I don’t know about you, but I’m in need of a vacation right about now. I think this is what happens when you haven’t had one truly great night’s sleep in more than three months, nor a shower lasting more than six minutes (or more than once a week), nor an afternoon to yourself even to get a haircut.
So I’m thinking somewhere beachy and warm, where I can eat fish tacos and pico de gallo and read my books and magazines and scare people with my pasty white legs. Or maybe I could just crash my friend Jamie’s amazing African safari vacation in a few weeks. (We were invited, but alas…) I’d also just take a cozy cabin in the mountains with some skiing, followed by hot cocoa and a roaring fire.
Yes, January has me daydreaming. I really love these two munchkins who’ve turned my life upside down, but there are days when I wish they were suddenly old enough to make me dinner and put me to bed. And just as soon as I say that, I want to cry because they’re already getting too old and too big!
Since a beach vacation isn’t in the cards at the moment, I thought a little sunshine in a glass would be the next best thing. This winter sun cocktail looks like just what my poor Vitamin D–deprived self needs right now. I know Alissa will approve of all that lovely winter citrus; how about you?
Okay, here’s my high and low this week:
High: Watching the girls’ enjoy their new baby dolls — gifts from friends and the girls’ final Christmas presents, which we purposely held back until just before we took the tree down. The babies come everywhere with us. I don’t recall being into dolls much as a little girl — maybe because I had real babies around me all the time. My girls love to nurture, and these dolls are their new favorite things. (Kudos to our friends who were tuned-in enough to buy brown-skinned baby dolls.)
Low: Being sick. Again. (Will I ever stop saying that?) No wonder I’m dreaming about a vacation. At least I’m not on antibiotics, and I’m on the upswing now, but Tuesday I spent as much time as I could on the couch in between attending to the princesses’ constant demands.
And the obvious bonus question, given my train of thought right now: What’s your dream vacation?
There are so many places I’d love to visit, but traveling is different than vacationing. When it comes to a super-slow, rejuvenating, relaxing break, I’d have to choose a health or eco-spa…somewhere gorgeous and private, with organic food, massages, facials, yoga or pilates, nature — the whole nine yards. Have you seen some of these places? Check out the one above: the Duma Manzi Eco Lodge and Spa. I do deep belly sighs when I see places like that. Definitely on my life list to take such a vacation.
So, how about you? What was your high of the week? Your low? And what about that dream getaway?
Image found via Pinterest of Duma Manzi Eco Lodge & Spa in South Africa — thus proving I could go on safari in South Africa and enjoy a spa vacation at the same time.
Hello, I'm Zoe Saint-Paul. I'm a writer, life coach, and new mama to twins who's trying to live "slower" in a speed-obsessed world. Here we chat about life and love, food and design, and everything in between -- all at the right pace. So grab some tea, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. Feel free to 
That cocktail looks amazing. Definitely having one of those. My high of the week: Getting to read one of my favorite magazines in front of a roaring fire last night. With as cold and gross as it’s been lately, I am taking extra delight in being warm and cozy! My low: Feeling the dead-of-winter blahs with as cold and gross as it’s been lately. This kind of weather can really get me down. SAD sufferers, unite!
My dream vacation: A little ski chalet somewhere lovely and snowy would be great right about now. I know I just said I hate this weather, but it’s really just the damp, grey, no-snow kind of cold that I don’t like; if I can be warm inside, or enjoying some snow outside, I’d be set…
Boo for SAD.
Curious what the magazine was…
My dream vacation right now would be somewhere on a warm beach with warm water.
I love that there are so many different kinds of dolls now! Not sure if I am an American Girl doll fan yet, but I do love that you can get a doll that looks like you, right down to the eye color and shape. So neat. Our dolls were so generic growing up.
Yes, these are American Girl Itty Bitty Babies and they think they are the cat’s meow!
Vacation deprivation leads to creative burnouts. New Infographic w/ stats & facts. http://bit.ly/noVacation
So cute that they love their baby dolls. My high of the week was bringing my kids to a local indoor playground yesterday. It was tough to make it work between their different nap times and lunch, but I did it anyway & it was a blast! All 3 of us got much-needed active time (it’s been cold and gross here in Mpls lately too) and were so exhausted when we left. My low of the week is finding out about re-structuring at work – no fun.
For my dream vacation, I’d choose something lazy and warm on a beach with tasty cocktails and uninterrupted conversation with my husband. Oh, and a really good novel.
Forgot to mention I’d want to bring my husband along on that spa vacation
But I think I could go back and second time with girlfriends and it would be a lot of fun, too!
