Hello hello! It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over (okay we still have a few weeks to go)... but that little man only has (gasp!) one more week of summer camp left!!!
So what this means... is that our little escapade to Cancun was literally seven weeks ago, and it is high-time that we talk all about that.
For starters, the location and resort was absolutely brilliant (yet another slam dunk by the Ritz Carlton and Ritz Kids), next — let’s talk about beach pool fun! It just got better and better from there. We did one night at the culinary center (adults only) where our little man went and hung out at the kids center with one-on-one attention from a well-appointed Ritz staff. When hubs went to pick him up later he didn’t want to leave! A true testament to the spell. Then there was pool-side ceramics ehrrr he might an awesome soccer ball ⚽️ — how very appropos for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Oh, and did I mention beach pool beach pool? The cabanas were excellent, the spa was off the chain, and those spicy tacos... dragons may not love spicy tacos but this Mamma sure does!!! Not to mention all of the flavors that comes with everything else at the Ritz. We’ve been long fans of Ritz Carltons all over (see posts here on Washington, San Francisco, and Naples), but this one truly takes the cake! We will definitely be back.
Little man really enjoyed himself too I have to say... what a way to kick-start his summer camp schedule! Oh, and don’t worry — those were virgin shots he had on the beach (and we drank them out of coconuts! 🌴🥥
TGIF everybody — thanks for visiting and more to come on our upcoming escapades to Shelter Island!!!!
Best Birthday Present EVER!!!! To think... this time last year he was still a wee little bean sprout growing inside of mamma's belly when we went to Kiawah
Vacations are for naps...#rockshicbaby2
A girlfriend of mine told me that she used to visit this resort when she was a little girl, and this resort used to have turtles crawling around EVERYWHERE!!! In fact, the first thing she asked me, when I told her about visiting Captiva, was "did you go to the South Seas Island Resort and were there turtles?"
He wanted to demonstrate his surfer dude moves to me... what better place than at the beach?
Watching the beautiful sunset from our balcony... and enjoying a glass of vino. What could be better?
Me and my little men... did I mention that I am one lucky girl?
The beautiful grounds of the Marina Villas
Say yes to YOLO moments!
A seriously scenic stroll!! We did quite a bit of this with the little men.
My sweet little man! Just five months old and loving the whole "fist in mouth" action #rockshicbaby2
Mornings on the dock, where we sang "Down By the Docks" by Thomas & Friends
Well well, this mamma bird basically blinks and yet another week has gone by. What’s more, today marks the last day of June! Yes it’s true, 2017 is officially half-way over (scary thought).
As I said in an earlier post, June has been so crazy for us, largely because we were all over the place – Oregon, Florida… New York!! There’s a part of me that still feels largely unsettled, but we are slowly but surely getting there. For starters, we’ve moved the whole family back to New York, and my little man officially started Summer Camp this year, complete with some ziplining action on his very first day. Yikes!
So – before we bid adieu to the first half of 2017, I wanted to share some significant highlights, starting with when mamma celebrated her birthday on Captiva Island at the fabulous South Seas Island Resort! This outing was particularly momentous for us, as it marked the first time that we traveled somewhere overnight as a family of four… which, not surprisingly, required far more maneuvering than a brunch outing in Tribeca.
Looking back, the entire experience on the gorgeous property of South Seas Island Resort was simply magical, though hubs and I were so sleep deprived at that stage it all felt like a bit of a blur. I realized too, by the sheer excitement of my older child, the original Nuke baby, just how long it’s been since he’s traveled anywhere (last time we took a long getaway trip with the little man was back in August of 2016, where we rented a lake house to ring in his 3rd birthday). Not surprisingly, this holiday was as much for his benefit as it was for mamma the birthday girl.
For starters, the resort is suuuuper kid-friendly. It encompasses a huge piece of land at the tail end of Captiva Island, complete with several restaurants, a kid center, and loads of well-maintained pools, water slides, beaches, and fun activities for the kiddos (trust me, there was certainly no shortage of "water time!"). It’s also nice that some of the accommodations come with its own standalone kitchens, a must for traveling families! From the minute we arrived, my little man plopped himself in one of the bedrooms and started to settle in as he loudly exclaimed, “we’re at new home!!!”
