Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation now and again, especially during the holiday season when things can be so chaotic and stressful. A quick weekend away does the body and mind wonders, and some quality time in a peaceful place with your loved ones is definitely worth the investment. The Frugal and Thriving team took a girls’ getaway to the Woodloch Resort in the Poconos and we had the most restful, restorative weekend. See our trip details below.

A birthday is as good a reason as any to take a trip, right? As most of you may know, our leading lady Kristy recently turned 36, and we decided a girls’ weekend was the best way to celebrate her and this new year to come! We booked a Girls’ Getaway package at Woodloch Resort, which included a two-night stay in beautiful accommodations, four meals at the resort’s clubhouse (two breakfasts and two dinners), a spa credit, and an extensive list of recreational activities and entertainment. We planned to have a good balance of fun and relaxation during our two days at the resort.

We arrived late Friday afternoon, checked in, and headed straight to the luxury spa for our treatments. This spa was GOR-GEOUS….a secluded sanctuary nestled away in the middle of the woods. Complete with waterfall jacuzzies, a swimming pool, men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms, fireplace lounges, an outdoor horizon-edge whirlpool, and SO MUCH MORE, we felt like we were walking into heaven. The facilities were quiet, pristine, and slightly magical with the surrounding views of the woodlands. Fun fact: Woodloch’s spa at The Lodge was voted as a Top Destination Spa in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards (among a ton of other awards and accolades). But – the world!! One visit to this place and you’ll easily see why. The best part? The Lodge even has accommodations so you can stay right here. That’s on our list for the next girls’ trip.

Our package included two dinners and two breakfasts. We expected to have to grab a light lunch at one of the many restaurants on the sprawling property – we were wrong. The breakfast (pictured above) was served family-style and holyyyyy food. This was for only three people! Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, deliciously seasoned potatoes, and sweet scones and pastries were all included in this indulgent spread. Needless to say, we stuffed our faces and didn’t even think about lunch come afternoon. Dinners were served a la carte from a specially curated menu of seasonal dishes and those were equally delectable. The salmon dish with spinach and kale, raisins, and olives was a favorite entrée, while the grilled Mediterranean salad was the perfect option for a lighter dinner. And everyone knows dessert is the most important part of a meal…the homemade ice cream was melt-in-your-mouth ahhhhh-mazing. We definitely regretted not bringing home gallons of that…at least now we know for next time.

Saturday was our one and only full day at the resort and we wanted to take complete advantage of it! After our hearty breakfast, we spent some time exploring the vast acreage and finding hidden little gems around the property for lots of fun (and silly) photo shoots. The scenery was stunning with the expansive, glistening lake outlined by endless trees…we were lucky enough to get some end-of-season leaf peeping in and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage were simply majestic. After a few hours of exploration, we grabbed our “Weekend Vibes” tote, posted up on one of the many outdoor decks overlooking the water, and set up a picnic around this adorable firepit. We were fortunate enough to have this scenic area all to ourselves, although with all the snacks we brought, some company to share with would have been very welcomed!!

Rosemary crackers, pita bread, baklava, olives, fruit spreads, caramel-filled chocolates, pretzels, and more cheeses than we even knew what to do with were packed in our basket. We grabbed the Picnic Gift Basket from Harry & David to bring along as well, and the chocolates were courtesy of Kristy’s mother-in-law who knew we would need a little something sweet after all of that savory! The fire kept us warm, the food kept us full, and the picturesque surroundings kept us in awe.

Speaking of being in awe, about half an hour into our quaint al fresco afternoon, while completely absorbed in spending time catching up, laughing, and counting our blessings, Kristy looked up to find this breathtaking double upside down rainbow. This was the most unique rainbow any of us had ever seen! It continued to get brighter and bigger for about 10 minutes and then slowly dissipated into the sunny blue sky. It was fleeting and ephemeral, yet left a lasting impression of good fortune and fate aligning all around us. We may have been feeling just a tad emotional, but the experience was really something special to be shared in that moment.

After our picnic we decided to try out an escape room. None of us had ever done one before, and we were both curious as to how it worked and excited to give it a go! We chose the Wizard of Oz-themed escape room because it was slightly less difficult than the Clue-themed one. We figured it was better to give ourselves a fighting chance of making it out…you get 60 minutes to solve all the clues and unlock the room. The best time to beat was 25 minutes. I voiced that I thought we could do it in 12 (I’ve always been a little ambitious and just a bit competitive). Not really knowing what to expect, we walked in, got locked in, and the timer began. No more than three minutes into our escape and we were ready to use our first of only two hints. It was a lot more challenging than we anticipated! Thankfully our escape room attendant was on our side, and gently guided us in the right direction when we got a little stuck so we didn’t have to use our clues right away. With a little teamwork, a handful of help, and a lottttt of laughs, we made it out with 10 minutes to spare – so much for finishing in 12 minutes!! This was by far one of our favorite parts of the trip, and now we’re ready to do even better next time around.

