Category: Travel

What to See & Do in Alaska!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are planning a trip to Alaska and not taking a cruise, this is the only itinerary you will need!

Our family of 6 was there for 7 days and 7 nights and we covered a lot, and I mean a lot of the state. Here is a complete list of where to stay, what to do, where to eat and what to pack for a trip to Alaska!

Firstly, you will need to know what to pack if you are travelling to the largest state in the USA. Its mass is 1/5 the size of the lower 48 states, so there is a lot of travelling by car or via rail but you won’t mind the drives or train rides because the scenery is spectacular.

What to pack for Alaska in the summertime.
- Hiking boots, low rubber boots, walking/running shoes and a comfortable pair of “fashion sneakers” to head out for dinner. We were there in July and there was no need for flip flops or open toe shoes.
- Bring warm socks, long sleeve layering shirts, t-shirts, a couple tank tops, jeans, casual lounge sets, leggings, sweat pants, one pair of shorts, sweatshirts, cargo pants, hiking gear, and for sure a good rain jacket and shell rain pants to pull over jeans, sweat pants or leggings. I wore leggings and jeans most of the trip with a t-shirt, sweatshirt or light flannel jacket most days. Everywhere is pretty casual so leave your dressy clothes at home. Bring a messenger bag and a backpack, you can leave your swimsuit behind unless you plan to swim in your hotel pool. In the summer months, the lowest temperature we experienced was 44 degrees but it did get up to 73 degrees a few days. Bring a few ball caps, summer hat and I did bring a winter hat for the fishing trip and the glacier trip because of the wind and snow. Bring a sleeping mask for sure because there is 24 hour day light in Alaska for 3 months in the summer and if you hotel doesn’t have black out blinds, you may have trouble sleeping.
Fly into Anchorage and rent a car for 4 days but book your return flight home from Fairbanks so you don’t have to back track. That is what we did and is worked out really well! Don’t forget to pack one change of clothes, your toiletries and medication in your carry on in case your luggage is delayed or misplaced for a day.

Book a car or small SUV at the Anchorage airport, it was supper easy and the cars are located in the airport.

Day 1 – arrival day

Depending on what time you land, check into your hotel (I recommend Hotel Captain Cook, the Sheraton or the Aloft and head for lunch or dinner at 49^th State Brewing Co. and ask to sit on the 2^nd or 3^rd floor outdoor patios. For other dining options I would recommend Club Paris for dinner, Rustic Goat for lunch and Midway Café for organically sourced fresh healthy breakfast. There isn’t much to see around downtown Anchorage but you could always walk the Coastal Trail if you need some movement and fresh air after a long travel day.

Day 2- Hiking in Achorage & road trip to Seward

Drive about 20 minutes to go hiking around the Flat Top Mountain trail in Chugach State Park. Experience beautiful views from this high peak! You can see the ocean, the city and all the beautiful mountain ranges from this area. There are so many hiking trails from easy to advanced and you can spend one hour or 4 hours hiking.

Drive to Seward in the afternoon, it is about a 2.5 hour scenic drive! Take your time, pull over, take photos and enjoy! You can spend one evening in Seward and I would highly recommend bringing your appetite. The best dining/cuisine of the trip for sure. We kept our hotel rooms in Anchorage (because we had 6 people and too much luggage and we only needed travel clothes and whatever you wanted to wear fishing the next day in an overnight bag without having to pack up all your belongings) as day 4 will be spent in Anchorage. In Seward, dine at the Cookery (the BEST fresh seafood ever, so make reservations for sure) or The Flamingo (you have to see the interior of the Flamingo, trust me, so head over there for their amazing cocktails if you don’t dine there!)

As for hotels, try to book anything you can. There are not many options and it is only for one night but the best we came across was Seward Gateway or the Harbor 360 Hotel. (BTW, they don’t mention it but you need to bring your own waters, drinks, sandwiches, snacks and cooler on the boat for the day, there is one grocery store in town, Safeway, open until midnight so you can buy a cooler, ice, etc. and leave it packed in your car overnight so you are all set for the 6:20am check in time for fishing licenses etc.)

Day 3 – Fishing in Seward

Fishing, yes book a full day! You will not be disappointed! We caught 12 Halibut, (limit 2 per person so we had to catch and release a bunch), about 10 salmon and over 14 Rock Fish. It was incredible but the boat ride out into the ocean on our picture- perfect sunny day was extraordinary. The glass like ocean, the snowcapped mountains, the mini-islands and land masses, I couldn’t stop taking photos. We booked our trip with Aurora Fishing Charters (the BESTEST!!!) but really there were so many to select from and I can’t recommend any others as we only fished one day. They also clean, filet, vacuum seal and ship your catch home.

