Welcome to Arrive Chic Travel Contests & Giveaways where I share the wealth with loyal readers & followers and giveaway some of my fabulous travel finds.
Love this fun carnival “Every Summer Has a Story” image by Sylvia Cook that can be purchased at Etsy.
Every summer has a story and, with Labor Day Weekend here, I hope you made it a good one! To help you hold on to those fantastic memories forever (and keep you awake while you’re writing all of the juicy details down), here’s this month’s Travel Giveaway: 3 Jonathan Adler Journals & Coffee Mugs. There will be 3 lucky winners getting this set this month so enter now for your chance to win!
Jonathan Adler Coated Canvas Travel Journal in Stepped Diamonds
Do you remember what you did last summer? Me either. This fun Jonathan Adler travel journal in Stepped Diamonds pattern will help you lock this year’s memories away so you can relive your summer adventures whenever you need an escape this Fall or Winter. The notebook includes 96 lined pages, has a magnetic snap closure, stain-resistant coated canvas exterior (in case you spill that coffee mug), and a suede-like interior. The best part though? It’s refillable with any standard 6″ x 8″ journal. Also, makes a perfect little gift. Retails for $12. Can’t wait and need it now? Here you go.
Jonathan Adler Thermal Coffee Mug in Stepped Diamonds
If you’re like me, you love all the juicy details. So, writing down all the specifics to get a story picture perfect can take a while. Therefore, coffee is in order and lots of it. I love these Thermal Coffee Mugs in Stepped Diamonds by Jonathan Adler. They are BPA Free, Phthalate free, Lead Free and hold 16 oz. of hot or cold drinks. Not a coffee drinker? No worries, your iced tea or hot cider work perfectly in this cute mug too. Need it now? Find it here.
Enter to win now above! We are giving this set away to 3 lucky winners this month. This contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, September 8th, 2014. Good Luck!
This ain’t your Greenwich Village Il Mulino, it’s better at Il Mulino South Beach.
The Bible, I mean, Menu at Il Mulino Sobe
The New Yorker & Vogue Walls at Il Mulino Sobe
Il Mulino New York comes home! Okay, so maybe it’s not home to them. But, one of the finest classic Italian restaurants, which could be mistaken for heaven, has just opened their 9th location on South Beach in the old Clark’s space in the SoFi neighborhood, just minutes from my home. Cue the happy dance. I was lucky enough to dine there recently and experience their best dishes in their new sleek & chic spot on 1st Street. To be honest, I wasn’t sure it could live up to the glory of Il Mulino on West Third Street, their original location in New York. And clearly, walking into the bright, all white space with large Vogue and The New Yorker cover art on the walls, this ain’t your Greenwich Village Il Mulino. But, all it took was one taste of the complimentary antipasto of garlic zucchini, mussels, and mouth watering parmesan cheese just chiseled off their monster wedge and I knew. The new South Beach location was not only as good as the Il Mulino I first fell in love with in downtown NYC, it was better. Every last dish that came to our table that evening was nothing less than superb. When was the last time you said that at a restaurant? Besides matching the exact culinary perfection of New York, Il Mulino South Beach is much more modern and, simply put, much closer to me. As we were seated, the host said, “This is your home.” He was right. Funny thing though, I thought I should be saying the same thing to him. Welcome home, Il Mulino.
Il Mulino Sobe is my new favorite restaurant in Miami. I mean, just look at this cheese.
What We Ate (& Drank):
Burrata & Tomato
Octopus Salad marinated with spices and lemon juice
Piccata di Vitello al Limone
Ossobuco with parmigiana risotto
Tartufo (the best one I’ve ever had)
The best Tartufo I’ve ever had (and I’ve had quite a few) was at Il Mulino Sobe.
We were that happy after an incredible dinner at Il Mulino Sobe.
With a new school year starting today in South Florida for my two little boys, my sweet summer is gone. Yes, it’s still August and the 93 degree afternoons may lead you to believe otherwise here in hot & sticky Miami. But for me, gone are the endless days of poolside lounging and catching a few (just a few) afternoon rays…well, between max liquidator fights with the kids, that is. We’re moving on to pencils and backpacks and playdates galore! Sigh. I’ll miss you summer. Especially when your uniform looked something like this everyday.
Here’s a peek at my last poolside cover up outfit on this weekend’s escape to the west coast of Florida. This romper was super lightweight cotton, an easy on-off, and looked together enough to carry me through lunch. Maybe the best part of all? It was a bargain…Target, you never cease to amaze me. Here’s hoping your sweet summer isn’t gone…not yet, anyway.
Cover-up Jumper: Xhilaration at Target (similar) | Flips: Havaianas (similar) | Sunglasses: Target | Bag: Utility Canvas in Teal | Toes: Essie In the Cabana
A romper cover up tip? If you’re wearing a spaghetti strap romper as a cover up, either choose a strapless bathing suit for the day or tuck in the straps until you’re ready to dive in. One set of straps makes for a cleaner look.
