Right about now, I am SO missing this summer scene over here! … Thus the online search begins for the all-inclusive deals to some paradise getaway.
Let’s talk RESORT LIFE! A week with just my hubby, no cooking, no cleaning, long days on a white sandy beach with a fufu drink in my hand….Ahhhhhh! How long can I stay? Just living in Michigan should give you an automatic discount to your getaway of choice, wouldn’t you agree?
I’m sure others of you can relate as well..winters can be very long. The reality is, outside of maybe a week, our lives are lived right at home sweet home. Do you remember the commercial “Calgon, take me away”? It was an advertisement for bath bubbles…the idea was that a good soak in the tub surrounded by a beautiful scent, gave you this resort-like spa moment. Something that gave you a sense of refreshment and renewal..a getaway! Allow Molly (my granddaughter) to demonstrate. LOL!
She knows how to have her own spa experience at Nana’s, not only in my tub but also in my salon. Kids are very good at creating their own reality, whatever they want it to be.
Pretending as a kid was just the best. I think in a way, I still do somewhat of the same thing. Whenever I have a task at hand that I’m dreading it helps me to somehow make the moment more FUN.. Surprised?! LOL!
If I have to do my book work, I might light a candle, play some music and grab a cup of coffee (ideally with whip cream) and a bowl of chocolate chips might not hurt either. 😉
It’s all about creating an environment that makes the mundane seem just a little better.
So when a STAYCATION is more our reality than a VACATION…lets find ways to refresh the home to make it feel like a getaway in and of itself. Little ways your home can feel special to you, your family and your guests.
No surprise that my favorite way is with fresh flowers.
Flowers are my LOVE language, and these FUN Tulips happen to be smiling at me this week, along with this bright bowl of oranges. I love to have fresh flowers in most any room, even the bath, nothing freshens up a countertop quite like them. Even just a single stem can make me happy.
So while picking up some groceries …spend the dollar on one Gerbera daisy or one Hydrangea stem, or a simple carnation for the bathroom. Or if you’re like me, most of the time you can’t resist the whole bunch!
At least until the garden is producing again.;)
While I have you in the bathroom…I’m reminded of all the ways this room in itself, can have a spa like effect for our staycation.
A cute little tray for the bathroom counter, filled with various items to make you feel pampered.
Pretty tissue boxes, scented soaps and lotions, lit candles..maybe a facial mask to apply before soaking in a bath filled with bubbles.
Of course the bath has many possibilities for making you feel renewed on our little getaway. Maybe some spa music playing ,fresh towels displayed pretty, a pillow for resting your head, a book for reading, and a glass of wine possibly?…VERY POSSIBLE! 😉 Can’t go wrong with a fluffy robe and slippers upon exiting the tub either.
Next.. maybe a cozy spot to retreat to. Gotta love a big ole’ chair with a cozy throw and a warm cup of tea. You should most likely continue reading here ..after all, you’re on vacation!
Maybe your bed is that cozy spot. Bed trays are a perfect way to make your bed look inviting for more than just sleeping in. Throw a candle on there, some FUN magazines and and maybe even a pretty linen spray to freshen the sheets. A few chocolates on the pillows wouldn’t hurt either. 😉
Speaking of goodies..there’s always lots of them when staying at a resort or a Bed and Breakfast. Among some of my favorites, a coffee bar. Enjoy a cup of coffee at home with a dollop of whip cream or two, maybe even a drizzle of Caramel. A warm chocolate chip cookie would be the perfect addition as well!
I have you drinking so many fun drinks… let’s not forget to hydrate!
There are so many Water options. Whether it’s just fun water bottles or flavored waters, or simply adding in some lemon or lime slices..it’ll definitely make drinking water a little FUNNER.
Displaying your lemons or limes, are not only a feast for the eyes but can also help you remember to add them to your water.
Any fresh fruit bowl reminds me of a tropical getaway..there’s always fruit galore on display and it’s so desirable looking! Food is always a highlight when on you’re on vacation. Either the resort has fabulous food prepared for you or there’s local restaurants near by to dine at. So maybe the food part of our staycation will find us venturing out for a bite to eat or there’s always pizza delivery. In which case there’s still no clean up involved and allows for a quiet evening at home, maybe even a Valentine’s candlelight dinner for two.
No matter where you find yourself this winter season.. if a vacation getaway is out of reach, try a few of these simple ideas to feel just a bit more pampered while remaining in your own happy place.
HOME, it’s the best place on earth!
