After gearing up my own kids (and seeing all the other kiddos) with new backpacks for the new school year, I’m in the market for a new one for myself. After all, why should they have all the fun? Plus, backpacks are really the most useful travel bag…whether just traveling around town or around the world. I mean, is there anything better than having both hands free to take touristy pics, shop, ride a segway, or wrangle the kids? To help you backpack it up, here’s a range of budget to billionaire backpacks that are catching my eye this season. Which one is your favorite?
One of my perfect Labor Day outfits for celebrating on Hotel Zamora’s 360° Rooftop with cocktail in hand.
Striped Shirt Dress | OPI Funny Bunny | NARS Body Glow | kate spade Fringe Sandal | Bucket Handbag | Bangle Set | NARS Lip Pencil
I love when holidays roll around because it gives me even more incentive than ever to dress creatively for the occasion. So, with Labor Day almost here, I’ll be ending the summer in red, white, and blue. Here are a couple of head to toe patriotic Labor Day outfits to make sure you arrive chic for the last holiday of the summer, no matter the destination. Not sure where you’re celebrating? Here are a few hotel, resort, and event options for the Labor Day Weekend ahead. Now, you’re all Labor Day dressed up with everywhere to go!
The Hotel Zamora (St. Pete Beach, FL)
Hit the beach this weekend, Mediterranean-style, by staying at The Hotel Zamora in St. Pete Beach where the property’s design has a Spanish feel and is the first new hotel in 20 years on St. Pete Beach. Enjoy this boutique hotel’s private marina, brand new 360° Rooftop (yes, please, on that view), and award-winning Castile restaurant. Book the Hot Summer Nights Package this Labor Day which includes 15% off rates (starting at $299/night), a $25 daily food & beverage credit, and a complimentary late check out…because you know you won’t want to leave. Book your holiday at www.thehotelzamora.com.
Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival
Are you a music festival fanatic? Head to Curaçao for the Southern Caribbean island’s 6th North Sea Jazz Festival to see performances by John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, Wyclef Jean, Lionel Richie, and Usher, to name a few. Be sure to book the Rock & Relax package at the AAA 4-Diamond Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort which includes breakfast daily and transportation to and fro the festival. Not to mention, between shows, you can head on a guided meditation hike, snorkel, or play 18 holes of golf on-site. Something for everyone! For packages and rooms visit www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com and for Jazz festival tickets head to curacaonorthseajazz.com/en/.
Rock out in paradise this Labor Day Weekend at the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.
Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Costa Rica)
For families or adventurous travelers looking to become one with nature, head to Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort located on more than 800 acres of lush tropical rainforest with more than 500 species of local wildlife. Their 100% carbon neutral, eco-friendly environment also offers nearby activities including ziplining, horseback riding and hiking the Arenal Volcano. To book your Labor day weekend, visit tabacon.com or call 1-855-TABACON. Rates start at $279/night.
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center (Massachusetts)
Think a budget-friendly, peaceful getaway with the kids is impossible this Labor Day? Think again. Massachusetts’ historic Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center offers hiking trails and nearby apple orchards to keep the kiddos entertained. The Family Fun Package over Labor Day includes accommodations for three, milk and cookies when you arrive, three passes to Old Sturbridge Village (a must-see when visiting New England), breakfast each morning, and more for only $170/per person for three people. Looking for kid-free activities? There are local breweries to taste test and the hotel is only an hour’s drive to Boston, Hartford, and Providence, RI for day trips. To book, visit www.southbridgehotel.com.
Labor Day Outfits should be versatile (like this one) so you’re ready for anything…like for apple orchard visits with the fam near Southbridge Hotel in Mass., catching a game at Fenway, or for the “Beach, Brews & Selfies” package at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa.
Merlot Tortoise Watch | Faux Pearl Ear Jackets | Denim Dress | Essie Lots of Lux | Happy Bracelet Trio | Lace Up Wedge | Lip Gloss | Baseball Crossbody Bag
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa (Jupiter, FL)
As if the secluded Atlantic shoreline wasn’t enough, the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is offering the “Beach, Brews & Selfies” package this Labor Day Weekend. Hit the local bar scene on Jupiter’s exclusive “Ale Trail,” like Guanabanas, U-Tiki, Square Grouper and The Sandbar, the one and only beachside bar on Jupiter Beach. This “Beach, Brews & Selfies” package includes a one night stay in deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, a voucher for one beer flight tasting at Sinclair’s Lounge, and a welcome amenity (a map with local brew stops, a Jupiter Beach Resort koozie, and a selfie-stick). Can you say good times? This offer ends September 30, 2015, so snap this up now at www.jupiterbeachresort.com, or call 877.389.0571.
