The Bahamas

{'Bahamian Blue' I like to call it}

The first of the year the boyfriend and I headed off for a tropical getaway to The Bahamas. We stayed at Atlantis, which I'm thrilled to report is everything it is hyped up to be. The resort has been on my list for a very long time and I was ecstatic to hear I would be starting out my year there.

I expected a resort of Atlantis' caliber to be top notch. What really made the experience truly unforgettable was the spirit of the Bahamian people. Every single local that we encountered exuded a type of genuine happiness that was almost too good to be true. Maybe it's something in the water? Who wouldn't be happy waking up to natural beauty like that every morning.

I know it was a good trip when I haven't even left and I am already plotting a return.

Disclaimer: My gushing is purely my own opinion and I am not being compensated in any way by Atlantis. I will be happy to make a return trip and gush even more! So if you're reading this Atlantians you can fly me over any old time.

{The iconic Royal Towers}

{Tropical drinks at the beach}

{I wish my suitcase could have accommodated him}

{I always look for flower arrangements I can easily copy replicate}

{Starfish love}

{Waiting for the ferry to Nassau}

{Observing at Predator Lagoon}

{A proper English cathedral in the heart of the Caribbean}

{I love me some tchotchkes}

{Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill- by far my favorite restaurant at Atlantis}

{A unique way to display earrings}

{Can you find your flag?}

{The water gets me every time}

{The ocean-inspired Christmas decor made me feel like I was at the Little Mermaid's house for the holidays}

{Courtyard Terrace at the One&Only Ocean Club}

{Mandatory tourist photo (Zara top)}

{The Dig- we liked it so much we went every day}

{Lighting + Palm Trees}

{Farewell beautiful water!}

Miami

{I can't get enough of all the Art Deco}

Hello my darlings! Happy New Year! My how I have missed you. As I mentioned in my previous post the boyfriend and I rang in the New Year in Miami. We were there a couple days prior to our tropical getaway. Miami is a city bursting with life and diversity. It is not the cheesy latin fest you would expect so I urge you to visit if you've not yet done so. It's truly amazing that such a city exists in the US and I like to think it's a testament to the melting pot beginnings of our great nation.

{A lush entrance- I would be happy coming home to this every day}

{In semifreddo heaven at Quattro, where we welcomed 2012}

{I don't know these gentlemen but I was not about to wait in line to have my photo taken}

{Ocean Drive blocked so pedestrians could walk and restaurants could expand onto the street}

{Barney's gone Art Deco}

{Infamous steps}

{Street Art outside of Cafeina Lounge, where we met friends for drinks}

{Festive decor I'd like to replicate}

San Francisco

{Lovely hydrangeas at Golden Gate Park}

This year my family and I travelled to the Bay Area to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with extended family and do some sightseeing. Our Thanksgivings are usually spent at home in Texas but we have been yearning to break that tradition and take advantage of the holiday to travel. The trip was the perfect mix of shopping, eating, and sightseeing. I've visited several times but never had the pleasure of seeing it all decked out for the holidays. And that was just what I needed to truly get me excited about the holidays.

{The Berkeley Marina where we stayed the first two nights}

{A pile of gifts at Gap that provided some much needed wrapping inspiration}

 

{The mandatory clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl in both a miniature and regular size}

 

{Golden Gate photo op}

{I didn't particularly care for anything that was left but I did manage to score a shopping bag}

{Sister bonding time- complete with hair braiding}

{Orchids at the Conservatory of Flowers}

{The Galleria Park Hotel, where we stayed, had these fantastic prints everywhere}

{We drove to Sausalito on a whim and I happened upon a restaurant (The Spinnaker) where I ate with my boyfriend on our very first getaway together}