Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Travel to: Monte Carlo, Monaco

The Casino

Flower on a vine 

The shoreline
*Historical note - the port of Monaco is first mentioned in historical records as early as 43 BC


Luxurious cars and windy roads

Mc Donald's and the McBaguette 

Monte Carlo is a city of old world luxury. The city has provided scenery for two James Bond films and was once filled with tuxedos and formal gowns. To date it's filled with jean clad tourists admiring aged buildings and imagining the former glamour. There's decent shopping and an abundance of expensive sports cars, however, other attractions are limited. Aside from the Palace, the best of Monaco is clustered in 4 square blocks and can all be done within a couple hours. We suggest a quick stop, maximum one overnight, then hit the road.

See: The Casino and Hotel de Paris

Lunch: on top of Hotel de Paris at Michelin-starred Le Grill. Alternatively, consider trying a fast food chain. We opted for the McBaguette at McDonalds.

Shop: same area

Tour: Prince's Palace of Monaco


xo

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Zucchini Ribbon Salad






K.I.S.S. - It's an old marketing acronym meaning "Keep It Short & Simple." That's this minimal salad - it takes only minutes to make and the ingredients are simple (zucchini, fresh basil, olive oil, lemon, cracked pepper, sea salt, red pepper, and parmesan cheese). These ingredients, combined with artful zucchini ribbons (made easily with a potato peeler) create a bold and authentic Italian taste. Delicioso!

Tip: snip the fresh basil with kitchen shears - the basil strips will come out thin and unmarred by a knife

Enjoy, bellas.

xo


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Valentines Day for Him/Her

   Valentines Day for Him


For Him
French Press
Tickets to a game or show
Flannel J. Crew cuddle-up shirt 
Expresso Maker
Homemade Basket
Cookies



  Valentines Gift Ideas For Her


For Her
Earrings - Kate Spade
J. Crew pj's 
YSL red lipstick
Bond Perfume
Hermes Bracelet (wishful thinking ;) 
Candle 


...and most importantly, a thoughtful letter to your partner. And some chocolate. 

xo


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Clovers, Bee, Butterfly,Tulips, and Horses






 ...these are a few of my favorite things.
Dreaming of spring on an idle winter day. 

Happy Thursday. 


Monday, February 4, 2013

Travel to: The Cove at Atlantis


View from The Cove at Atlantis 

The Cove pool 

Ditty's pink hair

Seagull at The Ocean Club (where James Bond was filmed)

The Ocean Club Beach

The Cove cabana

More pink hair

Family time. One of our brothers, a cousin, Ditty, and another cousin

Seeeisters

Ditty & Sugar


Beach sunset

Atlantis has become the amusement park of the Bahamas. The property is enormous and there is no escaping the equally gigantic crowd - think Disney World crowds. The older hotel buildings are dark and dingy and restaurants are crowded and overpriced. To put it mildly, it's not worth the money. However, staying at the Cove is an entirely different experience. The Cove was built in 2007 and is a tower with 600 rooms, all huge gorgeous suites. The surrounding Cove property is upgraded, with a Bobby Flay Mesa Grill, private casio, and a reserved adult pool with a european day party vibe, limited to only Cove guests. Read: cocktail heavy & crowd and kid free. 

Best for: a bachelorette weekend. If you're looking for gambling, sunning, without the Vegas hoopla, this would be a great toned down alternative. 

What to do: lounge by the pool, beach, gamble

Best dish: the conch salad at the Cove pool. Out of this world, and super healthy.

Best drink: Blackberry mojito. Freshly crushed blackberries go into this gem. 

Be sure to: leave the Cove for a day. Escape the artificial feel of Altantis and experience other Bahamas attractions. Have a beach swim and drink at the Ocean Club, where James Bond was filmed. 

Beware: Atlantis has a custom of tacking on tons of charges to your room bill. Ask about the fees on top of the price per night you were quoted.