Hubs and I sneaked down to south Florida a few weeks ago for some much needed couple time and warmth. We had not taken a “just the two of us” trip in years and I really believe that they are good for a marriage. Or at least our marriage. However, overnight childcare is not something we come by very frequently, so these trips don’t happen too often. We need to make it more of a priority. South Carolina has been experiencing one of the dreariest winters in history and I was craving sunshine something fierce. We knew we needed a quick destination since we only had about 48 hours to spare. My research on “warmest places in US in winter” led me to Naples and it definitely did not disappoint.
I have been Naples before, but not in ages, and certainly not like this. We splurged and stayed at the Ritz Carlton beach resort, which was wonderful. The weather was sunny and 70 something, which was super comfortable.
I read two entire books and started a third, which was heavenly. Class Mom by Laurie Gelman is the first book I cracked on the trip and I loved it. It’s actually my book club’s February selection and I cannot wait to discuss it with my friends. Any of you PTA moms out there will find this tale very amusing, I’m certain. The sequel will be released this summer and I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading it poolside come July.
The second novel I devoured is Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. I have not read any other books by Paris, but I think I want to. Behind Closed Doors was such a suspenseful, if not dark, read. I couldn’t put it down.
The third book I started is Come Find Me by Megan Miranda. Megan Miranda is the same brilliant author who wrote All the Missing Girls, which is one of my most favorite books ever. I chose Come Find Me in hopes of being sucked into a story the way I was with All the Missing Girls. So far, so good. I’m definitely eager to see how this on ends.
This is how I spent our two mornings in Naples. Can’t beat that with a stick! I love the Nespresso machines so many hotels have in the rooms. It makes delicious coffee. Of course, anything tastes amazing when this is how you savor it. Sleeping in and taking my time in the morning was probably my favorite thing about this vacation. 
An Italian restaurant, Campiello, came highly recommended by some friends and also the staff at the Ritz, so we dined there one evening. I’m amazed we were able to get a reservation, as this place was a scene! The people watching was as much fun as the food. Downtown Naples is super cute and seriously swanky. 
Naples is home to the most amazing sunsets. I guess because of its location on the Gulf side of Florida. The Ritz makes it a big deal and posts the time of sunset outside the beach bar every day. They play great beach music and ring a big bell and everyone cheers. It’s a lot of fun.
This is how I spent our last afternoon in paradise….and now I’m home dealing with freezing rain. Ugh! 
Hurry up, spring!
