TOP TEN POST-COVID DESTINATIONS

I've been dreaming about when we can travel again (hopefully in 2020 but maybe 2021?!). After we're finally able to make our annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs, I have a strong itch to go someplace new to both the Hubs and me.

So here's my top ten travel destinations (I swear these are in no particular order - please send recommendations!) 

1. MEXICO

Tulum from Damsel in Dior Jacey Duprie

It seems almost impossible neither the Hubs or I have spent much of any time in Mexico but we're ready for beaches, the colorful and bold Mexico City and ALL the margaritas.

2. ICELAND

Eeeep feelin' this Blue Lagoon Vibe from the Blue Lagoon Resort (!!!)

I imagine us frolicking through fjords on Icelandic horses and taking a long dip in the Blue Lagoon. If it's not a trip itself - Iceland seems like the perfect stop over en route to a European destination.

3. AMALFI COAST 

Positano please.

The breathtaking scenery of rocky cliffs meeting ocean just makes me swoon. And pasta. Please bring me another plate of pasta.

4. SINGAPORE

I mean, the tallest indoor waterfall?

Our good friends from DC recently moved to Singapore and we can't wait to be reunited with them and take in this Crazy Rich Asians airport and country. 

5. MARFA, TX

This Gray Malin print has hung wherever we've called home for close to a decade.

I've been crushing on Tex-Mex ever since we first met. Add in a hipster art scene and do you really need anything else?

6. THAILAND 

We'd be sure to find an adventure here.

The Hubs and I planned to check out Thailand before Henry was born but due to Zika our plans were dashed and we focussed on exploring Japan. Although we have no regrets, we can't wait to finally see a country we had so many plans for.

7. PROVENCE, FRANCE

We'd be sure to be "Trip Savvy."

If a friend makes a travel wish list and doesn't include Provence, reassess your friendship. Southern France has long been on my bucket list and I cannot wait to smell the fields of lavender IRL.

8. PROVINCETOWN, MA

Maybe the most perfect work spot ever?

I dream about a trip with our besties Paulo and Josh to explore this quintessential east coast town. I imagine wearing big sunnies and eating my fill of lobster rolls before dancing on the beach all night long with a dark and stormy in hand.

9. ANTELOPE CANYON, AZ 

Ready to hit all the trails!

Very basic b*tch but I need to hit this Instagram hotspot and see the sculptural red rock for myself.  I swear this is what Mars must look like. 

10. SOUTH AFRICA  

Dining with a giraffe = BUCKET LIST

The Hubs and I dream of taking Henry on safari. We'll wait on this one until he's at a point where he can remember and you better believe we'll also have at least one meal or night stay at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi.

Paris Bound

It's happening, my goodness, it's happening! In just a little over a week, the Hubs, Henry and I will be en route to Paris at last - SQUEE! Originally we'd planned to become francophiles last November in celebration of our baby on the way. But due to unforeseen pregnancy complications, we chose to postpone our trip. Now with our little bundle in tow, we're heading out for a grand European adventure!

So m'dears... Here's our to-do list... Although Henry and I will be first timers, we already know in our hearts... "Paris is always a good idea!"

+ FOOD
Berthillon // Luxury ice cream and sorbet.. Need I say more?!
BigLove // We've heard the pizza is not to miss!

Cafe de Flore // Apparently this little restaurant is one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris and wine on the terrace is simply divine.
Cafe Ineko // Quaint with enough beautiful little dishes and decor to be featured in Vogue?! OKAY...

Claus // Many have claimed this joint offers the best croissants in the city.
East Mamma // For ALL the pasta!

Le Comptoir General // A quintessential french setting for cocktails. Time Out says "FIVE STARS!"
Le Madonnina // One of the Hubs' picks, and supposedly "REAL bomb!"
Le Pain et Des Idees // A fine traditional bakery to eat bread and more.
PaperBoy // Boasting to have one of the best brunches in Paris.
Rose Bakery Tea Room au Le Bon Marche // I'm not always a girl for sweets but the carrot cake is supposedly awe inspiring!
Telescope // Coffee... (!!!)

+ ACTIVITIES
Eiffel Tower // Duhhhh... enough said! And yes, I imagine us taking in the view via picnic!
Louvre // A newbies must see...
Love Lock Bridge // Apparently all the love locks have been removed. Is it worth being a law breaker?
Musee d'Orsay // Set in an old train station, this museum hosts many of the classics.
Musee de l'Orangerie // "The water lilies. American abstract and the last Monet."
Musee des Arts Décoratifs // Sadly we missed the Christian Dior exhibition but the current Hermes exhibition has piqued my interest...
Musee National Picasso // Because Picasso (!!!)
Musee Yves Saint Laurent // A true fashion icon, we must pay our respects in his home city.
Palais-Royal Gardens // A summertime visit means a walk through these gardens is at the top of my list!
Place des Vosges // The oldest planned square in Paris.
Sacre Coeur and Montmarte // A grand church with architectural features like woah.
Sainte- Chapelle // You don't need religion to know this little chapel is tops!
Versailles // Another duhhhh... enough said!
Walks // We're gate checking our umbrella stroller and packing our walking shoes. For starters, I hope to explore the Marias neighborhood also known as the Jewish quarter, the Rue Rambuteau and the youthful and energetic neighborhood of St. Germain...

+ SHOPS/GOODS
Colette // Apparently "the trendiest store in the world!"
Dries Van Noten // To look, not buy - OBVIOUSLY! The online preview? ($$$$$).
Goyard // I love the color play and pattern of their totes. Goyard truly lives colorfully!
Lemaire // French women and menswear that hints at Need Supply's clean and simple style.
Maison de Vacances Home Design // You don't need to speak french to know this home goods shop is all about vacation style.
Merci // A little bit of everything for everyone... home goods, womenswear and menswear.
Petite Bateau // For ALL the basics for Henry's closet!

+ STAY
Hotel Fabric // The Hubs booked this boutique hotel given its central location and room layout that can easily host three!

Our list is sure to grow... Especially as I page through Vanessa Grall's Don't be a Tourist in Paris! But seriously... be a dear and add your additions below!

*Image Credit.

Staycation

I see London, I see France?! The Hubs and I were set to Babymoon in Paris for six days but unfortunately I'm experiencing a few minor complications with my pregnancy and must continue on moderated bedrest - sigh! But to make the cancelation a smidge more bearable, we are taking a mini staycation the next couple of days. Here's what's on tap...

* A much needed manicure and pedicure (don't worry, I've got my Chanel and prego safe nail polish remover!)
* The newly renovated Presidential Portraits at the Smithsonian's American Art Museum's National Portrait Gallery.
* All the movies... Well at least... Battle of the Sexes, Murder on the Orient Express and Marshall.
* Le Diplomate on repeat... Our early dinner game will be strong with all the escargot, beef bourguignon and moules frites we can handle!
* Progress on the baby room. A few weeks back, we started to clear out our old home office to welcome our new baby but we are still far from finished.
* The Art of French Cooking. Now the temperature has dropped, a recipe from Julia Child's iconic French cooking book seems most appropriate!

Au Revoir... for now! *