The Midwest is a great place to live, except for the fact that the majority of the states are landlocked, and when the weather starts to warm up, most people want to go to the beach. However, that’s pretty difficult when you’re surrounded by cornfields and are thousands of miles away from the coasts. While some may be counting down the days until they get to see these mystical, white sand beaches and, presumably, crystal clear water, others await the day in which they will return to their bleak homelands away from the precious smell of salt water and the feeling of warmth on their skin. If you happen to be a person that is lucky enough to return to an area not surrounded by the vast expansion of salt water, do not fret! Because YOU, yes you, can bring a fun ‘n fabulous beach vacation to your own front door in a matter of a few simple steps (Disclaminer: This possibly might involve some online shopping!).
More Insta ideas: Create a beach themed setup with items from your past vacations and take some ~artsy~ pictures!
The first thing you’ll need is a cute summer outifit (Obviously!) in which you can take cute summer-themed pictures that will make even your vacationing friends jealous. So pick out your cutest summer dress, or those new shorts you just bought. Maybe even throw on a crop top or a flowy shirt. Let your hair go natural to make your look even more relaxed and ~beachy~. Now comes the fun part: ONLINE SHOPPING (If you choose to do so)! What you’ll need for this setup is a fun ‘n flirty backdrop for your photoshoot, i.e. a tapestry, AND the added bonus is that you can use the tapestry as a decoration for your room. Taking out two birds with one stone with the quick click of the “check out” button. *insert sassy girl emoji here* If you wish to not buy a tapestry for your photoshoot, go for a blank wall, hangup a patterned sheet, or even better, go outside! Now, strike your cutest pose and prepare for some spam on Instagram.
Here’s a fun picture that my little sister and I took for our photoshoot (S/o to you, Ellen!) — Don’t worry, you don’t have to go all out for your picture.
Vacations are also the perfect time to grab a refreshing and tropical drink. Just because there isn’t a cabana ten feet from your hotel doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the pleasures brought to you by a delicious fruit smoothie (Or any other drink your little heart desires … *wink, wink*). However, since one of my favorite summer themed drinks is a strawberry/banana smoothie, that is the recipe I am goinng to be sharing. The ingredients you will need are:
- Strawberries/Bananas/Any other fruit that you like
- Yogurt (Whatever flavor that you like the best!)
- Peanut Butter (Optional, I just like adding it for a little extra protein)
- Milk or juice
- Ice
This quick and easy drink is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters!
You can just eyeball the amount for each of the ingredients, but make sure you blend it well! Pour your drink into a ~cute~ cup and voila, you have yourself a delicous vacation themed drink! (Side note — make it all year long to help fight the summertime blues; I promise it will help!)
The final product! Doesn’t it look GORGEOUS?! *insert sassy girl emoji here*
Vacation is practically synonymous with relaxation, and relaxation is practically synonymous with SPA DAY! (To me at least!) And what’s better than spa day at your own house?! Answer: A spa day at an actual spa! But the harsh reality is that you are at home and not a day spa in Mexico, so you’ll have to make do with what you have. So, let’s get into it! Invite all your friends that are also lucky enough to be spending spring break in the middle of the United States and gather your most tropical smelling soaps, lotions and candles and set up shop in the bathroom. Pick out your brightest colored fingernail polishes and grab some fashion magazines to browse through while you wait to take off your face mask. Look up the best spa day ideas on Pinterest and go crazy! Just make sure you end this day smelling like the Ocean Breeze and Sandalwood Yankee candles.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond has some great smelling summer stuff. (And they are constantly having sales! Whoohooo!)
So, even if you don’t get to spend your week laying on beach, soaking up the warm sun, your vacation is what you make of it; and just remember, you can always bring the beach to you. I know I am!