World Heart Day: Heart-Healthy Habits for Designers

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As an interior designer, you’re no stranger to creating spaces that nurture well-being and promote a sense of harmony for your clients. But today, let's shift the focus to your own health! After all, our daily routines and habits play a huge role in our overall wellness, especially when it comes to heart health.

With World Heart Day approaching on September 29, it's the perfect time to consider how your daily work as a designer might be impacting your heart—and what you can do to keep it beating strong. According to the CDC, every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a heart attack. Those numbers are a bit startling, but here's the good news: by making a few adjustments, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart. So, read on for some doable tips that will fit right into your busy life!

1. Move More, Sit Less

We know how easy it is to get lost in the details of a project, spending hours hunched over fabric samples or CAD drawings. But prolonged sitting can be a strain on your heart. Combat this by setting a timer on your phone to remind yourself to stand up and move every hour–no hitting snooze! Take a quick walk around the office, stretch, or even do a few simple exercises like lunges or squats.

2. Make Your Workspace Work for Your Wellness

Just as you create spaces that support your clients’ lifestyles, consider how your own workspace can support your health. Ergonomic furniture is a must, but don’t stop there. Incorporate elements like a standing desk or even a treadmill desk if you’re feeling adventurous. Position your desk near a window to maximize natural light, which not only enhances your mood but also encourages you to take micro-breaks to soak in some vitamin D—essential for cardiovascular health.

3. Watch What You Sip and Snack On

Let’s face it: when deadlines loom, it’s easy to reach for another cup of coffee or a sugary snack to keep you going. But too much caffeine and sugar can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, putting extra strain on your heart. Instead, stock your workspace with nutritious snacks like nuts, fresh fruits, or even dark chocolate (in moderation, of course). And when it comes to beverages, try swapping out one of those coffee cups for herbal tea or water infused with lemon or cucumber.

4. Practice Stress Management

Designing under pressure is almost a given in this industry. Tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the pursuit of perfection can all contribute to stress, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine, like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even a quick walk in the fresh air. Consider taking short breaks to step away from your work and clear your mind, whether that means doing a five-minute meditation or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea. These small moments of calm can have a big impact on your cardiovascular health.

5. Prioritize Sleep

It’s not uncommon for designers to burn the midnight oil, especially when you’re working against the clock. However, getting enough quality sleep is crucial for heart health. Poor sleep patterns can lead to high blood pressure and other heart-related issues. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down, and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. This might mean setting a non-negotiable "design cutoff time" at night where you step away from work, relax, and prepare for a good night's sleep.

6. Stay Connected

Interior design can sometimes be a solitary profession, especially if you’re freelancing or working from home. Isolation can lead to stress and loneliness, which aren’t good for your heart. Make time to connect with peers, whether through networking events, online communities, or simply catching up with a colleague over coffee. Social interaction is not only great for your mental health but also helps keep your heart healthy by reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being.

Remember, your well-being is not just a nice-to-have—it's an essential part of your daily routine. Make a commitment to weave these small, heart-healthy habits into your workday, and before you know it, they’ll become second-nature to you. Your health is worth the investment!

xx, Danae

Unwind by Design: Exploring the Role Interior Design Plays in Relaxation

Finding moments of relaxation in our hectic lives is essential for our well-being. As interior designers, we have a unique appreciation for the power a space has to influence our mood and mindset. Beyond creating visually stunning environments, we have the opportunity to design spaces that promote relaxation and comfort, allowing people to unwind and rejuvenate amidst the chaos of everyday life.

The Role of Design in Relaxation:

Designing for relaxation goes beyond aesthetics; it involves thoughtful consideration of layout, lighting, color, texture, and functionality. Each element plays a crucial role in creating an environment that fosters a sense of calm and serenity.

• Creating Comfortable Retreats: One of the primary goals of interior design is to make spaces feel inviting and comfortable. This means selecting furniture, fabrics, and accessories that not only look beautiful but also feel great to the touch. Plush sofas, cozy throws, and soft pillows can transform a room into a sanctuary where you can unwind after a long day.

• Harnessing the Power of Nature: Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into the built environment, has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Introducing natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants into your designs can evoke a sense of connection to the outdoors, helping to create a peaceful and grounding atmosphere.

