aRTICLE
Staycations:The Summer edition
The concept of a staycation came to me during the 2020 Covid- 19 lockdowns. An avid gardener, I wanted to develop our home and gardens into a retreat space where my husband and I could unwind. The front of our house is mainly formal style, hedging with white iceberg roses. The back garden is a subtropical oasis inspired by a previous holiday to Bali. We created a memory garden with a Pōhutukawa tree (gifted by my mother) and a seat underneath to reflect and remember those who had passed.
One positive outcome of a worldwide pandemic was the reminder that all freedom could be withheld from us overnight. I realised the importance of nurturing and creating an environment that will double as a holiday destination and space to unwind and relax in our downtime. During my nursing study, I learned the importance of sleep and how the brain requires adequate time to restore and replenish so that the human body performs optimally.
Life is fast-paced in the 21st century, and we are constantly in fight or flight mode due to multiple stimuli. The problem with this is that our brain and body never entirely shut down, and we wonder why mental health and illness are so prevalent now when technology is so advanced. This article will discuss the importance of investing in your home and landscaping, as this is where you will spend most of your time outside work.
One positive outcome of a worldwide pandemic was the reminder that all freedom could be withheld from us overnight. I realised the importance of nurturing and creating an environment that will double as a holiday destination and space to unwind and relax in our downtime. During my nursing study, I learned the importance of sleep and how the brain requires adequate time to restore and replenish so that the human body performs optimally.
Life is fast-paced in the 21st century, and we are constantly in fight or flight mode due to multiple stimuli. The problem with this is that our brain and body never entirely shut down, and we wonder why mental health and illness are so prevalent now when technology is so advanced. This article will discuss the importance of investing in your home and landscaping, as this is where you will spend most of your time outside work.
The Great Kiwi Shutdown
Most small companies and trade businesses in New Zealand shut down from Christmas to early January. This enables staff and families to enjoy time off during the summer break. In recent years, the summer weather has been miserable.
The forecasters are predicting a hotter than average summer, so let's see how you can make this summer break fun, relaxed and enjoyable while enjoying a good summer staycation at the same time.
# You may have just finished your summer holiday. But now is the time to start planning so that you have your home and gardens ready for the end of year and next summer break.
Indoor/Outdoor Flow
Interior designers do not just plan inside spaces; consideration and thought are essential to factor in how the client and family will utilise the space so they have a connection with the outdoors. I'm a great believer in green spaces and Biophilic design. People often make the mistake of considering the areas as two separate parts, but a great designer will incorporate the two so that your outdoor space becomes “outdoor rooms”. You can connect the two areas even if you have a small site. In summer, sliders or doors that open the kitchen/living spaces onto the backyard are vital for functionality and ease of movement from the kitchen to a barbecue and outdoor table space.
Barbecue Areas
Most people in New Zealand own a barbecue, but do you have one in a practical space for all conditions? For the perfect summer staycation, it is crucial to have an outdoor covered deck, a small covered pergola, and an awning or cover so that you can still enjoy lovely barbecued foods and salads when a rain shower passes by.
Try my favourite summer marinade recipe below.
Sarah’s Greek Chicken marinade recipe (serves 4)
4 chicken breasts
2 Tablespoon of crushed garlic
4 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 Tablespoon of fresh Oregano
1 Tablespoon of chopped parsley
2 teaspoons of chopped fresh Rosemary
1 Tablespoon of fresh Thyme
1 teaspoon of Black pepper (Freshly ground)
1 teaspoon of salt
½ cup of olive oil
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl or large plastic container with a lid.
- Add the chicken breasts or cut into long strips for kebabs. And marinate for at least one hour (my preference is over night).
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and either cook chicken breasts on a grill plate or feed onto skewers for kebabs. Discard the marinade.
- Grill for 10-15 mins and or the juice runs clear. Remove from grill, cover chicken breasts with tin foil then rest for 5 mins. Slice breast and arrange on a plate. For kebabs less cooking time may be required depending on thickness of chicken.
