Weekend essentials
Staying in this weekend? Good, me too.
Thanksgiving weekend is always one of the most inactive weekends for me. I use the official start of the holiday season as a perfect excuse to sit back and relax a little.
I’m pretty sure that in one of my previous posts I mentioned just how difficult it is for me to relax. I’m always trying to do a couple of different things at once and it’s not easy for me to just disconnect from everything. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve stopped trying. Every once in a while I turn off my phone and really try to enjoy some quiet downtime.
This weekend I have the perfect opportunity to do so: the house is sparkling clean, I don’t have to worry about cooking, and other than washing my car and making a few work-related calls today, there isn’t much that I need to get done- other than blog-related work, which I love to do and I really consider to be a pleasure, rather than a responsibility.
BOOKS
If there is one thing that I wish I had more time to do, it’s reading. Reading is probably one of the easiest and simple ways to relax and unwind. I love reaching out for some of my favorite self-help and personal-growth books. Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein is definitely one of my favorites. I came across a TV interview with Gabby few years a go, and started following her on Twitter, IG and YouTube, I also love her blog. If you’re looking to get into meditation or are curious about spirituality and want your life to be filled with health, joy and miracles, then definitely check out her blog!
MOVIES
When planning a staycation, movies are always a must. I love having long marathons of some classics like Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, but I also love the fact that I can rent newly released movies on my TV. And then, of course, there’s Netflix!
GOOD COFFEE
I don’t drink coffee daily anymore (I’m a green tea girl now) but I do love to have coffee on the weekends. Rather than drinking it in a hurry like I used to do on my way to work all the time, I take my time and enjoy every sip. I’ll usually send my hubby to get us some coffee from my favorite local place, or we go out for breakfast together where I also always get a small cup of coffee.
SNACKS
If you celebrate Thanksgiving then chances are that you will probably be eating leftovers for the next day or two- and let’s face it, leftovers is probably one the best parts about Thanksgiving :) . But, whenever I am less active, I always make sure to not overeat and have some light snacks on hand like some grapefruit/orange wedges, skinny pizza, and if I’m having a really bad sweet tooth, I make these . Avoiding heavy foods while having a very a little downtime will help you not to feel sluggish and tired by the end of weekend.
NAIL POLISH
A little weekend pampering always helps me de-stress. I love painting my nails and find it strangely soothing- I think it might because I can’t reach for my phone while I paint my nails hah :) Therefore, Nail Polish is another must-have for me…
FACE MASKS
And what’s a little pamper session without a face mask, amiright?
CANDLES
I pretty much always have a candle burning, but I always bring my favorite ones during the weekend- this definitely isn’t weird, right? Right now I’m loving Diptique’s Sapin– it’s the most gorgeous winter scent that really reminds me of Christmas.
BLANKETS
Because cozy weekend-in also calls for cuddles!
MAGAZINES
I have at least four different magazines subscriptions and I feel like I haven’t read any of them in months. There’s a whole stack of them on the floor by my desk, and I’m planning on going through at least a half of them this weekend.
BOARD GAMES
I definitely prefer Let’s Dance, but because hubby never wants to play with me, I have to settle for Monopoly and Scrabble. I remember a few years a go we lost power for a couple of days during a bad storm, and all we did was play Monopoly all weekend long, and I remember it being so fun. I actually also remember feeling disappointed when the power came back up, because I was really enjoying being disconnected-literally.
What are some of your “staycation” essentials? Do you guys know of any fun board games we should try? Also, don’t forget to add me on Snapchat: @Paula13t!
36 Comments
Liz | Lipstick & Confetti
November 27, 2015 at 3:48 pmThese are all great suggestions! I love a cozy weekend in every now and then!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:06 pmMe too! :)
Ela BellaWorld
November 27, 2015 at 5:43 pmThese are definitely my lazy weekend essentials too, except board games:) Nothing beats a quiet day with a great film!
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:08 pm;)
Chaste and Beautiful
November 27, 2015 at 7:10 pmWell, these are great weekend unwind-ers, I especially like to drink tea and read books! Great post:)
http://themeticulousperfections.blogspot.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:12 pmThank you! ;)
Ioanna
November 27, 2015 at 8:12 pmI love doing all of these on a cosy/ lazy day in. It would be nice to play board games a bit more regularly! xx
Ioanna | Hearting.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:19 pmRight? We definitely don’t do it as often as we used to!
Teresa Melendez
November 27, 2015 at 9:01 pmCandles, tea and a good book…sounds amazing right now :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:20 pmRight? :)
Alexandra Hilterbrand
November 27, 2015 at 10:05 pmI’ve found that a good mix between tea/coffee is chai. I’m sure you’ve tried it already, but it seems to be a good substitute if you’re trying to ween yourself off, you know?