• Balancing Light and Shadow: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space. Soft, diffused lighting can create a warm and inviting ambiance, while gentle shadows can add depth and dimension. Incorporating dimmer switches, candles, and natural light sources allows for greater control over the lighting environment, enabling you to adjust it according to your mood and needs.

• Promoting Flow and Movement: Clutter and congestion can disrupt the flow of energy within a space, leading to feelings of stress and unease. By designing rooms with clear pathways and functional layouts, you can promote a sense of harmony and relaxation. Thoughtful space planning and organization solutions ensure that each area of the home serves its purpose without overwhelming the senses.

The Importance of Mindful Design:

Mindfulness has gained widespread recognition as a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Mindful design embraces the principles of mindfulness, encouraging us to approach the design process with intention, awareness, and compassion.

• Sensory Design: Mindful design engages all the senses, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel, sound, and even smell harmonious. Paying attention to how different materials, textures, and sounds interact can enhance the overall sensory experience and create a deeper connection to the space.

• Embracing Simplicity: Minimalism is a key tenet of mindful design, advocating for simplicity, clarity, and purposefulness in our surroundings. By decluttering our homes and eliminating unnecessary distractions, we can create environments that promote calmness and clarity of mind.

• Cultivating Gratitude: Mindful design encourages us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the spaces we inhabit. Taking the time to appreciate the beauty and functionality of our surroundings can foster a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment in our daily lives.

As interior designers, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape the environments in which people live, work, and play. By embracing the principles of relaxation and comfort in our designs, we can create spaces that not only delight the eye but also soothe the soul. Whether it's through the careful selection of materials, the thoughtful arrangement of furniture, or the incorporation of biophilic elements, each decision we make has the power to enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit our spaces. So, let’s embrace the role interior design plays in promoting relaxation and comfort, and create environments that nurture and inspire us to unwind, rejuvenate, and thrive.

xx, Danae

Productivity Hacks That Are Actually Backfiring

When your creativity is on the clock, productivity hacks can seem like the much-sought-after holy grail of efficiency and time management for interior designers. The market is flooded with books and courses promising to unlock the secrets that will finally make all of the facets of your work fall into place. Of course, there's always room for growth, learning, and fine-tuning our routines. But there are some so-called productivity hacks circulating out there that, if not approached correctly, might paradoxically hinder your progress. Let’s look at six examples!

1. Excessive Multitasking

The ability to juggle client meetings, design drafting, and supplier negotiations all at once seems like a superpower. The truth is that, just like we don’t have chameleon eyes, our brains aren't wired to handle multiple tasks effectively at the same time. Research suggests that multitasking can lead to reduced quality of work, increased stress levels, and even a drop in IQ comparable to missing a night's sleep. For tasks that require deep thought and creativity, like designing a living space, focusing on one task at a time ensures the highest quality of work and innovation.

2. Zero Inbox Policy

The famous zero inbox policy is supposed to eliminate the stress of a cluttered email inbox by keeping it empty or nearly empty at all times. While this sounds ideal, the constant checking, sorting, and managing of emails to maintain an empty inbox can become a massive distraction. It interrupts the creative flow essential for interior designers, pulling their focus away from design work to attend to an endless stream of emails. Scheduling specific times for email management can help maintain focus on design projects without the stress of an inbox calling your name.

3. Social Media Scheduling

Hear me out on this one. I’m absolutely in favor of batch-planning your posts with a neat content or editorial calendar. However, an over-reliance on scheduled content risks making your brand feel impersonal and disconnected from your audience. Engaging with followers in real-time, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into your design process, and leaving a little room for the spontaneity of real life can foster a stronger, more genuine connection with your audience, even if it means spending a bit more time on social media.

4. Skipping Breaks to Work Through

The myth that working longer hours without breaks boosts productivity is just that—a myth. Especially for interior designers, whose work demands high levels of creativity and problem-solving, taking regular breaks is essential. Skipping breaks can lead to burnout and a noticeable decline in the quality of your designs. Short breaks throughout the day can refresh your mind, boost creativity, and ultimately enhance the quality and productivity of your work.

