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Jessica’s Impressions Smile Journey

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Jessica's Impressions Smile Journey

Thinking about straightening your smile with Impressions clear aligners? Hear from a real Impressions patient.

Jessica is an Appalachian State student that looked to Impressions to realign her teeth after failing to wear her retainers after braces, as many of us do. Jessica wanted a quick smile transformation and did NOT want braces again! After her trip to see the team at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, they agreed that Impressions treatment was the perfect fit for her smile goals. 

Keep reading to learn more about Jessica’s steps to a straighter smile with Impressions. (She might even answer some of your questions)

 

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP TO A STRAIGHTER SMILE?

Jessica: I had braces when I was younger but I didn’t wear my retainers like I was supposed to so my teeth started overlapping again. It’s important to me to straighten my smile because it’s part of what makes a good first impression. I wanted to be confident in my smile and be able to feel good about the way my smile looked in pictures.

Jessica was fully expecting the BRO doctors to tell her that she needed braces again and she was dreading having to go through that whole process while in college! Feeling that it would make her insecure around her peers, Jessica hoped that there would be a more invisible option for her. When the BRO doctors told her about their at-home clear aligner treatment, Impressions, Jessica was elated, “I was so glad when they said I could get impressions because they are invisible and no one would notice I had them.“ 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IMPRESSIONS OVER OTHER AT HOME CLEAR ALIGNER COMPANIES?

Jessica trusted her doctors at BRO and their recommendation of Impressions. She liked that she knew and trusted the doctors and had a team of experts she could reach out to with questions. Those benefits made Impressions a much better option than other at-home clear aligner treatments.

 

WHY DO YOU LIKE AT-HOME TREATMENT?

Jessica: I have really been enjoying the at-home treatment because with COVID-19 making things like in-person treatment and appointments more difficult, I don’t have to worry about any of that. I have everything I need at home and the instruction guide has helped me know how to take care of my trays and it’s been a super easy process. 

The ease of the Impressions process went above and beyond Jessica’s expectations. When she received her Impressions box she was delighted to see multiple trays along with other fun things like the cleaning crystals and aligner case.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE ADJUSTMENT OF WEARING AND MAINTAINING YOUR ALIGNERS? 

Jessica: Maintaining the aligners is super easy because the cleaning crystals are provided in the box and then I just brush the aligners when I brush my teeth. All of the aligners fit really well and I’m always excited to get to wear a new aligner. 

Wearing aligners can sometimes be uncomfortable at first while your teeth and mouth get used to them. Taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen at the start of your treatment and eating and drinking items that are cold can help to ease discomfort. 

Impressions Tools

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT STRAIGHTENING THEIR SMILE?

Jessica: I would tell anyone who is thinking about straightening their smile to go for it! Having a straight smile and pretty teeth are such a payoff. I would recommend getting impressions to anyone but especially people like me who didn’t necessarily want the braces look. The Impressions journey for me so far has been a breeze. It’s super simple and easy and fun, and it has all the same outcomes as getting braces. 

 

At the time of writing this, Jess is six weeks into her treatment and as you see from her answers above she is loving it! Impressions is a great treatment option for you if you want to transform your smile discreetly and without the hassle of regular appointments. Whether you’re a busy college student or stay-at-home mom, Impressions doesn’t get in the way.

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks! You deserve a smile you feel confident in.

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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Local Asheville Gift Guide | 2020

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A gift guide packed full of Asheville local spots that will thrill the Instagram Influencer, DIY-er, dog lover, greenie girl, and self-care queen on your gifting list!

With the Holiday’s hastily approaching, we’re all thinking about our holiday shopping this year. This year is an odd one and it’s making shopping even more challenging than normal! Big box stores have been relied on more than ever this year due to the convenience of fast shipping and safety, but it’s important to remember our local businesses. No one understands better than small business owners the circumstances we are all under this year and you best believe they’re trying their best to make shopping with them as convenient and safe as possible.

To help spread some local holiday cheer, we have put together a guide of 5 local Asheville businesses that would make GREAT gifting destinations. 

