EASILY ENJOY A PERFECT HOME HOLIDAY Your Staycation, Your Rules
Sometimes, the best escape is right under your nose. Planning a staycation in your local area can save you the hassle of long travel days and large expenses but also reveals hidden gems in your own backyard. Here are six ways you can turn your town into a fun staycation! Set your intentions. Start by deciding what kind of staycation vibes you’re aiming for. Is it relaxation with spa-like peace and quiet, or are you looking for adventure and exploration? Setting your intentions will help guide your activities and tailor your staycation to your desires. Treat yourself. Part of the joy of vacationing comes from stepping out of your routine and indulging a bit. Why should a staycation be any different?
Book a massage at a local spa, order takeout from that high-end restaurant you’ve always wanted to try or splurge on a fancy "hotel- style" breakfast in bed. Remember, it’s all about treating yourself! Visit a new place each day. Challenge yourself to visit new spots in your area. It could be a park you’ve never strolled through, a museum you’ve skipped, or an interesting shop you’ve passed but never entered. It’s fun to see how much you discover in places you can visit every day. Don’t judge yourself for not doing anything. If your most adventurous activity for a day is moving from your bed to your couch or hammock, that’s perfectly fine. Not every staycation day needs to be filled with
activities. After all, the best memories can come from hanging out and enjoying the peace of your own space. Be a tourist for the day. Grab a camera and see your city through the eyes of a tourist.You might discover typical tourist activities you’ve never done because you live there. It’s a fun way to engage with your surroundings differently. Remember, it’s your staycation. The best part of a staycation is that there are no rules. Sleep in, stay up late, eat dessert for breakfast, or wear pajamas all day. Do what makes you happy because, after all, isn’t that what any great vacation is about?
A WORD FROM ASHLEE Whiten Your Teeth Naturally With Ingredients You Already Have
We all want a whiter, brighter smile. But not everyone wants to shell out big bucks for professional treatments or use harsh chemical strips that leave their teeth feeling sensitive. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to gently whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home. They won’t give you noticeable results overnight, but they can make a big difference with consistency and care. Brush with baking soda. Baking soda has been a go-to for generations. It’s mildly abrasive, which helps scrub away surface stains. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth that bacteria don’t love. Mix a tiny bit of baking soda with water to form a paste, then gently brush. Repeat this a few times a week. Try oil pulling with coconut oil. This practice has been around for centuries, and for good reason. Swishing a tablespoon of high-quality coconut oil in your mouth for about 10–15 minutes a day helps reduce harmful bacteria, freshen your breath, and gently lift surface stains from your teeth. Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties, which means it not only promotes oral hygiene but also contributes to a healthier, brighter smile. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables can act as a natural toothbrush and work to scrub your teeth while you chew. They also stimulate saliva production to help wash away food particles
and bacteria. As a bonus, they're good for your overall health.
Rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that kills bacteria in your mouth.You can dilute it with water (equal parts) and swish it a few times a week. Just be sure not to swallow it and avoid using it too often, as it can irritate your gums. Use strawberries. Mash up a ripe strawberry and mix it with baking soda for a quick DIY whitening paste. Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help break down surface stains. But don’t go overboard — because strawberries also contain sugar and acid, make sure to rinse and brush afterward. Natural remedies can be a fun and affordable way to keep your smile looking great. Just remember, they work best on surface stains, not deep discoloration, and should never replace brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups!
–Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienist
2 | Elkins Dental
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