The Benjamin, the $100 margarita served at Red O Restaurant in Los Angeles
Come summertime, my favorite drink, hands down, is the margarita. On the rocks or frozen, original lime, pomegranate, strawberry, salt or no salt…I’ll take them all. Maybe it’s the heat, but nothing sounds better to quench my thirst this time of year…and that first glorious sip of a delicious margarita in the summer sun is worth almost any amount of money. But when I heard about this $100 margarita, The Benjamin, served at Red O Restaurant in Los Angeles, even I questioned what was in it. Turns out it just may be worth it! They start with the three exquisite, extra añejo (or “ultra-aged”) tequilas: Patron Burdelos, Herradura Selection Suprema and Partida Elegante. Add some Grand Marnier Cuvee du Cent Cinquentanaire, 100% organic agave syrup, fresh lime juice and Louis XIII cognac on top. Then top this $100 margarita off with blood orange caviar and an edible-gold-and-kosher-salt rim. Yuuuum. I’ll have two. Book the next flight to L.A., we are headed to Red O. Check out more of America’s most expensive cocktails here!
According the the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States. The best way to protect yourself and your kids? Stay indoors. This sounds impossible as it’s most of the day, right? Actually, there is a way to avoid most of those hours outside. On your vacation this summer, try getting up bright and early and making your way down to the beach or to the water theme park before anyone else. You’ll be amazed at how calming the emptiness is despite the extra shot of expresso you had to make it there. You’ll have your own personal playground for a couple of hours! By the time the crowds actually roll in, start packing it up and head to an early lunch, where you’ll also beat the crowds. Then back to the hotel room or beach house for a nap (you’ll need it as you were up pretty early). Siesta -style! Once you’ve snoozed a bit, head back out for more fun in the sun. There are plenty of light hours left before sunset…speaking of, you’ll have the energy to wait for it now too! Voilá, UV exposure avoided.
Headed to a beach resort? Don’t forget your beach bag or you’ll be lugging around magazines, sunscreen, & such in your everyday handbag. Not so chic. The key? Find a beach bag that can fold flat and pack easily in your suitcase. Have a perfect straw bag but it’s a big bulkier? No problem, just use it as your carry-on bag while in flight. You will look ready for the tropics and it will get you in the vacation mood before you even arrive! Here are a few beach bags we are loving from our e-boutique!
Before heading on that road trip, have your car cleaned. Yes, you will probably pick up a windshield full of bugs along the drive. But your car will look a lot worse pulling up to the hotel valet or your friend’s house if it’s also covered in a layer of dirt. The most important point of this travel tip though is to have the inside of your car cleaned before the long drive. You will be sitting in the car for some time and if it’s cleaned out and vacuumed first, it will be a much more comfortable ride.
A few of our Spring Break Essentials
Spring Break is here! For some that means a trip away to entertain the kids, others are headed to party for 7 days straight with friends while class is out, and the rest, well, we don’t want to miss out on all this vacation fun! No matter who you’re with, don’t forget to pack these Top 10 Spring Break Essentials:
1. A Great Beach or Poolside Tote – like this great Utility Canvas Tote
2. Fabulous Sunscreen – Supergoop! makes an all-inclusive City & Sand Sunscreen Travel Tote which includes a lip balm
3. Cool Refreshments – Evian Facial Spray Trio for quick spritzes poolside or on the sand
4. Fantastic Hair Products to keep you looking your best on the beach – Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder
5. A Compact Hairdryer to keep bags light – X5 Superlite Travel Hair Dryer
6. A Cozy Travel Pillow & Eye Mask so you arrive refreshed – Bucky Fuzzy Wuzzy Set
7. Chic Luggage Tags & Passport Holder – Graphic Image Passport Holder & Luggage Tag Set
8. A Fun Cover-Up for walks along the coast – Pink Leopard Print Pareo
9. Cute Plastic Bags for your wet bathing suit, snacks, or those large beauty products that can’t be left at home – Tili Zip & Seal Reusable Gallon Bags
10. A Proper Laundry Bag you are proud of – Lapin Vilardi Laundry Bag
Find them all at ArriveChic.com!
If you haven’t already, set timers on your outdoor lights (and a couple inside too) before leaving for a trip so you look like you’re still home at night. It’s pretty clear that nobody’s home when it’s a complete black out at your place.
Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
