Through Door

Stay on either side of a glass or screen door. If screen, stay back at least three feet. If a glass door, perhaps open window nearby to hear better.

4. Low or Slatted Fencing

Make use of low or slatted fencing. Each person or group to have benches, chairs and tables on each side of the fence.

5. Parking Lot

Make use of an empty or sparsely used parking lot. Park so that there is a parking space in between the two cars.

6. Make Use of an Athletic Field

You may be able to make use of a public athletic field with a running track. Keep your distance by walking in the inner/outer lanes or perimeters.

7. Badminton or other yard games requiring spacing

Man with badminton racket on 50plusses.com

Games like badminton include exercise when you socialize outdoors while social distancing. The net will provide a natural barrier for one on one badminton in the backyard. Wear gloves or wash and disinfect hands, rackets, and birdies before and after.

You can find fun ideas for outdoor games online.

8. Outdoor Yoga

Some yoga instructors have taken to providing outdoor Yoga classes in public parks. Again, this provides healthy activity when you socialize outdoors while social distancing.

Senior couple doing yoga outdoors on 50plusses.com

9. Drive-In Movies

Drive-In movies are making a comeback. You may meet up with separate cars next to each other. Even without meeting friends and family, being outside with others sharing an experience is uplifting in these times.

10. Drive-In Church

If your place of worship offers it, go if you feel comfortable. Arrange to park near family and friends.

11. Go Fish.

Go fishing. Travel separately to the fishing spot. Space yourself close enough for casual conversation.

12. Coordinated Neighborhood Activity

Some neighborhoods have organized a regularly scheduled activity that engages neighbors while they keep their distance. Some have daily Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag with a patriotic song. Some have the musicians or singers entertain. Some have someone leading dancing, exercises, or Yoga while people are in their yards or on a quiet street.

Senior couple with guitar on 50plusses.com

For other tips and thoughts about making the most of having to stay at home, see these blog posts: 30+ Ideas for Having Outside Fun at Home: Staying Home Doesn’t Mean Staying In and The Plusses of Being Stuck at Home.

For more ideas about making staying home more productive and satisfying, see this ebook: Hacking Being Homebound.

What are some ways that you socialize while social distancing? Please share your tips in the comments area. Thanks!

June 29, 2020 1 comment

50+ Guide and Tips Stay At Home Tips and Plusses

The Plusses of Being Stuck at Home

by Deb C April 16, 2020

Silver-lining Plusses of Being Stuck at Home

Stuck at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic or other factors?

If you are stuck at home, why not look for the silver lining and make the most of it?

Here’s some guidelines that I follow that help me stay active, refreshed, motivated, and freed from my aging to-do lists:

Keep to a regular schedule

While you can stay up late and sleep in, a regular schedule makes for a healthy body and mindset. I stick to my regular weekday and weekend day sleep habits. The Plus: I feel better and get more done than when I change up my hours.

Regular (and increased) Exercise

Every weekday morning I exercise for at least 30 minutes, often 45, to an exercise video. I started pulling out several that I rarely or never used and use a different one every day or so for variety. Those I don’t care for, I put in a donate pile. The Plus: I am purging things as well as exercising.

As my husband is now working from home, we now often take walks during the time he would have been commuting. We challenge each other to pick different places to walk. We also now walk to the post office (about a mile away) and pharmacy (about half a mile) as needed. The Plus: Healthy exercise, fresh walking paths, and together time with my spouse.

We also cleared off the exercise machines gathering dust in the cellar. My husband repaired an elliptical, which I use for a few minutes here and there when I go down cellar to do laundry. Next is the treadmill, which my husband prefers to use. If we can’t get the treadmill to work, then we can purge it, too, freeing up space. Several plusses of being stuck at home: Actually using exercise equipment we own, and purging those items that need to go, freeing up space.

