Image courtesy of Life.com

As much as I like my job here at Southern Accents, I need a break sometimes—we all do. I love vacationing, but sometimes traveling (not to mention planning, booking flights and hotels, and packing) leaves me feeling like I need a real vacation when I return from the trip.

You’ve probably seen and heard the term “staycation” lately. Last week I took one, and it was a great week. I think we’re all realizing that we don’t have to spend a lot of money or do something grand to have an enjoyable time.

Don’t overdo it (you do want to relax), but I would suggest making plans for your staycation. If I hadn’t, I would have whittled my entire week away organizing and cleaning here and there. Even though I made time for some of that, I also took my one-year-old son to the pool. We went to our local library to see a magic show. I took long, leisurely trips to the grocery store (an indulgence for me), and made dinner for our family most nights, including one you should try: Bow Ties with Tomatoes, Feta, and Balsamic Dressing, from the latest issue of Cooking Light. 

I love the sun, even in July, so I spent of lot of time outside—weeding, planting basil, tending to my tomato plants, and sitting on our new patio reading The Disagreement. I even sipped ice water with cucumber and lemon as I read, something I’ve never done outside of the spa. But why not feel special at home? One morning, my son and I went for a long run with the jogging stroller, something that never seems to happen on weekends.

This week, I’m feeling caught up at home, relaxed, and refreshed. Is anyone else planning a staycation? Are there museums and summer events in your city that you’ve never gotten around to? Maybe you’d rather spend your time at home—in your kitchen or on your patio. What are your plans?

—Holly Goff