E-Book: Ultimate Summer Staycation Guide

®
invite you to celebrate summer
in style with a staycation. A staycation is when you and your family
spend vacation time by staying at home instead of traveling. Not only
are staycations a great way to save money, but they are a perfect
opportunity to create memories right in your own home - whether it be
in a house, apartment, condo, or townhome!
Consider using this kit as a resource to host the ultimate staycation for
your family and friends. This guide will supply you with:
Family-Friendly Leisure Activities
Recipes for Refreshing Foods and Beverages
Spectacular Summer Party Ideas
Tips and Inspiration for Outdoor Decoration
®
are excited to be your partner as you
make summer plans. Let this guide inspire you to take your staycation
to the next level and enjoy an amazing summer at home with your
family and friends. Well, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start
creating those priceless memories!
Welcome
tothe
summer
season!
1
Our Team at Elegance Realty
The Realtors at Elegance Realty

2
03| Plan your staycation
Activities the whole family can enjoy
Enjoy your community amenities
Find local activities and events
10| Taste refreshing summer treats
Uncommon grilled foods and recipes
Chilled summer desserts and beverages
15| Entertain your guests
Cool party ideas
18| Decorate your space
Bold outdoor spaces
21| Concluding thoughts

03| Plan your staycation
Activities the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Enjoy Your Community Amenities
Find Local Activities and Events
31% of people love to explore
their native surroundings
- 1
2013 Homes.com Summer Sensations Survey

Activities
the whole
family can
enjoy
Staycation Do’s and Don’ts
Staycation activities can be fun, family-friendly, stress-free, and
affordable. Whether you stay indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of
activities everyone will enjoy. Before you get started, be sure to follow
the Staycation Do’s and Don’ts.
Do
- Relax
- Plan ahead
- Set a budget
- Clean your place ahead of time
- Take lots of photos
- Try new places and activities
- Explore your community
Don’t
- Check your email, voicemail,
or do work
- Run errands or chores
- Stick to the “usual” places
and hangouts
- Be a couch potato
Step 1. Cut sponges into thirds.
Step 2. Gather 9 sponge strips.
Step 3. Wrap with hair elastic.
Step 4. Poof it up, dunk in water and start tossing!
CrazyAdventuresinParenting.com
Sponge Bombs
What goes perfect with a hot summer
day? That’s right, sponge bombs! Add an
element of competition and battle with
your family and friends to see who can
get the most in each other’s buckets.
Disclaimer: This activity is guaranteed
to get everyone wet!
What You Need:
3 Sponges
(will make 1 Sponge Bomb)
Hair elastics
Water
Tip
Suggestion
Consider these creative ideas to
enhance your family’s staycation
experience.
4
Photo Source:

Activities
the whole
family can
enjoy
Movie Night and Popcorn Bar
Stay indoors and enjoy a favorite TV show or movie night
with your friends and family. Optional: Use a projector to
show a “drive-in” themed movie outside!
Popcorn Bar Ideas
Mix and match different flavor combinations to discover your favorite.
Popcorn Flavors
Cheddar Cheese
Classic Butter
Kettle Corn
Chocolate Chunk Mix with Pretzels and Potato Chips
Butter Toffee
Add-Ins
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Hot and Spicy Peanuts
Almonds
M & M’s
Finishing Touches
Champagne (for the adults) and/or sparkling grape juice
(for everyone). Dress up like your favorite movie or tv character
and vote for who is best dressed.
5
CelebrationsAtHomeBlog.comPhoto Source:

Looking for More Fun-Filled Family Activities?
It is important to create a "to-do" list when planning your
staycation. This way, you will be able to stay engaged and
organized throughout. Try these ideas to get started for
non-stop fun.
• Create and play with oversized
board games
• Camp out in your backyard or
living room
• Throw a cookout, picnic, or
block party
• Host a field day (Include games
like kickball, bean bag toss, sack
race, tag, etc)
• Build your own puppet theater and
organize a play
• Indulge in a homemade gourmet
s'mores party
• Plan a fishing or crabbing trip
• Family bike out
• Show off your artistic side with
sidewalk chalk
• Sing and dance your heart out at a
karaoke party
• Build a sandcastle at the beach
• Throw a watermelon eating contest
• Fly a kite or read a book in the park
• Scavenger or treasure hunt
• Sneak in an educational visit to the
zoo and/or museum
• Use your creativity during arts and
crafts day
• Throw a Luau or Mexican
Fiesta party
• Splash around in an inflatable,
neighborhood, or the local gym
swimming pool
• Be unconventional and eat
breakfast for dinner
• Attend a local concert or
sports event
• Host a pajama party
• Explore your city or town as a tourist
• House/Apartment swap with
a friend
HomeStoriesAtoZ.comSource:
6

