The Best Part of Leaving My Dogs? Coming Home

As hard as it is for me to leave my pups, there’s one thing that makes returning easier: seeing them when I get home. Whenever I’ve been gone for a few nights, my dogs are overjoyed to see me. They squeal. They run around in circles. They want me to hold them forever. My girl Autumn will even pee on the floor a little if she hasn’t seen me in a while. 

 Aren't they the cutest?!

And I’m firmly convinced that everyone should have this experience at least once. Having a dog that excited to see you makes returning when you don’t want to that much better. As soon as I’ve stepped in the door, the only thing that matters is that precious moment when I get to hold them. I’m happy to hold them, and they’re happy to see me. I wish it could last forever. They usually lose interest after about 10 minutes—they get distracted by food or another dog—but those are easily the most precious 10 minutes of my day. 

Here’s to Autumn and Rocket! I hope all of you have dogs in your life that love you just as much.

Where to Find Great Desserts: Michael's on East in Sarasota, Florida

It’s been far too long since I’ve put together a post about my love of chocolate, and I wanted to write about some kick-ass desserts I had while in Sarasota, Florida.

Michael's On East—a hidden gem tucked away in a strip mall—is an old school fine dining establishment that has a very romantic vibe to it. The bar is dim, as is the rest of the restaurant. Expect guests to rest drinks on the piano as they sing along to the likes of Frank Sinatra and “Here Comes the Sun.” I could see plenty of couples celebrating anniversaries here. And I wouldn’t be surprised to learn if this place is the site of many a marriage proposal. But now that I’ve described the atmosphere, let’s get down to what’s really important: the food. 

 Hello, magnificent chocolate creation. 

It’s been far too long since I’ve devoured truly impressive desserts, and this is where you’ll want to go to get ‘em. I loved the decadent Brownie Ice Cream Stack (and really, with a name like that, how could you go wrong?). This creation features layers of dark chocolate brownie, heath bar crunches, espresso crunch ice cream and vanilla ice cream that's all drizzled with chocolate sauce. This creation was so stuffed, it looked like it might collapse under the weight of all the deliciousness. Once you’ve toppled it and dug in though, you won’t regret destroying this beauty one bit. It’s the perfect example of a high-end ice cream cake--with just enough texture and ice cream to balance all the other ingredients out.

 Some minty goodness, right there.

Another true stand out for me was the Big Top Chocolate Icebox Pie. The plating was gorgeous, with an artful smear of chocolate on the plate. And the dessert itself resembled a multilayered brownie. A piece of chocolate rested on top of this dessert, which also featured a layer of cool mint, followed by a layer of bittersweet chocolate mouse that all rested on top of a bed of Oreo cookie crumbles. The entire thing was like a giant Girl’s Scout Thin Mint. I could simply not get enough of this cool and refreshing dish. 
 

Perfect meals always conclude with great desserts. For a truly memorable ending, head to Michael’s.

Please note: The restaurant covered the cost of my meal. All thoughts are my own, as always.

Get in Touch with Nature and Wine at the Spa at The Allison

The best spas are havens of relaxation. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel your worries melt away as you prepare to be pampered. And The Allison Inn & Spa is no exception to that rule. This Oregon property just outside of Portland is home to a spa that helps bring the outdoors in. From the pool with stunning outside views and the stream flowing underneath the walkway leading to the spa or the lounges complete with doors that let the light in, the entire space is designed to help you connect with nature.

 

The dreamy pool. 

I think earth tones can be a bit drab, but the beige tones throughout this spa proved to be soothing. And like most, I can always appreciate a comfy lounge chair that you literally sink into.

The spa menu features body treatments, facials, massages and even some salon services too. Seeing as The Allison is in the heart of Oregon's wine-producing Willamette Valley --known for its tasty Pinot Noir--many treatments incorporate wine into the mix. The signature Divine Wine facials includes a honey and wine masque, antioxidant serum and finishes off with a grapeseed moisturizer. Sounds nourishing, huh?

The treatment rooms are designed to remind guests of their beautiful surroundings too. I enjoyed my tension-melting massage as the light streamed in through the windows. Afterwards, I basked in the sun on a lounge chair with two other women on my press trip as I enjoyed salmon (a must-try in the Pacific Northwest) and some green juice. I could have easily spent all afternoon unwinding here. 

When you check out at the front desk, expect a tiny truffle to conclude your visit. The sweet surprise provided the perfect ending to a soothing and nature-filled spa retreat.

Oregon's Stoller Winery: The Views Alone Make This Place Worth It

A year ago this week, I landed in Portland, Oregon, and began a fantastic 10-day trip throughout the Pacific Northwest. The highlight of my trip was visiting The Allison Inn & Spa--which is in the heart of Oregon wine country in the Willamette Valley. And one of my most memorable visits out there was to Stoller Family Estate. It's about an hour outside of Portland (the coolest city in the country right now), and the views alone are worth it.

