Look at varieties of window boxes online or prefabricated models in stores to get an idea of the design you would like to use. (The instructions that follow are for a basic rectangular box. They can be easily modified to fit whatever specifications you are looking for.) In particular, you may want to think immediately about how your window box will be attached to your house. Many designs employ wooden brackets or braces to hold up the box, and this should be taken into account in your plans. You can make these simple braces yourself, or there are a number available for purchase in home and garden stores. This will determine how much lumber you will need to purchase.  If you want your window box to run the full length of the window, add twice the length of your window box plus twice the width that you are planning to determine how much lumber you'll need for the 4 sides of the box. The bottom will be the same length as the sides. Your need to select a type of wood that is resistant to the elements (after all, this will be hanging outside). In making your selection, you need to think about the specific requirements that must be fulfilled. How harsh is the weather in your location? How big is this window box going to be, and how much weight will the boards have to bear? Every type of wood has unique qualities, and you should keep that in mind as you make your choice.  Fairly typical boards for projects of this sort are 1X6s or 2X6s--that is, its dimensions are one inch by six inches or two inches by six inches (the heavier boards may be useful for the bottoms of the box). These come in a number of lengths, so consider which one will be most appropriate for this project. There are a wide variety of grades of pressure-treated lumber that can stand up to outdoor conditions, each designed for specific environments. Learn something about the grades and think about which one will suit your requirements.  Though pressure-treated boards are no longer treated with the same toxic chemicals they once were, they are still treated with some peculiar substances. Additionally, new pressure-treated lumber will contain some moisture, and so it cannot be painted until it has begun to dry or weather. For those who would prefer natural woods that are relatively weather resistant without treatment, certain varieties of cedar, cherry, locust, or others may be appropriate. As noted above, this is something to consider when thinking about lumber as well. But the exterior coating will also affect both the appearance and durability of your window box, so strike the appropriate balance when making your selection. As most of you know, there has been an accumulation of home improvement stores throughout the country in recent years. Most have lumber, and nearly all have the additional supplied you will need (a complete list follows at the bottom of the page). It is recommended that you talk to the people who work at the home improvement store to get any quick tips or advice they might have for the project. They often know something about that lumber or paint they are selling you (usually due to customer complaints following failed projects). Understand that they are interested in making a sale, but know that they may have useful information to share.
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One-sentence summary -- Find inspiration. Measure the window where you want to place your window box to determine the length of the box. Determine the type of lumber you would like to use for your window box. Determine what finish or paint you would like. Purchase the materials.


With ingredients in your house, you can create a pamper day for your friends. Play upbeat music and chat while you relax.  Make face masks from ingredients like yogurt and honey.  Do each other’s make up, and style each other’s hair. You can also paint each other’s nails. With your friends, you can come up with interesting ideas for an at-home photo shoot.   Think of creative ways to use every day items as props, or make your own props with craft supplies. Dress up in funny outfits, and create poses together. You can use a camera or simply a phone to take these pictures. Keep the photos as a memory, or post them on Facebook or Instagram to share them with your other friends. Think of fun captions. You don’t need to have any special equipment or boxed games to have a lot of fun. There are plenty of games you can play simply with a pen and paper and your friends.  Play MASH. MASH is a fun, customizable game that will let you find out who you’re going to marry, where you’ll live, and how many kids you’ll have.  Play truth or dare. Truth or dare is a classic game to play with friends. Just make sure you set some ground rules for dares before you begin to play. Enjoy two truths and a lie. This game is a great way to get to know more about your friends. Everyone writes down two things that are true about themselves and one thing that isn’t true. Then, you have to guess which was the lie.  Play charades with your friends. You can either decide on a category or write down a bunch of possibilities beforehand, and place them all in a bowl for players to choose from. Come up with your own game. If you want to get creative, you can make up your own game with your friends. Then, you’ll have your very own private game to play each time you all get together. Playing games together can be a great way to stay entertained inside. Be sure to choose games that work well for multi-person playing.  You can choose games with built in multi-person playing like Mario Kart. You can also choose to play story-based games like The Walking Dead with your friends. Either take turns with the controller or just talk to each other about each decision. Doing a collaborative project together can be a great way to spend the time. You don’t need a fancy video camera to make a films; you can simply use someone’s phone.  Consider making a comedy sketch. Use all the fun inside jokes you have with your friends. Brain storm ideas, and write a script together. If you don’t want to make something story-based, you can create a music video. Film all your friends dancing to a song. You can make up a coordinated dance routine, or let everyone improvise. You can also try your hand at making something more artistic like a short stop motion video. Set out paints and drawing materials, and have an art session with your friends. You can even try to draw each other.  If you’re feeling ambitious, try learning a new skill like crocheting or knitting. You can also make matching friendship bracelets to wear.
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One-sentence summary --
Have an at-home makeover and spa day. Create a photo shoot. Play paper games. Play video games with your friends. Make a film together. Get artistic.