For my 29th birthday, my boyfriend took me to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico and we made a little video while we were down there!
We stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (which will soon be torn down and turned into a Hard Rock resort) on the adults side. This 5-star resort was beautiful with many great amenities (and the food was AMAZING).
We visited the Coba Ruins, played tennis, attended a chef's dinner, got pedicures, ate a ton (of coconut ice cream!) and relaxed.
We stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (which will soon be torn down and turned into a Hard Rock resort) on the adults side. This 5-star resort was beautiful with many great amenities (and the food was AMAZING).
We visited the Coba Ruins, played tennis, attended a chef's dinner, got pedicures, ate a ton (of coconut ice cream!) and relaxed.
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Hello! I'm back from a beautiful, sunny week in the Mayan Riviera, and what an amazing trip it was. We filmed while we were there, so I'll let you know when I finish editing and uploading that.
We did so much while on vacation from climbing the Coba ruins, playing tennis, enjoying the beach, eating a ton and much, much more. I would love to share some pictures with you, but it's pretty photo heavy, so click the jump if you're game...
Hey everyone! I'm currently on vacation in the Mayan Rivera, Mexico with my boyfriend adn we are having a great time. We arrived at midnight on Saturday night (our time, so it was actually 10pm Mexico time which enabled us to get a late-night dinner snack, which was good as we were so hungry) and have been soaking up the sun, drinking colourful drinks and just relaxing (or trying to relax; does anyone else have that difficulty of just 'shutting down'? I know it always takes me a few days).
Things will be a little slow around here this week, but I'll be back to regular posting after Easter. We do have free wi-fi here--what a treat!--but I don't want to spend hours logged on, if ya know what I mean. I will have a full recap when I get back, plus more on Toronto Fashion Week and more.
Keep up with me on Instagram (I'm @acoest1984) while I'm away; talk soon!
Hey everyone! Sorry for the radio silence but the past couple days have been a whirlwind and I don't have wifi where I am (currently writing this post from my iPhone!).
In short, my bestie won a trip for us to World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto via Maybelline! They flew us here Wednesday night, put us up on a swanky hotel (The Thomspon) and sent us backstage at Fashion Week and to two shows. On top of that, gave her a cheque for $1000 to spend freely (we've had some great meals and done a bit of H&M shopping).
Yesterday, we got to the tents around 4:30 and were taken backstage. We had professional Redken hair stylists do our hair and Maybelline make-up artists for our faces. Backstage was craziness and so hectic. Models and people everywhere rushing around between shows! Once we were all ready, we were taken to the VIP lounge for a drink and professional photos then onto the shows! We saw the Soia&Kyo show and then the Rudsak show. Both amazing with beautiful outerwear. Tons of leather and fabrics mixed, fur lined hoods, vests and chunky boots. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to fall or at least incorporating some of this into my wardrobe now (via shopping my closet, mainly) before Spring hits (it's still snowing here).
Today we are going back to Fashion Week but don't know which shows we are seeing. We fly home tonight so are hoping to get some shopping in during the day today.
I'm Instagraming as I go and live-tweeting too so keep up with me there. Will have a full recap soon and we are vlogging this trip so ill have a video for you once I'm back from Mexico!
Have a great weekend!
Guess what you guys?! I'm going to Mexico! My boyfriend is taking me to the Mayan Riviera for my birthday and I could not be more excited (who gets a trip for their birthday!? What!).
I started packing the other night and put a pretty good dent into it. My suitcase is being filled with a lot of bright colours, wedges and bikinis (and cover-ups because I didn't pack enough of those for my trip to Punta Cana).
We are staying at the Aventura Spa Palace in the Mayan Riviera which is a five-star, adults-only resort and it looks beautiful. I can't wait to relax, spend some QT time together and indulge in a carefree week.
* Let's Chat sesh coming up so check back shortly!
This is the first year in a few years that I haven't taken a warm-weather-vacation in the new year (the year is still new, I suppose this could change), but that is mainly because I spent my money on trips before Christmas (Las Vegas in September, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in November).