Sunday morning came way too soon, and we were having a hard time getting ready to say goodbye. Our two bedroom, two bathroom condo was already feeling like home and none of us were eager to leave our newfound haven. Kristy and I had some work to catch up on after pretty much an entire day off (we’re always thinking about you guys!!), but it was a much-needed reset. Even after a forgotten suitcase, a long drive, and a weirdly ominous polaroid found in our living room that was giving total “Blair Witch Project” vibes, this trip was one of the best weekends we had in a long time, and we’ve decided to make girls’ weekend an annual event. Getting to spend some time away with the people closest to you is a huge blessing, which we certainly don’t take for granted, and making it a priority is something we’re now conscious of. We got to celebrate a birthday, friendship, and the start of many wonderful things to come. We couldn’t ask for anything better.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our getaway recap…what were your favorite parts? Where are you planning your next getaway and who are you bringing? Let us know! xoxo

Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation now and again, especially during the holiday season when things can be so chaotic and stressful. A quick weekend away does the body and mind wonders, and some quality time in a peaceful place with your loved ones is definitely worth the investment. The Frugal and Thriving team took a girls’ getaway to the Woodloch Resort in the Poconos and we had the most restful, restorative weekend. See our trip details below.

A birthday is as good a reason as any to take a trip, right? As most of you may know, our leading lady Kristy recently turned 36, and we decided a girls’ weekend was the best way to celebrate her and this new year to come! We booked a Girls’ Getaway package at Woodloch Resort, which included a two-night stay in beautiful accommodations, four meals at the resort’s clubhouse (two breakfasts and two dinners), a spa credit, and an extensive list of recreational activities and entertainment. We planned to have a good balance of fun and relaxation during our two days at the resort.

We arrived late Friday afternoon, checked in, and headed straight to the luxury spa for our treatments. This spa was GOR-GEOUS….a secluded sanctuary nestled away in the middle of the woods. Complete with waterfall jacuzzies, a swimming pool, men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms, fireplace lounges, an outdoor horizon-edge whirlpool, and SO MUCH MORE, we felt like we were walking into heaven. The facilities were quiet, pristine, and slightly magical with the surrounding views of the woodlands. Fun fact: Woodloch’s spa at The Lodge was voted as a Top Destination Spa in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards (among a ton of other awards and accolades). But – the world!! One visit to this place and you’ll easily see why. The best part? The Lodge even has accommodations so you can stay right here. That’s on our list for the next girls’ trip.

Our package included two dinners and two breakfasts. We expected to have to grab a light lunch at one of the many restaurants on the sprawling property – we were wrong. The breakfast (pictured above) was served family-style and holyyyyy food. This was for only three people! Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, deliciously seasoned potatoes, and sweet scones and pastries were all included in this indulgent spread. Needless to say, we stuffed our faces and didn’t even think about lunch come afternoon. Dinners were served a la carte from a specially curated menu of seasonal dishes and those were equally delectable. The salmon dish with spinach and kale, raisins, and olives was a favorite entrée, while the grilled Mediterranean salad was the perfect option for a lighter dinner. And everyone knows dessert is the most important part of a meal…the homemade ice cream was melt-in-your-mouth ahhhhh-mazing. We definitely regretted not bringing home gallons of that…at least now we know for next time.

Saturday was our one and only full day at the resort and we wanted to take complete advantage of it! After our hearty breakfast, we spent some time exploring the vast acreage and finding hidden little gems around the property for lots of fun (and silly) photo shoots. The scenery was stunning with the expansive, glistening lake outlined by endless trees…we were lucky enough to get some end-of-season leaf peeping in and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage were simply majestic. After a few hours of exploration, we grabbed our “Weekend Vibes” tote, posted up on one of the many outdoor decks overlooking the water, and set up a picnic around this adorable firepit. We were fortunate enough to have this scenic area all to ourselves, although with all the snacks we brought, some company to share with would have been very welcomed!!

Rosemary crackers, pita bread, baklava, olives, fruit spreads, caramel-filled chocolates, pretzels, and more cheeses than we even knew what to do with were packed in our basket. We grabbed the Picnic Gift Basket from Harry & David to bring along as well, and the chocolates were courtesy of Kristy’s mother-in-law who knew we would need a little something sweet after all of that savory! The fire kept us warm, the food kept us full, and the picturesque surroundings kept us in awe.

Speaking of being in awe, about half an hour into our quaint al fresco afternoon, while completely absorbed in spending time catching up, laughing, and counting our blessings, Kristy looked up to find this breathtaking double upside down rainbow. This was the most unique rainbow any of us had ever seen! It continued to get brighter and bigger for about 10 minutes and then slowly dissipated into the sunny blue sky. It was fleeting and ephemeral, yet left a lasting impression of good fortune and fate aligning all around us. We may have been feeling just a tad emotional, but the experience was really something special to be shared in that moment.