So sorry you are sick – AGAIN! Motherhood has not treated you kindly in that regard. I, too, was never too into baby dolls as a girl. Kiya already has quite a few (brown-skinned, too!) and I’m curious to see how she’ll take to them when she’s a bit older.
My high this week was celebrating Kiya’s first birthday. What an absolute treat! My low is probably my ongoing lower back pain. (Going back to the doctor next week about that.) Right now, my dream vacation would be anywhere hot, sunny, and with a beach and fruity cocktails. I have other lofty vacation ideas, but not at this point in my life!
So glad it was a happy birthday for Kiya – and you! So special.
/Users/billchristensen/Desktop/Bill Surfing_3.jpg
Zoey: Don’t know if I can drag a photo into the comments box. But, if it workrd, you can see my dream vacation. That’s me. And while I was in this curl, Kate & Corrie were riding a similar break about 100 yards to the left of the picture. Pacific Coast of Central America, near the Nicaraguan border. We stayed in a wooden cabina on the edge of the jungle, and ate locally grown fresh food at dirt-floor cantinas. Does not get any better than that. Too bad my surfing buddies have grown up/
Wish I could see that pic, Bill; bet it’s super cool. And yes, that sounds like an amazing time!
Oh my gosh, I definitely approve! It looks amazing! I bet the aroma of rosemary completely changes the flavor profile of the whole thing- I can’t wait to try it.
So, my high/low of the week… High: Finishing and thinking about an incredible book that I’ve been meaning to read for a long time. Low: Having yet another online purchase (for me) go wrong. Not really a big deal in the grand scheme, but depressing in the overall. But it all worked out because I found the same item somewhere else (in the right size!) Woot woot! Happy weekend to me!
I hate when online purchases go sour. It always makes me gun-shy to do it again.
And yeah, thought you’d approve of that drink!
Oh, boy! That special looks good! I’ll take two — since it’s virtual and all:)
Low: My youngest throwing up earlier this week. Husband was a complete dear and cleaned up everything since he doesn’t want me getting sick. Thankfully, everyone else seems OK. There’s been a lot of hand washing going on here, though.
High: I made three great soups this weeks. I’ve portioned them and they’re sitting in my freezer waiting to be used post partum.
BQ: My dream vacation would be a romantic getaway to France and Italy with my husband. Neither of us has ever been to Europe and I’d love to explore it with him.
I dread the first time our girls have a stomach flu, though I’ve already had the fun experience of one of them throwing up on me
And yay for prepping meals in advance! My sis had a host of meals in the freezer for post baby days and she said it saved her.
LOVE that spa photo and South African safaris, too.
High: Two great classes, launching our seniors into their capstone projects, which always inspire me. ALSO, visiting migrating Monarch butterflies at a local farm; totally amazing and beautiful.
Low: I’m so sleeeepy….
Dream vacation: An unconnected long stay in Yosemite, which during this time of year is a winter wonderland. Long walks and early nights; time to enjoy and savor and not rush off. Good books and good food.
Your highs sound great!
I’ve never been to Yosemite; I know it’s one of your favorite spots which makes me more intrigued. I hope we can go someday as a family.
Yosemite is more than a vacation spot for me; it is one of three places on this earth where I feel deeply, joyfully at home. Hope to go there with the four of you someday; what fun that would be!
Your girls just sound so sweet!
Low: My little guy has had some challenges he has had to work through this school year socially, so I thought this would be a perfect year to let him have his “dream birthday party” and invite all of his friends from school. I have really talked it up and have loved to see his excitement! As of Wednesday, only 2 of 20 RSVP’d. I cried for 2 nights thinking I set up this tragic heartbreak, but then…..
High: The rest of the 18 RSVP’d yesterday and today and are coming, so hopefully this weekend he will have the most wonderful party for such a deserving boy!
Dream vacation: Spend a month at our favorite place called Jammin’ Surf Camp in Costa Rica. Loooove!
I was almost ready to cry along with you there… Hope it’s a wonderful party and brings him joy.
Hmmm…Costa Rica; I’ve never been and always wanted to go. I hear it’s gorgeous.
High: Running on the treadmill for 35 minutes straight! And cuddling with my dog and husband on the couch.
Low: A tremendously stressful week at work….that had me dreaming of taking a long vacation.
Dream Vacation: Me, a backpack, my husband and our close friends traveling through Argentina and Peru. The mountains, the beaches and everything in between. Dreams.
LAte to this convo…
Dream vacay: A Greek Island sans kids, but I’d settle for a warm beach anywhere!
Low: Second Margret on the general mid winter blahs.
High: HAving my awesome younger brother watch my 3 kids for 3 whole hours. I came back not only refreshed but my house was clean and my kids were happy, worn out and ready for naps! Three cheers for young energetic single siblings!