Tag:

Hotel

AnniversaryTravel

Where we stayed for our anniversary

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

So, get this—our anniversary getaway? We went all out and booked a drumroll 1-star hotel. Crazy, right?

Reid and I are total design junkies, always on the lookout for inspiration. And let me tell you, we hit the jackpot this time. Now, let’s break it down—pros and cons and all.

You know how it goes—a weekend away unveils your must-haves. For me, it’s my trusty trench coat and those life-saving digestive enzymes. But, darn it, I left both back home this time around. Murphy’s law, I guess! I’ll delve into the Pro’s and Con’s below:

Pros 

Restaurant downstairs was amazing 

Opened in January so not many know about it

Coffee in the AM and cocktail at night were complimentary 

Cons 

No full length mirror 

Room was small

The room lacked lighting at seated areas 

Despite the 1-star rating and the somewhat snug room, we had an unexpectedly fantastic time. They converted an old firehouse in the Art’s District of DTLA into a hip Japanese inspired 6 room hotel. Funny enough, we shot a flower campaign in front of it when it was an old abandoned firehouse! See the pics HERE, the kids were SO YOUNG! Love how many memories we have around LA.

Reid and I would easily rate it a solid 4 out of 5. The restaurant downstairs was an absolute gem. Reid’s choice, the prime rib, was like butter with a crispy garlic topping—pure heaven! As for me, I couldn’t get enough of the miso-glazed Brussels sprouts; they were so divine that when Harmony, our server, swung by to check on us, I was practically speechless, lost in Brussels sprout bliss.

Here’s the link to where we stayed and ate.

Hope you enjoyed the review. Comment with any questions. Chat soon, Shalice

Palm SpringsTravel

New Years at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

What island likes to have a lot of sweets? A deserted island J OK…OK…so we decided to head to the desert right after Christmas, but due to our unexpected trip to the Midwest, we ended up adjusting our dates so we could spend New Year’s Eve at The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort. Indian Wells is in the Coachella Valley (book now for festival season) between Palm Desert and La Quinta.

 

It’s funny how we left 12-degree temperatures in Omaha on December 29, and we were expecting hot desert temperatures to come home to. Well, we happened to come home to a cold snap and the temps in the desert were 60 degrees and below! We are so wimpy now. Needless to say, always check the weather before you pack. We took a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and needed our winter clothes! I still grinned and bared it to get some fashion content but wow was I cold! All for the gram!

 

The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort is super family friendly with Spanish style architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. Our room was garden level with a citrus garden outside our door. The grounds crew even picked some lemons and oranges for us and brought them to our door. The property also has a rose garden and an area with a life-size Connect Four game and bean bag toss, which the kids really enjoyed. We were disappointed because it was too cold for the pool. Although the kids totally would have gone for it if we had let them. We’ll have to return in the spring. The resort also has a spa and adult only hideaway pool.

 

Considering the cold temperatures, our favorite amenity was the fire pits scattered throughout the resort. You can even book a smores package and snuggle up together at sunset with melted marshmallow stickiness goodness.

 

For our hotel room New Year’s Eve bash, we picked up some root beer, sparkling juice, gummy bears, lollipops and popcorn. Whole Foods is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The room was spacious enough for a little dance party as we counted down the New Year. Here’s the nice thing about being on Pacific Standard Time – we celebrate the New Year at New York City time, then we all go to bed early. Does anybody else do this?

Despite the temperature hickup, it was a great trip and we’re definitely looking forward to our next visit!

Here are some other ideas for a trip to the Coachella Valley:

Tramway

Zoo

Joshua Tree

Salvation Mountain

Modernism Week

Outfits: kimono – Poska Resortwear // black camisole only $24! // leather pants and similar // white mules // “S” necklace

pink coat // white jeans // white mules // white blouse // leopard clutch //

chunky knit sweater // OTK Boots I’m a 9, and ordered a 40 // leopard Scarf

Click here to book your next trip at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

FashionOutfitOutfitsStyle

Pale Pink x Ruffles

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

Esemble bag :: fishnet :: Miu Miu heels similar :: ruffle skirt :: leather jacket :: chloe sunnies

I’m on my way to my daughter’s field trip today, but flashback to this look I never shared from our vacation at 1 Hotels South Beach. Here I paired a pale leather moto jacket, navy ruffle skirt, black fishnet socks and Miu Miu heels. See this pink and camel look I posted earlier. Happy Thursday!

Taken at 1 Hotels South Beach

FashionOutfitsStyleTravel

One night in LAGUNA

by Shalice Noel
written by Shalice Noel

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dress REVOLVE :: blazer STORETS  :: boots RM
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dress SHONIA JOY sandals SAM EDELMAN

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dress REVOLVE :: blazer STORETS  :: boots RM

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Since moving to CA, we have become avid beach goers. I mean, when in Rome, right? So after many weekends of beach-hopping, we polled the kids for the favorite beach. By this time we had visited about 6 beaches and not too surprising, Laguna Beach trumped the competition. Laguna is the most exotic of the beaches I have visited thus far, and it was easy to enjoy at Casa Laguna, where we stayed to attend the Gorjana store opening. It was a fun weekend getaway from the hustle of Los Angeles and the coffee on the veranda was a huge bonus. And the store had a photo-booth … you know, those contraptions where you put your kids in and you don’t see them for 10 hours straight? Yeah, so that was a bonus as well. After we peeled the kids away from the 52nd photo-booth picture, we hit the sack at the hotel so as to fit in a cold swim and some yummy breakfast the next morning before leaving. Thankfully, we got four sleepy heads on the long drive home and lots of memories. Can’t wait to go back!

4 Things to do in Laguna.

  1. Victoria Beach – Lots of rock but seal sighting is normal, great views and surf
  2. Casa Laguna pool – the pretty tile and lookout building was fun and romantic.
  3. Banzai Bowl – acai bowls are so refreshing after a morning at the beach or afternoon swim. And my kids love them!
  4. Zinc Cafe & Market – yummy almond milk lattes
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