After our picnic we decided to try out an escape room. None of us had ever done one before, and we were both curious as to how it worked and excited to give it a go! We chose the Wizard of Oz-themed escape room because it was slightly less difficult than the Clue-themed one. We figured it was better to give ourselves a fighting chance of making it out…you get 60 minutes to solve all the clues and unlock the room. The best time to beat was 25 minutes. I voiced that I thought we could do it in 12 (I’ve always been a little ambitious and just a bit competitive). Not really knowing what to expect, we walked in, got locked in, and the timer began. No more than three minutes into our escape and we were ready to use our first of only two hints. It was a lot more challenging than we anticipated! Thankfully our escape room attendant was on our side, and gently guided us in the right direction when we got a little stuck so we didn’t have to use our clues right away. With a little teamwork, a handful of help, and a lottttt of laughs, we made it out with 10 minutes to spare – so much for finishing in 12 minutes!! This was by far one of our favorite parts of the trip, and now we’re ready to do even better next time around.

Sunday morning came way too soon, and we were having a hard time getting ready to say goodbye. Our two bedroom, two bathroom condo was already feeling like home and none of us were eager to leave our newfound haven. Kristy and I had some work to catch up on after pretty much an entire day off (we’re always thinking about you guys!!), but it was a much-needed reset. Even after a forgotten suitcase, a long drive, and a weirdly ominous polaroid found in our living room that was giving total “Blair Witch Project” vibes, this trip was one of the best weekends we had in a long time, and we’ve decided to make girls’ weekend an annual event. Getting to spend some time away with the people closest to you is a huge blessing, which we certainly don’t take for granted, and making it a priority is something we’re now conscious of. We got to celebrate a birthday, friendship, and the start of many wonderful things to come. We couldn’t ask for anything better.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our getaway recap…what were your favorite parts? Where are you planning your next getaway and who are you bringing? Let us know! xoxo

It’s International Picnic Day!! Before you run out the door and scope out a shady spot at your favorite park to post up and feast, let’s make sure you have everything you’ll need to have an enjoyable afternoon. See our checklist below for all your picnic essentials.

The Essentials

Having all your picnic essentials packed is extremely important because you can’t run back in your house to grab any forgotten items (unless you’re picnicking in your backyard, which is fun, too). A comfy picnic blanket is a must, along with a cooler bag to store chilled foods and beverages. A “picnic basket” backpack equipped with all the necessities like silverware, dishes, and extra storage is the most convenient option for your dining needs. A foldable serving table and mesh food covers will keep those pesky bugs away, and a battery-powered mosquito repellent is great if you’re having a sunset or star-gazing picnic. For an adult picnic, a nice bottle of wine and a meat and cheese basket really set the mood. After you’ve imbibed and indulged, don’t forget to clean up – a garbage bag dispenser will allow for easy disposal of your trash.

Cooler Bag | Firstleaf Wine Subscription | Garbage Bag Dispenser | Thermacell Mosquito Repellant | Mesh Food Covers | Picnic Essentials Backpack | Picnic Blanket | Fold Up Wooden Serving Table | Picnic Gift Basket

The Outfits

Pretty pinks and youthful yellows make for picture-perfect picnic outfits. Comfortable cotton fabrics are great to lounge in and simple accessories add fun finishing touches. It’s not a family affair if it doesn’t involve coordinated clothing, right?

Wide Brimmed Hat | Hoop Earrings | Yellow Ruffle Dress | Straw Purse | Sandals | Beaded Bracelets | Braided Sandals | Pink Floral Dress | Personalized Purse | Flower Sunglasses | Polo | Cargo Shorts | Buckle Sandals

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorite picnic products?

It’s International Picnic Day!! Before you run out the door and scope out a shady spot at your favorite park to post up and feast, let’s make sure you have everything you’ll need to have an enjoyable afternoon. See our checklist below for all your picnic essentials.

The Essentials

Having all your picnic essentials packed is extremely important because you can’t run back in your house to grab any forgotten items (unless you’re picnicking in your backyard, which is fun, too). A comfy picnic blanket is a must, along with a cooler bag to store chilled foods and beverages. A “picnic basket” backpack equipped with all the necessities like silverware, dishes, and extra storage is the most convenient option for your dining needs. A foldable serving table and mesh food covers will keep those pesky bugs away, and a battery-powered mosquito repellent is great if you’re having a sunset or star-gazing picnic. For an adult picnic, a nice bottle of wine and a meat and cheese basket really set the mood. After you’ve imbibed and indulged, don’t forget to clean up – a garbage bag dispenser will allow for easy disposal of your trash.

Cooler Bag | Firstleaf Wine Subscription | Garbage Bag Dispenser | Thermacell Mosquito Repellant | Mesh Food Covers | Picnic Essentials Backpack | Picnic Blanket | Fold Up Wooden Serving Table | Picnic Gift Basket

The Outfits

Pretty pinks and youthful yellows make for picture-perfect picnic outfits. Comfortable cotton fabrics are great to lounge in and simple accessories add fun finishing touches. It’s not a family affair if it doesn’t involve coordinated clothing, right?

Wide Brimmed Hat | Hoop Earrings | Yellow Ruffle Dress | Straw Purse | Sandals | Beaded Bracelets | Braided Sandals | Pink Floral Dress | Personalized Purse | Flower Sunglasses | Polo | Cargo Shorts | Buckle Sandals

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorite picnic products?