Reaching Out & Reviving Connections

Extended Family: My mother passed away some months ago. Since then I realized that I have lost a connection to my past and the source of family information. This makes those few family members remaining more precious. Instead of just thinking I should call Aunt M, or Cousin F, I am doing so.

Friends: There are personal and work friends that now cross my mind as I wonder who might be affected by this crisis. I’ve started to call, email, text, or Facebook them to check in.

Immediate Family: We cancelled plans for a family gathering and isolated ourselves from our children. However, the phone calls, texts, and now Snapchats are frequent and have drawn us closer. I miss puppy-sitting for my son and daughter-in-law, but enjoy the pet’s antics virtually.

LinkedIn Connections and Facebook: I’ve started refreshing and adding to LinkedIn and Facebook connections. I’ve been educated and enriched by their posts.

The Plusses of being stuck at home: More personal and professional enrichment.

Virtual Enrichment

Libraries: Public libraries, already offering many online resources, have beefed up their virtual offerings. Some are offering story hours with their Children’s Librarian reading stories, and lists of resources accessed online. For example, the Framingham Public Library offers advice for seniors, as well as community and COVID-19 information.

Museums: Since we can’t go to the museums, the museums are bringing some of their treasures to us, online. Here are 12 museums that offer visual tours.

Traveling: Since we can’t go places, national parks, travel magazines and cruise lines are providing virtual travel experiences. You can even stream the Northern Lights.

Colleges and Universities: Several are providing some free online classes or programs.

Theater, Dance, Music: Performances of Shakespeare and other playwrights, dance, opera, and music are being made available on You Tube.

Learn a new skill or craft or brush up on one: Bob Ross programs are now online and tool and craft stores and companies like Cricut have online instructions and project videos.

The Plusses of being stuck at home now: All kinds of enrichment formally not available to us online and for free.

Clearing files

I don’t know about you, but I have several file drawers and cabinets that I haven’t touched in years. There are some articles I’ve written and photos I’ve taken that from time to time, I wish I could put my hands on. I’ve started to go through some files looking for one item, and I found others that I had lost track of.

If you have been living in the same place for a while, you have probably accumulated papers that you no longer need. If you don’t start to purge, it could be overwhelming, or just aggravating if you move, or if loved ones have to do the clearing. After cleaning out the house my mother lived in for 57 years, and then her assisted living unit, I vowed to do better by my children. How many sheets of those free mailing labels does anyone need?

Here’s some examples of things to go through and organize or purge from your files:

Appliance and Automobile Manuals: Sort through and recycle those you no longer need. If you have some older ones, you might check eBay or Craig’s List and such as there is a market for them. I discovered that there was a market for the old Ariens snowblower manual I unearthed. The Plusses: Not only free up your file cabinet, but perhaps make a little money and make someone who needs a manual happy.

Insurance Policies: How far back do you really want to save?

Bank and checkbooks and statements: Have you closed the accounts? How far back do you want or need to save?

Tax Returns: Check with your accountant, but if you don’t feel comfortable disposing of very old ones, why not get them out of a file cabinet and into Banker’s Boxes?

Automobile records: Pull any for those you no longer own. My mother had folders for all her cars. The buyer of her final car was intrigued and happy to have a thick folder for all the receipts for oil changes, repairs, alignments, etc. We were happy to pass it on. Not so happy to have to deal with folders for her previous cars. The same went for all the manuals she had for items long gone.

Overall plusses: You may end up needing less files and file cabinets. You may be able to find documents quicker. And, if you need to move, you won’t be weighed down by having to quickly sort through hundreds or thousands of papers. Or, heaven forbid, move or store them.

Attacking those “when I have some time” or “when I get around to it” tasks:

We all have them. Take a few minutes and write down what may come to mind, then walk around your house, garage, and yard for ideas. Below are some suggestions. Some big plusses of being stuck at home: Save money, make something safe or usable again, can cross off “Honey-Do” list.

Leaks: Do you have something that leaks? Maybe you tape or tolerate it. Leaks are a good thing to make a priority.

