m+m: snooze

image megan.christine

successful after our second attempt, we finally had the timing, patience and appetite to grab a bite at snooze in downtown denver.  this "am eatery" serves a breakfast and lunch menu that has earned quite an incredible reputation for delicious food, evident by the long line regardless of what day of the week it is, or the time.  but at least while you linger on the sidewalk or lounge under heat lamps (they are flipping hot), sometimes for up to hours, you can sip on a fresh cup of coffee or enjoy one of their many adult beverages.  we chose fresh squeezed grapefruit drinks, including the hound dog (like a greyhound) with citrus vodka, grapefruit juice and a touch of raspberry liqueur.  the restaurant, which has 5 locations in colorado and 1 in california (san diego, hillcrest, 3940 5th avenue), has an energetic atmosphere that is pumped with loud music, a mid-century modern interior with bright colors, and lots of movement.  they deliver big tasty belly fillers, and with everything looking incredible, it's hard to choose just one.  on this occasion, i picked the bella!bella!benny.  if trying to recreate, it included: thin slices of prosciutto, taleggio cheese and poached eggs on toasted ciabatta, topped with cream cheese hollandaise, balsamic glaze and arugula.  as a side, they served perfectly crisped hash.  salty, shredded and browned on all edges, i wish i had enough room to devour the sweet and spicy potato mound.... but at least i got to share it.

images snooze

m+m: ace (palm springs)

images megan,christine

roughly two hours inland from both san diego and los angeles, palm springs is the perfect place for a quick getaway.  the sunny dry weather and seclusion have been drawing in people since the 1920's.  i recently met a girlfriend in palm springs to capitalize on some much needed rest & relaxation, and we booked a room at the desert resort, the ace hotel and swim club.  nestled below the san jacinto mountains along east palm canyon drive, the resort was close enough to ride a bike or scooter (which they have available) into town, or removed enough to get lost in the tranquil property.  the los angeles based firm, commune, redesigned an old howard johnson, creating an affordable boutique hotel that would appeal to the style seeking traveler.  with two pools, pumping mellow beats and cooled by giant sun shades, it's easy to kick back and sip on one of their many specialty cocktails and enjoy a bite from the poolside bar, the short bus.  the resort also takes advantage of indoor/outdoor living and has fireplaces surrounded by lounge furniture in both public spaces, as well as on the first floor private patios (the ceramic detailing is by artist stan bitters).  

the ace hotel started in 1999 with three partners in seattle, and have since opened locations in portland, new york, palm springs and upcoming in los angeles.  the style and furnishing of each of the properties is unique and is intended to be a reflection of the specific location.  they also look to re-imagine challenged and distressed properties, breathing new life into places like a halfway house or an old motel.

popotla, rustic fishing

If you want to experience northern Baja Mexico and take in the local flavor, then Popotla is a great destination and easy to get to.  Located just south of Rosarito, about 40 miles from San Diego, this small fishing village is bustling during the day.  With fresh catches of fish, baja lobsters, crab, and mussels, along with homemade ceviche and tostadas, a stroll along the shore can be appetizing.  If you can put aside stateside expectations and assume the rustic attitude that comes with this area, you will have a great time.  

*images Megan.Christine

jet setting: Frankfurt

 

It was a quick trip to Frankfurt, Germany for business travel.  I stayed at the hip, The Pure, a member of the Design Hotels in the heart of the city.  In-between meetings and emails, I was determined, despite the frigid temperature and steady drizzle of icy cold rain, to explore the city.  With my umbrella in hand I schlepped around town, fueled by espresso and Heineken.

Underneath the modern glass structures with gravity defying design, there is still plenty of evidence of the old industrial city from decades past.  Situated along the Main River, there are over a half dozen bridges crisscrossing the water from a beautiful waterfront. With a tree lined promenade connecting restaurant patios and boat docks, I could imagine this was an enjoyable place when the weather was more favorable.  It's a busy town, an economic hub, and with the highest per capita income of any city in Germany, it's not short of stylish bankers and entrepreneurs.  There were many boutiques and shops, had I had more time, I could have done some damage to my wallet.  Noteworthy- PurPur & Sugobo.

Jet Setting: Austin- BBQ & Boots

Last month we flew into Austin, TX to celebrate the marriage of my best friend and her fantastic beau. The entire weekend was such an amazing time, filled with fabulous people, delicious eats, and good down to earth Texas fun. Kicking off the festivities was some finger-licking BBQ at the Salt Lick, we were dolled up in dresses and cowgirl boots, fitting the scene quite well. Before the wedding, which was at the Shoreline Grill along lady bird lake, we explored the city. Huffing it on foot, and dodging the looming rain clouds, we found some adorable boutiques, savvy shops and some more great food.

Two of my favorite shops to mention are the clothing store, By George, and the decor store, Mercury. By George, which is on South Congress, carries apparel, bags, shoes and jewelry from designers such as: La Rok, Corey Lynn Calter, Ella Moss, Salt Optics, etc. Across the water, on W 2nd Street, Mercury design studio is on a trendy block of real estate (including Ligne Roset). It reminds me of a merging of San Diego based Mixture + Solana Beach based Solo. I could have bought almost everything in the store, from the wall reliefs, to fox tails, to the custom covered chairs.

