A Week in Punta Cana

If you follow along on instagram, then you would already know that we had THE best all girls vacation in Punta Cana last month.

We booked very last minute {sometimes the best kind of plans} and were off that same weekend.

The boys stayed back because of soccer obligations and honestly, I think it's just what these girls needed. 

We spent lazy days around the pool, {well, Izzy and I were lazy...Ava swam from sun up until sundown} and went for fabulous dinners and shows each night. 

The warm evenings in the caribbean are like no other.

We stayed at the Sensatori Resort in Punta Cana - just newly opened this past summer and incredible from start to finish.

Starting with the upgrade to the honeymoon suite complete with wrap-around balcony and ending with the surprise Nickleodeon Resort adjacent to the property which allowed us to use their waterpark.

Ava Grace hated that part.

Memories to last a lifetime.

And in the end, what life is truly all about.

xo

Jamaica Me Crazy

Literally.

I am going crazy wishing I was still there. 

I surprised my husband with a quick getaway to Sandals in Negril, Jamaica for his 50th.

Just the two of us.

No kids.
We haven't been away solo since Ava was born so it really was a big treat.

We left last Thursday following a 4 hour (ugh) delay at the airport. 

Once we arrived though, PARADISE! Just absolute paradise.

I can't say enough about the experience - first class from start to finish.
The staff, the resort, the food! Ah, the food.
So good.
We literally didn't have one bad meal.
The weather was great - with blue skies well into the evening which were eventually replaced by the most spectacular sunse

My husband literally tried every.single.watersport available.

From paddleboarding, to sailing...
we kayaked and took long walks on the never-ending beach.

It was just what the doctor ordered.
So irie.
xo

Sheltered In Suburbia : On the GO with GO Transit

I consider our Ava Grace to be quite the seasoned little traveller.

 In her short 5 years, she has already been to Cuba, to Florida numerous times and just last year, to both Croatia and Slovenia. {with a quick stop at London's Heathrow!} 

I find that the younger you start them, the more accustomed to travel they become. 

She can sit for long periods of time so long as we bring an array of activities and usually entertains herself pretty well. 

When I told her that we would be doing a solo mama/daughter trip to Niagara Falls with Go Transit's new weekend train service, she was beyond excited.

I mean, what kid doesn't love a good train ride?

This mama was just excited I didn't have to drive and instead, could finally just enjoy the view and stalk instagram some much needed downtime. 

 

Things I Learned on Vacation 2015

Being a family of 4 {albeit temporarily} is very different than being a family of 5.

For one, we can fit all of our luggage quite easily into a full-sized rental car.

We only need one hotel room. No pull-out cot required.

And dinner reservations? Seemingly more easily accommodated even when you are in Disney World and forget to make plans for say, the same evening.

We no longer had our favourite built-in babysitter and Julian? He wants to go exactly nowhere at any time.

Kids get whiny. Boys kick soccer balls in the general direction of their sister's heads and then swear they didn't.

Girls cry if you touch their new doll. Or their old doll. Or the bed that you are currently sitting on for no other reason than that SHE was at one point sitting there.

Julian would eat junk for breakfast, lunch and dinner if we would let him. My husband firmly believes that he goes to the US to eat. Current favourites include the Starbucks vanilla bean frappuccino {with LOTS of whip cream}, the Wendy's Baconator, Sonic, Chick-Fil-A and of course, seemingly endless containers of ice cream. The pricier the better.

Secret?

I hid my Haagen-Daaz. #momtruth 

Our Ava is really trying to learn how to swim, if only to outdo anyone she happens to see in the pool. Especially other little girls.

It's actually entertaining.

She will throw her butt up in the air, stick her face in the water and kick like crazy.

Only problem? She doesn't actually go anywhere.

Julian has become border-line obsessed with all things soccer. And, if you read this post, you will quickly come to learn how, well, DIFFERENT this is. 
Each year, I allow the kids to choose one super cool thing to get on vacation and he chose an authentic soccer jersey. 