Enjoy your
community's
amenities
this summer
Being an apartment renter allows you many
opportunities to celebrate the summer
season in style.
If you opt to vacation at home this summer, be sure to
utilize the vast amenities at your disposal such as the
community pool, dog park, fitness center, walking or
hiking trails and more!
NalleWoods.comPhoto Source:
Tips
Have plenty of sunscreen and apply
repeatedly
Hydrate frequently
Keep a charged cell phone close
Be aware of children nearby
Always walk, never run and finally,
always respect the community pool
rules (no diving means
no diving)!
Tips
Always keep an eye on your dog
Don’t bring any toys your dog isn’t
willing to share
Be sure to bring a bag to clean up
any messes from your dog
Keep a charged cell phone close by
in case of emergencies
Bring water to keep your dog and
yourself hydrated
Pool
Many apartment communities offer you the opportunity to stay cool at the neighborhood pool. Feel free to catch some
rays by laying out or playing a game of Marco Polo with a few of your neighbors. However you decide to occupy your
time at the pool, be sure you take advantage of this wonderful amenity. Trust us, your friends will be envious!
Dog Park
Do you live in a pet-friendly apartment community? If so, set-up a play date at your community’s dog park. In addition
to occupying your time, you’ll also provide an enjoyable time for fido! Playing with your pet is a great budget-friendly
activity to do on your staycation.
7

Tip
Make sure to have all the equipment
needed to get your game started in
advance; if a soccer ball is needed,
bring a pump. And remember
to hydrate!
Exercise Amenities
Odds are your apartment community
will offer a fitness center, playground,
tennis court, basketball court, walking
trails or some green space to kick a
soccer ball, throw a frisbee or play
washer toss. Use your staycation as
an opportunity to strut your stuff or
learn a new sport! Gather a bunch of
your neighbors together for a friendly
game of basketball or soccer.
Tip
If you’re feeling nervous about meet-
ing new people, bring a friend from
outside the community!
Community Events
Your leasing staff might use this
summer as an opportunity to throw
a picnic, BBQ or holiday party for
residents - if so, go to the event! Not
only will it be a fun budget-friendly
activity during your staycation, but
it’ll help you build friendships with
your neighbors.
8

Spend time on your staycation attending local activities and
events such as a concert with your favorite artist or festival in
your own town or city.
Here's how you can find things to do in your community:
Tips
Local City Website
Visit your city's website which can be found
on USA.gov for upcoming activities.
Ticket Sales
Search for tickets to attend current and
future sports games, concerts and family-
friendly events
Local Radio Station
Listen for any news or updates about
local happenings
Newspaper and Print Ads
Pay attention to bus or taxi advertisements
and in local and major newspapers for
special events or activities
Social Media
Look under Facebook and Google+ "Events"
or follow brands and people on Twitter
to get the latest information on
upcoming events
Find local
activities
and events
9

10|Taste refreshing
summer treats
Uncommon Grilled Foods and Recipes
Chilled Summer Desserts and Beverages
24% of people’s favorite
summertime treat are
frozen beverages
- 1
2013 Summer Sensations Survey

Watermelon
Potatoes
Eggplant
Tomatoes
Asparagus
Artichokes
Peaches
Apples
Pears
Pineapple
Shellfish
Cakes
Bread
Herbs
Whole garlic cloves
Lettuce and salad greens
Summer cookouts can be much more than just
hamburgers and hotdogs. If your summer staycation
plans include having friends over for a dinner party, why
not have fun trying new recipes that will make your get-
together a memorable one? Once you discover that you
can grill more than meat, a whole new world of grilling
opens up! Try grilling some of these items for your next
cookout.
Try out these uncommon grilled food recipes and think outside
the box when it comes to your summertime BBQ!
Uncommon
grilled
foods and
recipes
11

