williams, sedona, and the grand canyon.

As I may of mentioned before I had already explored Arizona as a child. Amazing as it was to a nine year old girl, I can honestly say it took my breath away as a 25 year old woman. Our first stop was in Williams. A very very small town tucked up in the forests of Arizona. Seeing as it was New Years Day, we did not get to experience all the town had in store. However a small diner we discovered filled our stomachs just fine and sent us on our way. We happened to choose the scenic route by chance on our way to Sedona. Approaching the amazing mountains covered in snow, we stopped mid conversation in awe of the site. This brilliant drive was almost too much to take in. In some parts of the gigantic cliffs snow was beginning to melt and you could catch a quick glimpse of stunning red rock. We soon discovered from a local the route we took was Oak Creek Canyon, and the worlds 8th most amazing scenic drive. Who knew!! As we approach our hotel (Sky Ranch Lodge) we discover it is perfectly placed on the mesas of Sedona with views we cant quite appreciate yet because the sun has set. The rooms are small and modest but cozy with fireplaces and private decks. Word to the wise. Sedona is not a city of night life. You will find no bars, no live music, hell you wont even find a restaurant open past 9 on the weekends. Luckily enough we brought plenty of wine and games! Now traveling to the Grand Canyon you have a couple of options. You can drive, which takes around 2 hours, or you can take the train from Williams. Now taking the train to Williams is well worth it during the summer, when there is more the enough to do at the National Park. However, during the winter most hiking trails are shut down due to the snow. Now saying this I fully believe everyone should see the Grand Canyon during summer and winter! The colors of the canyon completely change during this two drastically different seasons. Bring gloves and lots of socks! It will be below freezing! Now, when you are in Sedona there are a couple of things to see. First there is the Church of the Holy Cross. Tucked beautifully in the cliffs you can experience serenity and breath taking views. Another stop is Slide Rock hidden in the Oak Creek Canyon, which is a drive that needs to be experienced. Another option is simply following the signs to scenic hiking trails, best viewed at sunset with the sun blazes through the clouds and looks as though God is shinning upon us. This trip is one to take! Perfect for a long weekend getaway.

the ACE hotel portland

If i can say one thing...the Oregonians have it right. With the big city feel and the small town mentality they have the best of both worlds. However, I dont just have one thing to say. I have many. Upon arrival it is a completely clear sky and crisp air. Hands down my favorite weather. The trees are a mixture of brilliant greens, reds, and yellows. Driving across the Burnside Bridge you instantly see the "Made in Oregon" sign. This sign could not speak more of the truth. Everything is "home grown". The art, food, beer, wine, coffee, and people. I would say there are four main parts to this city and they are very different yet have the same feel flowing through them. Laid back. I almost felt a sense of uneasiness....not being in a rush. With-in the first 30 minutes of being in the city we walk 1/2 a block from our hotel and find...a bar...a coffee shop...and a breakfast joint. We choose "Kenny and Zukes". Holy moly. Latkes and french toast. Just order them, trust me. We found ourselves wondering on to Powell's books after breakfast. Needless to say you could get lost here. It's nickname is the house of books. Our next stop is a vintage store named Fringe. You are greeted instantly by a friendly face...who shockingly enough WANTS to talk to you (they jam in the back on lunch breaks). The plethera of threads and gems is over-whelming. Our first dinner in Portland is at Le Happy. Recommended by pretty much everyone I know. Known for their crepes....and pretty much only selling crepes. It is to die for. Sweet or salty you will get your french cuisine fix. Not to mention an excellent ale on tap (most likely brewed in Oregon). Saturday morning you will find their flea market located right on the waterfront. Dont bother getting there too early I feel as though the Oregonians are in no rush to get up. An hour earlier and we would of found no market. Here you can find local artists crafts, clothing, food, and beer. Hawthorne street is where you will find an abundance of vintage stores, cafes, and restaurants. The vibe most definitely changes on this side of the bridge. You no longer see sky rises but homes, and everyone is walking their dogs or riding their bikes. A great place to eat is Jam. They are known for their breakfast cocktails (ex. strawberry mimosa) and their pear chai jam (to die for). The streets are lined with vintage stores. House of Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Rock n' Rose, and Rad Summer to name just a few. On East Burnside Street you will find an amazing coffee shop named Heart. The coffee is delicious, the pastries even better, and the decor is indy meets industrial. Along the same street you will come across an awesome restaurant/bar/lounge/music venue. Fantastic food. Fantastic beer. Fantastic jams. The place is named Doug Fir. It's like the 1950's had a baby with a ski lodge and an indy rocker. Needless to say it's....fantastic. Our hotel was located more in the Pearl District, and what the Portland natives tell us is "up and coming". The Ace Hotel is a hipster's dream. The hotel is connected to a Stumptown cafe and a restaurant/bar called Clyde Common. Come hungry because you will stuff yourself silly. Clyde Common is a European influenced restaurant. With common table areas and bar it is most than easy to make friends. Especially since the Oregonians are some of the nicest people you will ever come to meet. The Ace Hotel has a friendly staff who dress fantastically. Black pants, saddle shoes, white collar shirt, and suspenders. Whats not to love? In the lobby there is a grouping of couches filled with people from all walks of life. Some are visitors, some are locals having meetings for art projects. There is a photobooth in the lobby as well. And though it is 4 dollars. It is TOTALLY worth it. Like in Palm Springs you can also rent bikes for the day! Portland hands down has become one of my favorite cities. You will fall in love with every aspect Portland has to offer. 

