Destination Cabo: Refresh, Restore, and Refocus
Happy February, everyone and welcome back to the blog! Today, I want to share where I have been with Destination Cabo: Refresh, Restore, and Refocus!
I know the blog was silent for only three days, however, I was in the gorgeous destination Cabo San Lucas for seven days.
Though you see a cruise ship behind me and Mr. B, we were not on a cruise but joining family for a wonderful trip in their time share.
Our resort was located in the bay where the cruise ships dock…I think we saw eight different ships including Disney.
A wonderful member of our blog community, Linda D, gave me the trip theme in a comment where she said to “refresh, restore, and revitalize.”
After some thought, I tweaked her comment a bit believing my trip allowed me to refresh, restore, and refocus.
Over the next few days, I will be sharing many specifics…but today, let’s begin with these results.
DESTINATION CABO: REFRESH
Destination Cabo was mainly for me to refresh…me!
The different challenges in my life from 2022 had encompassed me like a heavy blanket wrapping up an elderly woman who has given up on life. She just sits and stares.
I was headed in that direction and one point…though had not reached it yet.
I needed the refreshment to stand up…throw off the blanket…and return to vibrant me…the woman who previously found enjoyment in every stage of life.
Destination Cabo was the perfect place to refresh. Every day, a cool, dry refreshing breeze filled my senses and drew me to the beauty of the surroundings.
Mornings on our balcony listening to the gentle waves rise up on the beach and sitting in this breeze were healing and refreshing. Empowering.
It was as if the waves grabbed the past year and washed it all out to sea.
DESTINATION CABO: RESTORE
When I began to plan and look ahead to 2023, I also saw the need to face facts…the past year had weighed my emotions down and left me feeling…well…old and tired.
After the attack last spring, FEAR gripped me everywhere I went…even to the market and, yes, in my own neighborhood where it occurred.
Once we admit that we have certain issues, then we can go forward to allow restoration to begin the healing work.
Last week, much of the physical restoration happened in the resort spa.
This was the first time since the attack and since my illnesses that I had gone for massage…something I firmly believe in.
It is well documented that we all carry stress inside of our bodies and a good massage therapist can detect it immediately.
I actually went for two massages last week. The first therapist found stress in my neck, shoulders and feet.
That was a much, much needed 80 minute massage. She worked on huge knots that were painful, but had to go.
It was so revitalizing that I went for a second 50 minute massage before I left. Mr. B got three on the beach under umbrellas.
I immediately experienced new strength and energy after the massages, a facial, time in the saunas, and heated relaxing pools.
The spa recommended three products that I enjoyed and may continue to use at home, I could see the results, smell the aromas, and feel the refreshment:
The Colostrum Luminous Glow Cream
I firmly believe this trip, destination Cabo, restored better health for me and a resolve to keep myself healthy throughout the year ahead.
This was an active trip…a lot of walking, stair climbing, time in the lovely resort gym, and healthy eating…except for a dessert or two along the way.
Destination Cabo lived the healthy lifestyle I so want to live in my own city….and I am inspired more than ever to keep it going.
I felt like my body was yelling…YES, YES, YES!
DESTINATION CABO: REFOCUS
Destination Cabo fit right in with my 2023 Word of the Year…TODAY.
Each day brought new strength, new thoughts, new inspiration for the blog community and myself.
As Ann Margaret sang in Bye Bye Birdie...we’ve got a lot of living to do!
I read two books over seven days…and will share more about that later, as well as share more details of the trip.
Inspiration from observing women in our age groups, and pondering what I read, refocused so much of my thinking with the blog and I plan for you to see it reflected in the content.
Destination Cabo was the perfect place to refocus and consider new ways of looking at aging and this incredible time of life.
It is true what so many of you say and so many others ….taking time off and taking care of ourselves is vitally important….especially for those of us not completely retired yet.
Destination Cabo to refresh, restore and refocus has been revitalizing and I am beyond ready to go forward ….there’s a fun new future ahead.
Tomorrow (on Fashion Friday) I will take you shopping Cabo with me….I came home with a small amount that I am excited about.
In the top photo today with Mr. B, I am wearing a very old Eileen Fisher tunic as a swimwear cover up. My old swimsuit is black…time for a new one.
The tunic is very sheer and did a great job for this purpose on the trip.
