Summer Staycation

In recent times, I have not taken a summer vacation and always done a staycation. This was mostly because my kids were at sleepaway camp and I enjoyed Montreal in the summer, therefore there really was no need. 

However, for many, this summer will be quite different. Currently, you cannot pack up and head off to Europe, cruise the Mediterranean or fly out west to the California coast.  Summer 2020 will be spent at home, mainly with our families. Our kids, many of whom usually go to overnight camp, are saddened and feeling the loss of spending time with friends- away from their family-and many students have lost their summer jobs. Very few people will be travelling, except perhaps to their country cottages or camping grounds. We will be spending more time staycationing in our backyards. 

But rest assured home-li-days do not have to be homely. 

These days, everyone is thinking about how they can make their outdoor space more summer-friendly and transform their backyard into a relaxing vacation-type atmosphere.  

2020 just may be the summer you reorganize and transform your balcony or deck. Maybe it’s time for a refresh. I had decided that since we would be spending more time in our backyard, I would get my deck refreshed with a powerwash and weather treatment. I also bought a new patio umbrella, new cushions for my chairs, a couple of reclining chairs, plus an additional fold-up patio table. This way, when I have another family over we can sit outside together, but apart. Don’t forget to stock up on some wine and shatterproof wine glasses-perfect for those small outside gatherings. During these challenging times we must improvise and get creative. There are some things we can do to make our staycation enjoyable that are definitely not as pricey as a family travel vacation. 

Due to current health and safety restrictions, many people will not venture to public pools and beaches. Montreal’s CJAD radio reported last week that demand for home pool installations has tripled this season. For relief from the heat, a family-size inflatable pool or kids slip and slide area is also a good option. I do hear that inflatables are already hard to come by right now. But, a sprinkler attached to your hose will also do the trick while working on your quaranTan. 

You may want to consider getting some outdoor lighting for your deck or colourful lights around the pool that you’ve been dreaming of for years. A DIY fire pit may not be that simple, but is a great addition for toasting marshmallows and make s’mores with the kids at night. Arranging a weekly “movie under the stars” can also provide family night entertainment. All you need is a projector-which is not a big investment-and a makeshift screen, like a sheet draped over the clothesline. With a bit of tech savvy you’ll be all set. Just add popcorn, candy and a classic movie like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or Grease. 

Smaller children may enjoy camping in the backyard. Or your tweens might prefer the glamping experience, that is, glamorous camping. This may be an adventure your kids won’t soon forget. Just borrow a tent and pack all the essentials you would take on an actual camping trip.  

It could also be interesting to set up a backyard giant board game for both adults and kids. If you are not that creative, get badminton or tetherball set up and keep everyone busy.

My teenage son has taken up Pickleball. For a kid who is usually playing spring baseball and flag football this has been his physical outlet. The set was purchased online and he plays with his father, his uncle or cousin.  For those unfamiliar with Pickleball, it is a paddleball sport that looks like tennis, sounds like ping-pong and has the action of badminton. Here, it’s set up on the road outside the house and they use chalk to outline the court bounds. Thankfully, it’s a quiet street with very little traffic. 

Street Pickleball action

For a change of scenery, you may also picnic at the local park under a tree.  Grab some colourful beach towels, even if you’re just hanging out. It will make you feel like you’re on vacation. 

Music is an important element of spending time outside, so make a summer music playlist that will help set you into vacation mode. You may also want to get some portable speakers. Try some homemade crafty cocktail recipes and perhaps create a new drink weekly. What about a Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler or a Strawberry Tequila Soda? 

This weekend's homemade cocktail!

Whichever way you choose to enjoy the outdoors and keep your family busy this summer, make it special by adding something new to your outdoor space.  It may be as simple as planting a small garden with colourful flowers and vegetables on your balcony. 

My goal of this blog post was for everybody to take away one idea that would inspire an unforgettable staycation. And remember that you don’t have to travel to make it a vacation. 

Question of the day-What is your favourite summer-inspired food or drink? 

Stay safe,

Davina 

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