That’s right, last week I was on vacation, spending time with my parents in northern Wisconsin, where McDonald’s and Starbucks don’t exist and Wifi access makes you very popular.
In fact, when I started writing this post last week, I was sitting on a park bench in front of a local library where Wifi is free. Yes, it’s quite a scene.
So while I loaded up on fresh air and watched my hair disintegrate thanks to humidity (stupid curls!) I wanted to share some of my favorite things about being on vacation, outside of the no working thing.
- Sleeping late (which is still 8 a.m. for me. So sad)
- Not counting calories (yes, I will have another beer, piece of pie and/or cup of gelato)
- Looking at the stars
- Watching the sun set (beer in hand is optional)
- Visiting boutique shops (no JCrew or Banana Republic within 50 miles)
- Forgoing make up and fashion (I didn’t wear make up for a week and I LOVED it)
- Seeing local, exotic animals (including raccoons, deer and wild turkies. Not your average city animal life)
- Laying at the beach and/or pool (assuming a beached whale position on a chaise lounge chair)
- Reading on the porch (I read three books while I was gone and I show no signs of stopping!)
I have to say, reading in general is my favorite part of vacation. I loved relaxing with a good book on our screened-in porch or when lounging at the beach or pool. I just picked up another book today and have another waiting in the wings for me to get started on. My brain is just a sponge when I’m on vacation, soaking up all the good books and stories I’ve been waiting to read.
What do you love most about being on vacation, or where is your favorite place to retreat to each summer? Northern Wisconsin is definitely ours. Also, how was everyone’s weekend?
Tomorrow I’m officially back in the office, which means this happy little vacation bubble I’m still living in goes away.
F*ck.
But, I will be back to regularly blogging and commenting again :)
Giveaway update: The winners of the Gap giveaway are up now on the review blog, along with my review of the Gap Perfect Boot jeans! Thank you everyone for your great entries!
Where in northern Wisconsin? My husband’s family has a place in Irma (between Wausau and Tomahawk) … I wonder if we’re neighbors!
I’m really glad you relaxed during your vacation. That’s what everyone should do. Relax and forget all the stress and worries that the job brings onto us…I don’t have a getaway place yet, but once I have more money, I will definitely have find a place where I can go to, outside of Chicago, outside of Illinois.
Once I do have my vacation days, I would like to sleep in late, bake more, make breakfast for the fiancé and I, play more tennis, work out, stay up late…I think the list can go on and on, but you get the idea, right?
Taking a similar vacation in central Iowa this week and I.Cannot.Wait.
i’m a big reader on vacation as well. one week vacation equals three books for me too!
welcome back! (don’t hate me, ha)
I love a good vacation where you can soak up “just being.” Not having to worry about deadlines, sending emails, running around, etc.
sounds like my kind of vacation, lounging and reading and sleeping in and sunsets sounds divine. glad you had a good time :)
SOunds like a perfectly relaxing vacation. I could totally use another one!
the fact that I can sleep in yet I choose not to because vacation activities are much more fun than work.
And definitely reading. I love it.
Glad you had a lovely time and welcome back! =)
Omigod I love vacations and just chillin!!!
my favorite part in a vacation is that you have no worries.you just relax.
My mini vacay/honeymoon will be over in a few days also…. Sometimes, just reading and relaxing can be the best part of being on vacation.
I hope you recharged all your energy and can’t wait for new posts!
xoxo
glad you had fun :) i love how all wisconsin people go “up north” for the weekend. they don’t usually specify where (although usually near rhinelander or minocqua), and that’s what i love the most about it. it’s so vague and mysterious. :)
sounds like you had a great time and a vacation very similiar to the one i had a few weeks ago. i was near balsam lake, WI where we saw lots of wild animals, no starbucks, no internet. lots of stargazing, book reading and floating in the lake. it’s very refreshing! my favorite part is definitely the book reading. i went through 3 books in a week. it was great!
Glad you had a great vacay but I’m glad to have you back! :)
Makeup is SO unneccessary while on vacation with parents! I don’t wear it whn I’m with them, either.
Sounds completely dreamy! My favourite part of vacations is being without the internet- but I’ve recently discovered that staying off twitter gives me that same vacation feeling!
Hope your Monday isn’t too crushing!
ahhhh, reading in the screen porch. we have one at home and i seriously crave time in there. love it!
Your vacation sounds perfect! My favorite thing about vacation is getting to read and just lay around, too. I actually took three books with me on my last vacation but didn’t end up getting a chance to read anything of them. It’s hard to read *in* the pool :-)
I love reading when I have a holiday as well. And my favourite vacation place is pretty much anywhere I can laze in the sunshine. And if I’m at home, it’s my bed!
Awww you sound like you had a great time relaxing, nothing beats relaxing by the pool/beach with good books and a glass ( or two ) of a tropical cocktail :)
I like doing nothing and sleep as much as I want, just watch dvds or hang out as often as I want with my friends.:)
seriously? no mcdonalds or starbucks? you must’ve been super up north! lol.
my fav part of vacay is living without time. No one cares what time it is on vacation! and of course naps whenever :)
Your vacation sounds glorious. I love not wearing make-up, not going to work, and just completely and totally relaxing.