I put my red Aetrex flip flops to the test and am here to say that they are great for a trip that includes much walking. I wore them more than anything else for destination Cabo.
You can find these on me in the first picture and here for more consideration:
Aetrex at Dillard’s…just type Aetrex Sandals into the search bar when you get to Dillard’s with my link.
Thank you so much for all of the encouraging and helpful comments in the past week…this audience continues to bless and amaze me with your compassion and knowledge.
Please leave any thoughts on my first destination Cabo post…and I hope to see you tomorrow….until then, join me as we…..
KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
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I came across your blog early last year on the Chico’s website and immediately bookmarked it. I especially love the dressing room try ons with Leigh Anne! I did notice a difference in your writing sometime after your fall illness and honestly, the blog wasn’t the same. Your heart just wasn’t in it. Well, the Cabo trip seems to be just what you needed! The old Pam is back, and I want you to know that the post today was so enjoyable. I am so happy you did this for yourself, as well as your readers. I look forward to having the old Pam back again!
Thanks for your comment, Michelle. I just felt really really bad during that illness and had extremely low energy. My heart has always been with the blog…that desire to be here for the audience never changed. It was just honestly a struggle with my health. But you are right that I am back feeling refreshed and energized. I love doing this!
LOVE that you had a restoration trip! I think everyone needs one from time to time. I am excited to read your blog. It has positive energy and makes me smile. I chose joy like you! Have a great rest of the week
Well, the pictures say it all! Especially the first one with Mr B. Look at you…happy, slim, and relaxed. I loved hearing about what has restored you: massage, sauna, reading, shopping, etc. So often we encourage others to take care of themselves without finding the time to take care of ourselves. I loved your comment on refocusing your thinking. You are allowing yourself to be pulled out of your fears and depression. Thank you for sharing such personal thoughts. I couldn’t wait to hear what you were going to tell us this morning!
Thank you, Lucinda! Yes! To choosing joy every morning!
Thank you, Deborah! I find it difficult to blog and not share personal thoughts. We are all on this journey together! This audience has been amazing with their support!
I have missed you these few days since your blog is the first thing I read each morning. But I can so appreciate your need to reclaim that joy you seem to express daily. Your simile of feeling like an old woman wrapped in a heavy blanket is exactly how I sometimes feel about a few situations in my life…situations in which I have little or no power, but still deflate my happiness. I have only had two massages in my life, but sitting here with sore shoulders and a sore back would feel wonderful though perhaps a bit painful. However, I am going to yoga this morning so I’ll do some stretching on my own. Thank you for scenes of a beautiful place I doubt I will ever see in person. You have been in my thoughts daily as I was aware of the ice storm in your home state.
Welcome back! You look and sound so relaxed, and Cabo looks so pretty — especially when it’s going to be in sub-zero temps tomorrow. I could definitely use some of your exuberance but will have to live vicariously for now. Sunshine, healthy eating, and R&R really help. p.s. out with black swimsuits; I looked at a couple yesterday in catalogs and decided it’s time for a refresh.
Thank you Celia! I missed all of you! The ice was a surprise to return to and my daughter’s area of the state was hit hard! Throw off that heavy blanket with me and let’s enjoy our lives one day at a time!
I will be looking too Maeve. I found a gorgeous cream colored linen cover up in Cabo and want a vibrant suit to wear with it!
Pam, I am so happy for you!! This experience is just what you needed, and thank you for sharing it with us. Your joy shows in a BIG way.
Thank you, Marcia!
I’ve read your blog for a few years and truly enjoy it! Your smile in infectious! And I love following along! A friendship with you would be very easy! In your last blog post, you posted you were taking a few days to restore.
I pictured a “home retreat” scenario. Did I miss a post about Cabo? Looks like a truly wonderful trip but why not post you were going? It’s your blog Pam and you certainly can post exactly what you think is appropriate. I do read a few blogs and they always post about upcoming trips and it’s very fun! So happy you found your “mojo”. Life can be so very hard at times! Welcome home!
I never post about leaving town, Kelley. I do not like to throw up a red flag that my house is empty. But I love to share when I return! Thank you for being here.