Walk around the docks and have dinner in Seward before your drive back to Anchorage. Don’t worry about it getting dark, you will have the same scenic drive back. There is an amazing conservation Wildlife Sanctuary to check out. I would highly suggest it for the ride to Seward or your return drive but take note that is closes at 7pm and the last entry is 630pm so plan accordingly.

Day 4- Day excursion close to Anchorage

Drive one hour and take the mid-morning Helicopter Glacier Tour for thrill seeking adventure around every corner with Alaska Helicopter Tours. By far my favorite day of the trip (fishing being the second!). I can’t even put into words the breathtaking glaciers, the ice blue water pools, the waterfalls through the glaciers, the amazing dog sledding ride with professional mushers that train these incredible animals for the world re-known Iditarod marathon. Check out the photos on this blog or my highlight reel on Instagram to see how incredible this magical trip was!! After you dog-sled and playing with the dogs, you land on the glacier and walk or hike around…one word.. AMAZING! Total epic experience. Our pilots were top-notch and the mushers were extremely professional and super fun! Have a delicious meal at their lodge following your helicopter landing. Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening or late dinner. Return your rental car this evening, taxi back to your hotel.

Day 5 – train to Denali National Park

Pack up and take the 9:15am train on the famous Alaskan Railroad, the 8 hour Denali Princess Cruise Railroad train to Denali National Park. Yep, just do it! Book the dome club car for the best views and access to two meals, breakfast & lunch in their premier dining car. The train bridges, the wildlife spotting and the scenery is beautiful, a gorgeous trip!

There are around 60 hotels in Denali but the most centrally located one the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. They offer easy transfers to your hotel from the train, and you can walk across the street for dinner if you don’t want to dine at the 4 restaurants on property. There is the cutest burger and chili truck, Denali DogHouse. or Prospectors Pizza for a 1lb king crab pizza.

Day 5 & 6 – Hiking, Zip Lining and White Water Rafting, train to Fairbanks

Our family is not for getting a huge tour bus with a lot of people for an 8 hour tour so we booked two ½ day trips and some hikes in Denali. There are a plethora of hiking trails so I would advise checking with the visitor’s centre or your hotel concierge to determine the ability level of your group and your time frame to hike in the early morning – 1.5-3 hours hikes.

Explore Denali National Park. It is beautiful and you can’t go to Alaska without heading to this 6 million, yes million acre park! We booked an afternoon ATV/Zip lining excursion one afternoon with a 2 hour morning hike prior and on day 6 we took an 11 mile white water rafting trip with New Wave Adventures up the river with class 3 and 4 waters before our 4 four train ride to Fairbanks. I highly recommend both, it is a bit chilly and it is often rainy but so worth it and if you are up for adventure instead of sitting in a 8 hour tour bus I would highly recommend it before catching the 4pm train from Denali to Fairbanks. The train is about 3.5 hours and book the Gold Coast experience on the passenger train. It is not as luxurious as the Princess train from Anchorage to Denali but it is just as scenic and easier than travelling back to Anchorage. Upon arrival at the train station, every hotel has a shuttle service for easy transfer to your hotel We were all exhausted after Denali so we just chilled out, went for walk along the water and had dinner at our hotel in Fairbanks, Pike Waterfront Lodge. We did however rent a car at the airport, your hotel will shuttle you to the airport with easy pick up and return service so you have a way to get around Fairbanks on Day 7.

Day 7- full day in Fairbanks

We booked a charming hotel on the water and did a couple of tours as our flight didn’t depart until 10pm. These two tours were more for the history of Alaska but were fun and we added a few more experiences for the kids and learned a lot along the way. There is a Gold Dredge tour that you can actually pan for gold. It is a world renown tour; you grab a poke filled with dirt right out of the sluice box and pan for gold at the National Historical Site where 3.5 million ounces of gold were recovered in Alaska. After that we grabbed a quick lunch at a Thai joint (you wouldn’t know it but Fairbanks is home to over a dozen authentic Thai restaurants, yummy!) After lunch we cruised the great river of Alaska on board the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery. It was way more than just a steamboat cruise, it was full of history, and you will be immersed in frontier living with a tour of an Athabascan Indian Village and a view a bush pilot in action, see some wildlife and experience Alaskan culture. It was unique and a great way to wrap up our 7-day family vacation in Alaska!

