Yesterday, I had a few hours to sit and hang out BY MYSELF for what felt like the first time in a year, and it was GLORIOUS!
I’m sure it wasn’t the only time I’ve had a few hours to myself this year, but then again, I can’t remember the last time I did that.
I guess I’m what “they” call an extroverted introvert. I’m not shy, and I can talk your ear off if I’m in the right mood, but I definitely recharge from being alone. And I haven’t had much alone time this past year. #thanksCovid
R asked me if I would drop her and a group of her friends off at the mall yesterday. That was a first.
Yes, I know, this is my third child, but neither of the other two have ever asked to go to the mall with a group of friends.
I wasn’t comfortable doing a drop and run, but I understood that she didn’t want me following them around. (They’re 15, by the way — so not babies, but still… And this is a very large mall on a busy Saturday.) I told her I would take them, but I was hanging around. And I might check in every 15 minutes and make sure she hadn’t been snatched by human traffickers. Yes, my mind goes there…
So, what does a fashion blogger do when she has three hours to kill at the mall?
Not what you might think. I just could NOT bring myself to shop, I don’t know why. I mean, I did just wrap up this big spring outfit series, so I’m kind of shopped out. But we are leaving for Florida later this week, and I always need new blog content. I could have done try-ons at new stores, or picked up a couple summery outfits to shoot in Florida, or even indulged in some personal shopping… but I just wasn’t feeling it.
Instead, I ended up getting a table for one at Bonefish Grill. (I tried to find a place for outdoor dining, but they were all full. It was such a pretty day, evidently everyone wanted to eat outside!)
Fortunately, I had enough forethought to bring my laptop, so I was able to get some work done. I ordered the cosmopolitan special along with Bang Bang Shrimp and a salad (they cancel each other out, right?) and sat there and worked for a couple hours.
When I was done there, I thought I’d do some shopping while I waited for the kids to finish up. But the next thing I knew, I was sitting in the Nordstrom Cafe with one of their ah-mazing Royale Cookies and a coffee.
So yeah. Major fashion blogger fail. But I just needed that time, I guess!
While I was at Bonefish, I pulled together my March Favorites. I’ve had a few requests for this post, and I think I might have forgotten to do one for February, and maybe even January… #ooops
With 23 Days of Spring Fashion going on this month, I already post every weekday, and I wanted to get that What I Wore Lately up yesterday, so I just published my March Favorites as a bonus post.
In other news, yes, we finally leave for Florida this week. I’m sure some of you are ready for me to stop yammering about it already. I realize not everyone is able to take a vacation right now, and I’m so thankful we can do this.
Yes, we did decide to fly. We’re going to Cape Coral, which is about 18 hours worth of driving from here, plus stops. We’re old and tired, and we didn’t think we could do that without stopping somewhere overnight, which means 4 days of travel for a week’s vacation.
So, then we were like: Wait. Why were we not considering flying?
I guess because of Covid, but honestly, I’ve seen no data to suggest that Covid is transmits more easily in planes and airports than it does at the grocery store. And we have a lot of American Airlines points banked up, so I was able to get most of our tickets covered. All that to say, when we decided on Cape Coral as our destination, we also decided to fly.
It will just be Paul, me, and the girls. D didn’t want to go from the beginning, and now that he’s just started a new job, that is probably for the best. I hate that he won’t be with us, but I guess he figures he’s seen enough of us over the past year. Plus, I’m sure he’s happy to have the house to himself…. I just hope it’s still standing when I return.
Oh, I jest. He’s a good kid, and it’s nice that we don’t need to pay a dog/house sitter while we’re gone.
As for the rest of us, the girls are super excited about the trip, and my niece is joining us, which will be fun. She goes to college in Florida, so she’s excited to be with family over her Easter break.
I’ve been waiting to get excited, since we don’t have the best luck with travel plans, and I know anything can happen these days with the Covid situation. But I’m starting to think this trip might actually work out. I certainly hope so!
