Signature Style: How to Dress European Chic Inspired by San Sebastian, Spain
We were enjoying lunch at the café outside our hotel, beside the promenade in San Sebastián, Spain, when the European chic styles strolling by caught my eye. I grabbed my camera and snapped away with the beauty of this seaside scene as the backdrop. I want to thank this couple for walking by at this exact moment, looking as though they stepped out of a French film noir. I noted the flowing maxi dress embellished with lace. Simply chic, whether in Europe or anywhere this season, maxis and lace are on-trend.
How to Dress European Chic
We were enjoying lunch at the café outside our hotel, beside the promenade in San Sebastián, Spain, when the European chic styles strolling by caught my eye. I grabbed my camera and snapped away with the beauty of this seaside scene as the backdrop. I want to thank this couple for walking by at this exact moment, looking as though they stepped out of a French film noir. I noted the flowing maxi dress embellished with lace. Simply chic, whether in Europe or anywhere this season, maxis and lace are on-trend.
Many of the women wore flowy pants and heels. Notice the pace is usually brisk!
Family life is a central part of the Spanish culture. We enjoyed seeing generations of families gather, strolling by together. Love the color of this maxi skirt!
Another colorful strapless sundress with wedges. I also spotted the ruffled lace mini made more casual by a black t-shirt and flats to the right.
More color!
This family looks like they stepped out of an Italian summer catalog, entitled "La Dolce Vita", with their brights, stripes and sneaker chic, strolling the promenade on a picture-perfect summer day.
The shoes are fierce!
More colorful skirts. This one is paired with a beautiful scarf.
Some of the heels were sky-high! Such a great looking couple headed somewhere fun!
Elegant and chic, at every age.
Bright color is big and I noticed that all generations in Europe seem to embrace color. Be it pops of color in a bag, skirt or even as the crowning glory, color is everywhere. I did my part wearing lots of coral, bold prints and this colorful halter number by Trina Turk. The gold skirt, lower right, had me swooning. I loved the way this woman styled the chiffon maxi with a casual shirt and distressed denim jacket.
I also spotted many neutral and pastel hues, pistachio, lavender, rose and baby blue. Maxis and flowing pants are big in Europe right now, just as they are in the U.S. European men were rocking the pastel shades too.
Note the second photo on the right. This man is wearing three pastel shades at once. I wonder why the woman with him is smiling (maybe he just told her a funny joke...or something? ;).
Essential Accessories
Panama hats were everywhere. As we know, they are the perfect go-to for a bad hair day, especially when traveling. I wore mine almost daily on our 18-day vacation through Portugal and Spain. This woman looked casually elegant sitting in a café. Note the bright shade of lipstick and lace cut-out details in her crop top blouse. There is a poise and confidence that seems essential to European chic.
Perhaps the second best accessory to your confidence and your Panama hat this season, to be truly European chic, is your pooch. It seems all shades of color are "in" for pooches this season.
I also spotted all heel heights, from stilettos to flats, on the women with their confident strides. Europeans wear chic shoes, no matter what the heel height. I think shoes are the perfect souvenir to bring home as a memory of travels, especially to Europe. In 2003, I scored a pair of black stiletto mules, in Rome, with the pointiest toes. Comfortable-NO! Chic-Most definitely! I felt like a million bucks when I slipped those beauties on.
On an earlier trip to Italy, I fell in love with a pair of nude ankle-wrap heels, with a zipper up the back, in Lucca. They remain one of my favorite pairs to this day and they always remind me of that trip.
On this trip, I purchased an ivory lace jacket, floral print dress, and a watercolor print blouse. It seems I hit most of the euro chic trends in this one shopping excursion.
There is nothing more Euro-chic than throwing on a colorful scarf to make an outfit pop.
Euro Chic Men
As for the men, I noticed European men have a range of styles--from ready to board a yacht in Saint-Tropez, to the pastels I pointed out above, to black on black, to sneaker chic with open cuffs as seen here.
.....on a daddy-daughter ice cream date!
What is the secret to dressing European chic?
It seems to start with the attention to detail and then the self-forgetfulness of it all. A healthy lifestyle, with regular trips to the spa, creates that glowing skin which needs minimal makeup. Dressing well, with a quality wardrobe of pieces that create a signature style, is essential. It is better to overdress well, than "underdress" poorly. Finally, having confidence and carrying yourself with poise is at the heart of dressing European chic.
