Holiday at home

Howdy amigos, I'm back! Sorry for the time out, I was away with hubby on holidays in the bush and it wasn't easy to get online. Anyhoo, we had such a gorgeous, refreshing, lazy holiday in the country about four hours north of Sydney. The house we rented was such a beautiful space - big kitchen, log fire, stellar views and no neighbours. Bliss!

I love winter escapes, they're usually a lot quieter than summer breaks, so the relaxation is twice as nice... and beneficial. Highly recommended! But if you can't get away in the next few months, here are some cute ways to turn your weekend into a delicious getaway.

* If you have a partner, book them out for the whole weekend... no work, no gardening, no nuthin'. If you're single, book a friend from Saturday afternoon til Sunday lunch.
* Tell your friends and family you're looking forward to a quiet weekend at home. They may or may not get the hint, but at least they'll understand when you don't answer your phone.
* Friday night, turn off all phones until Sunday night. This is absolutely essential!! Feel free to check them once or twice and return only urgent calls. No emails, no facebook, no internet whatsoever preferably.
* Work out what it is you love about holidays and get lots of it. Hire a few DVDs, borrow a good book, plan a bush walk, line up some drawings or paintings, give yourself a face mask, mani and pedi or dust off the board games.
* If you like to cook, sort out your recipes ahead of time. Pick your faves, preferably slow-roasts but nothing too tricky, and get a few treats and snacks on hand. And perhaps a bottle of two of red.
* Don't talk about work or issues with family or friends. Instead, talk about your dreams, laugh as much as possible and try to find out three new things about your lounge room vacay buddy.