As for my little guy… he was just five months at that stage, and still just settling in. At this stage, I can have a sense that his personality is quite different from his older brothers. Whereas my oldest was the man about town and loooooooved going out, my younger son is much more of an introvert, a “thinker,” if you will. He likes to quietly take it all in, and is not one to immediately jump into the crowd. Or perhaps I'm reading too much into things?
At any rate, it took our five months old a bit to settle into the new environment, but by the second day, he was certainly not complaining about his lap of luxury. Our suite was nicely nestled close to the docks and the ocean, so hubs took him on multiple strolls along the water, where he happily napped against the gentle breeze.
The best part of all? (Not counting mamma’s gorgeous key lime birthday cake). Witnessing the beautiful bonding moments between my children. It’s funny, but when during the day, because my oldest goes to his little Montessori school and has such a rigorous schedule between swimming and karate, he doesn’t actually get to see his baby brother all that much (and vice versa). So really, our getaway to Captiva marked the first time that we were truly able to enjoy our family of four under one roof, in a gorgeous setting, and basking in the sun. For that alone, I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and felt like the luckiest girl in the world!
Oh, and for the record, Captiva is an absolutely AMAZING island (reminded us a bit of Shelter Island and Montauk), and I really cannot wait to go back. We didn’t get much of a chance to explore this time around, but rest assured it’s been added to the list for future explorations!!!
Spot the manatee! On our last day, little man actually found one right at the dock.
Hanging at the beach shack with my boys. #MomLife
The Boys...#theLoveofMyLife
That view tho!
Dockside Dining = The Best Dining
Coconut days...
Packing and getting ready for Captiva!
Breakfast -- Island Style
My happy man -- stealing mummy's sugar... and yes, he is as naughty as he looks!
That face! So lovable... even when he is being a pain in the butt.
"To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of land remote, to travel is to live."
Of course... we never go anywhere without our Babyganics sunscreen and bug spray!
Oh, you know -- just lounging at one of the many pools at the property. Did I mention that they also pop by to bring you treats and help clean your sunnies for you? Talk about being pampered!
Quality time with my girly girls. Watch out for that cactus!
Margaritas all day long. I could get used to this!!! #PoolsideLounging
Early morning massage right after breakfast, truly getting spoiled!
Well appointed in-room decor. Check.
A fresh cocktail by the pool? Check check.
This is a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset over the Sonoran desert.
The food and service at Proof, the hotel restaurant, was simply DIVINE.
Loving the desert-chic landscape
In my view, the photos actually don't do the natural landscape justice... it was just THAT breathtaking!
Getting ready to paint the town with my girly girls! #girlsnightout @fourseasons @fsscottsdale
I cannot believe that it’s been over two months since my amazing getaway to Arizona (and believe me, when you’re knee-deep in diapers and all-things-baby the way this mamma has been, a girls-trp/spacation to Scottsdale in March is just the ticket!!). See my prior post on the Omni Resort Montelucia and our lunch at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa.
What can be more healing and luxurious than a girl-trip at the beautiful and well-appointed Four Seasons Resort Scottsale at Troon North? A spectacular resort in every sense of the word!
Breathtaking views? Check. Casita-chic décor? Check. Amazing service and top-of-the-linel amenities? Check check check. Really, I couldn’t have asked for more as far as pampering and outstanding experiences went. Everywhere I went, this little mamma bird was literally reaching for her camera. Truly, I just couldn't help myself!!! Everything was just so darn picturesque (compounded by the fact that I am absolutely OBSESSED with all things cactus at the moment).
