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Charlie at the Westin

LA has been a trip! It feels like I transplanted my NYC life to LA making stops at the Indie Beauty Expo, Physician’s Formula, Kevyn Aucoin and It Cosmetics for their spring launch parties and also the Shoedazzle x Barbie Style event, which was so fun! This was also the trip where I simultaneously launched my Pretty Connected Camera/Bag strap line. We had an incredible event at Disney with It Cosmetics (I can’t wait to share the photos) and today my friend Mickey Williams put us in a segment for ABC7 Sarasota Suncoast View (dying!). So much to share! But alas all this insanity has kept me away from my computer and I just got to Palm Springs to visit some of my best friends and have some downtime.

However, it wouldn’t be a trip to Palm Springs without a stop at the Westin in Mission Hills. As some of you know almost 2 years ago I rescued Charlie, my senior Pomeranian love of my life from this hotel. He was/is part of their pet adoption program where they invite one rescue to live in their lobby and guests can walk, and hang out with them.

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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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Geared for More with Adidas Golf

Growing up I used to love going to the driving range with my dad. It was one of my most favorite father-daughter activities. Granted I was terrible and no idea the difference between a driver and a putter but I had decent form and if I played my cards right (or had some blind luck) the stars would align and I’d hit a perfectly fluid shot. And it was the best feeling ever! Since then I’ve stayed at a number of exceptional properties that offer golfing but always felt intimidated hitting the course without my dad. Or maybe it was because I’m an adult now and being the competitive athlete that I am, I wasn’t ready to completely bomb at something.

After this week in Palm Springs and some motivation from Adidas Golf, I could not have been more pumped! I’ve been a longtime Adidas fan and I’m so excited to be partnering with them this summer to take lessons and test out their gear. Their Geared for More campaign is all about bringing your A-game to the course and preparing for victory. Between that and visiting the beautiful Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort (located in Rancho Mirage, right outside of Palm Springs) I was ready to bury my intimidated attitude and really take advantage of the property — and at the very least blend in.

I mean, how cute is this outfit? I’m channeling my inner pro golfer that vacations at PGA properties and spending more time in a golf cart than actual car. And speaking of the clothes, the fabric in this Golf Double Stripe Short Sleeve Polo is magic. I’ve been melting in the sun and not a single sweat mark! It’s moisture-wicking makes me look so dry and breathes so well! Also the top is a UPF50, which means it has a protection from the sun (think SPF 50 level), which is so necessary on the course. The Essentials 5 Shorts Women’s Shorts are super lightweight and move comfortably. Topped off with the Climacross Boost Women’s Golf Shoes, which are hands down my favorite, such a perfect hybrid between a golf shoe and running sneaker. Excellent grip combined with side mesh makes it breathable and comfortable to wear. It also features their Torsion System to stabilize feet while walking and swinging. I felt very secure in my stance when hitting and love the look of them!

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Celebrate National Dog Day with the Westin Mission Hills

 

charlie-king-car

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.

lara-and-charlie-providencelara-and-charlie-providence2

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!