Travel: Puerto Rico!

Sometimes you don't know where you want to go--but you just want to get away, right? When I feel this way and start itching to travel again--I check out travelzoo.com to see what last minute deals are out there from my city. Its like clicking the "I'm feeling lucky" button on Google!

So recently I was feeling lucky, and guess what came up for me (and within my budget)? Puerrrrto Rrrricoooooo!! YES! Puerto Rico or PR--the festive, sunny, island paradise is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and beautiful people in the world! It is a tropical climate (so weather is great almost year around), and is also an American territory--so no need for a passport (and your cell phone still works, no extra charge!).
PR is perfect for almost any group of people: girlfriend/guys getaways, group reunions, romantic escapes or family vacays.

The best time to visit (in my opinion) is when it gets cold where you live. Depending on where that is-- that could be October to March...That way you are escaping bad weather, not vacationing when it is just as sunny back home.

I got a chance to visit this October for a quick getaway and luckily I had a friend recommend specific tours so that we got the bang for our buck! Whether you are up for adventure, or just relaxing and don't want to spend a lot of money--PR may be the right place for you.

Here are my top 3 things to do while visiting:


1. Culebra (Island)--so your hotel concierge or travel agent will try to talk you into flying there and spending big bucks, but we found out that you can rent a car (price varies) and drive down to Fajardo, then take a ferry over to the island for around $2 US. We made it a day trip--just take the first ferry over and the last ferry back! Culebra has the absolute BEST beaches and snorkeling in PR. Plus you can see St. Thomas (U.S.V.I.) on a clear day! Flamenco Beach is where you want to be at--especially if you want to relax on one of the top rated beaches worldwide...

2. Old San Juan - Old San Juan, was originally founded in 1521, and contains carefully preserved examples of 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial architecture. It is truly a sight to see and many tourists make sure to go for souvenir shopping, an authentic Puerto Rican meal, or just to lazily walk around the beautiful city. It is uber safe--and it is easy to catch a taxi back to your hotel. More than 400 buildings have been restored and the bright colors demand that you stop and take a photo!

3. Bio-luminescent kayaking at Bio Bay in Fajardo- This exhilarating experience was highly recommended and was truly my favorite memory! As you kayak through a lagoon in total darkness, suddenly you see a mysterious blue-green light in the water every time you row--this light is created by micro-organisms which thrive in an environment uniquely suited to their needs and can only be found in about 5 places in the world--3 in Puerto Rico. Anytime the water is disturbed--the "bling bling water" as the locals called it, comes to life! I promise it isn't scary and is totally harmless--you can stick your hands in the water and make yourself glow! Fortunately it was a new moon when we went, and that is when the organisms are at their brightest. We went with a new company called Pure Adventure PR. They picked us up at our hotel, brought us snacks, took our picture, and took us for a 2 hour night kayak (I'm talking PITCH BLACK can'tseetwoinchesinfrontofmyface dark!) and it was about $65 US per person. The service was awesome.

Of course sipping Mai-Tais is also something you should do (but I would think that is a given!) We loved our time there! The people were friendly and very helpful and we will definitely be back!

If you have been to PR, feel free to share other great experiences, and things to do in the comments!


Hasta la vista!


Rose

10 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Last

Since I have not done a Fashion Friday in a couple weeks (I have been working on a few at the same time but none are finished)...I found this amazing article on how to make your wardrobe last and I thought I would share!

RealSimple.com is my home page website because there are always fun little tips and tricks that you can read about covering everything from home decor to house cleaning schedules! They have printer friendly spreadsheets and pictures that illustrate exactly what they are talking about. Instead of re-inventing the wheel--I will just share my favorite discoveries from their website! I picked out my top 10 tips (of their 20), and for the full article-- click the link at the bottom.

10 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Last

courtesy of RealSimple.com by Sarah Jio

1. Don’t drive in good heels. “The floorboard scuffs the heel, and the pedal scratches the toe,” warns Elena R. Aronson, a San Francisco–based stylist and personal shopper. Drive in simple flats, or try heel protectors by Smart Heel ($12, smartheel.com), which are plastic coverings that slide over high heels.

2. Never hang pearls. "This weakens the silk threads that hold the necklace together," says Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center, in New York City.

3. Launder whites after every wear. It’s tempting to put a white blouse back into the closet after a spill-free wearing. After all, it looks spotless. But "body oils and perspiration, along with other time-released stains (like perfume, white wine, and oil splatters), will start to give a once-bright white a yellowish tint," says Steve Boorstein, developer of the DVD Clothing Care (Day Light, $20, amazon.com).

4. Beware the dryer. "Excessive heat makes fibers brittle, causing the fabric to break down," says Boorstein. Combat this by removing lightweight garments, like T-shirts and camisoles, and anything containing spandex (which can lose elasticity over time when exposed to too much heat) 10 minutes earlier than heavy garments, such as jeans and sweatshirts. “Most of the damage is done in the last 10 minutes of drying,” says Boorstein.

