sunglasses, dress c/o, clutch, shoes c/o

After our day of wine tasting last Thursday we checked in to our hotel to freshen up before the wedding weekend events officially kicked off. I was packed pretty lightly for this trip, fitting everything into a carry on. But I still managed to bring two options for the Thursday night welcome dinner. This striped midi dress was the option I didn’t end up wearing because it was just too hot.

And since I didn’t wear this dress I didn’t wear this clutch either. Luckily we photographed this look since the clutch took up a lot of valuable room in my suitcase! Note to self, a large bamboo clutch isn’t the best thing to pack when you’re trying to save space.

I know it’s been a long hot summer across the country… and California is really experiencing the heat. It’s been in the 80’s and humid at home so I was prepared for more of that. It was nearly 100 each day up there with really equally humidity. I really tried to make this dress work… I thought if my hair was up it might help, but I was still too hot. Thankfully I packed a lighter weight romper to wear to the welcome dinner. Although, since I packed so lightly I ended up wearing it again the next day for more wine tasting, so get ready to see it on here next week.

We stayed at the Calistoga Motor Lodge, which is where these photos were taken. The location was really great for us for the weekend and the hotel was really cool. We had a suite that had an attached sitting room and it was nice to have the extra space. The pool area was really cute, but I wish we’d had more time to lounge and check out the spa.

sunglasses, dress c/o, clutch, shoes c/o

I love nothing more than a trip to the desert so when Jeff had a work conference come up, Crosby and I jumped at the chance to tag along and check out a new (to us) boutique hotel.

With less than two weeks to go until Christmas I’m sure some of you are already thinking ahead to New Years Eve. I won’t be doing much celebrating this year, (maybe from my couch with some sparkling cider) but I know a lot of you will be heading out-of-town. Las Vegas is always a popular spot to ring in the new year and I think Aria Resort and Casino would be the perfect place to stay if you’re thinking about heading out there. The location is pretty great, it’s very central on the strip with a tram that takes you down to The Bellagio or up to The Monte Carlo. The resort and casino are so nice and clean I never felt like I was getting a lot of second-hand smoke like most casinos on the strip. And there are SO MANY great restaurants right on site. I wish we’d had more time to try them all.

Over the weekend we headed out to the La Quinta Resort in the desert to celebrate our first anniversary. Neither one of us had ever been there and we were so impressed, it’s such a fun place that we can’t wait to go back to. A weekend just isn’t enough! Like I mentioned before, we wanted to pick a place with pretty much guaranteed sunshine and we had just that! If we had stayed near the beach we would not have been so lucky. #JuneGloom

Anyway… this tote was pretty much the first thing I packed and I will be using it so much this summer! It’s big enough to stash sun block, my kindle, a hair brush and so much more to take to the beach or pool. And just as chic to tote around resort style. This dress matched the spanish style of the resort perfectly… and was super comfortable after snacking all day.

ray-ban aviators, chicwish dress c/o, misa los angeles tote, rebecca minkoff espadrilles

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Thanks for reading – have a great day!

The last time I was at the Madonna Inn I was on a road trip with my family and I was 13.  All these years later it’s just as kitschy as I remembered. It’s such a fun spot that probably hasn’t changed much since it opened in the 50’s. We only stopped for breakfast, but I’d love to go back for a longer stay. All of the rooms are decorated with their own theme and you can actually choose which one you want to stay in. You can see them here. Also, if you’re there for more than one night they don’t mind if you switch rooms so you can experience more!

I was worried I’d be cold but decided to wear this lavender dress (It’s $31 and the quality is surprisingly good for the price) and the weather turned out to be perfect once again. I’m not the biggest fan of purple but lately the lighter shades are growing on me.

j. crew hat (old // similar) ray-ban aviators, dress c/o, purse c/o, shoes (old // similar, similar)

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Hope you have a great day – thanks for reading!

When it comes to weekend getaways Palm Springs is my favorite place to escape to. It’s less than two hours away but somehow feels like a different world. Jeff and I always have so many special memories there – it’s where we got engaged! SO, I thought I’d share a guide to my favorite places in the desert.

PACK:

I like to bring a daytime and nighttime outfit for each day I’m there. Day always includes a swim suit and night (unless it’s July-September) includes a light layer. The temps drop a bit when the sun goes down and the air conditioning is always cranked up, so a denim jacket or something of the like are never a bad idea.

STAY:

Hands down favorite place is The Parker. I’ve always loved their beautiful grounds and design but when Jeff proposed to me on the croquet lawn it became a sentimental place too. We love to wander the grounds (cocktail in hand) and find secret corners to hang out in.

Obviously there are tons of hotels but I’m pretty picky when it comes to PS. Also love The Ace, Riviera, Avalon and Saguaro.

And I’m dying to check out Korakia Penisone and Arrive.

It’s also fun to rent a house if you’re traveling with a group. My favorite sites for that are Airbnb, VRBO and Oranj Palm.

BRUNCH:

Cheekys –  I’m not a huge breakfast person but I love this spot. They serve Bloody Mary’s in boots and specialize in a bacon flight!

Normas at The Parker – Their brunch is delicious but my favorite is their turkey sandwich for lunch. Tip: if you’re staying at the hotel and you’re poolside you can ask for Norma’s menu and be served at the pool.

LUNCH/DINNER:

Las Casuelas, Trio, Lulu California Bistro, Matchbox, Kings Highway

Take a detour to see the instagram sensation #thatpinkdoor if you’re into that sort of thing… 100 Sierra Way

My favorite thing to do in the desert is basically nothing! I love to park it at the pool with a good book and a cocktail and eat an early dinner. There are so many options if you find yourself bored. Go vintage shopping, hit up the outlet malls, take an architecture tour, go on a hike, ride the aerial tram.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you’re planning any desert trips anytime soon, I’d love to live vicariously through you!