5. Overusing Digital Tools

Relying too heavily on digital tools for inspiration can limit exposure to tangible elements that might spark creativity. While software and apps can be incredibly helpful, over-reliance on them can stifle creativity. Sometimes, stepping away from the screen and working with physical models, sketches, or just playing with physical samples can spark inspiration in ways that digital tools cannot. Balancing the use of technology with traditional design methods is where it’s at.

6. To-Do Lists

Here’s another example of how it all depends on how it’s done. Creating to-do lists is a basic organization tool. But some designers actually procrastinate more by categorizing and segmenting their to-do’s in different ways when what they really need to do is dig in. Sound familiar? Try prioritizing a few key tasks each day that will make a significant impact on your projects and lead to more focused and high-quality work.

At the end of the day, every interior designer is unique, with different rhythms, preferences, and work styles. Experimenting, reflecting, and adjusting your approach based on personal experience and well-being is key to finding a sustainable and effective productivity strategy. Remember, the goal is not just to do more in less time but to enhance the quality and creativity of your work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

xx, Danae

The Best On-The-Go Lunch Ideas for Busy Professionals

As a busy professional, you're always on the move, whether it's for client meetings, shopping for materials, or on a project site. With so much to do, it can be challenging to find time for a proper lunch break. That's why it's essential to have quick, convenient, and healthy lunch options that you can take with you.

First of all, to be well-equipped to make great on-the-go lunches, we recommend getting yourself a variety of nice leak-proof lunch boxes with compartments, such as bento boxes, reusable silverware, and an insulated lunch bag that’s easy to carry. You may also look into reusable food wraps as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. And, of course, you need a collection of simple and delicious meal plans that you can always turn to, so I bring you 9 ideas to get you started! 

Protein Wrap

A wrap is a quick and easy lunch option that you can customize with your favorite ingredients. Start with a whole wheat wrap, add some protein such as grilled shrimp or chickpeas, and your favorite fillings like lettuce, red onion, cucumber, tomato, avocado, cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Roll it up, wrap it up, and you're good to go!

Pasta Salad

Cook some whole grain pasta, add your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, chicken or a diced cheese like feta, and a tangy dressing. This is a filling lunch that can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days.

Quinoa Bowl

Cook some quinoa, add some veggies like roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, and a tasty dressing. This is a high-protein, gluten-free option that will keep you full all afternoon.

Turkey and Avocado Sandwich

Spread some mayo or pesto on whole grain bread, add sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. This sandwich provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Falafel Pita Pocket

Spread some hummus on a whole grain pita, add falafel, sliced veggies like carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper, and you have a delicious and easy lunch.

Tuna Salad

Mix canned tuna with some mayo, diced celery, and pickles. Serve it on whole grain bread or crackers, or in a lettuce wrap.

Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

Sauté veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers with some tofu in a sauce of your choice. Serve over brown rice for a complete meal.

Fruit Salad

Cut up a variety of fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas, grapes, and berries, into bite-sized pieces and mix together in a container. This provides a healthy and refreshing dessert option.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Squares

Mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of quick-cooking oats. Press the mixture into a lined 8x8-inch square dish, pour melted semi-sweet chocolate chips on top, and refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting into squares. 

With these delicious and nutritious meal ideas, you'll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience. Whether you're in a rush, at a client meeting, or just need a quick bite, these lunch options will keep you fueled and satisfied, no matter where you are. Enjoy!

xx, Danae

Peach Fuzz: The Most Stylish Items in 2024's Color of the Year

The peach conjures images of freshness, juiciness, and radiance–exactly what I'm embracing for 2024, and Pantone clearly agrees, having named "Peach Fuzz" (13-1023) as the color of the year. As we journey through these early months, it's the ideal moment to invigorate our style with a splash of this warm, lively hue. That's why I'm excited to share with you a handpicked collection of items that capture the essence of this year's chosen Pantone Color: a mix of everyday staples and standout items, all dressed in a warm, vibrant hue that's as comforting as it is chic. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or just looking to add a splash of novelty to your daily routine, these selections are bound to catch your eye. So, take a closer look at these 12 peachy picks and find something to brighten your day!

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1. Minimalist Mug Set

I love the handles on these and the slightly asymmetrical rim. These mugs are adorable, perfect for your daily coffee or tea ritual.