Sweet summer is gone? Say it isn’t so. Hopefully, you have a few more weeks to enjoy summer in some relaxing gear. Here are a few more styles like those above that I’m loving…
Catch the Sunset at Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida
8 Ways to Enjoy National Relaxation Day
August 15th is National Relaxation Day. For 24 hours, it’s not only acceptable, but encouraged to indulge in some well-deserved R&R, your way. Whether you take the day or just an hour, here are eight Florida-inspired ideas for treating yourself.
1. Salute the Sun
Lounging against sugar sand coastline, the ultra-chic and luxurious W Fort Lauderdale Hotel offers namaste-inspiring yoga classes with a view of rolling waves and sweeping South Florida skies. Certified trainers lead beachfront classes designed to enhance all layers of wellness from mind to body and beyond on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.
2. Play Golf
Tee off in style at Marco Island Marriott’s Hammock Bay championship golf course, designed to provide an enjoyable challenge to golfers of all skill levels. The resort’s three-mile stretch of white sand beach, two pools and mouth-watering restaurants round out a relaxing day on the fairways!
3. Have a Picnic
…on the beach! The Hotel Zamora‘s “Beach Butler” can pack a picnic for two to enjoy pool- or beachside, filled with treats from its Spanish-influenced restaurant, Castile. Try the Butler Sunset Basket, which includes Mediterranean cheeses and charcuterie, assorted crackers, chocolate-dipped local strawberries, and wine or champagne. Silverware, plates and beach blanket included.
Picnic Poolside at The Hotel Zamora in Saint Pete Beach, Florida
4. Have a Spa Day
Combine National Relaxation Day with National Rum Month and what do you get? The Island Mojito Body Scrub at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. You’ll be lathered in an intoxicating blend of fresh mint, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar and salt with a hint of rum, followed by a generous application of coconut oil. The treatment ends with a Mojito served in the newly renovated Relaxation Room.
5. Take a Coffee Break
At 3:05 p.m., head to Marriott Stanton South Beach for a complimentary Cafecito. Since Miami city dwellers rely on their daily caffeine fix at 3:05 (not-so-coincidentally, the Miami area code), the hotel invites guests to join in on the tradition for an extra jolt and a “taste” of the local lifestyle.
6. Lounge in a Hammock
…at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa with a Cucumber Breeze cocktail in hand. You’ll have oceanfront seats to 1,000 feet of secluded Atlantic shoreline, so grab a friend and settle into two hammocks swaying side-by-side to get a feel for why this is one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.”
Lounge in a Hammock at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa on the Atlantic
7. Catch the Sunset
… around the Sandpearl Resort’s gigantic wood burning fire pit, situated on the powder-white sands of Clearwater Beach on any given evening. Looking for something more intimate on National Relaxation Day? Grab a private fire pit rental and a do-it-yourself s’mores kit. Either way, just as the sun touches the Gulf, you’ll hear the ringing of the historic “Sunset Bell” that signifies the day’s passing and the evening’s future.
8. Dinner with a View
…at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa’s Sea Level restaurant. Here you’ll find a relaxed setting where you can indulge in a creative menu while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Try the popular Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich and sip on Sea Level’s refreshing White Sangria all while enjoying the gentle sounds of the waves and warm ocean breeze.
Take Me Back features hotels and destinations I’ve visited in the past and LOVE.
Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, Florida
Last weekend my husband and I escaped from Miami to the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa for one last summer getaway with the kids. No, you heard correctly…Key West with the kids. Turns out, though I could count the number of children I spotted all weekend on one hand, there are plenty of ways to entertain kids in Key West. But our main reason for heading to the southern most city in the continental USA was to stay at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa. We heard it was a fantastic hotel in the Keys and we heard right. It was the perfect Key West home away from home.
The Rooms
We felt right at home in the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa Deluxe Two Queen Bed Room which was quite spacious, had contemporary decor, bright colored artwork, and their signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ with plush pillow top mattress. Ooh, that bed. After my boys did some “mattress testing”, my two year old even fell in love with it and decided he was having no part of the pack-n-play. A private balcony, with each of the resort’s 118 guest rooms, provided a perfect place to peek at the sunrise in our PJs. Extra touches like an iHome stereo with docking station and complimentary water & coffee helped us recharge all of our batteries at day’s end. The large bathroom also spoiled us with both a rain shower head and handheld shower head and plenty of space for our entire family of four.
The Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa Deluxe Queen Room, Bath, & Mattress Testers
The View
The Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, known as one of the best luxury hotels in all of Key West, also has killer views. The property is set oceanside on the Gulf of Mexico and, well, just take a look for yourself.
Peeking at the Morning Light in PJs on our private balcony at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa.
With a view like this at Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, you may never check-out.
Dream Sunsets at Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa in Florida
The Extras
The options are endless for adventure lovers at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa: jet skis, wave runners, fishing charters, diving, snorkeling sailboats, or sunset cruises. If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay, don’t miss the award-winning Jala Spa, 2012 Condé Nast Travelers top 100 spa. Our weekend, with the tots, mostly included taking advantage of the sundeck and heated outdoor pool & whirlpool, which was conveniently by Blue Mojito Bar and Grill. For beach lovers, the hotel also offers lounge chairs in the sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa Heated Pool
For the beach lovers at Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
Kid Entertainment
We knew immediatley upon arrival that our kids were well taken care of at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa. Our 2 and 4 year old boys were quickly introduced to “Big Mama” and the rest of the 30+ rescue turtles in their ponds at the entrance, Odie the parrot, and were given Key West themed coloring pages and crayons. A few steps further into the hotel, we found puzzle tables and a foosball table – two of my 4 year old’s favorite things.
