A perfect day off

Well, I have some big news but it's not officially official yet, so I'll contain myself for now (no, I am not pregnant). Suffice it to say, it's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and it may be a pretty great thing for you too, in the near future.

I am taking a departure from blogging about fashion to bring you a different kind of blog post. I recently had a day off from work (a legit one, no calling in sick with a fake cough or anything) on Labor Day and I realized that I may have found the secret formula for enjoying a perfect day off.

1) Wake up no later than 2 hours after your normal wake up time. If you normally wake up at 8am, then set your alarm for 9:00. Believe me, the temptation to sleep in is as powerful as any opiate, but you'll be really happy you followed my advice on this one. Why? Because you still got an extra hour of sleep (yay!) but you also still have your entire day ahead of you (also, yay!).

2) Do something that you've realllllly needed to do. For example, if your car tags are expired, get them updated. Return your library books. Call your mom. File all of your fashion magazines in alphabetical order and chronological order (or don't, because if you're like me, this could take up several days off). Just do one really important thing, though and do it early. That way, you've accomplished something on your day off and you can spend the rest of your day having fun!

3) Treat yourself. After you have crossed that Really Important Item off of your To-Do list, you should treat yourself! Buy some new shoes, get a pedicure, spend a few delicious hours lost in a wonderful book. Whatever your preference, indulge yourself. Don't think about work or relationships or adult obligations. Just pamper yourself.

4) Plan your evening meal. Whether you recreate a gourmet meal that you heard about on Splendid Table or you go out to dinner at your favorite local bistro, enjoying dinner should be part of your day off. Take it slow. Eat a three course meal that takes 2.5 hours from start to finish. Enjoy your food. Savor it. Don't calorie count or worry about carbs. Reconnect with how good it feels to nourish your body in a stress-free environment.

5) Have some social fun. See your friends. A cold beer with a couple of good friends is a great way to spend a day off. You can catch up, go shopping or see a movie or hit up a local art gallery.


6) Do something special for someone you love. It can be a tiny little token of affection, like doing the dishes or watching him play video games and cheering him on. It's rewarding to do something for someone you love.

To recap: Wake up early, get something done, indulge yourself, enjoy a fine dining experience, see your friends, do something for someone else. Does all of this equal a perfect day (that ends with you falling peacefully asleep with a giant grin on your face)? It absolutely does.