6 Ways to Have a Staycation All Summer Long in Your Own Home

1.Simplify and change minor décor  in your home

I love changing up the decor for the seasons.  I have an Old Salem Spring print that I just took down and have now given the mantle it's summer "do."  I enjoy using beachy elements during the summer. If you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to you.  All of the shells, starfish, driftwood, nets, etc. have been collected by myself or given to me by friends. You can make your home feel like a vacation home if you put a little effort and imagination into your decorations. Just think about the ways beach or lake homes are decorated and bring those elements into your home.  It's really fun and makes your living room, bedroom or other areas of your home relaxing and gives it that "vacation" feel.

A mirror, some starfish, fishnet, shells, sea glass and other colors from the ocean grouped together take an ordinary mantle straight to the beach.

2.  Spend quiet time outside every evening

Spend some time outside each day even if it's just for a short time. If you were on vacation you would. We just put up a new swing under our shade tree. We bought it at the Farmer's Market from the sweetest little old man. We love to go out to the swing after dinner and just rest, catch up from the day and just chill. It does a body good.

 3.  Something Fun to Drink

Get out the old ice trays. Yes, the old ice tray. Drop a maraschino cherry in each compartment. Pour your favorite juice or punch in the ice tray and freeze.  After frozen, put cubes in a fancy glass with a straw, pour ginger ale over it.  YUMMY!! So refreshing, fun and good! The kids will love these too.

 4. Play Beach Music

I love the Beach Boys. Turn the music up, the air conditioning down and staycation away.

5. Ice Cream and Ice Cream Cones.

Buy your favorite ice cream and don't forget the cones. If you have little ones, don't forget the sprinkles and chocolate syrup.  Take a blanket outside and eat your ice cream park style. I love to eat ice cream but eating it outside is even better.  Why is that?  Props to Homeland Creamery. Oh my goodness. They have the  best ice cream ever. No kidding. Just buy it! Today! If you live in the Winston Salem area you can get it at Washington Perk. Our favorites are Apple Pie and Butter Pecan. Seriously if you haven't had their Butter Pecan, you haven't had Butter Pecan. Just sayin'.

6.  Have your dinner outside.

Light the tiki torches and the citronella candles (gotta keep the mosquitoes away) and have dinner outside.  I love to use a table cloth, real flatware, candles, etc when dining outside. It just takes dinner up a notch and it's so much fun. Don't save the good dishes for a special day. Remember, everyday is special. 

(Our beautiful daughter Kristen came over after church today. 

Just say "we're cooking" and they will come.)

BBQ chicken off of the grill, oven roasted potatoes, cauliflower and onions, fresh cucumbers out of Pa Bennie's garden with a splash of red wine vinegar, strawberries and some southern sweet tea in a mason jar.   Life is good.

I sure hope you make some time for yourself and your family this summer.  Even if you can't leave town for a vacation at the beach, take an evening at home and make it fun and special. You don't have to leave town to make a memory.  Do you have great ideas for making your home like a vacation? Please share them. I would love to hear what you do in your home. 

Have a safe and happy summer and until we meet again,  Fifi

Psalm 139:9  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 

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