2. Retro Sneakers

Timeless, neutral yet with a lively punch. These Ecco sneakers strike the perfect balance, don’t you think?

3. Classy Ballpoint Pen

Elevate your everyday tasks with this very cool pen from the German brand Pelikan, expressing your style even while you work.

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4. Waterproof Hiking Shoe

In the realm of hiking gear, these Columbia shoes are as stylish as they get, providing solid support for your outdoor adventures.

5. Heavyweight Beanie

Complete your hiking ensemble with this trendy beanie, another gem from Columbia.

6. Kate Spade Sunglasses

These shades are definitely a bold fashion statement that instantly elevates and brightens any outfit.

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7. Roller Skates

Embrace the fun with these eye-catching retro-style skates. And let's bring back those roller rink Fridays!

8. Woven Throw Blanket

Indulge in luxury with this classic-patterned throw by Sferra, renowned for their exquisite Italian linens.

9. Tom Ford Body Spray

Experience "Bitter Peach" by the celebrated designer, available as a body spray, eau de parfum, or candle.

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10. Tea Towel

Add a burst of color to your kitchen with this charming tea towel featuring peach prints, courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

11. Twisted Candle

Infuse some quirkiness into your decor with this candle that dared to be different!

12. Everyday Backpack

I find this peach-toned Fjallraven backpack stunning in its simplicity. There’s a reason these Swedish designs are so popular!

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Can’t get enough of peach? Check out Pantone’s official website, where you can discover their collaborations with brands like Ruggable and Spoonflower, among others, featuring an array of rugs, fabrics, wallpapers, and home decor items–all in shades of peach, of course!

xx, Danae

A Biltmore Christmas Movie Review

Much like the architect of the Biltmore House, Richard Morris Hunt, the screenwriter for A Biltmore Christmas, Marcy Holland, and the director, John Putch, built a masterpiece. Hallmark came through with one of the most spectacular Christmas movies I’ve seen to date.

The infusion of old Hollywood with the iconic Biltmore Estate and the magic of Christmas weaves an epic tale that transcends time. “I’ve got a very good feeling about this little picture. I think it’s going to be the one.” Jack Huston.

The vast estate is like nothing being built today. It’s castle-like appearance, expansive rooms and ornate details highlight everything special and magical about the rich history of that time. The furniture, the tapestries, and that LIBRARY! I could get lost for days just reading, writing, and creating in front of the enormous fireplace.

This Christmas adventure begins when Lucy Hardgrove (Bethany Joy Lenz), a realist, is tasked with writing the remake for a classic Hollywood film, His Merry Wife!, that was filmed in 1947 at the Biltmore Estate. Struggling to come up with a realistic ending to the film, the studio head sends her to gain a brighter perspective and draw some inspiration from the Biltmore House.

After turning over an hourglass used in the original film, Lucy is transported back to the 1947 set of His Merry Wife! and befriends one of the film’s stars Jack Huston (Kristoffer Polaha). She discovers she’s able to hop back and forth between her reality and the past until the hourglass breaks while she’s in 1947, leaving her there until the magical prop is repaired.

While stuck in 1947 she realizes that her appearances has unleashed a series of events that could not only jeopardize the original film’s existence but leave her trapped in the past forever.

As much as I’d love to continue to write about what happens next, I really want you to watch the movie. I laughed, I cried, and I watched it multiple times.

This film was inspiring to me as a writer, inspiring to me as a designer and on a random note may have inspired a mother-of-the bride hairstyle. Lucy’s hairstyle at the Christmas Eve party was amazing!

The performances by the entire cast were outstanding! As much as I love Lenz in everything she does, and she did not disappoint in this film, it was Polaha who stole the show! At the end of the day, if you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know what I mean when I write – who needs Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds when you have Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha.

However, if Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds want me to write them a Hallmark Christmas movie, I wouldn’t say no. I’m not sure how I’d even get something like that going … start a petition, hold a town meeting, call Canada?

Okay, my ADD clearly just kicked in. Now go and watch A Biltmore Christmas and enjoy the holiday season! Remember, “It’s Christmas, there is a miracle around every corner.” Jack Huston

xx, Danae

A Biltmore Christmas

Disclaimer: I am a Hallmark nerd!

