Hey, hey, hey happy Monday!
I hope you all had a great Father’s Day weekend 🙂 .
I’m kicking off this week with another edition of SHAY’S WAYS!
I’ve been thinking about today’s topic for quite awhile as I’ve been inspired by some of my favorite authors/influencers (pretty much all of the Francophile authors I love!), and so I thought I’d share it with you too.
Today is about simple things we can do to add a little “vacation” into the everyday.
As you know, authors like Shannon Ables and Fiona Ferris and Jennifer Melville really inspire and encourage me to live in the moment (by savoring every day!). Obviously, not every day can be amazing, but we can do a few simple things to at least add some joy into the yuckiest of days.
One of the themes I’ve seen sprinkled throughout all of their books/podcasts/etc is that they often elevate their “normal” lives by adding a dash of “vacation” to it. As someone who not only loves a vacation but loves adding bits of joy into her day, this idea really resonates with me.
Thus, today’s post.
Plus, what better season for us to add a bit of “vacay into the everyday” than summertime?!
I am going to share a few of my ideas and then I really hope you add yours too! Wouldn’t it be nice to sprinkle some vacation into our Monday?
I made my own little list below 🙂 .
Obviously, I don’t get to do these things every single day, but when I need to add a little *something* special into my normal routine, these are some ways that make me feel a little like I’m “on vacation” even on a “normal” day…
#1: TAKE A LONG LUNCH
Every Francophile book I read discusses how the French enjoy a long lunch each day.
I know I get caught up in the American culture of not prioritizing lunch…and more often than not rushing through it each day, but any time I’m on vacation, lunch becomes more of an experience. It’s such a lovely little luxury to actually sit down and enjoy that mid-day meal. Whenever I have the opportunity to meet my girlfriends for lunch during the week, I always feel so rejuvenated after we’re done. A long lunch on a normal weekday always makes me feel like I’m indulging in a little “vacation” time.
#2: VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET
Well this is certainly something I don’t know often enough. There is a farmer’s market in McKinney and one on Nantucket too, and whenever I pop buy, regardless of whether or not I actually purchase anything, I just feel like I’m taking a little trip away. Walking through the stalls and chatting with the vendors feels very “not a normal day” to me. It feels a little like a vacation.
#3: GO FOR A WALK/HIKE AWAY FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
I love, love, love walking around my neighborhood each day, but sometimes, I need to shake things up and walk in different scenery. I love to drive over to another part of town, park and set out for a walk. I love when Smith has rowing practice because that gives ample time to walk around the lake or drive over to the stately homes in Dallas and just walk. Sometimes on Nantucket, I’ll wake up early and drive to Sconset (the far eastern part of the island) just to park and walk through those streets up north to Sanakty. Same amount of steps covered, just a new neighborhood to make me feel like I’m worlds away.
#4: ANY MEAL AL FRESCO
Long lunches, great idea. Any meal outside? Even a better idea! Why is The Yard in McKinney one of my absolute favorite places to eat? Because it’s outside! Eating outside feels like a vacation to me. Every. Single. Time.
#5: LISTEN TO FRENCH CAFE RADIO
You know I love me some French Cafe Radio. It’s my go-to station to turn on at my house each day. It’s a little bit of vacation in the background of my day.
#6: BIKE TO AN ERRAND
Gosh I wish I did this in McKinney. I always have really good intentions, but the warm weather stops me every time. Biking to run an errand instead of getting in my car always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. It’s not just good for me physically, but it does a number on my inner joy too.
#7: BROWSING
I love to browse. I can go into any bookstore, home decor store, clothing store…any store and enjoy browsing. I don’t have to buy, I just enjoy the stroll. I find it very very relaxing. I feel like when we’re on vacation, there are lots of “browsing” moments built into our days, so whenever I have the chance, I do this at home too. Ten minutes of aimlessly wondering through a store instantly boosts my energy.
#8: ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW/OPEN THE SUNROOF
I drive around with my windows up and my sunroof closed 95% of the time…but yet every single time I open them up on a pretty day (and let’s be honest, crank up Billy Joel), I question why I don’t do it more often. It’s a simple little detail that makes that errand I’m running feel more like a little experience.
Cheesy, corny and a little silly, these are just 8 simple ways I add a little “vacation” into my days 😉 .
Now, of course, I want to hear your ways! Even if we don’t go anywhere, we can still add a dash of “different” into our normal routines. Please comment and share!