Last night, I got online and did some internet research and found a church to attend next Sunday. I also made reservations for Easter brunch, and dinner reservations for one other night. I don’t want to plan the trip out too much, but I do want to have an idea of some places around and things to do.
Some of you gave me advice a while back, and I did save it, but if you have anything else to share, let me know! We like to eat out, especially at places that do local and artisan foods well. And we want to spend some time at the beach, but otherwise, we’re not looking to do any major excursions. I’m mainly hoping to relax and recharge and soak up some sun.
That’s about it for me! I hope you all have a blessed Sunday.
Vacationing in Florida sounds wonderful! I don’t blame you for deciding to fly. Four days is a lot of vacation days to give up out of a week. From what I’ve read regarding the ventilation in airplanes, flying seems reasonably safe. My husband and I finally got to visit with my father-in-law in person at his nursing home yesterday. As soon as we received the email that they were opening up in-person visits, we scheduled an appointment. His face when he saw us was priceless. We feel fortunate that he loves his caregivers, and they seem to hold him in equal regard, but it’s definitely been a hardship on the residents.
I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing time in Florida!
So glad you got to see him. What they’ve done to our seniors during this pandemic is criminal. I have stories I could tell…
Your vacation sounds like it will be a wonderful time! I hope you all enjoy some relaxing family time! 🙂
I LOVE going to restaurants by myself (most people seem to hate it!) I take along a book or my phone to read emails, etc. I chuckled when I saw your photo of the Nordstrom’s Cafe, I have sat at those tables many times with a coffee or Pomegranate Ice Tea and a pastry. Have a wonderful time in Florida! Very jealous, but I’m looking forward to seeing some photos from there! But I am happy to be celebrating Easter with my family here in New Jersey!!
We should meet there sometime!
Love your blog and always learn something new from you. I have a question……are animal print shoes and sneakers still a thing or on the way out? I don’t seem to see them anywhere anymore.
Enjoy every second of your trip!
I love how you spent your day. Always nice to have some downtime and I wouldn’t have left the mall either, with everything going on these days ( mall shootings etc) it’s definitely a different world from when we grew up. I remember at that age, my best friend and I would take the city bus to go shopping on Saturday’s and never thought twice of any of the issues we have today.
Yeah, not that I could do much if she got caught in a bad situation, but I at least I’d be close by. I’m probably overly cautious — I always feel safe at the mall, at least during the day. But I just like to be nearby.
Your alone time yesterday sounds like just what the doctor ordered! I don’t blame you one bit for not leaving the mall while Becca and her friends were there. Unfortunately, you cannot be too careful these days. That cookie looks fabulous. While I know that you would love to have David in FL with the family, him staying behind does have its positives. Because FL does seem to keep having too many positive cases and increased numbers with a few of the variants, I pray that your family stays safe. It will be so nice spending some time with your niece, as well. I hope that you have already started putting some outfits together, that you want to take, and that you do t have to do carry on! Have a very blessed Palm Sunday!
Have a great trip! I’ve flown 4x fall 2020 to now for work and have been fine. It is not all doom and gloom out there.
Good Morning JoLynne, I enjoyed your alone time story; many of us who have been cooped up with family need some time to ourselves. My heart goes out to those who have been alone during this COVID time. But I do see a rainbow starting to form.
Let us know how you like Cape Coral. My husband and I finally decided we’re done with the cold winters up here in Massachusetts. Every year it seems to take longer to shed our coats. My husband is retired and I can work remote until I retire. Anyways, we are planning to move to Florida and plan to check Cape Coral and ft Myers area out. It will be interesting to see if you like Cape Coral even if only as a vacationer. Enjoy your vacation!
Bernadine
Bernadine, we are looking to do the same thing! Twenty-five years ago we moved from the northeast to North Carolina and now we’re hoping to make the leap to the St Petersburg area. Going down for the month of April to get a better feel for the area and what housing is available. Prices have really gone up this year with all the digital nomads but it’s something we’ve always wanted to do. Good luck to the two of you! And have a great family vacation Jo-Lynne!