I am so excited to write this post I can hardly sit still. I sat down to write this and then had to run an unexpected errand and it was as if I was a child on Christmas morning waiting patiently for my mother to get her coffee so my siblings and I could start ripping open perfectly wrapped packages. Finally, I’m back at my desk.

Not only am I a huge fan of the Biltmore Estate, the iconic American estate located in Asheville, North Carolina, but I am a huge fan of Hallmark Christmas movies. Over the years they have become more clever, more humorous, and overall, more enjoyable. Last year they filmed one of my beloved Christmas movies at the Biltmore and it airs this year on November 26 on Hallmark.

I first learned about the Biltmore House in interior design school and whether you were formerly taught or self-taught I just assume that every interior designer knows about the Biltmore, just as they know about Frank Lloyd Wright or David Hicks.

But if you are unfamiliar - The Biltmore was built in 1889-1895 by the Vanderbilt family. It is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau with a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The house contains over four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

The 8,000-acre property is now a one-of-a-kind destination and besides the mansion, includes an art exhibit, a winery, dining, shopping, 20+ miles of nature trails, and a hotel. You can truly experience the magic of the Biltmore for days at a time if you desire.

Visiting the Biltmore around the holiday season is a bucket list item of mine and this year not only is A Biltmore Christmas airing on Hallmark, but a mini-documentary called “Behind the Magic” aired and debuted November 2 on YouTube.

A Biltmore Christmas stars Bethany Joy Lenz (loved her in One Tree Hill and other Hallmark Christmas favorites such as An Unexpected Christmas with my Hallmark boyfriend, Tyler Hynes) and Kristoffer Polaha (he’s one of my favorite Hallmark leading men after… did I mention Tyler Hynes?).

Bethany as Lucy Hardgrove, a modern-day screenwriter, and Polaha as Jack Huston, the lead in a beloved holiday movie His Merry Wife!, first filmed at the Biltmore House in 1947 star in this magical, time-traveling, historical Christmas movie. In the film, the classic movie, His Merry Wife! is scheduled to be re-filmed at the iconic estate, but a mysterious hourglass intervenes, and Lucy is transported back in time to 1946 as the cast and crew prepare to re-make the classic movie. So, this is a Christmas movie, within a Christmas movie re-make of a Christmas movie … I think.

Some fun facts about the movie from the Biltmore website:

• 8 vintage cars were used during the film.

• 200 yards of artificial snow were used.

• 9 rooms inside the Biltmore were used for filming.

• 4 of the 9 rooms were decorated with a 1940s theme.

• 2 exterior locations directly attached to the Biltmore House were used for filming scenes, including The Loggia and the Library Terrace.

• 4 rooms in The Inn on Biltmore Estate (the onsite hotel) were used as film sets.

• 11 costumes were worn by Bethany Joy Lenz.

Super fun facts about Christmas at the Biltmore:

• The banquet hall alone features 500 lights, 500 presents, and 500 ornaments.

• 67 decorated Christmas trees inside Biltmore House.

• The largest tree inside the house is a 35-foot-tall Fraser fir that requires 50 staff members to carry in, raise and secure.

• 45 additional decorated Christmas trees are at other estate locations.

• 45,000 lights and 282 candles inside the home.

• Another 850,000 lights across the rest of the estate.

• There are 13,870 ornaments used on the trees inside the home.

• More than 1,960 traditional poinsettias are found throughout the estate.

• 238 fresh wreaths and sprays along with 90 faux pieces are used across the estate.

To learn more about Biltmore House, click here.

To watch the mini-documentary, click Behind the Magic - Biltmore

To watch A Biltmore Christmas, tune into the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

It’s been over a year since I learned that they were filming this movie and I have waited not so patiently since then to watch it. I just hope it lives up to the magical experience that I’ve created in my head. I should probably do a review … stay tuned for a future post about my thoughts on the movie. Yikes, the pressure is on you, Hallmark!

If you are looking for a fun destination, you should look into the Biltmore Estate if you haven’t been. I know I’ll be calling up my girlfriends and booking a trip soon!