Don’t forget, I have so many other SHAY’S WAYS you can check out as well. Just look:
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to Simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
21 Keys to Elevating the Everyday
13 Keys to Managing Jet Lag
9 Keys to a Cozy Halloween Night
19 Keys to Hosting Festive & Easy Holiday Parties
12 Keys to Adding Activity into the Everyday
17 Keys to Working From Home
9 Easy Afternoon Energizers
14 Simple Luxuries
8 Keys to Finding a Gym
21 Ways I Hygge
12 Ways for a Happier Day
7 Keys to Reducing/Avoiding Motion Sickness
Alrighty, if you missed Saturday’s post, don’t forget, we have weekly giveaways all summer long, so HEAD HERE to check out this week’s. I also have a MEAL PLANNING MONDAY today based off the grill! Find a recipe, fire up the grill and make something yummy (and easy!) off of this week’s meal plan.
I hope you have the best start to your week!
Maybe take a minute to add a little vacation into your Monday 🙂 . xx
Lindsey Harkins says
This is such a happy post! I agree-eating any meal or having morning coffee outside feels like vacation 😊.
Kristi says
My daughter loves to ride with the windows down no matter the weather!
Laura says
Fun list! I drink water and pretty much only water, and just from my reusable bottle. So having a fun drink in a fun glass at home at happy hour time while I’m cooking dinner (even just juice or kombucha, doesn’t have to even be alcoholic) feels like a vacation.
Reading in the middle of the day (instead of scrolling my phone while I wait somewhere) feels luxurious too! Like I’m getting away with something.
Bren says
I’ve just recently started this too – bought some pretty glasses, definitely prettier than the old plastic ones I normally use and it really brings a little bit of extra joy into my day!
Laura says
Oh my goodness, growing up I had this favorite stuffed animal “Fluffy”. The last pic of your dog sticking its face out the window just took me back and they look the same. I have seen your dogs 1000 times, but today i noticed it. Thanks for the memory this morning 🤣
Dana P says
This is a fun topic! I love to listen to fun music like Harry Styles, George Ezra or some old Chicago songs. And I love to make easy iced tea this time of year- just add any tea and let it steep, even in cold water. I also just learned that if you don’t heat the tea, it doesn’t have caffeine?!
Interesting little tidbit-I talked to my (French) neighbor the other day about weight gain in midlife. She reminded me that they really don’t eat anything heavy at night, like cheese. When I ask my french friends what they have for dinner, it is almost always soup or salad and not really meat or anything heavy. I think that’s especially interesting when combined with the bigger/longer lunch and how it might affect our metabolism. Of course, they will do a big a dinner with friends or family occasionally, too. Everything in moderation with the French. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I just love this 🙂 .
polly pover says
So random that you mentioned cranking Billy Joel with the windows down! I do that too! My favorite artist! I met him once and he was so nice, so humble and sweet. We had driven a few hours to see him in concert and stayed at the same hotel and he took the time to talk in the bar with us after what must have been an exhausting performance!
Mix and Match Mama says
You met him?! Oh my word, I ADORE BILLY JOEL! I’ve seen him in concert once, but I would LOVE to meet him! Wow! That’s amazing!
Polly Pover says
I have seen in concert at least a dozen times. He was soooo nice, we chatted a few times over a couple of days in the same hotel. It would have broken my heart if he wasn’t a kind person to his fans.
Jami Romano says
Love all of this! Prioritizing lunch is so smart ◡̈
Sarah Nienhuis says
I live in WI, so when it’s finally warm enough, sitting outside drinking my coffee, looking at my flowers and listening to birds feels like vacation 🙂
Susan Jeffries says
I love these ideas!! We have a big garden and that makes summer fun every day! After work, we pick veggies, herbs and berries, weed and water the garden, and sometimes just look at it. lol. Summer is always my favorite!
Kimberly Gray says
Yes yes yes ! A long lunch and good convo or time to read or enjoy the outdoors right in the middle of the day really does something. I just realized that I built this practice in to my in office days. I take the lunch break and eat something good and read these posts. Why does the second half of the day unfold with ease ? Bc I “vacay everyday” right here !
Grace says
I was just thinking the other day about your Francophile book posts. I love them! How did you find out about these books and authors? I think they are wonderful and always felt like these are the moments in life to treasure.
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmm…I’m not sure that I remember the origin source, but several of them I found based on them telling me about other Francophile authors through their books/podcasts. And then, of course, you guys always give me the best ideas. I know for a fact Jennifer Melville was a blog reader rec!