If you have any questions, need more information or want to send an email visit my Instagram @stellargirlofficial.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684317207067-312acfe0-a1a2-6″ include=”2237,2236″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
July 20, 2022
Destination Dominican Republic, Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination for many US residents. There are many direct flights from the East Coast making it a popular tourist destination.

There is much to see and do in this country of 11 million people! We only had 4 days there, so we took the first day to relax at the resort and then ventured out and about!

Most tourists hover around Punta Cana where lovely resorts line the busy surfing beaches along the Caribbean Sea. We stayed at Eden’s Roc Cap Cana, about a 15 minute drive from the palm peppered Macao Beach and the queen tourist areas of Punta Cana. Eden’s Roc was tranquil, set on its own private white sandy beach. Most of the rooms come with your own concierge to set up day trips or excursions which I highly recommend. They also provide a private shuttle service to the Marina area where one of our favorite restaurants is located. Its base is Italian but with a Mediterranean flair, Barbudo is quaint but with a cool vibe and had the best prices and the most amazing cuisine. It may not be right on the water like Aura, which had amazing seafood and sunset views but Barbudo was by far our fav.

My top three places to see in the Dominican Republic

Sail to Isla Saona, it’s a private island about 40 minutes from the mainland. There isn’t much on the island but worth the ride to its white sandy beaches, colorful hammocks swinging between the coconut palm trees with a small cocktail and snack bar. It is hardly developed but oozes tropical charm in its paradisaical essence. Make certain you ask your captain to take to you see the hundreds of starfish in the shallow waters minutes before reaching the island and you will want to wade in the waist deep turquoise water in the natural beaches close by. No waves, no problem, pure crystal-clear water and picturesque postcard worthy photo opps! We spent over two hours swimming and enjoying the sea!

Take a day trip to Santa Domingo is you have the time. It is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Punta Cana/Cap Cana to explore the capital. Roam around the Zona Colonial and immerse yourself in the history of this 500-year-old town rich with history and heritage. It is the largest city in the Caribbean and adorned with statues, parks, restaurants, live music and cigar bars. It’s best to go with a guide or hire Tours By Locals as it is very congested and there is a lot of traffic.

If you are in the Punta Cana area, the modern medieval village of Altos De Chavón is a must see. Sculpted entirely of stone, the iconic village is modeled after a 16^th century Mediterranean village. It is an outdoor Grecian style 5000 seat amphitheater where Frank Sinatra and many world artists have performed since its opening in 1982. The village took 6 years to build and it is lined with fine dining restaurants, curated boutiques, famous cigar shops and it is also an archeological site that houses a museum with the most comprehensive history of the indigenous culture in the Dominican Republic. The church, St Stanislaus is found in the village centre with spectacular views of the river. It is a must see when visiting the DR.

Hope you enjoyed the four day itinerary of the Dominican Republic and the must see areas the country is known for.

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June 29, 2022
St.Barths Travel Guide; How to get there, Where to stay, Dine, Shop & Beach

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Put this magical island of St Barths on your bucket list if it isn’t there already. The moment you land you will feel the Parisian vibe, be blown away by the breath-taking views all along the coast lines, the turquoise and dark teal sea, pristine beaches and some of the best restaurants, chic shopping boutiques and stunning hotels with some of the most welcoming locals I have met while traveling the world.

As you are planning your trip to St Barths, I wanted to share the options on the best ways to get there because there are no direct flights from the US. Of course, private would be the way to go but there are three other options as well. I would recommend flying into San Juan and taking Tradewind. It is a little pricier than Winair out of Saint Martin but a much better airport. It was a cluster navigating through Saint Martin and they just throw you on whatever Winair flight and your luggage will arrive before you, or even two flights after you. If your only option is to fly through Saint Martin and take Winair, use the VIP service arranged through your hotel. It is worth every Euro! A guide meets your US arrival flight and guides you through the process. Do it on the return also, no lines to re check in on your US bound flight, no lines for customs, immigration or security. Tips are welcome and our agent was incredible.

