I spent last weekend soaking up the 97 degree sunshiney weather with two of my besties from Boston. We enjoyed our days baking in the sun, eating amazing (and surprisingly healthy) food all over town, diving deep into life analysis, people-watching L.A. socialites by the pool, hanging out in dressing rooms a-la The Sweetest Thing, and discussing our skincare routines in detail. It was perfect. 

Trip planned to Palm Springs?? Bring me with you. And in case you're interested, here's what I'd recommend...

Eats

Spencer's upscale, insanely beautiful setting, delicious food

Birba candle lit, tree surrounded setting creates a romantic ambiance + best flat breads and salads

El Jefe perfect happy hour margarita and nachos after the pool

Cheeky's best brunch ever, cannot say enough about this place, just GO

Palm Greens healthy, yummy, perfect in every way - great for dietary restrictions of any kind

The Tropicale bright beautiful setting with amazing food options (very PS)

Ernest Coffee perfect for an afternoon pick me up of coffee + charcuterie

Shops

Trina Turk brighty poolside fun (when in Rome?)

Wil Stiles like Trina but with more variety and better price tags

Stay

The Saguaro colorful, lively pool scene, quirky and delicious

Do

Palm Springs Tramway conquer your fear of heights!

Thursday Night Market shops and eats and shows, great way to experience downtown

Pack

almost nothing (seriously... it's incredibly hot and it's all about the pool wear!)

I have a long list of to-do's for when I go back next (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!), so I guarantee a Part 2 (someday...)!

Getaway Weekend :: Santa Cruz Beach House

I went to the beach for a girls-getaway this weekend, to celebrate a friend's birthday. I hardly knew another soul who was going to be there (besides of course, my friend), so I admit that I was a bit unsure about how it would go.  I was feeling absolutely exhausted from my work week, not quite up for the task of meeting a bunch of strangers. But still, I knew that it would probably be fun and at the very least, I'd be near the ocean - my happy place. 

Well it turns out, my weekend on the ocean surrounded by intuitive, kind and creative women was one of the most revitalizing couple of days I've had in a long time. No doubt it had something it to do with the perfect 73 degree sunshine and ocean breezes, and the sound of waves crashing 24/7. But really, it was the time spent with women that was exactly what I needed. I am a girl's girl at heart. I love to be silly, and talk about skincare and boys, and to burst out into song, and drink mimosas and bask in the sunshine. And I love to discuss career paths and relationships and goals and dreams with strong women who all have a fresh perspective to share. 

I walked out of the weekend with a relaxed smile on my face, and new friends (cue the corny *awwww*).

Favorite moments:

• A long run in the sunshine, listening to Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In (it went with the weekend theme of "women rock") and enjoying the many rich smells (eucalyptus, wood fire, rich soil, bottle brush, low tide, sunscreen, poppies) and sights (surfers, surfers, and more surfers). 
• Sunning on Sunny Cove Beach. Summer has officially arrive in Santa Cruz.
• Cracking ourselves up with Ellen's app/game Heads Up.
• Watching dolphins swim by with hot coffee and a cool breeze on the deck.

When was your last girls weekend??