Weekending: Thompson Miami Beach

Miami has always been on my list of cities to visit and living in Charlotte, it's less than an hour and a half flight away.  This summer, I found out we were having a company meeting in Miami in October and immediately decided this was the time to take a weekend trip. I arrived Wednesday afternoon, did my work thang on Thursday and Friday and then Jake arrived on Friday evening and we started exploring.   

I spent a few hours on Tripadvisor researching restaurants and Top Things to Do (one of my favorite features on TA!). This was probably the least amount of planning that I've done for a trip, which is good and bad.  It's good practice since we are going to the Caribbean in a few weeks and Jake's orders are that we are not to leave the resort.  We'll see how that goes (it's not all inclusive).  

We got a great deal on Travelzoo for Thompson Miami Beach. Looking at the photos online, I was super excited to see this place in person.  We had paid for a city view room, but upon checking in I decided to inquire if there were any upgrades available and I ended up scoring a partial ocean view room for only $25 more a night. Score! 

I worked from the hotel room on Friday and ordered room service for breakfast. It was glorious... and $48. Oh well. Since I didn't leave for lunch, I didn't feel as bad.   For dinner, we went to Visa 01 which is the #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor in Miami. Best pizza of my life outside of Italy. 

I am obsessed with the bathroom details of our room. I think I am going to use this as an inspiration photo if we ever buy a house and remodel the bathroom. Love the wall color and speckled sink! 

I need this red, white and blue 'sketch style' print. I actually tried to take it off the wall and just figured they would charge me for it -- that's how bad I wanted it, but sadly, it was bolted to the wall. I inquired with the front desk and they have yet to get back to me on the source. 

This is probably my favorite nook in our room.  Can't you just envision cozying up here and readying a book? 

Said partial oceanfront view from our balcony. 

View at the end of the hallway. 

Besides our room, the pool area was my other favorite part of the hotel. So fun and colorful. I really love the color scheme - aqua, blue, red and yellow. 

On Saturday, we spent most of the day at the pool and you would be proud of me. I left my iPhone in the room and actually didn't even know what time it was for most of the day. I count that as a win for relaxation in my book. and the watermelon margaritas helped too. 

Have you been to Miami? Do you want to visit?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section! 

Happy Travels,

Friday Five | Vol. 4

It's finally the weekend! Are you excited for Friday Five? I know I am!

This week was good, but it definitely dragged a little for me. As someone who really loves to travel, I am actually excited to be at home with very few weekend plans and Jake is too since he was on the "road" for the past 3 weekends! It'll be nice to kick back, relax and .... start planning my next trip {I'm only half joking}...

In honor of Halloween, I was listening to NPR the other morning {yes, I am turning into my mom} and I heard a really interesting interview about this book.  It's now on my to-read list on goodreads.  

Public Service Announcement: I know I wrote about Starbucks last week, but have you tried the Toasted Graham Latte yet? I had one yesterday and it is one of the best Starbucks drinks I've had in a long time.   

I was recently asked to participate in a Travel & Tourism panel and we just received our first assignment. It's about the four phases of the consumer journey that travelers experience when traveling: dreaming, planning, experiencing and reflecting. This sounds right up my alley. 

Have you tried bolstering before? We did it in my yoga class and it is LIFE. CHANGING. Promise. 

And lastly... Adele. Hello.  If you have been living under a rock, you MUST listen to this song and/or watch the video. Actually, watch the video. and do it now. 

Any fun weekend plans? It is Halloween after all! I can't remember the last time I dressed up. Maybe it was 5ish years ago? Anyway, I just use it as an excuse to eat more candy than usual. and that is totally socially acceptable. 

xoxo,

Stating the Obvious

When was the last time you wore a graphic tee? 6th grade? Yeah, me too.  Until now. I saw this tee all over Instagram this summer and had to have it. It's so fun and playful and different from what I usually wear.  I also just recently bought my first pair of ripped denim Levi's -- you may not be able to tell from these photos, but the jeans are ripped at the knee.  Whaaaaat??! It's getting crazy over here!  Read: who buys clothes they can't wear to work?!? {sad face}.    

Anyway, these jeans are so comfy and are quickly becoming my favorite Fall staple. I haven't bought a pair of Levi's in probably 20+ years {whoa, I am way too young to be saying this}, but I'm kind of obsessed with them.  Lastly, I scored these chelsea booties from Old Navy for $12. I don't care if they fall apart tomorrow since I've already worn them a ton. One of my favorite buys of the season so far. 

What are your favorite fall staples?

| The Deets |

Denim | Levi's 711 Skinny in Black Tide Deconstructed
Tee | Anthro Sundry Striped Weekend Tee
Sunnies | Karen Walker The Number One via Endless Eyewear™. On Rotation.
Booties | Old Navy Chelsea Ankle Boots 

Happy Shopping,

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Hiking Fools

Jake and I were on a real hiking kick this summer -- it forces you outside in the fresh air, you get exercise and my favorite -- you're rewarded with view at the end. It all started when I began researching about the Blue Ridge Parkway and we took 3 trips there in less than the span of a month. There is nothing on this earth like the Blue Ridge Parkway but it is 2 hours away from Charlotte, which is a little much for a day trip. We did that once and probably won't do it again. So, we searched for closer options and stumbled upon Crowders Mountain. We actually went there last fall for a walk around a cute lake but didn't end up doing any actual real hiking. 

Fast forward to this Summer: We did the Backside Trail which is pretty short (0.9 mi) but very steep. It took us about 45 mins up and then probably 20 minutes down. It was a strenuous hike so it's not for the faint of heart.     

It's better to go early since the parking lot fills up and as the day goes on, the sun heats up too! 

The view from the top is gorgeous, especially since there aren't many other tall obstructions in the way. On a clear day, you can see for 25 miles. 

In order to take the photo below, I actually went to the edge and Jake was feeling a little nervous. After I came back, he was saying he couldn't believe I actually went out so far. What can I say? I'm conquering my fears, one hike at a time. 

Heading back down the million stairs, as we started our descent... let's just say it's easier going down than up. 

Have you ever hiked Crowders Mountain or any other hikes near/around Charlotte? The Charlotte Agenda posted a really great resource for any Charlottean's out there -- It's 22 hikes within 90 minutes of Charlotte. And If you aren't in Charlotte, here are Top 50 Long Distance Hikes in the US.

Enjoy! 

xoxo,