Next time you’re asked, “What would you like?” for your birthday, anniversary, or the holidays, answer “a credit card gift card to use on my next trip!” Then, as soon as you get it, put it in the inside pocket of your suitcase (one you use all the time when traveling). You may even forget it’s there and be pleasantly surprised when you’re packing your bags. Once you arrive at your destination, treat yourself to a great meal, afternoon of shopping, or simply cover some of the travel expenses while checking out the town.
It’s also fun to give gift cards to the traveler who has just about everything…especially when you tuck it inside a Zagat Restaurant Guide book of their favorite city or the city where they’re vacationing next. If you want to get specific, you could even get a gift card to one of the best restaurants in the city. But, remember, if they can’t get a reservation or run out of time to use it, they’ll be ____ out of luck.
Heys xCase Exotic Snake Carry-on
I am loving the Heys xCase Exotic Carry-ons. The Leopard is fantastically BOLD and great when I’m feeling super sassy (or heading to Vegas for the weekend with my girlfriends). But, my favorite is the Snake print. It also has a bit of sass to satisfy the wild side in me and will definitely turn heads. It’s look is a bit quieter, though…the more subtle of the two which suits me best on an everyday basis.
Considered one of the lightest carry-on suitcases in the word (weighing only 5.1 lbs), this high gloss beauty measures 20” x 14” x 9”, has an interior lining to match the exterior, in-line skate wheels, and a TSA padlock to keep your treasures safe. Also, not that you have to worry with the Heys USA 7 Year Worldwide “Better Life” Warranty, but the xCase Exotic is made of Polycarbonate Composite which is sturdy, flexible, and will even bounce back into shape…should someone use it as a footrest when flight is delayed.
Oh, and just a reminder, your carry-on stays by your side (or not very far away from you) your whole trip. Shouldn’t it look as stylish as you do? Available now at ArriveChic.com!
Cafeina Wynwood Lounge
Last Saturday, we celebrated my sister-in-law’s birthday at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami. She and my brother were having a celebratory staycation weekend at The Raleigh Hotel on the beach and he surprised her with a night out with her closest friends and fam. We were excited as late nights out these days aren’t as frequent as we’d like. We have a 1 year old. What happened to our pledge of keeping the same lifestyle after having kids? Hmm…we’ll have to work on that a bit.
Anyway, Cafeina was a great time and had something for everyone…or should I say something for every mood you’re in. We met our group at a couple of tables with bottle service in the indoor lounge. Dimly lit chandeliers hung overhead, embroidered rugs were at our feet, and a DJ played Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks”. With cocktails in hand, we took a walk to check out the rest of the place. A doorway in the back led to the Wynwood Exhibition Center, a 1,000-square-foot art gallery that features a different artist each month. That night we were lucky enough to see THE ART EXHIBITION FOR A NATIONAL CAUSE – REMEMBERING HEROES OF AMERICA by Leonardo Hidalgo, an Ecuadorian neo pop artist who is based in Miami. This internationally-known artist has been commissioned by Hillary Clinton, Dan Marino, and The US Open Polo Championship, to name a few. The FIRE HERO series, his paintings of skeleton firefighters with the words “I WILL DIE FOR YOU”, literally took my breath away, especially so close to the 10th anniversary of September 11th. But, my favorite piece in the exhibit was GIRL POWER (shown below). I was ready to take it home that night.
GIRL POWER by Leonardo Hidalgo
We then headed to the outdoor lounge which, surprisingly, was packed. We had been avoiding it as it’s still 80 degrees or so at night in South Florida. But, the crowd was into the live “indie/dance/chillwave” band that was playing, Krisp, and within seconds, so were we. After a few songs and some stellar people-watching, we began to break a sweat and headed back inside to the birthday girl (and our comfy leather couches). We ordered several things off the Tapas Menu but the clear stand-outs were:
Truffle Fries with cilantro truffle mayo
Goat Cheese Croquettes with homemade guava sauce
Chicken Empanadas with a spicy criolla sauce
Yu-um. Next time, I’m skipping dinner and diving further into that menu. But one of the most memorable parts of the night was the birthday cake…the decadent, Flourless Chocolate Cake from Chocolate Fashion Bakery. Absolute heaven. This french bakery in the heart of Coral Gables offers these incredible cakes, tarts, and pastries and serves breakfast and lunch daily. A second location has recently opened in South Miami too. Make sure to stop by if your travels ever bring you to Miami. With those desserts, I’m sure they’ll be around for a long time.