I do not recommend the ferry although it is an option if you booked last minute and can’t get a flight. The unpredictable weather, the rough seas and the pure inconvenience of getting to the ferry in Saint Martin’s from the airport then from the port in St Barth’s to rent your car, it is simply not worth the hassle. Oh yes, and by the way, rent a car in St Barth’s. There is valet at all the hotels, beach clubs and restaurants and taxis are sometimes a lengthy wait. If you are not fond of European skinny, winding roads then don’t drive yourself but if you are up for an adventure and you want to hit all the beaches and hot spots rent a mini convertible or a Moke.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Where to Stay

There are so many incredible hotels on St. Barth’s. It all depends on which part of the island you want to spend your time at. We stayed at Le Sereno. Loved it, the rooms and service were incredible and so was our terrace view & private pool and you can walk ¼ mile into the ocean and not be above the waist in the sea. It is a 10 minute drive to St Jean (all the beach clubs & casual shopping) and 20 minutes from Gustavia which is where I would like to stay next time I holiday in St. Barths. Most of the chic shopping, fav restaurants and where Shell beach is located! We visited many hotels, so other notables would be Le Carl Gustaf, with stunning views and spectacular sunset bar and I adore Le Cheval Blanc, for every single reason you would ever dream of . If you are looking at something a little less expensive but still luxurious , check out St Christopher. Eden’s Rock is right in the heart of the party scene in St Jean where people go to be seen. Rooms are lovely but make sure you get a terrace with a view, many rooms have neither.

Where to Beach Club It!

There are amazing beach clubs in St Barths and that is where you want to be from 130ish until 430ish. The most well known is Nikki Beach where the Sunday scene is “where to be seen”. We went on a Monday and had a blast, excellent service, sushi, champagne and space to enjoy the beach without all the crowds. Eden’s Rock is also a vibe and close to Nikki Beach, super fun, eclectic high end boutique in the hotel lobby and a St. Tropez cool factor. Gyp Sea is my favorite in St. Jean. The boho-chic-free spirit ambiance, amazing people watching, incredible chef and staff and we closed the place down at 6pm before sunset. Another fab beach club is Shellona on Shell Beach in Gustavia on the other side of the island. Incredible cuisine, cocktails and view. Definitely plan on spending a relaxing 2 hour lunch there and bring your swim suit and towels and stay the afternoon!

Beaches

You can’t find a “wrong” beach in St Barths. They are all immaculate. Check with your concierge if you are planning on hiking to Colombier Beach or the Piscine Naturelle (it could be a little confusing without a map and the wind and time of day also factor in). My favorite beaches are Gouverneur; the beach in front of Le Cheval Blanc hotel (plan on spending a few hours there too, super luxe hotel, best boutique on the island, fabulous dining and you can pay 170.00 euros per person for chairs at the beach if you are not staying at the hotel); and Shell Beach in front of Shellona Beach Club. The beach along St Jean is in front of Eden’s Rock, Nikki Beach and Gyp Sea. All swimmable, all white sandy perfection!

To Dine

We did not have one “s0-s0” meal the entire time we on the island. Every restaurant is known for the fresh catch of the day which is usually sea bass or halibut it is difficult to narrow down the BEST because they were all amazing. I ate so well, healthy and light. You never left hungry, and you could eat all the fresh French break and I never felt too full.

I will recommend Bonito, it’s a must & their famous cocktail comes in mini bathtubs with a ducky! La Petite Plage for its last sitting of the night, 9:30pm, where you will end up dancing to ABBA on the tables by 11pm and the floor is sand so choose your footwear wisely. We loved the jungle casual feel at Eddy’s, we didn’t make it to Tamarin but it will be on the list for next year and the scene at Bagatelle on Friday for drinks at sunset is a must.

To Shop

A little more casual, fun, super cute, more budget friendly clothing and accessory shopping can be found all around the beach clubs in St Jean. There are little narrow alley ways to explore, unique swimwear boutiques and great men’s clothing to be found in this area. You just must walk up and down both sides of the street and you be sure to find some cool trendy pieces to pick up. Most of the luxury boutiques are in Gustavia. But amongst them were boho boutiques with unique flair and island wear like Pop St Barths and Clic Concept boutique (you can also find them in the Hamptons). The large fashion houses can also be found in Gustavia amongst all the independent décor, book, clothing and accessory boutiques lining the main streets of Gustavia. It is worth spending 2-3 hours walking, people watching and window shopping if you don’t want to splurge!

There are very few island destinations I would return to because there is so much of the world I have yet to see, explore and learn from but St Barths, I will be back, sooner rather than later![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684317846350-3c65d603-dfa8-10″ include=”2162,2163″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

June 9, 2022
9 Travel Tips to Make Long-Haul Flights Enjoyable by guest blogger, Elise Armitage

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’ve been traveling on long-haul flights for years now and I’ll never forget the feeling of dreading being on a plane for hours. You can’t help but feel uncomfortable, anxious, and in need of some serious freshening up.

