Iceland

Iceland was one of the most epic yet peaceful road trips of my life. You couldn’t quite figure out where you were half the time... an odd mixture of Mars and Ireland with a dash of Scandinavia. During summer the sun barely sets (around midnight and rising at 3am) which led to extended days of adventuring, ending in slaphappy giggles. There was a surprise around every corner, whether it was a herd of galloping ponies, a waterfall or a goat planting a kiss on your lips... you never were sure what was about to happen next. The one thing I knew for sure was it would be the next greatest thing to happen to us on this journey into southern Iceland. We started in Reykjavik at Kvosin hotel before heading south on Ring road to take in every site and sound possible. The waterfalls aren’t far from the road, including just a short one mile hike to Seljavallalaug (a thermal hidden pool in a valley) which I highly recommend. We saw Gullfoss, Skogafoss and Svartifoss (attempt to say without giggling) and numerous ponies waiting for pets and pics along the way. Arriving at our halfway point in Vik we made it just in time for a sunset picnic... 11pm... at Reynisfjara aka the Black Beach.  It was magical and breathtaking sitting there beneath the black columns of stone while the waves pounded near our feet. We stayed at Icelandair hotel, which you will find what lacks in accommodations and food is made up for 10 fold in scenery. We set out the following day for more adventures at the Jokulsarlon glacier and Diamond beach (the majestic black sand beach with large glaciers washed ashore that resemble diamonds). Don’t forget to stop for a quick hike up Svinafellsjokull to see the glacier and another stop to see the Solheimasandur plane crash... which sadly we missed due to intense wind/cold and traveling with a 4 year old. The next leg of our journey was heading inland to an amazing airbnb in the golden circle where we could ride horses, relax in the hot tub and eat fresh bread and tomato soup at a local greenhouse. They also had plenty of hot springs nearby and goat/sheep farms where the goats are more than friendly (see above). We never wanted the sun and fun to end... but alas... we needed to sleep! 

Kvosin Downtown Hôtel  

iceland air Hotel Vik  

Gulfoss and Geysir luxury cabin 

P.S. we did the free stopover on our way to Europe... be sure to book bags or prepare to pay the price. Also... save ur sheckles for overpriced apples and hotdogs. 

Mersea in Mexico

From the moment you step off the airplane and smell the salty air... to the second your toes touch the sand. Mersea is with you every step of the way as they truly embody the spirit of vacation.  The warm sun on your skin, the ocean breeze blowing through your messy hair and those lazy afternoon siestas.  Travel touches your senses in so many ways, usually making memories that last a lifetime. The most memorable adventures are always the ones that touch your 5 senses in some way, shape or form. From tasting spicy foods in foreign lands, to the smells of a local perfumery or simply listening to the ocean as you fall asleep. But for some there is an unspoken 6th sense... a “Feeling” that takes place when you’re experiencing something special for the first time. The feeling that sweeps over your body and soul in an unmistakable way creating those happy, carefree “Mersea Moments”.  So I would like to say thank you, merci and gracias for all the perfect little moments on each and every journey.  

Shop the Mersea pieces below here 

Tote Bag with Tassel - Silver Metallic $69.00

Beach Blanket - Grey $79.00

Cloud Cotton Tassel Wrap - $58.00 

Crewneck Mini Pocket Travel Sweater $79.00

French Cotton Market bag in Black- coming soon   

Beek by Two Birds

Beek has been a favorite of mine for years now... they are as timeless as they are chic. While going through old photos the other day I realized, they have literally walked all over the world with me. Frankly there isn’t another pair of sandals I would rather have by my side on all my adventures. They have built in molded arches, thick leather soles perfect for exploring new places and they literally NEVER fall apart. So I just wanted to say thanks Beek... in an Instagram-esque montage. Thanks for all the “support” and love. 

Beek Sandals  

California Dreamin'

Vacationing solo with a little one is so much more rewarding and fun than most would imagine. This is our second "girls" trip (the first was a solo adventure to Mexico when she was just 2). At age 3 1/2 she has become a true partner in fun and travel... I purposely choose to set aside a week each year for some one on one time. This time we rented an Airbnb just off of Abbot Kinney in Venice beach before roadtripping to Palm Springs for a little relaxation at the Parker Hotel. In the off season the plane tickets and accommodations are so much cheaper that it's hard to pass up. We biked, hiked, dined (so much we made up for those low priced plane tickets) shopped and swam until our hearts content. Evening strolls were a highlight this trip, not only because we loved chatting but also due to the crazy heat wave we encountered. I don't allow any electronics (except occasionally on long plane rides) so we pack baggies of toys and sketch pads for most meals and car rides. Traveling with someone who loves food and trying new things as much as I do is definitely a plus. We basically ate and snacked our way through Southern California one avocado toast and smoothie at a time. I tend to hear people saying "I think age 5 or later is a good time to start traveling... when the child will enjoy and remember it".  But for me personally I think traveling is so important for people to open their minds and get out of their comfort zones. Trying new food, sleeping in different beds and most of all spending time alone and uninterrupted with a loved one are all experiences that leave a lasting impression on someone... even if they don't realize it just yet. 

Packing tips with littles

- small packable figures (I like busy book toys) 

- sketch pads and sticker books

- pack light (one suitcase and a carry on... preferably a back pack to leave your hands free) 

- a real pillow to make plane and car rides more comfortable 

Stayed

Parker Palm Springs    

Airbnb Venice Beach 

Eat

Venice Beach 

Gjelina, Gjusta, Tasting Kitchen, Malibu Farm, Butchers Daughter, Erewhon Market, Salt Air, Kreation, Joans on 3rd

Palm Springs  

Normas at the Parker, Shermans Deli, Kings Highway Diner, Mr. Lyons, Workshop 

Greece part 2- Paros, Antiparos and Athens

The second and third legs of our Grecian adventures were probably my favorite parts of the trip. Exploring new islands that weren't nearly as busy as tourist fave Santorini. We specifically picked Paros and Antiparos over the ever popular Mykonos so we could relax and not be overrun with hoards of people (cruise ships let off daily there) taking Instagram photos (lol). We rented two cars so everyone could do as they please whether it was visiting the gorgeous Kolymbithres beach and neighboring town of Naoussa or heading to the nearby fishing village of Alyki bay. We rented a gorgeous home at the south end of Paros and could easily take a 5 min ferry over to Antiparos (my fave part of the trip) to dine and shop at The Beach House. Their perfectly curated boutique was some of the best shopping I did in Greece. Parikia is another must see town on Paros for eating and wandering the picturesque cobblestone streets. Of all the travel advice I heard, none could have been more wrong than to get in and out of Athens... or skip it all together. It's a fantastic ancient city that deserves way more than a couple nights (maybe just not when it's 100 degrees).  We stayed at the Electra Metropolis hotel and it had amazing views of the Parthenon and a rooftop pool, perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. It was within walking distance to  the Plaka, shopping (both flea markets and chain favorites like Zara) and the Temple of Zeus. No better place to end a trip fit for Greek Gods. 

Stay -  

Paros- Blue Villas Collection

Antiparos-  The Beach House 

Athens- Electra Metropolis Hotel