--Heather's observations from San Sebastián, Spain.
How about you?
What do you think is the key to European chic?
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Getaway to Seville, Spain
In Seville we caught a taxi, and experienced an ultra wild ride, through the extremely narrow streets of the city center. I'm sure we could have reached out and touched the buildings on either side if we had only dared open the windows.
From the moment we entered the Fontecruz Sevilla we knew we had made the perfect choice with this sleek, modern hotel in the midst of Bario Santa Cruz. It's located within a couple of winding blocks to cafe-lined streets, the Sevilla Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Plaza de Espana, and the river front. From this 'wagon wheel' of a city center we could pick a direction, head down a tiny street to explore, and it would take us to a new hidden gem.
Along with the excellent location, I liked the vibe of the Fontecruz Sevilla. Our suite was sleek, well-appointed and spacious. The common spaces, were luxurious and comfortable. There is even an outdoor pool for a dip on hot summer days.
When I was making reservations for the trip the photos of this hotel had me at "roof-top terrace overlooking the city". The Fontecruz Sevilla is the perfect perch for capturing a brilliant sunset from the rooftop lounge.
We walked by this friendly fellow (with cap (center) who encouraged us to see the city, escorted by himself and his steed, in this colorful carriage. We politely declined, but a minute later changed our minds. Why not? We found the carriage to be a charming way to see the sights in Sevilla. We recommend a carriage ride in the mid-to-late morning, during the summer months, before the heat sets in.
I captured a moment during our carriage ride on this video:
The Seville Cathedral, also called 'Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See', is the third largest church in the world and adorns the ancient city center of Seville like an ornate stone wedding cake. We viewed the burial site of Christopher Columbus and the scope of that slice of history is awe-inspiring. This gothic cathedral is definitely worth a visit and we appreciated it's ability to transport us to another place in time, even for just an hour, on a sunny Spanish afternoon.
One a completely different cultural note, one of our favorite aspects of travel is meeting fellow travelers and locals along our path. Just across the cobbled street from our hotel we spotted 'Abbatia', an authentic tapas restaurant. We thought it would be an excellent first stop for our evening out. Little did we know that the warm, friendly owners, Pedro and Blanco, and their chef Andres, would capture our hearts. Our evening started with tasty tapas, lovely wines and lively conversation. We eventually made our way out on the town to discover more of Sevilla. As we ventured back to our hotel, late at night, our new friends waved us back in for a nightcap, an after-hours flamenco show/dance lesson and the hilarity ensued. We certainly felt the 3:30 am bedtime the next morning, but our adventure was more than worth it! In travel there are those memorable times, when a language barrier simply does not exist, and this was one of them. Thank you to our new friends in Sevilla!
A few more views of Sevilla (the street view taken from our tiny balcony).
We fell in love with the charms of Sevilla. Scott and I agreed that three days was not enough and next time we will plan to stay longer. Our plane reservation was already scheduled so we reluctantly boarded the plane to Bilbao, Spain. Join me on the next leg of our 'Summer Travel to Portugal and Spain' series for a glimpse of the sparkling seaside city of San Sebastián.
Lisbon Getaway
Our summer travel to Portugal and Spain had been in the works for over a year, so when we touched down in Lisbon, after 30 hours of travel, Scott and I were beyond excited. Portugal has always been on our bucket list. We were enamored with visions of colorful tile roofs, pastel buildings, old school trams, and vibrant bougainvillea brightening the neighborhoods, all enhanced by city and sea views.
Our summer travel to Portugal and Spain had been in the works for over a year, so when we touched down in Lisbon, after 30 hours of travel, Scott and I were beyond excited. Portugal has always been on our bucket list. We were enamored with visions of colorful tile roofs, pastel buildings, old school trams, and vibrant bougainvillea brightening the neighborhoods, all enhanced by city and sea views.
As the taxi pulled up in front of our hotel, the CS Vintage Lisboa, I knew we had landed in the right place. We were warmly welcomed by Ines and the team at this sleek, hip hotel in the center of Lisbon. Despite Scott's crash course in Portuguese on the plane (while I was glued to 'Orange is the New Black'), we found English speakers to be very common in Portugal. From our first trip to the Veranda Do Castello at the rooftop terrace of our hotel, Nuno treated us to a refreshing variety of sangrias, tapas, expansive city views and great laughs.
After a good night's sleep, day two found us eager to start exploring this picturesque city. We strolled through charming neighborhoods near our hotel, filled with cafes, boutiques, flower shops and charming parks where locals gathered.