Stanton South Beach (Miami, FL)
Visit the Magic City and stay right on the sand at Stanton South Beach which has a brand-new lobby, retro-inspired rooms, and the best of Miami’s beaches, shops, and eats close by. Get creative (and funky) with the family and celebrate our city’s famous street art by signing up for the hotel’s new graffiti lessons from a local Wynwood artist. Legally vandalize the hotel’s walls (WHAT?!?) with organized lessons from local graffiti artists. How much fun is that? I may have to book a staycation just to get my graffiti on. Book the Coast to Coast Summer deal this Labor Day and save 20% with rates starting at $231/night at marriottstantonsouthbeach.com or call (305) 536-7700.
Happy Labor Day everyone!
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With one month left of summer, many of us have an end of summer vacation in sight. Make the packing process much more exciting by packing some new sale sandals for your end of summer vacation! These adorable shoes I happened upon last week and couldn’t resist…especially after seeing the price tags. If you’re on Periscope already, you may have caught my @arrivechic broadcast all about these sale sandals already. But, I wanted to share the exact links here so you can get your feet in these too before they’re gone…vacation or not. Not on Periscope yet? Definitely check it out…it’s Twitter’s new live video app and it’s a bit addicting. I’ll be broadcasting another @arrivechic show soon!
Happy shoe shopping & have a great vacation!
Welcome to Arrive Chic Travel Contests & Giveaways where I share the wealth with loyal readers & followers and giveaway some of my fabulous travel finds.
It’s the final countdown, people, with only one month left of Summer! So, let’s make it count by traveling and capturing all the sun we can. On the to-do list for me? I’m definitely hitting the beach. If you are too, prepare yourself. Looks like it’s gonna be a hot one out there. To help encourage you to get your butt in the sand or by the pool before Fall rolls in, these travel fashion giveaway goodies are for you! I think this Leopard Beach Pareo (and I know this Evian trio mist) will help!
The Leopard Beach Pareo:
- Measures approximately 40″ x 68″
- Color: Fuschia with a brown/tan leopard print
- Sheer, crinkled polyester
- Hand wash & line dry
Reasons you need a beach pareo:
- At some point (just maybe after a few delish daiquiris or walking through the hotel lobby), you might want to cover up a bit
- If tied correctly, it can pass as a happy hour “dress”
- It will lighten up your beach bag by swapping out the bulky towel for the pareo (to sit on) instead
- It can be used as a wrap in flight to keep you warmer en route
- It adds excitedment (and warmth) to your jeans and tee look this Fall or next Spring
The Evian Mist Trio:
- Three 1.7 oz. Atomizers of Evian Mineral Water
- Hydrate, Moisturize, & Help Set Make-up
- Perfect to stash in your handbag, carry-on bag, desk, or glove compartment
Enter to win this Leopard Beach Pareo & Evian Mist travel fashion giveaway now before the contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, August 10th! Good luck and enjoy the rest of summer! But before you go, leave a comment on your must-have, favorite things to bring to the beach!
The Blood Orange Margarita at The Local House, Miami Beach.
Happy National Tequila Day! Throwing back straight up tequila shots usually doesn’t end well for me (or my company). But mix that tequila into some tasty concoctions and I’m all over it. Besides, there’s nothing better than margaritas on the beach. To help you celebrate National Tequila Day (Friday, July 24th), here are 5 unique, mouth-watering cocktails. Your Friday just got a lot more exciting.
Blood Orange Margarita / The Local House, South Beach, FL
I had you at Blood Orange Margarita, didn’t I? Head to Miami Beach’s The Local House at the chic, boutique Sense Beach House Hotel for National Tequila Day and say cheers to finding this cocktail which combines Blood Orange Puree, Agave, a splash of Triple Sec, Fresh Lime and a couple ounces of your choice of tequila.
Chef’s Medicine / RED, the Steakhouse, Miami Beach, FL
Hit up RED, the Steakhouse for dinner tonight in the iconic ‘South of Fifth’ neighborhood of Miami Beach. At RED, the steaks (and sides) are always superb their expert mixologists are concocting handmade tequila creations for National Tequila Day. Be sure to order the zesty Chef’s Medicine cocktail which is blended with Don Julio 1942, Grand Marnier Cuvee 100, pineapple, fresh citrus and a cinnamon rim and was created by Red’s Chef Peter Vauthy himself. Or try the sweet Pineapple Margarita mixed with Corzo Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Agave Nectar, crushed pineapple, fresh cilantro, lime and orange juice. Actually, these two sound so good you should order both…but, please, do it with dinner. Your taste buds, and your company, can thank me later.
