Weekend Essentials
Staying in this weekend? Great, I’m doing the same.
Thanksgiving weekend is often one of my most laid-back times. I embrace the official kick-off to the holiday season as the perfect excuse to unwind and take a breather.
I’ve mentioned before how challenging it is for me to relax. I’m usually juggling several tasks, making it hard to truly disconnect. However, that doesn’t stop me from making the effort. Occasionally, I switch off my phone and focus on enjoying quiet moments.
This weekend offers me the ideal chance to do just that: my home is immaculate, there’s no pressure to cook, and aside from washing my car and a handful of work calls, my to-do list is light. Of course, I do have blog-related tasks that I genuinely enjoy, viewing them more as a passion than a chore.
BOOKS
If there’s one thing I wish I had more time for, it’s reading. It’s one of the simplest ways to decompress. I often reach for my favorite self-help and personal growth books. Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein is definitely at the top of my list. I was drawn to her after watching an interview years ago and have since followed her on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Her blog is also a treasure trove! If you’re interested in meditation or spirituality, her blog is a must-visit for a life filled with health and joy.
MOVIES
No staycation is complete without a movie marathon. I enjoy long sessions of classics like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings, not to mention the convenience of renting new releases right from my TV. And let’s not forget Netflix!
GOOD COFFEE
While I’ve switched to green tea for my daily routine, I still indulge in coffee on weekends. Rather than rush, I savor each cup, often having my husband grab us some from a local favorite, or enjoying a cup during breakfast out together.
SNACKS
If you celebrate Thanksgiving, you’re likely enjoying leftovers for a couple of days. Let’s be honest, leftovers are one of the best perks! However, during more relaxed days, I keep my snacks light to avoid feeling sluggish. I love snacking on grapefruit or orange wedges, skinny pizza, and when my sweet tooth strikes, I whip up some treats. Keeping snacks light allows me to enjoy downtime without feeling weighed down.
NAIL POLISH
A little self-care over the weekend helps me reduce stress. I find painting my nails oddly soothing; perhaps it’s because it forces me to set my phone aside for a bit! Thus, nail polish has become an essential weekend item.
FACE MASKS
And what’s a pampering session without a face mask?
CANDLES
I always have a candle lit, but I bring out my favorites for the weekends—totally normal, right? Right now, I’m obsessed with Diptique’s Sapin. Its beautiful winter scent truly brings the spirit of Christmas into my home.
BLANKETS
Because a cozy weekend in calls for a good cuddle!
MAGAZINES
I subscribe to at least four different magazines, yet it feels like I haven’t touched any of them in months. There’s a hefty stack next to my desk, and I’m determined to read through at least half of them this weekend.
BOARD GAMES
I lean towards fun games like Let’s Dance, but since my husband opts out, we usually play Monopoly or Scrabble instead. I recall a few years back when a storm knocked out our power for days, and we spent the whole weekend immersed in Monopoly. I found the experience surprisingly enjoyable, almost wishing for the power to stay out a bit longer to fully embrace that disconnection.
What are your staycation essentials? Any fun board games to recommend? Also, feel free to add me on Snapchat: @Paula13t!