Myself and my two travel buddies managed to do a little bit of everything while staying at the resort… a dip in the pool on our first day coupled with cabana service? You betcha! Hiking the beautiful trail tucked in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak? Yaaas. As a matter of fact, one of my fellow traveler/partner-in-crime basically turned our time at the Four Seasons resort into her own personal hiking trip (she climbed the Pinnacle Peak not once, but TWICE!!!). Of course, it wouldn’t have been a true spacation without some indulgent spa treatments, and we did that aplenty as well! We even lucked out on our first day as they were doing mini-treatments outside of the spa post breakfast. Now is that great timing or what?
Of course, just the ability to sleep in, lounge by the pool, eat a leisurely brunch, and get some real adult time was the best gift of all – coupled with the beauty that is the Sonoran Desert… now it is time to say AHHHHH.
As I get older, I find that nothing beats quality time with your girlfriends, I find it both inspiring and revitalizing! #GirlPower #InspirationalWomen
Check here for more of my thoughts on the Executive Chic-Look and Style à la Sheryl Sandberg
Well well, hello to you too Tuesday! It might still feel like the start of the week but believe me when I say.... I will literally blink and this week will be over!
Well, in answer to your question.... Arizona... in the valley of the sun right next to the great city of Phoenix, to be exact. I was there meeting some work colleagues at the tail end of March, and we decided to make it a ladies power lunch outing (plus Spa retreat!) out of the whole excursion. I've only been to Arizona once before -- years ago when a friend and I visited the Grand Canyon, but have certainly not explored the area that is Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surroundings. Let me just tell you, it is simply gorgeous! Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, for starters, is a top-notch boutique resort and spa (which had its origins in Tennis would you have guessed). Upon arrival (straight from the airport, we don't mess around!!), I was absolutely taken by the serenity and beauty of the property (part desert chic and part Silicon Valley savvy). In some respects the landscaping, decor, and overall vibe reminded me of my time in the deserts of Dubai and Oman (more on that another time), and in other respects the clean beauty and stylish simplicity of the area made me think of the Rosewood Sand Hill, in particular of my sunny lunch at the Rosewood Madera almost three years ago.
My dining companions were already sipping on bubbles and waiting for me (they had flown straight in from NYC and I from Naples, Florida) by the time I drove in (literally it's no more than a 15-20 minute ride from the airport!!), and we were quickly escorted to an outdoor table on the patio with the most breathtaking views of the Camelback Mountain. Glasses clinked, cocktails flowed, and the rest was history! Mamma had the fresh catch of the day and it basically disappeared in ten nano seconds). All was delicious, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how fabulous the desserts were. The last time I had this much fun chowing on sweets was at the Untitled at Whitney Museum with another group of girlfriends. What is it with us ladies and our desserts eh? Extra laps in the pool later to pay for our sins!
We even took a little tour of the kitchen afterwards (how could you not after such fantastic farm to table fare)? The pictures speak for themselves, and I can certainly see why this is a popular destination wedding and event spot with the beautiful and airy venue space.
All to say, now I just need to plan a return trip back to the hotel, pronto, this time we'll be sure to book one of their private, newly renovated and refurbished suites! After all, mama desperately needs another break.... I tell ya, life of the never-ending saga when you're caring for two little munchkins -- it truly is something else. As a friend recently puts it, it's literally like Groundhog Day! Good thing there are travel days like these to break up that torrid routine!!!
Now, back to dreaming of more sunny days with flowing cocktails, great friends, and beautiful views à la Paradise Valley.
Fresh-faced after landing via London -- there is nothing I find more revitalizing than the idea of exploring a new city in style!! #RockshicParis
The obligatory visit to the Louvre -- it just never gets old! Make sure to either book your tickets on-line or have the hotel book it for you (many hotels also hold tickets on reserve). It's a great time-saver because the last thing you want to do is to queue up in long lines when you're on holiday!
Walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg, light mist on our faces... Spring Time also = ever so chilly! Good thing I've got my trusty Jimmy Choos to take me everywhere! #Rockshic #ParisinStyle
Nothing like Spring Blossoms on charming, small, winding roads! #historicalParis
Standing in front of the Fontaines de la Concorde -- possibly the most photographed fountain in town! (Or the world?) #RockshicinParis
A multitude of colors on the Seine River... which, incidentally, also never gets old! (Though in full confession I think I did get a tad bit grumpy with hubs on the river that day #FirstWorldProblems #RockshicinParis)
Something about gardens in Paris... it just oozes beauty and romance, doesn't it?
Entrance to the ever so lovely Jardin du Luxembourg. They had a special art exhibit on.
The juxtaposition of modernity and the historical at the Louvre. This is why this museum will forever rank top in my heart.
Hanging with Kant -- the Grandfather of Existentialism, still my favorite philosophical genre of all time!
Bonjour!!!
Today's post is all about a trip down memory lane... which Facebook reminded me of earlier this morning (what can I say, I am a sentimentalist that way). Can you believe these photos were taken nearly seven years ago? We were such babies back then... before we started having babies, and here I was thinking that I had a sure handle on the ways of the world back in my early twenties! Ha.
Hubs and I were actually doubling down -- combining a trip to visit friends in London along with a quick jaunt to Paris... and also somewhere in between celebrating our "5 year." It hadn't been quite five years since we were married in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but certainly five since we had "hooked up." Do people still use that term?! (She asks sheepishly). How very basic of me!
As they say, it was the best of times... and it was the worst of times. The photos here all look very lovely and carefree (as photos so often do), and certainly don't do this beautiful city ample justice, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that emotions were running high, we were just at the tail end of a very long journey, and had been getting increasingly snappy at each other. Case in point, hubs almost huffed off at the Louvre, "Gone with the Wind" style (people don't know this but he can be very dramatic!), and (unrelated to the Louvre), I had cried into my meal on our last night at the Ritz Paris (I'm talking big huge, not so pretty, rain-like tears). Folks probably thought we were splitting up (over what is still likely the most expensive meal we've shared to date, eclipsed perhaps only by our five year wedding anniversary dinner at Masa... maaaybe) -- but really I was just super sad to bid adieu to this remarkable city, and more importantly, to my devoted partner-in-crime, who I knew I wouldn't be seeing for a bit as he would be hopping on a plane for yet another work trip via Charles de Gaulle.
So... the moral of the story is, if you're going to go, go out with a bang -- and if you're going to get all emotional and build memories, what better place to do it than in Paris?
Happy Monday everyone!!! Hope you have a rocking week!
I can hardly believe that it’s been nearly a week a half since I last wrote. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind here in Casa Rockshic to say the least – the type that is simply and fundamentally life altering. Believe me, I will get into all of it very, very soon!!!
In the meantime, earlier today and at some point last week (not quite sure when as the days have all basically been blurred together), I started thinking about some fantastic escapades that hubs and I have taken in years past. Very likely this is spurred by the fact that we won’t be taking any trips for quite some time!
One particular trip that comes to mind was a little jaunt to Dubai we had taken over six years ago... Yes! Can you believe, six years?!!! Although we just celebrated our eight year anniversary so I guess it’s not terribly surprising.
I’ve only ever written about our trip to the desert once, but there is so much more to share on Dubai. I was recently invited to attend a business trip there, but as I was over 33 weeks pregnant (aka well into the eighth months), I thought better of it and recused myself, inspite of my inherent thirst for adventure.
Sigh… another time perhaps! We can do all of the beaching, gallivanting, shopping, sight-seeing, restaurant-hopping, cocktail sipping, to our heart's fullest content, and just, well just bask in the extravaganza and bling of it all. Oh, and let us now forget camel-riding into the sunset!!!
More to come on fantastic travels – here’s to looking at you 2017! (I’ve got a little bit of Greece on my mind, just saying...).
In the meantime, let us sit back and indulge in a bit of that exoctic Dubai action.