FOR THE INSTAGRAM MODEL

Nest Boutique + DIY Studio

Nest is a lifestyle boutique featuring inclusively sized Women’s clothing, exceptional home decor, and more fun gifting items than you’ve ever laid your eyes on! The women of Nest describe, “Walking into Nest, you’ll immediately get the sense of our eclectic + feminine design; warmth married with an essence of chic gives you all the feels that we love!“ 

  • Vidalia Vogue Mask + Gold Mask Chain
    Mask it up in style with a locally handmade mask and mask chain so you never lose it! These fabric masks come in two sizes and NINE different patterns ranging from tie-dye to all types of animal print!

  • Little Words Project Bracelet
    These 90’s throwback friendship bracelets are sure to make a twinkle in your girlfriend’s eye. “Choose from words like ‘strength,’ breathe,’ believe,’ and ‘hope’ to give you inspiration before passing it on to someone who needs it more.” With 55 different phrases and 4 different color-ways, there’s something for every friendship. 

 

Specials | 35% OFF on Black Friday + spend $200, get a free mask and mask chain! 

Located in Biltmore Village, on Lexington Ave, and 24/7 from the comfort of your home at StyleTheNest.com. 10% of their sales are dedicated to monthly charities who focus on empowering women locally and globally, so you know your money is going to a good place. Follow these amazing women on Instagram @nestavl for more! 

FOR THE DIY-ER

Designed to Dream Shop

Designed to Dream shop is the shop of fiber artist, Taron Teague. Taron makes stunning wall hangings, macrame ornaments, keychains, and more. This year she is releasing 6 new color wristlets, new mini wall hangings, a DIY ornament kit, and a DIY macrame wall hanging kit! These gifts are THE thing to give to that friend that is always making things! 

  • DIY Macrame Wall Hanging Kit
    This Do It Yourself kit comes with everything you need to make your very own macrame wall hanging! The kit includes step by step detailed directions with pictures, pre-cut rope, and a wooden dowel. Perfect for beginners!

  • Macrame Ornaments
    Everything they will need to make 10 cinnamon stick macrame ornaments in 5 different colors! 

Specials | New Macrame plant holders will be on special this week for Black Friday! Check out their Instagram for more info on specials! 

Shop Designed to dream shop on Instagram or online.

FOR THE DOG LOVER

Botanical Bones

Botanical Bones is a family business thoughtfully making superfood + adaptogenic dog treats right here in Asheville, NC. The dog treats you will find here are no normal sticky treat, these are human-grade, healthy ingredients that dogs love + superfoods and adaptogens to promote wellness.

  • Calming Treats
    Have a friend with a dog that’s just a little full on or skittish? These treats are made to mellow out that pup. Ashwagandha and lemon balm are known to reduce stress levels and help animals find their inner calm.

  • Wellness Treats
    These tasty peanut butter treats promote longevity. Super tasty superfood treats to help the pup stay healthy and feel their best. This blend is all about supporting the immune system with reishi for cancer prevention, turmeric for inflammation, and blueberry for antioxidants. 

Specials | 30% OFF online with code “Thankful30” 11/26-11/29. Check back here or on their Instagram for December deals! 

Shop these healthy pup treats and more on their Instagram or online.

FOR THE EARTH LOVER

Ware AVL

Have a friend who likes to be conscious of their impact on the earth? Ware is the place to go to make a change in daily life. This store is chuck full of things you need to make everyday living sustainable and more earth-friendly. Perhaps most notably, they have a collection of personal and home care items in bulk so that you can refill your own containers as needed! There’s no guilt to gift-giving from this eco-conscious boutique. Gift the seeds of a sustainable household from Ware. 

  • Winter Skin Salve
    This isn’t an ordinary body butter. It’s a rich, dense, and highly concentrated moisturizer that is packed full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that your skin needs to repel free radicals and create a protective barrier to keep moisture in. This wonder balm comes in two scents; Refresh (Eucalyptus & Peppermint) and Serene (Rosewood, Lavender & Grapefruit).

  • Six Season Veggie Cookbook
    This book is organized by veggie type and then further broken down into six seasons. It provides endless culinary inspiration for eating locally and seasonally. This is a great gift for your veggie eaters, looking for inspiration in the kitchen.

  • Bulk Household Refills
    This is a great thing maybe to mention in a card! One of the best parts of Ware is their bulk section of detergents for things from your hair to your dishes. Remind them to bring their own containers and go crazy in the refill section! 

