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Alexandria, Virginia is for Dog Lovers

Named one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, Alexandria, VA did not disappoint. We spent the majority of the time in Old Town, a charming and walkable area filled with museums, restaurants, and great shopping. With dog bowls lining King Street, and dogs at every corner, Charlie could not have felt more at home. There’s also a free trolly that runs along King Street, which features a walkable (or trolly-able…) mile through Old Town with 200+ independently owned restaurants and boutiques.

What to do in Old Town, Alexandria, VA:

For starters, visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com or the Alexandria Visitor Center, located in the heart of Old Town at 221 King Street, they are filled with recommendations and able and willing to help you plan your perfect trip. You can also pick up a Key to the City Museum pass which is $15 ($49 value) and includes free passes to the Alexandria Black History Museum, Carlyle House Historic Park, Friendship Firehouse Museum, George Washington Masonic National Memorial Observation Deck, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, plus a 40% off discount coupon on the George Washinton’s Mount Vernon. Definitely call ahead to the museums for how pet-friendly they are but with Charlie in his bag, we had no problem with any of the ones listed below.

Explore the Waterfront and Founders Park

There are 18 public, off-leash dog parks in Alexandria (not including a bunch of private ones) and while I didn’t visit them all, Founders Park came highly recommended and was on the Alexandria Seaport/waterfront (which is a must visit). With riverside views of the Potomac, it’s a great place to walk the path or run around on the grass with your pup. You can book a boat ride on The Potomac Riverboat Company, which offers a variety of cruises including a 60-minute dog-friendly Canine Cruise on select days from May through September. If you’re in the mood for a picnic in the park, Society Fair and Windmill Hill Park came highly recommended. If you’re looking for a wonderful, pet-friendly seafood dining option on the water, Vola’s Dockside Grill is located in front of the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the Alexandria Seaport and is a great place to sit outside and people watch as the boats leave the marina.

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Road trip from Atlanta to Nashville (and where to stop along the way)

My mom has a Toyota Prius, and when she first bought it a few years ago she said it was like driving a magic carpet, it was so smooth and quiet. It wasn’t until this road trip driving a 2017 Toyota Prius Three, that I fully understood this comment. For the eclipse we decided to fly into Atlanta and drive to Nashville (about a 4 hour drive), making a stop in Chattanooga, Tenessee, the half way point, to see the legendary Ruby Falls. Not only is the engine so quiet, but the car is also insanely fuel efficient, which I really appreciated considering all the miles we were about to drive. It was less than a half a tank of gas to do the trip one way!

ATLANTA, Georgia

Downtown

We started in downtown Atlanta, which wasn’t very exciting, except we did stumble on a fabulous Mexican restaurant called Alma Cocina, that’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Little Five Points

What we were told this would be the Williamsburg, BK of Atlanta and it did not disappoint. The artsy area filled with funky bars and restaurants, coffee shops, juice bars, tattoo shops and vintage stores was a fun area to walk around, and so inexpensive. Ragorama is a huge second hand store, where I thrifted 3 designer belts (Gucci, D&G, and Ferragamo) for $24 – $33 each.

Atlantic Station

Less grungy then Little Five Points, Atlantic Station is a pretty part of town and great area to eat, shop, walk around and catch a movie.

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Total Eclipse of the Heart

Well, today was pretty much the best. James and I have been planning this Nashville trip for almost a year. Ever since he got wind of the Eclipse and that Nashville would be one of the best viewing spots. We’re big SPG members so we booked at the Westin Nashville, it’s a newer property downtown and absolutely gorgeous. Grandious lobby, with really cool music design elements like picks embedded in the counters and belt buckles on the headboards of the rooms. The hotel has two bars (we frequented both), one in the lobby the other on the roof, which is two levels and features a pool with incredible views of the city. It was the perfect spot to watch the eclipse from and the hotel threw a really fun viewing party complete with a specialty eclipse cocktails and glasses.

