I can’t believe it’s the end of July. I know I say this every year, but where did summer go!? While we’re past the middle point it’s also safe to say that we have a few good weeks left.

Now is the time to really get in all those dreamy summer activities, like afternoon pool hopping and lazy morning book reading sessions. Summer is my favorite time for doing nothing. It’s really the only time of year I feel like I can completely let go and just be. 

The funny thing about all this relaxing is that you really do have to plan it out. If I don’t plan time to relax and just chill, the hard working go-getter in me will never take a beak, so I plan my lazy summer days.

 

Memorial day was this past weekend and you know what that means…summer is here!

May is like the Friday of months...stay with me here. You know summer is close and you can’t help but get excited. This is the month that I start planning all my fun vacations and trips.

Some of you might even feel like it’s too late, but I promise you it’s not. Some of the best trips I’ve taken came together in May. It’s almost like a fun game, if you’re up to the challenge. The trick at this point to is nail down a few key points.

You need to know what type of trip you want to take but be open to the way the trips happens. An example of this is if you’re wanting a beach vacation. Pinpoint what general area, like let’s say the Caribbean, but let exact locations be open to chance. This way when you are searching you can find amazing deals and locations that you might not of thought of before. 

We get too attached to the exact type of vacations we think we have to take, and I get it. We only get so much vacation a year so we want it to be good but this type of planning has really always lead me to some of the best trips.

Most travel websites are built for this type of planning. The best deals happen when you aren’t tied to the exact dates and location. Again, I know this might not be for everyone, but if this idea gave you a little pep in your step go for it.

Here’s too lots of fun this summer, planned or not.

Till next week,

As the summer is winding down, I want to get the most out of it as possible and sometimes a quick little getaway is just the thing. Yes, week-long vacations in some far-away location is always welcome but sometimes it’s just a quick little road trip that’s all you need to refresh and reset for the Fall.

I have put together my three-favorite quick and easy trips for my Floridian friends. If you have a favorite I missed let me know. I’m always looking to add to my list. Florida is full of surprises and here are some of my favorites.

If it’s beaches you’re looking for…Naples!

The southwest side of Florida has a lot to offer that sometimes gets overlooked for the busier trendier southeast side. One of my favorite hotels to stay at is LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. There is plenty of things to keep everyone happy. A beautiful private beach, spa and an 18-hole golf course. One of my favorite local breakfast spots is Sunburst Café, they serve phenomenal coffee and even better sweets.

If it’s art and culture you’re looking for…Miami!

I know that most think loud and busy when they think of Miami but you really should be thinking art and culture. So much has been happening in Miami lately and if you are interested in a bold experience this is the town. First stop should be the Miami Design District which has been exploding lately with some of the world’s most luxurious brands and restaurants. Next up, hit the Perez Art Museum Miami, a contemporary modern art museum with awesome views of Biscayne Bay. You can end the day with some drinks at the museum’s waterfront bar, Verde.

If it’s family time you’re looking for…Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Looking to slow down with the kids and take a break from social media this is the place. There isn’t even a traffic light on these islands. You will need to take a boat ride to get to Sanibel but Captiva is accessible by bridge. Casa Ybel Resort has tons of fun activities for kids and a spa for moms. There is also lots of great spots for family photos like the Sanibel Lighthouse and the “Sanibel Stoop” known for its great shelling opportunities.

While it pains me to talk about the end of summer, I hope these quick weekend vacation ideas add a little (last minute) excitement to your summer.

Till Next Week,

I love the start of a new month, feels all fresh and full of possibilities but this month, feels extra special because it’s the beginning of the end of summer. It’s time to get all in those last glorious moments of summer in and really enjoy this moment, which i plan on doing.

My husband and I just got back from our yearly adventure in New Mexico, my happy place! I made a point to take a lot of really great pictures so you can come along with us. I really recommend visiting Santa Fe, it’s so full of natural inspiration. Here we go…

This amazing wall was one of the inspirations for my new Fine jewelry collections. All the organic shapes and fabulous river rocks go perfectly together. Each has been made beautifully over thousands of years with help from the rushing, free flowing water.

My husband and I love the west. There's something about the crisp air, the blue sky, all the earth tones, and the Native American spirit that's in the air.  The fabulous cuisine, artisan villages, and overall "Eco" respect of nature that most of the people seem to share really grounds both of us.  Also, here is a quintessential New Mexico, adobe home! 

In the summer you would think there wouldn’t be a lot of color due to the higher temperatures and the crisp air in the mornings, light afternoon showers and the cool evenings is the perfect combination creating beautiful wildflowers and amazing herbs.

