Idea #16: Treat birthdays like Beijing's opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Like the Olympics, birthdays don't happen often. And like the Olympics, they can be celebrated with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some countries, like China, spend years preparing and create astounding displays of beauty. That is how we should treat birthdays.

My husband's birthday is coming up, so I have been trying to figure out how to do this. I should say, first of all, that making a birthday amazing has nothing to do with money at all. It has to do with preparation. I plan to make him a surprise chocolate cake, the kind with icing so good you want to lick it all off the top. I got him a present the lines up perfectly with one of his biggest passions, beer. And I made reservations at one of his favorite restaurants, which serves one of his favorite foods --fresh oysters.

But the biggest gift is all about attitude. There will be 24 hours that revolve around him, in stark contrast to our normal family life. If only I could set off fireworks that spell out his name. Well, maybe with Photoshop I can manage it.

Idea #15: Read a great book.

I stole this idea from NPR, which recommends Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and A Room with a View. I recommend anything about a woman having a midlife crisis and traveling the world, which may sound limiting but has been the theme of the last few books I've read, including Eat Pray Love, Without Reservations, and Tales of a Female Nomad.

What is it about a woman throwing her entire life out the window and starting over abroad, where dozens of attractive men are waiting to seduce her and even more cafes are awaiting her longing gaze. How can you not imagine yourself there?

Idea #14: Embrace a routine.

Embracing a routine may sound like the exact opposite of vacation, when you are in a new place, doing new things. But actually, even vacations have a pleasant way of encouraging new kinds of routines, whether it's an early morning beach walk, cocktail hour, or fancy dinners out every night. Over at the Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin talks about the pleasure that can come from such ritual. She writes:

One of the things that I love about this yearly summer trip to Kansas City is that we always do exactly the same things. We go to the library, Worlds of Fun amusement park, Kaleidescope, a movie at Ward Parkway, the “sprayground.” We feed the ducks at Loose Park. We eat at Winstead’s and go out for BBQ. I eat huge quantities of my favorite nonfat Belfonte yoghurt that I can’t get in New York City. We buy books at the best bookstore ever, Rainy Day Books.

What's your ritual?

Idea #13: Stare at something pretty.

You did it in Rome. Maybe London, too. Certainly in Paris. And you can also do it right now, from your computer screen.

Starting at something pretty may mean simply turning your head to observe a well-chosen key chain, vase, or notebook cover near you. Or you may need to google your favorite artist.

Just as gazing at the Mona Lisa relaxes your eye muscles and allows your mind to wander to a pleasure-centered place, finding the beauty in your immediate surroundings (physically or via the Internet) lets you escape. Even for a moment.

Idea #12: Visit a Korean spa.

There are dozens of top-notch Korean spas throughout the United States, and visiting one feels almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Men and women go into separate bathing areas, where they luxuriate in baths heated to various temperatures, from 56 degrees to a cool down to 107 degrees for serious heat. As in Korea, you are expected to wash yourself first before getting into the water. The main pool has dozens of different jets for massages. Women stand by ready to offer a body scrub to those willing to submit to 40 minutes of serious exfoliation. (And yes, most people are nude, although the modest may wear suits.)

When you tire of the water, you can put on the pajamas they give you when you enter and go into the unisex area, where you can dine on tasty Korean food while lounging in front of 60-inch television screens. Various saunas offer more health benefits: The amethyst and red clay rooms rid the body of toxins while the igloo room tightens pores. To visit is to give yourself an other-worldly kind of day.

Idea #11: Stay up til 1am watching the Olympics.

Because even though you'll need two lattes just to make it through the next day, it's totally worth it.

Idea #10: Talk to a stranger.

When we're in a new country, our hearts are open to new experiences. We give off an entirely different vibe than the one we normally exude as we rush to work in the morning. Maybe it's in a subtle smile, the crease of our forehead, or just where our eyes wander, but when we're out of our routine, we're much more likely to spark up a conversation with someone we might have never otherwise met.

It's entirely possible to adopt this attitude even amid one's local environs. My parents, for example, recently spent the day perusing local museums and memorials. When I asked them how it went, they immediately started talking about the adorable Midwestern couple they met and the park ranger who pointed them toward a hidden exhibit. Acting like a tourist turned them into vacationers who were open to striking up a conversation with passersby.

Try it. Don't worry about looking like a weirdo. If it's awkward, you're never going to see the other person again. If it's not, then you get learn from someone new.

Idea #9: Get into legs up the wall pose, immediately.

This position is somewhat magical. It can transform a cranky, tired, achy person into a lovely and relaxed one. In that way, it is not unlike two glasses of wine, although it lacks the accompanying health concerns. While it can be done with little fanfare, a few accoutrements can make it extra special.