the ACE hotel palm springs

Just this past July my friends and I took a trip to Palm Springs. The hotel was so beyond amazing I had to book a trip with my husband. The design of the Ace is a bohemian, organic feel with mid-century modern, and hip tendencies. Some rooms have patios, and gardens. If you are booked in a more simplistic room you can find communal fireplaces through out the property. At this hotel you feel like you have stepped into a retro cool black and white 1950's movie filmed at a pool. The restaurant, although deceiving, has excellent and rare meals to offer. Including french pressed coffee in the morning, which I personally believe is to die for. As you walk through the hotel exploring you will find many personal touches and quirky objects. Including a vintage photo booth! The hotel also offers vespa and bicycle rentals. You may even find yourself on the tandem bicycle! The hotel is also dog friendly, with a pet friendly lobby, pool, rooms, and dog park. But BEWARE, they will charge you if a neighbor complains about barking. Palm Springs has always been a chic place to visit but this hotel is the creme de la creme of hotels!

i love you new york.

One of my closest friends took off for College this past year. While she lands herself on the East Coast, I am stuck here in Southern California getting my travelers itch...once again. My instant reaction is to book a flight to New York and have her meet me there. She being a gypsy like myself...agrees. Our first day in NY winds up being a sick joke. Which we now can look back on and laugh, thankfully. We will now refer to Broadway as being the longest street in the world. It at least feels that way when you get lost. Being a native from California I bring with me some what of a laid back lifestyle, where as New Yorkers do not. It takes a couple hours....or a day to get used to. However, once you do the city is constantly buzzing and you can enjoy every ounce of it. We are there for four days and every millisecond is filled with something to do. The Empire State Building, Staton Island, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Union Square, Madison Square, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Canal Street, Soho, Grand Central Station, the Met, New York City Ballet, the theatre, the pubs, the bars, and the food. New York is an amazing place to visit, and a city you most definitely can't miss. Wether you are on a romantic get away with your love or with a best friend it is over whelming and beautiful in it's own way. During the day the site seeing is breath taking and a night the city is filled with the excitement of life. Even if that means sipping on a Starbucks in the middle of Time Square or sharing a Blue Moon at the local pub with a friend. The best part about New York are the restaurants and bars right off the street, every neighborhood has it's own vibe. There is always something to do and somewhere to go.

wicklow mountains, glendalough, bray, and dun laoghaire

Our second stop in Ireland is a tour through the cities of Wicklow, Bray, Glendalough, and Dun Laoghaire. Every one of these cities is completely and utterly different. Dun Laoghaire is a beach side city just south of Dublin. Where shockingly enough you may even find surfers on a "warm day". You can find small cottages along the coast with white picket fences and beautiful emerald gardens. Bray is a city just east of Dun Laoghaire. We stop for coffee and pastries, and they are delicious. The flaky croissant just melts in your mouth. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains are just breath taking. We are in Ireland in March so the mountains still have flakes of snow left sprinkled on them. The air is nippy so high up in the cliffs, but the air is so fresh the rocks become covered in a vibrant green moss. Glendalough is filled with 1,000 year old ruins from a Monastery and a small pub where their native tongue is Gaelic. The fields are filled with lamb and horses as we pull away from this enchanting city. It is a city you feel should belong in a fairytale.