5. Iron clothing inside out. "Ironing can fade dark colors as well as create shine marks on fabrics with sheen, like gabardine, acetate, and polished cottons," says Chris Allsbrooks, a textile analyst with the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute, in Laurel, Maryland. Avoid damage by using the appropriate heat setting and pressing the item on the reverse side. Or use a cloth between garment and iron. And, adds Boorstein, “never iron a crease on a black garment―it can leave a permanent line.”

6. Wash (unstained) jeans every third wear. “Most people wash their jeans too often,” says Melissa Ladines, a fit expert for Levi Strauss. Launder them inside out and in cold water. Obsessed with preserving the deep dark rinse? Skip the clothes dryer and let them air-dry, or take them to a dry cleaner.

7. Hold off on your jewelry. "Wait 15 minutes after applying perfume or body lotion before slipping on baubles," says Krodel. Beauty products are notorious for leaving a greasy buildup.

8. Zip up to avert snags. Your clothing goes into the wash perfectly intact. Later you notice a mysterious pull. "The teeth of zippers (especially those made of metal, as on jeans) or any kind of hook closure is typically the culprit," says Boorstein. Next time close all zippers and clasps before tossing clothes into the washing machine (or, better yet, the hamper).

9. Store handbags on shelves. It may sound counterintuitive, but “hanging a bag by the handles lessens the life span of the bag,” says Chris Moore, owner of Artbag, a New York City handbag boutique and repair shop. Hanging puts stress on the strap seams, and “it can leave unsightly marks on the handles,” says Moore.

10. Alternate bras. "Allow a bra to rest for a day in between wearings so the elasticity has a chance to bounce back," says Susan Nethero, chief fit strategist for Intimacy lingerie boutiques. If you don’t, your bras will wear out faster from being stretched for 14 to 16 hours a day.

For all 20, read the full article on RealSimple.com click here -->

20 Tips to Make Your Wardrobe Last Real Simple

Hope this helps!

Love,

Rose

Rose's Top 10 Clothing Tricks

Since that last blog on tips to make your wardrobe last was so widely popular, here is one more that I thought was pretty dope...


Once again, RealSimple.com is the website for Real Simple magazine--and has a plethora of ideas for Food, Home, Organizing, Beauty, Entertaining, Health, Work & Life! I took my top 10 clothing tricks from an article on there.


*Random* I will be entertaining this weekend --hosting a progressive dinner party for about 10 girlfriends so wish me luck! I will do a blog on entertaining soon and include some pictures from our fabulous fête!


Anyway, here they are--

Rose's Top 10 Clothing Tricks (as shared from RealSimple.com)


10. Has your deodorant left its mark? A baby wipe works to lift those hard-to-remove stains. But I bet you already knew that baby wipes get rid of almost anything...


9. Baby powder prevents sweat stains on white shirts. Sprinkle a little on the shirt’s underarms and collar, then iron. The powder forms a barrier that keeps oil and grime from seeping into the thread. I bet you have heard that but have not tried it yet--give it a go!


8. If a screw has already gone missing in your glasses or sunglasses, replace it with an earring for a temporary fix (and after the real fix, apply a coat of clear nail polish to keep that sucker there)

7. An emery board can remove small stains from suede. Gently rub the file (either side) a few times across a splotch to buff it away and refresh the nap.


6. Unstick a stubborn zipper by rubbing the zipper teeth on both its sides with a pencil (graphite is an excellent dry lubricant). Makes sense to me...



5. Traveling? Protect your nicest shoes from wear and tear by slipping them into a clean pair of men’s socks. I'm stealing some of his...


4. White vinegar makes wool sweaters fluffier: Drop in a couple of capfuls during the rinse cycle to give your wool cardis and pullovers an extra-soft feel.

3. Aluminum foil helps smooth out delicate fabrics that can’t take heat directly: Place a piece on your ironing board; lay the garment flat over it. Holding down the steam button, pass the iron over the fabric several times, keeping it three to four inches above the garment. Wet heat radiating from the foil will zap wrinkles.

2. Uh-oh, did your blouse just make the acquaintance of a fine Cabernet? Salt helps take red-wine stains out of washables. Stretch the fabric over a bowl, cover the stain with salt, and carefully pour boiling water over the area.



and my number 1 favorite trick...


1. Use an ice-cube tray to store jewelry. Trays can be stacked in a drawer for a multitiered alternative jewelry box.

Why didn't I think of that?


Until next time...

Rose

Pictures courtesy of RealSimple.com --for the full article
click here -->25 New Clothing-Care Uses for Old Things

Travel: Weekend Getaway? Ladies, Pack Your Bags!