On the advice from our concierge we made our way to a hilltop park, Jardim Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, with incredible city views. We settled in at the cafe for lunch and enjoyed the people watching, city views, fresh fare and more sangria.
Next stop, we chose to take the iconic, graffiti-covered tram down the hillside to Avenida da Liberdade, with luxury shopping and wide, tree-lined streets. Graffiti is everywhere in Lisbon.
With luxury boutiques and pop-up markets, we found a variety of shopping options in Lisbon. Boutiques generally take credit cards but for other vendors and most taxis you will need cash.
Here's where our tale takes a brief but costly turn. Scott picked up cash so that I could do some shopping and we could take a taxi back to the hotel. We bought some sweet gelato from this darling girl, and boarded the 'now we know' notorious Tram 28, to take in scenes of the old town. Read my account of what happened next on Tripadvisor here. In the end, Scott discovered that within 25 minutes of his wallet being lifted over $2000.00 had been charged to his visa/debit cards at perfume stores in the area. I'm not suggesting not to ever take a Tram, but we wish we had been more aware of the theft issue. In all big cities and tourist areas pick pocketing happens so simply be prepared. Thankfully, Visa graciously refunded all of the charges and shipped us new cards within two days.
Scott's advice: Carry minimal cash, carry only 1 credit card at a time, keep your wallet in your front pocket with your hand on it.
My advice: consider a waist belt that you wear under your clothes for cash, credit and passports.
Despite the inconvenience, and lost time making a police report, we got back on track in time to enjoy dinner at Povo on the famous 'Pink Street' in Cais do Sodre, a former red light district turned trendy night spot.
We enjoyed delicious dishes, plentiful wines, and Paula took excellent care of us. Povo is also a perfect place to listen to the local Fado music in a non-touristy environment.
We were up bright and early, fueled with cafe com leite, said goodbye to the wonderful staff at CS Vintage Lisboa, and headed to Sintra, the famed summer vacation palaces of royalty, only 20 minutes away.
We felt as though we were transported to another place in time in Sintra. Even the climate was dramatically different with undulating clouds, verdant pinnacles and lush foliage. There are number of medieval and Moorish palaces in this magical hilltop enclave. In these photos we were at the Seteais Palace viewing the Pena Palace on the pinnacles. Despite the weekend crowds this is a fascinating place to visit.
For the next leg of our trip we headed about 4 hours south to our next destination, the beachy Albufeira in Algarve, Portugal. I will explore our time there in an upcoming post. Thank you for joining my series 'Summer Travel to Portugal and Spain'. Please click title of the post to leave a comment.
Bon voyage!
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Motherhood Day and Celebrating Us
Happy 'Motherhood' Day to all! If you have birthed a baby, adopted a baby, fallen in love and became an 'insta' stepparent, been a nurturing auntie, or stepped in as a grandparent to care for your grandchild, you are part of the motherhood in my book. Motherhood can encompass all kinds of nurturing and care. I see it everyday as a school psychologist. I am surrounded by an army of nurturing, caring teachers, clinicians, nurses, administrators and staff.
Happy 'Motherhood' Day to all! If you have birthed a baby, adopted a baby, fallen in love and became an 'insta' stepparent, been a nurturing auntie, or stepped in as a grandparent to care for your grandchild, you are part of the motherhood in my book. Motherhood can encompass all kinds of nurturing and care. I see it everyday as a school psychologist. I am surrounded by an army of nurturing, caring teachers, clinicians, nurses, administrators and staff.
Mom with the beautiful flower arrangement she created last Mother's Day
As I look towards celebrating my mother and sister on Mother's Day this Sunday I realize that this day is not without a mix of emotions. I think of the women around me, my mothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, aunties and friends who are beautiful moms and raising incredible, talented, responsible children. They are in the role of a lifetime and it warms my heart. For some of us the road to motherhood is quite complex. Like many of us, I am a stepmother who wanted to be a mother in my own right here but miscarriages ended that dream. I was thrilled to have experienced the joy of my stepfamily life coming full circle this last year here. I am an adopted daughter who has seen both the joy and pain experienced by two wonderful women surrounding the gift of adoption. It is a story that is deeply personal and yet one that I want to share when the time feels right. I always end up in tears in the card aisle a week before Mother's Day since it bring up a well of emotions. We will also be tipping a toast to Scott's dear mom, Margie, who is no longer with us. A day of celebration, merriment and a few tears.... isn't this often the bittersweet balance of life?? It is a joy to celebrate our unique journeys.
