Go on a Vacation in your own city!
It’s hard to believe that the official start of Summer is only a few days away.
For some people that means summer vacations to exotic islands far far away. But let’s face it, we don’t all have the means to travel the world and live it up like there’s no tomorrow. So how can you fill those long summer days if traveling out of the country isn’t in your budget?
My suggestion? Look at your area with a tourist’s eyes. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the monotonous routines of our lives. Work, school, drop offs and practices can make us wish to be any where except where we are.
But why is that?
Our cities are all unique and have something different to offer. If your city reeeeallllly doesn’t, there’s probably one that does near by worth exploring. There are new museum exhibits, different flowers blooming at your local botanical garden and festivals for fruits you’ve never heard of happening all the time!
Next time you’re bored out of your mind and craving an escape, try one of these suggestions below to inject a little whimsy and adventure into your life.
Black Girl Sunscreen, A good book and * Brown Girl Jane CBD, yes please!
#1 Go to the Beach and read
Ok, I hear what you’re saying, “Joy, girl I don’t live by a beach”. I feel you. I know that everyone has access to different things, so I encourage you to use this list merely as inspiration.
I moved to California to follow my dream of creating a career as an actress, but I also came because I’ve always wanted to live near the water. Granted it’s still an hour drive, but I now have access to the beach whenever I want!
Nature has a way of reminding us how much we are a part of a larger story. We forget as humans that we’re not the only ones on this planet. It feels incredible to be a part of the whole. One of my favorite things to do is the drive down to the beach, grab some snacks and my summer novel and spend a day taking in this beautiful body of water!
#2 Take yourself on a picnic at the park make sure you bring your favorite summer playlist
I love picnics! Like I really love them, love them.
There’s just something about preparing a nice lunch and enjoying it al fresco. The fresh air, the birds chirping- it’s like being in a story book. When the weather is particularly nice I take my lemon square blanket and pack my favorite snacks and find a nice tree for shade.
If you don’t have access to a park or backyard, make a picnic in the living room! Put down a blanket, open the windows, bring the snacks to the center and zen out!
#3 Go to a drive in movie theatre!
Summer is the perfect time to check out a drive in movie theatre! The weather is warmer later and there’s nothing more fun than eating snacks in your car while watching your favorite movie on a giant screen with the night sky as it’s frame.
AT HOME OPTION: Pull out that mental list of all the movies you want to watch when you get more time, and choose from that list! Put the movie on your TV or laptop, pop some popcorn, cut the lights and remember what it’s like to enjoy a film for the first time.
#4 Visit your local museum
When was the last time you’ve checked out your local museums? Do you know where they are? Go find them! Plus museums are usually free or require a small donation.
One of my favorite things to do when I visit other cities is to go to their local museums. I think it’s a great way to see more art that wouldn’t be visiting your city, and a way to see the taste and culture of the city your visiting.
Museums are filled with creative expression, and can serve as inspiration for you if you allow it. While visiting museums I’ve been able to see works by Ai Wei Wei, Carrie Mae Weems and Yayoi Kusami to name a few!
Yayoi Kusami exhibit at the Getty 2019
#5 Take yourself to dinner
Yes, I mean you alone should take yourself to dinner.
One of the things we love about vacations is that it takes us out of our comfort zone in a safe way. You try new foods, hear new music and have an experience you’ll take with you.
Why not pick a spot you’ve been “dying to go to”, and take your self! Showing yourself that you are worthy to be spoiled and cared for, will help you fill up your well before you give yourself to everyone else.
Bottom line: Take yourself to dinner, order the wine and enjoy your own damn company!
I hope you’ll take me up on one of these tips. No matter what you’re doing this summer, please do it safely and responsibly. We’re all in this crazy world together, and we have to have each others backs out there.
Happy Summering!
Joy B
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Thank you to the Women Owned Company Grayson for including me in their “Meet Us in The Atelier” Series on Instagram.
When I think about what it means to be an artist, I think about the lineage of artistic women I come from. Those that I know and those I have never met. Acting, for me, is a language. It’s how I introduce myself to others, it’s my way of moving through the world.
In celebration of this, and the launch of their newest style, The Artist, Grayson is giving $25 off using code: JOYB25
I have loved and lived in this *hibiscus tumbled linen dress for days now and have no shame about it!