I had a crazy idea this week to set up a virtual lunch with friends and we had the best time. Since we are stuck at home now that we are all considered non-essential workers, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen one another and decided to use online a video chat app to bring us closer together. It was amazing!
Plan A Virtual Lunch With Friends Using A Free Video Chat App – Here’s 3 To Use
We kept it really simple and easy. Pajamas, no makeup, and behind closed doors so we could be away from the kids just for a bit. It was SO GREAT to catch up with these girls face to face.
I know that our time these days is usually spent talking about family bonding and teaching positivity to our children … but we still need our girlfriends! I left that call feeling completely invigorated and ready to tackle my day. You don’t realize how much your friends mean to your mental state until you are locked in your house for two weeks.
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Having a virtual lunch with friends was a great way for us to catch up on everything that’s been happening and to reminisce about the good ol’ days. We talked about some of our old vacations, what we’re cooking, and how our kids were doing with homework assignments. And then, we spent the rest of the time just laughing and laughing. I loved every second.
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How To Connect With Friends During This Isolation Period
There are three different ways you can connect with friends during this Coronavirus lockdown. These options are all free to use and pretty simple to get off the ground.
HouseParty App
Houseparty is a social networking service that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Users receive a notification when friends are online and available to group video chat. Access it in the Apple store here.
I do want to make a note about Houseparty if you have tweens. I would NOT suggest you telling them about this app. We had a pretty big issue with our daughter a few years ago with this app.
There is a web involved to this social network. I can become friends with your friends pretty easily which means easy access for everyone. We actually ran into a bit of a bullying situation when she was really young because of this EASE OF ACCESS. So, stick to YOU using it with your girlfriends for now. Do not pass this suggestion along to your littles.
Facetime via Facebook
If everyone has Facebook then one person just has to call all friends at once and you will be good to go! I believe if you are more than two people, you all have to be using your phones.
I typically pick up my Facetime calls on my computer, but I think when you are doing multiple attendee calls, you all have to be on your phones. At least, that is what I was told yesterday.
This is what we used yesterday and we talked for just about an hour. It was the absolute best. I think since most moms have Facebook, this is going to be your best bet. You won’t have to worry about getting people to download anything.
How To Set Up A Facetime Call
- Open FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the + button in the upper-right corner.
- Enter the name or number of a person you want to call and then tap VIDEO.
Google Hangouts
With Google Hangouts, you can select up to 10 people to video chat with in a session. This makes it the best for large groups. If you want to get the entire family together or maybe a mini-reunion of sorts, I think the Hangout is the safest bet in the FREE department.
How To Set Up A Google Hangout Call
- Open hangouts.google.com
- Select the people you’d like to include from your Hangouts list or search for their name or email address.
- Click Video call to begin.
With these video chat apps, you can reconnect with your friends during this separation period and still get a good LAUGH! What are you waiting for?
Grab your lunch and a few friends and make an afternoon out of it. Lunch with friends is just what the doctor ordered. Who knows? Maybe next week, we will all take a virtual fitness class or pick a few virtual field trips to take the kids together!
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