DREAMING OF PALM TREES: Vacation

Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts

Romantic Italian Getaway

Earlier this summer, my lovely and super talented friend, Sarah went on the most amazing dream vacation to Italy. If the photos above don't make you just want to step away from your computer and go daydream out the window...

In Sarah's own words:

Walking for hours around Florence. Stayed in the most amazing apartment found on Airbnb. Siestas with the windows open and the sunlight streaming in. Beers on benches. Mini sandwiches and cappuccino for a snack. White wine for lunch. Ribollita and spaghetti vongole. Chianti with dinner. Always three courses. Parmesan in big chunks. Olives. Boar ragu. Vin Santo for dessert. Gelato on top of that. More walking. Train to Ocean, Ischia. Misty walks. Course sand. Seafood, mozzarella, pizza with arugula. More spaghetti vongole. More wine. More oceans. Please don't wake me. Arrivederci!

Dreamy sigh.

How about you, readers? Any other vacations coming up? ♥

One day...

Upon my return from a dreamy weekend escape to Cape Cod, I thought to myself how cool it would be to spend an entire summer somewhere remote where I can write all day and read a ton of classics I've promised myself I would read but, eh, don't (I'm a slow and thorough reader!)

Do you guys have any similar dreams, perhaps even taking up a hobby?

(photo via Pinterest)

Daydreaming a Beach Vacation

Okay, so maybe it's because I recently came back from a weekend jaunt to Miami or maybe it's because it's still 45 degrees here, but I am seriously craving some beach time. And although I am on a very small vacation budget, I couldn't help but spend the last hour or so searching for good vacation deals. I know Jetsetter and Voyage Prive are pretty good sites, but when I say small budget, I pretty much mean non-existent.

So then I stumbled upon this promotion from Malibu Rum (a fun summer fave) where they are hiring a Radio Maliboom Boom Correspondent. (Try saying that one a few times fast!) The selected individual gets a "salary" of $15k to travel the country hosting a concert tour. I don't think the bands have been announced yet, but the top three contestants get to go to Barbados for a second round interview. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

How about you guys? Do you ever enter any contests or promotions like this? I never have but I'm always tempted!

(Photos via The Sandpiper.)

Underwater Hotel

What a cool hotel idea. The underwater restaurant Ithaa, in the Maldives, decided to celebrate their 5th anniversary by temporarily converting their space into luxury hotel suites. Would you sleep here? :)

(Via Lace & Tea)

Sexy Swimwear

Do you, sweet peeps, have any upcoming winter travel plans? The hubs + I are hoping to get away for a few days in February just not sure where yet. But my new criteria may be anywhere where I could possibly wear something from this ooh la la collection . :)

(MIKOH Swimwear via Junebug Weddings)

Clear Canoe

Wow. Cool or scary? Hmm... maybe both!

(Via Pinterest)

Hip Hotel: UXUA Casa Hotel, Trancoso, Brazil

Since it is now officially fah-reezing here in NYC (hello, 20's!), I thought we'd put the hot chocolate down this morning, and take a little imaginary trip to hot and tropical Brazil. How gorgeous is this hotel in Trancoso? Aren't those canopy beds dreamy? Escape: UXUA Casa Hotel

The Gilt of Vacation Packages...

I'm usually a bit skeptical of "invitation-only" websites, but when I came across Voyage Prive recently, via a friend's Facebook post, I was willing to put my skepticism aside (pretty pictures work!). Voyage Prive is a website with flash sales of vacation packages. As of this post, they are posting some pretty good deals in case you wanna book a last-minute-summer's-almost-over trip (photos from top to bottom): 5-night deluxe package at The Corinthia Hotel in Malta $429.00; 2-night deluxe package at The Excelsior Hilton in Palmero $189.00; 7-day Mexican Rivera Cruise package $459.00; 14-days Viking cruise from Iceland to Greenland $4,109.00) Consider yourself invited: Voyage Prive

The Modern House

How cool are these homes featured on the UK-based real estate website, The Modern House? Started by two architecture journalists, the website features modern homes to buy + rent (short + long term), which stand out for their beauty, style + uniqueness. See more at Cool Hunting.

Bayhead Beach Escape...

Good morning, everyone! I'm in slow motion this a.m. after a great, lazy weekend spent in Bayhead, NJ. The Jersey Shore is extremely relaxing. Who knew? Unfortunately, there were no Snooki sightings, but Alex + I did get some much needed R+R. Here are some photos of our weekend trip if you'd like to see. Happy Monday!

We left the city Friday night, in two cars with trunks chock full of Costco groceries....

Saturday morning we slept in (it's so quiet there. best sleep ever!), and by noon walked a few blocks through the charming town over to the shore...

It was a gorgeous day...

But the water was too cold for me (being a Miami girl, and all) so instead I enjoyed the ocean breeze with Alex (yes, he's wearing a women's hat below)...

After the beach we rode bikes around the white, picket-fenced neighborhood. And in the evening I made Skinny Girl Margaritas (which the guys loved. Ha!), and we feasted on corn-on-the-cob, salad, grilled vegetables + huge ribeye and porterhouse steaks. We also celebrated birthdays (Happy Birthday, Megan + Michael!)...

The fellas caught up on world news...

For breakfast we ate organic eggs and leftover cake (it's vacation!)....

And Sunday morning, while everyone was still asleep, I tiptoed downstairs to take photos of our host's beautiful home. This is the living room, too pretty to sit in...

It had lots of great details everywhere...

Like this Americana rug with stars...

And seashells....

And this cool whale diptych...♥ ♥ ♥

The Jersey Shore has officially won me over. ;) xo

Have a dreamy weekend...

Tomorrow will be 97°F here in New York! And to think just months ago we were all complaining about the long winter. Luckily, Alex + I have been invited to a friend's beach house in Bay Head, NJ. I've never been so will be a fun, little adventure. And a chance to keep cool on the beach, so even better. :) Want a quick escape from the city this summer? Cup of Jo has created a great new Hudson Valley guide definitely worth checking out, and this article, too, is great if you wanna escape the city without renting a car.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay cool! xo

(Photo by Javiy)