Something broken that’s fixable: A chair leg, for example. We have a dining room chair that needs gluing and tightening. It’s needed repair for quite some time. It’s been moved to a prominent place and bumped up on the project list.

Review Finances: Check credit rating, balance checkbook, freeze credit, consolidate loans, refinance, etc. Cancel subscriptions or memberships you aren’t using or have lost interest in.

Clean and perform maintenance: on your car, lawn mower, snowblower, etc.

Emergency Preparedness: Create a “Go-Kit,” create a family emergency plan, have a basic amount of water and non-perishable food on-hand, plus lanterns, batteries, etc.

Family History: Start a family journal or continue it. Write information on the back of photos. Research your family tree, and/or write down what you know about it.

Electronics: Back up your computer files, sort and organize your cables, recycle old unused monitors, keyboards, etc. There are buyers on sites like eBay for used electronics. Staples accepts your unwanted electronics.

Selling online or starting an online store: If you have things you’re purging that are too good to throw away, try eBay or Craig’s list, Nextdoor, or Facebook. For handmade items and vintage collectibles, Etsy is the place to find appreciative buyers.

Start a Blog: There’s free and paid advice here.

Stopping at local places: You know those places you go by and are “always meaning to stop and visit?” Well, sit down and make a list you can refer to when you are out and about again. When not having to stay at home, just about every weekend, my husband and I pick a place to explore by car and by foot. We are going to print out a map of Massachusetts and mark off every town that we go to. I also use this blog to keep a record of some of the places, like the Norman Rockwell Museum, where we have been.

Organizing family photos: Sort through your Digital and print photos and place in albums or set aside to give to family members who might want them. Make notations with the photos identifying those in them. (Future generations will thank you for it.) Scan or use negatives to make prints for framing, photobooks, mugs, or other personalized keepsakes.

Professional Image and Career Advancement:

If you want to return to the workforce or kick up a notch in your position and salary, here’s some suggestions of things to work on:

Resume and Cover Letter: When’s the last time you updated your resume? And are you using a format that will enhance your chances of being memorable? There are lots of new spins on resumes. You can find some done-for-you formats online that you can easily edit. You can also find help with your resume and with interview coaching online.

LinkedIn: Refresh your profile and photo. Reach out to your connections. Post interesting items reflecting your professional background and eye on the pulse of your industry.

Professional Image: Go through your closet and a) pick out interview outfits and b) purge outdated and tired looking business attire, and c) mix and match items to pre-plan outfits so you don’t have to rush to dress and always present a pulled together look. Also consider replacing your wallet or handbag if worn looking. Polish or replace your shoes.

Learn or brush up on a skill: Now’s the time to take advantage of all the online courses and workshops. Whether you want to, or feel you need to know more about programs like InDesign or Excel or using Google apps, dig in.

Plusses: You will be ahead of the curve when the positions open up that you want, and your closet will be less cluttered and more organized.

A Few More Plusses of being stuck at home:

You can ease up a bit on the treadmill of life.
You can enjoy spending more time with your family. (Ever notice how many people exit a career or position to “spend more time with their family.”)
You can use your commuting time for more enjoyable or productive activities.
You can read those books and watch those shows and movies you haven’t had time for.
You can work on creative and artistic projects with less interruption.
You could adopt a pet that you have been yearning for.
You can plan a trip to a place that you’ve always wanted to go to, but never make the time to figure out how to make it happen. Lonely Planet has lots of resources.

In general, you can take stock of where you are in life and where you want to go, and start drawing up steps and plans.

For more ideas about making staying home more productive and satisfying, see this ebook: Hacking Being Homebound.

For ideas for outside activities while staying at home, see this blog post: Staying Home Doesn’t Have to Mean Staying In.

What’s your plus or silver lining to being stuck at home? What have you found to delight you, motivate you, and keep you active and healthy?

Click here to submit your “plus or” silver lining.

April 16, 2020 1 comment