My Ode to My Favorite Magazine Growing Up

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, but I wrote an ode to my favorite magazine that was published on Bustle a few weeks ago. I've been meaning to write this for years now, and it feels good to finally see it online. Here's to you, CosmoGirl!

Paradise in Paradise: A Review of The Ikal Spa at InterContinental's Cancun Hotel

The best spas really are like paradise. You're whisked away somewhere fabulous, invited to stay just a few hours before it's back to the daily grind. But what's a hotel to do when it's smack dab of the middle of a stunning stretch of Cancun beach and all the guests are constantly surrounded by paradise? That's what the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort has attempted to answer with its brand new Ikal spa--the first on property. 

Isn't that just gorgeous?

After you've slid open a glass door, get ready to be surrounded by a soothing gray and off-white environment. Hibiscus flowers are floating in standing water. After you're greeted at the front desk, you'll get to relax on some comfy lounge chairs. Nosh on fresh fruit or tasty oatmeal cookies (I may have had three or four) while you wait for your treatment. 

                                       You'll love this table full of treats. Tip: Try the cookies first.

                                              The doorway to spa heaven.

Treatment rooms all have Mayan names. The rooms are standard spa rooms. There's a massage table, a counter with a sink and a heater for towels. There's a couples massage room too if you'd like to receive a treatment at the same time as your lover or friend. 

The treatment menu features massages, aromatherapy and reflexology. The menu also incorporates Mayan techniques into the mix with offerings like the Aroma Mayan Experience--a massage that uses scents like lavender, bergamot and chamomile to help you and your muscles really unwind. My 80-minute signature massage helped me relax and worked out some of the tight spots in my muscles. I carried that feeling with me throughout my day. 

The centerpiece of the spa is this gorgeous pool. Yes, I had a great time relaxing in here.

The centerpiece of the spa is a pool modeled after a cenote--a natural pit that fills with groud water. The pool in the center--turn on the jets to soothe your muscles or leave them off to relax in the still water. The white loungers surrounding the pool are exactly where you'll want to lay back and read or rest. I had my trusty September issue of Glamour with me the whole time.

You'll love lounging on these chic white loungers when you're not taking dip.

I found it very soothing to relax in the water and then lounge by the pool. My only complaint was the door faced the hallway where the staff was wandering around, which meant the noise from the hall spilled over into the lounge area. It's a small space, so I understand that there's not much that can be done about that though. 

Additional amenities include a salon and a locker room that comes complete with showers and a steam room too. I personally loved the ultra-modern rainwater showerheads. 

                                                    The spa's locker room. 

                                                       I loved this shower. 

Overall, I can say that the spa is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a treatment if you're in Cancun. And after you're done, you can lay on the beach that's just a few steps away to sink deeper into a state of tranquility. After all, you're in paradise wherever you are at this hotel.

Old School Meets New School: Cross Country Road Trip Maps

So, we all know the (relatively) cliched image of a cross country road map where the push pins represent stops. But modern times call for modern technology, which is where Google maps comes into play.

Pretty, isn't it? Photo courtesy of Flickr user Marc Levin.

I recently made a map featuring all of my different stops along my cross country journey. You can see it here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zNMbp3TMnJxE.kaf8chAptSNM&usp=sharing. It's relatively easy to do, if you're so inclined.

I figured that years from now, I'd want to look back in remembrance. I made this Spotify road trip playlist too. The only song missing from it is "Bad Blood."

Here's to maps, playlists, cross country drives and trips that you'll never forget.

What Is It About Hip Coffee Shops? Lux Central in Phoenix, Arizona

I've just moved Phoenix, and I'm in love with Lux Central--the city's impossibly cool coffee shop. Every city has one. You know it. That hip spot where the hipsters hang, teenagers go to chill after school and the 20-something crowd hits up after work. Maybe you're in one right now. Regardless, each city needs one.

I wish I was drinking this. Right. Now.

It's hard to see this shop that's just off Central, but if you've past the light rail station, you're close. Turn down W Turney Avenue, park and enter through the back. Once you're inside, you'll be greeted by a buzzing crowd in a dark space. I totally dug the work-from-home vibe I got from this place. Walk up the counter on the left, read the chalkboard menu and drool over the pastries behind the glass counter. I had a decadent, moist espresso bundt cake in January that I'm still thinking about. It will cost you at $8 or $9 a slice, but it's worth every penny if you've got the extra cash.

While you wait for your coffee and food, you'll find a seat at a intentionally worn wooden table or impossibly plush chairs. Enjoy the people watching. School kids will be working on their homework. One woman I saw had this impossibly cool black heels with this ruffled, flower center that almost made it look like the shoes were bleeding.

I ordered a hummus and vegetable plate that was fresh, but forgettable. The latte was smooth, even if it was a bit pricey. But what you'll really want to seek out here is the atmosphere. It's the kind of place you imagine the next big thing is being cooked up. Or maybe just that great piece of gossip.

Regardless of why you go to Lux, you'll enjoy the exclusive, but not snobby environment and awesome drinks. Here's to hip coffee shops across the land. 

Hidden, Charming Gems: Ellicott City, Maryland

I grew up in Northern Virginia, returned after college for five years, and it still amazes me that I can find a neighborhood I've never heard of. Case in point: Ellicott City, Maryland. This tiny town's Main Street is absolutely worth your time. Get ready for cobble stone buildings, quirky shops and a quaint setting that's straight out of a storybook.

Looks like a scene out of the 50s, doesn't it? But it's just historical and charming Ellicott City. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr user: Scott Saghirian
 
The most convenient time to visit would be if you're ever in the area seeing a show at Merriweather Post Pavilion, since E.C. is in the next town over. I paid a visit to Ellicott City right before seeing Florence and the Machine live (if you haven't seen this band, go. Do it. Like right now. And if you haven't heard of the artist, pull up a YouTube video immediately. Stat.), and was instantly taken. It really is like stepping back in time.

 Be sure to find the clock when you're in town.

Stroll down Main street. Check out a few funky boutiques, all with brick exteriors. A hallowed out department store houses vintage-inspired Sweet Elizabeth Jane, a store you're sure to love. The dresses are beautiful. You'll also find artisanal bath products, accessories and maybe even a book or two. I even enjoyed a meal on the rooftop of the Pure Wine Cafe. 

 My view from the restaurant.

The food was OK and a tad overpriced, but the view was unbeatable. If wine isn't you thing, you could try the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company. They were closed when I visited, but it looked good. No matter what, put this town on your must-see list. Even if you just do a driving tour.

Here's to small (town) surprises.

Great Neighborhood Coffee Shops: M.E. Swing in Alexandria, Virginia

Finding a great coffee shop is like meeting your new best friend. You know in those first few minutes that this is the start of something beautiful, and you're not about to let it go. My latest experience with this? Alexandria, Virginia's M.E. Swing. Located just north of Del Ray's Mount Vernon Avenue on Monroe Avenue, this spot oozes cool.

It's a light-filled space that comes complete with garage door windows, vintage soda boxes and worn furniture. I feel just as much in love with the tiny details as I did the coffee itself. I saw many a freelancer typing away at their computers here. Like many neat places, the little details made all the difference. I loved the wooden doors separating the counter from the rest of the space. That old school scale. The newspaper reams. I only spent a few hours in the shop, but I'm sure there's even more to be discovered. And that's the beauty of spaces like this one. Visitors can always look forward to discovering a new detail, whether it be their second or hundredth. I'll raise a glass (of java, of course) to that.

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.