Yesterday, my mom and I took the ultimate girls day by going out for lunch and massages in Hilton Head Island. She had some groupons and decided to take matters into her own hands after I have refused to leave the couch for the past three days.
“It’s too coooooold,” I whined, one hand attached to my kindle and the other to a buffalo chicken wonton.
“Jennifer, you can’t stay in the house any longer. You’ll get a vitamin D deficiency!”Mom said, clearly exasperated.
I tried to explain that I was from Northern California and wasn’t used to seeing sunlight.
Then, she brought out the big guns.
“Well then, I guess I’ll have to find someone else to get a massage and lunch with. Enjoy the couch!”
And just like that, I hopped up, raced upstairs and traded my plaid pajamas for a new pair of black stretchy pants and hooded sweatshirt. I would brave the cold for massages and lunch, yes, the time had come!
We went to Bistro 17 on the island and I had the most delicious bowl of french onion soup with a salad. I had forgotten what it was like to order at a restaurant and was glad I had thought to put on my nicest pair of stretchy pants for the occasion.
The massage was wonderful, although my therapist told me it felt like I had ping pong balls all over my back. I tried to explain that that was normal since I hadn’t been to yoga in a month due to a bum right shoulder.
We got home around five o’clock and I promptly flounced back on the couch, anxious to finish the last few pages of my book.
Mom always wins…and I love that about her.
Maria
December 29, 2010 at 11:23 amWhat a fun day out! I could use a massage right now!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
December 29, 2010 at 11:24 amThey always know how to getcha 🙂
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food
December 29, 2010 at 11:24 amYour mom sounds great!
It must be so nice to spend the holidays in Hilton Head…it’s a beautiful place 🙂
Stacy @ Every Little Thing
December 29, 2010 at 11:25 amoh how I love to eat out. I just love the practice of it. It’s something that’s really difficult for me to balance with the rest of my eating.
Fun day 🙂 Makes me miss my mom! She’s only a couple states away though, so I’ll be seeing her soon.
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food
December 29, 2010 at 11:25 amYour mom sounds great!
It must be so nice to spend the holidays in Hilton Head, it’s beautiful there 🙂
Deanna (PRetty in Pittsburgh)
December 29, 2010 at 11:25 amI absolutely LOVE Hilton Head! I went there for the first time this summer and fell in love with it. So cute. If only it were August and I were on vacation again…
Lauren
December 29, 2010 at 11:27 amMy family has a place there! Looks like you all had a wonderful afternoon together! Where did you all go for your spa day? I’ve gone to FACES down in Wexford – fabulous! Enjoy!
Jeni @ stepping out
December 29, 2010 at 11:34 amI absolutely love Hilton Head! We just left there on Friday. So glad you get to enjoy it!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
December 29, 2010 at 11:35 amWow I’m soooo jealous. I really need a massage!
Becki @ Hike, Bike, Eat
December 29, 2010 at 11:41 amRough day! So sorry you had to go through that 🙂
kim
December 29, 2010 at 11:42 amI was recently in Savannah (when the snow came) and was just down the street from Back in the Day Bakery. Wanted to sneak in there for an early breakfast before I headed back to Raleigh. But, they are closed on Monday. So sad. Thought of you.
leslie
December 29, 2010 at 11:46 amgoing out into society is always a good idea. 🙂
anyway, i wanted to comment because i LOVE the book thief – it’s one of my top five favorite books of all time, and i think i read it in two days. are you loving it?
Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun!)
December 29, 2010 at 11:47 amI love how your writing has progressed. These story-time type posts are great! 🙂
caryn
December 29, 2010 at 11:03 pmagreed! 🙂
sarah
December 29, 2010 at 11:50 ami love hilton head…that is so cool that your parents live so close! i am not buying that you were cold…come to chicago…ugh. hope you are having a fun break!
Jamie @ A Healthy J.D.
December 29, 2010 at 11:57 amAhh, I loved The Book Thief! I purchased a copy in England when I was studying abroad and read it on my flight back to America. I couldn’t put it down! Hope you enjoyed it and glad to see I’m not the only one who needs to be bribed to put my Kindle down 🙂
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
December 29, 2010 at 11:57 amI used to live in NC (Wrightsville Beach) and then Myrtle Beach, SC for about 4+ years. We used to go down to Charleston and Hilton Head and it was great.
I love the pics you posted, the intercoastal waterway (I’m guessing) and love that you had a girls day and massages. THAT is what the holidays are great for…pampering yourself when they’re over 🙂 Or just in time for New Years 🙂
Camille
December 29, 2010 at 12:01 pmSunshine is overrated! I live in Oregon and the sun is out right now (10 minutes ago it was snowing and at 1:00 is is supposed to start thunder/lightning storming) and it is hurting my eyes. I just want my clouds back!
Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side
December 29, 2010 at 12:02 pmAhhh, just left South Carolina Sunday… I already miss it. Glad you’re enjoying!
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
December 29, 2010 at 12:05 pmi just got done with 10 days of basking in “mom and sister” time! It is indescribably wonderful! 🙂
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Heather (Heather's Dish)
December 29, 2010 at 12:06 pmhow fun! i love spending time with my mom…great food and a massage sounds like the perfect afternoon 🙂
alexa
December 29, 2010 at 12:11 pmAhhh! I live on HHI!!!! Can’t believe you came here! So glad yall had a nice day 🙂
Sounds perfect! Glad ur having a good visit!
jenna
December 29, 2010 at 12:15 pmaren’t moms the best? what a fun day! and your soup looks amazing!
RhodeyGirl
December 29, 2010 at 12:19 pmJealous of such a nice relaxing day!
Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
December 29, 2010 at 12:30 pmMoms are the best. I’d hop up off the couch for that day too!
Erin (Travel Eat Repeat)
December 29, 2010 at 12:30 pmAren’t you loving The Book Thief? I couldn’t put it down and promptly recommended it to everyone I know. So engrossing. Just finished Ape House by Sara Gruen and had a similar can’t-stop-reading reaction.
D
December 29, 2010 at 12:35 pmI am the mother of two daughters about your age and yes we are always right!
The Book Thief is one of my all time top ten books-and I have been an avid reader all my life. Not a cheery, feel good book but the message of the power of words to heal AND to destroy is so powerful.
I wept at the end…be prepared!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
December 29, 2010 at 12:40 pmmy mom just told me that she’s gonna take me out for a pedicure, which isnt quite a massage, but its just as fun. i always love a day out with mom, nothing grounds me better and makes me feel complete <3
Susan
December 29, 2010 at 12:48 pmI have a baker question for you, Jenna – when you use whole wheat flour, like in your newtons, do you use pastry flour or regular? Should I use one over the other in certain situations, especially if the recipe doesn’t say? Can’t wait to make those cookies!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
December 29, 2010 at 12:50 pmWhat gorgeous photos!! Looks like you ladies had a lovely afternoon. And if it were me, I’d be there at just the sheer mention of massages and lunch as well 🙂
kim
December 29, 2010 at 12:51 pmYou’re really lucky to have such a great relationship with your mom!!
And oh how I miss Hilton Head…
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
December 29, 2010 at 1:00 pmJealous of the massages! and French Onion Soup…to die for!
J-
December 29, 2010 at 1:04 pmI second the comment that you are lucky to be so close with your mom!
Massages and lunch out? Sun and beautiful scenery. Wow.
And I still don’t understand how you can say Calif. is cold and not sunny….I’ll trade you for Canada 🙂
Victoria
December 29, 2010 at 1:05 pmI LOVE THE BOOK THIEF.
That’s all.
Meredith @ An Epic Change
December 29, 2010 at 1:10 pmMy family is on vacation in the Outer Banks (NC) and my mom and I took a mother-daughter day for lunch and massages, too!! (And pedicures!) I’m glad you’re enjoying your time at home!
Fi
December 29, 2010 at 1:14 pmSounds like a perfect girls day out to me! A hood onion soup is hard to come by! I’m kinda craving it now ;/ x
Lo
December 29, 2010 at 1:15 pmyour mom sounds great. When I am home I never leave my couch, unless its for a free movie and dinner. Moms are wonderful at taking care of us, no matter what age we are!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
December 29, 2010 at 1:21 pmIf my mom wanted to buy me a massage, I would be out the door and tapping my toe within 30 seconds. Sounds like so much fun!
Shareece
December 29, 2010 at 1:30 pmHilton Head Island!! My face is beaming and my eyes totally lit up when I read that! I went there for my second ever official vacation in May last year and COMPLETELY fell in love with it. I want to live there, and am anxious to go back. Everything about it was perfect, and I’ve never felt more at peace or content than I did for the week I was there. Love it.
PS – I adore your blog mucho.
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama
December 29, 2010 at 1:33 pmI read The Book Thief a few years ago. Good read.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
December 29, 2010 at 1:42 pmFrench Onion soup at restaurants is the best. There is this place by me called Bistro 110 and it is the best soup I’ve had!
Kamaile
December 29, 2010 at 1:49 pmThe Book Thief is SO good and on my top 10 favorite books of all time.
Shannon
December 29, 2010 at 1:53 pmThe Book Thief is SOOOO FREAKIN GOOD!!!! Sorry about my over-enthusiasm, but I really love that book. Let us know what you think after you’re finished!
Amy K @ Healthy Peanut
December 29, 2010 at 2:05 pmI worked in Hilton Head for a summer and it is my favorite place ever! Definitely worth getting off the couch for 🙂
Brenna [fabuleuxdestin]
December 29, 2010 at 2:07 pmI just had a day with my mom; Whole Foods lunch and shopping at the mall! Glad you’re having fun Jenna.
