A few of us are losing our much deserved holidays thanks to this pandemic. I myself was supposed to be gallivanting the streets of Hanoi right about now…blurg. I’ve made us some Vietnamese food to soften the blow but then I came up with an even better bandaid…the at home vacation!

Today I set up a Mexican themed scene on my back patio to reward my hard days gardening work and completely felt the stress of this lockdown melt away.

Here are some fun themes for ‘literal’ staycations for you to create at home. Great recipes are linked in as well. Stay safe everyone!

Viva Mexico!

Incredible shrimp ceviche lunch in Tulum

The Playlist: Classic Salsa

The Scene: colorful beach blankets on the ground or draped over folding chairs. Print or hand draw ‘Dia de los Muertos’ decorations. Put up a YouTube beach seen on your tv on repeat. I like this one but search ‘relaxing beach scene’ and pick your fave. If you have a garden and a kiddie pool, fill that baby up!

The Grub: you guessed it…tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, LOADS of guacamole and salsa or pico de gallo, cut tropical fruit sprinkled with a mix of chilli powder, salt and lime. All washed down with blended margaritas, Corona or Sol with lime, homemade horchata or just a shot of tequila.

Wine Country Escape

Wine tasting in Tuscany a few years ago.

The Playlist: anything smooth or easy…french oldies, classical, jazz, Italian instrumentals.

The Scene: candle light, nice table cloth and table settings, vineyard scenery playing on the tv. Sunset and beyond gives the best atmosphere for this staycation. Also you’ll be asleep if you start wine tasting before noon, haha.

The Grub: charcuterie board, cheese platter, baguette and butter, rocket salad. Create your own wine tasting with an array of mini bottles of wines and bubbly. Mark down what notes you’re tasting and what you’d pair it with…have a laugh with it.

Spa Day

The Playlist: spa music or chill lounge

The Scene: reclining chairs with white towels nicely folded, a large storage bin filled with Epsom salted hot water for soaking your feet, tea lights in jars, house plants gathered into one area, aroma therapy defuser going… slip into your robe or loose fitting pjs and sink into this escape. Treat yourself to an exfoliating facial scrub and masque, mani pedi or swap massages with your partner (or make your kids volunteer 😉)

The grub: veggie and fruit platter, spa salad, trail mix, cucumber and fresh mint water, smoothie and yogurt parfait with granola.

Treat Yourself to a Stay-at-Home Vacation