Kathy says
Well since I don’t have any vacation plans in the near future I will be incorporating some of these great ideas in to my summer routine! Thanks Shay!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Yes to browsing! It feels like you have unlimited time which is such a luxury on vacation! Love this list 🙂
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Elspeth Mizner says
I love Shannon ables and her podcast! These are such good reminders to incorporate little moments or changes to elevate your day! Love it!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Christy says
Our twins are 20 now but they were born premature. We were overwhelmed with having two tiny babies at once plus we were adjusting to one income since I would be home with them. We didn’t have the energy or finances to travel in those first couple of years. So when we got a date night…we loved to eat dinner at a hotel restaurant. We live in the Dallas area also so we’re not at a loss for fun options. But in that season it was such a treat for a few hours to feel like we were on vacation…just by having dinner in a hotel!
Carrie Martens says
Love these ideas! I try to do them as well 😊 I would add Cubs baseball on the radio in my backyard. That says summer and adds a bit of vacation to my days. AND the Cubs radio announcers just make me happy!
Natasha says
I feel the same way about the Blue Jays announcers!
Liz Proulx says
Those are all terrific ideas! You are always so positive! Reading your blog is inspirational! Have a great Monday! 🙂
Keesha says
When I’m on vacation, I always head outside to read my Bible, eat lunch, whatever. It dawned on me that I can do that at home, too. My screened in back porch has become my favorite place to just sit and enjoy my home. The view of my backyard is just as nice as my vacation views!
Mix and Match Mama says
So simple but such a great idea. Why don’t I do this too?
Paula Hobbs says
Love all of these ideas! Happy Monday, everyone!
Eliza says
Great ideas, especially eating outside! We get busy plus in the winter get out of the habit, thanks for the reminder! ☀️
Michelle Etheridge says
I like to burn a summer scent candle takes me to the beach
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!! Circle E Candle’s Barefoot Beach is my favorite all summer long!
Paula Nichols says
Hi Shay! I just ordered that one! Thanks for the mention!
Kristy says
You express what I think so well. I am
Nodding my head in agreement to all of these. We lived in Houston for so long, driving with the windows down was terrible! It was so hot and we were always jumping on the freeway. Here in Dallas, I rarely get on the freeway and often drive with windows down, moon roof open and it makes me smile every time.
Enjoy the little moments!
Katie Compton says
My favorite way to add a little vacay to my summer schedule is visiting our local pool! All members are actually part owners (you purchase stock when you join!) and all our besties are members. We’ve all been going since our kids were little and now they are almost adults! It has grass surrounding it, basketball, volleyball, picnic tables, grills, and you bring your own chairs. It basically is like a gigantic backyard pool! We make our “circle” and settle in for the day. We’ve been known to host brunch and then stay and grill for dinner! It truly is a vacation every summer without ever leaving our little town. 🥰
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this! Yes, yes, yes! That’s a great one!
Kellie Grindstaff says
Can you do a tutorial for how you pack your beloved travel hat?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, but truly, it’s easy! I really just flip it upside down in my suitcase and put my packing cubes around it. Mine is indestructible.
Mary says
I love your list! I just turned on French Cafe radio. My favorite thing when I’m on vacation is to get a my coffee at a local shop and walk to where I have a view of the ocean. At home, I do the same(not every day)and find a great view or people watch.
KACEY says
A long lunch (outside – even better) is such a good one!! When I studied abroad in France the lunches were a great part of the day. We would always gather with friends, classmates and even teachers to enjoy a nice sit down, relaxed lunch with great food and even better conversations. Definitely need to bring that back into my life!
Elizabeth S says
I like to go down roads I’ve never been on – exploring. This gives me the feel of being on vacation. Taking a different route to get to a familiar place. I do love a farmers market.
Natasha says
Just a few minutes to indulge in my favourite drink with a good book in the backyard, while seeing all my flowers in bloom, is like a mini vacation. Or if it’s winter, than with a cup of hot tea and a good book, under my twinkle lights (which I have in my living room window all year round).
Jill L says
I like to walk other areas too. These are such great ideas. Enjoying lunch like that really speaks 🙂
Gail says
I get out my summer colored bathroom towels and linens for the bed, put blue and turquoise colored books under my lamps, put ‘summer themed’ objects on my mantle. Vacation for us is always water related so blues and greens = vacation/summer.
I love to take my art supplies out to the picnic table, also a short nap on the shaded deck in an anti gravity chair is major vacation mojo!
