{VACATION} But ... I'm Back!!

Hi there! I have been totally off the radar the past week due to a long-awaited vacation/husband's business trip/mini 2.5 year anniversary celebration in Chicago. I completely planned on blogging while gone, but I lost my blackberry in the airport surgery (still not sure what exactly happened), and somehow 7 days slipped by without posting a single comment about Design Star or Rachel Zoe. But - I'm back!

I'll resume my fabulous ramblings tomorrow morning! Hope you had a GREAT weekend!

{HOW TO} JETSET WITH SUMMER STYLE

I'm dying to be one of those super organized people you see at airports that breezes through security - first class lane only, of course - that always seems to be "going somewhere exotic rather than Oklahoma".

Now that is a direct quote from my mother while she and I boarded a plane last month to visit my birth state... yep, you guessed it, Oklahoma. ::sigh:: Good times!

These are my above-all, must-haves-to-keep-me-sane at the airport and on-the-plane luxuries. They are all things I actually OWN and not what I should own, so I can attest to the wonders of each item and how it assists me in maintaining my zen-like state of mind even while flying.

In a couple of weeks I'll be jetting off to Chicago and then to Madison, Wisconsin and no doubt these items will save me life once again! Enjoy a peak into my luggage...


























Laptop: Dell notebook, $499 - it's so small, it slips in and out of my purse in a flash for security
iPod: Pink iPod Nano, $149 - I download spa worthy music and zone out
Dress: American Eagle, $39- super comfy, yet easily dressed up
Pocket Watch Necklace: Tempus Fugit, $65 -you can never be to the terminal too early to ask for an upgrade to first class
LUXE Maps: Luxe Travel Guides, $9 each - chic travel guides
Scarf/Blanket: Love Notes, $88 - can be used as scarf in terminal and blanket while on plane
Watch: Michael Kors, $195 - see "pocket watch necklace" -
Stamps: King & Queen of Hearts, $8 per book - to send postcards to all those that you'd love to make "pea green with envy"
Giraffe Journal: Papercup Design, $16 - to keep a travel log of events, places and people
High-tech Water Bottle: Hydra Coach, $28 - hydration is key to keeping sanity while traveling
Lip Shine: Philosophy, $8 -pure heaven for the lips
YSL Postcard Clutch: Yves Saint Laurent, $599 - it's a postcard from YSL - hello, fabulous!
Luggage: Steamline, The Editor Series, $125 - $450 - It's so vintage in style, but totally modern in function and design

{SEDATION} Beach, Flip Flops & Evian

I just got back from a work trip, and don't let anybody fool you ... traveling is traveling, period. Whether it's for work or pleasure the airports are exhausting by the end of the day. I love traveling, but I love being home even more.

As for me, I've totally managed to waste the day since arriving back at home (hope my editor doesn't entirely agree).

Don't you just LOVE those days where you either, a.) accomplish everything, or b.) nothing?

I found that they are totally different sensations - one is victory, the other is more like mild meditation. Regardless, today I'm enjoying a long day laying out at the beach, my $3.50 Old Navy flip flops and a huge bottle of Evian.

{DESTINATION} Serenity Spa at BayPoint

As you might have already gathered, I'm a journalist for a major publication that pays for me to do unbelievable research on all things decadent. I'm the magazine's go-to-gal for galas, weddings, restaurants and, spas. Blah, blah, blah... on to what really matters... the spa!

I luckily have the opportunity to fly on over to Panama City Beach and do a little "research" at Serenity Spa at BayPoint Marriott. It's a resort right on the Emerald Coast, so I'll also be getting myself a little tan while I'm there for 24 hours. I'm excited just to lay around reading Mary Kay Andrew's, The Fixer Upper, in the relaxation room (pictured) after time spent in the steam room.

I'll be getting the detox wrap and pedicure. I'm a detox wrap connoisseur! I'm excited to see how this one fairs. I usually lose about an inch (in only water weight, of course), but that really makes a difference when laying poolside!

{INSPIRATION} All Signs Point to ... AWESOME

I love how over time by reading someone's personal blog you can piece together what it must be like to actually know that specific person. You come to realize that blogger adores state fairs, costume balls and energy drinks, but dislikes pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and the word, "mule". However, as for me and my blog, we will tell you what we love - and it's just about anything that has words or phrases typed, letterpressed, stenciled or painted onto an just about anything. I've basically been into retro neon signs since junior high. Though before 2001 I had never been to Las Vegas or New York. But, I had vacationed in Pensacola Beach with my family. There awaiting each beach seeking tourist is a vintage neon sign acting as gatekeeper the the world's whitest beach. I am going to claim that as the beginning of my latest obsession in our nest!




















Wedding Chapel Painting - J. Sandquist
Love/Hate L.A. - Buckingham Studios L.A.
Stargazing Invitation/Gatsby theme - The Aviary
Pensacola Beach Sign - Pensacola Beach, Florida
Glass Pool Inn - J. Sandquist
Roses & Rue Book - Livingston & Porter
Kissing Booth letterpress print -Roll and Tumble Press
Niagara Falls Postcard - BROOKLYNrehab
Truth Print - Lake Illustration
Crest O' The Wave - Disney World's Resort Boardwalk Hotel

{INSPIRATION} Suddenly Seaside

[WARNING: READER MY BECOME SEA-GREEN WITH ENVY AFTER READING POST] I live on the beach. There, I've said it! Whew - the truth really does set you free! And while some might suggest that beach dwellers (myself included) naturally would get tired of living in paradise, I'm here to set the record straight. My husband and I adore this lifestyle... day in, day out.

Alas, with any relationship it's important to keep it fresh and exciting, which is why I feel that "suddenly seaside" is the best way to describe my current daily inspiration for my life. I've included a romantic beachside motel (we're talkin' 1950's romantic motor inn), sexy jewelry inspired by the ocean and even some delicious sweet treats that are bound to entice even the healthiest of readers.
















Seaside Bakery Sign - allposters.com
Coral print in turquoise room - unknown (contact if known)
Vintage 50's Luggage Rack - Old Crow Farm
Salt Water Taffy - Sea Shore Taffy
Rustic Ocean Floor Art - The Bee's Knees Designs
Anchor Necklace - Vintage Musings
Vintage 50's Miami Beach Brochure - Modmarge Fine Finds
His & Her's hand towels - Jolly Time One