
Lauren Michelle Hill served as PLAYBOY’s cover girl for the October 2000 issue before becoming our February 2001 Playmate. The University of South Carolina journalism student and cheerleader, posing above for photographer Stephen Wayda, was no stranger to modeling—her mom owned an agency and helped Hill (and her three siblings) get cast in photoshoots, films and TV shows—including a small stint in Baywatch. Hill’s cat even appeared in a film titled That Darn Cat! We can’t be sure of the screen credits of the puppy pictured above, but we do know it’s never too late to teach your furry friend some new tricks.

November 2001 Playmate Lindsey Vuolo got messy in the kitchen for her pictorial, photographed above by Arny Freytag. If you’ve missed a birthday party or two during quarantine, there’s no need to fret. Instead, put your baking skills to good use and make a treat to mail—or to enjoy alone, possibly on a video call—in lieu of in-person celebrations. And if you have a background in bartending, like Vuolo does, shake or stir up a new cocktail for yourself to mark the occasion too!

“I love painting and drawing and making things,” said June 2003 Playmate Tailor James in her pictorial story. She wasn’t kidding—in addition to studying marketing, aesthetics and image consulting, James also designed her own line of panties. If you’re in the mood to tap your inner artist, check out these tips for painting during quarantine! As James, a Canada native and karate enthusiast, noted in her pictorial, making art is a great way to take the edge off!

Love fresh veggies, but don’t want to deal with the crowds at the store? Try growing some yourself! In the image above, our August 2006 Playmate Nicole Voss shows off her green thumb for photographer Stephen Wayda. The Florida-born Playmate was an HGTV fanatic and used her skills to plant a garden that included veggies, lavender, flowers and even kiwis at her house. In addition to gardening, Voss liked to unwind from her work in real estate with yoga, bubble baths and long walks with her three dogs.

Bikinis and brunch? We’re so in. Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on booze-filled festivities. Qiana Chase, our July 2005 Playmate, shows photographers Arny Freytag and Stephen Wayda how it’s done in this outtake. When she wasn’t modeling or working as a makeup artist, Chase enjoyed spending time lounging at the beach or dancing the night away at the club.

Carmella DeCesare, Playboy’s April 2003 Playmate and 2004 Playmate of the Year, was loyal to her hometown of Cleveland but also enjoyed visiting the Playboy Mansion a few times a year. Part of the Mansion’s appeal was its large selection of games and its famed Game Room. Hef, an avid backgammon player, also welcomed guests to play pinball, darts, billiards and, as photographed here by Arny Freytag and Stephen Wayda, foosball.

Playboy congratulates the class of 2020; good luck to those starting school in the fall! May 2000 Playmate Brooke Berry recognized the importance of studying hard—the Canadian Playmate, who grew up in Tahoe City, majored in English at Berkeley. Berry, photographed on what appears to be a quick study break, stood by the motto “Work hard, play hard,” and would sometimes hit the trails in the nude in order to unwind!

Along with practicing theater and studying communications, one of March 2001 Playmate Miriam Gonzalez’s most loved activities was learning how to make new dishes (Chinese cuisine was a favorite). If you’re not as adept in the kitchen as Gonzalez, support your local restaurants and order some takeout!

Kia Drayton, Miss December 2006, started collecting records when she was only eight years old. The Atlanta-based DJ, known as DJ Jazzy Belle, owned more than 20,000 records when Stephen Wayda photographed her for her pictorial. If you miss hitting the dance floor and seeing your favorite DJs spin live, tune in to their sets on Instagram—might we recommend DJ D-nice, who racked up 100,000 simultaneous viewers (including Joe Biden and Rihanna) during his nine-hour livestreamed set!

Netflix and quarantine? Now is the perfect time to binge-watch an old favorite with your bae. Perhaps a little Sex and the City, which June 2002 Playmate Michele Rogers has cued up in the background of this photo by Arny Freytag. (Rogers, a makeup artist and Michigan resident, told us, “Like Carrie from Sex and the City, I have a weakness for shoes.”) Rogers usually opted for dates more exciting than watching TV, such as taking gondola rides and hitting the batting cages. But under today’s circumstances, an activity that can easily be shared via video call seems more appropriate.