After many long-haul flights, I feel like I finally know the ins and outs of making them more enjoyable (besides purchasing a first class ticket, lol). Once you have a system in place, you’ll be flying with ease.

9 Travel Tips to Make Long-Haul Flights Enjoyable

1. Bring a reusable water bottle
This is hands down my number one tip that I recommend to everyone because no one likes paying a ton of money for a small plastic water bottle. Most airports have a refillable water station so not only will you be hydrated, but you’ll also be saving a few dollars.

Once you’re on the plane, you’ll be happy that you brought some water to drink throughout the flight—no need to flag down flight attendants for water.

2. Noise Canceling Headphones
If you’re on a long flight, you’re going to want to have noise-canceling headphones. There’s nothing worse than sitting for hours listening to side conversations or a baby crying.

Having noise-canceling headphones allows you to keep yourself entertained by listening to music, a podcast, an audiobook, or even watching a movie. The possibilities are endless once you drown out the noise and prioritize listening to something that will bring you joy throughout your flight.

3. Pack a power bank
Packing a power bank is a lifesaver, especially if you get to your seat and notice there’s no outlet or the outlet is broken. Having a backup plan to charge your devices is key to a more enjoyable flight.

Trust me, you don’t want to be sitting on a long flight unable to watch a movie or read a book because your tablet is dead.

4. Pack a good neck pillow
It’s no secret that sitting on a plane gets very uncomfortable, so you’re going to want to pack a really good neck pillow. This pillow is my personal favorite and never fails to bring me comfort.

I highly recommend investing in a memory foam pillow with straps that can easily attach to your seat. Once you have a good neck pillow, you’ll be sleeping like a baby and avoiding any potential neck pain.

5. Get a seat footrest
I know you’re thinking this is super extra, but trust me when I tell you a seat footrest will leave you feeling like you’re lounging on a hammock. After a few hours, you’re going to want to stretch out your legs and a seat footrest lets you put your legs up optimizing the little space you’re in.

They also don’t take up too much space in your carry-on, so why not bring one and be more comfortable.

6. Pack a Theragun Mini
Ok, this isn’t essential and I’m being extra again, but I highly recommend packing a Theragun Mini. My lower back gets so stiff on long flights and being able to massage my lower back during a layover is actual heaven.

So if you’re like me and struggle with any stiffness or aches, you’ll want a little massager.

7. Listen to meditation tracks
I know you might be rolling your eyes right now but listening to meditation tracks is so relaxing. This is perfect to throw on when you’re feeling like you need to calm down any nerves, anxiety, or restlessness after reaching a few hours on the plane.

Pair a meditation with your noise-canceling headphones and it’s a very therapeutic experience.

8. Don’t wear makeup and bring extra moisturizer
You’ve probably heard this before and I’m going to say it again, don’t wear makeup on a long flight. It’s a lot more comfortable sleeping with a bare face and since there’s no humidity your skin is going to absorb the oils (or makeup) that are already on your face.

My biggest tip is to lather on that extra moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected from any germs in the air.

9. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste
Last, pack a toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up after traveling overnight—you’ll be so happy you did.

Those were all my tips and tricks to make your long-haul flight more enjoyable! Now you won’t have to dread being on the plane for hours.

Happy flying![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1643143031968-5cf4c3a4-bf8d-7″ include=”2044,2045″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

January 25, 2022
Autumn Feels

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Autumn Feels

Normally travel slows down in the fall unless you are visiting wine country, but generally when school starts and before the holiday season ramps up, we get caught up in the busyness of fall. The weather shifts, football and soccer season begin, school festivities gear up, indoor home projects commence, and the work/school routine commence after a relaxing summer. Still, this time of year is one of my favorite times to travel.

I want to remind you that if you don’t live in a climate that has all four seasons, travel in the fall to somewhere that does! If you already do, still take a “mini-cation” through wine country for harvest season, take a scenic hike or walk through your national parks or trails, stroll the tree lines along the city streets, or enjoy the stunning foliage in the country on a perfect day trip or a perhaps a weekend getaway. The “dog days” are over!

Fall is a great source of inspiration for me, the spectacular scenery, the fashion, the food, home décor, and the return of hot coffee. Never been a fan of iced coffee, still don’t get it!!

