Some days I just need to take a break from the routine and go out in search of beautiful things.
I don’t need to buy what I see. I can just look. {OK, well sometimes I need to buy.} I like to touch things, pick them up, smell them.
I just need to linger for awhile.
It is a ritual that somehow recharges me. It refuels my creativity and my energy.
My girls and I had one of those days together this Saturday! We had so much fun.
We set out that morning in search of beautiful things.
We had a delicious lunch, browsed through charming shops (smelling candles and touching everything we saw) and then ended our afternoon drinking foamy coffee and dreaming.
It was one of my favorite days ever!
I love those girls.
You can see my girls’ weekend posts here and here.
When was the last time you took a day or a weekend to recharge? How did you spend it?
You can find one of the beautiful shops we visited and took photos in (pictured above), Modern Mercantile, in Poulsbo Washington.
Chelsea and I just returned from four days in Williamsburg, Va. We went with my Mom and MIL. Chelsea and I did just as you described. We went to beautiful places and drank awesome coffee drinks. Then the Moms and I went to an art museum while Chelsea saw two of her favorite groups play a concert. Something for everyone!
That sounds like my kind of day, Becky!
Ok too funny….I did a double, then triple take on your blog. Then I realized I wasn’t loosing my mind, I follow Courtney’s blog too. Jack looked quite familiar on hers and those gorgeous pictures you have too. Well now that I see the connection I must say that sounds like a wonderful weekend you all spent, just a little jealous.
Ha!!! Small blogging world :-)
Oh, that would certainly recharge me too! Lunch, shopping, coffee, daughters…yes!
This week, we will be visiting my sister who lives about an hour away. I think we’ll try to squeeze in a few of those “recharging” elements along with our visit. Thanks for the inspiration! :-D
U know what! I do this very frequently, go to a shop and pick each and every item that I find beautiful and feel it……… its beautifully surprising to see there are many others who enjoy doing this.
Sounds like a perfect day. I’ve always loved the word linger. In our busy world that word (and action)is often overlooked.
Our kids were away on a retreat last weekend, so my hubby and I got to enjoy a lot of time by ourselves. On Saturday, we headed to Amish country, and enjoyed a great day. I can SO relate to what you said about beautiful things recharging you. We bought almost nothing – but got to SEE so much! Loved that time together!
My daughter is away on a community service project in Peru this week. So my hubby and I are enjoying a similar time at home together.
I know what you mean Melissa. I’m off this week and dying to get into ABC Carpet and Home here in New York, Anthropologie and a host of old and new shops. It’s so exhilarating and inspiring. It fuels my own creativity too. But I’ve worked so hard these past few months in our boutique flower shop, that I don’t even want to leave my house.
Hi Melissa, I loved your blog. Let me tell you that I also need to linger sometimes, I think is something we all need. Glad to know that you can share it with your girls!
i love those days! i agree you don’t always have to buy something just to wander around is enough. i like to do that at the bookstore too! have a great day! susan
Oh yes, I do love those “recharging” days. It’s so nice to just look and sometimes glean ideas. But mostly it’s just a refreshing of the mind. I think it might be time for one this week.
My weekend started off shopping for prom dresses with two of my grands…,then the rest of the weekend I spent with my hubby at a resort/spa!! Talk about bliss!!!!
Yours sounded fabulous
Hugs
SueAnn
This sounds like you had so much fun! I’ve just written an article that will be posted this week how shopping still is the best for inspiration and getting your creativity going. You really do need to be able to touch stuff! This weekend I was supposed to paint my daughters Bedroom, but instead we all came down with the stomach bug. No projects this week, I’ll just be resting and relaxing and taking care of my family. I also learned stay at home mommy’s don’t have sick days! Bummer! Lol
Melissa,
Shopping therapy always helps me unwind. I love nurseries as much as decorative accents so either one can usually do the trick.
Karen
From all the comments above – we all love those days. Fun to enjoy yours vicariously. Lingering days, restful days – yes – even without buying – sometimes even because of not buying – just enjoying – are the best retreat.
Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday. We did basically the same thing with good friends digging through a local antiques market – came home with a dresser, a pickle fork and a tomatoe jar (whatever that is).
…bet those sweet girls love their sweet mom too…blessings laney
What fun! It’s been awhile since I did that. Homeschooling has me kind of tied down right now. BUT! One of my freinds just turned 40 and we are taking her out shopping next week! Sounds so fun to get away for a day – even though I do feel kind of guilty taking off while my Mom schools my girls. OH well, I’ve decided I really need to do this!!
It wasn’t a full weekend or day, but I did get a nap after housecleaning on this past rainy Sunday afternoon. It was seriously great!
I like to do the same thing….to get the creative juices going. Thanks for sharing your happy places.
Have a wonderful day
Don’t we all! I love to window shop- not so easy with twin toddlers, though. I think that’s why I’ve replaced window shopping with staring at pictures of food.
So inspiring as ALWAYS! My daughter and I did the same thing yesterday. And your words are spot on….”recharges and refuels creativity and energy”. I haven’t REALLY blogged in AGES but every time I visit your blog I get so inspired especially when I read kindred posts such as this one. Before we left for our shopping escapade yesterday I even made a quick post on my FB: “those of you who really know me, know that I can go shopping without buying anything:) I go for the fun of shopping/spending time with whoever I’m shopping with and not for the fun of buying….”
Thanks again for the inspiration Melissa!
Aw, that makes me so happy. I’m so glad!!!
I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I had a “free” day, but I am going to have one next week with my husband. I am a Leap Year baby and this year, I get to celebrate, so we are going to the Mizzou basketball game and then going junking all the next day…I really hope we find some awesome finds, but will fill you in on the details after we get back! Glad you had so much fun with your girls.
Sounds perfect.
Fondly,
Glenda