Jo-Lynne,
I also am an introvert who can get chatty. 😂
Your spring series was great! I have had trouble buying some clothes because things seem to sell so fast. I have taken your advice on ordering 2 sizes if not sure. I also started buying things when I see them and not waiting.
Have fun on your vacation and maybe check out The Bubble Room on Captiva Island! Blessings and safe travels!
That sounds cool, thank you!
Jo-Lynne, I don’t blame you one bit for wanting to hang around the mall while your daughter was there with her friends. These are definitely scary times. I’m glad that you listened to your instinct about shopping as you obviously needed some downtime. Have a wonderful time in Florida!
I am envious of Bonefish Grill. There are none here. They are in North Carolina – yippee!
I wouldn’t worry about flying. I flew in late July last year, and I felt completely safe. I took a small spray bottle of alcohol and some wipes, but JetBlue provided some. They had a policy of not having anyone sit next to anyone not in their party, so I had a window seat, no one next to me, no one in the aisle seat across from me. Everyone was in masks. As soon as I arrived at our daughter’s house, I took a shower, washed my hair, and put all my clothes (and sneakers) in the washer. I was extra careful since our grandson was only two months old.
When my husband flew to NC twice (day trips) in the fall (to decide on our building lot), he felt safe. When he returned, took a shower and all clothes into the washer.
So glad you are able to get away. Enjoy!
You’re a good mama!! You allowed Becca to enjoy her friends but you were available if needed. Not a thing wrong with that!
I for one have been waiting for your vacation! Knowing how much we love Florida and our 2nd home there, I will be living vicariously through your trip and enjoying your posts and photos 🌴☀️🏖
Safe travels , relax, and enjoy…
I have been spending the winter in Cape Coral, so have a few recommendations for you. I’m not sure what others have suggested so please forgive me if some of these are repeats. RumRunners at Cape Harbour has decent food and is a fun place to sit outside and watch boats go through the lock. Love the mahi mahi tacos at Boathouse Tiki Bar, very casual, beach atmosphere with live music everyday. Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel is our favorite, much quieter than Fort Myers Beach which has lots of bars and restaurants. Matlacha has a lot of interesting, funky art boutiques if you’re into that. Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda also has touristy shops and a variety of restaurants. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
It’s good to get some repeat recommendations – that way I know for sure they’re good! I’ve had a few suggest RumRunners, so I guess we better get that on our agenda. 🙂 I’ll definitely checkout Lighthouse Beach as well. We prefer quiet. 🙂
I’m much older than you but very similar personalities. I’m A people person but I do love alone time too. I can see me doing what you did. I’m excited for your vacation and pictures.
We lived in Cape Coral for 6 years and Ft. Myers for 4. Sanibel/Captiva is a must visit! Seafood is good everywhere; we loved Iguana Mia for Mexican food.
Thanks, Teresa!
Sounds like you had a couple of hours just to yourself which you totally deserve. Glad you enjoyed it. A note on your trip to Florida – my daughter just flew to Montana to go skiing and she took a uv light sanitizer wand on the airplane. It was quicker and easier than wiping everything. The trip was totally out of her comfort zone, but her hubby was pushing the issue. They had an awesome time but they took precautions. So, if you don’t have a sanitizer wand you can get them from Amazon and they come in different sizes and prices. You’re going to have a fabulous time!
Have fun in FL! We were afraid foe flying too, but felt safe OncE we were there. Delta still keeps middle seats open and limits capacity overall. Dont know about ameRicAn but hope it works well foR you!
I recharge with alone time too. I’m glad you had a nice time ALONE! Enjoy your trip. I hope everything goes flawlessly. 😎
Enjoy your trip to Florida Jo-Lynne! Beach sounds wonderful! 🏖👙☀️
Thanks, Robin!
Well yay for American and flying!!
