Lazy Sunday Routine

Hello beautiful readers! I hope this post is finding you at the end of a wonderful week.

Sunday has always been one of my favorite days because I like to take time off for myself to relax and rejuvenate, in preparation for the coming week. I have decided to write out some steps to help you have the best Sunday ever! The ultimate goal is to focus on yourself for a day, in order to truly recharge.

1.       Get in a good breakfast. My favorite way to start off my Sundays is by treating myself to brunch, or making a hearty breakfast. Nothing beats eggs, potatoes, pancakes, and a strong cup of coffee on a weekend morning. If you have seen Portlandia, chances are you appreciate the importance of brunch in a true Portlander’s diet. If not, I'll just say that it is an essential part of life in this city, and I'm beginning to understand why. Who doesn't like catching up with friends over good food?

2.       Do something productive. I suggest strolling through that part of town with the cute shops and cafes you have always driven by, but have never stopped to check out. Or if you are just feeling a home day (I'm a homebody, I won't judge), clean up, tidy up, or organize something. This will allow you to continue onto the next steps 100% guilt free.

3.       Pick an activity that will best help you unwind. My recent Sundays have included catching up with the Friends gang on Netflix, starting to doodle a little again, and reading. Do anything that will help you get to your “happy place.” If that involves something like a hike or run, it’s not exactly lazy, but I don't see a problem with getting some fresh air and a little endorphin boost.

4.       Make yourself a drink. I have come to look forward to making a nice drink every evening. For me personally, this means a cup of hot tea, or a glass of wine depending what kind of day it's been (on the average Sunday I would probably opt for the wine, tomorrow is Monday after all).

5.       End the day by pampering yourself. Apply your favorite face mask, buy a new nail polish color and paint your nails, or do a relaxing evening yoga sequence before bed. Use this time to focus on the extra little details you don’t have time for after work. Now let these positive feelings carry you into Monday and through the rest of your week.

Cascade Head Trail & Lincoln City

Lately I have truly begun to see the value in making the most of my weekends, and one of the best ways to do accomplish this is to go on a mini road trip. In my case this means an escape from the city to the coast! There is something amazingly comforting and therapeutic about gazing out into the ocean. It seems to put all my problems and stresses into perspective. I'm not sure if my fascination with the ocean stems from growing up in one of the most landlocked states imaginable(Colorado) or if it has this effect on everyone, but either way I have decided to take advantage of my new found proximity to the sea.

The day started with a hike along the Cascade Head Trail. We hiked to the lower viewpoint, about 4 moderately difficult miles round trip. It begins with a very steep incline up what feels like a flight of stairs built into the trail, but levels off fairly quickly. The landscape is wooded most of the way, and opens up to one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The viewpoint is on the edge of a cliff, sloping all the way to the ocean. The feeling sitting atop that cliff, with the salty breeze in my hair, and the sound of waves far in the distance was energizing and refreshing. Luckily we chose the perfect day to go, one where the sky is clear and the scenery stretches on forever. 

The next stop was Lincoln City, a cute beach town right along the coast. One of the best features of the beaches here are the tide pools. The anemones, crabs, mussels, and other tiny sea life offer some free entertainment. Stopping at Mo's for some clam chowder is also a must, and it is how we ended the day.What is your favorite day-trip getaway?