October and even early November have graced us with pleasant temperatures and unless you ski, snowmobile or ice fish (lol on the last one!), it’s one of the last few weeks of the year we have left to take advantage of the outdoors. The autumn foliage, the brisk air, the crunch of the leaves as you walk, the misty mornings, the autumn feels of cozy blankets, spicy chili, apple pie, log wood fire pits & warm slippers are all some of my favorite things about fall. Also, it is officially cuddle season as well as my favorite time of the year for fashion. I am in my happy place with a pair of chunky boots, stretchy denim, a hoody, a soft cable knit sweater, a faux fur coat, a slouchy beanie, a shacket, an oversized blazer, a long cashmere coat…the list is long and layered!

Right after you enjoy all the outdoor autumn feels and scenery, then it’s time to pull out the board games, the puzzles, the seasonal décor, the holiday lists, your favorite candles, a DIY project, watch a feature film trilogy, enjoy a popcorn night, a fire side chat, a blanket with a book, seasonal soups, comfort food and hot chocolate. Cozy up… it’s officially snuggle season at STELLARGIRL![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1635885009717-402f848b-cd4a-3″ include=”1924,1926″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

November 2, 2021
“Weekend trip to Sonoma, Escape the city life” with Travel Expert, Lindsay Myers from Access Hollywood, “Lindsay On Location”.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After filming on the beautiful island of Kauai, Lindsay on Location has made its way to get a little more acquainted with Northern California. We discovered a local go to Rum company safari tour and all the happy hours on Kauai, and now it is Sonoma County’s turn for Lindsay on Location to dive into Sonoma County. We wanted to highlight Sonoma because it has so much to offer. Everyone thinks amazing wine, but there is so much more than just wine. And, we are excited to share all our favorite things to explore in Sonoma County…

Read More

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September 14, 2021
Four Favorite Beaches

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My Favorite Beaches so far…

I would love to live on a beach, on the water, steps from the ocean but because I don’t, I’ll take a beach destination vacation over any other.

I grew up in a prairie city and spent most of my adult life in Vancouver, Canada and my view from my apartment on Beach Ave. was the Pacific Ocean and the mountains…loved it, miss it! Being in Chicago, there were beaches on lake Michigan and now I reside near Door County, WI. and the lake life is now my home, but nothing beats the sand between your toes, the calming sound of the waves crashing into each other and the smell of the salty ocean air.

I have travelled the world and have seen the black sand beaches of the Canary Islands, Iceland, Hawaii and Tahiti; the pink sand beaches in Bermuda but nothing beats the white sand and crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora & Tetiaroa in the French Polynesia, the picturesque beaches of Ibiza, Spain and those along the Cote d’Azure, France. I love them all for different reasons.

When you fly over the French Polynesia you will understand why it is so breathtaking. To see the colors of the water change from deep dark blue, to sky blue, to turquoise into the clear water into sandy bottom…and then swim out from the softest sand through the turquoise, to sky blue, where you can see the tropical fish and coral reefs right under your toes. It almost seems surreal until you see for yourself. Visit Bora Bora and the island of Tetiaroa for your next beach lovers vacation!

Onto Ibiza, where some beaches remind me of Copacabana in Rio de Jannero.. more of a people watching/party scene compared to the tranquil hidden gems off the beaten path like in Tetiaroa. But, my favorite days spent in Ibiza were beach hopping. We hit the shores of Aigues Blancques, Calo d’En Serra, Platja Xarraca, Pou des Lleo, Cala Benirras, Ca Caleta and Playa d’en Bossa; some with emerald green water, others with lagoon blue turquoise waters… there is not one beach in Ibiza I wouldn’t spend my days or evenings. From the silent coves or the enchanting paths, or the essential “must sea” views of Las Salinas, if you are beach obsessed like me, put Ibiza on the top of your vacation spots to explore in your lifetime!

Lastly, the beach club scene in the South of France is not to be missed, the chic French Riviera and the town of St. Tropez hosts Plage de Pampelonne, a long stretch of shore- line with posh private beach clubs that host trendy restaurants, cozy sun beds and parasols. Fun and leisure all mixed in one!

I have met few beaches in my life that I have not loved. Take it all in, breathe it all in and don’t worry about the sand on your skin, in your hair and love this God given treasure of where the ocean cradles the surf and touches the sand. There is nothing like beach life, it is special for so many reasons… don’t get me started on the sunrises and sunsets, I will save that for another blog!!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1629295315256-14c700ff-c81c-4″ include=”1820,1818″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 18, 2021
Beauty on the go!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Beauty on the go!