The Chef’s Medicine at RED, The Steakhouse in Miami Beach.
Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita / Essensia, Miami Beach, FL
Essensia’s signature Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita combines sweet passionfruit and firey jalapeños. Need I say more? If you haven’t had a sweet and spicy cocktail yet (my personal fave), it’s time. Besides, they’re doing National Tequila Day the healthy way with a “conscious cocktail” with organic spirits, fresh fruits, and hand-picked herbs from the on-site Chef’s Garden. Zero guilt drinking? I’m in, Tequila Day or not.
The Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita at Essensia Restaurant & Lounge at The Palms Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach.
Lucky enough to be in Mexico today? Then, please, sip on these cocktails for me!
Secretos de la Familia / CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Tequila lovers need to head for the border…the border of The CasaMagna Marriott in Puerto Vallarta. If anyone knows how to celebrate National Tequila Day, it’s the CasaMagna Resort & Spa which grows its own agave azul onsite, produces a propriety brand of tequila, offers 114 tequilas by the glass, has an in-house Tequila Sommelier, and conducts weekly “CasaMagna Secretos de la Familia” tasting classes so guests can increase their knowledge and appreciation of tequila. You’ll want to order their signature tequila mixed in the Margarita Magna – tequila cuervo gold, county, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mango & coconut cream. Slurp! Did you book your flight yet?
Tequila, the CasaMagna way.
Sangrita / JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Want something more authentic than the typical sugary margarita this National Tequila Day? Order the Sangrita at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Cleanse the palate and compliment all flavors involved with a shot of straight tequila and pair it with the sangrita, made with tomato juice, fresh lime, orange juice, and chili peppers. It’s not only tasty but saves hundreds of calories, leaving you with the same killer bikini body you arrived with. Can’t get yourself to Mexico today? JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa has been kind enough to help you celebrate at home by sharing their delicious Sangrita recipe with us!
Sangrita – Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
2 ounces freshly squeezed tomato juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce grenadine
dash worcestershire sauce
dash of salt
dash of pepper
dash of Tabasco, or to taste
Preparation:
To prepare, mix all of the ingredients together in a container and let stand a few minutes; cooling is recommended.
Cheers to Happy National Tequila Day! As if we needed an excuse to drink tequila. Enjoy & drink responsibly!
Traveling to FL soon and hoping to blend right in and stand out of the crowd all at the same time? Or just a Florida-loving freak like me? Then this fun Florida-inspired style is for you…and is guaranteed to add some Sunshine State shine to your day.
1. Choose Tacos Muscle Tee – because there’s a major taco trend (read:obsession) in South Florida right now. Coyo, anyone?
2. Summer Straw Fedora – a Cuban Fedora is almost required here and will always protect you from the sun.
3. Zip Around Peacock Wallet – we drove by 12, yes, 12 peacocks last Sunday. Help! They’re taking over.
4. Peach Side Babe Nail Polish – because we all wanna be “beach” side babes and this gorgeous color will help get us there.
5. Deco Cuff – Captures the art deco glam of Miami Beach in one bold bracelet.
6. Pink Flamingo Candles – because, really, has there ever been a cuter candle? Happy whatever.
7. Brown Suede Shell Sandals – shells never looked so chic.
8. Knot Rope Bracelet – for all you Salt Life sailors out there.
9. Hola Doormat – welcome your guests in the language of the locals.
10. Tropical Gangster Clutch – because in Miami, everyone feels like a “Tropical Gangster” once the sun goes down.
11. Neon Neoprene Bandeau Bikini – stand out on the beach (and make that tan look even darker) and fit right in with the neon lights of Ocean Drive.
12. Leaf It To Me Two Piece Set – get matchy matchy (and damn cute) with the endless palm tree landscape.
13. Lightening Charm – maybe this will help ward off all the lightening and thunderstorms that roll through Florida.
14. Cool Gull Tank – Confuse the hell outta those seagulls so they fly away from your sweet beach spread.
15. Jet Set Palm Beach Pillow – Cozy up with this Palm Beach Pillow and daydream about your next trip to the Sunshine State (or PB, you lucky locals)!
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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.
