Road Trippin'

And we're off, the car and kids are packed, the ipod is loaded with new tunes and the glove box is packed with lots of old CDs, we're hitting the road, heading up the California coast.  We've got the itch badly to travel again...here's to 3 day weekends!      

Sunday Funday

Peace out homies, we're off to soak up some sun on the beach, So Cal style!  I hope your enjoying the lazy summer weekend, my favorite time of year!  Tan lines and sun kissed hair are in full effect!  

Off to San Diego!

I'm off to San Diego this weekend for my friend Laura's bachelorette party!  We've known each since we were 11 years old and I can't wait to catch up with my dearest friends!  Life has been pretty crazy around here, hence my lack of blog posts.  As you can see, we have a new look which I will write about next week, I got a promotion at work (which I am beyond thrilled about), and little Barron is on the verge of crawling which keeps me on my toes!  I hope you all enjoy this summer weekend and can't wait to catch up with you next week!

Cheers,
Vanessa

Thirsty Thursdays: French 75

I got my first taste of a French 75 in the hotel bar at The Ritz in Paris back in my 20s and have been hooked ever since.  Here's to Thursdays and the upcoming holiday weekend!  Cheers Everyone!

Carthusia...what I'm wearing today

It's been a while since I dusted off my most treasured bottle of perfume  

Carthusia Mediterraneo.  I've been in the mood to be transported to the island of Capri where scents of lemon, jasmine, magnolia, and fig linger through the mediterranean.  

When Jackie O used to visit the island, she would often stop in at the perfumery and buy a bottle of Capri, her signature scent.

I've been to Italy, but never to Capri.  It's one of my top places to visit - I can't explain it, but I just have a special place in my heart for the Mediteranean.  How great would it be to sit here perched on top of the sea drinking Limoncello??  I can just picture the smells of the island in the air.  

My Capri will have to be in L.A. lounging at my pool, with sunglasses, beach towel, and rag mag in hand.  

God I need a vacation!

Ibiza Dreaming...

It's hard to believe 3 years ago around this time I was traveling with my best single gal pal through London and Barcelona en route to soak up the summer sun and dance the nights away in Ibiza...

...Now we are both married and I have a baby on the way. It's funny to look back at the chapter's of ones life and to see how far we've come and changed. I've lived 6 of my 9 lives, so the other 3 I am holding on to with dear life. Here's to the end of summer and the halcyon days of yore!

R + R

I'm off to chase the desert skies this weekend with my partner in crime Miss Chelsea Valentine. On the agenda: rest, relaxation, rejuvenation. Nothing like a little sister time (and pool time) to feed your soul. Peace, love, unity, respect!

Shake dreams from your hair my pretty child, my sweet one.

Choose the day and choose the sign of your day, the day's divinity.

First thing you see.

-Jim Morrison

Weekend Getaway: I'm off to the Desert!

After a 3 month summer hiatus from the sweltering heat of Palm Springs, this is the first weekend returning to my favorite desert oasis to kick off the real "season!" On the agenda: pool time and backyard BBQs with the fam, antiquing with my Mom (PS has the best second-hand furniture stores!)

margaritas on the patio at Armando's on The Paseo

(warning: these bad boys bite you without you even knowing it!),

hitting the Indian casino with my husband and brother (we love the blackjack tables!),

spa time at the JW Marriott,

and of course cocktails at Mr. Parker's.

Time to become a weekend local again for the next 8 months! Tan lines and gambling loot required upon returning...promise!

Have a really fun weekend - we all deserve it!

Mini Vacation: Off to Chicago

Labor Day weekend is finally here and my long awaited trip has begun! As one of the must see cities on my travel list for 2009, my husband and I plan on taking this town by storm exploring the architecture via the Boat Tour, museums, neighborhoods - especially Lincoln Park, Bucktown, and Wicker Park, shopping, taverns, restaurants (Gibsons, Frontera Grill, Twin Anchors please), skyline views (Top of the Hancock), Wrigleyville (grrr I hate baseball), and I hope to convince hubby to rent bikes along Lake Michigan.

I love to travel light, so I'm taking outfits that can go from day to night. A quick change of shoes, purse, and red lipstick is all I need to take me from day time comfortable chic traveler to night out on the town glamour girl!

April in Paris

My fiance and I have been throwing ideas back and forth for our honeymoon and my dream is a few days in Paris, followed by the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I first visited Paris with my sister a few years ago, and have been longing to return with my love ever since.

I'm thinking we could dine at the Cafe de Flore, since the song is the inspiration for our wedding. I just want to sit at one of the sidewalk tables, sipping fine wine, and smoking cigarettes like the French do. I hear the food is fantastic and it's been a hangout for writer's and intellectuals for years.

Another must do is an Eiffel Tower picnic. There's nothing more magical than taking a basket of meats, cheeses, dark chocolates, and a bottle of champagne to enjoy at sunset, just before the lights flash on the Eiffel Tower like fireworks!!!

....and I want a strong espresso to wash down my Nutella Crepes...

...and we have to hit the Paris Flea Markets to find a chaise inspired by these! The aqua and pinks would work well in any setting with modern accents to create a vintage feel.