Summer Stay-cation

Hi readers! I'm still away on my Disney Alaskan cruise, but so excited for you to meet my IRL and blogger friend Shannon from More to Hollywood. She is quite possibly the most kind, thoughtful, passionate, considerate, fun, bright.....etc. girl I know. 


Hi friends! My name is Shannon and I blog over at More to Hollywood. I recently graduated from the University of Arizona and will begin my master’s in higher and postsecondary education at Arizona State University in the fall – and in case you were wondering, yes, those are two rival schools!

Life since graduation has been abnormal. Although I’m still working and spending time with friends, the absence of class and homework means I’ve had time to read books [I just finished Something Blue by Emily Griffin and watch seasons of TV shows I would have been too busy for [I’ve already gone through three seasons of Friday Night Lights].

When most people hear the word summer, they start to book flights, hotels and rental cars to help them plan their sweet getaway. But as a recent college grad, I don’t have a ton of money to spend on extravagant trips, or really any out-of-state vacations with my boyfriend of over three years, Mike. On the other hand, we did get to “play house” last weekend while my best friend was out of town – Ironically enough, my “bff” Brynne is Sara’s cousin through marriage. Such a small world, right?

But, in an attempt to help others realize you don’t have to take a plane, train or five-hour car ride to relax, I thought I’d talk about the best staycation I could have asked for.

So as I mentioned, Brynne asked me to watch her pets while she was hiking the Grand Canyon with her fiancé and family last weekend. It came at the perfect time, as I recently moved back in with my parents to try and save a little money. Of course, I jumped at the chance! I must add that her condo is the cutest place, located in Tempe, AZ near so many fun places to eat and shop. But the best part was that I got to hang out with her new puppy, Bennett and diva of a cat, Tink! If you can’t tell by my writing, I was THRILLED! [I always wanted a puppy growing up, but am yet to own a dog. This, of course, only enhanced my puppy fever!]

When Friday arrived, I packed my duffle and brought a few cute outfits for nights on the town. Mike (bf) did the same, minus the “cute outfits,” as he prefers to dress more comfortably than trendy… a man after my own heart, because comfort is always key. When I arrived at the condo, I was delighted to find step-by-step instructions [I am an avid rule follower], the pool key and a thoughtful gift card to our favorite sushi restaurant Kabuki in Tempe Marketplace. I couldn’t help but think, “Let the fun begin!”

I’ll spare you the boring details of how we spent time by the pool, walking the dog and relaxing on the couch, but I wanted my point is to encourage you reading this to house/pet sit sometime this summer. If you’re free from children or animals of your own, it’s such great experience. Quite honestly, it was the cheapest “vacation” I’ve ever taken, and it was so much fun to spend a weekend in another part of the valley.

Of course, I am in no way discoursing anyone from hopping a plane and lounging on the beaches of the Hawaii– as long as I get an invite! J But if you’re looking for a short hiatus from your everyday lifestyle, offer to sit for a friend or a relative… it could be just the vacation you’re looking for! I can’t wait to relive this stay cation when Brynne and her fiancé go on their honeymoon in August!

Lastly, I just wanted to thank Sara for allowing me to write a guest post. I am privileged to have her as a dear friend and mentor in my life!

I hope all of you are enjoying your summers and/or any vacations you have/plan to take in the near future! XO

Source: indieogdenutah.com via Shannon on Pinterest