Meggie Knapp says
Slow mornings have become my favorite summertime ritual. I’m a teacher and do not take for granted my summer breaks!! Sleeping a tad later, working out, then sipping coffee and having breakfast while reading my Bible with no need to rush or any place to be (most days!!) is such a blessing and so good for my soul!
Beth Valenta says
I try my best to relish in all things summer, being a school counselor, I need that down time. Eating outside or just having a special drink with a magazine is delightful, insert candle Bath and Body works sea salt and sails…
I love the browsing joy, I did this in Barnes and Noble the other day, and forgot how finding a new planner is joyful.
I love summer games outside, we have done croquet since covid and we all get togehter and just laugh.
Emily Baker says
I love this post! As a teacher, I can’t “enjoy” lunch during the school year, so I love having lunch out with girlfriends during the summer. Definitely makes me happy!
Tish says
I love all of these ideas! I also love to work from home with summer music. Do you happen to have a list of summer movies to watch while you work? I have your list saved of favorite Fall movies!
Mix and Match Mama says
Come back later this week! I’m sharing!
Peg says
Great ideas. I love listening to Carolina Beach Music Radio and feel like I’m at the beach! Anything outside makes me feel like a vacation.
Sheaffer says
A leisurely lunch outside with an adult beverage? VACATION.
Sil says
Such great ideas! Thank you! I needed this today!!
Heather S says
Yes, yes, yes to long lunches and eating outside! Add a spritz in and it’s pretty much the perfect afternoon 😉
Julie says
Love this, but it does in fact make me wish I was on vacation now! 😂 How is Summer going on ACK? has it warmed up enough for enjoyable beach time? I am with you, always needing a sweatshirt and don’t get in water unless it feels like bath water.
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, it depends on which side of the island you’re on. Last week, we went to the south side twice and my family got in, but it was too chilly for me. We went to the north side once and that was perfect for me.
Julie says
Oh interesting!! I had no idea it could be so different. Thanks for sharing! It’s on my bucket list for sure to make it up there. 🏖️
Jeanette says
I had to buy a vehicle a few years back, and it was mandatory that it have a sunroof…. I don’t use it nearly enough!!! Thank you for the tip 😊. My goodness, that pic of Charlie ❤️.
Erika Slaughter says
Summer days are always more laid back whether I’m at the beach or in McKinney, Texas. Thankful for a bit of a slower pace!
Deb says
I love your list! Mine has a lot of the same things as yours –
Farmers Markets – no matter where we are, we seek out farmers markets, at home or on vacation – definitely one of our favorite places.
U-Pick Farm – I love going to U-Pick farms to pick whatever is in season – berries, corn, beets, green beans, lettuce, peas, apples, pumpkin, flowers, etc.
Walking – Like you, I walk nearly every day in our neighborhood, but love going to different neighborhoods to walk – such a different experience walking than driving through a neighborhood – you notice so many more details.
Hiking – We are lucky to have many great hiking spots near our home and a hike in the woods is always a favorite
Beach Days – taking a ferry to the beach and walking the beach, having a picnic, lunch at a beach town restaurant, etc. always feels a little like a little vacation
Ann says
I love to browse too! Especially a bookstore. I could spend hours in there just looking at all the books!!
Hope says
Outdoor concerts are my favorite summer fun thing. Even if its just a guy and his guitar at the local rooftop sports bar I love sitting out with a cold beverage, listening to music and laughing with friends.
Kelly says
Reading this blog, especially your summer content makes me feel like a mini vacation!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Thank YOU!
Bren says
My daughter recently returned from studying abroad in France and so many great ideas here I’ll have to share with her! And so many ideas to add into my own life too! Thanks, Shay!
Marisa Patel says
I am going to incorporate long outside lunches! Of course doing anything during the day besides work feels like a bit of a vacation!
Michelle says
At the beginning of August my teenage son and I are coming to Boston. We are planning a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Do you have any suggestions of things to do to spend the day?
Mix and Match Mama says
The Vineyard is very very diverse. If you’re looking for a quaint and charming town, head to Edgartown. If you’re looking for something eclectic and fun, Oaks Bluff, if you want dramatic cliffs and scenery for days, Aquinnah. I hope you have fun!
Emily says
As a SAHM of 3 this summer break, my vacation today is a 7am oil change at the dealership. Sitting in a recliner alone for 2 hours with a book and a Diet Coke?? VACATION!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this! Throw in a book, and I’m there with you 🙂 .