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Day Trips In Vegas with Volvo S90

I’ve always wanted to do the drive from LA to Las Vegas, and frankly hit some of the top nature destinations surrounding Vegas. This year when Cosmoprof invited me to their beauty conference (beauty lovers you should know about them, it’s the worlds biggest and best beauty trade show), I decided to drive from LA and partnered with Volvo to test out the S90 for the week — skip to the bottom of this post for the full review. Sans traffic it’s about a 4 hour drive and a beautiful drive surrounded in dessert, mountains and Joshua Trees — or at least it is when you hit Nevada. Once you’re there isn’t a shortage of natural wonders and national parks and recreations. With only a few days in town we opted for day trips about 30 minutes to an hour outside the city. It’s amazing how quick you can go from Sin City to natural wonder.

Seven Magic Mountains (30 minute drive)

It took 4 years to build this $3.5 Million public art installation by Ugo Rondinone which is 7 pillars of color blocks in the desert. It’s a visual paradise and fashion bloggers dream for a backdrop. It’s an easy drive 20 miles south — about a 30 minute form Las Vegas, free and open to the public without restriction.

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Visit Costa Mesa, CA (Orange County’s Hidden Gem!)

One of the highlights of my road trip in California was visiting Costa Mesa. Located in the heart of Orange County, circled by Anaheim (where Disneyland is), and some coastal beach favorites like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach with an easy drive to Laguna Beach and San Clemente. It’s 10 – 20 minute proximity to all the big name OC areas I’ve been wanting to visit made it an attractive destination but it was their culinary, art and shopping scene that gives this city it’s distinct personality. Being only an hour outside of Los Angeles, and San Diego (it’s the perfect half way point), it was an especially attractive weekend destination and one I look forward to visiting again. Named the City of the Arts for it’s extensive public art on display throughout the city and Segerstrom Center for the Arts which is the leading performing arts center offering artistic and educational programs as well. You should check out the Art Walk while you’re there! The video above takes you on a quick tour of all the below shopping and eatery’s on my list!

Where to Shop:

The shopping scene is Costa Mesa is off the chain, especially considering it’s home to the internationally regarded South Coast Plaza mall which is probably one of the largest attractions and makes Costa Mesa an international destination. (It’s like the United Nations of shopping lovers in there). However, in a see of malls, plazas and shopping centers there is something for everyone. Three major shopping experience stand out all unique in their own right.

South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza, a renowned international destination for shopping and dining, celebrates 50 years of quality. It has come a long way and expanded since opening with Sears in 1967. It’s also the first Nordstrom location after Seattle. Today, it is home to more than 250 prominent boutiques, critically acclaimed restaurants and carries a mix of stores from Forever 21 to Chanel. Its unparalleled collection of diverse retailers, includes Bottega Veneta, The Webster, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to Hermès, Gucci, Roger Vivier, COACH, Henri Bendel, Dolce & Gabbana, Sephora, Zara, UNIQLO and more, along with its customized concierge services, they also have a VIP Suite which I show off in my video. The window shopping alone makes it feel like a fashion museum.

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Road Trip to Joshua Tree in the Volvo XC60

California was one big road trip for me starting in Los Angeles to Palm Springs for Coachella with stops in Pioneer Town and Joshua Tree, two must-dos if you’re in the Palm Springs area before taking a tour of Orange County. I’m not a light packer when it comes to music festivals and being on the road for three weeks didn’t help… that, coupled with James’ stuff, a compact car was unrealistic.

Fortunately we partnered with Volvo to try out the 2017 Volvo XC60, which we basically lived out of. We had the T6 AWD Inscription trim – it drove like a dream, so much that at one point I looked down at the speedometer and found myself pushing 90, when I felt like I was going maybe 60. It’s incredible how quiet it is, smooth and solid feeling no matter what speed you’re going.

It was one of the most comfortable rides through Joshua Tree and the timing could not have been better. With all the rain they’ve been experiencing there were wild flowers blooming that hadn’t budded in decades. With so many colors, it was beautiful! We stopped to climb the rocks, walk some trails, stroll through the cactus garden, and even met a snake along the way. Enjoy the drive with us in the video above, More on the car and photo gallery below!

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Art Basel Miami Diaries

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Every year I look forward to going to Miami for Art Basel. It’s been nice in NYC as of late but usually by this time it’s freezing and I’m itching for the beach and some warm weather. And Art Basel is the most fun time to visit Miami! There are art shows happening non-stop (not just Art Basel, but Scope, NADA, Pulse and many others), plus so many brands are out throwing parties. And it’s a great meeting point for bloggers across the country, I love seeing everyone in Miami!