Summer is the time of festivals, concerts, road trips and beaches. Warm summer nights, frozen fruity drinks and great music all pull you closer to that goal of using some of your hard earned saved up “vacation time”. Don’t feel guilty thinking about your Christmas ticket home, or the 4 weddings you were invited to this year…just pack your bags and go! After all, you deserve it!

Of course when you travel you will connect with old friends--so you want to look your best. But that dreaded feeling hits you when it is time to pack, right?

Have you ever gotten somewhere and either under or over packed? I know I have! It is funny that for a 2 day trip some need a suitcase that rolls! I'm guilty--but now I can pack for up to 3 weeks in that same bag (and I have, trust me)

With that being said, here are some tips that have simplified my packing and kept me looking effortlessly chic:

1. M&M: When packing for a weekend getaway you always have to be organized and make sure that what you pack can be paired with multiple pieces—this way you can mix and match and create combinations that suit you. Try not to get stuck in “this comes as an outfit” mode— break it up!


2. Layers—seriously! Whether you are going to Costa Rica, or North Carolina you will need to pack a few layers just in case! A light cardigan, wrap, or blazer will keep you like the girl scouts—prepared (and stylish).


3. Versatility—bring pieces you can dress up or dress down depending on the occasion—if you choose right, the same dress could be used for the beach, dinner or for a night of dancing! You never know what could pop up when on vacation, so arm yourself with the right tools—a funky sandal, cute heels and of course some jewelry of choice!


4. A nice book (see blog) be it a travel book, a self help book or a novel—bring something just in case—and besides, you will gain a little culture while tanning your toesies ;)


5. Keep the foundation of your ‘fits (skirts, dresses, tops) basic, so you can spruce things up with accessories—remember that a colorful scarf can change a whole outfit!

6. Use lightweight and easy to pack fabrics--they will take up less space, and won't require ironing or any fuss-- try jersey, linen, or even seersucker

Okay, that is all for today. Have some fun in the sun (and get ready for fashion Fridays)!

Love,
Rose

Travel: Napa Valley/San Fran Stay (in the country)-cation

Since I promised a follow up blog on Napa Valley, here it is!

Napa Valley is great for girlfriends, sisters, and couples. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery and is just north of San Francisco. Napa Valley is obviously home to some of the country’s best wines and it is a world-famous wine growing region due to the cool nights and warm days throughout the year. The best time to visit Napa Valley depends on what type of trip you want--for quiet relaxation - go in the Winter, for and exciting trip thats all about you and your guests- try Spring; for a lot of fun and activity go in the Summer; and for "total sensory overload" - its all about Fall...

Here are the top 5 things to check out while being there:


1. An official wine tour at the Robert Mondavi Winery. Robert Mondavi was one of the pioneers in developing Napa Valley into what it is today—and has the hands down best Winery/Vineyard tour (even other wineries will recommend it). You get to taste fresh grapes used to produce the wine, and they do a few pairings with some tasty hour d'oeuvres. The tour guides are experts and are very passionate about what they do. The gift shop is pretty dope too—with lots of wine gadgets for the people who have everything!


2. An authentic mud bath and visit to the hot springs in Calistoga…try the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. This was the smelliest, squishiest, goopy (imagine places mud should never go) and HOT experience I have had, but the effect was AMAZING! I have never had my skin literally GLOW, and feel so smooth! My sister and I had people stopping us quite frequently afterward to ask us what our secret was! So it was well worth it. I will say be careful because the extreme heat of the mud and the transition from sitting to standing as well as going from hot mud to a colder shower too suddenly almost caused me to faint (which they say frequently happens)! Also, if you are a bit modest—realize there is a crew of women that have to wash the mud off of you and you can either be naked—or wear a bathing suit you plan on throwing away afterward!


3. Old Faithful Geyser - The Old Faithful Geyser of California is one of three geysers in the world with the designation “old faithful.” These are the geysers that perform at regular intervals. Mount Saint Helena and the Palisades mountains are a gorgeous backdrop, and they have a mini petting zoo if you get bored waiting around!


4. Hamburger at Taylor's Roadside –they recently changed the name to Gott's Roadside on March 25, 2010. This casual road-side diner, conveniently located on Main Street in St. Helena, is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite in between shopping and wine-tasting. They have the cutest outside seating and picnic tables!

5. A trip to the vineyard of your favorite California wine—so you can brag about how you have actually been there when serving it to friends!

**bonus points for side trips

San Francisco

Fortunately if you are in a hurry--San Francisco has the famous 49 Mile Scenic Drive--a tour you can take yourself--all you need is a car! You will see all the highlights of this spectacular city-- including Alcatraz, Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Palace of Fine Arts. For a full list of the 49 sights to see go to http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/maps/49miledrive.asp

Muir Woods

If you want to see the famous California redwoods--this is an easily accessible, close to San Fran 560 acre forest of old-growth redwood trees located in Mill Valley just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.