Category Archives: Travel

our rendezvous at hotel zaza memorial city

December 15, 2019

 

Being a mom to two very rambunctious toddlers, it’s been tough finding time to get away as much as we used to.  I knew with the timing of my husband’s birthday coming up we’d end up being in town this year.  Our Decembers are always filled with holiday parties, company parties, our kid’s Christmas programs, last-minute shopping… the list goes on!  Since this birthday was a big one for my husband, I started to brainstorm.  Then, it was like a million tiny lights went off in my head!  A STAYCATION.  And that’s exactly what we did!

 

 

I recently attended an event hosted by several Memorial City properties back in July, with Hotel Zaza being one.  It was my first time at the newly completed hotel, and it was love at first sight.  If you tend to steer away from the corporate feel and gravitate toward a more intimate, original hotel experience, Hotel Zaza Memorial City is your answer.  From it’s swanky vibe to it’s sophisticated ambience, you’ll be planning your next stay at this luxurious hotel before you checkout.

 

 

The chic, mid-century mod lobby itself is enough to make you want to pop in for lunch or meet up with some girls to grab cocktails during happy hour.  We were graciously greeted upon arrival and offered an array of candy and refreshments as we checked in.  To the left of the check-in counter was an adorable set-up including a hot chocolate bar, cold brew coffee, holiday cookies and other festive treats.  Most of you know that sugar and caffeine are my love language!  From the moment we checked in to our Passage to India suite, I knew I wouldn’t want to leave the room (started to ponder cancelling dinner plans and ordering room service, but we had previous reservations to make!!).  Sure, I was in the middle of Houston, but I felt a million miles away.  The hotel has a total 159 rooms, 27 suites and a total of 7 Magnificent Suites which are located on the 10th floor.  Each of the trademarked Magnificent Seven Suites are customized and designed to represent an unique global experience.  When we checked into our Passage to India suite, the only thing I felt missing was my passport!  Before dinner, we headed downstairs for cocktails at The Tipping Point.  We had a glass of red over live music a few feet away.  By the way, we shared the Artisanal Cheese and Meat Board and it was divine (highly recommend!!).  Our staycation was a quick, one-night ‘getaway’, but we got to experience the hotel and feel confident in booking another stay in the early new year.  I’m thinking this time our R&R will be geared toward a couples’ spa experience and some poolside time!

 

 

As always, thank you for stopping by and thank you so much Hotel Zaza Memorial City for providing state-of-the-art accommodations during such an important celebration!

 

 

       

photos by Banavenue

weekend guide to scottsdale

September 13, 2019

It took me awhile, but I’m excited to share my weekend guide to Scottsdale with you!  One thing that I learned quickly was in you’re planning on making a visit- the middle of summer probably isn’t the best timing. It. Is. Hot.  And that’s coming from a Texas girl!  The city itself is extremely charming, so I’d opt to visit in the cooler seasons so you can explore more outdoor shopping and dining to get the full Scottsdale experience.

   

 

Where to Stay:

We had the opportunity to stay at Mountain Shadows Resort and the moment we arrived it was love at first sight.  The views of Camelback Mountain were absolutely breathtaking.  If we wanted to do a staycation and just hang out at the hotel all weekend, we could have!  The hotel offers everything you could ever need, from an one-of-a-kind luxury wedding experience, round of golf for your honey, to a relaxing cabana experience with your girlfriends. The views from the pool itself were enough to make me want to add a few more days to the trip!  The hotel even features a new art exhibition featuring local artists every 2 months, along with open art receptions.  Talk about my love language!  We spent Saturday morning having a delicious breakfast at  Heath ’61 and walked to the pool after to soak up some sunshine.  If you’re the type that likes to get a workout in while on vacation (this is me!), the state-of-the-art fitness center will not disappoint.  The resort offers an array of fitness classes and events, from aerial yoga classes, a pilates reformer, TRX classes to an early-morning run class along Camelback Mountain.  I’m still kicking myself for not packing my tennis shoes!   If you’re planning on staying here in the future, you can check out a list of weekly scheduled workout classes here and additional outdoor activities here.  A hike along Camelback Mountain will definitely be on my to-do list next time I visit!

 

What to Do:

Since this was our first time visiting Scottsdale, we chose to explore to see what the city was all about.  We were told that a stroll through Old Town was a must, so naturally that was our first stop.  We channeled our inner blogger and had a quick photo op at gorgeous  Old Adobe Mission.  Did you know that this was the first Catholic Parish and the oldest standing church in Scottsdale?  I love learning about a city’s history and getting a taste of the culture while I’m there.  We spent 90% of our trip eating (isn’t that the best way to vacate?!) so I’m listing the restaurants we stopped at below!

 

Where to Wine & Dine:

Two things that I’ve learned in life that are good for the soul… girls trips and good food!

The Henry – This was my favorite pick of the two nights we dined out.  The food was just as good as the vibe, and a restaurant that doubles as a coffee bar?  I’m all in!  Every corner was Instagramable, but in a cool, subtle way.  This place definitely has an Austin vibe.  Wear that cute little number you’ve been saving if you plan on dining here.

