Have A Bake-Off

The Cooking competitions in “Master Chef,” “The Great British Bake Off” or “Chopped” do not have to just be on television—they can take place in your home kitchen. Put on your white apron and chef’s hat to have a bake off with friends or family. You have one hour to make your favorite entree. What dish will you serve to the judge? Are you going to play it safe and cook your signature dish, or are you going to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new? The stakes are high. Who will be eliminated this round? Fire up the grill, sharpen the knives and turn on the heat. Bon appétit!

Plan A Game Night

Some of the best memories with your friends and family come from a meal or when everyone is getting along. During game night, however, the atmosphere changes. Your friends turn into foes, poker faces turn on and the drinks are set down: game on! The first competition erupts immediately—choosing the game you’ll be playing. Your friend reaches to play Monopoly, while you lunge for Settlers of Catan. Once that is settled, a fight ensues for your favorite game piece. Will you pick the car, the dog or the Monopoly man? Once the competition is over, noncompetitive life can resume. Are you in for another game?

Go Stargazing

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the beauty that lies above our heads. When stargazing, the only thing you have to do is look up. Grab some warm blankets, pillows and friends or family members to sit back, relax and snuggle with. In just one night, you can escape reality and be whisked into the constellations, star clusters and other celestial bodies such as the moon. Often, the best place to view the stars is in your backyard. Take a deep breath, enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate the quiet moment. Can you see the Big Dipper? Wait…was that a shooting star that passed by? The night sky awaits you.

Admire Some Art

On the weekends, escape into art and unleash your creative side by attending an art exhibit. Qualia Contemporary Art and the Pamela Walsh Gallery are two examples of local museums located in downtown Palo Alto. The Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford is also available to visit in person or online. Art exhibits invite you to escape into art and view artists’ memories, emotions and experiences. Each artwork has a unique story and can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. What does your creative instinct say?