Thursday, December 18, 2008

Packing...


Many of us are packing our bags and are off to see family and friends for the holidays. A couple of friendly reminders:

Do pack weather appropriate clothing. I'm heading to Boston so I'll bring my Uggs for warmth, my galoshes for the rain and sleet, and mittens!

Do pack so you are comfortable in the plane, train, or automobile. :) Bring a pashmina to double as a blanket if needed. I also recommend sudafed, the latest Lucky and/or a copy of Twilight :) , iPod, DVD player (with DVDs of SATC seasons of course!), and a neck pillow.

Don't forget to put a personal touch on your luggage so you can spot your bag quickly! I often tie a red ribbon on my suitcase.














I also LOVE my sophiesphilosophies luggage tag (www.sophiesphilosophies.com).



If you're sick of regular black luggage, you can opt for a fun print or perhaps a vintage suitcase. My friend, Brianne, found this adorable suitcase.














Do
leave early so you're not stressed!

Well, I'm off to finish packing. I hope you all have a safe trip wherever your holiday season takes you! XOXO.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

San Diego




























I went to San Diego and La Jolla last Saturday. If traffic behaves itself, it's possible to make the trip in a little over 90 min. I definitely did not see as much as I would've liked, but I had a blast.

First I hung out at the pool with my friends at the Hyatt La Jolla. I relaxed in the hot tub and went swimming (the temperatures are mild at this time of year...it's comfortable enough to swim in a heated pool...I was glad to have my Uggs handy once I got out :) ).

After an afternoon of kicking back, we took a drive through San Diego. The hills are amazing...the homes twinkle like stars! Gorgeous. Then we stopped to have a drink at a beachy New Zealand-themed bar named Bare Back Grille. It's a block from the water on Mission Blvd. I really liked the atmosphere-it was a fun place to try a new beer.

Next, I had dinner back in La Jolla at The Melting Pot. It was my first time having fondue (I know! Right?! I'm a little behind.). I'm not a fan, BUT the dessert was awesome. How could it not be? Check out the pic. I will definitely be back....

As you can see, I didn't do much sight-seeing. However, it was the perfect day trip and much recommended if you're checking out So-Cal!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Glendale, CA

Today I went shopping at The Americana at Brand, a fairly new shopping center in Glendale. Adorable. I would recommend checking it out during the week as it gets very crowded on the weekends. The highlight of the afternoon was lunch at Granville Cafe. Very cozy. Great location for a date, a business lunch, or cocktails with the girls. I am a very picky eater and I could not decide what to order-everything sounded great. I decided on a lighter option as yesterday was Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed my angel hair and artichoke pasta. I also had a taste of the chicken marsala, which I'll probably get when I undoubtedly return. :)

P.S. I will try to bring my camera next time.

York, ME

I recently traveled to York, ME where I stayed at The Inn at Tanglewood Hall, a local B&B. The pictures do not do it justice as I am still becoming acquainted with my new camera.

The inn is near the beach, shopping, and some fantastic restaurants.

I was crazy about Dockside, a restaurant only a short drive away. Great view, ambiance, and the mushroom risotto was excellent.

All in all the perfect romantic getaway or peaceful retreat!

(Above: The view near the inn, Below: The suite's living room-also has a bedroom and a lovely screened-in porch!)














(Below: The front porch at night...isn't it so charming?!)