It doesn’t matter how old you are, summer is the time for childish antics and pure immaturity. Even if you don’t have a summer break (dang you, corporate America), this is the season of careless fun and juicy jolly. Although I was able to take time off for a week long cruise to the Virgin Islands last year (ballinnn‘), due to Miss Florida USA and the mandatory week and a half I took off from work, I couldn’t officially request any additional vacation time this year. Ordinarily, I’d be super bummed– but I’ve learned to master the art of the staycation. Honestly, I’ll take any excuse I can find to get me outside (and away from my computer) for an extended period of time, and once I get out there… oh geez, it’s a preschooler’s playground if I ever saw one, complete with park swinging, girly photoshoots (evidence below), and some old fashioned fun with Juicy Fruit chewing gum. I came across their new Fruity Chews, which I purchased generously in both original and strawberry flavors during a demo at Wal-Mart last weekend, and they immediately became primo candidates for participators during my play day in the park.

While my friends were vacationing in Europe or the Florida Keys, I opted to spend some much needed time outdoors in my local park. Even though Florida is hot and humid, I feel like I always take our amazing native scenery for granted. Who needs the Bahamas when you’ve got lush tropical landscaping and a superfluous amount of sunshine in your backyard? I call this one particular brush with nature my staycation, although staying active outside has been a summer-long ordeal. Give a carefree girl a pretty dress and a talented photographer by the name of Bill Ward on any given Sunday Funday, and this happens.

So turns out I’m not very good at blowing bubbles with gum anymore. I’m also not great at being photographed blowing regular bubbles, either. Regardless, there is something so therapeutic about sitting on a park bench with a bottle of bubbles and a pack of gum.

It’s the effort that counts, right? Plus, now you have the option of blowing yellow or pink bubbles… cause Juicy Fruit just released their new Fruity Chews gum, which comes in a soft chew gum format packaged in convenient little car containers. These handy bottles make sharing a breeze and eliminate the risk of gum running rampant in your bag. I’ve been waiting for Juicy Fruit, my longtime favorite gum, to jump on this packaging bandwagon forever, so I’m thrilled.

Call me biased, but I’m forever a fan of strawberries and the color pink– ergo, I’m obsessed with this new strawberry gum. Random Pageant Girl Tip: Fruity Chews may be delicious, but they’re sugar-free and only 5 calories each. Carry these in your bag or keep them in your car for quick sugar fixes.

As of July, the new Fruity Chews are finally available nationwide at Wal-Mart for $3.49 per 40-count bottle, but they’re literally brand spankin’ new, so look for an aisle stand near the food or clothing section. You may have to go on a bit of scavenger hunt, but I promise it’ll be worth it, and you may even come across an upcoming tasting demo at your local Walmart. As always, their standard bubble gum is available, too, but it’s also in an all new format–one which boasts about its impressive bubble blowing capabilities. A 5-count package is just $.79, and I may or may not have bought 10+ packs. I fell victim to the allure of the demo stand. Womp. 

What’s your idea of the perfect staycation? Are you a “read a book at home” type of person or a “go make bubbles outside” kid at heart like moi?

Happy Friday!