Looking Back, Looking Ahead

How was your first week of 2023? Mine was both a mental and physical transition from last year into this new one. In the quiet moments, I reflected on what did and did not happen in 2022, but also what I made happen and did not make happen. Food for thought and fuel to do more, see more, be more in the 365 days ahead.  

West Dressed

It’s been a little over six weeks since I got back from my late October/early November trip. First stop was the Palm Beach wedding I featured in my last post. Then I flew out to LA for a few days to visit our youngest son and his girlfriend, as I had yet to see their adorable apartment in person. Next up? A long-planned trip to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs with a group of college girlfriends.

On the Road Again…Part 3

While it’s always fun to revisit favorite places, it’s pretty special to experience someplace new. And when that place is Charleston, you are one lucky traveler. A South Carolina port city founded in 1670, Charleston is defined by its cobblestone streets, (somewhat controversial) horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses — particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. It’s a city made for walking…and walking.

On the Road Again…Part 1

It’s hard to believe it’s been a month since Chris and I got back from our 16-day road trip down south. Of course, I wanted to get this post done weeks ago, but my “day job” as a freelance Creative Director took over my writing output and then we came down with COVID. But, just like our escape from a dreary start of Spring to Florida sunshine, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We’re both feeling much better (negative test, please!), and I can finally get the details of our adventure out to you.

One Love, Jamaica

When it comes to travel, are you an adventure junkie? Or a creature of habit? I’d have to call myself something in-between. Maybe that’s why after all these years I still love Jamaica so much. It’s the Caribbean paradise that welcomes you back like an old friend even after one visit. But it also promises discoveries, both big and small, on the daily. That’s probably why we’re already planning our next trip. And it can’t come soon enough.

Birthday in Bogotá!

If you’ve been following me into 2019, you know I’m going kind of Marie Kondo on not just my closet but my life as well. So with another birthday on the horizon, I made sure to tell my husband Chris that I didn’t want any “thing.” I wanted experiences. So he went to work. And surprised me with 5 days/6nights in Bogotá, Colombia. Time to break out my high school/college Spanish — which is rusty at best…if I’m being generous!

A Very Cali Christmas!

This year between work obligations and limited vacation, our middle son Spencer and youngest son Chanler could not make the trip back East. And for the past few years, our oldest son Pierre has been spending Christmas with his lovely girlfriend (April) and her family in Seal Beach. So if Christmas couldn’t come to us, we were coming for Christmas. I was pretty firm with Chris that I didn’t want, let alone, need a “thing.” So my gift was an extra 6 days in Venice Beach! That’s where I spotted this frisky, only-in-LA  Barbie in a store window. I’ve edited out Ken’s antics!

Nola!

So what do you say when your husband calls and says “I know it’s kind of crazy, but I was thinking we should go to New Orleans for 4 days?” You say yes! Kudos to Chris for finding Parisian Courtyard Inn, a charming B & B in the Garden District, (great location, highly recommend), and for buying Lonely Planet’s guide book. (Or get the App.) So off we went into the madness and beauty of Lundi Gras and Fat Tuesday, then the quiet reflection (and recovery?) of Ash Wednesday, then home again on Thursday. The bad news? Not nearly enough time to explore this beautiful, historic, artistic,  atmospheric, and hedonistic city. The good news? We will be back!