This post is sponsored by Jergens®
In 2010, we moved to California and my husband and I half-heartedly joked that it would be silly to ever take a summer vacation outside of the golden state. Santa Barbara could serve as a Spanish retreat to kick back and relax, while a quick trip to Santa Cruz could give us the dose of surf culture we need to get creative and adventurous. The thought of the time (and money) we could save by hopping in the car when we need a change of scenery was enough to turn our joke into an unofficial pact.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve taken more than my fair share of ‘staycations.’ Here are some tips on planning a staycation, no matter where you live, to re-energize, relax and see your city and self through a new lens.
1. Visit a museum or garden
If you have a favorite museum, make time to get there! Otherwise, ask friends and colleagues for recommendations on museums in or near your city and plan to spend a few uninterrupted hours exploring. Make the adventure even more relaxing by packing a lunch and having a picnic outside. We recently discovered the Getty Museum in LA and I give the architecture an A+. The art (Van Gough, Cezane and Monet) was a treat for the adults, but the expansive outdoor gardens (read: running, rolling and summersault paths) make it a great place to bring little ones too!
2. Take a hike
Find a place you’ve never been hiking and get outside. Seeing new sights will make you feel like, well, you’re somewhere totally new and may even bring new perspective. If you’re in or near LA, try Mandeville Canyon! We went two weeks ago and saw probably three dozen dogs which, if you know me, you know that totally made my day!
3. Host a beach, lake or backyard BBQ
Let’s face it, getting friends and family together for burgers (I’ll take turkey with no bun, please!) and cold drinks on a hot day is one of the best ways you could possibly spend your day. Get outside the norm with your location and cuisine. One thing I miss about San Francisco is oyster shucking (and oyster eating) with friends in Tomales Bay. If you live in a part of the country that is still cold, host a swimsuits optional indoor BBQ!
4. Have a girls day at the spahhh
A spa day will make even the most stressed out people say ‘ahhh’. Why not gather a few girlfriends for a day of pampering and catching up in the sauna?
5. Go to the theatre
Search shows and musicals showing at local theaters and put all the ones you’d like to see on your calendar now so you can plan to see your favorites this year. It can be anything from Les Miserables (still on my list) to a local school play so long as you dress up, get out on the town and enjoy the entertainment. If you’re like me, a night of theatre will make you feel like a brand new person.
6. Fake a fresh-from-vacay tan
Nothing gives me a little boost like a subtle golden glow, so I rely on Jergens® Natural Glow® 3-step process to give me a natural sun-kissed look all year round. This isn’t the same Jergens self-tanner you may have used to prep for prom, this stuff has no strange after-scent and no orangey streaks. Use caution when putting it on as it lasts for days (a week if you use the tan extender!). The photo below was taken 3 days after initial application. No matter what your staycation itinerary has in store for you, you’ll feel like you’ve has a sun-filled vacation in an instant with the help of the Jergens® Natural Glow® Sunless Tanning Collection.
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