MIAMI 2023 Recap!

MIAMI 2023 Recap!

Five days away kid-free with your significant other? Sign me up! I’d go just about anywhere to have the kind of little “break” that we did… and it was definitely an unexpected, wild ride. Read on to hear how we got to Miami, where we stayed, what we did, and of course to look through our scrapbook of photos (many of which I haven’t yet posted to Instagram!)

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New Jersey Beach Staycation!

New Jersey Beach Staycation!

These are crazy times we’re living in, and I think I can say with confidence that life during a global pandemic has taken its toll somehow on each and every one of us. Since you’re here reading this blog post, you likely want to hear my two cents – so without further adieu… after 5 full months of anxiety, lockdown, uncertainty and paranoia, I’m here to advocate for living your life as normally as possible while still complying with the rules and regulations in your state. Our physical health is important but so is that of our mind and spirit. If you haven’t loosened the restrictive reigns yet, I urge you to let that weight lift off of your weary shoulders as you allow yourself to see glimpses of normalcy and let the fear of the unknown drift off to the back (or even middle) burner of your brain. This doesn’t mean you can be reckless or disrespectful of the rules – but the rules are in place for a reason, and I’m here to say that we all have permission to take them at face value and not overboard.

Here in New Jersey, we’re in a decent patch where our numbers remain trending low even after outdoor dining, indoor shopping and larger outdoor gatherings have reopened. Our “Stay At Home Order” has long been lifted, without significant spikes and with a death rate that continues to drop (even though new daily positive cases remain). We can have indoor gatherings of 25 people or less, and outdoor gatherings are capped at 250 which actually opens a lot of metaphorical doors for us Jersey locals! Masks are required indoors, and outdoors they are only required if you cannot remain socially distant. Things can change real quick if we’re not all respectful of each other’s space, but with this in mind and the confidence in the facts reported daily by our Governor, my family and I decided to take a “staycation” to a home right on the shoreline of New Jersey’s southernmost region – the seven mile island of Avalon and Stone Harbor. While the warm weather is still sticking around, if you live here in NJ – now is your chance for a mini getaway and below you’ll find some inspiration on places to go and things to do all varying by your current comfort level!

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mini babymoon at crystal springs resort!

mini babymoon at crystal springs resort!

this past weekend i spent a two night stay at crystal springs resort in hamburg, new jersey. after being told i couldn’t fly back in december, this made for an incredible (and super local!) mini-babymoon to get us through the home stretch as we wait for our little girl’s arrival. read on for the scoop on this incredible tri-state getaway! Continue reading “mini babymoon at crystal springs resort!”

the brunch files: SNACKMRKT, ontario, canada

the brunch files: SNACKMRKT, ontario, canada

this post is LONG overdue but i promise it’s worth the wait! a few weeks ago i went to my soon-to-be cousin’s bridal shower in ontario, canada. it was a short but sweet trip, where i caught up with family i hadn’t seen in years – and it made me even more excited for the actual wedding, which is in jamaica (!!!!!!!!!) in just a few short months. while i was there i had to get in some blogging, and that’s where snackmrkt comes in! Continue reading “the brunch files: SNACKMRKT, ontario, canada”

different ways to show some skin this spring

different ways to show some skin this spring

going on vacation is the best. i mean, there’s the obvious – bottomless cocktails, warm weather, sand… but then there’s the reason i love traveling most: the outfits!!!! i always pack my statement pieces when i go away, and when i’m flying to warmer climates, i try to capitalize on the chance to show some skin – but keeping it classy takes some strategy… which is why i’m featuring a backless, 3/4 sleeved dress #sponsored by shein on the blog today! Continue reading “different ways to show some skin this spring”

coco reef swim: there to lift you up (literally) when swimwear gets tough

coco reef swim: there to lift you up (literally) when swimwear gets tough

where are my busty girls? where are my curvy ladies? raise your hand if you ever felt personally victimized by bikini tops (LOL!) – in all seriousness, finding swimwear that supports ‘the girls’ and flatters your figure can be a serious challenge, so in this entry i’m tipping my hat to coco reef swimwear… a company that dedicates itself to bra-sized bathing suits (with underwire!!!) so that everyone can feel excited about hitting the beach this summer! read on for more info on this amazing company and their suits! Continue reading “coco reef swim: there to lift you up (literally) when swimwear gets tough”

my favorite transitional top for spring 18!

my favorite transitional top for spring 18!

it’s that time of year again – spring has not sprung, and we’re all sitting around twiddling our thumbs waiting for mother nature to end her temper tantrum. so naturally, i’m featuring a ‘transitional’ piece that can be warn soon – and straight through to fall!  Continue reading “my favorite transitional top for spring 18!”

trending: ‘floral + stripes’ = spring 2018

trending: ‘floral + stripes’ = spring 2018

there’s a trending print in town and i am SO in love! mixing patterns allows you so much freedom when it comes to choosing accessories and completing a statement look… and for that, ‘floral + stripe’ = my new go-to print for spring 2018! read on to see some of my favorites in this style from forever21Continue reading “trending: ‘floral + stripes’ = spring 2018”

tulum diaries: my offsite adventure

tulum diaries: my offsite adventure

before i dive into my entire stay at the unico 2087 resort in riviera maya, i thought it appropriate to give special attention to the one major day trip that i took while i was away in mexico. read on for details on my excursion into the ancient city of tulum! Continue reading “tulum diaries: my offsite adventure”

show some face: the perks of high-neck swimwear

show some face: the perks of high-neck swimwear

it’s march 4th, and here in the tri-state area, we’re (hopefully) about 8 weeks away from consistently warmer weather… which means you’re either getting your beach body ready to debut, or you’re impatiently jetting off to some exotic locale for a bit of relief from the cold. either way, it’s time to start thinking about 2018 swimwear so i’m featuring some suits in one of my favorite silhouettes: high neck. read on for more! Continue reading “show some face: the perks of high-neck swimwear”