From the 100-percent solar-powered tasting room, you'll see these straight-out-of-a-painting rolling hills. I mean, just look at the photos. 

Check out that tasting room.

Can't you just imagine spending an entire afternoon here?

Sip vino indoors in the sustainable tasting room or grab a glass and take it outside. Either way, you'll enjoy a great view and delicious wines. I took home a crisp Chardonnay and fell in love with a Pinot Reserve during our tasting. I was with two other women, and we all enjoyed our wine in the sunshine by the idyllic tire swing. My one regret from the trip is not buying any Pinot in Oregon. Be sure to stock up before you head home. 

Oregon's Willamette Valley is filled with wineries that compete for your time and attention. But you'll want to put Stoller on your list if you love a killer vista and a great Pinot. Cheers!

Local Treats Worth Seeking Out: Nashville's Goo Goo Clusters

Whenever I'm traveling, I make a point of seeking out local foods and treats whenever possible. After all, I love Reese's, but I can get 'em at any gas station in the country. And if you're in Nashville, you must (like it should be a law) try a Goo Goo Cluster.

The holy grail of Nashville candy: The Goo Goo Cluster.

I had never heard of these before I visited Music City last summer, but they're candies you'll fall in love with. The original of the three varieties is made with "real milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat." In short, it's chewy, texture-rich and all-around delicious. That combination is an undeniable winner. Each and every one I had melted in my mouth, and now I'd count these among my favorite candies. They're tough to find outside of Nashville, but they're always worth the trip.

 This is what heaven looks like in food form.

Stand-Out Activewear Piece: Athleta's Relay Capri

Confession: I have plenty of black leggings. I have more black stretchy pants than regular ones, and that's the way I like it. But it also means that it's hard for me to find a pair that truly wows. But that's where items like Athleta's Relay Capri come into play.

Behold: the amazing run capris.

This story starts like most activewear solutions do. I went for a short run in my neighborhood and had to keep pulling up my capris. So I headed off to Athleta to find a great fit. And although I had my doubts about these (I don't usually go for cuffed capris), these were just what I was looking for.

Cuffs with the mesh.

They hit about mid-calf, which is ideal for running capris. I don't like shorts since they tend to ride up and knee-length capris can get all sweaty in the crease. But these are the perfect length. And the cuff helps the pants stay on. The sheer panel attached to the bottom of the pant leg helps the pants breathe well.

My favorite feature is the high waist. It will hold you in without feeling constrictive. I'd suggest buying a size down if you want an even tighter fit. The back of the pant features a handy zip pocket so you can store your keys. The store employee even showed me how to tie an adorable little bow with the drawstring waist to help them stay on. As if these couldn't get better, each pair is UPF 50+--so you're protected from the sun. 

You'll want this waistband. Trust me. 

 The rip cord.

 The handy pocket that you'll love.

These offer compression too. I always need some help smoothing out my trouble spots, and these do the job perfectly.

The only downside is that there's just a touch of sheerness. That doesn't bother me since these aren't meant for yoga/Pilates/other bend-centric classes. If you're searching for an all-around great pair of running capris, I'd suggest you give these a test run. If you're unhappy, you can always return them since this brand's return policy is phenomenal. Thank you for another great product, Athleta!

Hotels I Love: The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida

All this warm weather makes it easy to day dream about spending a day at the beach. Dipping your toes in the sand and curling up with a good book while the sun's rays keep you toasty warm is heavenly. And I can't think of a beach I've loved more in the past few years than Naples, Florida. 

The sand is bright white. The water is blue and just as calm and warm as bathwater. And The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, resort is where you'll want to stay. Enjoy beach views, truly stellar service and tasty cuisine at this impressive property. 

My room was beyond plush. It featured modern, beach chic decor. Look forward to light blue walls, cream-colored decor, a shell-framed mirror and an all-white bathroom. The beds are beyond comfortable.

 Look at the comfy, beautiful bed.

The view from the balcony.

I was invited her on a culinary press trip, and I must say that the food was amazing. Head to Dusk for a cool atmosphere and great sushi. Try a classic spicy tuna roll or opt for creative plate Volcano that comes with spicy tuna, warm crab, lava sauce and tobiko. For a great view and good food, head to Gumbo Limbo. This beachside eatery features classic entrees like coconut shrimp, grilled mahi mahi sandwiches, and my favorite, fish tacos.

The view from Gumbo Limbo.

 Fish tacos, anyone?

The little details here are what really make the Ritz-Carlton stand out. Head up to the club level at the very top level of the resort and enjoy one of the best jumbo cookies you'll ever have. Turndown service features chocolates by the bed and a small gift every night. One evening it was cookies in a glass jar. The other feature chocolate shaped in an orange. One thing's for sure: No detail is too small for the Ritz-Carlton. If you ever visit one, get ready to be wowed.

Eating cookies before bedtime is always a good idea. Always.