Girls Gone Mild – Your Girls’ Getaway Blueprint

Warning: This is a true story of girls gone mild, as shocking as this may seem. All women appearing in this article are real, and the information shared within might bring you immeasurable joy and an embracing of January as your new favourite month. The author makes no promises that mild will become a permanent state, and a return to wild is not only normal but expected.

January is an odd month, isn’t it? Collectively, we go from speeding along on the autobahn that is December to being crash test dummies when the calendar flips to January 1st. We swing from full social calendars, spending like the 1%, and treating our bodies like they’re still in their teenage, metabolism-on-steroids phase to the complete opposite end of the spectrum with the move of a second hand. Suddenly we’re depressed, debt-ridden, and to make it worse, a wee bit doughy.

So what do we do? We get busy leaping into diet plans, Dry January, and debt reduction. And fun? Well, fun becomes a distant memory, something you used to do when you were wild. But listen to me woman, just because circumstances have pushed you to mild, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. In fact, I know first hand that mild and fun can co-exist with the right crew. So grab your besties and follow this blueprint to create your own Girls Gone Mild weekend.

I hear your protests from here. “In this economy?” you’re screaming at your screen? It seems completely delusional considering we’re broke, but hear me out on how you can do this.

The Girls Gone Mild Weekend Blueprint

Timing is Everything: Why January is Prime for Going Mild

The best time to plan to go mild is, without a doubt, January. Let’s face it – we’re all a bit broke after the holiday extravagance, the weather is doing its best impression of a gloomy British drama, and our bodies are crying out for a detox from our December wildness. But there’s more to it than just recovering from holiday excess. January is the perfect month to slow down and recharge, especially after the relentless pace of December.

This is the time to commune with your sisters-in-arms, those wonderful friends who have lived through the same chaos and understand the need for this mild retreat. They’ve been in the trenches with you, juggling holiday preparations, end-of-year deadlines, and family dynamics. Together, you’ve weathered the storm of festivity and emerged ready for some serious downtime.

Planning your ‘girls gone mild’ getaway in January also sets a positive and nurturing tone for the year ahead. It’s a way to start your year surrounded by people you love and who love you back with all their hearts. This isn’t just a weekend away; it’s a statement about the importance of self-care, friendship, and taking the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. So, when January rolls around, remember it’s not just another cold, dreary month to endure – it’s your opportunity to embrace the mild, recharge your batteries, and lay the foundation for a year filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of good company.

Finding Your Mild Haven: Location, Location, Location

The ideal ‘girls gone mild’ weekend starts with the perfect hideaway. A cottage offers that home-away-from-home feel without the hefty price tag. Look for something cozy, not too fancy, but with enough charm to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a little slice of paradise.

Last year we had a perfect cottage in Kawartha Lakes, and this year we found the ideal spot in Tiny, Ontario near Wasaga Beach. These aren’t just any “rentals” though and I feel it’s important to emphasize this. Both of these properties are women-owned and each go to great lengths to ensure your stay is magical. When booking a property get to know the owner, ask questions, and for heaven’s sake treat the place like you would your own. Both Erica and Monica, the owners of these slices of heaven, were only a text away, were instantly responsive with our questions, and went out of their way to ensure we had a blast.

A word to the wise. Avoid choosing one of your friends’ homes at all costs. I know it’s tempting to lower costs but this means one person in your friend group will bear the brunt of the work. Your girls gone mild weekend is about equal relaxation for all. Cottages during the low season are not only cheaper but also offer the seclusion you crave.

Selecting Your Squad: The Art of Chill Company

This is crucial. Your squad should be those who understand the art of relaxation. We’re talking about friends who appreciate the joy of doing nothing together. This weekend is about unwinding, so ensure everyone is on board with the chill vibe.

This is also not the time to play with your group dynamic. If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it. I’m all for being inclusive and welcoming new friends into the mix, but maybe have some trial runs before you vacation together.

Culinary Comfort: Easy Eats for Lazy Retreats

Keep it simple, ladies. Assign meals ahead of time, opt for dishes that are easy to prepare, or bring pre-made meals. The last thing you want is to spend your mild weekend trapped in the kitchen. Think comfort food that warms the soul, delivery, or pre-made goodies. The goal here is ensure that no one carries a heavier load than others. Many hands, light work, and so on.

January is also a time when we give up things or switch to diet new plans. It’s totally up to you of course if you’re going to continue on the same path for this weekend, or call a time-out for 48 hours. That being said, your choices should not affect the group. If you’re sugar free, then make sure you bring what you’ll need. If you’re diving into Dry January, don’t expect your crew to be on the same page. My group is all doing Dry January, but decided that we’d let things get a little damp for our weekend away. Ensure these conversations happen ahead of time, so no one is thrown off course.

Dress Code: Comfort is Queen

The dress code is comfort. Elastic waists are not just encouraged; they’re mandatory. Bras? Optional. This is a judgment-free zone where comfort reigns supreme. Pack your softest sweaters, coziest socks, toques, and let’s not forget those beloved yoga pants. Remember, ‘girls gone mild’ means embracing the bliss of being utterly, unapologetically comfortable.

Mild Adventures: Spontaneity and Sisterhood

The beauty of a ‘girls gone mild’ weekend is the lack of an itinerary. Spontaneity is your guide. Dust off those board games for some nostalgic fun, have impromptu dance-offs, or simply lounge around and chat. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can collectively embrace your New Year’s resolutions or collectively decide to ignore them for the weekend. This is your time to relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of ‘doing’.

Post Script:

And let’s make something perfectly clear here, just because we’re girls gone mild, doesn’t mean we didn’t herald from wild, nor does it mean we forfeit our wild titles. We reserve the right to go back to wild, and then return to mild as often as we see fit. We’re non-committal that way. So here’s to embracing the mild, making January our new favorite month, and to the joy of spending time with friends who make us laugh, feel loved, and perfectly content with being just a little bit mild.