Life is busy enough! From your regular day to day work life, family schedules, running a business, running your household and then add a trip? Somedays I feel like I am scrambling all day (side note, that is why I try to exercise first thing in the morning and now 3-4 minutes of mindful mediation….) but as my good girlfriend and I check in with each other and ask, “are you having a scrambled egg day or a sunny side up day?”. Some days you take your make-up in the car, or only have 5 minutes to put any on at all. Often, we need to touch up throughout the day and then there are those day to night events that require extra attention.

When I discovered, Wander Beauty, I had too many products in my purse, my carry-on when I travel and now I have multi-taskers from wanderbeauty.com that solved many of my problems.

With cleverly named product like “staycation”, “double date”, “on the glow”, “mile high club” and “baggage claim”, just to name a few; their double-duty, multi taskers like highlighter and bronzer in the same brush you save time, space and money! That is a 100 percent win for me! These clean beauty essentials are for where you wander and wanderlust! Their ingredients work with your skin to achieve maximum benefits with time saving technology to suit all of our needs.

Wander Beauty is also one of my favorites as they are a one stop shop for not just make-up but skin care and hair care too! Many of their products are multi award winning, and their female founders, Divya Gugnani (with whom I recently had the pleasure of conversing with on my Speaking STELLARGIRL podcast) and Lindsay Ellingson have proven to their cult clientele and the 30 plus beauty award winning products that they are here to stay! I can’t wait for their next genius minded beauty kits for all of us who are having a “scrambled-egg” day!!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1628695780907-35070c9a-ffde-3″ include=”1804,1811″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

August 11, 2021
The Brando Blog

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I was surprised with a “pack for 10 days, four hotels, 20 hours of travel (one way), and temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees”…hmmm where are we going? Yay! I love surprises… except I packed two 70 pound suitcases; a girl needs options, right?

At the airport I found out we were heading to the French Polynesia! Yay, I could use my second language, French!!! Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea were on the list, but little did I know that the surprise dream vaca concluded with three nights at the Brando. If you were like me, I have never heard of it until I googled it… ummmmm wow… just wow.

Let me tell you a little bit about the Brando before I dive into the divine. You can only arrive to the private island named Tetiaroa by the Brando’s own fleet of small aircrafts. You take off from a small private hanger near Tahiti’s international terminal. When you arrive, you sign an NDA and a “no phone” restriction that is in place for the restaurants, bars, the spa, and the main areas of the resort. Of course, you can take photos of your villa, private infinity pool, or your secluded beach along with any kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or boat tours you take with your group, but no photos or video in the more “public” areas. This luxury escape was former President Obama’s home for a month while he wrote his memoirs, and a honeymoon destination for the likes of royalty, Leonardo DiCaprio and many other celebrities. This resort’s strict “no pic policy” is enforced and as the former President was quoted, “If Leo has been able to come here on several different occasions with different girls and not a single photo has come out, that’s where I need to go”. – Barack Obama

The island was bought by Marlon Brando in 1967. Brando fell in love with the Polynesian culture while filming Munity on the Bounty and its leading lady, Tarika. He had a vision and passion for the atoll and the 6 mini surrounding islands, and his vision is upheld today by its new owner, Richard Bailey. Its focus is on sustainability and the preservation of rare tropical birds, wildlife, the reef, ocean life and scientific environmental research. The staff still grows all their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. The innovation and research holds today under the Blue Climate Control.

Meaningful logistics and relevant history aside, “BAM!,” you land and have no idea what to expect. Well let me share that you will be blown away with a paradise like no other. The photos or the website do not do it justice (sorry, not sorry). It almost didn’t look real from the tiny 8 seat twin prop airplane, but when we landed and were greeted by the warmest most beautiful cultural dancers and music and inhaled the pristine fresh air and exotic flowers. After a 30 minute golf cart “lay of the land tour”, we walked in the pure white sand, swam in the crystal clear waters with tropical fish all around, tasted the exquisite cuisine from world renown chefs, and were blessed with the kindest people. The GM, Silvio Bion, and his team knew what you needed before you knew you needed it. It’s that good.