Specials | Clearance sales in the store through Sunday 11.29
Discount codes will be sent to the lucky ones on their email list on Monday for Cyber Monday. Click here, to get on their email list.

Shop their online shop, browse their Instagram, or visit in-store Sun-Thu: 11-6 | Fri & Sat: 11-7.

FOR THE SELF-CARE QUEEN

Garden Party AVL

Garden party is the shop for your nature-loving, hippie friend. Specializing in everyday wellness items including, CBD, hemp, meditation, and herbs. Everything they need to chiiiiiiiill out. Treat a friend (or yourself) to some mind, body, and soul love.

  • Everyday Oil
    Everyday Oil is uniquely balancing, hydrating, cleansing, and nourishing. Whether you’re using it in your hair or on your face as a cleanser and moisturizer, this product is super versatile.

  • Muse Loose Blend Tea
    Like a breath of fresh, mind-opening air, this aromatic mix of jasmine florets, peppermint, and raspberry leaf clears mental clutter and replaces it with renewed imagination. All BARBARI Herbal Blends are made with organic, food-grade herbs in Portland, Oregon.

Specials | Black Friday Deals will be announced Wednesday on their Instagram. Orders over $25 qualify for Free Shipping or local Asheville (city) delivery. Shop online now.

Impressions is an Asheville local business bringing at-home clear aligner care to our area for the first time! Impressions care is facilitated by our team of doctors at Blue Ridge Orthodontics, right at your convenience. Get yourself the gift that will keep on giving every time you smile.

 

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks!

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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A Perfect Smile for a Perfect Virtual Date

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Virtual dating is new to us all and sometimes it can be a little awkward. You’re both staring at a digital screen and hoping to feel something. Well, with a bright, straight smile you’ll be sure to make a great first impression. And since you likely won’t meet in person for a while, this is a great time to start your Impressions journey! 

One of the most important things we’ve learned in quarantine is how to make anything fun! So, pretend you’re a kid again! How can you make a virtual date fun?! We have six great ideas to get you started:

1. Have a dress-up date night!

Just because you’re at home and can wear your pajamas, doesn’t mean you should. Date night, whether virtual or not, is a great excuse to get dolled up. Get your date to dress up, too! You could even pick a theme to make it even more fun!

2. Pick a recipe to cook together

Now, we know you can’t actually cook a meal together, but you could pick a recipe to make at the same time while on video chat! Bonus points if you dress up to match the culture of the cuisine you’re cooking! This is a great way to still feel like you’re together. You even get to sit down and have a dinner date afterward.

Turn up the jazz, scroll through Pinterest, and get to cookin’, good lookin’.

3. Start a new TV series

You can pick a TV series, or movie to start watching together on facetime dates! It’s best to have something you’re both interested in, but you will have to solemnly swear to not watch it without the other! That just wouldn’t be fair. Netflix Party is a great thing to use to ensure you’re both watching the movie in-sync! After installing, just click the NP icon in the corner of the player and share the URL with your date. So fun!

4. Play a drinking game to a fun movie – if you drink

Here’s a link to some drinking games for movies on Netflix. This is a fun way to let loose with your partner and have some fun! Make sure to rotate water into the game – and to brush afterward!

5. Play a trivia game!

Test your knowledge compatibility with a trivia game! It’s always interesting to see what random knowledge you’ve obtained! It’s a great way to get to know someone else and their interests too. Grab your favorite snacks and have a little friendly competition.

6. Take turns playing music!

This is a super fun way to get to know the other person and an opportunity to show off your sick dance moves! Not a dancer? That’s okay, you could pair this as background noise to any of the other things we’ve suggested too! 

Virtual dates don’t have to be boring! With these suggestions for things to do, it should be almost as fun as an in-person date. Start Impressions at-home treatment now so that when you meet your partner face-to-face, you already have a smile that screams confidence! 

Find out if Impressions is right for you. Schedule a consultation now, get your aligners in 6-8 weeks!

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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4 Healthy Recipes that are Easy on your Teeth

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4 Healthy Recipes that are Easy on your Teeth

We know the first few trays can cause some discomfort, don’t worry though, we’re here with four recipes that are easy to chew – plus, they’re good for your teeth!