Turtle ponds, a parrot named Odie, puzzle tables, & a foosball table: plenty of kid entertainment at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa.
The Food
SHOR American Seafood Grill may be a “Best of Key West” winner for Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Lunch, but I think the best time to visit just might be first thing in the morning…when daylight breaks over the Gulf and your view is just as divine as your meal. This Sun Dried Tomato, Avocado, Spinach Egg White Omelet with side of parmesan was so tasty I forgot it was healthy.
Sun Dried Tomato, Avocado, Spinach Egg White Omelet with side of Parmesan
The morning view from SHOR American Seafood Grill at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
The Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa is locally known as “The Oasis off of Duval”, being only one block off of the main street in Key West yet providing the ultimate escape on the Gulf. The hotel was voted a 2014 Condé Nast readers “Top 25 USA Spa Resort” and is located in the heart of Key West’s Old Town.
Frozen Lemonade with an Umbrella on Duval Street
With more than 300 bars, Key West isn’t thought of as a “kid-friendly” town by many. But I’ve found 10 Ways to Entertain Kids in Key West, if you’re crazy enough to vacation with them there. I did just that recently for a summer weekend escape with my husband and our two tots (2 and 4 year olds) and we had a fantastic time. These 10 things could entertain kids in Key West for a week. Too bad we couldn’t stay longer.
Key West Aquarium
Yes, the Key West Aquarium is old and small, but it’s a great way to entertain kids in Key West for an hour or so. They’ll love the giant shark hanging from the ceiling and taking a picture in a shark’s mouth at the aquarium’s entrance. Be sure to take the tour at 11 a.m. so you can catch the shark feeding and touch a shark’s tail, hear all about the rescued turtles, and feed a few fish.
The Key West Aquarium
Evidently, the Key West Aquarium entertains traveling mommies too.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Walk through hundreds of butterflies and view several varieties of colorful birds, waterfalls, and flowering plants in a glass enclosed & climate controlled tropical habitat at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Don’t miss the gallery too with acrylic cases full of butterflies that are true works of art.
A Walk Down Duval Street
A walk down Duval Street will be quite entertaining for the kids with the “choo choo” Conch Tour Train passing by, fun street vendors, artists, t-shirt shops, and a mega candy store called It’Sugar. Besides that, they’ll definitely witness the most interesting people watching they’ve ever seen. Get them into the true Key West spirit by treating them to their own frozen lemonades with umbrellas and 1/2 pound cookies from Mattheessen’s.
Heavenly 1/2 Pound Cookies at Mattheessen’s
Hit The Beach
Though the destination is not known for this, you can actually hit the beach in Key West. It may be a bit rocky, but Fort Zachary Taylor is known as one of the best beaches in Key West. This beach also has food & drink kiosks, restrooms, and picnic tables so you’ll have everything you need for a day in the sand with the kiddos.
Glass Bottom Boat
A great way to get on the water with kids of all ages is to take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Fury Water Adventures. On their 2 hour afternoon sail, you can choose to sit in their air-conditioned viewing area and peek through the boat bottom at the sea creatures below or enjoy the sun deck and possibly spot dolphins swimming by. Restrooms and a snack bar are also onboard, kid essentials.
The Conch Tour Train
Kids will be thrilled to ride a “choo choo” (and may even catch a nap) and you’ll get a tour of all of Key West and it’s attractions on the 90 minute journey on The Conch Tour Train. Besides, after all the walking down Duval Street, everyone’s feet will need a rest.
The Key West Conch Tour Train
Swim at Dante’s
If you eat (or even just drink) at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, you can take a dip in the pool too. So, if your hotel doesn’t have a pool (or you just want to switch things up), head to Dante’s for lunch or dinner with the kids and then cannonball! The pool has a waterfall, is surrounded by tiki huts, often has live music, and is open until 11 p.m.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
Entertain the kids for about an hour in Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. They”ll be attracted to the giant shark alone in the entrance from Duval Street. There are plenty of interactive games, a statue of Captain Jack Sparrow, two-headed animal figures, and plenty of other fun, weird, and spooky sights for the kids.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
The tour guides at the Key West Shipwreck Museum are pretty entertaining for all. Though history buffs and adults in general may get the most out of this attraction, kids will love seeing the cool treasures like the scuba gear & sailboat, trying on the dive helmet, and climbing the tower for a view of Key West from above.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Kids can try on the Dive Helmet outside the Key West Shipwreck Museum, if they can reach it.
Sunset at Mallory Square
For some of the prettiest views of the pink & orange Key West sunset, head to Mallory Square. The kids will love the Sunset Celebration Performers which include magicians, jugglers, clowns, and local musicians. There are plenty of food vendors and restaurants nearby to fill their bellies too.
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.