Shoutout to my company and encouragement that this
has probably been the cleanest our planes have ever been lol!,
Also many of us have gotten the vaccine and are so glad the flying
public is back!
Have a wonderful relaxing vacay!,, would love to hv your family
on my flight…but guessing your flying out of Philly.
Looking forward to hearing about the trip and thanks for all the
Spring fashions tips over the last month:)
Yes, we always fly American. We have an American credit card for the points. 🙂 They’ve been very good to me over the years. Looking forward to it! And how cool would it be to have you on one of our flights. We have to connect through Charlotte (waited too long to get tix, stupid, there was a direct flight to Ft Meyers from Philly. Oh well…)
We are also going to Cape Coral for vacation. Our trip is in May and we’ve had flight trouble but my fingers are crossed that things will fall into place. I’m excited to hear about your trip – especially the food! I love to eat out too & I’m looking forward to that!
I, for one, am excited for your Florida trip and living vicariously through you! 🙂 Yay!!
The Can-USA border remains closed so looking forward to your pics. You will love the time away. A change is as good as a rest. I love the coffee and snacks at Nordstrom’s cafe too. Glad you got some alone time. As much as I love my family and husband, we all need time alone to re-charge. Have a blessed Sunday!
Love your coffee talks! Your trip sounds like a nice getaway that some of us are still dreaming of.. my daughter sent us a pic of one of our family trips to Florida 4 years ago! It was one of our favorites .. we’ve made so many memories there! We do have a family summer cottage getaway planned. Traveling too far right now just isn’t doable with all the restrictions and self isolation (14 days ) that’s required upon return! Hope you have a great time!
Congratulations on your time alone! I’m an extroverted introvert as well so I understand the value of alone time to recharge. My husband and I were in Cape Coral for 6 weeks earlier this year and we loved it there. Some of our favorite restaurants were Iguana Mia Mexican Restaurant, The Lobster Lady Restaurant and Fish Market, as well as Ford’s (they have amazing burgers!). Fort Meyers Beach was our favorite beach. Have a fun and safe trip!
You will love the Cape Coral area – typical Florida West coast place. I assume you are flying into Tampa. Here is a little tidbit – you can fly into Ft. Lauderdale, and drive across Alligator Alley for the same time and miles it takes to fly into Tampa and drive down to Cape Coral. We have done both and the drive from FLL is actually much less hectic. Looking forward to seeing your vacay clothes and how you love your week away.
We just returned from Marco Island, FL last night (just south of Fort Myers). Flying felt very safe and clean on Delta and they still keep middle seats vacant. People on the plane, in the airports, and in Florida were very good about mask wearing. We always ate outside and enjoyed the beaches and sun! Have a wonderful trip!
I just love reading the comments but when I click on the comment sign at the top of the post, it doesn’t show them. Am I doing something wrong??
Yay! I am glad you are getting a vacay! We’ve been to Cape Coral a few times. Check out Rum Runners for casual outdoor dining. I’m sure you’ll venture over to Sanibel, a beautiful island with many great eating options and fun shopping. We loved the beach with the lighthouse ( I’m not sure of the exact name) We rented a boat for a boating day as well. We will be down in Marco Island for our spring break! Super excited! Enjoy your vacation!
I’ve never been to Florida…..looking forward to hearing more about it through your vacation. ☀️🌊 I’m sure you can’t wait to get away for a break from the routine. 😊 I know I’m itching to go somewhere!
Just getting to read your Coffee Talk today…Monday. I’m so happy for you as you anticipate your Florida vacation. I’m sure you’ll have a great time and have lots of time to relax. That is neat your niece will have family around for her break. I think college kids want family during those times. At least mine did. Be sure to keep us updated on your trip. I would love to hear about it. Looking forward to what you style for us. We have very fickle weather this time of year…… I think we have similar Springs to you(NWOregon). I struggle with putting Spring outfits together because of the shoes. They don’t look right with booties and its too cool or rainy for sandals. Have a great day.