# Serve with a Greek yogurt dressing, fresh lemon and salads and pair with a white wine
Summer picnic or platter
Nothing evokes summer memories more than a lovely picnic rug, cushions, and a delicious array of seasonal food paired with a glass of wine or bubbles. A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outside space of your garden, local park or beach. Place your rug near a tree for shade, or use a sunshade or beach umbrella to protect against harmful UVA rays; don't forget your sunscreen.
My husband and I often enjoy a wine and cheese platter with seasonal fruit as a simple way to unwind. We have a Sonos Move speaker, which we take out into the garden to listen to music near the pool or in the garden. If you do not wish to invest in an expensive speaker, you can use your phone to create an ambient feeling instead.
# Sarah’s Picks: Chilled Hits on Spotify; De Sol woven Picnic blanket and Zambi cushions covers from Isla in Bloom https://www.islainbloom.com.au/
PS A special appearance from my son's dog Biggie
Pools
If you are fortunate enough to own a pool like our family, this is a great way to relax, unwind, and keep cool during hot summer staycation days. Volleyball nets, pool noodles, and oversized pool loungers are great ways to add extra summer fun.
My grandson is very active now; he walks and loves the water. Adding children's pool toys was essential in our summer preparation. Having a deck or area that enables space for loungers, chairs, and tables beside the pool allows guests to relax, nap, and read poolside. Don't forget to style these with gorgeous cushions and towels to create that resort feeling and invest in an acrylic water jug and glasses set. Nothing says resort-side living more than a refreshing poolside cocktail.
# Sarah's top poolside cocktail is a gin Spritzer
Outdoor Games
If you have the space, including a few outdoor games is a fun way to enjoy a summer afternoon. My favourites are swingball, backyard cricket, giant Jenga, croquet, petanque and my new favourite cornhole. The benefit of these games is that they can be taken away on holiday or to the beach or park and stored away safely during the year. Playing games is a great way to engage groups of friends and families outdoors and is suitable for most age groups. This helps people engage in activity and strengthens hand-eye coordination, which is excellent for brain function.
# Sarah's top pick is Cornhole from Backyard games. https://www.backyardgames.co.nz/
Water features
If you don't wish to have a pool, the next best thing is to design a zen area in your garden with a small pond or water feature. Make sure you have an area to have a daybed, outdoor table, chairs, or hammock where you can sit, relax, read, or sleep. The sound of running water promotes creativity, focus and positive energy. Studies have shown this to reduce the stress hormone epinephrine and cortisol, which will help reduce anxiety and depression. Did you know water releases negatively charged ions into the air to purify it?
# Sarah's tip to avoid mosquitoes is to ensure your water feature or pond has running water or a splashing action to help prevent them from breeding.
A good reading environment
If, like me, your time during the year is limited. Nothing says holidays more than a good stack of books, magazines or podcasts to help you relax and unwind or refocus on your business or career for 2024. A comfortable bean bag, lounger or sitting area is an excellent investment in your health and well-being. De Sol woven picnic rug and cushions from Isla In Bloom https://www.islainbloom.com.au/These can be inside the home or a place outside with some shade. If inside the house, good lighting is essential as the day turns to night. Watch out for an upcoming blog in 2024 on the importance of lighting for health and wellbeing.
# My dog Jett liked my reading spot also
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches
Proverbs 24:3-4
Testament Interiors By Sarah Parry
News Years Resolutions and Planning
The start of a new year is when we make new resolutions about fitness or plans for the upcoming year. If one of your resolutions is to start planning a renovation , or new build, or you are considering moving home to right-size for your stage of life, then a summer staycation in January is the time to start planning for a new project and change in lifestyle.
Testament Interiors can help you focus on what's important in your life and make a plan so that you stay on track and achieve a house that's beautiful, functional and just right for you.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Blessings Sarah
# The February blog upcoming Interior trends for 2024