Erin
December 29, 2010 at 2:10 pmOh, this is funny. My mom did the same thing to me yesterday. I had refused to venture outside for most of the week I’ve been home. She was quite exasperated as well. But she was right, of course!
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
December 29, 2010 at 2:54 pmThis day sounds perfect! I would like to have lunch then a massage too, please. Mum’s are sneaky like that, i love it 🙂
Heidi xo
Karen
December 29, 2010 at 3:29 pmThis story gave me a good chuckle and made me miss my mom… we share that the same sort of playfulness and I can easily slip into a faux dramatic child mode when I am with her. And yes, moms always know best.
Glad you are having so much fun with your family, Jenna.
Christine (The Raw Project)
December 29, 2010 at 3:35 pmCute post and sounds like a wonderful day. We are actually getting a little sunshine in Northern California today – I’m totally shocked. 🙂
taylor
December 29, 2010 at 3:42 pmmy husband & i got married in hilton head almost 4 yrs. ago!! love it there. montana is coooold right now…wish i was in HHI right now.
Sana
December 29, 2010 at 3:43 pmSad but true, I can see myself being a total shut-in! I love being warm and comfy at home 🙂
Lacey @ Lake Life
December 29, 2010 at 3:51 pmLol! Mom’s know just what to say to get our booties off the couch 🙂
Kelly
December 29, 2010 at 4:12 pmYou would have driven right past our house. Bummer. You could have stopped in for some cookies and a walk around the marsh … or just cookies. 🙂
Amber Starr
December 29, 2010 at 4:16 pmYour lunch looks amazing! I would absolutely love to have a day like that with my mom. I have a gift certificate to a spa burning a hole in my pocket…think I’ll have to go get a massage soon!
I want to read that book so badly!
jessica
December 29, 2010 at 4:17 pmYeah, how could you pass up a day like that with your mom- sounds wonderful! I just got to visit my family last week and absolutly LOVE having girl time with my mom and sister. They’re the greatest 🙂
Kristi
December 29, 2010 at 5:10 pmAwww… it sounds like you had a great day with your mom!!!
salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
December 29, 2010 at 5:29 pma massage sounds so nice right now!!! Sounds like a wonderful day!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
December 29, 2010 at 5:38 pmSo fun!! I could definitely use a massage right now. I’m planning one for this coming spring. 😀
Paige @ Running Around Normal
December 29, 2010 at 5:51 pmLOL – cute story 😀
Massage and lunch? Ummmm yes please!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
December 29, 2010 at 5:55 pmaww, that sounds like a mother after my own heart. I do love a good lunch and massage and nothing like spending time with the good ole ma!
R @ Learning As I Chop
December 29, 2010 at 6:29 pmLaziness is what being home is about
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
December 29, 2010 at 6:53 pmMassages are the best thing ever – I love going to get them. Moms rock!
Aimee
December 29, 2010 at 7:21 pmI just finished the Book Thief yesterday. I was so moved by the characters. It was so beautifully written. I just started reading The Help and I am so engrossed in it already. Enjoy your time at home.
Amber K
December 29, 2010 at 9:50 pmWhat a fun time!
AnneW
December 29, 2010 at 11:31 pmI loved The Book Thief! Read his other book I am the Messenger, it’s one of my favorites!
Also, book lover to book lover- read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. You will not be able to put it down. My Christmas Eve/Christmas Day were greatly consumed by this amazing book.
🙂
Natalia - a side of simple
December 30, 2010 at 7:43 amI want to adopt your mom.
jassy
December 30, 2010 at 10:32 amcheers to all our mothers! they are so cool, right? 🙂
Natalie
December 30, 2010 at 1:16 pmOoh I love Hilton Head! It’s absolutely gorgeous. My aunt has a summer home there – visiting is such a treat. 🙂
Ali
December 31, 2010 at 7:32 amI heard that book is really good! I recently read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and it was SO good. I had heard these books are similar in genre. Maybe worth reading next 🙂
kaila
December 31, 2010 at 8:59 ami absolutely love Hilton Head….its so pretty and picturesque! i have been there for vacation a few times and i love how bikeable and walkable it is! plus the beaches are so beautifully white and clean……..so nice!
Natalie
January 2, 2011 at 4:25 pmKnew exactly where you were the moment I saw the picture. Hilton Head Island is one of my very favorite places on earth!! Have you made it to Truffles?? I love having lunch there.
a winner and what i’m reading now — Eat, Live, Run
January 9, 2011 at 7:18 am[…] had so many responses when I mentioned I was reading this that I knew I had to put it on the blog! This was a great book…dark…but wonderful. It […]