Flotsam, jetsam! This type of falling/wreckage happened quite frequently. Of course, hubs was all too happy to photograph the evidence when it did occur. #paddleboardfail
The trip was meant to be a birthday hurrah (my first one since becoming a mom!), and indeed I had flip-flopped back and forth so hard with regards to taking our 8 months that hubs eventually just gave up and ignored me everytime I made my last "exectuive decision." It was almost comical when we at last turned up at the ticket counter (with no baby in tow) and the flight attendant looked us square in the face and exclaimed, “I believe you’re missing a passenger!”
Ha... now THERE'S an understatement if I ever heard one.
All that aside, it was actually quite a momentous and happy trip -- one which I would highly recommend to *all new parents.* Not only did we get to reconnect in more ways that you can possibly imagine, but we also got to do things that simply weren’t feasible had munchkin been around, like paddle boarding!
The thing with paddle boarding, I’ve come to realize, is that it’s all about upper body strength, which I didn’t have a lot of at the time (still don't, but that's a whole separate story!). We were certainly lucky with the aquamarine water being so calm, and now as I look back at the pics, I can’t help but feel a new sense of hope, inspiration, and rejuvenation. Eight months post-partum, and I didn't look half bad!!! Granted, this was also at the height of my nursing phase, and you burn a loooooot of calories breastfeeding (see feature here on nursing and pumping).
So here is hope to returning to a bigger and badder version of my old-body, as I craddle my enormously expanding belly, which more or less prohibits me from doing anything at the moment, let alone paddle boarding.
Striking a pose! There are some tricks of the trade that I've learned over the years while posing in a bikini. For a full length detail on my "how-to's," all documented from our Turks and Caicos trip, see here.
“We can’t always take trips for birthdays, you know.”
Such were the wise (and practical) words left by hubs, many moons ago, and I recognized then that he had a point. It can get a bit much, both logistically and fiscally. For as long as we’ve been together (and we just recently celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary at Per Se, see here), we’ve generally always managed to take a trip for each other’s birthdays… including ones for our beloved Nuke Baby. However, with #2 on the way, I suppose it might be a tall order to do FOUR birthday trips, plus anniversary trips and other holiday trips every year, so I do need to tone things down and manage expectations.
That said, today’s feature ALL about looking back a look back at a birthday trip we took for hubs back in 2011 in the Dominican Republic (2010 and 2011 were very travel-heavy years for us, then came the relative quiet after getting preggars and settling down in late 2012, coupled by the arrival of our baby boy in 2013).
So here goes, read on and I hope you can pick up a thing or two!
Five top travels tips:
Travelling can be a minefield if you haven’t done your research from the very get go, even before you take to the air, we all know this to be true, but sometimes our lives get in the way – and we end up having to cut the frills on the side.
So my advice to you is (same as Ms. Erykah Badu’s – PACK LIGHT!!!). That, and find the right flights… and from there, you’re pretty much 90% covered.
Travel Tip #1: Take the bare essentials
When arriving to a new place, do you really want to be dragging cumbersome baggage around?
Travelling with just hand-luggage is what to aim for (and believe me we always do, I even instill this policy now on my 3 year old toddler). You don’t need a dozen shoes and outfits, you just need the bare essentials. For more on my “packing tips,” see here.
Take less and you’ll travel cheaper too, with no check-in luggage fees, and travel faster without having to wait on your bag coming around the carousel.
My personal mantra has always been – make sure you have all of your electronics (charges, etc – that alone makes consolidation quite the task!), some fun accessories for sprucing up, and oh yes – don’t forget a travel guide or two to get you in the mood. See post on my favorite travel guides.
Travel Tip #2: Pick your flight wisely
Tuesday afternoon is the best time to look for a flight. After the weekend rush, many airlines will put flights up a sale on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon, most other airlines will bring their prices down to match that the prices.
This particular DR trip will always stick in my memory as one of the worst-planned flights… as I had to change and re-change the flight dates so many times (largely due to hubby’s unpredictable schedule). In fact, it cause so much headache and dollars, that I’d rather not think about them altogether.
Travel Tip #3: Get some extra holiday cash
It’s all well and good when you book a holiday, but if you get there and don’t have any extra cash to spend, you’ll find your experience limited.