Getting away from your normal routine is so important for us all! Cabo is a popular destination for us in SoCal and many of our friends go there; we’ve yet to explore it but it’s definitely on the go to list. I firmly believe in massage and I’m lucky to live in a community with a gym and spa that makes it so easy to get them. My favorite massage is given by the owner of my nail salon; when I get a pedicure once a month I pay extra for an additional 20 minutes so my feet can be massaged. As Henry works out the tension and tightness in the balls of my feet I can actually feel the weight and worries escape. They say people carry their tension in different parts of their bodies and mine definitely settles in my feet! Looking forward to your finds from Cabo! Welcome back!
Lucky you missing the big Arctic freeze at home. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and took care of yourself. Sometimes life gives us lemons and there is no shame for doing the best you could during your illness. Those who haven’t been in your shoes will someday be in your shoes. You inspired me today and I’m a new reader. You are appreciated. Thank you!
I was surprised when she said I carried tension in my feet…but it’s good to know. Thanks for sharing, Linda! Glad you have Henry!
Thank you, Babs! What a sweet comment! We got back in time for part of the big freeze. The sun is suppose to peek out later today!
We likely passed each other in the Pacific, as I’m now on the (very) tail end of my cruise from San Diego to Ft Lauderdale through the Panama Canal (and past Cabo). What a great trip this has been; I highly recommend it. We stopped at a port called Hualtco on the Baja California that was jaw-dropping gorgeous, and got to swim on a deserted beach. Despite being a true homebody, I find travel very refreshing and always try to participate fully in what is on offer. You have had a very tough year, and I’m so happy you found a way to break that cycle. We’ve all been there! I can’t wait for your thoughts and pictures.
I’m so glad you got time to refresh, Pam. The 1st photo with you and Mr. B is just darling. Take care and stay healthy!
We saw so many different cruise ships. Perhaps we did pass each other! Glad your trip was fun!
Thanks Kimberly!
What a personal and helpful post this was. Thank you for sharing your experiences and encouraging us to also pay attention to our needs to refresh and restore. This is a good reminder.
Oh, hurray! I am so glad you had this trip, and I know exactly where you stayed by the pirate ship casual dining over the bridge at the end of the pool. We have enjoyed our time shares (Pueblo Bonito, the old pink one, and Grand Solmar, around from Lover’s Beach) as well as various other resorts (including where you were) and small boutique hotels out in San José. I wish I had known, as would have made several dining recommendations, but I’m sure wherever you ate it was charming and delicious. Our favorite activity is to rent wave runners and dash around in the beautiful bay. My good friend and I are taking a spring break visit to Mazatlan in about 7 weeks and 2 days . . .Ha! . . but who’s counting! 😆 I know I probably sound like an old record about Lands End, but really their swimwear is exceptional so you might look there. I love tanking for their ease and versatility, but their Grecian one-piece design is a very flattering one piece you might like. L.E. has dozens of colorful choices! So happy you are back and feeling refreshed. 🤗
You are welcome!
Beautiful post, Pam! And the pictures are lovely – you look so relaxed and refreshed! I look forward to hearing more about your trip and to seeing the direction you take your posts. I really missed your blog the few days, but we all deserve time off now and then. Welcome back!
Duh, TANKINIS! Sometimes spellcheck doesn’t understand fashion. 😉
I will be shopping Lands End today! I did a little research and there are colorful historical stories about Cabo and pirates! You future trip sounds wonderful!
I knew exactly what you meant!
You look and sound refreshed and renewed! I recognize the resort – we have a time share there too. I often play a video I took of the Cabo beach and the sound of the waves transports me – its elemental regularity relaxes and calms me. I also appreciate the kind, hard-working employees there who care for us. Perhaps you can consider a regular massage back home to help care for your well-being? While there are young people enjoying Cabo, there are many over 50-60-70 year-olds as well. Everyone freely gravitates to the water, whether beach or pool, no matter how many extra pounds or wrinkles! I love it! But I still want to look as good as possible. I look forward to your Cabo fashion observations and tips. Your post reminds me, and I can’t help but think of Harry James singing “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”
Thank you, Glenda! I missed all of you and while I was relaxing, I still thought about the blog and all of you. It’s a part of me!
The workers are amazing, Louine. So diligent and kind. I have been a regular massage participant at home, but did not get one after May of last year. I should have! This was a reminder to return to it here. Love your song lyric choice!
