How To Properly Watch Coachella At Home

This year, both weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be streamed live. Why is this a big deal? It's the first time both weekends have been e-vailable! Weekend one (April 11-13) will be brought to the internet by YouTube, and weekend two (April 18-20) by AXS TV. Not going to Coachella? Going weekend two, but want a weekend one sneak peek of the festival? All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and BAM! You've got Coachella at your fingertips.

But hey, why not take it a step further? While the Coachella experience cannot be duplicated, it can inspire how you watch the live stream. You can have your very own Homechella! Turn your living room into the Empire Polo Club. Invite your friends over or go solo, whatever floats your boat. Just commit to the Homechella-ness. And yes, I definitely created a Homechella guide.

How To Do Homechella:

1. Make sure your chosen device is working and your web connection is a-okay.
2. Dress for the festival. Wear whatever you want, as long as it’s Coachella-y. As tempting as it might be to lounge around in your PJs while you watch The Knife, commitment is key.
3. Make your own festival wristband. You can keep it simple and just write "HOMECHELLA" on a rubber band, or you can get super crafty. Whatever you do, do not remove that wristband. If you remove that wristband, Homechella is OVER.
4. “Pack” for the festival. That means load up a backpack with stuff that’d make it past festival security and lug it to wherever you’re watching the live stream.
5. Apply sunscreen liberally throughout the weekend.
6. Rent a subwoofer (unless you already have one, of course). Coachella is all about that thumpin’, polo field-shakin’ bass. If you can feel the floor vibrate, you’re on the right track. (Bonus points if you cover your floor with polo field grass. That’s dedication.)
7. On one wall, arrange Christmas lights in the shape of a ferris wheel. (Bonus points for a Christmas light Coachella snail.)<img src="http://lovelace-media.imgix.net/uploads/51/d80cd250-9da1-0131-97ad-523570442fe3.gif?w=320"/>
8. Shut the windows, open the blinds to let any and all sun in, and crank the heat. Indio is HOT. (Don't pass out.)
9. At random intervals, turn on your fan. Gotta recreate those desert winds somehow!
10. Don’t chill out on a couch while you watch! Stand the heck up. Dance. Fist pump. Nod along with your arms folded. GET INTO IT.<img src="http://lovelace-media.imgix.net/uploads/51/27d0d3f0-9da1-0131-6eaf-2a2c9b42c9b5.gif?w=320"/> Whenever you need a break, sit cross-legged on the floor. (Bonus points if you “packed” a towel or a picnic blanket to sit on.)
11. Drink plenty of water, but treat each drop like it came from an expensive, precious bottle you bought from a festival vendor. (Bonus points if you stocked up on Heineken.)
12. This step takes a little imagination, so bear with me. Purchase enough microwaveable meals for the weekend. Whenever it’s food time, pop a frozen dinner in the microwave. While you wait, linger around the microwave like it is a food truck or a concessions stand and and "listen" for your name to be called. When it's done heating, say, “That’s me!” and carefully remove the food (don’t burn yourself). Say “thank you” as you shut the microwave door. (Yes, I am suggesting you interact with your microwave like it's a food truck.)
13. When the sun sets, un-crank the heat and blast that A/C. Turn on the fan and leave it on. It gets cold and breezy at night, ya dig? Did you “pack” a sweatshirt? NICE WORK!
14. Sleep in your car, a tent, or a hotel.
15. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Have fun. That's what it's all about, yeah? YEAH.

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