For the first half of spring break, I decided to depart from Miami’s sunshine and head back to New York for some 23 degree weather. f you haven’t seen the forecast for New York recently, they’re predicting a major nor’easter on Tuesday. I’ve lost count of how many are-you-crazy? Why-would-you-leave-the-warmth? looks I’ve gotten.

Sure, i’ve gone from having this:

to this:

But, it’s been a while since I’ve had a true snow day so it is a bit exciting too. Here’s a few things that have always kept me busy while snowed in.

1.) Sip Hot Chocolate & Bake Cookies

There’s nothing like warming up with hot chocolate. Stock up on Ghirardelli, Nestle and Swiss Miss, follow the directions, and within 5 minutes you’ll have yourself some heaven in a cup. Top it off with whipped cream, toss in a few marshmallows, and you’re good to go. Next, heat up the oven and bake cookies until your house smells like the inside of a Yankee Candle.

2.) Watching endless movies

You’re not just gonna sip your hot chocolate and eat those cookies without some quality entertainment…So, bring out the old Disney movies or the entire Harry Potter boxed set. Stay in bed, bum around in some sweats, and assume you’ll be there for the next “x” hours. Doesn't get much better than this.

3.) Catch Up

Admit it. There’s a long list of To-Do items with your name on it and they’ve been sitting there for a while now. With no distractions and the whole day to yourself, use it to your advantage! That pile of laundry on the floor can be the first to go. Read a couple chapters of the textbook you bought and have yet to open. Clean out your closet to make room for the new. This is the perfect day to reset and you'll feel better once you do.

4.) Sit fireside

Is it just me, or does lighting the fireplace make the whole house smell like Christmas? With no real “winter” in Miami, I appreciate cozying up to a fireplace more than any normal person should. It’s relaxing and one of the best reasons why winter isn’t so bad after all.

5.) Sleep

With all the silence outside—the lack of cars and the soft snowfall—everything slows down. Pile on the blankets and nap away. You know you’re not leaving to brave the storm anyways.

6.) Relive childhood, play in the snow

Remember when you were five and the magic of snow had you mesmerized? Well, I still feel that way every time I wake up to a real life winter wonderland. Just because we’ve grown up, it doesn't mean we can’t enjoy building snow forts and making snow angels. Slip on your boots and layer up with gloves, scarves and hats. Important question: Do you want to build a snowman?