Guatemala

I just got back from a business trip to Guatemala. Me and 5 of my coworkers visited 2 of our vendors to see their factories, dyeing, knitting, printing, sewing, and washing facilities. It was a glorious week and such a great learning experience. After working during the week, we stayed the weekend in Antigua, where we drank, shopped, ate, and explored.

4th Annual Hamptons Vaca

This past weekend was my 4th year in a row spending the 4th of July in East Hampton with Rob and his family. I love this tradition and I am so happy to be apart of the festivities. We mainly eat locally grown and homemade goodies, drink wine, swim, lay in the sun, talk current events, and play Scrabble. It's not the posh party scene that some people think it is. It's a beautiful getaway that can get as crazy or as calm as you want it. Can't wait for next year!

Business Trippin'

I had my first business trip with AE today. My team's senior production coordinator, head of the design teams, and I went to Pittsburgh for the day to try and finalize our Holiday 2011 women's line. We took an 8AM flight from New York to Pittsburgh. The AE "campus" is pretty cool, equipped with its own gym and food court. We worked all day, had our meeting with the execs, and then got on our flight out at 7:30PM. I'm back and feel more knowledgeable about our business. Can't wait to report back to the bosses :)

Btown Reunion

Just got back from a trip back down memory lane AKA Bloomington, Indiana where my brother just graduated from IU. This was my first time back since my own graduation there in 2007. I was expecting it to feel unfamiliar, but instead, it felt like I was home again.

Rob and I didn't get in until midnight, but we went out to Sports and partied until last call. My bestest Lesa came down to party like the old days and that we did. Of course I also got to see my parents, aunt and uncle, as well as my cousins and my cousin's brand new baby. Oh what a great weekend it was....Back to reality.

To Miami and Back

Rob and I just got back from our annual Miami trip. As usual, we stayed at the Hilton Bentley, ate at our fav restaurants, Prime Italian and Joe's Stone Crab, rented a cabana on the beach, drank Miami Vices, and attended Ultra Music Festival. Growing up, my family did not take many vacations, so our annual Miami trip means a lot to me. It gives me a sense of tradition, something that I hope Rob and I continue to do.

So here we are back in NY. Goodbye sunny 86 degree weather, hello 40's and snow!

Long Journey Home

I will admit that I was luckier than most, but like many people this past week, my flight back to New York was filled with lots of uncertainties. I was fortunate enough to be "stuck" in Chicago for some time, where I got to catch up with girly-loves (so basically, I had a free vacation).

After many delays and cancellations, I made it home. To make things better, I was in First Class on an international plane, which meant the seats laid all the way back (like a bed). My journey home could have been waaaayyyyy worse.

El Lay

I've been to Orange County in California a bunch of times to visit my family, but never really had the chance to check out the L.A. area. Last week, I was able to hit up many of the areas featured in rap songs - Compton, Crenshaw, Long Beach, as well as Hollywood and Santa Monica.

Rob came out on Thursday and met me in Santa Monica. He was able to come out to the stage and watch me in action. We then drove our rental Ford Mustang Convertible down to Huntington Beach where my family lives. This was Rob's first time in L.A./Orange County and we had an awesome time.

Hollywood

Leaving Tuesday to shoot the new Garanimals commercial in Lala land!

(Image via elinasteph)

Home for the Weekend

Being far away from family is the worst part about living in NY. I only see my little brother 2 or 3 times a year and maybe see my parents 4 times each year. Not to mention I have missed so many weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and so much more. Not to mention seeing baby Atticus grow up. I love NY, but I sure miss my family. Good thing I'm going home for the weekend because I may just have a mental breakdown if I don't see them all soon.

4th of July: Hamptons-Bound!

2 more days until The Hamptons!! My third 4th of July spending time with Rob and his family. However, I will be sad to miss so many visitors this weekend :(

(Image via PS I Made This)

Windy City

My semi-annual trip to Chicago was quite a windy and cold one, but I still had a blast. I'm so lucky to have such great friends :)

Mee-A-Mee

i


Ohhh Miami....the land of metrosexual men, ladies in thong bikinis, English as the second language, and party after party after party. I was able to spend an ahhmazing week in Miami with my bf and a plethora of party people. This was our second year in a row going to Miami for Ultra Music Festival, where we saw all the top DJs in the world - David Guetta, Paul Oakenfold, Groove Armada, Deadmau5, Crookers, Kaskade, Eric Prydz, Felix da Housecat, Busy P, Swedish House Mafia, and sooooooo many more. This was the festival's biggest year yet, selling out by 2PM on day 2 (which lead us to scalp tickets).

I can't forget to mention how awesome our hotel was. We stayed at the Hilton Bentley, where we also stayed last year. We had a lovely suite on the top floor, and even had some very lovely celebs next door....the Kardashian sisters! What's not to like about cabanas, complimentary champagne on the beach, good food, and great service? To make things better, the hotel was located right next to a South Beach staple, Nikki Beach. We could drink and dance until 6AM then be in bed within 5 minutes.

I can't wait for next year!!

Chi-Town Bound for Halloween

I randomly decided to post old college pics on FB last week, and I got so nostalgic that I looked on Expedia for tickets to Chicago and found one for $188 over Halloween weekend. It was already late that night, but I emailed the Chicago girls and asked for just one "YES" response. A half hour or so later, I got a "YES" and booked my flight then and there. Can't wait for some house parties and being with my girls!

(Above photos are from 2 Halloweens spent at IU. Can you say "AWESOME"?)

Outdoor Shower Heaven

When I grow up, I want an outdoor shower just like Uncle Richard and Aunt Lynn's house in East Hampton. Yep, that lovely shower is hidden beneath some gorgeous greenery. Now that's what I call a staycation!

Dinosaur Eggs?

While in the Hamptons, we often shopped at a local farmer's shop called Round Swamp Farms. This was no typical fruits and veggies stand. They had a plethora of freshly prepared cakes, pies, all types of side dishes, BBQ ribs, freshly made pickles, and so much more. To top things off, they had their own chickens and ducks for farm fresh eggs. How wonderful it was!

Welcome to the Hamptons

(Above photo: Nothing like feasting on Steamers caught that morning)
(Above photo: I couldn't help but snap this photo of a family running up to see a friend)
(Above photo: Could you believe this was taken right off the beach?)
(Above photo: Most of our feasting was purchased at this local family-owned shop in East Hampton called Round Swamp Farms)
(Above photo: Just a morning walk on the beach)

I spent this past Holiday weekend in the Hamptons and boy was it lovely. For commoners like myself, the Hamptons is like any getaway, peaceful and quiet. We didn't see any celebs, but we did see the biggest houses I have ever laid my eyes on, laid-out on beautiful beaches, had lovely weather, ate amazing food, and engaged in wonderful conversations. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend. This was my second year in a row, and I hope to make it an annual getaway.