The Basic: Identify a flat wall. It can be in your bedroom, kitchen, office, or even office bathroom, which is where I usually find myself so as to avoid strange stares from passersby who may not be familiar with yoga. Sit down next to it and scootch your bum over so it's right next to the wall. Then, lay back and stick your legs up. Exhale.

Intermediate: Repeat the Basic, but find an eye pillow or something that can serve as an eye pillow, such as a shirt sleeve. Cover up those peepers for extra-relaxation.

Olympic level: Repeat the above levels, but bring along a pillow or other type of support. Stick it under your lower back, as shown in the picture. You have now reached the height of bliss. Good luck with the transition back to reality.

Idea #8: Take a bath.

There's nothing quite like climbing into steaming hot water, especially after a day in high heels or sitting at a desk. Your muscles relax and your mind can wander to the soppy magazine in front of you. (Yes, I am recommending reading while bathing, but only if the magazine is sufficiently mindless.) For extra comfort, get yourself a bath pillow and some bath bombs.

My massage therapist recently had an even better suggestion: Have your boyfriend/husband/partner serve as cabana boy for the night. He can most likely be taught to enjoy this role (although there will be some variation in how well the idea goes over). It involves running the bath to the temperature of your liking, lighting candles, and, when you're ready, handing you a well-fluffed towel. Then you can show your appreciation for his services.

Idea #7: Have a "bed" day.

I can't claim credit for this one -- I got it from Kimberly Wilson at Hip Tranquil Chick. As she puts it, one scheduled bed day a month is essential for balance.

To plan your own bed day: Pick a day and make no plans whatsoever. Sleep late, wear your pajamas all day, and spend time reading (or napping, snuggling, watching a movie, etc.). You'll feel as refreshed as if you lolled around in the sand with your toe in the ocean (well, almost).

Bed day also combines well with Idea #1.

Idea #6: Be glad you're not John Edwards.

Or anyone else who's made a major, major mistake. Have you publicly humiliated your beautiful wife? Been indicted for accepting millions of thousands in unreported gifts as a public official? Been photographed from inappropriate angles? If not, your life is a breeze compared to the people who find themselves in these compromised positions. Appreciate the freedom.

Idea #5: Schedule nothing for a week.

When you get ready to take a week's vacation, you purposely clear your schedule. No meetings, no lunches, no doctor's appointments. Not even an evening with friends. Luckily, you can do this even when you're not about to get on a plane. Try planning nothing for a whole week. If someone asks for a meeting, simply tell them that the week is not good for you. (This requires some advance planning, so you may want to choose a week that is in a month's time.)

Then, when you get to your unscheduled week, take advantage of the freedom. Make a date with yourself and your favorite magazine. Or try a new recipe. Or pick another Vacation Day idea to try out. There are no limits.

Idea #4: Wear a Hawaiian shirt.

You might not make it into the fashion pages with this one, but it's impossible not to feel a little bit festive when you are donning a brightly-colored, flowered button-down. In fact, it might lead you straight to Idea #1. If your own closet is bereft of such island-wear, there is another option: Just convince a loved one to dig into his own closet and put one on. As long as the shirt is within view, it will work its magic.

Idea #3: Get lost in your own city.

Step one: Put on some comfortable shoes. Step two: Walk out the door. Step three: Resist the urge to develop a plan. Instead, just wander. Usually you're rushing to work, or the grocery store, or yoga class, but try to appreciate the joy of having no idea where you're going. If you see an interesting store, walk in. If you pass a tempting hot dog stand, indulge. Because when you're on vacation, the best way to discover a new city is to wander around for a few hours. It turns out it's also not a bad way to go on vacation in your own town.

Idea #2: Be impressed with local architecture.

You don't need to go to Rome to be wowed by buildings. Even 1980s high-rise apartment complexes can be impressive, if you look at them the right way. I recently overheard tourists on the Washington, DC metro ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing underground florescent lights that enabled plants to grow behind the subway grates. You get the idea: If you want to be impressed, you will be. Notice the way a redbrick storefront glows in the setting sun, or how the colorful mural you pass everyday was painted by someone with some serious skill. It might be almost as impressive, and at least as relaxing, as gushing over those ancient ruins.

Idea #1: Have an afternoon pina colada.

You can do it in the Bahamas. And the Jersey Shore. Why not do it at home, on a Sunday? Or Monday? You just need a rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Pour equal parts of each ingredient into a blender, add ice, and you're on vacation.

From Drinks Mixer:

1 1/2 oz light rum
2 oz Coco Lopez® cream of coconut
2 oz pineapple juice
1 cup crushed ice

Pour rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice into a blender with one cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth, and pour into a collins glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry, and serve.