Posing for a moment on the beach in Santa Barbara, CA
Walking along the Santa Barbara beach at sunset, wind fluttering through my hair, hand-in-hand with my handsome, shirtless husband…then as he leans in for a kiss, I can almost hear sappy love music begin to play. Okay, maybe that last part is a bit of a stretch, but the rest of it was actually my reality for two days, this past weekend, on my “staycation”.
Nothing says relaxation like sounds of the ocean
Call it coincidence, or simply fate- my husband and my birthdays are just two days apart (everyone together now: Awwww! SO cute!), so each November we venture off for a relaxing couples vacation ( or staycation, if finances dictate) retreat. We always leave feeling so refreshed and connected, and each time I am reminded about how important…no, more than that….ESSENTIAL it is for couples to find time in their busy lives, just for each other.
Granted, J.P. and I do not have children (yet), but we do lead extremely demanding lives, and free-time is a hot commodity. Crazy lifestyles make it so easy to just forego the alone time, and put the relationship “on hold” for the sake of kids, families, or careers. But the truth is, healthy relationships just don’t work that way. They need to be maintained and cared for, otherwise, like anything else in life that doesn’t get proper nourishment, they could die.
Sparks fly at a gorgeous scenic overlook in Santa Barbara wine country
Furthermore, I believe the happiest families stem from the strongest marriages. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for internet-free, work-free, even kid-free getaways and staycations, as they are a both fun and fulfilling way to remind each other, your relationship is still a top priority. But, if finding someone to watch the kids, or the budget simply won’t allow you to get away for a whole night, you can resort to the next-best thing: a dinner-and-a-movie date, a long walk, or even just an hour of adult conversation over a cup of coffee can do the trick. We can’t be fabulous wives and mommies and people, unless we nurture the things we care about most- that is after all, what’s it’s all about, right?
The Fab Housewife’s Staycation
And for even more motivation, here are a few of my favorite photos from my romantic weekend with J.P.:
Our little Belle loves the beach as much as we do
Me and my girl
Just a man and his dog...hehe!
A perfect evening
Wine tasting at Sunstone Vineyards
Enjoying a taste in the private reserve room
J.P. takes a moment to enjoy the view
xoxo
beautiful memories we won't soon forget
Have a “Staycation” to recommend? Please share your staycation memories by leaving a comment!!!
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I love romantic weekend getaways in Santa Barbara. Probably the most romantic place to go next to Paris and Venice, at least in my book! Wine tasting, the beaches, hiking, it is all so much fun to do with the person you love. The scenery really helps as well. I’ve gone on several trips here with my husband and we always really enjoy ourselves. We love staying at the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Great for couples and in a great area too!