We are brave. We are Canadian. We are DTC (down to cottage) anytime. So after being invited on an impromptu winter cottage girls trip last week, I was halfway finished zipping up my snowsuit before I could even utter the word, “YES.”

These weekends are like big-girl slumber parties. Only now, we have a real say in how it all plays out. If you remember, the iffy sleepovers happened when someone got homesick or girls got catty. But the best slumber parties had all the right snacks, activities and pure harmony. Everyone’s a little bit looser out in the country, in real deal messy bun and sweatpants, running around trying to find out how to turn the water pump on. And even though sometimes we may feel like reverting to our old, stomping, eleven-year-old selves, maturity just might be the best thing to have hit the sleepover since every reinvention of the VHS player (ah, never rewinding again). Make your weekend away everything you wanted it to be with all the big girl fixings! Here’s how to have a winning weekend at the cottage: 

1. Stock Up  
This might mean multiple stops en route and some strange encounters at small town general stores, but it’s worth it to come in prepared. Keep it chill but think far enough in advance so you can properly pool your resources. BYOB or beergarita punch bowl? If you can grocery shop together, that’s the best. Having a pow wow in each aisle might be a little excessive, but if one leads to a discovery like how you all love spiciness- who is complaining? Just make sure there is something for everyone and don’t forget about dessert. Preferably ice cream. Pie can come too. Also, think fun and games! The last thing you want is an, “I thought you were bringing the Catchphrase”- situation. So start up a group message, sort it out and pack whatever funsies your team requires. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of literally finding yourself up the creek without a paddle.

2. Roll With The Punches 
Well, yah know, not everything always goes quite to plan. People forget things, they belch and sometimes they pour expired table cream all over the expensive wild mushrooms you were planning to turn into a delicious pasta sauce (still sorry about that one, guys). Try to roll with it. Tensions can get high when people are in close quarters for extended periods of time. Every reality TV show knows this and so do you. So before you bust out your inner Tyra Banks, telling girls that you only have one of them left in your hands and the others must pack their belongings and go home, remember where you are. You’re out of the city now, away from the pressing rules and regulations. If you spend your time fretting, you’ll miss the weekend and the point of why you tapped out in the first place. Be easy. Don’t sweat the small stuff and go with the river flow.

3. Go On Adventures  
This is especially easy to forget whilst winter tripping. So warm and cozy by the fire! Well, it doesn’t matter how cute and kitschy your cabin is; you’re still in the country and you should still be taking advantage. That’s part of why you came, right? Escape? The great outdoors? Go outside. Get some fresh air. Bring the gang! You’ve sat in a lot of rooms by now but how many times in your 20s have you Tarzan-ed a rope swing tied to an abandoned bridge? Had a woozy snowball fight on a frozen lake? Variety is the spice of life. Even though these excursions may take a little more effort or shake an hour or two off your sleep in, you will not regret it once you get to the other side. Go out and make some memories, lazy bums.

4. Be the Best Guest  
Basically, by the time you all part ways, the group should already be dying to invite you back for seconds, thirds and fourths. Why? Because you contributed! You were fun, respectful and up for a seriously good time. Also remember, everyone gets their freedom and relaxation by pulling equal weight around the house. It is the host’s break too so let them have it! If you let your roles slide, it could read that you see yourself as being above the dirty work, sitting on an Adirondack chair throne. Join the ranks! Maybe pick a task that solely you will take care of for the weekend’s entirety. Clean up; offer to pitch for groceries and gas, and help close up shop when the weekend comes to a close. Plus, there’s something really nice about working together! All the boring stuff goes by much faster, and the fun has a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs shine to it. So don’t be a deadbeat guest. Be the best guest.

Daylight savings has happened. The snow is melting. Soon, we might just see the colour green outside of St. Patty’s day attire. The opportunities for trips are only going to continue popping up like spring daisies, so pick them up! Check the fears of missing out at the door and enjoy your surroundings and company. We’re living in the best-case scenario right now since we’re old and wise enough to take the reins and shape our own weekend recipes. The ingredients for a successful girls trip out of town are so simple. Mix them up as you wish!