Not going to lie, it took longer for him to choose which one he wanted than it took ms. Ava Grace to decide on a baby doll amongst the ridiculous amount of pretties at American Girl. 

I think it says something about his character. He needs to be sure. And then he needs to check again.

My husband is not very patient.

During said choosing he left the store twice. At one point, I told Jules to decide because I honestly feared he might leave for good. And potentially without us.

It all ended well - we got a nice iced coffee right afterwards. We were happy.

The boy was happy.

Everybody's happy.

Ava remains both very persistent and very stubborn.

She's got a little mean streak in her that doesn't come out often but when it does? 

Look out!

I've learned that my Julian is very particular. Not about everything but about most things that pertain to his things.

He hates being told what to do and definitely has his own ideas.

His hair comes to mind. #thestruggle

At Disney, I can still remember Izzy and Jules not being super comfortable with the many mascots at the park. This one?

She was all in.

Mickey Mouse was my personal favourite - so kind, doting and not rushed in any way.

Just an amazing experience.

Lastly, I had forgotten how absolutely HILARIOUS Full House was. Ava and I watched re-runs every evening before bed and we were both literally laughing out loud. 

For my part, I just can't wrap my head around that the fact that the Olsen twins are in their mid-twenties.

Not sure when that happened.

I'll leave you with this thought.

As parents, we try so hard to go on extravagant vacations, plan excursion after excursion and are in a constant state of worry about their "being bored". 

I found that the little things, bringing a donut home when dad runs out for mom's morning Dunkin' coffee, playing the alphabet game in the car of just chilling out at the condo brought the most joy.

When I asked Ava what her favourite part of our vacation was, she said "just landing in Florida".

Jules said it was "getting his shirt and today". Today being a long drive in Fort Lauderdale and a lunch spot of their choice.

And that is what makes my kids happy.

And that makes me happy.

see last year's post here

Disney World or Bust

source

As you read this, a certain little someone is likely asking me for the 100th time...
How much longer until we're there?

Is Disney World in Magic Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom is where Mickey lives.

I want to go to Magic Kingdom.

 I want to go to Disney World.

We are headed to Disney.

Please wish me luck.

Follow our adventures on instagram here.   

Letting Go

Growing up, my own mother used to tell me all the time how I would be her baby forever.

It used to irritate me.

I would roll my eyes and laugh. She would say that one day, when I had my own children, that I would understand.

Well, that day has come.

My first baby is getting on a jet plane this evening and flying thousands of miles away. Without me.

Sheltered in Suburbia : Exploring the City

Yesterday was a GOOD day.

I learned a lot about myself. I took a ride down memory lane.

And my sheltered, suburban, we get driven everywhere girls took a real live subway.

And they LOVED it.

As I sat enjoying a traffic-free ride to one of my favourite shopping spots in the city, I realized something. 

Our city is amazing. Our public transportation system is stellar.

So clean you could eat off the floor stellar.

And we don't take advantage of it nowhere near enough.

What Ava Wore : Vacation Wears

There comes a time in every mama's life, fashionista or not, that they lose their luggage space to their little girl.

I take such pleasure in dressing Ava, my own outfit is always secondary, most especially when we're travelling.

Our luggage was overflowing with dresses in every colour (one for each evening's dinner - sick I know it) and of course, a different swimsuit for each day. 

After all, her clothing is smaller and thus takes far less room. how's that for enabling?

Varadero : A Glimpse

The flavours of Cuba are many, and photos often don't do it justice.

As I continue to weed through the many photos we snapped along the way, here are just a few that capture the essence of what turned out to be a perfect family vacation.

And by perfect I mean, no one got sick, sunburnt or bored. The weather couldn't have been better. And the kids couldn't have been happier.

Life is good.

Southbound

One more sleep.

I don't think I've ever needed a break as much as I do right now.

Between working, blogging, chauffeuring, party planning and in general, everything doing, I am SO looking forward to a week of doing nothing.