The weekend definitely went by too quick, and there was much more that I want to explore in Austin. Good thing our friends have a big house for visitors!

* images Megan.Christine

McMinnville: 3rd Street Flats

I had the pleasure of taking a girls weekend trip to Portland and the nearby Willamette Valley. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate a girlfriend's upcoming wedding and her love for wine. After spending a day in Portland, we rented cars and departed downtown for the open fields of the Willamette Valley for three days and endless bottles of Pinot.

We stayed in the adorable town of McMinnville, in the heart of main street in the 3rd Street Flats. This renovated historic building now houses 4 separate flats, each fully equipped and decorated with every detail in mind. Each flat was a different style, created by local designers and built with ecoconscious materials. So we learn, there was a competition for the design of each flat, and a coffee table book tells the unique story of the thought and theme of each flat. We stayed in the Olio e Aceto, the Pearl, the Retreat. In addition to the contemporary decor, and "show ready" staging, each flat included complimentary Pinot and local chocolates (topped with salt!). And just as they advertise, it was the perfect blend of hotel, b&b and vacation rental.

Images: Megan*Christine

Jet-Setting: Manassas, VA

fresh cut grass. winding roads. big green trees. sipping cold wine on the porch. mosquitoes. bright flowers. humidity. warm summer nights. friendships. fire flies in the backyard. blue jays. smiles. cardinals. silence. a doe and two cute bambi's. family. playing tag. long talks. cooking big dinners. eating long dinners. endlessly picking at leftovers like the best italians do. hugs. hum of ceiling fans. bare feet. reading the paper. reminiscing.

i call it "the woods" and i love coming back

Jet-Setting: Washington, DC

Moving away from Washington DC and returning as a visitor provides me with such a better appreciation of the beauty of the city. I look forward to coming back, and have a laundry list of must-do's for each of my trips.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon strolling the Georgetown streets. Mustering up all my willpower not to buy anything, which is not easy to do with boutiques and stores as far as the eye can see, I only allowed myself to pop into a few shops. But, once your off the main thoroughfares of M Street & Wisconsin Avenue, the neighborhoods in Georgetown are quiet tree covered streets lined with a rainbow of row houses (and some are quite grand). Character is frequently defined by an exotic door knocker, an intricate iron fence, manicured landscaping or a bold colored door. And if you have the time, one of my favorite area escapes, Dumbarton Oaks, filled with gorgeous gardens, it's the perfect place to soak in some silence from the busy city surroundings.

Jet-Setting: Middletown, CT

I spent this past weekend celebrating my nephew's birthday and niece's baptism in Middletown, CT with my whole family. It was such a wonderful weekend, and with all of us scattered across the country, it was really great for all of us to be together and catch up.

We stayed on Main Street at the historic Inn at Middletown, which was smack dab in the middle of the quaint New England town. The Inn itself, was a large brick colonial building, with a cozy courtyard (and delicious brunch), an entryway with spiral staircase and large chandelier, and the beds were extremely comfortable. Walking around town, it was evident that the area is undergoing some revitalization. Signs for festivals and concert series were strung across the street. And, enticing restaurants and wine bars have popped up in-between dark storefronts (or, wig shops- we saw two). It was also nice to jog through the hilly streets nearby on the Wesleyan campus and look at all the old large brick houses and academic buildings.

The jet-setting continues this week, down to PA, DC & Virginia......

Jet-Setting: NYC

The best of friends, a warm sunset on a rooftop, the calm after the storm, a clear summer morning, a beautiful bride, and a happy story for an amazing weekend.  I miss them already!

Jet-Setting: Austin, TX

This past weekend I flew to Austin, TX to have a fantastic girl's weekend visiting Christiane (and Jim), and Jackie flew in from Virginia too!  I was warned that coming from SoCal, the Texas heat would make an impact- and boy was it HOT!  But, I must say there is something enjoyable about wearing a tank top or strappy dress in the evenings and not having the slightest chill.  Summer evenings- I miss those!  

We spent most of the weekend around water: Lake Austin, Lake Travis, and some river down in Gruene (true Texas people watching!).  We did brave the heat and attempt to shop on South Congress, found an adorable pair of white jeans in By George, but was way too clammy to even think I could slip them on.  Popping in and out of boutiques (enjoying their cooling AC), we found some neat little places, like Feathers (an upscale vintage boutique, lined with Prada, Gucci, etc).  We definitely ate and drank like queens, always a given when we all get together.  I got a good sampling of Austin, but I am still dreaming of that delicious Carrot Cake cupcake from Hey Cupcake.  Mmmmm!

I can't wait to go back.  As we packed up our bags, we already started another mental list of all the places we'll have to check out next time :)  Love my girls, and Christiane's cowgirl boots!