An awesome, quick and easy way to make cash could be to play fun online slots, and if you'd like to quickly earn a little money for holiday treats, you can visit one of Lucky Nugget's best slot games like their Jurassic Park themed game. There was also plenty of casinos in DR… though we were so busy popping from one spot to the next I don’t believe we ever made time to hit the scene (though a part of me would have just gone for the experience alone).
Alternatively, you could freelance as a translator or even keep a travel blog of where you’ve been (I may be partially biased to this approach!!) and what you have been doing.
Travel Tip #4: Back everything up
Whether someone steals your valuables or you forget them on a train or plane, losing these potentially important files and beautiful photos can be hugely saddening.
Therefore, backing up your photos and most valuable documents is a must, throughout your trip. (Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my fellow colleagues – many of them bloggers – cry me a river about how they’ve just lost all of their precious vacay photos). In fact, us bloggers can sometimes be the least organized cohort I know.
Something such as Google Photos works across multiple platforms and immediately backs up photos to the cloud as they are taken, where they can be accessed by any of your devices.
Our luxurious digs at the Peninsula House, in Las Terrenas, Samana. So pretty!
Travel Tip #5: Eat the local delicacies
Why travel to a new country without eating the nation’s delicacies? If you want an authentic taste of a country, taste their cuisine!!! This one is a given in my book – you know how much I love my food -- see culinary escapades here.
This might mean eating skewered bugs in some places, but you’ll look like a local and immerse yourself in the culture
So there you have it, five tops tips to keep in mind for all of your travelistas out there. In the meantime, I’m starting to get a serious case of wanderlust itch just be looking at all of these DR photos! This was our first DR excursion, followed by a SECOND trip to DR (Punta Cana) for my bestie’s wedding, how quickly time flies!
It’s been one heck of a week thus far, but more to come I have no doubt.
In the meantime, I wanted to share some photos from our couples-only weekend getaway in Salem, Massachusetts (last time that hubs and I were up in that neck of the woods was for our anniversary celebration in the Berkshires). If you’ve been following me on Facebook and Twitter you’ve likely already heard some fun tidbits, but Salem is one charming town!! Lots of history and witchery J
We were there to attend a friend’s wedding (her older sister is one of my besties, and we go way back). You can check here for features on her wedding, which took place in Saratoga Springs three years ago (when Nuke baby was just three weeks old)!!! My my how time flies.
In spite of the traffic (hubs can tell you all about it… what was actually intended to be a ~ 4 hour trip somehow morphed into 6 hours each way, ahhhh that New York City traffic!). Thankfully mamma was relieved from driving duties, so I had plenty of time to sift through photos! Plus, what could be better than visiting this bewitching town, just in time for Halloween!!!
Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to a great weekend spent with family and friends (one of my besties is having her baby shower tomorrow and I am soooooo excited!!).
In the meantime, this comes much belated (two months in fact), but I wanted to share some recent highlights from a business trip to Mexico City. Though I've traveled several times to Mexico (first time in Zihuatanejo, and then more recently to the Riviera Maya and Tulum), this was the first one to Mexico City and it is absolutely a fantastic city!!! I must admit that I was a bit reluctant at first -- both due to the safety elements and also due to Zika. Thankfully, as it turned out, Mexico City is high altitude and thus excluded from the CDC's "warning zones" for the Zika virus. Moreover, when you're there you quickly realize that the weather feels more like San Francisco or Denver weather, not exactly bug-central (of course this did not stop this frenetic mamma from purchasing every mosquito repellent known to man and taking it with me on the plane.... To the extent that hubs asked me, without much irony, whether or not I was planning on going camping).
For the trip, I stayed mostly downtown in the historical district (in the same hotel where them filmed Bond!), largely because that was where duty called -- though luckily I did get the chance to explore a little on my very last day and sample some of the world-class haute cuisine that the city is known for. Believe me when I say that it did not disappoint!!
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