We are off to Varadero first thing tomorrow morning - the whole lot of us! The kids are super-excited, they've never been to an all-inclusive resort.

I think they're most excited to eat and drink whatever they want, whenever they want.

I'm just excited to wear a variation of this outfit every.single.day

and also for the margaritas - I cannot tell a lie.

Vacation Ready with Toddler

We are counting down the days to our upcoming vacation.
Ava of course has no idea where we're going but knows there will be water, sand and sun. 
She is pretty much ready to go. Right now.

navy striped sunglasses / jelly sandals / Petit Bateau dresses
white cardigan / pom pom dress / pink sunglasses
rashguard suit / straw hat / striped suit / swim cap / birkenstocks
canvas bag

Things I Learned in Berlin

I recently traveled to Berlin for work. Having never been to the city before, I truly did not know what to expect.

In my mind, I envisioned the Germany I knew from my childhood - and those experiences were very limited. To be specific, Frankfurt.

The city I visited was not a typical european city at all. 

With no true "city centre", a population of over 3.5 million people and cafes, restaurants and shopping malls galore - it is more New York and less ancient Europe. 

Although sadly, I didn't have a ton of free time, the city is laid out in such a way that if you plan correctly, you can see a lot. 

If you skip walking and hire your own personal cabbie, you can see even more.

But First, Berlin

It will be a little quiet around these parts this week. 

My full time gig is taking me to Berlin, Germany for sales meetings and I'm pretty excited about it!

My parents spent many years living in Germany before immigrating to Canada; both are fluent in the native language. We have spent a wee bit of time in Frankfurt some years ago, but otherwise, I have not been. Sadly, I don't have a ton of free time, but I plan on squeezing in a little bit of sight-seeing and people watching. 

and as much european coffee drinking as I possibly can

What I Wore: Travel Ready with Soprano Bertotti

I have a secret.
I have become a very reluctant frequent flier.
Yes, me, the one with the terrible fear of flying.
From April through December, I have been on exactly 18 flights - this includes all take offs and landings. But who is counting.

If I have learned anything other than thank goodness for ativan, it's that organization is key.
I have a wee system.
I dress comfortably. Always carry a pashmina for warmth. 
Print and carry everything I need - I triple check this. #canneverbetoosafe
Keep change separate so I don't need to pull out my entire wallet each time.
And lastly, just breathe.

36 Hours in New York City

We were thrilled to be guests of White House Black Market last week for their Spring Previews in New York City.

If you follow me on instagram, you will have seen some of the fabulousness that is to come. And there is lots of it.

The photograph above does not do the merchandising set up justice, a virtual garden complete with greenery, watering cans and hoses - truly lovely.

Favourites : A visit to Turnberry Isle

Each summer, our annual Florida vacation takes us to West Palm Beach. And, each year, we choose a different destination to visit within the state.

Last year, we spent time at Marco Island - highly recommend. 

This year, my oldest, whose singular goal for the entire vacation was to get as tanned as humanly possible while wearing the strongest sunscreen I could find, wanted to go to Miami.

Something to do with Dash Boutique and a certain Kardashian family.

We decided to visit Turnberry Isle in Aventura, not only because it happens to be across the street from what may be the greatest mall in all of the world, but also for it's stunning property, on-site restaurants and incredible views.

We weren't disappointed.

Things I Learned on Vacation 2014

We're back.

And while it's always so nice to get away, it's equally nice to come home.

This year, the dynamic on our family vacation was very different from that of other years.

The kids ages, specifically their age differences, made for a challenge when it came to what each of them wanted to do.

Isabella, at 15, just wanted to lay out for as long as humanly possible. 

Julian, 12, wanted to stay inside for the same amount of time. Usually, with the ipad, in the bathroom, in the dark. 

Ava, at 4, was most agreeable. She loves to go out for dinner. She loves to go to the mall. And she loves to swim. Each of these daily made for one happy girl.