As I was contemplating a gift for my mom on Mother's Day I realized I could never truly top the gift we gave her on Mother's Day two years ago. began as a family portrait with a photo of mom, ended in a proposal and a wedding last fall. Seeing my mom happily married and enjoying life more than warms my heart on this Mother's Day weekend.
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, Jeri, and sister, Heidi, and all of us sharing motherhood this Sunday.
How are you celebrating motherhood this year?
xx,
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A 'Surprise' Branch of My Family Tree
Last weekend Scott and I made our annual trip to Newport Beach to see a surprise ‘branch’ of my family tree. This side of my family, the Swansons, are my birth family. I am the oldest sibling, adopted to another family at birth. Rod and Dorie are my full-blooded brother and sister and were raised by their parents never knowing there was an older sister. A number of family members knew about that first baby-but not these two.
Surprise!!
Dorie always thought she was the oldest sibling (nope!). I think that makes us even more alike-two first born sisters. We’ve never had a fight, though she laughs and says maybe we should “just to say we did”.
Last weekend Scott and I made our annual trip to Newport Beach to see a surprise 'branch' of my family tree. This side of my family, the Swansons, are my birth family. I am the oldest sibling, adopted to another family at birth. Rod and Dorie are my full-blooded brother and sister and were raised by their parents never knowing there was an older sister. A number of family members knew about that first baby-but not these two.
Surprise!!
Dorie always thought she was the oldest sibling (nope!). I think that makes us even more alike-two first born sisters. We've never had a fight, though she laughs and says maybe we should "just to say we did".
Lovely Marcia (my birth mom/Dorie's mom) and Dorie's daughter Rylee (my niece).
We are just goofy...and just have so much fun together. I can't even tell the difference between our voices (neither could my mom, Jeri, the first time she spoke to Dorie on the phone). I had never met anyone with my genetic makeup and it's really a trip to see such similarities in an entire branch of the family.
Rod, Heather and Dorie-the 'sibs'- I am a surprise branch of my family tree.
Rylee, my only niece, was just a toddler-with a big white bow-
when I first met the family.
I have not written my entire adoption story in full. Dorie calls it an 'Oprah' moment. I believe I will share it someday.........when it feels right. Suffice it to say, the gift of adoption, is always inspiring to me. I was incredibly blessed to be adopted by my wonderful parents, Jeri and Curtis, at 3 days of age. Along with my younger sister, Heidi, and they are my family through and through. I was doubly blessed to find and meet this 'surprise' branch of family at age 36.
As I always say, you never, ever know what can happen around the next corner in life...... it may be an amazing adventure.
It's always a whirlwind when we hit Newport Beach. From soccer games to out on the town to cozy dinners and beachfront bites and lots of time to catch up. Cousins joined us to make it even more of a family reunion on Friday evening. Ryan and Martina, our rock star cousin, (next to me) who has beaten breast cancer three times, and is a warm and fuzzy bright light in our world. I'll always remember she about knocked me over with a huge hug the first time we met 17 years ago.
Hudson, Holden and Beck (my nephews).
Fun at Soccer...such sweet boys!
Breathless...Miscarriage and a Loss Remembered
It was just a flash, out of the corner of my eye,
as they walked passed the end of the aisle of the Target store yesterday.
A mother and daughter, arms casually entwined, sharing a laugh.
A beat and then a flood of recognition.....
I knew that mother ten years ago.
Breathless....a loss remembered
It was just a flash, out of the corner of my eye,
as they walked passed the end of the aisle of the Target store yesterday.
A mother and daughter, arms casually entwined, sharing a laugh.
A beat and then a flood of recognition.....
I knew that mother ten years ago.
A group of girlfriends, a shopping trip out of town,
and we were both 10 weeks pregnant.
We spent an hour trying on clothing for our expanding waistlines that day at the galleria.
It was my first pregnancy and her second.
Her marriage was shaky and she had mixed emotions.
I was 41, my husband's vasectomy reversal was successful,
and I was finally pregnant for the first time.
I was beyond thrilled!
For me,
deliriously happy.....
sparkling days.......
Breathless......
We agreed to meet up for lunch at Nordstrom on that shopping day.
