Essentials for an Amazing Staycation

 

Water Park // Swimsuit (on sale!) 

Can you believe the photos above were taken just an hour away from our Mississippi home?! Michael and I have been feeling a little stir-crazy lately. We’re only 3 hours from the coast but staying just a couple nights in a hotel can add up to be a lot of $$ and hassle, especially when we now have to board a dog! Having a “staycation” is such a great (and hello, much cheaper) alternative to going on a traditional vacation. We all need a break now and then but sometimes work schedules don’t allow for a whole week off or a week long hotel stay just isn’t in the budget.

These are my favorite ways to have a staycation that will leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on your week!

1. Plan
Plan your staycation in advance. The obvious choice is a weekend because you have guaranteed a couple days off work. Make sure your calendar is free of any commitments like weddings or social gatherings (unless of course, you find these super relaxing!). If you’re living with roomies or your significant other, let them know you’re taking a couple days to recharge and better yet, ask them to join you! In order to get the most out of this time, this should be an intentional moment of rest.

2. Clean House
A clean and organized house is a happy house. Seriously. Before Friday hits take an hour or two and clear any clutter, finish the laundry, and quickly vacuum and sweep. Personally, clutter creates so much anxiety – I really can’t relax if any room in the house is messy. Having a clean home will help you clear your mind.

3. Unplug
Your emails can wait until Monday morning; resist the urge to check them! Unplug from social media as much as you see fit. Social media can be super fun but a lot of times it induces envy and jealousy (#ew). No one needs that. If you find scrolling through Instagram turns into an envy-fest, shut it down! I love seeing what everyone is up to on Snapchat, but sometimes the political bickering on Facebook and staged photos on Insta steal joy instead of produce it.

4. Water
For me, pools and the ocean are synonymous with vaca! There’s really nothing like the sun and water to put you in a happy place. Michael and I don’t have a pool membership here and the pool on base is closed for the summer. I heard about this nearby waterpark from another aviation spouse and I knew we had to check it out! If you’re in desperate need for some pool time, check and see if any of your friends live lakeside or own a pool. Chances are they’ll want to hang! (especially if you bring wine 😉 ) . Check and see if there are any waterparks nearby – the slides def weren’t my cup of tea but we were lucky that this water park had a huge beach section that was super quiet and relaxing.

5. Dine & Drink
This is definitely the time to dine out at the nice restaurant you’ve been wanting to try! Order the large margarita or cocktail and soak up the moment. Since you’re saving money by not paying for a hotel, you can afford to splurge 😉

6. Pamper
So who has a bunch of face masks/scrubs/and body lotions just hanging out in your bathroom? If I could insert the “girl raising her hand” emoji here I totally would. Girl, this is the weekend to pamper yourself! Use all the fun free Sephora beauty samples you’ve gotten, layer on the deep mud cleansing mask, and give your cuticles some much needed TLC. If your prefer to let the professionals do the work, book an appt for a mani/pedi and even a massage.

7. Focus on you
This should be a guilt-free time where you can sit down and read your favorite book, watch your favorite show, or sit out on the porch and quietly sip your fav glass of chardonnay.

Wishing you all the best start to your week! I love you all and am so grateful I’ve gotten to meet and connect with so many amazing women via blogging!!! For daily doses of JE you can find me on snapchat at JassamineElaine and insta.