Come Fly With Me: Packing for a Carry on Baggage Weekend Trip

 

I had a packing conundrum this past weekend as I was preparing to travel to Houston for a four event Bat Mitzvah extravaganza.  Do I check my one bag and pay the $18.00 baggage fee and then wait and hope to get my bag at the other end?  Or do I figure out a way to carry on my 2 airplane allotted bags?  With my handbag counting as one bag, squeezing all my party outfits into a 21” roller board wasn’t going to be a stress free possibility.  I had the additional dilemma of timing my arrival with the start of the first party, so the extra 30-40 minutes waiting for my bag was going to be cutting into my precious cocktail hour. The voice of reason was rearing its stubborn head while contemplating the beauty of making this the ultimate packing challenge.  

Santa Monica's Shangri-La Hotel: Paradise, Indeed!

 

                      Shangri-La Hotel, Santa Monica

As an avid gardener, I feel like I know every nook and cranny of my garden. Each spring, I look in a certain spot for the tulips.  And, every summer, I keep my eye peeled for the spot where the dahlias come up. But every so often, I get a surprise.  Something pops out of the ground that I wasn’t expecting and it’s a sheer delight!  That’s how I felt upon recently discovering the Shangri-La Hotel in the heart of Santa Monica. 

Originally built in 1939, the oceanfront hotel recently completed a 35 million dollar renovation celebrating its original Streamline Moderne design – from the curved mahogany bar to the unique art deco fixtures. The gorgeous renovation, with incredible attention to detail, is the brainchild of owner Tehmina Adaya (who you meet in the video below) and LA nightlife impresario/designer Marc Smith (he’s the guy behind the cool, downtown nightspot The Edison). A goal of Tehmina and Marc’s was to keep the hotel luxurious and chic – but comfortable and suitable for families.  And, I must say, after chatting with a friend of mine, it seems they've accomplished that goal.  My friend's home was recently damaged by fire and she and her husband and their three kids moved into the Shangri-La for several weeks.  They gave their stay the thumbs up,  with the only major complaint being that the drawer in the refrigerator didn't work.  With that being the only negative after three weeks of hotel living with kids- I'd say that's a pretty decent endorsement!

El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort - A Great Mexican Escape

If I ever commit a crime and am running from the law, I now know where to hide. The El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort is the very definition of remote and gives new meaning to “off the beaten path.” First, you fly to Manzanillo, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Then you head 45 minutes north. You’ll pass thru a couple of small towns but mostly you’ll see fields of banana trees. Once you arrive at the resort’s gorgeous but narrow stone driveway, you must drive down it for 15 minutes. The twists and turns are endless you can’t help but think – what have we gotten ourselves into?? Once you arrive, though, your reasons for coming to El Tamarindo become crystal clear. It is a gorgeous and unique spot, with a beautiful stretch of sand, gentle waves, mountains on either side, and complete and utter privacy and serenity. The weather is perfect - the sun shines every day and although it’s December, we didn’t need sweaters - even at night. Plus, the balmy breeze blows incessantly.