Chances are most of you are experiencing the same FOMO situation as I; just scroll through your Instagram or check out the latest Snapchat stories and you’re bound to see everyone and their mother frolicking on a beach somewhere, sipping a delicious cocktail at a hotel poolside or swinging on a hammock in a far away destination while you’re stuck at home working. Now, if you’re thinking: “Wait, doesn’t Maristella live in Panama?”. Yes, I do. But the weather here is disgusting 80% of the year. Right now it’s mostly cloudy on most days, hot as balls, and it’s raining. Every. Single. Day. Yes, yes… I know; we need rain. Except when we don’t, because cars float away, etc. But, I digress.
So, lately, I’ve been coming up with ways to alleviate said FOMO; and I’ve discovered these 5 simple yet effective tricks are pretty much the best way for me to pretend my life is something out of Tuula Vintage’s Instagram and I’m an official member of the globe-trotting Revolve Social Club. Read below, apply, and enjoy!
DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH TROPICAL PLANTS & FLOWERS:
PLANTS AND FLOWERS ARE GREAT VISUAL CUES THAT CAN SET THE MOOD FOR YOUR DAY OR WEEK; A GREAT WAY TO TRANSPORT YOUR MIND TO LANDS FAR AWAY AND BRING THAT FEELING OF A VACATION INTO YOUR HOME. PALM TREES ARE AN INSTANT WAY TO PICTURE YOURSELF IN, SAY, MARRAKECH, BALI OR PANAMA—SHAMELESS PLUG; BUT SERIOUSLY, COME BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL. DON’T HAVE THE SPACE FOR A POTTED RED PALM? (MY FAVORITE). GET SOME PALM LEAFS, ANTHURIUM OR GINGER FLOWERS AND LOBSTER CLAWS, AND MAKE YOUR OWN TROPICAL ARRANGEMENT! OTHER GREAT, YET SMALLER SCALE POTTED PLANT OPTIONS ARE THE MONSTERA DELICIOSA OR THE PHILODENDRON. BOTH ARE GOOD INDOOR HOUSE PLANTS THAT WILL MAKE ANY ROOM FEEL A LITTLE MORE EXOTIC.
ACCENT YOUR SOFA OR YOUR OUTFIT WITH TROPICAL MOTIFS:
MUCH LIKE MY PINEAPPLE T-SHIRT FROM LAST WEEK, THIS MONSTERA PILLOW BY OURLIEU IS SURE TO HAVE YOU FEELING LIKE YOU’RE IN HAWAII LOUNGING ON A WICKER CHAIR ABOUT TO CHOW DOWN ON A POKE BOWL. OR, ALTERNATIVELY, WEAR ANYTHING WITH A FLAMINGO—LIKE THIS SCARF FROM MANGO—AND TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI!
SUMMERIZE YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE:
SCENT IS A POWERFUL TRIGGER SO USE PRODUCTS THAT SMELL LIKE COCONUT AND YOU’LL FEEL LIKE YOU’RE SIPPING ON A PIÑA COLADA IN PUERTO RICO. TRY GLOSSIER’S BALM DOTCOM IN COCONUT, OR HERBIVORE BOTANICAL’S SEA MIST HAIR SPRAY. RED LIPSTICK WORKS YEAR-ROUND, BUT GOING FOR A MORE ORANGE OR CORAL HUE CAN GET YOU READY FOR A NIGHT OF SALSA DANCING EVEN IF IT’S JUST IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM.
BRING STRAW ACCESSORIES & POM POMS INTO YOUR EVERYDAY STYLE:
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. YES. BUT YOU CAN ALSO BE WHAT YOU WEAR. NOW, THIS DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL TURN INTO SOME KIND OF SCARECROW IF YOU WEAR STRAW, BUT I DO THINK YOU WILL FEEL MORE LIKE YOU’RE SIGHTSEEING IN TULUM IF YOU WEAR THIS H&M HAT OR PURIFICACIÓN GARCÍA TOTE, THAN IF YOU REACH FOR THAT SAME OLD LEATHER BAG YOU USED YESTERDAY. TRUST ME! I SHOULD NOW. CONSIDER ME YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS TROPICAL.
MAKE YOURSELF A REFRESHING SANGRIA:
ALTHOUGH THE SANGRIA DIDN’T ORIGINATE IN THE TROPICS, ITS SWEET AND REFRESHING QUALITIES MAKE IT QUITE THE POPULAR DRINK IN WARMER CLIMATES. ALL YOU NEED IS A 750ML BOTTLE OF YOUR FAVORITE WINE (I WENT WITH AN ALREADY SWEET RIESLING BY CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE), ABOUT 1-2 CUPS OF FRUIT—I USED STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, ORANGES AND LEMONS. ADD 1-2 CUPS SPARKLING WATER OR SODA, 1/2 CUP OF LIQUOR (I USED RUM), 1/2 CUP OF SWEETENER AND 1/2 CUP OF JUICE—I USED GRAPEFRUIT. SERVE IN A GLASS WITH ICE, GARNISH AND ENJOY!
Art direction and styling by me. Photos in collaboration with José Castrellón.
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