BUTTERFLIES AND BOUTIQUES

I had a well-needed trip to Hershey, PA with my girl gang. My friend, her friend...well now she's my friend too. Let's start over. My two friends and I had the best girl's day ever this past-past Saturday, February 6th.

We headed to the Hershey Gardens Indoor Butterfly Atrium and were planning on stomping around downtown Hershey after. On the way, we decided to get lunch before galavanting. We ate at The Chocolate Avenue Grill. I ordered "Jess's Favorite Salad in the Whole World," and amazing is an understatement. Here's the description: mixed greens, fresh strawberries, slivered almonds, coconut chicken, and shredded coconut with poppyseed dressing. Since I had this salad, I've made a "lesser" version, without the chicken, at home (I'm getting hungry talking about it). 

INGREDIENTS

• Bright Farms Spring Crunch
• Matchstick Carrots (not in salad description, but were in the actual salad and add a nice crunch)
• Strawberries
• Nature's Promise Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
• Taste of Inspirations Traditional Poppyseed Dressing

After our delish lunch, we passed two boutiques next to The Chocolate Avenue Grill. We decided to stop in, because we were planning on checking them out anyway. Plus, our tickets for the Butterfly Atrium weren't for any specific time and who can resist a boutique.

The first boutique we checked out was Knock Knock Boutique. This place is so cute! They have everything from jewelry to Schitt's Creek greeting cards (a personal fave). I love mixing and matching bracelets, especially in the summer. Knock Knock had so many bracelets (and other jewelry, of course) that I could definitely get busy picking out my faves. Also, I am a serial hand lotion user. I am obsessed with little, purse-sized hand lotions. When I found Lollia's In Love, petite hand cream, I could not resist. It is tiny enough to fit in my pocket and a little goes a LONG way. My hands are immediately moisturized after using it. I could go on, and on, about hand lotion. The owner was the sweetest and told us to check our out her other boutique next door, Bella Sera (side note: my friend told her about my blog — gotta love the free advertising). Bella Sera is equally as adorable, but focuses more on clothing. It's perfect, create an outfit at Bella Sera and accessorize at Knock Knock! I definitely will go back and have my dream, Confessions of a Shopaholic, shopping trip. But if I don't find myself in Hershey anytime soon, I can shop both Knock Knock and Bella Sera online. Dreams do come true!

SHOP KNOCK KNOCK: https://shopknockknock.com/

SHOP BELLA SERA: https://shopbellasera.com/

We then headed to Hershey Gardens. After you get over the fact that it's 84°F inside the Butterfly Atrium, you realize how amazing it is to have three hundred butterflies flying around you. And it only costs ten dollars!

I seriously had the best time ever. The butterflies and boutiques just were a nice addition to some amazing friends. This past October, I had a pretty bad falling out with a friend. This friendship lasted thirteen years. Looking back, I see the red flags. I believe that friendships can be between people who differ. But if you feel as if you are sacrificing your own interests or feelings due to those differences, it isn't a true friendship. A true friend will respect those differences. Our friendship lasted till we started to differ. I began to feel the need to give in or "agree" — practically walk on eggshells more than not. When I addressed my concerns within the friendship, it was not well-received. I now know she had plenty qualms with me and did NOT hold back in letting me know. I've listened to Bad Blood by Taylor Swift enough, and truly wish her the best. But I was really hurt and those comments have made me kinda insecure, especially in friendships. Little did I know God was working, and would provide for me in time. 

I needed that time to mourn over the loss of a friendship. I needed that time to focus on Christ and learn to trust Him in all areas — even friendships. I am so blessed to have my girl gang! They are the absolute sweetest, and everyone knows the best things come when you least expect.

K THANKS BYE,

This was so fun to write about! I love finding new places to shop, eat, or even just see (and gushing about how much I love my girl gang). I'll definitely be on the lookout for some other things to do and places to go with my girl gang. Who knows, I might add "travel" to my blog description. And seriously, check out Knock Knock and Bella Sera! We love supporting local/small businesses — especially woman-owned businesses!

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