The MontaukThis place definitely has a more causal vibe and was packed (we dined here on Saturday). The live music made for a fun atmosphere but I wouldn’t recommend coming for a date night since it’d be hard to have an actual conversation.  Fun place for pre-drinks or a Sunday brunch, though!

Deigo Pops – One word.  Poke bowl.  This place had a really fun, hipster vibe and would be perfect for drinks with the girls.  Too hot to brunch outside but the patio was adorable.   Another suggestion: order a round of starters to share with friends.

Sugar BowlThis place was the cutest ice cream shop I’ve ever been to.  The line outside the door speaks for itself, so I’d research the best time to go and plan around it.  From children to elderly couples (GOALS), the stop is a must for all ages.  The menu offers a wild variety of sweet options that will satisfy all palates.  There’s an adorable vintage arcade area in the back for kids to enjoy while they finish their treat, or to entertain you while you wait for a table.  Worth going for the experience.

As a mom, these fun getaways have become harder and harder to schedule.  We’re so thankful we had the opportunity to work with such a beautiful resort like Shadow Meadows Resort.  Feel free to leave a comment below if you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale and have any questions.

 

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As always, thanks for stopping by!

x

Jess

Charleston Girls Trip

January 22, 2019

I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 weeks since our girls trip to Charleston!!  I’m pretty sure we crammed a little bit of everything into this short, weekend trip!  We had such a blast and stayed up way too late chitchatting about the most random things– and it was worth every bit of sleep deprivation the next day!

 

We stayed at Zero George and it ended up being absolutely perfect.  Zero George was voted one of the Best 10 Hotels in Charleston in Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards, so I was really looking forward to getting my own experience!  I fell in love the second we arrived… It’s boutique, charming and the perfect combo of classic meets contemporary.  It’s located centrally to pretty much everything you want to see when you’re visiting Charleston.  We stayed in our own private building and had our own private garden courtyard below us.  Each morning we were spoiled with a continental breakfast and during the evenings we were offered wine + cheese plates.  Did I mention the 24 hour espresso service they offer?  What more can a girl ask for?!  I think my favorite part of the trip were our crazy bike excursions– which is complimentary when you stay at here.  It was such a privilege to stay at this little Charleston gem… thank you Zero George for hosting the perfect girls trip for us mommies!  We will definitely be back!!

 

 

the trendiest jumpsuit

January 11, 2019

 

Happy Friday friends!!  I can’t believe its already been a week since my girls trip to Charleston.  We had way too much fun and came back pretty sleep deprived… ironically the one thing I thought I’d get on this trip was sleep since it was the first time for me to be away from my babies!!  I guess when you stick four girls into one hotel room, no one sleeps!  We stayed up all night chit-chatting and learned so many things about each other that we promised to never share- HA!

 

 

I’m so excited to share this denim Paige jumpsuit with you guys.  I wore this look the first day out in Charleston and got so many compliments on it.  The crop leg makes you feel instantly up-to-date with today’s trends and the straps allow you to adjust to your preference.  I paired it with my latest love– this Free People crop top that I now own in all 4 colors.  You can’t beat the price and it’s so versatile.  I’m still loving the white bootie trend and with Spring creeping around the corner, it isn’t going anywhere.  You can find several reasonably priced ones here.

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend before hubby heads out of town on Sunday.

 

x

Jess

   

 

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telluride on my mind

September 5, 2015

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Telluride has quickly become one of my favorite getaway trips in the states.  What wouldn’t you love about what feels like a private little town in the midst of beautiful mountains?  A point not to be anything remotely mainstream, Telluride is a magical town full of carefree spirits and creative wanderers.  A favorite way to spend the day in this one of a kind town is to wake up, throw on some workout clothes and start with an on-the-go cup of coffee at The Coffee Cowboy and breakfast at The Butcher & Baker.  Once food has settled, take a mid-morning hike on Bear Creek Trail and take in the gorgeous nature all around you.  Don’t forget to breathe in all the crisp mountain air!  This hike to the top and back is an estimated 2 hours, so plan on bringing water and a snack just in case you work up an appetite.  After the hike, head to Brown Bag for the best sandwich + wrap you’ll ever taste.  (I’m obsessed with the Ahi Tuna wrap… I literally crave it when I’m back in Texas).  There’s always something festive going on around town, whether it be the Blue Grass Festival, Jazz Festival, local art showing, or Farmers’ Market (this weekend the Farmers’ Market happened to be going on), so plan on taking a stroll and supporting the locals after lunch!  When the sun goes down, head to Siam for some amazing fusion Thai food- you seriously will not regret it!  And last but not least, you HAVE to complete the night with a couple of cocktails at There (as of late, a reservation ahead is best).  This place is officially my favorite bar in the states, hands down.  These guys are amazing and can create the most delicious + sophisticated cocktails, and pride themselves on doing so (so don’t order a basic vodka + soda)!  Telluride officially has my heart… I hope you guys are able to explore what this majestic little town has to offer.