Pam, I am so happy for you. I can’t imagine experiencing what you were going through and still putting on a happy face to do your blog. I too have had an extremely difficult year and can so relate to the image of an old woman wrapped in a blanket. But you have inspired me. I am going to throw off that blanket and use your suggestion of caring for me (as I would for someone else in need).
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
Hi Marian, I wish we could all gather on a beach together…build a huge bonfire and toss those blankets in to burn forever! Since we can only do that virtually, just know, you are not alone! Here’s to new beginnings free of cumbersome heavy “blankets” weighing us down! Now, let’s have some fun.
Thank you for replying Pam! Completely understand. Truly enjoy your blog.
Loved your post this morning, Pamela! I’m so glad that you’re feeling better. Your energy just jumps off of the page! I’m reminded of an anonymous quote, “It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are old.” You are an inspiration.
Thank you so much for being here, Niki!
It looks like you had a wonderful trip!! I enjoyed seeing the photos.
So glad you enjoyed them Deb… more to come!
I’m so glad you got that feeling that I get when I spend time next to the sea………or on it….it has a magic for me, always has. And your post is very timely for me, I’ve been wallowing in anxiety lately and need to shake it the heck off….I will check out the aetrex sandals, south Florida is ALL about comfy flippies.
Let’s all shake it off together, Sheryl! I was super impressed with how much walking I could do in the Aetrex sandals!
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing…I think I need a trip like this. What is the name of the time share you stayed at? I can totally relate to how you were feeling last year. I think my husband and myself need a trip just like this. Thank you for all your inspiration.
I see pure joy in your face, today! You look happy and gorgeous! What lovely photos.
I highly recommend a trip to refresh, Diane. There is a group called The Villas with condos in Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. We have been to the first two cities and loved the stay. It was made possible by Mr. B’s sister and her husband. In Cabo we’re at Villas de Arc.
Thank you, Kathy! It was a joyful time!
Glad you are better ….love your writing — a minor injury set me back on walking…this is encouraging and here’s to 2023!
Take care of yourself and do not try to go back full speed. I have returned to the gym at a much slower speed than I was there before the pandemic. I have to make sure that I do not allow that to discourage me, but focus on the fact that I am back.
You can do it, Catherine…just don’t try to push it too quickly! Yes…here’s to 2023.
I am so glad you had this opportunity to get away & refresh, renew & refocus yourself. Life did indeed throw you many curve balls last year, & you deserved some time to recover. We women are especially prone to caring for others but not ourselves. Welcome back, & I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip.
Thanks Becky! So glad you are here!
What a beautiful location! I’m so glad it was refreshing for you. I saw a quote this morning that I think fits perfectly with your topic today… “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it’s self-preservation.” (Audre Lorde)
Pamela, I’m so happy for you, and I’m glad you’re back! Happy days are ahead. Thank you for all you do. I missed you!
Good for you – glad you are feeling more like yourself! Just booked a hot stone massage and am going to try and make it a habit. Goodbye stress and worry!
I agree! It is self preservation and makes a huge difference in our enjoyment of life.
So sweet, Tamara! I really missed all of you too!
So proud of you, Ann! I need to keep it going too. I have never had the one with hot stones…just may do that in a couple of weeks! Thanks for the idea!
Welcome back Pam! You look and sound so happy and strong- ready for life ! And the resort is gorgeous. What a wonderful place to refresh! Like others I’ve missed you and your daily inspiration. So glad you’re feeling better too. .
Thank you, Paulette! Excited to be back!
How wonderful ! You look refreshed . Youve inspired me to book a massage more often .. since covid hit everywhere ( (having to isolate , as i live with immune compromised cll and also had gall bladder op , recently) ive felt more down and am trying to refresh and restore too . Lost all my covid stay home weight gain and am walking more .. getting out with masks on , …..😷but getting massages and back to in person yoga or even alone is a goal . I can not risk getting covid , so ive had to give up a lot .. your happy smile inspires me to be restored !
I am very happy that you took the time to prioritise some time away from home and your usual activities.You sound refreshed and cleansed and it looks like your trip was just what you needed to move on from 2022.
I always say that if you don’t look after yourself no-one else will and I have regular facials, massages and manicures.Here in Melbourne,Australia, we missed so many activities during the pandemic lockdowns and I really value and appreciate my pampering treats.
Keep smiling and I look forward to reading your blog each day.
Best wishes.