1 whole watermelon
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup honey
sea salt
Preheat grill to medium heat. Cut
watermelon into 1½-2 inch wedges.
Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
Grill for 2 minutes per side or until grill
marks appear. Sprinkle with sea salt to
taste. Drizzle with honey to taste.
Grilled Watermelon
1 head of romaine lettuce
½ cup of fresh grated
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper
Caesar dressing or red wine
vinegar (to taste)
Grilled Caesar Salad
Preheat grill to medium heat. Slice the head of romaine
lettuce in half lengthwise. Brush olive oil on the flat, freshly
cut side of the romaine lettuce. Salt and pepper to taste.
Cover with grated parmesan cheese, so it sticks to the olive
oil. Place lettuce on grill cheese-side down and grill for 1½-2
minutes. Remove lettuce and dress with Caesar dressing or
red wine vinegar. Serve whole or cut into strips.
12

Summer
desserts
and
beverages
½ watermelon, cubed
½ cup sugar
3 bunches ( ¼ cup) basil leaves
1 cup ice
Orange juice
Lemon-lime soda
Pineapple juice
Orange sherbet
1 part white grape juice, chilled
1 part orange juice, chilled
2 parts ginger ale or
champagne, chilled
Watermelon Basil Cooler
Fizzy Citrus Punch
Sparkling Fruit Punch
Fill blender or food processor with watermelon, sugar, basil leaves and ice.
Pulse or blend until smooth. Place in freezer for at least two hours or until
firm. Using an ice cream scoop, fill small bowls with the frozen “cooler.”
Garnish with extra basil and a small slice of watermelon. Remove lettuce and
dress with Caesar dressing or red wine vinegar. Serve whole or cut into strips.
Pizzazzerie.comSource:
TheHouseofSmiths.comSource:
CelebrationsAtHomeBlog.comSource:
Mix two cups of orange juice and one
cup of pineapple juice together in a
pitcher. Scoop orange sherbet into
drink glasses, filling them up about
three-fourths of the way. Fill glasses
halfway with the pineapple/orange
juice mixture. Top the rest of your
drink with the lemon-lime soda.
Mix the juices together in a pitcher,
and add the ginger ale or
champagne just before serving.
Garnish with fruit or umbrella to
give a tropical flare.
13

CelebrationsAtHomeBlog.comSource:
Keep a bottle opener handy
for opening soda bottles.
Have a spoon handy for
grabbing the pre-scooped
ice cream balls.
Use chalkboard signs to
label everything.
Pre-scoop vanilla ice cream and place the
scoops into an insulated container for
serving. Put it in the freezer until ready
to serve. Provide 2 or 3 flavors of soda for
the floats.
Suggestions
Sodas: pomegranate soda, blueberry soda,
and root beer.
Sandwiches: Provide 3 to 5 cookie choices
for making ice cream sandwiches. Variety is
the key. Fudge stripes, peanut butter cup,
and chocolate chip. Packaged cookies are
perfectly fine to use for this, but you can
buy from a bakery or make your own if
you prefer.
Tips
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup dried blueberries
1 cup mini marshmallows,
plus extra for topping cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
Using a stand mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar
and brown sugar together for one minute. Then add
eggs into the mixture one at a time. Add vanilla to the
bowl and then begin adding flour, baking soda, salt and
cinnamon. Then add oats, dried blueberries, and mini
marshmallows. Chill for one hour in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease the baking sheet.
Then, using a medium cookie scoop (holds about
1.5 tbsp of dough), begin scooping the cookie dough
and placing it on the baking sheet, keeping them
about 2-inches spaced apart. Once all the cookies
are placed on the baking sheet, begin to add 2-3 mini
marshmallows per cookie-flattening them into the
cookie.
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Then remove from the
oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for an additional
5-10 minutes. Lastly, place them on a cooling rack.
Blueberry Oatmeal Marshmallow Cookies
KatiesCucina.comSource:
Ice Cream Floats and
Sandwiches
14

15| Entertain your guests
Cool Party Ideas
71% of people are
planning to host a BBQ for
their family and friends
- 1

Cool party
ideas
"Mini" Grilling Party
Smaller versions of foods have been very popular
for quite some time. Heat often makes consuming
large amounts of food uncomfortable, so why not
opt for mini versions of your planned menu?
Mini pineapple fruit boat, mini burger sliders, mini
hot dogs, and mini tacos are sure to big a huge hit
with all of your guests!
You can also take your mini party to the next level
with gourmet toppings, such as blue cheese
crumbles or a pizza salsa topping that will pair
perfectly with your mini hot dogs.
Mini taco bites are an easy and completely
customizable option for your guests to have
food made their way.
Entertaining
They don’t call it the dog days of summer for nothing.
The summer season is the perfect time to take
advantage of the longer days by entertaining family
and friends with a fun and festive party. Warmer
months allow for a fun myriad of themes that you just
can’t get away with any other time of the year.
have narrowed it down
to a list of favorite summer themed party ideas.
16
The Team at Elegance Realty

