Here’s to a Constructive Carmageddon: How to Use the 405 Closure to Your Advantage

With Carmageddon just around the corner, millions of SoCal residents are trying to decide how they’re going to spend this weekend – you know, the one where the 405 is closed for 53 hours. Gulp.

Most people have come to the conclusion that it’s probably best to stay home – but what do you do for an entire homebound weekend? Sure, you could catch up on all the shows that have been sitting in your TiVo queue for the past three months, but why not be productive while you’re hiding from the highway havoc?

We’ve got a few ideas about how to put Carmageddon to good use – while saving a few bucks:

1. Establish a home workout routine
There’s not always enough time in the day to hit the gym, so you’ve found yourself vowing to bust out those old workout DVD’s in your living room or do some crunches before bed . . . but somehow, that doesn’t end up happening. Make this weekend the time you finally start a home workout routine for days you can’t make it to the gym (here are some ideas), and in the meantime, pick up $50 worth of home workout equipment for just $25!

2. Spend a (carless) day at the beach
Bike to the beach for a day of fun in the sun, spent sunning on the sand instead of stalled on the street. Once you’re there, lock up your own two-wheeler for a bit and let someone else take you up and down the strand for a stress-free view of the beach – we’ve got an oceanside bike-drawn carriage ride for just $15!

3. Get organized
Once you’re homebound for a couple of days, you might find it harder to overlook messes around the house. If your abode could benefit from some organizing, take advantage of the congested city streets by rolling up your sleeves and finally doing long-procrastinated chores, like getting your files in order or de-cluttering your garage. But don’t do it alone: organization experts can make tasks like these easier – with better results. Get two hours of organizing time – worth $114 – for just $50 – and come out of Carmageddon a little cleaner!