This takes me back to my love of Indian and Mexican textiles. This is but a small sampling of the amazing rugs and pillows woven in this area by Native American tribes still today. It’s so amazing all the art that is being made around me.

 Every summer Santa Fe has an International folk art festival. Look at these adorable handmade wool felt booties! Here's to keeping the folk arts around the world alive and well.

That’s all I have to share for now, I hope you enjoyed that little peek into my favorite summer travels. Looking forward to a little rest and relaxing before the Fall rush starts.

Till Next Week,

Now that it's summer and all the snow birds are gone, I’ve really been enjoying the quieter side of Palm Beach all to myself. I realized I should share with you my perfect Palm Beach weekend.

Below you will find my favorite things to do in this town that has become my second home and so much more.

Friday

 Dinner (http://www.imotopalmbeach.com)

• Kicking off the weekend at my favorite Friday night spot, Imoto. The vibe is very New York meets Palm Beach and I love it. A mix of my favorite places.

Saturday

 Yoga (http://hauteyogapalmbeach.com)

•  I love to start the weekend off moving my body at Haute Yoga. The classes are always exactly what I need to get my mind in the mood for a relaxing yet productive weekend.

Breakfast/Brunch (http://www.islandbeepb.com)

•  Then I will stop by the Island Bee and grab a wheatgrass shot (because it’s so good for you, and quick!) and a green juice or smoothie. I usually go with whatever I am feeling that day.

Shopping (http://www.michellefarmer.com)

•  I love to stop by my friend Michelle Farmer’s boutique. She has amazing beachy resort wear and everything is so well edited and thoughtful. They make you feel like you are in their living room when you’re in the store.

Dinner (https://www.thebreakers.com/dining/echo/)

•  Echo is my number one dinner recommendation at all my friends who visit Palm Beach. I love sushi and they do beautiful artisan dishes, not your typical sushi place. It’s quite the experience and the atmosphere is insane. Definitely get the edamame to start, the sauce is so good, I can never get enough. They need to bottle that stuff!

Sunday

 Spa (https://www.thebreakers.com/activities/spa/)

• I love the breakers spa for a little me time on Sunday morning. I usually spend a little extra time there to just be with my thoughts and soak up all the peaceful silence.

Walk

• Strolling down Worth Avenue with a coffee and my husband is always a fun Sunday thing to do. I just love to look and see the beautiful architecture and trees. I am always amazed at how colorful Palm Beach is. Great Inspiration.

Early Dinner (https://www.pbcatch.com)

•  I love to eat an early dinner on Sunday and get home early and just enjoy my beautiful home. We love to eat really fresh and PB Catch is perfect for that. The Oyster selection is top notch and the staff is so knowledgeable. I feel like I learn something every time I leave there.

The Summer Solstice was this week and I don’t know about you but I’m a mix of excitement, (Summer is Here!) and anxiety (the year is half over, how did that happen?!).

I think it’s a perfect time to use both of these energies. Let’s get excited about the second half of the year. I know you have a list somewhere that you made way back in January that’s hidden in a file or on a desktop. Pull it out and now’s the time to remind yourself of those goals, dreams, ideas, etc.

Now that you have these reminders in front of you, you need some motivation.  I have pulled together some of my favorite up-lifting, butt-kicking quotes, words, images below. So take it all in and when you’re done, take some action! I am right here cheering you on.

 Til Next Week,

I’m getting so excited for the summer holidays, who’s with me!? Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are the epitome of summer fun. Nothing gets me more excited than to start thinking of and dreaming about travel plans, beautiful destinations and bathing suits.

As a lover of design and interior design, I love to see how people all across America are taking traditional themes and reusing them in modern ways.

Summers feel so patriotic with help from the good ol’ red, white and blue. This color theme sparks so much excitement and with Summer right around the corner I had to share some of my favorite images.

 Til next week,

Now that we’re all thinking about our summer travel plans the next logical thing to think about is what to pack. Vacation can be hard to pack for when you aren’t sure of where you’re going or what exactly you’ll be doing. The weather plays a factor too but one way I stay stylish is through my accessories.

Jewelry is so easy to pack and can completely change an outfit. I have put together some of my favorite combinations depending on where I’m going. My favorite vacation of late has been upstate New York. Dressing for the country has brought me so much joy and new creativity to my looks.

Check out my ideas for a few other favorite spots.

The Beach

The Country 

The Lake

Til Next Week,