Happy Holidays!

xx, Danae

Top Gaming Picks for Family & Friends Game Night

When was the last time you intentionally carved out a corner of your busy life for pure fun? Amidst your busy schedule (and everyone else’s), it might require a touch of planning, but imagine setting aside an evening, stowing phones away, and creating new memories full of connection, laughter, and maybe some healthy competition! Whether you want to bring your inner circle together or do something different on date night, I’ve got suggestions for you!

Telestrations

Best played with: Family & Friends (4-12 players)

How to play: Combine drawing, guessing, and telephone in Telestrations. Begin with a word or phrase, draw it, and then pass the drawing to the next player, who guesses what it is. As the cycle repeats, witness how the original prompt evolves into delightful chaos, showcasing the humor in misinterpretation. P.S. There is also an adult version of this game available.

Codenames

Best played with: Family & Friends (4-8 players)

How to play: Codenames is a riveting word game where players split into two teams and take turns giving one-word clues to help their teammates guess the words on the grid that correspond to their color. The twist lies in avoiding the opposing team's words and the perilous assassin. It's a game that tests your ability to make connections and keeps the energy high with strategic tension. Check out the classic version or its many other versions available (Disney, Harry Potter, or Adult, to name a few). 

Codenames: Duet

Best played with: Date (2 players)

How to play: As you might guess, this is a version of the classic Codenames games adapted for two players! You are working as a team, rather than against each other, using a single-word clue and a number, aiming to uncover as many agents as possible without stumbling upon the opposing team's words or the assassin.

Where Should We Begin - A Game of Stories

Best played with: Date or Family & Friends (2-6 players)

How to play: Open up meaningful conversation with these carefully curated prompts by psychotherapist and New York Times Bestselling Author Esther Perel. This stylish deck promises to unlock a spectrum of emotions, sparking not only moments of shared laughter but also fostering an environment of authentic vulnerability. These cards facilitate deepening connections, whether with familiar faces or new acquaintances.

Sushi Go!

Best played with: Date or Family & Friends (2-5 players)

How to play: Sushi Go! is a delightful and fast-paced card game that invites players to create their own delectable sushi meals by drafting and passing cards. Players aim to assemble the most tempting combination of sushi dishes for the highest score. The game's compact size, simple rules, and charming artwork make it not only easy to learn but also enjoyable for players of all ages!

More Likely To

Best played with: Partner (2 players)

How to play: In this lighthearted yet revealing activity, partners secretly jot down on paper who they believe is more likely to perform various actions or scenarios. Think “Who is more likely to plan a spontaneous road trip without any prior notice?” or “Who is more likely to try exotic foods without hesitation?” You can choose from any of the infinite lists on the internet. Then, when you’re both ready, reveal your answers simultaneously. This simple game leads to funny surprises and offers a window into each other's perceptions.

St. Noire (powered by Alexa)

Best played with: Date or Family & Friends (1+ players)

How to play: Here’s a contemporary twist on the timeless Clue board game, infused with a touch of technological innovation. Immerse yourself in a murder mystery brought to life by the voice of Alexa, lending a cinematic allure with narration and sound. Enjoy the moody setting including dive bars and jazz clubs, which might even inspire you to host a themed dress-code night. As you unravel cryptic clues, interrogate suspects, and navigate a web of truths and deception, race to unveil the killer's identity before the clock runs out.

The Ultimate Game for Couples

Best played with: Partner (2 players)

How to play: This top-rated deck of 200 cards contains the perfect balance of provocative questions to guess and fun challenges to perform with your partner (not a first date). Elevate your date night, as your conversation and activities are guided through a series of entertaining prompts, leading you to explore exciting territories you may not have otherwise ventured into.

DIY Trivia Night

Best played with: Family or Friends (3+ players)

How to play: Take some prep time to craft tailor-made trivia questions that span shared interests, historical anecdotes, and pop culture references. You can even mix in questions about the people present! This personalized touch adds extra excitement to your game night and guarantees a dynamic atmosphere and a surge of competitive camaraderie. 

Jackbox Games

Best played with: Family or friends (2-10 players, depending on the game)

How to play: OK, screens are required, but here is a platform with a wide variety of super fun, interactive game packs available to play using your desktop, laptop, gaming console, or smart TV. Each player uses their phone to submit their answers, which will then appear on the main screen for all to see. From trivia to quick drawings to wordplay, Jackbox Games are a sure hit!

Let the games begin!

xx, Danae