I don’t do shopping solo—my friends are always with me. There’s something about the energy we share as we wander through stores together. We each have our own preferences, but somehow we always end up with a pile of clothes that surprises even us. We try things on just to see how ridiculous we can look, laughing uncontrollably at outfits we’d never wear, but always with an undercurrent of camaraderie. It’s not just about finding new clothes—it’s about making memories, feeling carefree, and sharing the joy of the moment.

Once the shopping bags are packed and the exhaustion from all the walking starts to settle in, we head to a nearby cafe to unwind. It’s our little ritual, where we can sit back, sip on coffee or wine, and let the conversations flow endlessly. We catch up on everything—our personal lives, our dreams, the things that make us laugh until we almost cry. It’s a space where time seems to slow down, and the outside world fades away. It’s just us, in the here and now, connected by more than just our shopping haul.

And sometimes, if time allows, and my husband isn’t checking in on me too often, we indulge in a spontaneous escape. There’s a certain thrill in sneaking away, just the three of us, to a hotel where we can have a moment to ourselves. No plans, no agenda—just the freedom to enjoy each other’s company away from the usual responsibilities. It’s not about anything extravagant, but the simplicity of just being in a new place, sharing laughs, and enjoying a bit of excitement.

By the time we leave, we’ve had our fun, filled up on laughter and stories, and found the kind of joy that only comes from unplanned moments. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about the big events or the plans we make—it’s about the little escapes that make us feel alive. And those are the moments I cherish the most.