If you’re in Miami in the near future (nightlife changes pretty quickly in this city), I’d head over and check out Cafeina late night. They describe themselves as an “elegant hipster’s paradise”, and to be honest, that seems pretty accurate. And even if you don’t classify yourself as an “elegant hipster” (who does?), remember there’s something for everyone…fun music, vibrant art, tasty food, and quite an entertaining crowd.
Whether you’re headed to a new city or even to one you’ve been to a million times (ugh, that place again), start spreading the word on where you’re headed at least a month before you leave. Email friends, family, and, most importantly, people who live in or are quite familiar with your destination. Chances are you’ll get at least one great recommendation that you haven’t heard of before or read about in those travel books you bought. Sometimes, a great room in the hottest hotel, the perfect blouse from that cute boutique, the view from the secret beach, or the latest exhibit from the modern art museum can make all the difference.
Lapin Vilardi "Coco Walk" Travel Laundry Bag
Who doesn’t hate repacking dirty clothes with clean ones for your trip back home? We’ve all made the attempts to separate our fresh garb from the, well, not-so-fresh by stuffing the dirties in different suitcase pockets or into plastic shopping bags. But, c’mon, let’s get it together, ladies. We really have no excuse not to with these happy bags. The Lapin Vilardi Laundry Bag measures 14″ x 20″, is made of cotton, fully lined, machine-washable, and big enough to double as a boot bag. Visit our e-boutique, ArriveChic.com, where you’ll also find the matching “Coco Walk” Bikini bag which doubles as a waterproof cosmetic pouch.
So, no more piling up your laundry in the bottom of the closet. These bags look so good that you can leave them out in your room and no one will suspect what’s inside.
Now, how fabulous are you? Even your dirty clothes travel in style.
Town Kitchen & Bar
This past weekend, we headed to our go-to place for casual brunch in Miami, Town Kitchen & Bar. We were meeting up with friends and their adorable, 7 week old, baby girl who, by the way, was a perfect little angel snoozing in her infant seat the whole time. (Note to new parents, get those kiddies out when they’re itsy…before they can talk, walk, and throw food).
Town, as usual, was the perfect choice for the morning. It has a sleek, contemporary look, a stylish crowd, and it’s in the great neighborhood of South Miami which is full of unique shops & boutiques…not to mention, their food is pretty tasty! For all of the great restaurants in Miami, there seem to be only a few great, casual brunch spots and Town is our favorite of the bunch. We’ve enjoyed countless meals at this hot spot including entire family celebrations for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day…and we’re not the only fans. It’s always a full house. People come to enjoy a relaxing meal outside where they can people-watch with their dogs, have private events in the back room, and toast to the weekend while dining at the bar.
Town Kitchen & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week (and a fun DJ on Friday nights) and describes their cuisine as “Global Comfort Foods with updated steakhouse appeal”. Basically, they offer a little of everything from burgers to pastas, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas…along with some great parmesan-truffle fries. But, we love their weekend brunch best. Here are some of my favorites from the brunch menu:
BreakfastWrap – Large flour tortilla with scrambled eggs + pico de gallo + chicken sausage + blended cheese + hashbrowns
EggsBruschetta – Scrambled eggs + fontina cheese + tomato bruschetta on grilled country bread
EggSandwich – Walnut cranberry bread + scrambled eggs + American cheese + bacon + homefries
Large Stack Pancakes “a la Town” with chocolate chips
It’s all decadent, thanks to Chef Michael Altman. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park in New York and began his career at the acclaimed Aureole in New York City. From there, he worked at Kitchen 22 and Astra (also in NYC) and then headed south to work on Miami Beach at Sugo Restaurant in the Sanctuary Hotel as well as Metro Kitchen in the Astor Place Hotel before settling down in South Miami. We’re so happy his home is finally so close to ours.
Town Kitchen & Bar was named “The Best Restaurant in South Miami” by Miami New Times, has their own catering company, called Around Town Catering, and has a sister restaurant (another great casual Miami breakfast spot) called Smoke’t Southern Kitchen & Tap. They will also be participating in the 2012 Burger Bash during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival this upcoming February.
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.