Paper shopping bags were unwrapped on command and new fashions--for the new chapter of life--
were shared with happy and congratulatory girlfriends.
A quick trip to the restroom before the drive home.
Spotting.........
"It's normal right? "
"Don't worry....it happened to a friend and her baby was fine."
Worry......
Hope and pray......
a tiny tear shed in the dark,
on the drive back home.
"Drink all the water you are able."
A shadowy examination room and the
kind technician smooths cool gel on my belly.
Watching her smile,
for any flickering sign of concern.....
I was 10 1/2 weeks pregnant.
"No heartbeat........I'm so sorry."
I can't get my breath......
Breathless
Ten years later, seeing the lovely mother and her daughter, laughing together,
I'm sure she is certain this was her path.
I believe I heard that her marriage survived the rocky times.
I am reminded of the hopefulness, and joy, of that chapter of life.
I remember the life that was lost, the dreams that died,
and the different path my life has taken by not becoming the mother I always dreamed of being.
New dreams have been created out of necessity.
New paths have been carved to enrich life in different ways.
It's the only way....but there are moments when we remember.
In bed last night, he pulls me close.
I don't want him to feel my falling tears.....
but he does.
Somehow he just knows...... like he always does.
Breathless...
How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra & Belt (when your luggage is delayed)
Having no luggage for the first 4 days of our Caribbean vacation was a good reminder to always be prepared with well stocked carry on luggage. If you followed our trip to the Dominican Republic in July you will know that our journey took some unexpected turns.
Having no luggage for the first 4 days of our Caribbean vacation was a good reminder to always be prepared with well stocked carry on luggage. If you followed our trip to the Dominican Republic in July you will know that our journey took some unexpected turns.
Cancelled flights in San Francisco following a plane crash, and an unscheduled red eye to New York City, were just the beginning. The afternoon and evening of Day 2 were spent with a quick trip into Noho and a little slice of heaven at Piccola Cucina in a major heatwave.
Darn those men-they still look good after the red eye--day 2. #boyfriend #luckyduck
This was me-day 3 of our trip same clothes/no luggage, at the airport in Newark. With a hot shower, good night of sleep and my 'survivor' makeup essentials* I was feeling okay (a hat will hide a multitude of issues). #blessthehat
Another flight, tropical humidity through customs, a long drive with a cranky driver, finally arriving sopping wet at the resort and I made a decision. It may have been more like a declaration...... I told my husband, Scott, "We are going in to the gift shop and not coming out until we are dressed in something else. Period."
There were itty bitty titty bikinis (no thanks!), a moo-moo that was road weary and one little flowy mini number that made my husband laugh. I felt a bit like a pinata.
That's where my fabulous DKNY bra comes in. In desperation (and a desire not to spend $200 on a moo-moo), I searched the rack of sarongs. Haven't I always praised the sarong as it 'rights' what is so wrong'?
How to create resort wear out of a bra and belt?
Thanks to my rather fashionable DKNY black bra (with gold detail), my black 'take me everywhere' belt, an extra necklace in my purse and gold sandals (Scott had put in his carry on last minute due to weight restrictions at the airport), I fashioned a new outfit that could take me to the beach and out to dinner at the resort.
Finally-something Fresh!!!
Next time my carry on bag will most definitely include:
- Toothbrush/paste
- Medications if needed #holyhotflash
- Swimsuit (if beachy vacation)
- A small size anti-frizz hair serum or cream
- scarf/sarong
- *The makeup essentials in my purse created my 'look' for 4 days.
Here's what I learned:
Lip color can add a touch of color and definition to cheeks and shimmer for the eyelids A touch up stick can hide a multitude of skin flaws and under eye 'baggage' Pressed powder smooths the look and adds some 'texture' to puffy hair. An eye pencil adds definition to the eyes-even without mascara I was lucky to find a sample pack of Chanel Vitalumiere in my purse (I had meant to take it out but was so thankful it was there-and in nearly my shade!) Body Lotion can serve as day and night moisturizer and even lip balm at night Hotels generally stock toothbrushes and sample paste at front desk.
I'll admit, Day 3 I broke down and bought a bronzer at the pharmacy.
I was in the Caribbean after all.
Finally, our luggage arrived!!
Let's head to that gorgeous pool.....
And the only lounge chair at the pool had 'caution' tape since they were building a pathway.
It was non-stop adventure on this first leg of our journey.
We decided to head to the beach.......... #makeitwork!
