When traveling with a group, look into a vacation rental instead of separate hotel rooms. You’ll get more space and often times the same or better amenities (like a concierge, butler, private chef, barman and housekeeping service). You’ll be able to watch movies late night together and each person or couple can choose a day to make a recipe of their choice. This is a perfect way to spend as much time together as possible when catching up with old friends you don’t see so often. Besides, aren’t the best moments of the trip when you least expect it?
Some websites we like to check out for information on rentals are Vacation Rentals by Owner, Flip Key, and Luxury Link.
MIA’s The Shoppes at Ocean Drive
While traveling this holiday season, I came across an airport store…no, a mega-store that was hands down the best airport shopping experience I’ve ever had. The Shoppes at Ocean Drive is basically a department store which includes 8 separate shops (or should we say shoppes) under one giant, second-story roof.
Privé Gourmet Market
When I walked in, I was in awe, not knowing where I should turn or look first. I was immediately drawn to the ever-changing wall of flat screens overhead featuring Ocean Drive Magazine shots of Jennifer Lopez, Romero Britto artwork, and the beautiful waters of Miami. Front and center, I was greeted by Privé Gourmet Market where fresh George Stone Crabs (caught and shipped daily) and a rainbow-frosted assortment of Misha’s Cupcakes caught my eye. I then ventured to the left where I found a candy heaven, called It’Sugar, that would satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Here I found just about every candy I’ve ever known of and even discovered a giant sheet of rice crispy treats measuring about 1′ x 2′. Hmm, could I stuff this in my carry-on? Or maybe just finish it before the flight? Behind this delicious treat boutique was their toy store, Let’s Play, which carried fun and unique gifts for the tots like Ugly Dolls and Air Hedz.
Zone 305
While Rocco was wandering in this space (with my husband), I headed to Zone 305, the
activewear area, where I suddenly felt inspired to workout during my holiday trip (ha!) with all the cute gear they featured. Wow, how did they do that? Wasn’t I just talking candy? Then the wall of magazine covers (again on flat screens) started flipping, drawing me into the newsstand section, Ocean Drive News & Gifts, where I grabbed what else but the latest Ocean Drive. Might as well take a little home away with me, right? The bright pop art suitcases drew me in further to the Britto store where Rocco and I were quickly captivated by the brightly colored, glittering kitty cat spinning in the display case…as we should have been. Word is that fat cat is going for $15,000. Then, as if the store knew just how to guide
Mixx
me and save the best for last, I had arrived…the clothing, accessories and sunglasses! Mixx, the clothing and accessory boutique, won me over with the pale pink Soludos espadrilles, the tortoise jewelry (which by the way is the best for traveling as it’s super light), and even retro printed bobby pins. Aaaah! Am I really in an airport? Finally, I headed to the glowing wall of shades in Solstice and fell in love. There were two in particular, Tom Ford’s Jennifer in Transparent Brown and the Jimmy Choo Bryon in Shiny Black Grey, that stole my heart…one of which became an early Christmas present! I then took a deep breath and looked around at it all again as if to take in the magical shopping wonderland one last time before going. While my face was one of pure bliss, my husband’s was one of fear…oh, the damage that could quickly be done to our credit card. So, reluctantly, I headed for our gate. But as we left I looked back as I swear a pair of RayBan Wayfarer’s called my name. I whispered “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”
Next time you’re in MIA, The Shoppes at Ocean Drive is not to be missed: Terminal D, across from Gate D17.
If you don’t already, pack a snack on your upcoming trips because at some point there will be bumps in the road and being hungry and cranky will only make life worse for you and those around you. Whether you’re sitting on the runway for hours, waiting way too long for the rental car, or lost in a foreign country, discovering that bag of M&Ms will make all the difference.
Rocco Claus at the piano on Christmas Eve
As much as I love to take off and experience adventures away from home, sometimes it’s nice staying put too…especially around the holidays when everyone has a little more time off and flexibility in their schedules. Here are a few highlights of our time home in Miami for the holidays.
- Baby talk with my 5 month old nephew, A.J…that is until Rocco came over and told Mommy, “All done.”
- Yummy dinner at Red, The Steakhouse with old New York City friends we haven’t seen in 5 years.
- Hearing “Here Comes Santa Claus” by up & coming singing artists (a.k.a. 9 year old nieces) Chloe & Samantha and our very own Rocco…accompanied by Grandpa Tim on the piano and 6 year old nephew Joshua’s Christmas Eve breakdancing routine.
