Issue #2 | May 29th, 2020
Feedback on our Issue #1
Thanks for all your feedback on our first newsletter. Many of you said you really enjoyed it and wanted us to spice it up a bit with pictures. So we’re going to give that a shot.
Also, we’re happy to report that we’re live with the Smart Monitor since someone asked “I just want to buy one. Where can I do that?” Well, <Name Redacted for Privacy>, you can do that here or Press the Big Button below:
Sweet Ways to Staycation This Summer
It’s pretty obvious that a lot of us will be spending more time in our backyards this summer for obvious reasons (we don’t even like to say it anymore). Just because we’re going to spend some more quality time at home does not mean we can’t have fun, or even make it an adventure, or a little sweeter.
In this episode of the Cabana Club Communique, we’ve scoured the web for awesome ideas and articles on how to have a great staycation at home or in your hometown.
How do we know we’re getting back to “normalcy”?
The fact that See’s Candy is opening up its production again is a sure sign that the “new normal” is back to normal. The only other time it’s factory closed was during WWII. We’re big fans of See’s Candy (so is Warren Buffet BTW) since its production facility is south of us and its a Bay Area institution. As kids (and now as adults), it was the one thing we looked forward to for Valentine’s Day (Jarie’s Birthday), and Easter, and Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Do you get the sense we have a sweet tooth?
Jarie, who does our PR and Marketing, even worked there when he was younger and can attest to the fact that eating an unlimited amount of See’s Candy is not a good idea.
Turning Your Backyard into a Vacation Spot
With summer camps shut down and beach vacations seeming risky, homeowners are investing in ways to create a summer retreat at home. On Wayfair, demand was up in April 2020 from the same time a year ago for trampolines, swing sets, bounce houses, seesaws, and hammocks, according to the company. Web traffic and inquiries to Yardzen, an online design service, spiked by 300 percent after shelter-in-place orders were enacted, according to the company. And at Solo Stove, which sells low-smoke fire pits, the spring buying season kicked into gear in April, a month earlier than normal.
From Camping To Dining Out: Here’s How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities
It’s curious that the number 1 on this list is about enjoying your backyard. We’re fans of that as you know. We also like the cool drawings:
1. A BYOB backyard gathering with one other household: low to medium risk
Meeting in a spacious outdoor area with only a small group isn’t too risky. But our experts say that safety here depends on whom you invite and what their behaviors have been. “If you have a gathering with one other household that [has] followed social distancing, this would be a low-risk activity,” says Dr. Judith Guzman-Cottrill, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Oregon Health & Science University.
What if We All Vacationed at Home Again?
This one is by a British writer but it echos true enough to what’s happening to a lot of us here in the U.S. Europe has it a bit different than the US since a lot of European’s travel a lot more within Europe.
We think that a lot of people will be staying close to home this summer and that’s gonna mean a lot of backyard BBQ’s and pool time.
The Pandemic Has Turned Us All into Gardeners
During this strange Summer, we need something productive to do. Growing your own vegetables is yummy, fun, and the ideal practical response to a challenging time. It might be hard to find supplies right now but don’t fret. Maybe you can pool your resources with your neighbors.
15 Amazing Staycation Ideas That Won’t Blow Your Budget
The folks at Good Housekeeping have an amazing list, that we found to be super useful if you need some inspiration for your staycation. The two that we really liked are:
#11. Swap houses with a friend
This one is great, because if your friend is nice – the whole operation will be free! You’ll get a change of scenery, and if they’re part of your quaranteam, you don’t have much to worry about. Bonus points if they get the Sutro in your pool! So they can manage the chemistry with your app.
#7. Host your own film festival.
Because many film events are canceled across the world (*cough* Cannes), many of them are offering movies and shorts for free. Instead of bingeing on your next Netflix show, watch a movie genre or a film in a language that you wouldn’t usually!
[For those of you who don’t have kids, you can move on if you’re not interested] Cute Kid Snacks – Staycation Fun Food Ideas
This post by Sara, from Mom Endeavors, is a great post for keeping the kids entertained while you’re having your staycation this Summer.
What really impressed us is the ‘sandwich kebabs’ towards the end of the post. Super interesting idea of skewing a sandwich!
Thinking of getting away this summer? Hope you like your home state
Everyone’s tourism economy is hurting, but state governments think they have a solution: Rather than fill up hotels with outsiders, they’re looking within. Interesting idea. Where would you go in your home state? Drop us a line and we’ll make sure to include it in an upcoming newsletter.
5 summer books and other things to do at home
The recommendations are a bit pandemic in nature but the one we thought was pretty cool was Cloud Atlas. If you don’t want to read it, then you can check out the movie, which stars Tom Hanks. Also, the wild card at the end is something we would have never tried before. Might want to check that out if you’re game.