Idea #1: Park Picnic (left) + Idea #2: Explore Your City (right)


(left) Here in Toronto, there are a couple of great parks that perfect for a picnic date. I like going to Bellevue Square Park in Kensington Market or Trinity Bellwoods. Bring your own food for an inexpensive day. That means you get to carry a picnic basket, which, if you haven't heard, are actually the cutest purses ever. Lay out a blanket, bring some magazines and girl talk. This picture was actually taken in Kensington with a friend of mine. We picked up some coffee on our way over and afterwards, walked around the area. 

(right) Have you ever noticed that the longer you live in the city, the less you see? I know about two people who have actually step foot inside the CN Tower. Take the time you have now to explore the great city you live in. Try taking a random bus to a place you've never been before. Or, it can be as easy as choosing a new restaurant to lunch at. As Mandy and I prove, new things can be found anywhere, even in a parking lot. 
 
Idea #3: Boardgames and Mimosas


This tradition was started by myself and a friend of mine when we came across a leftover bottle of Spumante in my fridge and a game of Scrabble in my closet. It's just a really fun and laid back way to spend an evening or an afternoon with a couple of friends or just one special one! 

Idea #4: See a Show 
 

One staycation, a friend and I decided to have what we called a 'fancy, cultural evening for grown up people'. This consisted of getting cheap, rush tickets to a play down in Toronto's Distillery District. They cost us $5.00 (bargain!) and we spent a lovely evening pretending we were a fancy, elderly couple who go to the opera. I also suggest trying to find cheap lawn seats to concerts (that's how I saw The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato... don't judge me). This picture was taken at a Katy Perry concert, it rained and I was not pleased with having my picture taken here. However, the concert and the night were both incredible! 

Idea #5: Road Trip


This photo was taken in Ottawa. I took a weekend road trip there with a friend to visit our mutual friend. It was one of the best weekends I have ever had. From start to finish. Even the road up, with one of my best friends, watching movies and stopping for fast food was great. Sometimes, you need to just get out of your environment and see something new. It doesn't need to be somewhere too far either. I've found that just taking a weekend trip an hour away from Toronto leaves me feeling relaxed and refreshed.