- A long overdue mid-week lunch date with just the girls (and no kids) at the new Crave restaurant in Merrick Park.
Tee Ball with Grandad
- The 2nd Annual Holiday Kickball Game on Christmas Eve morning…until the kickball went into the canal.
- Driving by Christmas lights each night and hearing Rocco say “Ohhhhhhh, another one!” over and over and over.
- Backyard tee ball with Rocco, Grandad, Abuela, Pops & Gogo and realizing Mommy’s softball lessons growing up weren’t all for nothing. So there, Daddy!
- The taste of Christmas Eve Dinner (and those French desserts), the sight of all 9 kids (my two and their cousins) dressed in their holiday best, the sound of the English Christmas poppers and the smell of my parents’ gorgeous Hammacher Schlemmer Christmas tree.
- A big group New Year’s Eve dinner at Morton’s before ringing in the New Year alone with my hubby.
Nothing like a beach day in January
- A warm, beautiful beach day with my wonderful son, Rocco, on January 2nd. It was 82 that day. Today? 43 degrees.
Now, maybe I can finish putting away those Christmas decorations. Though after reminiscing, I don’t really want it all to end yet. But onto the next holiday…how many days until Valentine’s Day? xo
Before you leave, email your itinerary to family and/or close friends, along with yourself. Include dates at each stop and phone numbers of the places where you’ll be so you can be reached at all times in case of an emergency…or in case you forget where you’re headed next. Everybody loves to live vicariously through you when you’re traveling to fabulous places, anyway…and they just may help pick up packages, mail, or after your cat while you’re gone.
Here are a few of our favorite things at ArriveChic.com this holiday season…that just happen to fit perfectly in a stocking:
- Tweezerman Hot for Dots Mini Tweezer & Matchbox Files Set: This mini slant tweezer, which is under 3″ long, and matching Matchbox mini files, literally the size of a matchbox, are too cute in polka dots and the perfect size for maintaining her look on-the-go.
Hot for Dots Mini Tweezer & Matchbox Files
- Graphic Image Travel Metallic Jewelry Roll: Every girl needs a travel jewelry roll that’s as beautiful as her jewels! This one is perfect because it’s soft and, therefore, easily packable and measures only 4 1/2″ long. My suggestion? Hide a gem in her new jewelry roll and you can guarantee you’ll have a happy holiday.
Graphic Image Metallic Jewelry Roll
- Trina Turk Floret Stud Earrings: We love these pretty, classic studs as they’re unique enough to stand out but go with just about anything.
Trina Turk Floret Stud Earrings
- Shubi Shoe Bags: If she loves shoes, she will LOVE pretty bags to put them in…and chances are she doesn’t have these!
Shubi Shoe Bags
- Tweezerman Luxe Edition Crystal Brow Kit: I mean, really…unless she’s a no frills type of girl, she’ll die for these crystal tweezers…and the highlighter, browmousse, brush, and the metallic leather case are just added bonuses.
Luxe Edition Mini Crystal Brow Kit
- Marvis Travel-Sized Toothpaste: spoil her with delicious, Italian toothpaste. She’ll never buy drugstore again.
Marvis Toothpaste in all 5 flavors
- Graphic Image Cayman Python Leather Luggage Tags: with luggage tags this chic, she won’t mind waiting for her luggage. These gorgeous python-embossed leather luggage tags come in Bone, Brown, & Taupe.
Cayman Python-Embossed Luggage Tags by Graphic Image
- Supergoop! Save Face Serum SPF 30+: we should all be wearing sunscreen everyday and this fabulous serum combats premature skin aging while moisturizing skin & smoothing any existing wrinkles and fine lines…not that she has any.
Supergoop! Save Face Serum SPF 30+
- Bucky Fun Fur Eye Shades: catching zzzzs has never been so much fun with these furry shades! Make your princess feel regal in this Eggplant mask.
Bucky Fun Fur Eye Shades in Eggplant
- Nugaard Jequitiba Leaf Necklace: Not only will she look great with this unique long necklace but she’ll be helping the environment…”Trees for the Future” plants a tree for every necklace sold.
Nugaard Jebquitiba Leaf Necklace
- Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder: Every woman needs this at one time or another…whether you wash your hair every other day or oversleep one morning, this is a life-saver…or should we say hair-saver. Creates volume at the roots and absorbs excess product and oil build up.
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder
- Arrive Chic Virtual Gift Card: can’t decide what to get her? Let her shop herself! Our e-gift cards start at $25 and go up to $1,000!
Arrive Chic Virtual Gift Card
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.