I’m very glad to see that you’ve had a chance to relax. It’s so important to have “me” time you know? Otherwise you’ll end up running yourself into the ground.
Have you ever tried playing Apples to Apples? Definitely my favorite board game. It’s a lot like Cards Against Humanity. The only downside I suppose is that it really works better with 4+ people :(
-Alex
http://anorthernlightblog.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:23 pmOh yes, I have!
I haven’t tried Apples to Applies, will have to see if I can find it! My sister and my brother visit us quite often, so we might try it ;)
Natalie Y
November 28, 2015 at 7:27 amIt’s good to disconnect and have some “me-time”. Oh that pizza looks so delicious! :)
♥NY
Yours Truly, NY
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:28 pmThanks Natalie!
Sarah
November 28, 2015 at 8:18 amI definitely always feel like even Thanksgiving and the day before are much needed downtime with my small family! I’m so guilty of watching tons of Netflix the past few days curled up in a blanket with some candles!
Sarah
http://www.sarahlandmesser.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:31 pmSometimes all you need is to be really lazy for a day or two and do completely nothing :)
Mari
November 28, 2015 at 1:49 pmTHE SAPIN CANDLE, I am enchanted by your ephemeral beauty.
http://www.randomstein.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:57 pmHehe, it’s gorgeous!
Caked To The Nines
November 28, 2015 at 5:52 pmA good book, a bath, some tea, candles, nail polish, a face mask, a big cozy sweater, and fuzzy socks, are some of my staycation essentials. I also love playing Monopoly when my cousin comes for Thanksgiving. It’s nice to just get away from technology and play a board game once in a while.
xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:38 pmIt is! I am constantly using my laptop or my phone, so it’s nice to play a little game once in a while and disconnect a little :)
The Sunday Mode
November 28, 2015 at 7:21 pmAll of these essentials are right up my street, except a lot of them are my life essentials and not just lazy weekend essentials, haha
http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:56 pmHaha a lot of mine are too:)
Niamh Axe
November 29, 2015 at 8:22 amI love getting lost in a book… though I prefer my tea to coffee (what can I say, I’m British) ! Gorgeous photos x http://shebelittlebutfierce.blogspot.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 6:59 pmThank you!
Dagmara Klich
November 29, 2015 at 5:03 pmAll of these ‘essentials’ sound perfect for me and are the kind of things I love to do on my lazy weekends too. They’re not so quite anymore since having my boys, but relaxing nevertheless :) x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 7:00 pmAww hehe as long as you get to relax a little, it’s all that matters :)
MargaritaChi.co
November 29, 2015 at 5:18 pmThis sounds like the best weekend ever! I stayed in with my SO and we watched Harry Potter (we’re trying to watch all of the movies all over again because he hasn’t seen them), ate delicious, healthy food, went for a few swims and just relaxed. There was also a big storm in Brisbane and we watched it and took some photos. I really enjoy weekends in! Thanks for some amazing weekend inspo x
Margarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 7:08 pmLove, love love Harry Potter haha :) Aww sounds like you guys had such a fab weekend!
Paula
ThirteenThoughts
Dasha
November 30, 2015 at 3:32 amPaula, please share how you always write the coziest posts, haha)) I enjoyed reading it so much, loved it!
My staycation essentials are pretty much exact same besides board games, I haven’t played them in years! After your post though I really want to go back to this I remember it being fun! And my absolute essential would be my journal/planner!
http://www.coffeetalkwithdasha.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 7:09 pmAww you’re so sweet Dasha! I’m so happy that you’re enjoying these posts! Board games are definitely fun.
Sara Fleming
December 1, 2015 at 7:02 amI need to get some board games on the go!
Sara – She Who Is Short
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 7:28 pm:)
Elizabeth Hisle
December 1, 2015 at 1:28 pmThis post reminds me that I need a lazy weekend soon. I usually make that happen the week of Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t in the cards this time. Give me a good book, cozy socks, and something hot to drink and I’m all set.
aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 1, 2015 at 7:30 pmHot drink, good book and warm socks sounds like a perfect combo ;)
Samileen
December 2, 2015 at 10:41 amI so wish we had a lazy thanksgiving weekend, but it was packed with family sickness with house parties, and being a host while being sick is quite not that happening thing haha. But this post really makes me crave for a lazy lazy weekend pamper. Wish that happens sometime soon.
Sam || Beautydetour
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 17, 2015 at 12:39 pmOhh no that sucks Sam! Hope you get to relax soon!