Highlights from Secrets Akumal

Happy Friyay!

We have been on a major spring like streak since I returned from Mexico.  It has been in the 60'/70's all week which has made for a nice transition from the tropical temperatures in Riviera Maya.  However, we know in Colorado we can just as easily have two feet of snow on the ground tomorrow, so I am soaking in the sun while it lasts.

A few weeks ago, I had a serious case of the winter blues... serious!! And I got an invitation to attend a viewing party of Top Chef at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, where it was filmed, and I could not reserve my spot on the beach fast enough.  Apple Vacations and Amstar made this last minute trip seamless!  They booked everything and made sure transportation to and from the airport was a breeze.

Every direction I turned at the resort was simply picture perfect.  However, more importantly the service was wonderful.  We were greeted with cocktails upon arrival (big bonus points), and the staff made us feel right at home.  Several people have asked about the food because I guess all inclusive resorts are typically not known for their cuisine, and I have to say, the food was absolutely a highlight!  

Secrets Akumal has 7 restaurants and I was so impressed with each one.  Lacey and I loved the breakfast spread at The Market - the smoothies were the perfect start to my morning! And I also loved the all pink French restaurant, Bordeaux, and the sushi spot we dined at our last night.  I wore this dress with these comfy wedges ($39) to our progressive dinner tour which commenced in the main kitchen of the hotel with the most delicious and creative eight course dinner.  I could not have been more impressed!

For me, the most important part of truly enjoying a beach vacation is laying out.  Jonny would have something to say about that, so as much as I missed him, it was nice to be on a girls trip with some lovely ladies who understand the importance of soaking in some rays.  After spending a sufficient amount of time laying out and swinging on the swings at the beach bar we spent the afternoon relaxing in the Pevonia Spa.  It was the perfect way end to the day!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend - would love to hear what fun spring break trips you have planned! And as always, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!

xo

This post is in collaboration with Secrets Akumal . As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Spring Break Dresses

Morning Friends!

I just got home from a beautiful few days at Secrets Akumal in Riviera Maya!  It is always so nice to get out of town for a few days, but no saying is truer than "Home is where the heart is."  It was hard not sharing such a beautiful place with Jonny and I am so happy to be home (a little tanner) today.

You know I am a dress fanatic, so it was nice to pack only one pair of shorts and jeans for the plane for this trip.  I had never been to an all inclusive resort  so it was such a pleasant surprise to not have to bring a purse anywhere.  Today also happens to be National Dress Day so I wanted to be sure to share a few of my favorite dresses from my Spring Break.  

I posted this dress (which is now on super sale $42!) on Instagram during my trip and got a lot of questions about it! I love the tailored fit of this shift (sometimes they can be boxy).  For sizing, I always check out Asos size guide because some things are tiny tiny and others run big.  This dress runs true to their sizing guide, I ordered a 4 and it fits perfectly (I typically wear 0-2 in most dresses).  The colors are a bit brighter than advertised which is so perfect for a beach trip, bachelorette, or vegas vaca!!  Also, big plus for me, 2 day shipping was a huge life saver since this was a last minute trip and you know I am not always the best about planning ahead :/.  

I immediately put this dress in my cart when I saw it - you know I can't resist a flowy dress with ruffles (under $60)! As you can see it does have a much deeper cut than I would normally wear, but "When in Mexico..." 💁🏽💃🏽! I would suggest fashion tape which I sadly forgot.  I love all of the fun earring styles right now, perfect for spring breaking too! My earrings $48 come in six other colors  (2 shades of pink!).  I also love these and these!  

Excited to share more from my trip with you guys!! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

So Vacation Ready

Hi Friends,

It has been a hot minute, hasn't it?! 

Jonny and I just spent the weekend in Whistler and it was chilly!  Half way through our trip, while watching the snow accumulate feet at a time, I started dropping hints that a warm weather getaway would be a welcomed 30th birthday gift (ahem).  Who's with me 🙋🏼?!

So, I am feeling a little grumpy today, guys, so forgive my venting.  Traveling home earlier this week, two of my flights were canceled after sitting on the tarmac for 4 hours because of a winter storm that hit Seattle then, this morning I learned that my flight to New York tomorrow was canceled due to the same storm.  Luckily (I thought) I was able to get on an earlier flight so I frantically threw pretty much everything in sight in my suit case and sped off to the airport just to learn that flight had also been canceled...  I had to laugh a little because I am really getting used to these flight cancellations and the series of events throughout the day were either going to make me cry or laugh.

I am a little bummed however, because it doesn't look like we are going to make it to NYC until Friday and I was so excited about a few Fashion Week events and shows that I am going miss... I was particularly looking forward to the Kate Spade show.  Darn you mother nature.  I guess there is always next season!

Anyway, it sounds like NYC is going to be COLD (whenever we get there). I am hoping the next time I hop on a plane it is to somewhere very little packing is involved - and I only need a beach bag with a few pretty sun dresses (like this one, this one and this one!). A great sun hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit (I love this one!), and a good book.

Where are you going next?  Somewhere warm, I hope.  

Spring Fever

You Guys...

I've got spring fever or cabin fever or something fever - really just vacation on the B-a-RAIN! I am (almost) all packed up for our trip and of course now (the day before we leave) I am realizing all of the cute things I wish I had purchased when I was eyeing them weeks ago!  Don't get me wrong, I did my fair share of shopping to get prepared, but I always seem to find a few more things I wish I had snapped up while I was thinking about it... (darn it!)

I have had quite an interesting time packing, friends.... My lovely husband made me promise that I would pack very light (errrrr, ok???).  Luckily we have been together almost eight years now so he knows not to expect much from this promise.  However,  with 95 degree weather and 99% humidity it has made things a little easier!

Since it is going to be so warm and humid where we are going I was looking for light, yet functional clothing.  I got this yellow sundress ($55), it is great quality and fun flowy fit!  I am also loving the cold shoulder trend for spring, it shows just enough skin and still has a classic and sweet look.  I think this eyelet number ($76) is just gorgeous!  I remember having cover up envy last summer when I went to the beach... this set is stunning and the cover up could easily be worn on its own it is so pretty!!  Finally, no vacation look is complete without a fun hat!  I wear my fadora anywhere and everywhere... I like this one ($18).  And I have been crushing on these gorgeous embroidered Eugenia Kim hats ($485) since last spring, they are a bit of an investment - also love this less expensive option ($23) and this one ($26)!

Click on the picture above for more details, or shop below.... I have also linked some more adorable vacation favorites in the scrolling shop the look gallery.  What are you favorite spring and vacation pieces??

xo