Another Good Travel Tip

I've discovered that when you travel, it's difficult to choose what jackets to bring. You never know how warm or cold it'll be, or if it will rain. I just found this site with TONS of beautiful travel-ready jackets. Check it out:

http://www.troutrainwear.com/collections/launch 

And here are a couple amazing examples that I'm dying to throw into my suitcase...

 

Best Travel Tip

I just saw this amazing travel tip, and wanted to share....

What's the last thing you do when in a new destination?
Take it all in! I never make plans the last few days of a trip. The last few days I do anything I put off earlier in the trip, and I'll just choose the last restaurant I want to eat in, make that last purchase, and I don't shortchange myself. 

One Last Thought on Philly...

My last day in Philadelphia and I've gotten all my final work items out of the way by 12:00 pm. Which means I have a full day for adventure...

Friday August 31 - Until 5:30 pm...

I walked around Rittenhouse Square to the "best burger" in Philadelphia at Village Whiskey. The old beautiful building hosts a great bar with lots of bar snacks (oysters, tater tots, and many types of pickled vegetables). I ordered the classic Village Burger - 8 ounces of farm-raised beef, added a slice of Jasper Hill cheddar, and a side of duck fat fries. Harrison Ford was seen here only a couple weeks ago hosted by, of course, the chef of the restaurant (my favorite Jose Garces). The whiskey drinks are impressive (prohibition era craft cocktails and flights) but I stuck to water based on my wild adventures planned...

Village Whiskey

A Gorgeous Desert Retreat

I attended a wedding celebration that was truly loving and unique in Palm Springs, California, this past weekend. The hotel and festivities took place at The Parker, a resort that is eclectic, exclusive, lush, and unbelievably relaxing. You wake up in the mornings and walk through jungle greenery to find little nooks where you can relax with a book and peel an orange... You can enjoy a massage and take a morning yoga class, or head to the pool and enjoy lovely vodka lemonades while getting your Vitamin D... You can play tennis or croquet or botchi ball with friends under little lights dangling from the trees. It is a truly fantastic and relaxing place.

 

Enjoying a vodka lemonade...

 Gazing up at the beautiful palm trees that line the resort...

 

One of many quirky design details!

What I loved about the resort was it's charm and attention to detail. The decorating in the room was quite different - you felt like you were at your crazy aunt's house who hadn't left since the 1960's. But the photography showed celebrities who had stayed at the resort, and the sheepskin rugs at your bedside felt amazingly soft under your feet. The toiletries they left in the marble and mirror bathroom were expensive and luxurious. I could get a latte at any time of the day and it was delicious. There were swings and hammocks and fire pits. The breakfast food at Norma's was amazing, and it felt so nice to sit in the sun while you enjoyed it. Of course, the wedding was stunning and the bride super relaxed, happy, and in love.

It was a perfect place for me to recharge. You notice I haven't been writing much? Work has been stifling my light for life. I have spent so much time worrying about it and focusing on it, trying to grow in my career, that I've neglected what I really love and where I should focus. My friends, writing, relaxing, and loving have all fallen by the wayside. I've been a terrible girlfriend. I haven't planned ANY travel - this isn't like me at all! The weekend really proved to me how precious a little rest and relaxation can be at the right place, with the right people.

My latte loves me, and I love it just as much!

 

That sexy boyfriend of mine enjoying a brunch quesadilla!

 
I am already planning to purchase my parents tickets and reservations to travel there with me and my boyfriend next year. It truly is the most perfect desert oasis!