as you probably know by now, i spent the last week in florida with my mom. she and i were both desperate for a little Vitamin D and some R&R. we (along with many of you) have been suffering through one of the worst winter seasons so we were more than excited to enjoy sun and 80 degrees. some of you commented on instagram or twitter asking where we were (i try to maintain some sense of privacy/security, so i wanted to wait until i returned to spill the beans). we stayed at the Hilton on Marco Island and had a wonderful experience. for years, we set up camp at the Marriott just up the beach but they were booked this year, so the Hilton it was!
neither of us knew what to expect because it was our first time at the hotel, but we were more than impressed with our stay. the rooms were spacious and clean, the piña coladas were delicious, and the spa was downright perfection. we both got massages and enjoyed the private ‘relaxation cabana’ with a jacuzzi and lounge chairs. it was so glorious, we paid a small fee to use the facilities for two other days, without getting any treatments. (i’m realizing that this is starting to sound like an ad for Hilton, but it’s not!) if you’re planning a trip to Marco Island or looking for somewhere to go, we would both highly recommend staying there.
we enjoyed shopping at the outlet mall, walking the beach, a few meals at Joey’s (if you’re in the area, they have the best caprese salad and garlic knots around…out of this world!), and getting some sun, too. it’s nice to have a little color to my skin after the long winter. it was a wonderful vacation and we’re both looking forward to going back next year with my sister.
it turns out, the vacation doesn’t end there! my sister and cuter-than-ever nephew are heading home today for a few days! i’m so excited to see both of them equally (but slightly more excited to see David. shhh!). i’ll be spending a few days in the burbs with them.
it is at this point that i realize just how incredibly thankful i am to have such a flexible schedule. being that i work for myself (i have a handmade jewelry business and this blog), i can take a week to travel or work remotely. i do a lot of planning ahead (in fact, i’m writing this post on my flight back to Chicago from Florida) so that i can actually relax during times like that. truthfully, i miss working when i take a few days off. i’m always re-energized and inspired and look forward to getting back to a routine and working. i pray that i never take this time in my life for granted.
be sure to check back tomorrow for a fun Stella & Dot giveaway!
It has been a long winter! Good for you taking a vacay to enjoy the sun!
http://growingpainsbykellydavis.blogspot.com/
Sounds fun! I was curious about your work schedule, though – are you no longer working for the design gallery (I think that's what it was) that you shared a few months ago?
My family owns a home in Marco Island and we've been going there for years! Truly a beautiful place 🙂 Have you ever eaten at the restaurant, Snook Inn? It's right on the water and great food!