I traveled with Kristi from Currently Crushing, Joel from What Do Men Wear and my bad a$$ makeup artist bestie, Jenny Smith. We stayed at the cutest boutique hotel, The Beacon on 7th and Collins, which is a very central part of South Beach.

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We covered a lot of ground in our 5 day trip with so many exciting parties and events. We met so many amazing people and saw incredible art throughout the week. One of my favorite events included a piece of art, I got to take home… my eye! LensCrafters hosted an amazing private brunch at the The Delano hotel to celebrate art and their CLAIFYE Digital Technology — basically it’s an eye exam where they scan your eyes to detect your prescription. No more crazy drops and blurred vision, it’s a total game changer — I did a few months ago (check out my experience HERE). If you’re overdue for an eye exam, definitely read that article before making an appointment. The event also featured artist Jose Vergara, who specializes in drawing eyes, how amazing is the one he did of mine!?!?!

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Style Icon and my dear friend, Patricia Field was out in Miami doing a series of events and fashion shows to promote her ArtFashion initiative. Featuring one of a kind pieces hand painted by some of her top artists on display at the White Dot Gallery, you can view the current collection on her site: patriciafield.com

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Wilmer Valderrama or as I like to call him Fez from That 70s Show! (I also loved him in From Prada to Nada), hosted Men’s Night Out for Macy’s private label, INC at The Oasis at The Raleigh Hotel. Lets just say there were a lot of good looking guys, a trampeline and open bar, which is pretty much the perfect recipe for fun.

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Stay Here: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

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If right about now you need an escape not much tops a stay at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. Prior to this trip if you told me Cancun was more than a party city, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Sure, it’s knows for its night scene, but frankly with a resort as beautiful and inviting as the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, I found little reason to leave. All of the restaurants are exquisite and conveniently in the lobby and offer everything from tequila tastings to evening entertainment — the mariachi band was fabulous. And all I wanted was a relaxing beach vacation with a drink in my hand and this one delivered.

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The resort has jet skis and paddle boards for rent on the property. Their Gem Spa features an hour long 10- step hydrotherapy experience from steam rooms to hot tubs in addition to a full menu of services and indoor infinity pool. On the off chance you have a rainy day it’s the perfect place to settle in. Then there’s the beach. Does anything really top walking out of your hotel and directly onto a clean, beautiful, serene beach? Complete with an outdoor pool and tiki bar. They also have a ton of kid options for a family friendly experience.

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Painting with Lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center

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If you’re visiting North Carolina and in the Raleigh Durham area or visiting Duke University, add visiting the Duke Lemur Center to your agenda. It’s open to the public and Duke houses the largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. They are a research center first and foremost so there is no holding/touching the lemurs but watching them — especially when they jump or rather glide through the air. Meeting so many different breeds (there are over 80 types in existance) is an unbelievable experience.

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The grounds are beautiful and set in the woods, so it’s a great outdoor activity. The lemurs are by the entrance and there are a number of guided tours available starting at $12. All of the lemurs are gated in so you can watch them from outside and learn about the different species. They also have some nocturnal ones which you go inside a dark room to observe them through the looking glass. black-lemur-blue-eyes-duke-lemur-center

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Surfs up with Clif Bar

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Photo Credit: Gerald Slevin photography

Last week was a long week. I went from Fashion Week to hosting a charity event on Friday to jumping in my car and driving to Montauk for an awesome, action packed weekend with Clif Bar. Before I get into my awesome weekend (and believe me, it was awesome), my friend Liz asked me a question on Friday I’ve been thinking about all week, “How do I get your energy”.

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In my mind she takes on more than me so I found the question funny. Although I’m asked it often enough that I should have a reasonable answer.  In truth I’ve always thought of myself as leading a double life. I’m very active in the fashion/beauty blogging community and often at events but on my spare time all I want to do is travel and be outside, whether it be hiking, snowboarding or something as simple as going for a walk. My boyfriends even slowly turning me into a camper, which we do often enough that I can probably claim that title. I’m a really active person and it’s not easy with my schedule. I accidentally skip meals all the time but I’m very keen on keeping my energy up since I do need to stay focused.

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