city escape.

It's funny, you would think that living in a big city would make you want to escape it for a calmer more serene spot on the weekends, but that hasn't quite happened for us.  We love being in the hustle and bustle in our daily lives and when it comes to the weekends, we try to stay right here.  And if we happen to travel somewhere on vacation, it seems that we are pulled in the direction of yet another city.  I mean, don't get me wrong, we do love laying by the pool with a book in hand like anyone else, but mostly when we talk about our dream vacations it involves traveling to a city.  Hello, Sydney, London, Paris...I'm looking at you!  What about you?  Do your vacation dreams consist of laying low on an exotic beach, or do they look more like restaurant hopping in the concrete jungle?

{paris}

wine tasting.

I'm finally getting around to sharing some pics from the wine tasting tour that I mentioned here.  We had such a wonderful time and I can't say enough great things about the last stop at Ram's Gate.  None of us had ever been to the property before, and I must say it was amazing.  As you walk in, it's a giant indoor-outdoor wine tasting area.  Hard to even describe in words, but just think open space, old barn wood, and modern touches throughout.  My jaw was pretty much on the floor the entire time.  Our friend had also arranged for a picnic before we arrived.  So once we got there, each couple was handed a picnic basket complete with a blanket, tons of yummy food, and a bottle of wine.  Yep, we will definitely be coming back here soon.

{iphone pics by me, my husband, our friends jason + lisa}

new zealand.

This weekend we met up with friends at the Ferry Building.  I truly love the hustle and bustle of that place on the weekends...so filled with energy.  After eating a quick bite, we headed down to this amazing New Zealand pop-up restaurant, Waiheke Island Yacht Club.  When G and I went on our honeymoon to New Zealand, we visited Waiheke Island with these same friends!  So it was a treat to hang out at the San Francisco "version" with them.  Here are a few photos from our visit to the island three years ago.  Waiheke is just a short ferry ride from Auckland and it is absolutely breathtaking.  I'm craving a trip back.

{my photos}

vacation style.

So, it's not very often that I find myself trying to put together outfits for warmer weather.  But when I do, it's pretty fun.  Forgoing the daily layering that I find myself doing here in the city, is definitely a welcome departure.  Below are a few outfits that I wore during our time in the desert.  I ordered this plain black dress right before our trip and I'm so happy I did.  It's simple jersey, so it can easily be described as dressed down, but the scoop neckline and low back definitely gives it an edge...soooo me!  Oh and as you can see, I'm obsessed with these floral pants.  Go get yourself a pair stat.

{black dress}, {light pink dress}, {floral pants}, {tie dye dress is old Anthro}

palm springs.

hello, hello!  Well my husband and I are back after an amazing week long vacation in Palm Springs (ohhh and a much needed stop to squeeze my nephews and niece).  We had a wonderful time staying at the Ace (I think they may have the most comfortable bed we've ever slept in) and eating our way through the town.  I had a lot of friends email me while we were away asking me about our fave spots in the desert, so I thought I'd put together a little guide for you.  Just a few hotels that we love and some yummy joints we frequent while there on vacation.  Enjoy!

To stay:

Ace Hotel: As I said, quite possibly the most comfy beds we've ever stayed in.  It's definitely got a hipster vibe to it, so it's not for everyone, but the rooms are awesome and usually pretty reasonable rates.

The Parker: This is by far my favorite hotel. The gorgeous grounds (with endless paths), make you want to just wander around all afternoon. And of course the hotel decor (designed by one of my faves, Jonathan Adler) is amazing! Sometimes you can find online deals, but you really have to search.

Korakia: This is still on our list of hotels to stay at. Everyone I know who has stayed there, can't stop talking about how wonderful it is.

To eat:

Cheeky's: Love this place for breakfast or brunch.

Mr Parker's at The Parker: Soooooo good for dinner. And shhhhhh, we once saw Drew Barrymore there.

Citron at Viceroy: We've been here for dinner and loved it.

Birba: Awesome drinks and the most delicious pizza.

{photo from my instagram}

books.

I'm in a book club, which is great and fun, but let's face it...at this point it has pretty much turned into a social club.  A time to meet up with friends and gab.  Which I am NOT complaining about one bit (it's a ton of fun), but I probably should get back to reading a few good books.  Any recommendations?

{books} 

dreaming.

Have you ever been to Tulum?  I'm been to Mexico many times in my life, but never to Tulum.  I've had several friends who have visited lately and all come back with tales of how incredibly magical this little place is.  All saying that it is very peaceful and a wonderful place to visit.  I'm ready to go!

{tulum}

modern budget {on the beach}. four

Is anyone else day dreaming about a beachy getaway?  I am!  I mean, just look at this photo taken in Greece.  That water is seriously calling my name.  And of course you need a cute suit to rock on that sand.  I recently purchased this one piece from Forever21 and I am in love with it.  Really, any excuse to wear this suit is fine with me.  I think a hot tub is more likely to appear in my near future, but I'm still dreaming about that turquoise water.

{beach} {suit}

vacation in pictures.

Our trip to Charleston, SC for my aunt's wedding was unbelievable.  I really can't say enough great things about this magical little city, so instead of trying to convey it in LOTS of words, I'll let the photos and my short descriptions do the talking.

{1} A pretty little gate tucked within the city. {2} I lost count of all of the gorgeous homes we saw. I seriously wanted to live in every.single.one of them! {3} G and I enjoying a family night at my aunt and uncle's beautiful house. {4} We pretty much ate our way through our vacation, and one of our favorite meals was at Hominy Grill. It was unbelievable, especially the shrimp & grits!

{5} We drove down to Savannah, GA one day and I gotta say it did not disappoint. The place is seriously gorgeous with tiny little squares littering the city and of course more of those to-die-for southern homes. {6} Not gonna lie, it was a bit humid during our trip, but G found this park bench to sit and relax by the water. {7} My dad also decided to take a seat (that day was pretty darn hot)! {8} One of the most charming parts about Charleston are the prety little alleyways. G and I spent one morning walking the quaint little alleys just in awe of the cobblestone streets.

{9} Our last full day of vacation was Labor Day and we headed down to the beach with my aunt, uncle, cousins and their 2 daughters. A wonderful way to end our trip. {10} Here are G and I fresh out of the Atlantic (on Sullivan's Island). It was my first time swimming in the Atlantic and I couldn't get over how warm the water was. {11} A shot of G and I at my aunt's wedding. My aunt went all out and crafted up some amazing decor (can't wait to see the pro's pics). It was such a wonderful celebration with my family. {12} A gorgeous little garden maze at the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. {13} Wandering around the streets of Charleston again, taking in the amazing buildings.

Ok, I lied, I have a few more favorites to write about!  I must mention the culinary tour we took on our first day in town (thanks Mollie for the recommendation).  It was awesome to hear about the history of Charleston, while eating up some southern favorites (like grits, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea).  Ummm and eating was one of the many highlights of the trip.  I already mentioned Hominy Grill (insanely good), but my dad, G and I all agreed that our favorite restaurant was Magnolias.  We highly recommend it.  Oh and I can't forget to mention Dixie!  Get the grits there...A-mazing!  I really truly can't wait for our next trip back.  Thanks to my aunt Susie and uncle Pete for hosting a wonderful week!

one more day.

We are back from a week long vacation and yet I'm still exhausted.  ha!  It seems that's what happens when you go away, right?  You need an extra day to recuperate from your vacation?  G and I just spent the past week in Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate my aunt's wedding and we had an absolutely amazing time.  I'll be back later this week to share more about our time in the South!  For now, I'm still resting.  xoxo!

{photo from my instagram, modernsequins}