These past few weeks haven't really felt like winter and although it's January, as of yesterday, it's starting to look a lot like Christmas! Since New York City has been shut down for the past two days, I found myself getting a lot of things were done that I normally wouldn’t have time to do. This list includes, but is not limited to:

1. Read

Personally, I have a very long list of books I would like to read, but my busy schedule never allows for me to indulge in any of them. However, snowstorms mean quiet, privacy, and an ample amount of time to breeze through a few good pieces of literature. If you don't know what to read, Google is only a click away and you can find thousands of recommendations. And the cool thing about books these days is that you can get them anywhere! If you can't make it to the library, or bookstore, you can buy some for your other devices (audiobooks are cool too, especially if you're trying to multitask)! But also, if we're being honest I always tell people to try to find a PDF version before they spend any actual money.

2. Play games

If you're like me, then you sometimes purposely get snowed in with friends. This means games galore! One of my favorites is Cards Against Humanity, where players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using cards with suggestive content (who doesn't love sexual innuendos, or crude,or satirical humor)? If you're not into games like that you can always take a trip down memory lane and play ones like goldfish, Life, or Clue!

3. Binge-watch

Once again, my busy schedule gets in the way of something else, like watching new shows and movies! Snow days are perfect for cuddling up next to that special someone (in my case my cat), and watching all of the episodes of "How to Get Away with Murder" or "Bob's Burgers." Netflix is my go-to because there are so many things to choose from, including HBO Go, Hulu, and Vimeo.

4. Cook

Whenever I hear news about a big snowstorm, the first thing I do is go grocery shopping! Cooking is very therapeutic and there are so many different things out there to try. You can bake, get baked, or even get fancy and fix a whole dinner for your friends and family! Cold weather always makes me crave things like stew or soup, but you can make whatever it is that your heart desires.

5. Clean

Though it's my least favorite thing to do, it's super fun when I'm snowed in and can blast music to help me get through the process. I usually start off with some Beyonce to set the mood, then slowly transition into some Champagne Papi (otherwise known as Drake), and then close out with some oldies like Whitney Houston or Gladys Knight.

6. DIY Projects

Being snowed in is the perfect excuse to get covered in glitter and build your own dresser. Websites like Pinterest or Tumblr are perfect for finding something that matches your aesthetic and won't take long to make. You can even get a few Christmas gifts out of the way if you're one of those people who like handmade gifts. I have friends who make their own soap and candles and give them away in baskets for the holidays!

7. Bond with family

Though I don't do this often, there is something so relaxing and welcoming about snow that makes me want to sit down and catch up with my loved ones. Most of the time family bonding consists of my dad telling stories about the "old days," or my mom complaining about how I need to clean my room, but it is still time well spent.

8. Treat Yo'self

So if you're a fan of "Parks and Rec," then you already know what this means, if you're not then let me give you a few examples on behalf of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle. Run yourself a bath, pour yourself a glass of wine, and buy that dress you've been eyeing online; you deserve it!