Hello, Loves
Don't you ever just want to pack up and take a much-needed trip for literally no reason? Because same. All the time. However, sometimes it is important to remember that you do not necessarily need to leave your city or spend a lot of money to achieve some much needed "me" time. While I do agree, it IS very easy for me to say that because I live in Manhattan: here are some tips to achieve that "stay-cation" feeling no matter where you call home.
1. Find a Park You've Never Visited
Seriously: I guarantee every city has some kind of hidden gem park you have not yet ventured to. Pick one and spend a few hours there enjoying anything from reading, to sunbathing, to people watching (my favorite). It truly is a mind-clearer
For my stay-cation, I sunbathed in a secluded area of Central Park that I have never been to, and brought some fresh fruit, as you can see in my top photo. Don’t forget the Tajin!
Seriously: I guarantee every city has some kind of hidden gem park you have not yet ventured to. Pick one and spend a few hours there enjoying anything from reading, to sunbathing, to people watching (my favorite). It truly is a mind-clearer
For my stay-cation, I sunbathed in a secluded area of Central Park that I have never been to, and brought some fresh fruit, as you can see in my top photo. Don’t forget the Tajin!
2. Go Shopping Somewhere You Don't Typically Shop At
Even if it is just window-shopping at a place you can't afford: just go to feel inspired. Or if you really want to the full experience but don’t want to break the bank, just get yourself a little something small. For my stay-cation, I spent literally the entire day at Bloomingdale's because I never really go in there. I also left with a greater sense of what is in fashion right now.
Even if it is just window-shopping at a place you can't afford: just go to feel inspired. Or if you really want to the full experience but don’t want to break the bank, just get yourself a little something small. For my stay-cation, I spent literally the entire day at Bloomingdale's because I never really go in there. I also left with a greater sense of what is in fashion right now.
3. If the Price Is Right, Book a Night at an Air BNB or a Hotel
If you are lucky enough to have actual, historic Bed & Breakfasts in your city, 1. I envy you, 2. Go for it! This is the perfect way to clear your head and create your own, personal stay-cation space.
4. Phone Off!
Seriously. That boy who left you on read for a week? Ignore. 65 Messages in the group chat? Get Back to them later. In today's day and age, our smartphones have become an extension of our arms. It is easy to get sucked up into our phones, so for a portion of your stay-cation, NO PHONE even if it is just one day. However, I did use Instagram during my stay-cation. Let people wonder what you're up to, who you're with, and where you're at. Give yourself the upper hand.
5. Try a New Cuisine or Restaurant
This was probably my favorite part of the stay-cation: If there is a cuisine you are curious about but never indulged in, this is the perfect opportunity! And do not be afraid to go alone: I hear so many girls say they feel "odd" going to a restaurant or bar alone, but trust me, once you get over that feeling of "OMG I'm at a table by myself" and your food comes, and you start sipping wine, it really is a tremendously, peaceful feeling.
*For my stay-cation, the place I went to was in Columbus Circle called Trattoria del' Arte. It is a small, Italian restaurant filled with all kinds of anatomical art, line drawings, and sculptures (the kind of things I weirdly obsess over), and they had Cacio e Pepe and aperol spritzers on the menu, so it was a perfect stay-cation meal for me.
6. Go People-Watching
Again, my favorite thing to do, ever. But seriously, sometimes just hanging out at Starbucks or a Barnes and Noble is a great space to get immersed in some activity or to people watch. The most important aspect of this activity is do not feel guilty for doing nothing: sometimes if we spend a complete day being unproductive we tend to feel guilty but don't! We have the rest of our lives to be busy and productive. Eat that croissant and read that magazine. All Day.
7. Self Care Self Care Self Care
I'm big on self-care. Spend a day at a spa, or if you are on a budget, just go get your nails painted. For under $13, you can have somebody pamper you. Or do it yourself and head to Ulta or Sephora and get a face mask or two. My life feels so much more together after I do a face mask. My favorite one at the moment is the Tony Moly Floria Facial Peel. It costs about $23, but lasts forever because you only do it once a week. You leave it on for about 5 minutes, then peel it off and your skin looks so much brighter, younger, and feels like marble. Give it a try!
So there you have it: ways to make your city seem new, fun, and adventurous without breaking the bank. I hope you enjoyed, and feel free to comment and share!
xo
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