Cool party
ideas
Nautical Themed Party
Anchors up! Dress in your best seersucker patterns
and boat shoes, polish your anchors, and dust
off your braided rope. The party décor opportunities
for this theme are endless! Try your hand at a
DIY nautical wreath.
With summer in full swing, take advantage of
the warm weather by inviting your friends over
for a twist on the classic favorite – the s’more!
This is sure to be one party that your friends
and family will not soon forget!
Gourmet' S'mores Party
Go Gourmet with
Homemade Graham Crackers
Amaretto Marshmallows
Artisan Chocolates
Suggestion
Tie square knots around your chairs with boat rope,
create a festive nautical rope wreath, and provide a
menu that came from the sea, such as steamed shrimp
and lobster salad.
17

18|Decorate your space
Bold Outdoor Spaces
When asked what they will change
this summer, 30% of people said
they would change out their
pillows to match the season
- 1

Bold
outdoor
spaces
Shades of Blue Shades of Pink
Cerulean Tea Rose
Teal Bright Pink
Tiffany Coral
Shades of Orange Shades of Green
Carrot Mint
Orange Peel Emerald
Nectarine Paris Green
Consider painting your own rug.
Simply take a rug that is either woven
or has low pile and using painter’s
tape, draw out the design on the rug.
Take a roller, dip into paint tray then
paint the rug over the tape. After a
few coats of paint, let dry and remove
tape. Finish the project off by spraying
the rug with fabric protector.
Also, consider painting outdoor chairs
in one of the trending summer colors.
Having a few bright furniture pieces
will liven up the outdoor space and
keep consistency among your color
choices.
Outdoor Seating
Seating is the statement piece of your outdoor space.
Be creative and up-cycle by building your own bench,
chairs, or daybeds out of:
- Pallets - Tires
- Cinderblocks - Bed Frames
- Crates - Stones
Tips
Color
Your outdoor space becomes a big part of your
home when the weather warms up. Bright and bold
colors are trending for outdoor spaces this summer.
Brighten up your yard or balcony with colorful items
such as pots, pillows, rugs, and outdoor furniture.
Popular colors include:
Place a padded comfortable cushion onto the bench
or chair and add a few pillows.
19 FunkyJunkInteriors.comPhoto Source:

Container Gardens
Potted plants help make patios and outdoor living spaces look
more put together as well as create a relaxing atmosphere full
of color and fresh scents. Here are a few shrubs and flowers
that are easy to grow and work well in hot weather:
- Spiraea - Cape Daisies/Osteospermum
- Lantana - Lavender
- Tropical Hibiscus - Coleus
- Verbena - Heuchera
- Blue Fescue - Pentas
- Hosta June - Petunia
Set up a garden in your own house or apartment.
Shades & Lights
It is nice to have a bit of shade on your patio to
help cool off and create an intimate and cozy
environment. Lighting also gives an intimate feel
and allow you to enjoy your time outdoors in the
summer evenings.
Creating shade for your patio
- Pergola with vines and hanging plants
- Simple four-post cabana with shade cloth
hanging from above
- Sailcloth attached to roof and deck railings
Brightening up your outdoor space
- Solar lights on deck posts or around patio
- Hanging lights from pergola or patio umbrella
- Hanging chandelier from pergola
- Rope lights around patio or deck railings
- Candles in groups
Choose a variety of pots and mix and match plants in
each pot. This type of simple gardening works well for
patios of all sizes as well as balconies.
Drill extra drainage holes in larger pots to keep the soil
from staying too moist.
Buy inexpensive terracotta pots and paint them vibrant
summer colors or draw simple patterns.
Buy inexpensive terracotta pots and paint them vibrant
summer colors or draw simple patterns. Colorful
container gardens are one of six ways to increase your
home’s curb appeal.
Tips
20

21|Concluding thoughts
Whether you live in a house, apartment, condo or townhome,
this guide is intended to inspire you to plan for the ultimate
staycation this upcoming summer season.
®
want to be more than your
partner when searching for a new house or apartment. Take
advantage of this resource and discover who you are, starting
with where you live, and inspire to dream big!
41% of people’s favorite
way to spend time while
on vacation is relaxing
- 1
Team at EleganceRealtyOur

®
®
22
AtlantaTenants.com
EleganceRealty.com
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E-Book: Ultimate Summer Staycation Guide