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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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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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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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Celebrate National Dog Day with the Westin Mission Hills

 

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I have to say National Dog Day holds a special sentiment now that I have Charlie in my life. And it’s all thanks to the Westin Mission Hills!! It hard to believe we’ve only been together for 4th months — I literally can’t remember my world without him.

As some of you know Charlie was part of the Westin’s pet adoption program through Animal Samaritans, a no-kill animal shelter that lets one dog live in the lobby of the hotel until they get adopted.

Charlie was dog #42 until we took him home. Now the hotel is celebrating their goal of getting 50 dogs adopted with a “Yappy Hour” they are hosting in honor of National Dog Day. Being hosted today, August 26th from 4-6pm, there will be a pooch portrait booth and a free dog toy for every canine in attendance.

The program is a year old and already to have found so many dogs loving homes, this is quite a milestone! I hope more hotels take note since we weren’t even on the market for a dog when Charlie came into our lives. Now we’re virtually inseparable. We even gave Charlie a middle name of Westin (and his dad’s last name), making him Charlie Westin King since the hotel is such a major part of his story.

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Unfortunately, we could not be there for the reunion with the Westin Mission Hills since Charlie is on his first camping trip in Maine — we did however stop off at the Westin in Portland for a few days on our way to Acadia National Park to toast them.

You can follow Charlie’s adventure on his instagram page: @pompomcharlie

Thank you to the Westin Mission Hills and Animal Samaritans for all that they do for rescues! And for bringing Charlie into our lives!

Renaissance Times Square Staycation (plus win a stay!)

renaissance-timeout-staycationI’m so excited! As some of you may remember, Charlie and I partnered with the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square a few weeks ago for an epic staycation and our campaign video is now done. The video really says it all, but to be in gorgeous, spacious room, at a pet friendly hotel where you have the pulse of the city at your finger tips and then as soon as you close the door it is so quiet and tranquil was magic. And the unexpected lambs and details in the hotel and on the balcony was such a cute touch! (Also scroll to the bottom for your chance to win a 2 night stay and exclusive discounts!).

 

As you can see from the video we had an absolute blast during our stay. The theme was #UnexpectedNYC and they delivered! Owned by the Marriott, we had a beautiful, newly renovated terrace room on the 4th floor with a balcony that overlooked Times Sq. I mean, look at this view from my balcony! All of Times Sq is behind me!

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Stay Here: Hotel Providence RI

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It’s good to be back in Providence. This time we spent two nights at the Hotel Providence, located in downtown and central to so many of my favorite shops. Charlie and I took over their Instagram since they are the only dog friendly hotel in Providence. They even have a doggie lounge with couches for them. Which Charlie clearly appreciated…

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The hotel has 80 rooms of which, 16 are suites, 4 of which are King Suites. The hotel is arts and literature themed with the suites named after famous New England creatives. We stayed in the Dr. Seuss King Suite, which had his books all over the room. Very appropriately since Dr. Seuss and I are both originally from Massachusetts and I grew up reading all of his books.

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Stay Here: Newport Marriott

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Today was awesome, I took over the Newport Marriott’s Instagram channel to share my travel diaries. Newport is honestly one of my favorite places and is just so magical. Visiting the mansions, doing the cliff walk and dining and walking around downtown should be on everyone’s list. Check out my complete guide on where to go HERE.  For this trip I wanted to share more on the Newport Marriott since this was my first time staying there — and in the Presidential Suite no less. lara-and-charlie-marriott-newport

Outfit details:

Splendid Striped Crepe Pants (on sale, 70% off!)

Splendid Temescal Cardigan (on sale!)

Boohoo white crop top (similar)

Teva Flatform Universal (on sale!)

  marriott-newport-renovation As some of you know they had a redesign last year and the result is stunning. (You can read more about the update on their blog). So much natural light and it’s so open and calming. The above photo is the view looking down from the fourth floor. The nautical theme is seen throughout — I like to think I dressed the part to match for my Instagram takeover. The view from our room was of the bay, sail boats in front and the downtown to our left. What more can you ask? A swimming pool and top notch fitness center? Yeah, they’ve got that too.newport-boats-marriott-view

As you can imagine the Presidential Suite was epic, TV’s in both rooms, and 1.5 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room table and lounge area. I would happily trade my NYC apt for it.

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