Did you know that the health of your teeth can be impacted by what you eat? Most of us know that coffee, tea, and other acidic things aren’t the best and that calcium is on the good side. Well, keep reading to know more about what your teeth crave, and hopefully we can give you some inspiration for a meal you both can agree on!

Teeth Healthy Foods

Calcium helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jaw!
Find me in: milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and salmon.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb our friend’s calcium while boosting bone density!
Your body naturally makes Vitamin D when you’re exposed to the sun, but you can also find me in fatty fish, canned tuna, and portobello mushrooms.

Phosphorus is like calcium’s sidekick in helping build strong bones and teeth.
Luckily phosphorus is found in a large variety of foods! Seafood, beef, pork, and cheese are great places to get your phosphorus up. Or try plant-based foods like soybeans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin K is the shield that protects from substances breaking down bone.
The secret to vitamin K is kept in leafy greens like kale, collards, and spinach.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen your gums and other soft tissue. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.
Find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, potatoes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly.
Get your fill of vitamin A from fish, egg yolks, and liver. You can also find it in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens, or in orange-colored fruits and oranges: think apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These fruits and veggies contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

Healthy MuffinsMorning Muffins 

Start your morning off right by supplying your body and teeth with their fill of vitamins and minerals, like omega-3s, vitamin A, and fiber. These muffins are a delicious but healthy cross between a cinnamon apple muffin and carrot cake, featuring whole grains, fruit, carrots, walnuts, and warm spices.

12 muffins  —  Prep Time: 15 mins.  –  Cook Time: 20 mins.

Ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 apple, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrot (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Steps:

  1. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).
  2. In a large bowl add the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; whisk well to combine. Add in the applesauce, oil, apple, and vanilla; whisk just until combined. Fold in the carrot, raisins, coconut, and walnuts; stir until ingredients are combined. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.
  3. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached). Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Teeth Healthy Chicken SaladGreek Yogurt Chicken Salad 

Whip up some chicken salad for lunch. This tooth-healthy chicken salad is made with dried cranberries, celery, almonds, chicken, and Greek yogurt providing sweetness, fiber, healthy fat, protein, and calcium. This quick + easy recipe is full of flavor, vitamins and it’s not too hard on your teeth!

5 servings — Prep Time: 15 mins.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, craisins, or other dried fruit
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 stalk) celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red or white onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans
  • 6 ounces (about 3/4 cup) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Bake or boil chicken ahead of time. You can also just buy a rotisserie chicken! 
  2. Shred or chop chicken. 
  3. In a medium-size bowl combine chicken, dried cranberries, celery, onion, and chopped almonds.
  4. Stir in Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Wrap the salad in lettuce wraps or a tortilla.
  6. Store the salad in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Black Bean Cheese Quesadillas 

For a quick and hearty lunch, these black bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa and cumin are perfect. The black beans, cheese, and sour cream on the top provides that protein and calcium you need for strong teeth!

4 servings —  Prep Time: 15 minutes  –  Cook time: 6 minutes

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans Black Beans
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa, mild or spicy
  •  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese mix
  •  8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  •  1/3 cup sour cream

Steps:

  1. Empty one can of beans into a bowl and mash gently with a potato masher or the back of a fork. Mix in the remaining can of whole beans, 1 cup of salsa, and cumin.
  2. Spread mixture evenly on 4 tortillas; top each with cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas.
  3. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with remaining salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Sore Teeth Friendly Food

Yummy Banana Ice-Cream

A great quick fix for a sweet dessert that will make you forget about your achy teeth is frozen banana ice cream! The bonus here is that there’s no added sugar! You could top your banana cream with healthy add-ins like peanut butter, strawberries, or dark chocolate.

2 serving —  Prep Time: 2 hours


Ingredients:

1 large ripe banana

Steps:

  1. Peel and chop your ripe banana into small pieces.
  2. Put the bananas in an air-tight freezer-safe container and place it into the freezer until frozen solid. This will take at least 2 hours, but you can do this overnight. 
  3. Transfer the frozen banana pieces into a small food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse to break the banana pieces up. 
  4. As the banana pieces are starting to turn into a crumbed or smashed texture, switch to blending. Make sure to scrape the edges of the blender/food processor.
  5. Blend to really smooth it out to a nice creamy texture. If you want to add add-ins, this is the time to do so. 
  6. Freeze again to a normal ice cream texture or eat it soft as is!

