Many people are gearing up for summer vacations, but some of us may have to stay put Summer 19'. Whether you're taking summer courses, saving up for your first home, paying off student loans, having little ones, or whatever it is adulting throws at us, it doesn't mean you can't get away. Say hello to the staycation.
Now, I know this may not seem like the most relaxing option, but I promise if done right, you WILL feel recharged after a two-day staycation.
Here are a few ways you can plan your first (or next) staycation in the comfort of your city, no flight required.
1.Change Your Scenery
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Staycations don't mean you can't bring experience something new. Is there a new hotel you've been wanting to try? Or are you longing for a big tub to take a bubble bath in with a bottle of your favorite red wine? If you're nodding your head yes, book that hotel room or Airbnb. The hotel you've been eyeing might be a bit of a splurge, but you're worth it. Not to mention, since you don't have to account for airfare into your budget, you'll have a few extra coins to spend there.
2.Turn Off The Notifications
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Put the phone down. Turn it on do not disturb. Oh, and don't forget to turn off your emails, social media push notifications, and anything else that will take away from your ability to kick back, relax, and pretend you're living your best life in another city. For those of you with little ones and significant others, this may be a challenge. But if you can, try to refrain from checking in too often.
3.Make Reservations
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I just talked about experiencing something new, and food is a great way to see your hometown in a new light. I suggest finding a few places where you can make reservations, so you can skip the day-to-day tasks of waiting in lines or eating on the run. Apps like OpenTable and Resy make it easy to reserve your table and find out which restaurants are worth trying.
4.Do Things You Wouldn't Normally Do That You Enjoy
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Getting lost in a new city does make the world around you feel fresh, and depending on the size of your town, there is always something new to explore. If you're an art lover, purchase a ticket in the middle of the day and wander around your local art museum. Do you enjoy cooking? Book a cooking class at Sur La Table or a pottery class from a local artisan through Airbnb Experiences.
5.SPLURGE
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At the start of this article, I talked about all of the reasons you might not be able to plan a vacation someplace else due to budgeting. But, I'm going to encourage you to prepare for at least one splurge on your staycation. Check in on your monthly budget and see where you have wiggle room. It doesn't have to be an exorbitant amount. Spending the night or two at a swanky hotel with excellent service is my idea of a splurge, but for you, that might be purchasing tickets to see your favorite artist, booking a day at the spa, or buying a couple of new outfits to wear while you take in the city. Don't bust your budget, but make sure you make a little room to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
I know we all have our financial responsibilities, but we should always make time to disconnect and recharge even if we can't fly away.
What's your ideal staycation? Tell us in the comments!
Featured image by Getty Images
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
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Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she says. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
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Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she says. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
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She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
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One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she says. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she says. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube