Only thing missing is a side of waffle fries
So. Today is a bit of an exciting day around here because Microsoft has given me five Xbox consoles to give away to my readers, just in time for the holidays. And I'll just go ahead and get the disclosure part of this out of the way: this is a sponsored giveaway. I do not do this sort of thing very often. Actually, only once before (and trust me, it drives my ad network totally nuts. Hi, FM!), but this seemed like something you guys would be really interested in and, hello, FIVE XBOXES. FOR FREE.
I'll admit that all I knew about an Xbox before about a week ago was that my cousin GEORGE!, the one who lived in our basement for the summer of 2007, had one running at all times in his room. Along with three other gaming systems, two computers, a television, the ceiling fan, and who knows what else because our electric bill the first month he lived here was four times what it normally was. Oddly, he thinks it was that electric bill that has caused the rift that now exists between us. But it's not. That rift has to do with something entirely unrelated to that electric bill, and because I'm not going to get into that mess here, I'll just give him a two word hint: TOPLESS INTRUDER.
Fast forward to last week: we wanted to know as much as we could about the Xbox before we gave one away, so Jon went out and bought one, plus a few driving games as those are really the only ones I like to play. And he got this really awesome one that rewards aggressive, dangerous driving, and the more poles you hit and crashes you cause, the faster you hit that ramp and fly 70 feet into the air and land on top of that taco truck, the higher your score. Which to me is what Heaven will look like.
Have I ever told you about how I bought a brand new Honda Civic in 1999, and within the first five months of owning it I had to get the brakes replaced? Not because the brakes were defective, BUT BECAUSE THAT'S HOW I DRIVE. Every day I earn points by stopping closer and closer to the car in front of me, and sometimes I can get it down to millimeters. Just ask Jon and the gray hair in his beard.
As part of this giveaway Microsoft wanted me to share my "Ultimate Staycation" with you guys, and don't worry, I just punched myself in the face for even writing that word. If they had asked me to use the word "solutioneering" I'm not so sure I could have mustered the strength.
And well, I get to live my ultimate staycation pretty much every day. Meaning, once we put both the kids down for the night, Jon and I curl up in bed with the two dogs, a cocktail, and an episode of either really excellent television or really awful television, the stuff in between is too boring. Like, either an episode of "The Wire" or something about plastic surgery gone horribly wrong. I suppose watching the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris might be an amazing way to spend an evening, but COME ON. You should see some of these nose jobs.
I think this may be Jon's idea of an ultimate staycation:
So. Here is how this thing works, and no, I had nothing to do with these rules so don't scream at me:
1. You must be 18 or over to enter.
2. You must live in the US.
3. You must read these rules.
4. Five commenters will be selected as winners. Please include your idea of an "Ultimate Staycation" in your comment, and y'all, keep it clean even if it does somehow include your balls.
Note: you must be signed in to leave a comment. If you sign up for multiple user accounts and try to enter under different profiles, you will be disqualified.
5. Comments will be open until tomorrow December 2, 2009 at 9PM Eastern.
6. Winners will be chosen randomly using Random.org.
7. Winners will be announced on Friday.
8. Prize is an "Ultimate Xbox Bundle" which includes 1 - Xbox console, 3 - Family Fun Games, 1 - Gold Subscription to Xbox (1 Year) - Estimated package value $499
Ready, set, go!
PS. Here are the Xbox avatars we created for ourselves complete with my trademark grumpiness:
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Heather talks about Valentine's Day on today's Momversation.
- I know zero about sports, but my entire heart is screaming, "Go Saints! Go Saints!" I am a stereotypical woman. TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE, JON!
- Marlo has a tooth! So says the blood that she drew when she grabbed my hand and tried to gnaw off my thumb!
- Leta won't eat her birthday cake. I guess we should have made it out of chicken nuggets and iced it with refried beans.
1. LeashWeCanDo said:
My "ultimate staycation" involves pizza, wine, and watching movies, tv on dvd, or catching up on hulu. Topped with cuddles with kitties and dog and supplemented with significant other.
There is nothing better. Ahhh. To pretend to be gone all weekend and hideout. No work allowed. I'll have to schedule one soon!
Also, I LOVE the look on Chuck's face in this photo. "Seriously? You guys are SOOO immature. Yawn."
2. tshaw08 said:
Love this giveaway. Would be perfect for my little brother.
My ultimate staycation? Ice cream, underwear, bed, food ordered in, movies, bubble baths, margaritas,boyfriend.
:) Thanks!
3. MarionB said:
My ultimate staycation would involve lots of cupcakes, a bottle of scotch, good Texas BBQ and the ENTIRE collection of every Jackass movie and and show on DVD.
4. mginley said:
My ultimate staycation involves wine, the couch, and movies.
5. alliep said:
the ultimate staycation involves a cabin hidden away in a snowy mountaintop complete with hot tub, pinot grigio, mediterranean herb chicken thin crust pizza, a 60 inch LCD HDTV and of course my one and only soulmate husband!!! and how on earth am I gonna win this if I'm the first person to enter? that can't be true. hahahaa Allie
6. lisaro83 said:
My ultimate "staycation" (ugh) involves me, my boyfriend, a big ol snowstorm, a fully stocked kitchen, a deck of cards, and a magnum or 5 of pinot noir.
7. DianaB said:
My ultimate staycation involves warm weather, our patio out back and a couple of mojitos. And I only have to wait 6 months to be able to actually do that again - sigh.
8. scubacindi said:
I have to agree - the best staycation is just being home with my boyfriend with a good movie or catching up on the DVR with dinner already made and some cold beer!
9. RuthWells said:
Ultimate staycation: 14 hours of sleep per day. The remaining 10 to be spent gardening and eating while lying in bed.
10. sadu71 said:
The ultimate staycation: Turn off the alarm clock and wake up whenever. Wander the house in jammies so I'm prepared when the urge to nap hits. Take the dog for long hikes. Cook some excellent meals. Catch up on the DVR's 100+hrs of programs.
11. ladyamazing said:
My ultimate staycation involves the burning of a "Modesty Patch".
12. neuro_lindsay said:
My staycation would involve lots of sewing, reading books, drinking beer, and my husband making me amazing dinners. Winning an xbox may get in the way of all that, but I'm going to risk it.
13. StacyZ33 said:
My ultimate Staycation is where my husband and I don't get out of our pajamas for days, we are surrounded in bed by our pillows and fuzziest blankets, drinking wine and watching all of Seasons 1 and 2 of Criminal Minds. With the local Chinese food place on redial. Oh yeah.
14. teetotaled said:
Since I have a 5 month old the main criteria for the "ultimate stay-cation" is a good nights sleep. Basically anything involving 8+ hours of sleep, a Vince Vaughn movie and some raisinets....ahh heaven!
15. Writing to Sanity said:
My Staycation (haha!):
Kids with their dad in Denver, and me drinking wine and playing the Xbox 24 hours a day until they come home. Yeah, that or... letting them play the Xbox 24 hours a day so I can finally get some peace and quiet around here!!!
16. NYBeverly said:
I think my ultimate staycation would involve my boyfriend, chocolate, wine - and maybe a brand new Xbox for further diversion?
17. PrettyGirlMyers said:
My Ultimate Staycation would definitely happen during the winter, preferably during a 4 day snowstorn that didn't knock out the electricity or cable. I'd make French toast and bacon for breakfast every single morning, and then decide what to make for lunch and dinner (of course my pantry would be fabulously stocked with everything I needed). Then me and the kids would head outside and build snowmen, make snowforts, and have snowball fights (the kind the DON'T end with one or both children crying because they got snow in their face/down their pants.) Then it would be on to hot apple cider and hot cocoa, bad movies, maybe some video games, reading, and just general lazing around. I always have someplace to be or something to do, so my ultimate staycation would be all about interacting with my kiddo's, because I don't do nearly as much of that as I'd like!
18. Lauren From Texas said:
My ultimate staycation includes:
-No changing out of sweatpants.
-Lots and lots of really awful television.
-Lots and lots of takeout.
-Lots and lots of napping.
-Beer.
-Snuggling with my husband (you told me to keep it clean, otherwise I would have said "Having SEC with my husband.")
I really need this XBox! It's for the kids! And by the kids I mean me & my husband.
19. ameliaknapp said:
Dear god your avatar looks JUST LIKE YOU.
Please don't enter me in the sweepstakes. I don't play video games. Only because I never had a Nintendo growing up.
20. Meg said:
Summit IPA, a leather couch, a ginormous bowl of mashed potatoes, and all 13 cycles of America's Next Top Model on DVD.
21. Meghan said:
This giveaway is great! My husband has been strongly hinting that he would love one of these for Christmas! My ultimate staycation (since I'm a graduate student) would be just being able to be home and cook dinner, clean house and watch TV with my husband without feeling bad about neglecting school work.
22. annabnana26 said:
My Ultimate Staycation involves riding a ski lift while cuddling my flask. And then somehow attempting to get off the chair safely.
23. Kitalita said:
My ultimate staycation involves hard cider, Star Wars, a pizza and my boyfriend. And possibly a few episodes of the Nostalgia Critic on my media center I have yet to set up.
24. brandon.cordell said:
My ultimate staycation is drinking coffee by the fire with my macbook pro in my lap and my wife and son at my side!
25. kanklettes said:
like Bridget Jones once said "I choose vodka and Chaka Khan"... and maybe my vibrator
26. meg b said:
Big Lebowski
white russians
local bowling alley
27. cjcoppola said:
All I do is staycation. I want to go somewhere. Anywhere. But if I have to stay home I want to bury myself on my couch under a down blanket with a cheesy book and watch my little boy play with his new xBox courtesy of Blurbdoocery.
28. Serrabou said:
My ultimate staycation: being with the kids at home or anywhere near by and NOT having to lug my breastpump to work! I would also love a day to clean out my closets and organize my own clothes from three sizes and two seasons down to clothes that fit and will keep me warm in winter (time to put away the maternity sundress I think).
29. Jenknee said:
My staycation would include all the members of my Urban Family, a kitchen full of fixings so that we can all crowd in and share cooking duty. A iPod loaded with stupid dancey songs. And obviously a well stocked bar. Which, let's be honest, would probably end up being our main source of intake on a staycation.
I think I just figure out my plans for the weekend.
30. Petey said:
Much like George - my ultimate staycation can be summed up in 2 words: TOPLESS INTRUDER!
Happy Holidays!
31. Pipsqueak said:
We have a cottage on Lake Ontario. Every weekend during the summer months is my ultimate staycation.
The week after Christmas is also my Ultimate Staycation as I get to stay home and pretend that I am a stay at home mom.
32. Lou Lou Who said:
My "ultimate staycation" involves Tivo, pizza and my bed.
33. jrwill said:
Bottle of Cabernet or glass of Sam Adams Winter Brew, some board games, great friends and yummy food! Of course, if I had this xbox, I would definitely be including that.....
:)
34. shaunnam said:
Awesome!
Ultimate staycation = time spent in the Colorado mountains with my family. Yay!
35. LisaShoshana said:
My ultimate staycation would be sitting on my sofa, Diet Rally on the coffee table (Diet Coke is for fancy people), two cats wrastling on the rug in front of me, and Home Alone with director's commentary on my tv.
Oh, and there are candles burning. Obviously.
36. MissMita said:
Because I'm a ginormous (gynormous ?) nerd, my ultimate staycation would involve lots of knitting, drooling over knitting patterns I'm too chicken to try, reading, playing video games, and working on my German via livemocha.com. Oh and sleeping. Because I don't get enough of that.
37. mjourdan said:
My ultimate staycation would be to chill on the couch with the wife playing Xbox with my buddies online.
38. Mama Boo said:
My ultimate staycation involves unplugging the phone and ripping out the doorbell. We all just curl up on the floor to play video games, watch TV, and play board games. We have awesome picnics on the floor of our living room, and I get to take a quiet, hot bubble bath every night. Ahhh....heaven!
39. nerdistheword said:
My ultimate staycation would be my 3 kids, our favorite movie or TV show (for this time of year it has to be Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story), me, snuggled in my bed with a big bowl of popcorn. Complete with cold little toes and pushing and shoving on who gets to sit next to whom. It would be the perfect staycation, even if just for one night where we weren't running around for chorus concerts, PTA events or school for mom and dad.
40. bitjanitor said:
At this point, the ideal staycation would be someone taking care of the kids and catching up on lost sleep caused by an almost 6 month old. That and playing my new xbox!
41. Sarah Brown said:
My ultimate staycation (Heather I cannot believe I just typed that) would involve my fiance, a bed, a folder full of take out menus, endless gin and tonics, and all five seasons of The Wire.
42. the grumbles said:
Mine would be pajamas, video games, cake, and beer. And not leaving the house for days. Just living room dog-time game and movie extravaganza. With blankets! And did I mention the beer and cake? Mmmmmm, beer.
I love Heather's avatar, hilarious!
43. Kasper said:
My Ultimate staycation would be hanging around my house in my Flannel Pink Owl PJ Dress, turning off my phone, Eating Jalepeno Poppers with my Husband, watching Netflix movies until my brain melted out of my ears and all while being snuggled on my couch with my husband and two dogs.
Though If I had an X-Box It would be all the same except instead of Netflix I would be pwning my husband at some shoot'em up game.
44. rekrohn said:
My husband and I are going (staying?) on an Ultimate Staycation this summer in Seattle. My parents are keeping my kids, a one year old who will be weaned by then and her 3 year old sister, and then we will eat and sleep on OUR OWN SCHEDULES!! It's pretty much the most exciting thing of. all time.
45. browneyedboden said:
Ultimate Staycation for for me, involves lots of in bed time (sleeping, duh), bubble baths while listening to Diane Birch and Adele lull me into a state of sub-consciousness and relax, massages from the hubby and I might reciprocate, wine guzzling, lighted candles, movies, and stove popped popcorn.
46. jessilee said:
A good movie with the family. Of course, if we had an xbox I could pretty much kiss my tv good bye, but the husband and kids would be excited, and that's all that matters right? RIGHT??
47. squeaker76 said:
We are all about the staycation... With a new baby on the way I think we will need something to do while we endure baby prison.
48. TiffaneyC said:
My perfect staycation would be just to sit with my family, play games, and enjoy eachother with limited responsibilities. No errands, no shopping, and no disagreements...just fun :)
49. teresaduncan said:
Perfect staycation:
Multiple new dog toys for my puppies, lots of Legos for my son and a view of a beach for me and my husband. We would sleep in every day and then wake up to coffee and waffles on the deck! And lots of cable and PPV to watch too!
50. llacia said:
The ultimate staycation is my husband and me curled up with a warm fire and a nice meal and whatever happens after that. It's the simple things!
51. cindy gomez said:
ultimate staycation involves eating mexican food and watching movies with the family.
52. jkells1 said:
My ultimate staycation...too much food, too much sleep, and way too much football on TV.
53. djchangchild said:
*The Ultimate Staycation*
Spending the summer at a beach house in New Zealand with my fiance. We'd cook food, watch dvds, take walks on the beach, and enjoy some quality time together.
54. laurah said:
Booze, comfort food, comfy yoga pants, the mutts, the boyfriend, the TV, more booze.
I could probably work an xbox into the plan.
55. pam1374 said:
My staycation involves surfing the internet all day, without a side of guilt that I should be doing the dishes!
56. AnEmily said:
Well, my ideal staycation is pretty similar to yours: Kids asleep, cocktails in hand, bad tv(or good!). The only difference is that maybe it would be on the couch. I tend to pass out if I watch a screen in the bed, I can't help it.
57. lizneilvoss said:
My ultimate staycation would include pizza, hot chocolate (although not together), baking!, catching up on the DVR, having a fire in the fireplace, and maybe some Rockband!
Also, a comfy couch (note: not the one I have right now), a big fluffy blanket, and lots of napping time.
All accompanied by my dearest Andy V and our furry children, Ziggy and Tybalt.
I should try to make one of my weekends look like this soon. Probably won't happen until after the new year rolls over, though.
58. kryban said:
My ultimate Staycation would involve chocolate chip waffles and ice cream for dinner every night, playing with Legos often (or maybe the lego rock band game), and definitely building a small fort out of blankets and pillows. This is the first time I've actually liked using the word Staycation.
59. Jessicad said:
My ultimate staycation would be....lounging with the family the entire time. I would prefer to have somebody else there to cook our meals and clean up after us. I don't want any plans....I just want to do things on a whim!
60. Peeved Michelle said:
Honestly, I would like a one-week staycation without my husband or kids so that I can get my damn house organized.
61. melissity said:
My ultimate staycation would include wine, a good book, a massage, and sleeping through the night - so I guess that means I also need a nanny for my 3-yr old and 4-wk old boys!
62. twinmomma416 said:
My ultimate staycation involves reading to, coloring with, and playing "chase" with my kids, going to the park by our house with my kids, a DVR full of Days of Our Lives, Grey's Anatomy, and Biggest Loser Episodes for the evenings, and not doing my hair or makeup. Oh, and a professional chef in my kitchen and a maid to clean up after everyone!!!
63. mommaonthemountain said:
Because I am totally lame this way: sewing and baking are my ideal staycation. I would also be watching the entire series so far of Bones for the upteenth time while doing the sewing and baking. So what I really need is the new xbox to keep my husband and kids out of the way so that I CAN do this. How about you help a gal out and choose me?!
64. Camels and Chocolate said:
ooh fun! While as a travel writer by profession, I am adamantly opposed to the term "staycation," I will say I just returned from Yountville, where I was working on a story, and that place is just perfect if you're a Californian and want a peaceful weekend away. Stay at the Cottages at Napa Valley, indulge in Thomas Keller's host of restaurants, and drink your troubles away!
65. Balayne said:
My ultimate "staycation" would include my boyfriend, my favorite pj's, my favorite foods, lots of walking, lots of movies, lots of sleep!
66. schwareid said:
Ultimate Staycation:
Disconnect Blackberry
Wine
DONE.
67. ElsieEllle said:
SO cool.
My ultimate staycation involves my husband, my dog, long walks outside in nice weather and delicious food. And maybe even an XBox someday :)
68. jlolb said:
Do I have to use the word staycation to win?
Snowstorm + G&T's + good movies + warm socks = heaven.
69. hawkmoon269 said:
Ultimate staycation: plenty of prepared food, alcohol, Diet Coke and snacks to avoid any need to run out for groceries. Hanging out in pajamas with our new puppy in front of the TV, watching classic awesome movies that we already know all the lines from. If we had a fireplace, having a fire going when it's super cold outside. And lots of cozy blankets.
70. acbug3 said:
Ultimate staycation = wine, Netflix, time to cross-stitch, teleporting my boyfriend from Maine, and drugging the cats so that they sleep all day.
71. staceygal24 said:
Glass of Cabernet, no kids, a ton of movies on a cold cold day. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
72. Imtryingto said:
My ultimate STAYCATION would consist of: My daughter, hubby (or not), my two furbabies. We all would be laying on the couch talking about what we SHOULD be doing with our time off, but say one more hug and one more scratch behind the ears (husband or puppies). Then lean back, grab the remote, Gerber Graduate Puffs and a MilkBone or 6 and watch bad tv with the scent of a yummy flameless candle!
73. monnik said:
My ultimate staycation would involve movies and wine and a fire and some chocolate and the kids shipped off to grandmas for the weekend.
74. ChaseNKids said:
Cool Giveaway!!! Thanks for sponsoring this.
Ultimate Staycation for me is eating cookie dough right out of the package in my PJ's with my four kids, husband and dog watching movies. And/Or watching my kids play Xbox! ;)
75. AmyAndrews said:
Ultimate Staycation = anywhere by myself for 4 days and then with my husband and the 4 kiddos for 3.
76. jinkies said:
Ultimate staycation? Home for as long as possible with The Girlfriend, The Dog, and The Heavily Stocked Refrigerator. Sorry roommate, you've gotta go, we're having a Big Ghey Staycation.
77. Brookin82 said:
My ultimate staycation involves a blizzard, a roaring fire, my boyfriend, and some of my favorite movies.
78. tawnyny said:
I hate to say this, but my perfect Staycation is vegging on the couch with my laptop and dogs! Heaven
79. sskatherine said:
Ultimate "staycation" = My couch, a book and a hot chocolate.
80. gusdiaz said:
My ultimate staycation would be watching a good tv show marathon on dvd like Burn Notice, The Closer, or 24, drinking some beer, wine and eating pizza.
81. dhgatsby said:
this is an awesome giveaway! my wife wanted a Wii but I bet an Xbox would fulfill her needs. SO we would find common ground with one. you are very sweet to offer these to your readers when we don't even have to be creative. thanks and happy holidays.
82. traceywil said:
My ultimate staycation would involve never having to change out of my pajamas, time on the couch curled under a blanket catching up on DVR shows, lots of baking and time with my husband!
83. m3rb3ar said:
Hmmm, how should I answer this? There are so many variations of my ultimate staycation that it will be hard to pick just one. I'll go with:
My bed, my husband, a case of good wheat beer, pizza, a really good book, and all 6 seasons of Xena.
84. unice099 said:
My ultimate Staycation involves:
-Sunday
-sleeping until 11 am (that's when ESPN Gameday starts)
-eating mounds of pancakes, french toast or other sweet breads
-watching football from 1-11pm, with breaks allowed only for peeing and more food
-sleep
85. rachelgab said:
I'm about to embark on an awesome staycation where I housesit at my sister's house for 2 weeks. I get to live in a beautiful house on the water in Seattle. Stay in PJ's in bed and watch movies (they have all the good channels) on the giant flat-screen tv and snuggle with two doggies and a kitty!
86. tamara said:
Hmm...my ultimate staycation would be lots of snow on the ground, a fully stocked fridge, a big fluffy blanket, the couch and lots of movies!
87. nevertoomuchfun said:
My ultimate staycation...
My sweetie...
My jammies...
My puppy dogs...
A full DVR...
Some football...
All together, spending time snuggled up in a chilly house with a warm fireplace...
88. Nibuca said:
My ultimate staycation involves cooking, curling up on the sofa and just getting in some quality snuggle time my my honey and my dogs. It's a quiet lazy day at home.
89. nimodavis said:
Ultimate Staycation: snowed in with family, lots of wine, whiskey, bad sweaters, trivial pursuit, my snuggie, our dogs and hairless cat, chocolate and the movie Roadhouse playing in the background.
90. Anna Marie said:
Wine, books, take-out, more wine. The perfect staycation.
91. CharmCity said:
My Ultimate Staycation:
-Lounging in PJs all morning
-Brunch at our favorite place
-A local museum I always say I want to visit but never do
-Strolling the local avenue with my DH, doing some shopping for unique items
-Walking in the park
-A massage
-Thai or Indian or Sushi or MD Blue Crabs
-A Bottle of Red Wine, preferably Cakebread Zinfandel
-Creme Brulee
92. kellyawake said:
My ultimate staycation would involve sleeping in everyday, reading tons of good books, watching movies that I've missed, cuddling with my hot man, cooking together (definitely making some fondue....gotta get my carbs on a staycation!!) and laughing lots :-) Thank you for the chance to win - we'd have all kinds of fun with an xBox!
93. casiep said:
Curled up in bed watching Maury (preferably a fat baby or paternity episode) and eating pizza while surfing the web.
94. galphoto said:
My ultimate staycation would include some great dinners out at restaurants only foodies talk about (just cuz I never get to enjoy them in "normal" time) and some quality time with my hubby to watch movies...
Yay Xbox. :)
95. Small Town Mommy said:
Our ultimate staycation usually involves being snowed in. All commitments get canceled and we aren't able to run any errands. We spend the day at home, watching movies and playing games in front of the fire.
96. tdobson said:
My perfect staycation is a marathon of cops and a white chocolate mocha latte. It wouldn't hurt if I had half a dozen Banbury Cross donuts either.. *drool* doooonuts...
97. third924 said:
Perfect staycation: No alarm. Everything else is gravy.
98. judi_cutrone said:
My ultimate staycation involves a full day of TiVo-selected programming, a pound cake that I will NOT eat all by myself (yes I will) and my dog.
99. follyk said:
This last weekend was my perfect "staycation". Watched movies and occasionally napped on the couch with my hubby, with the warmth of the fire in the woodstove. Perfection!!
100. universalchampion said:
omg, xbox. my ultimate staycation: naps, fresh books from book court, stumptown coffee, my cat being well behaved and the ultimate snuggle buddy, friends dropping by later in the day for snacks, baking, huge take out orders of soul food from the place down the block, and--duh--video games. cheers, c
101. Small Town Mommy said:
Our ultimate staycation usually involves being snowed in. All commitments get canceled and we aren't able to run any errands. We spend the day at home, watching movies and playing games in front of the fire.
102. cloud625 said:
My ultimate staycation involves exploring my city -- San Francisco!
103. hereticaneue said:
Wow, pretty awesome!
My "Ultimate Staycation", you ask?
Ultimately, (and perhaps a bit ironically) I would like a week to just stay home and play video games. I haven't gotten to do this in a number of years, and dudes, I miss my console RPGs! It seems in the past year, every time I have taken a staycation, it's ended up with me doing things like running errands, cleaning, catching up on doctor's appointments, etc. Who wants to do that when slacking off sounds so much more enjoyable? Here's to hoping that I am randomly selected to be a winnar! :)
104. pillworm said:
Being by a fire with the hubby and the dog, eating home popped and home grown popcorn. Maybe a board game too.
105. Shezcookin said:
Oh man...the Ultimate Staycation would involve a king size bag of fritos, a bowl of queso dip and watching all my saved DVR'rd episodes of Intervention & Hoarders.
106. jeristhird said:
My ultimate staycation is me, my two kids and my husband hanging out on the local shore of Lake Michigan, reading People Magazine cover to cover, watching movies into the wee hours, and eating ice cream right out of the carton.
107. candymom said:
Hmmm, my staycation would involve the bed, the dvr remote, cadbury chocolate eggs and something fantastic to entertain the kids so that they leave me in peace for more than 12 minutes at a time.
108. ultra-k said:
I would need 4 things for a perfect staycation: 1. wear PJs 24/7, only changing out of them to put on different PJs. 2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes constantly running. 3. The dog laying next to me on the couch and the cat on my lap. 4. Snack cakes.
109. mrrasey2 said:
At this point, after 20 minutes trying to log in and then having to start a new account after being unable to resolve password issues, my dream staycation would be not arguing with the Dooce interface.
Other than that, we enjoy movies, baking cookies and taking the dogs for a walk on a sunny day. We are also known to dance and the toddler has her own 'pretty skirt' that twirls beautifully.
M
110. saturdayjane said:
Ultimate Staycation?
Three things:
Nachos.
Ninja Turtles.
Somebody who also likes nachos and Ninja Turtles.
DONE.
C'mooooon X-Box. Dangling this in front of a recent college grad with no holiday money is like dangling sardines in front of a starving cat.
111. electroponix said:
ultimate staycation:
Wife
Kids
Dog
new xbox to complete our meager entertainment system
112. katliz said:
Ultimate Staycation = No renovation projects going on, all dust/debris from previous renovation projects cleaned up completely, my husband, dog and I on the couch with blankets, wine and the TV.
113. zubie said:
My ultimate "staycation" would include a rainy day, cozy warm bed, and watching hours of my favorite shows on DVD.
114. guenosdias said:
My ultimate staycation involves books, movies, bourbon, food, bourbon, food and (hopefully) an XBOX!
115. elenion said:
Wow, lots of winos commenting. My ultimate staycation would include wine, cheese, and zombie killing.
116. yogafan said:
Awesome giveaway! My ultimate staycation involves hanging out with family, a few glasses of red wine, lots of good food and warm sunny weather.
117. siren5 said:
My ultimate staycation starts with:
me sleeping in late, waking up to the snow falling outside, delicious leftovers in the fridge to make a frittata, movies after breakfast, followed by board or video games with my kids, then making snowmen or snow forts outside.
Add in a stew in the slow cooker and a bottle of wine - and you'd have the perfect day!
118. kctschida said:
My idea of a staycattion would be sleeping in late snuggling my ducks in bed with someone else coming in to change their diapers.
119. hemogoblins said:
My ultimate (winter) staycation involves curling up by the fireplace with a blanket, a lap cat, a good book, and white russian with a cinnamon stick. wonderful!
120. Lara Flanagan said:
A sitter everynight of the week so my husband and I can hit all the fabulous restaurants in the area that we would likely be banned from if we brought along our 11 month old. And as long as I'm dreaming, I'd also like housekeeping to clean my home while the 3 of us are out hitting local museums and attractions.
121. nerdyjess said:
My ''staycation'' would be this:
-Our family cabin snowed in so my crazy mother can't visit.
-Case of never ending Pinot Grigio
-Case of Smart Water (for the hangover)
-A never ending supply of fancy cheese, good bread, bruschetta, filet mignon and amazing desserts.
-High speed wifi (theres no need to be uncivilized!)
-A huge tub perfect for bubble baths
-a million new books
-my laptop
-my dog
-and I GUESS my husband can come with me.
122. josemonkey said:
It would involve lots of hanging out with my wife and daughter, doing a bunch of projects around the house, playing video games, going out to a few nice dinners, and drinking lots of beer. Maybe not in that order.
123. rockmonkey84 said:
My Ultimate Staycation would be a much longer version of the weekend, but with more pizza. Football, no showering, Costco cheese pizza. Lots of Mario Cart too with the dog on my lap, though the naughty words and screaming would send her under the couch in no time.
124. marthab said:
My ultimate staycation would have three main things:
1. Me in my pajamas (maybe that's 2?)
2. A solid supply of cheesy, carby snacks.
3. The last 2 seasons of The Sopranos, that I still need to get through.
125. kheenan.halvorson said:
Ultimate stayacation checklist
- Pants Party with my wife. Rules are simple pants only and preferably sweatpants
- delivery from PaPa Johns cause their Parmesan Garlic bread sticks are so greasy and good
- Coors Light stocked in an old school vending machine for me and some fruity flavor from Arbor Mist for my wife
- Some cheesy Christmas movies on a very large HDTV
and some snow outside, i live in Wisconsin and there is no snow yet so get with it already!
126. flutiemcd said:
my ultimate staycation?
kid @ grandparents for weekend, hubs not on call (in fact, all pagers & cell phones are burried in a pile of dog poo), better yet... hubs is not only not on call, but also free from all patient responsibilities, adult beverages, popcorn, a good movie, fire in the fireplace... yada, yada, yada... coffee & bacon in the morning...
127. MiaElizabeth said:
My ultimate staycation would involve, waking up whenever I wanted, iced coffee, and snuggling with my two cats on the couch while I caught up on all of the really bad TV on my DVR.
128. tallmama said:
My ultimate staycation involves lots of time with my 11 and 13 year olds, cooking wonderful things at home - together! - reading books, playing video games, several heated sessions of "Yahtzee" and long walks with our doggies. Love ya, Dooce!
129. blue gnu said:
A perfectly clean house, paid bills, complete errands, beautiful weather, and the fam.
130. Mamo said:
My ultimate staycation would be reading all of my favorite books from childhood to present by a crackling fire with no burping, farting, or nose picking happening within ten yards of me. I live in a house of four boys, 'nuff said.
131. laynemarie said:
My ultimate staycation is, first, hiring cleaning ladies so I don't have to clean. Then I'd lounge around my super clean apartment watching movies and tv and reading books and playing video games and taking bubble baths. Also, staying in bed with my computer until the afternoon some days, because OH MY GOD I did that one day this weekend and it felt so amazing.
I guess some days I'd get out of the house... you know, wake up early and go to the beach to catch some sunrises... But really, just staying home relaxing, doing whatever, sounds so incredible right now.
Oh! And I'd love to visit some local museums during the week, when they're not crowded, and have some afternoon weekday picnics with the boyfriend, too.
And I think I just planned my next vacation!
132. marthab said:
My ultimate staycation would have three main things:
1. Me in my pajamas (maybe that's 2?)
2. A solid supply of cheesy, carby snacks.
3. The last 2 seasons of The Sopranos, that I still need to get through.
133. duwaxloolu said:
OK, let's see. Ultimate staycation would involve my husband, our dog, sleeping late, watching terrible movies, going for hikes in the foothills, lots of hot baths, and turning both of our BlackBerries off.
134. kcozonac said:
Hmm... Staycation would involve kayaking at the nearby lake (kid-free), downing a couple Guinesses, and then crashing on the couch to watch a cheesey suspense-thriller. The key to it all, however, is being kid-free. In fact, minus the kids, it's likely that I would end up crashing in bed for, like, a whole night without interruption...
135. aingman said:
Ultimate "Staycation" is definitely eating Eden Pizza (local and delicious), drinking Rum and Coke, and watching episodes of Dexter with the husband and dog.
136. nashygal said:
My ultimate staycation is being snowed in with the family, a nice fire going, snuggle time with my sweet daughter, playing outside and then coming in for hot chocolate and lots and lots of comfort foods. I would do all the cooking and my hubby and son would clean all the dishes. Christmas music playing in the kitchen and movies playing in the living room. My daughter helping me bake some great cookies. Ahhh, yes, the staycation that I will never experience in middle-tennessee :)
137. SaraheW said:
Wow, I am unreasonably excited for this considering I'm a girl and I'm 24.
My ultimate staycation actually involves staying home, watching daytime television that I miss at work, and playing computer/video games (I love old school Wolfenstein, in case you wondered, which I'm sure you did).
138. hello_katty said:
My ultimate staycation is staying in bed, watching weird documentaries on the Smithsonian Channel or those bizarre shows on the Discovery Channel. It would be even better if my husband stays in the living room and keeps his paws off my remote.
139. minniq said:
i'm less interested in the xbox and more interested in how you got chuck to sit like a lady.
140. AL said:
Lots of cozy blankets, good tv and snacks!
141. the adams family said:
My ultimate staycation would be my husband to take the kids and the crazy dog out for the day and leave me to watching what I want on TV with a quart of Trader Joe's orange and cream sorbet and popcorn and take naps in between wearing flannel pants and an old T-shirt.
That might be what I want for Christmas.
142. lristaneo said:
I'm a stay-at-home mom, so my ultimate stay-cation wouldn't be at home! I'm here too much as it is!!! If I had to choose, I would say hanging out with hubby and my son, and having movie day.
143. candychao said:
Mine would include a ridiculous amount of popcorn, sour patch kids and john cusack. simple yet perfect.
144. gpixie said:
Ultimate staycation: Making brunch in the morning, filling home with the smell of bread, playing xbox games during kid naptime, brewing cappuccinos and snuggling in for streaming video at night.
145. Joy Zazz said:
Ultimate Staycation? A vat of Pinot Grigio and the writings of Dooce.
146. Lumira said:
my prefect staycation is having a lan party and BBQ for a whole weekend, turn off the phones block email sites and just have at it
147. BobbinTalk said:
Not big on staycations! I work a lot at home so if I had to stay at home for vacation too I'd shoot myself! Enough is enough, but I'll be damned if I miss out on some xBox playing at home. Last time I got hooked on Nintendo games I played till I puked. SO there that's my dirty ol' secret. Otherwise I'm a what you'd call a "fashionista". Glamor all the way, that's when I get out of the house of course.
148. MariGarza said:
My Ultimate Staycation .... a couch, my babe, bad vampire/zombie movies, and extra cheese pizza.
149. barbarella said:
Staying home and doing nothing. What else would you do on a "staycation"?
150. colz85 said:
My ultimate staycation....no phone calls, just my husband, me, cats, and a bunch of old movies, including at least one Doris Day festival.
151. halfpint said:
My ultimate staycation involves lounging in the pool all day, listening to music and sipping on a frozen cocktail. Heavenly!!!
152. mynarrowescape said:
Ok, so my ultimate staycation....
Well, lately my staycation involves a good cup of rooibos tea (@kahlaharitea on twitter if anyone is interested) with the man, trying to beat his pants of COD MW2, which he introdooced me to about 3 weeks ago...while having netflix on demand through xbox live. I am moving into my own place and I would like to have a way to have an ultimate staycation with him but not with him, playing COD MW2 while we have snow storms...while we both drink rooibos....except in different towns! How I hate winter and living in Pittsburgh! Only other thing I could think of is perhaps an endless supply of rooibos and perhaps a personal snow plow?
153. Missey said:
My ultimate staycation involves sleeping in, remaining in my sweats all day, and making huge quantities of carb laden foods (OK, home made pasta and a kick ass meat ragu)which are washed down with copious quantities of red wine. Little reading, little movies- perfect day!
154. ohelisabeth said:
My ultimate staycation would be begin in an already spotless apartment, with a full refrigerator, a closet full of clean clothes, and rented movies.
We'd spend the week cooking, eating, drinking and lounging around watching movies and playing on the xbox.
155. kellydog said:
My ultimate staycation involves the kids going to grandmas, then having a bunch of friends join me at my house for a week. We can pretend it is a cabin on a lake, but without the lake. Lots of fires in the fire pit, music, a variety of wine, beer, and boat drinks. Also, plenty of good food to go around. There would be no TV, because at my imaginary lake, there is not good reception. DVDs are allowed. So are cards and silly board games. Limited internet. And cell phones for emergencies and calling other friends who couldn't be here (after a few of those drinks). There is no set wake-up time and we can stay up as late as we want. Oh, and maybe a masseuse to come in one day, just for the fun of it. :-)
156. kateastrophee said:
My staycation includes hordes of food (preferrably carbs), hilarious movies, a great iPod mix and kicking my husband's butt at Xbox.
157. elisal20 said:
Warm, fattening food, beers, an old favorite movie playing (Roadhouse would be excellent, nimodavis) and scrapbooking! For days!
158. karen545 said:
The only 'cations we have these days are of the stay variety. The ultimate would involve lots of wine, great takeout, favorite movies, and a babysitter to take over kid duty when we reach the point at which we should no longer be solely responsible for our children.
159. 07tristansmommy said:
My ultimate staycation would be my husband keeping our son entertained all day long, taking him on educational/fun adventures while I slept in, lounged around and enjoyed the quiet alone.
160. rolandfox said:
My ultimate Staycation would be playing on an XBox 360 with my kids, while keeping up with the Dooce website via Internet Explorer on my Windows 7 powered laptop. Right before the kids went to bed, I'd let them call my mom on my Windows Mobile smartphone.
161. 25mortonstreet said:
the ultimatate staycation would be the kids on a camp, the two of us alone at home, doing all the things you can't do when your kids are around.
162. whoahgirl said:
My ultimate staycation would probably be hanging out with the boyfriend where we are both relaxed and not a care in the world (especially due to the patch we're going through) with all our cats lounging around us as we enjoy a home cooked meal and each others company. I imagine comfy clothes, a pile of blankets, and a sense that time has stopped while the world goes on around us. While I might also regret this (since this is my first winter back in three years where the threat could actually happen): being snowed in so I have a valid excuse to be so lazy. :)
163. e said:
Ultimate staycation for me would be lots of good DVDs and wine - even better if I could ship my 3yr old somewhere for a night or two ;-)
164. cbhammond said:
My ultimate staycation is being at home when it's cold or rainy outside with a blanket on my red sofa and a DVR full of favorite shows :)
165. aloicious said:
My idea of a staycation is getting up into the mountains. We're so lucky to live to close!
166. electroponix said:
ultimate staycation:
Wife
Kids
Dog
new xbox to complete our meager entertainment system
167. 678blue said:
This is so awesome. Ultimate staycation.... involves all the chores being done, a house full of warm and delicious (delivered) food, a Six Feet Under on the TV, and then a little nookie in bed.
168. nikita35 said:
The ultimate staycation (what a horrible word) includes a bucket from Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken in Culver City and a box of baby cupcakes from Vanilla Bakeshop in Santa Monica. I'd gather the husband and kid and we'd sit on a blanket in the middle of the living room eating greasy chicken and biscuits while watching The Wizard of Oz for the hundredth time. I think I've figured out what we're doing on Saturday.
169. electroponix said:
ultimate staycation:
Wife
Kids
Dog
new xbox to complete our meager entertainment system
170. Robert said:
I'd say the ultimate staycation(ugh) would involve hanging with my wife and kids, plenty of games (even board games!), watching classic movies and well, like everyone else I guess, enjoying some fine foodstuffs. And yes, pizza counts.
171. kacy said:
Yoga pants, dog, kid, cat, couch, popcorn, movies, video games, chocolate.
Yeah. Sounds good for my perfect staycation.
172. Cornelia said:
Totally agree- Chuck looks totally adorable in this photo! My idea of a perfect staycation would be being snowed in with my husband and 3 cats. We would be playing video games and watching tv.
173. cbryant0177 said:
Hello Dooce! I'm usually just a lurker. This is my first comment! FYI...I looooove your blog!
My idea of a perfect STAYcation is a cozy fire, pj's, fuzzy socks. I would curl up under my favorite chenille blanket with a glass of wine and my dog, Samuel L. Jackson. We would watch movies and eat junk food. The truth is...we do this almost every weekend! I love my life!
Thank you for giving me a chance to win this xbox. That's just what I need to add to my already semi-sedentary life style! Woot!
174. Heidi said:
Ultimate Staycation - morning mimosas, afternoon cocktails then straight up liquor in the evening. Oh, and maybe a David Lynch marathon with some good books thrown in.
Ordering out, preferably Thai or Japanese, laying in bed with various electronic devices to amuse me. And maybe men-folk. Sexy, sexy men-folk.
Also, nekkid or super comfy pants that make me invincible to the world.
Finally, being able to banish the word "staycation" forever.
175. Krislynn said:
The perfect staycation would involve a good bottle of wine, some movies or books on tape and some cross stitching...of course, depending on the amount of wine i could have to redo most of the stitching. ;-)
176. dailymumbo said:
My ultimate staycation involves a gallon of cherry Dr. Pepper from Sonic, bean dip and Chee-tos all while watching a Golden Girls marathon... throw in Mrs. Doubtfire and I'm good!
If I could also have a strip of casino slot machines planted in my living room with unlimited coins and unlimited winning potential - that could only make it better.
177. krislee98 said:
I just lived my "ultimate staycation", minus the x-box.
Lots of New Glarus Brewing Company Spotted Cow, books, a fireplace and the best looking girl I can imagine. All four of those in one space, I'm chillaxing like no other.
Fun idea!
178. godis27 said:
Ultimate Staycation consists of warm weather, a swim in the pool and a mid-day nap with the french doors open.
179. Kaedra said:
My ultimate staycation involves a nanny, a lot of delivered takeout, and Law and Order reruns. Doink doink!
180. jenne said:
Hmmm, ultimate staycation?
I think it's what I did this Thanksgiving holiday. Curled up on the couch with Pokemon and a kitten, half listening to some meh tv show and pretending I don't have a kitchen full of dirty dishes.
181. cc_chapman said:
I'd have to say that the ultimate staycation for me would include me, the wife and the kids chilling on the couch with a new movie and a big bowl of tatter tots
182. Kaedra said:
My ultimate staycation involves a nanny, a lot of delivered takeout, and Law and Order reruns. Doink doink!
183. courtney.m said:
A very large, comfortable bed with foods like tiramisu, brie, and nutella. And no children are allowed to disturb me. Wait-- is this staycation supposed to be realistic?
184. th1921 said:
My ultimate staycation will be at home with the kids the weeks before and after Christmas! Holiday leftovers, undecorating, returning and exchanging, shopping for after Christams deals. And now that my 15 year old has her driving permit, I can be chauffeured around the town. Oh...and lots of naps!
185. kc939 said:
My ultimate Staycation involves a few choice friends, cuddling with puppies and eating homemade soup and sweets with my Tony.
His Ultimate Staycation is playing an Xbox and a happy, otherwise occupied wife.
186. caligal76 said:
I'd want an all day pampering session at a local spa. Followed by dinner out with my husband!
187. Kayscoth said:
My ultimate staycation would be my husband and I home together with no interuptions from the outside world for one week.
We would drink vodka, cook together, eat lots of junk, play board games, play video games, sing stupid songs, watch stupid movies, and laugh a lot!!
He is my best friend, and that would be the best week ever!
I may actually even give up an actual vacation to take that staycation.
188. nmoffett75 said:
My ultimate staycation would involve hot baths, mindless television, novels you can't put down, and our little girl would still go to daycare...bad mommy, I know.
189. laurencrider said:
Love the contest...my husband would kill me if I didn't enter!
The Ultimate Staycation for me would involve a Costco-sized bottle of Patron tequila, a gallon of paint, some reinforced pressboard, a pneumatic nail gun and about $200 worth of see-thru plastic containers from The Container Store.
Now, I know you must be thinking that I am a alcoholic, testosterone-ridden carpenter after that description, but I promise this is not the case. I just get my jollies from home improvement projects that result in neatly organized closets...and my hall closet is next on my list. I get excited just thinking about the possibilities!
Pick me random generator!
190. brit223 said:
My idea of the perfect staycation is when my fiance & I have a bunch of friends over on a Friday night.
We have something delicious for dinner from the crockpot (perhaps, pulled pork sandwiches), watch music videos on cable (with the stereo turned up so loud you can't hear your own thoughts) and, of course, have plenty of cocktails & beer.
191. LeahKay said:
Ultimate staycation = sleeping in for at least 2 days in a row, wine, good movies, lots of snuggle time with my man, and a babysitter available for at least part of the staycation.
192. EnfieldCT said:
My ultimate staycation involves a good book read while basking in the sun in my backyard.
193. gjriddle said:
My staycation would be a bottle of Jose Cuervo, a delicious margarita mix, my closest girlfriends and closed blinds so no one outside can see the ensuing ridiculous dance party in the living room!
194. Katie Nielsen said:
My ultimate staycation entails spending time with my good friends Dee, Dennis, Mac, and Charlie from Philadelphia via my DVD player, sipping ginger ale, and polishing off a bag of Bit-O-Honey.
195. jdzw said:
Ultimate Staycation: simpsons marathon in bed, mexican food, and a masseuse!
196. lformolo said:
My ultimate staycation would be spending time with my family (immediate and extended) in my hometown of Atlanta, visiting all the tourist sights that I never think to do--such as the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, Stone Mountain, etc. And when my family had to go home, I would play my new XBox and send them pictures of my awesome new gaming console with captions such as "Don't be jealous, it's doesn't help you get your own XBox" or "This XBox right here? This is why I read blogs at work." or "This XBox doesn't mean I'm better than you, just better than you in your current state."
197. ekcemama said:
My ultimate staycation? The baby goes to my mother's for the day and my husband and I get to stay in bed, all day, watching terrible tv, napping, whatever we want to do. Then we pick the baby up just in time for a relaxing dinner, bath and he goes to bed happy and we have an even more amazing evening alone. We're real big on alone time these days. Having a potty-training toddler makes you want alone time as much as possible. See, I can't even form a proper sentence I'm so stressed out. :)
198. delilah1970 said:
Home in bed with...good movies, good books and my good husband!
199. delilah1970 said:
Home in bed with...good movies, good books and my good husband!
200. chickenb00 said:
Ultimate Staycation involves me, the couch, all my favorite DVD's and someone to cuddle up with...oh and some food. Food would be good.
201. gjriddle said:
My staycation would be a bottle of Jose Cuervo, a delicious margarita mix, my closest girlfriends and closed blinds so no one outside can see the ensuing ridiculous dance party in the living room!
202. jlsween said:
My ultimate staycation would involve lots of wine, some delivered Chinese or Thai food, a big pile of murder-mysteries, a never-ending fire in the fire place, and a machine that would make dirty dishes magically disappear. Sounds like fun to me!
203. laurencrider said:
Love the contest...my husband would kill me if I didn't enter!
The Ultimate Staycation for me would involve a Costco-sized bottle of Patron tequila, a gallon of paint, some reinforced pressboard, a pneumatic nail gun and about $200 worth of see-thru plastic containers from The Container Store.
Now, I know you must be thinking that I am a alcoholic, testosterone-ridden carpenter after that description, but I promise this is not the case. I just get my jollies from home improvement projects that result in neatly organized closets...and my hall closet is next on my list. I get excited just thinking about the possibilities!
Pick me random generator!
204. delilah1970 said:
Home in bed with...good movies, good books and my good husband!
205. IrishRubyGirl said:
My staycation involves hubs, wine, a loaded DVR and some sort of marathon on TV. Doesn't usually matter - usually the less quality, the longer I watch. Strange but true.
206. mhernandez715 said:
My ultimate staycation includes my bubs, my dogs, a couch, a blanket, some fun movies for the two of us and a never ending supply of cupcakes cookies coffee and oh yeah some food too =).
207. mundanemusings said:
Staying at home with my husband, a freezer full of Ben & Jerry's, a folder full of take out menus and a bunch of old movies on the DVR.
Oh - and of course the kiddos would all be at Grandma's.
208. mysocksdontmatch said:
My ultimate staycation would involve books. And knitting. Preferably lots of both, with some TV on DVD thrown in there too.
209. Tonic1394 said:
My staycation would include a few things: 1) building a fort with my boys in the front room. 2) playing some of the family fun pack games together once I win this thing ;) 3) slamming a few mana/rockstar/monsters and trying to get everything done on my "honey-do" list that has been ignored since I started my latest work project (while this last item does seem a little counter to the idea of a staycation, keeping the family happy increases my chance of happiness therefore is included in the staycation)
210. skc4454 said:
My ultimate "staycation" right now would involve getting someone else to do my homework so that I can finally take the time to enjoy time with my husband and new baby (Deakin 5 weeks) without worrying about the paper I have due.
211. kinkak said:
Everyday is a staycation for me. I am a mostly SAHM to 3 little girls (3 and under!), loving every minute of it. As sad as it sounds, I actually hate the days I have to leave them to work (I sell real estate VERY part time). If I had to pick something other than my current day-to-day, it would involve the couch, a ton of movies I have missed in the last 3 years, my husband, and a giant chocolate cake.
212. WordsandFilm said:
I live in Los Angeles, so my ultimate staycation could include a lot of great stuff. I'd say my perfect staycation would involve a nice hike in the Angeles National Forest followed by a homemade dinner with friends then a night out at our favorite pub within walking distance.
Although, the best staycation I ever had involved getting up early to go snowboarding and returning late in the day to a bonfire on the beach. Best of both worlds, and all within an hour of the city!
213. havalicious said:
My ultimate %^&*cation is a warm bed, compelling literature, trash tv for the inbetween times, coffee with Bailey's, endless selection of food to make, perhaps a touch of opiates (literal or metaphorical)and my best friend/boyfriend/husband - never having to leave the house...
214. NathanPralle said:
Staycations to me say one of two things -- days inside, huddling from the crappy weather, in sweats, playing for long hours with my son and relaxed schedules for eating/sleeping/etc., or getting outside, doing some home improvement, yard work, or generally enjoying the fresh air. Either sounds cheap, easy, and good for the soul. Thanks for the contest, Heather!
215. Clarabella said:
My ultimate stay-at-home-vacation (I refuse to type that word. Ha.) includes my son staying with either set of grandparents (or both!). From there, anything else is fair game.
216. EvilJulie said:
Perfect staycation: boyfriend, alcohol, video games, and horrible TV (although boyfriend does not feel the same about horrible TV as I do, so it might be one or the other). Most importantly, no homework. Why did I think going back for a master's was a good idea?
217. Samara1974 said:
My "Ultimate Staycation" Pancakes and bacon, bacon, bacon for breakfast! Lounging all day in my PJ's, While falling asleep for a nap listening to the sounds of the hockey game my husband is watching. Kicking butt and getting my butt kicked playing video games. Staying up late playing World of Warcraft. Having my cats follow me around the house. Making baked goods and listening to the yum noises my husband makes while eating them.
218. ispellkonfusion said:
Here goes nothing!
The ultimate Staycation? A hotel downtown with all the amenities. Jacuzzi bathtub, free minibar, free room service, a massage. Pool and a hot tub.
Shopping spree to all the stores I can't afford. Then a dinner at the fanciest restaurant (that I've never been to!). My boyfriend actually putting on a tie for once in his life.
Staycations are good because they help you experience things in your backyard you normally don't take the time to see. In my case, it would be seeing a side of the city I can't afford!
219. kimplasters said:
Since anything remotely resembling a 'cation' of any kind (va- or stay-) is the stuff of make believe around here, let's just go completely wild:
My ultimate staycation would involve lounging in the bed with The Baby and The Spouse with lots of good TV and/or movies to watch. Since we're talking 'fantasy land' here, The Baby would be still and quiet enough so that we could actually WATCH said TV and/or movies. There would be a never-ending supply of yummy food in the kitchen, all requiring zero effort, and no matter how many trips we made to the kitchen? NO DIRTY DISHES. We would loll in the bed all day and miraculously, no one would develop bedhead, BO or morning breath, despite not bothering to shower, blowdry or brush. Also, no one needs to go potty or change diapers. And at the end of the day, when it's time to go to bed? Everyone is able to drift off into slumber without having to deal with that 'UG, I laid in the bed all damned day and now I can't stand to be in here feeling'. BLISS.
BTW, Heather, your avatar is PERFECT! I can almost HEAR HER: "For the last time, Jon, it's pronounced 'CROWN'."
220. Susie N said:
Ultimate staycation:
NO cooking
NO cleaning up after the kids
NO laundry
NO playing taxi-mom
NO responsibilities
My husband taking care of all of it....
And ME snuggled up with a good book with intermittent breaks of watching Friends or The Office reruns. :)
221. kelib said:
Three things: alcohol, George Clooney, whipped cream
222. geekinheels said:
Great giveaway! My ultimate staycation would be to curl up on the couch with a good book and my laptop. With my husband and dog sitting next to me, of course (what they do is up to them).
223. elisamanda said:
My ultimate staycation: a four-pack of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout and an Arrested Development marathon. And probably some pizza. Ok, I think I could fit an XBOX into that :)
224. malisams said:
[Preemptively punching myself in the face for use of *that word*]
My ultimate staycation would entail waking up and relocating to the couch, where I'd watch the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings movies all day long with my husband and cat. We'd drink coffee and eat Totinos party pizzas and fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies (because my ideal staycation doesn't involve trans fats or calories), nap, make out, play some cribbage and backgammon, and maybe I'd catch up on some sewing or crafty stuff while the hubs worked on his website.
Finally, you should know that Aretha Franklin's "Daydreamin'" was in my head the whole time I was typing that. :)
225. Swank said:
The ultimate staycation:
Me, The Hubster, The dog, a fire, and a bottle of bourbon.
Food is optional.
226. bucky4eyes said:
The staycation of the century: long, hot baths surrounded by cats who walk on the edge of the tub but do not fall in (that's the goal, anyway); pizza and wings delivered at least once per day; DVD marathons of Babylon 5; twelve rounds of Bellboy with the cats (wherein I balance the cap from a 2-liter bottle on the cat's head and see how many times I can yell "Bellboy!" before said cat shakes the cap off in disgust); leaving the house only for sushi and/or ice cream.
227. LouEffie said:
My bed, chocolate, pasta and some good movies. It would be nice if a masseuse stopped by as well.
228. lmgodin said:
boyfriend. old target sweatpants. new fleece sweatshirt. dvr, dvr, dvr. cheetos.
229. Brookitus said:
My dream vacation would include the following: little boy at Grandma's, lots of ice cream, naps, and watching the entire James Bond film collection.
230. g.fox said:
My ultimate "staycation" would involve eliminating that word from the popular lexicon (first order of business), then settling in with a good bottle of Cabernet, a homemade lasagne, either the girls or the boyfriend, and a movie or two. Add a batch of brownies and some mint chocolate chip ice cream, and who needs to ever go out?
231. imjeffp said:
Wow, that's a busy server you have going there today!
I think my staycation would have to somehow involve GEORGE!'s topless intruder.
232. ILuv2LOL said:
My ideal "staycation" is me and my fiance and our kids (the dog and cat) with all our Lost season sets and pizza and ice cream! And in between each season a few hours of kicking the trash out of video game bad guys! :)
233. timateo03 said:
Ultimate Staycation would be either having a long sci-fi series to watch on DVD with the wife (I NEED to watch BSG) or the wife out of the house and a new quest type video game to complete with the dog! (Zelda, Fable, etc.)
234. papacabo said:
My ultimate staycation would include personal chef, full-time babysitter, sleep-ins, theater tickets, and no dog walking.
235. saraep77 said:
My ultimate staycation involves me and my sweetheart, a great netflicks, a big pot of soup, some wine, and a bath.
236. runningwithscissors said:
Staycation? Beer. Movies. Occasional hiking nearby. Life is good.
237. sugoishii said:
My ideal "staycation" includes a night spent with my boyfriend on his futon watching episode after episode of the Office while snacking on popcorn and petting kitties. Oh, and there needs to be Mountain Dew, of course.
And those avatars looks just like you guys! Hah hah.
238. LongStoryLonger said:
(Not trying to enter twice - just tried to post my comment and it got jammed up! It also jumped from 59 to 256 during that time, so I'm guessing things are a little busy around here right now.)
Ultimate staycation (gag) involves friends, booze, and a house at the oregon coast (which is close enough that it qualifies as staying.) Yay!
239. blue_2227 said:
My ultimate staycation would involve good books, good wine & good friends! An XBox wouldn't hurt either :)
240. Euryale said:
My ultimate staycation is getting a bottle or two of Midleton Irish whiskey, getting my best friends together (the two who are married can bring their husbands, and maybe the one friend's husband can bring that very cute friend of his), and hooking up a couple of video game consoles while we all drink fine liquor, mock each other, play Uno and Dalmuti and video games, and (since this is, after all, my staycation) play with my puppydog. There'd be some internet time and some movie watching and maybe some gallivanting around town, and we'd inevitably wind up curled up on couches reading and swapping books. Ideally, this would last... oh, forever or so.
Now, I can't afford Midleton whiskey, I don't at present own any video game consoles, my best friends are scattered over several states, and my 95-lb puppydog's idea of playing involves jumping repeatedly on my head and trying to eat my face. But this is a fantasy, after all.
If I couldn't have that, I suppose it'd be me and my younger brother against the world, ignoring chores and ordering in, letting the dog run around in the softball field down the street, reading and playing games. Maybe with a bout of Trivial Pursuit OF DEATH, with our permitted hints that are often more confusing than the actual questions. (Brother's hint once: "Chicken and ricin." Answer? "Castor and Pollux." It helps if you know how to make ricin.)
241. blender said:
The perfect end to the last 2 months of 60+ hour work weeks would be to have the "Ultimate Staycation" of just spending some time at home with my family, an xbox, some Mountain Dew and cookies. A dog that knows that she's supposed to go to the bathroom outside instead of on the carpet would also be nice.
242. Failjolesfail said:
Staying home...what a concept. Since my mother's car accident 2 1/2 months ago, I've been to her house every weekend but one.
It'd be nice to be home, during the day, with energy. That PMS cleaning energy...I could kill to have that for more than a few hours. Get the house spotless. Maybe even work on some of those improvements I'm always talking about...or even just hang some pics on the walls.
Get to farmer's market and stock up on good produce, and spend the week cooking. Watch Martha Stewart...she's bitchy and perfect, drinks like real people do and eats raw meat, and I want to be her when I grow up. Maybe put my garden to bed for the winter. Watch hours of trashy television (I like the shows about hoarders...makes me feel like I keep a clean house). Walk the dog in the middle of the day instead of the middle of the night. Organize my tools. Nap. In the afternoon. For several hours.
Yeah, that's about all I could afford at this point...if I had any time off...
244. amy said:
Mine would be heading over to Scott's mom's house, dropping off the kid and the dogs, and hitting Minneapolis for a weekend of wine, sleeping in, and eating good food. Does that count as a staycation? :)
245. Snarky A. said:
The perfect staycation would include lots of beer, BBQ, heating the pool, blowing up some floaties, great music on the sound system, and of course, tons of snacks and a bunch of friends.
Thanks for a great giveaway - one of these would make such a great gift!
246. MoxieMomma said:
My ultimate staycation would involve a trip to Barnes and Noble with a $1000 gift card. Once I got home with my stash of words, I'd pour a glass of wine and curl up on the couch with a nice blanket. I'd alternate between reading, sipping wine and napping. Ahhhh, I get relaxed just thinking about it.
247. Kables said:
Me, my underpants, a warm, slightly flat 2-liter of Coke Classic, some of those red hot fiery Cheetos that hurt more than they help, my Atari 2600 with E.T. loaded, and Weird Al.
248. royd said:
sleep in late... snuggle a bit with the significant other... play with the cats... play some guitar... watch a few movies... pasta and red wine followed by dark chocolate covered strawberries...
249. kwhite said:
My idea of a perfect Staycation is a cold winter evening, a warm fire, my favorite movies, me, my hubby and my dog snuggled up on the couch eating pizza, Chinese food and lemon cake (I am 8 months pregnant so give me a break!)
250. meowsk said:
My husband and I cuddled up on the couch with our cat Lucy. Films with good cinematography. And of course Katamari on the xBox.
251. dimberly said:
Staying home all day. Enjoying leftover pizza for breakfast, leftover some-kind-of-baked-pasta for lunch. I would make bread in the afternoon, and I would have started it the night before. It's a dreary raining day, just the kind I like.
I have a stack of books to choose from, and maybe a movie or two waiting for me. We order in Thai food for dinner, and the perfect wine has been sitting in the fridge all day.
Steven and I probably couldn't have a more enjoyable day. I love you S.
252. Monsoon said:
My staycation: Dropping off my daughter at daycare so I can have the WHOLE day to clean and do crafts. (she is only 2, so mostly demands ALL my attention when at home).
Thanks for the opportunity, my husband has been DYING for a 360 to play the new HALO games.
253. wdavis said:
My ultimate staycation would be a good book, out on my patio, drinking a corona.
254. haleyj said:
My staycation would be doing whatever the heck I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, having no obligations and not committing to anyone, eating amazing food and consuming delicious beverages, and not having to care whether or not I accomplished much of anything.
255. Sincerely_Jenni said:
I have 4 kids, three of whom are teenagers.
MUST. HAVE. THIS. XBOX.
Our ultimate staycation would involve a weekend's worth of funny movies from Netflix, some good pizza, and a couple cases of Pepsi and Mountain Dew. We'd all wear jammies and hang out at home.
256. Kit said:
Our ultimate vacation is relaxing, drinking good wine and good eats. But the best is after a crazy week working and balancing graduate school- is to bring the feel of our favorite vacations (Napa... Spain) right into our home: Chillaxing drinking wine & good eats in the comfort of our own home on our balcony, sharing the moment with our chocolate lab/partner in culinary crime.
257. Lynnal216 said:
The Ultimate Staycation includes my husband & I, our bed & some wine. Of course this means our son is with a sitter! Ok, now I want a staycation!
258. kstallant said:
My ultimate staycation would involve my favorite home-cooked meal, a bottle of wine and a good movie with my husband.
259. crackbaby said:
New TV (which I hope I get for Christmas, but I'm doubting it!), chinese delivery on speed-dial (love me some crab rangoons!), telling my family I went to Reno for the week so they'll leave me alone, a few bottles of cheap champagne (seriously, ever heard any cool stories from people that drink expensive champagne?), a stack of horror movies, and lots of game time. =)
260. geekgal said:
My ultimate staycation involves good food (with someone else doing some of the cooking), good drinks, good books, games, and sunny weather.
261. traceebrat said:
Hanging out at the marina on our boat, just watching the waves and gulls with a cold beer and background Buffett.
262. rudyc said:
A bottle of gin (and some tonic or ginger ale)
30Rock, Dexter or a war-movie on the big screen
A sleeping puppy
Two big bowls of pasta
My boyfriend
A game or two of pool
Plus some time spent on the front porch
263. insidedog said:
Since I'm a nerd my ultimate staycation would involve a marathon of What Not To Wear, something to organize (preferably with the help of some random thing from IKEA that I have to assemble), Nutella, cheese, pajamas, and my MacBook. Oh and my husband and daughter could come too, I guess. :)
264. KristineLeuze said:
My ultimate staycation would include cheese popcorn, mountain dew and endless games of Scrabble with my husband. I know, I know, NERD ALERT!!
265. drt said:
Staycation? Sweet.
Give me some movies, food, and a comfy chair/couch. A bit of alcohol would be okay as well.
266. AndreaH said:
Awesome Giveaway!
My ultimate staycation would be being snowed in for several days with my husband and 3 kiddos. Of course we'd have a fully stocked pantry, plenty of blankets, good books, games, movies,and a never-ending bowl of hot buttery popcorn. It wouldn't hurt to be able to throw an xbox in there either. ;) Thanks for the chance to enter and hopefully win!
267. mikeDowden said:
My ultimate staycation involves tequilla shooters, a beach in south france, and other things that would get me in trouble with INTERPOL.
268. mmahoney said:
My ultimate staycation would be summer in san diego, sleeping in, grabbing breakfast with my guy and lounging at the beach all day- but who am i kidding, this is my every day in san diego in the summer :)
269. CarrieG said:
Perfect staycation: child and husband away. me with girly movies, alcohol and fried food. lifetime channel will be on. sleep late and take naps. Ahhhh....
270. hchamber said:
Perfect staycation:
snow outside so fireplace is on. cuddled on the couch reading a book with between my son (who is playing something on his vtech) and my husband (who is also playing something on his ipod). Pizza for dinner and brownies and icecream for dessert.
Once our favorite child is in bed than time for some Mad Men (or Top Chef or something that is on).
271. waits4thebus said:
Video games, pie, nap. Repeat.
272. Slimer9273 said:
What a perfect time to make my first post on Dooce! I've been reading both you and blurb for almost a year now, but I've made it through most of the writing you have both done since you started your sites. I love both of your stuff.
My perfect staycation is a barbecue chicken pizza from a local joint in Orleans MA, a pint of Ben and Jerry's. (I vary on the flavor but some favorites are Everything But the Kitchen Sink, Half Baked, and Whirled Peace) and a series of some sort on DVD: Grey's, Lost, Friends, Sex and the City, Mad Men. I prefer it when I've never seen it before, but the classics work just as well. It's also best if it's raining so that I don't feel guilty for being a bum.
273. Bumbellebee said:
To me, a staycation would include me, my fiance, and our two cats. The weather has to be dreary, cold, and preferably raining or snowing outside. Inside we've got fire and plenty of firewood available. We've got pajamas, hot coffee and cocoa, high speed internet, cable, and plenty of food. We've got all the movies we didn't see in the theater available on dvd. We've got video games, wow, and all the books and magazines we want. Basically, we've got all our comfrots, each other, and plenty of the things we like to do together available to us.
274. rchamberlin said:
Mine would be, FOR ONE DAY, a child that sleeps past 5:30AM, said child NAPS like normal kids, and dogs that behave and don't eat anything not tied down. Also, steak & beer.
275. lissa lou said:
Once when I was little my mom hurt her back and had to put a mattress in the middle of our living room to sleep on. How this helped her back I'm still not sure, but it was the best week of my life having that mattress on the floor. Like BED but more fun! And for some reason that has stuck with me since childhood. Who knows what food or movies or activities my staycation will bring, but by God there will be a mattress on the living room floor.
276. amberoler said:
My ultimate staycation would involve ugly fleece pj's, a few very good books, 1 huge oversized blanket and not leaving my room for 72 hours. Ah, a girl can dream. Oh and no kids yelling "Mommy!" while I'm trying to pee.
277. rutsa said:
Ultimate Staycation for us is a hotel with a pool (preferably a hot tub too) and a great room, walking distance to a good restaurant.
Several hours by the pool + several hours in our room with smuggled in wine + dinner out + hot tub and bed!
278. Dawnie said:
OK, I know that I have ZERO chance of winning but I do read your blog every single day and, well, I figured that in order to up the chance from ZERO, I should actually TRY.
My ultimate staycation is similar to Jon's -- cuddled up with my dog Artie, who looks strikingly similar to Chuck, although with short legs (like me, his Mama), but minus the XBOX because, well, we don't have one.
And I'd love an XBOX for my husband who kinda looks a bit like Jon, although he is shorter (like our dog), but is just as tech-geeky.
Wow, that was a lot of comma usage. Sorry.
279. mewack said:
ULTIMATE STAYCATION
My ultimate staycation would involve lots of craft projects and time by myself to draw and read. Then, in the evening, I would want to cook a big dinner with my boyfriend, eat my mom's apple pie for dessert and cuddle in front of an episode of Mad Men. Wonderful!!
280. delicatelittletina said:
My staycation would include a thorough house-cleaning first. Then, I would stay in sweatpants all day, eat Chinese food, watch movies and stay away from my email. I would do a mud mask and maybe, just maybe, shave my legs.
281. carlyrae2 said:
My ultimate staycation is my couch, my schnauzer, my boyfriend, some good food and bad reality TV. Oh...and a beer.
282. redheadwriter said:
The ultimate staycation is lounging around the house in my jammies, Raspberry Milano cookies in hand, watching old movies snuggled up next to my husband, who happens to be noshing on Ferrero Rocher candy and is willing to share them with me (they are literally candy crack balls).
283. strimbello said:
Hmm, as far as staycations go, I'd say the perfect one would involve a red velvet sheet cake, a barrel of bloody marys, Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask projected on a wall, a half pipe in the backyard, and a pizza the size of an area rug. Oh, and my girlfriend and dog. They're nice, too.
284. pinkessa said:
fri: a quick drive with the husband to our beach house in astoria (bffs in tow-gotta love a caravan!), drinks at bubba's, couple rounds of "duck hunter", stumble back to the house
sat: coffee, peanut butter toast, & a run along the skipanon river to the beach-all before the gang wakes up. make breakfast, walk around astoria, enjoy the shops, late lunch at "baked alaska" where we were married... shop for dinner on the way back to the house. open the wine, tequila, beer, etc... debate politics with the bffs & come up with a plan for world peace. make dinner (mexican fiesta!!!) then play apples to apples 'til we fall off our chairs.
sun: sleep in, eat more, head to the beach... take pictures of things that i like to pretend would win some photo contest. walk along the shoreline racing the tide. pile our sandy feet back into the cars & hit dairy queen for dinner (butterscotch dipped cone? yes please!) on the way back home.
i've had this staycation at least 5 or 6 times in the last couple of years & it never ceases to amaze me how truly wonderful it is.
thanks for the chance to share & win! xox
285. stefp16 said:
couch, 12 -36 consecutive hours of tv shows on dvd, eggrolls and good food that is bad for you!!!
286. Melanie Foutz said:
Spending the day at home with my husband & kids. With ridiculously greasy take out & no dishes!
287. BexBrown said:
The most unbelievable staycation that would be the best of all staycations in the world would start off with someone picking up the kids. Anything after that is just icing.
288. hotrodgal said:
I'm getting really used to staycations in lieu of real vacations since freelance stuff has been slow lately. My favorite is hanging out in the backyard with a bottle of wine, a good book and the dogs (who usually expect some frisbee). Thank goodness we are finally getting cold weather in Texas, I might be able to actually do this now that the mosquitos won't carry me away!
289. Maidenmab said:
My staycation includes a babysitter for the kids, movies in bed and take away chinese food! Oh, and my husband.
290. Maidenmab said:
My staycation includes a babysitter for the kids, movies in bed and take away chinese food! Oh, and my husband.
291. Maidenmab said:
My staycation includes a babysitter for the kids, movies in bed and take away chinese food! Oh, and my husband.
292. ccannon said:
The ultimate staycation is 2 feet of snow on a weekday, watching lots of Netflix and playing some board games with my wife while cooking up new recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while never getting out of our PJ's
293. cassafrass said:
Oh lord, what would I do with a staycation? I'd definitely play video games with my boyfriend, and probably read a book or two. If the weather was nice we'd go swimming, and if not we'd watch movies. Oh, and I'd definitely go fly a kite! YAY!
294. andrewm said:
Ultimate for me would be getting the entire next season of 24 before it actually starts in Jan. and watching it front to back with all my friends that are 24 freaks.
295. librarymaven said:
I would have to say my perfect staycation would be downloading either a really excellent or really bad cd off of iTunes, pouring cocktails for my fiance and myself and then proceeding to have a dance party in our living room.
ps. I find the fact that my two confirmation words and Mom and sedative hilarious. Maybe the people at reCaptcha need a holiday.
296. jrodriguez34744 said:
I'd love just one weekend alone with my hubby. Alone. As in with no kids. With lots of cuddling. And food I didn't have to cook or clean up after. And spa treatments done at my house by professionals. And good books to read without interruption.
297. LaylaJ said:
My ultimate staycation would be lots of yummy junk food, movies, a couch,and my lovely husband.
298. yogagrrl said:
My ultimate staycation includes late breakfast, movies and serious couch time, game time, and dinners that require little to no cooking. One of our favorite things is a salami/cheese/crackers feast. OH. And beer.
299. beachgal said:
Ultimate Staycation: books, movies, computer time all by myself. then family time with no stress of chores, work, etc. would be so nice.
300. HLHArts said:
Okay, this would be an awesome gift for the Hubs.
My staycation? Husband, daughter, WINE, and a good movie or three. And some cookies.
301. librarymaven said:
I would have to say my perfect staycation would be downloading either a really excellent or really bad cd off of iTunes, pouring cocktails for my fiance and myself and then proceeding to have a dance party in our living room.
ps. I find the fact that my two confirmation words and Mom and sedative hilarious. Maybe the people at reCaptcha need a holiday.