Remember to take your aligners out before chowing down and brush those teeth before replacing the aligners! Taking care in these steps really helps to make sure you get the most out of your time wearing your aligners. 

 

xx Your Impressions Family

Sources:

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

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10 Things to do while Social Distancing

Start Impressions at home!There are so many things you can do while social distancing! You can visit museums, picnic with friends and straighten your smile – virtually!

1. Straighten your smile, virtually!

Start your at-home journey to a straighter smile with Impressions. Impressions is temporarily offering virtual new patient appointments to see if you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment with Impressions clear aligners! Once it’s safe to go out again, we will schedule an in-office appointment – the only one you will ever have to have. During this appointment you’ll meet the doctor and team in person, have an exam, and take a 3-d scan of your smile. We’ll use the scan to create your clear aligners, and they’ll be mailed right to your home within 6-8 weeks. 

2. Might as well do some spring cleaning!

Cleaning the space around you will help calm your mind. We have plenty of time to go through all that stuff that’s just collected on the kitchen counter. Make a “donate” and “trash” pile – have no mercy. It’s also the turn of the season (thankfully) – go through those clothes you know you haven’t worn in a year, they need to go. When your surroundings are clutter-free, you’ll have a clearer mind.

3. Have a concert in your living room…and dance like no one’s watching!

You might be missing out on a concert you had been looking forward to, but a lot of artists are performing from their own living rooms right to yours! Go ahead and clear a dance floor. Get your groove on. Whether you planned on going to Coachella or have always dreamed of going, Youtube Originals is releasing a documentary titled, “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert” on April 10th! On April 11th, Facebook live is doing a benefit concert called, “Human-to-Human”, that features a list of performers ranging from Tori Kelly to Grouplove and so many more. Tune in here. 

This is a great resource constantly updated with all the concerts happening virtually! 

Getting outside for a walk while socially distancing is so important!

4. Take time for the self-care you never seem to prioritize.

It’s hard to take a second out of our forever busy lives to spoil ourselves. While socially distancing, we have no choice but to do just that. Dig out those facemasks buried underneath the bathroom sink. Run a bath, coat your hair in coconut oil, and slap a mask on–you’ll feel like a queen or king!

5. Tour an art museum that’s been on your bucket list, without the crowds.

We’ve all heard how the Louvre is so crowded that you can barely get 8 feet to the Mona Lisa, well with so many art museums offering virtual tours that’s a problem for the past! You can also visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam virtually & without the crowds! The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, 500 drawings and more than 750 letters. Here’s a list of 7 museums offering free virtual tours. 

6. Start a meditation routine!

Self-care isn’t just about outward beauty either. We might have a lot crowding our minds right now. Meditation is a great tool to help clean your mind and really start listening to yourself.

Facetime friends while social distancing!

7. Have a picnic with all your friends (on the phone)

It’s important to get outside and soak up some vitamin D. Take your lunch break outside, make a picnic, and video chat with your friends! This is a great way to brighten up your day and recharge for the remainder of your work. Grab those quarantine snacks, a blanket, some SPF, and your phone for a yummy, sunny, funny lunch.

8. Travel virtually!

Social distancing has us stuck in our homes, with many people having to cancel their travel plans. However, the internet is booming with great online resources to help us get our minds out of our house – while our butt stays on the sofa. Click this link to tour famous landmarks from your living room! This includes the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Stonehenge, and many more. 

Discover Puerto Rico is offering a weekend in Puerto Rico virtually until April 30th. You can learn to salsa dance, craft a yummy cocktail, cook culturally inspired food, and more – all for FREE!  Learn salsa dancing, cocktails, and cooking in Puerto Rico – but without leaving your house!

9. Learn a new skill!

Enroll in Yale’s most popular class on happiness and well-being. You can earn a certificate, increase your own happiness, and build more productive habits for FREE.

10. Watch Tiger King (or anything else) with your crew through Netflix Party!

Build a fort with your quarantine buddy and use Netflix Party, the new feature on Google Chrome that allows you to Netflix and Chat with your friends from separate locations.

  1. Install Netflix Party on Google Chrome 
  2. Open a video in Netflix
  3. Create your party
  4. Join a Netflix Party
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