Talk about a slice of heaven that only a few have ever experienced, but it is one of the most secluded, magical islands I have ever been! The private atoll houses the staff, who work 21 days in a row and get a 5-7 days off, environmental scientists and preservationists, the GM and then the Brando main luxury resort composed of 35 lavish villas surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon. It is beyond any dream vacation destination one could imagine.

With 24-hour butler services, you never really have to leave your bungalow unless you want to. You have your own infinity pool with a view of your beach and magical crystal-clear waters, and whatever you desire it brought to you in 10 or 20 minutes. No wonder you can remain unseen for days.

The resort does have a main large pool but it usually goes unused as every villa has its own, and the resort hosts three top notch restaurants, Bob’s Tiki Bar on the beach and a chic rooftop bar, Te Manu, with lagoon and sunset views and private palm canopy seating areas for those who wish to remain unseen. During the day you can reserve paddle boards, kayak, snorkel, go on a guided excursion, get a massage, bike along the resort trials amongst the jungle, walk the shoreline, or simply stare out of your patio pool to the most stunning views and watch the waves roll in and out…sounds dreamy right? If I could, I would never leave this oasis but reality sinks in and I truly hope to visit the Brando again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1627392939480-17aef714-383d-8″ include=”1789,1788,1787″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

July 27, 2021
Discover Montauk
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Spend a long weekend in Montauk, NY…to some it is a surf town, a fishing village, a romantic get-away or a family vacation. I assure you one thing. You will not be disappointed, keep reading for what do in Montauk for an extended weekend…

Montauk is called “the end of the world” because it is the easternmost point of the island and NY state, it is about a 2.5-hour drive from JFK and I would highly recommended renting a car. Although Montauk is a small town; the resorts, parks, beaches, restaurants and day trips are between 10–30-minute drives apart.

We stayed at Gurney’s Resort. Phenomenal location, stellar service and staff in addition to having a cool, hip vibe at their beach club and the outdoor lounge. I would suggest renting a cabana for one day if you are with a group of people. Or take long walks along the beach right in front of the resort and grab lounge chairs for the day.

Here are the restaurants I would highly recommend.
- Lunch (aka the Lobster Roll from the famous television series, the AFFAIR)
- Scarpetta’s Beach inside Gurney’s Resort, outdoor seating and perfect views
- Navy Beach freshest seafood and the best for sunsets
- Duryeas for Lobster Salad with water views, sunset and boardwalk seating
- Sel Rose hip,cool vibe and cuisine
- Sisi just reopened along the water at EHP, it is in East Hampton but worth the drive
- Tutto II Giorno in Sag Harbour, a quick 25 minute drive for some of the best Italian ever
- TT’s in Montauk Harbor for taco’s & tequila after a day fishing or an evening casual bite
- Surf Lodge is a MUST but make reservations and plan to stay into the night! Amazing sunset, amazing food, cocktails, vibe and scene if you like a dance party to some of the hottest dj’s and bands alike.
Take a day trip to Sag Harbor and stroll Main Street for art galleries, unique clothing boutiques which are lined with restaurants and coffee houses. And if you have the time, take a walk around the marina and darling side streets. End your day in Sag Harbor at Wolffer Estate winery. Their famous Summer in a Bottle and the Noblesse Oblige Rose are a must. The scenery and ambiance are divine and an absolute must in your weekend to relax, take in the beauty of this magical vineyard to “sip & snack”!

For a spin out on the water, I had a blast on a half day private fishing charter out of the bay into the ocean. Seeing the Montauk Lighthouse from the boat and catching some sun and striped sea bass was awesome. We took our fish to a local hook and cook spot to grill up your catch of the day. Try Kenny at My Joyce Fishing Charters and he will take good care of you and your group!

Our last day we spent 3 hours at Shadmoor State Park, this was an easy hike that leads you to the top of the buffs with Ditch Plains as your backdrop as you walk East. There are also two “staircases”, that lead you down to the ocean. I would highly recommend this trail if you don’t have time to check out the other half dozen I wanted to! You can’t beat the scenery, the wildflowers and the coastline view.

Spend time walking around the surf town of Montauk itself. Cute shops, coffee houses and a few local boutiques to check out. I suggest the perfectly curated Wyld Blue & Wyld Black.for upscale vintage, unique pieces, home décor, children’s clothes, jewelry, all decorated and hand selected by Sasha Benz.

I wish I had more time in Montauk. Add it to your bucket list, “it is not the end” for me but just the first of many trips back![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1623788965165-8b450178-c8e5-0″ include=”1709,1710,1711,1712,1713″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
June 15, 2021