Wishing you smooth travels and always having just the right bra-just in case.
xx, Heather
Curated Hotel: Paradise Found at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana in Dominican Republic
Five days into our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic we found it…..pure bliss. Our journey started with a flight to San Francisco just following a tragic plane crash–cancelled flights and an unplanned evening in Manhattan. Lost luggage and a tropical storm did not deter us from seeking our much needed R and R.
Five days into our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic we found it.....pure bliss. Our journey started with a flight to San Francisco just following a tragic plane crash--cancelled flights and an unplanned evening in Manhattan. Lost luggage and a tropical storm did not deter us from seeking our much needed R and R.
Our first stop was Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
Smiling staff greeted us, after our 4 adventure-filled days of travel, with a fresh cool cloth, a glass of crisp champagne and a 'Welcome Home!' A perfect signature statement for the Secrets/Zoetry/Unlimited Vacations brand. We did indeed feel at home...finally. With a spa day, 24 hour room service and a tropical storm (that ended up being a sprinkle) we weathered the storm just fine. We were in paradise after all.
Our next stop was the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
This intimate, luxury spa retreat boasts just 51 suites. The concierge check in service, again with cool cloths, champagne and 'Welcome Home' was the perfect start to our 5 day stay. #tropical paradise
Just a few of the luxuries include free laundry service, daily champagne delivered to your room, 24 hour room service with an extensive menu, 3 times daily maid service, free wifi and unlimited international phone calls (though we did not make use of that service those with little ones at home did). Yoga classes, spa treatments, wellness consultations and healthier fare are all apart of the concept at Zoetry.
Cane thatched roof sanctuaries are the signature statement of this tropical hideaway. It is said that a number of movie stars and high-profile types come here for a completely private getaway, often taking a helicopter right to the beach on property. Rumor has it Cameron Diaz crashed a wedding party, and Beyonce and daughter Blue Ivy recently shared a mini-vacation here, so we fit right in ;). With 24 hour room service and spacious, spa like suites and balconies, there is almost no reason to leave the privacy of your suite (well maybe a couple of reasons).
Among them, world-class dining in intimate settings is not to be missed.
The lazy river pool winds through the resort with glimpses of private sun beds for napping and lounging.
The sugary sands of the Caribbean are soft and creamy under your feet.
The air is a gentle whisper on your sun-bronzed skin
and yes, it is truly......
paradise found.
My favorite travel companion/husband, Scott, often shares his take on our travels with Stylemindchic.
Scott's note:
Moving past the misadventures of our journeys, which make for frustrating moments and unexpected costs, but great stories... Between the beauty of the beach, being bathed in the moist tropical, air, the rustic but luxe thatched-roof rooms, and the fact that there were less than 100 all-adult guests, the setting at the Zoetry created an amazing balance between private relaxation and intimacy for Heather and me, and a sense of family connection with the guests and staff alike. (Staff was great at Secrets, but the pool party scene and crowded resort was not the scene we needed this time.)
A highlight of travel for me has always been the people we meet. There's something about vacation time that puts everyone in a chill, happy, friendly mood, and the fabulous conversations and shared experiences add heartfelt memories to incredible travels. "Where are you from, isn't this place incredible, what are you drinking?" This gets it started and leads to ongoing poolside stories--as much or as little as you want to engage in--shared dinners or beverages after dinner, and, this time, Bachata lessons! The good news, Bachata is an easy step to the right, 1-2-3-4-clap, step to the left, 1-2-3-4 clap. At least that's how it starts. Soon, you are watching the instructor wiggle his butt "gracefully", and being reminded it's been a long time since you did a formal dance spin in shoes that stick to the floor. The solution? Another rum Sangria! Or maybe even a MamaJuana (Yes, that's MAMA!) cocktail.
We are grateful to those who made our time there over-the-top good (including my birthday girl, Heather.) You know who you are!
So... Dominican Republic, we loved you. You and those at Secrets and Zoetry made this truly unique in our traveling and resort experiences--something we continue to hang onto days after arriving home. Okay, so the fact that we still have a few days off helps, but I'm blaming my ever-present smile on the Zoetry.
Aaah... time for another float at sunset and a tall glass of bliss.
If you are seeking a little sun and sizzle or ready to bask in rest and restoration this is your place!
I hope you've enjoyed the glimpse into our Caribbean getaway.
What is your favorite place for a little rest and relaxation?
Have you ever been to the Caribbean?