But put that same little girl in a room, car or mall with said 12 year old?

LOOK. OUT.

What I Wore : New Favourites

Old + new favourites featured today including these can't get enough of chambray joggers, the softest floral tank ever and an ombre pashmina I don't know how I lived without.

All perfect for South Florida's current rainy on again, off again weather that has included frequent trips to a few of the local malls whose air conditioning is set to very high all.the.time

What to Wear : The Two Piece Swimsuit

Can you tell I have summer vacation on the brain?

This week I'm talking the piece.

With so many options, including a ton of vintage inspired, modest options, I think the two piece might actually make a comeback; particularly with the older and the I wouldn't be caught dead in a bikini set.

What to Wear : The One Piece Swimsuit

I'm just gonna say it. 

I think my bikini days are over.

Whew. That feels better.

Seriously. 

I wore a bikini {albeit a modest one} on vacation last year and just wasn't feeling it anymore. 

And by feeling it, I mean I wasn't my usual 23 year old  33 year old  43 year old self in it.

I have had my share of teeny bikinis. 

And those days were oh so good.

But now? Now a fabulous one piece makes this mama feel like I can do the things I now need to do on the beach {that is, not lounge even for a minute} and feel comfortable doing them.

Gone are the Speedo boring one piece days of old.

Now, I find there is more choice, colour, print and style than any one girl could possibly need. 
Or at least enough to pick up one printed, one simple black, one black + white and one brightly hued suit to suit well, anybody.

The Printed Suit

Even when it comes to swimwear, no one gets floral like Ted Baker. Is it just me or are the two flowered pretties more like works of art than swimsuits? one + two

A palm tree print for the beach? Sign me up. So much fun + available here.

This leopard printed suit has built-in tummy control as if the sheer vavavoom factor wasn't enough. Simple black sides make it slimming through the mid-section. 

If I could only choose one designer to choose every swimsuit I would ever buy from again? Definitely, Tory Burch. I've included one basic alongside this one {aptly named The Baja} and would like nothing more than to add both to my closet. 

The Simple Black Suit

If you don't have a single full piece {or a single bathing suit for that matter!}, I would go with a simple black, well-fitting suit first. My current favourite is by Shabby Apple it definitely gets more wear than all of my others combined. 

I love the one shouldered maillot by Tory Burch. {here}

I love this vintage style. 

But I really, really love this cut-out version. Of course it had to be the costliest one of the bunch. I find that always happens to me. Anyone else?

The Black and White Suit
Today makes the 5th time I have checked the Canadian Top Shop store on-line for this here little scalloped number. Why is there no swimwear listed yet? I don't get it. But I need this suit. And I think at $72 is pretty good value for such a classic piece.

I cannot get over how incredible this graphic print by Suboo is. Similiarly, the price is a little incredible but I think it's one of those "I'll have it forever" pieces. Find it here.
Polka dots? Yes please. Also terrific value for what looks like an incredibly well made piece.
Doesn't this look like something Madonna would have worn on her Gaultier tour? Love the structure of it + the fun mesh detail. Available here.
And lastly, this striped number is another one I've been on the hunt for. Ready for this? $24.95
Available at H + M. Although not yet in Canada. Of course.

The Brightly Hued Suit

I don't normally do yellow but this suit had me at the bow. Sadly, it looks like it is no longer available. By Miu Miu {here} This one by Juicy Couture is a cute option. And on sale.
I am not sure I could actually get into the water in this beauty but the colour and detail are just beyond. By Gottex, here.

Fringe is big this season, why not try it on bright pink swimsuit? Also available in a pretty blue. At this price, it might not be unreasonable to get both colours.
An ombre suit? Yes please. This one is appropriately called "The Goddess". {on sale!}
And lastly, a classic bandeau in red. Amazing if you're dark haired in my humble opinion. This one is another of the "miracle suits". Has anyone tried one? I am very curious if they are worth the extra dollars.

So are you a one or a two piece girl?