I have to say though, while it was nice to get away at the early signs of winter, I think I prefer to go away February or March. It really breaks up the winter nicely and you get to escape the most frigid temperatures of the year!
Do you have a preference? Do you prefer warm or chilly vacation spots?
(Photo from my trip to Florida 2012)
At the airport | On the plane with my friends (we flew West Jet and the crew was amazing)
Hello friends! I'm back and feeling slightly guilty for leaving my blog unattended for a full week (a first in almost three years!) but quite rested from my trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
We left on a Saturday and stayed for seven days at the Sirenis Cocotal resort, a four-star resort with a beautiful beach. I went with my best friend, her hubby and my other close friend. The weather was a mix of beautiful and hot, and crazy thunderstorms with heavy rain. The buffets weren't the best but the a la carte restaurants were delicious! I'd love to share some photos with you...
Outfit deets: Le Chateau hat, Joe Fresh cardigan, H&M tank, Sirens leggings, Walmart flats & Winners bag.
...and then it poured rain.
Our first day at the pool | Our first dinner out
Outfit deets: (left) Gap bikini top & Gucci shades (right) Winners dress, A.Co Designs shredded scarf (as a top) & Bamboo gladiator sandals.
Yummy slushy drinks | Beautiful pools
One morning on our balcony, we saw a grounds keeper up in a palm tree trimming the palms and throwing down the coconuts. We watched him climb up use a rope attached to his waist and the tree to climb up and down (unbelievable!). We cheered him on and next thing we knew he showed up at our door with two coconuts, cut open, to drink from. We were pretty excited! (BTW, don't do this; although we were excited, the four of us spent the next four days in the bathroom - eep, TMI).
Outfit deets: Target bikini top & La Senza bottoms
Two nights out.
Outfit deets: (left) Urban Og dress, Aldo wedges & J.Crew necklace (right) Joe Fresh dress, Aldo wedges & eBay necklace.
Our night at the Japanese restaurant.
I cut my hand really badly while washing a glass (the glass blew out) two days before our vacation which required a trip to the emergency room and three stitches. I wasn't allowed to get it wet (the entire time!) so had to swim around with my hand out of the pool.
Outfit deets: Rampage hat, Payless shades & Victoria Secret bikini (borrowed).
Partaking in a game on stage during the nightly show.
Our favourite drink of our holiday: the Sirenis cocktail.
Outfit deets: Giant Tiger hat, Foster Grant sunnies & Lisa Curran bikini.
Dinner time outfits (and can I just say styling your hair in serious humidity sucks. Every. Single. Night).
Outfit deets: (left) F21 top, Wet Seal shorts, Aldo wedges & Suzy earrings (right) Ardene top, Sirens shorts, Spring gladiator sandals & Suzy necklace.
Limbo on the beach with my bff.
Outfit deets: Le Chateau hat, Gap bikini top & Garage bottoms.
Outfit deets: Ardene hat & American Eagle bikini (from separate lines).
Four amigos (our last day).
Related posts:
Today I leave for Dominican Republic! And since we are going for a week, I packed 11 'night-time' outfits. Naturally.
Anyone who said packing was easy is lying. Or maybe I just am really, extra terrible at it.
Whatever.
The bottom line is, it's done and I'm happy with my oufits. Ha.
I love to dress up my shorts at night with a fancier top, but threw in a few dresses and skirts aswell. I tried to create new outfits I haven't worn before but creatively use things I already owned. Since I was recently in Vegas, and styled many of my favourite outfits for that trip, I wanted to try to take different items for this trip.
However, you might recognize that aqua, gauzy skirt from Vegas, the heart romper from the same trip and the pink shorts/black fox top combo from a night out this summer.
Here are some photos of what else is coming along with me...
Daytime outfits.
More daytime outfits (wink).
Heels for night time.
Related posts:
* What I packed for Florida 2011.
* What I packed for Florida 2012.
* What I packed for Toronto 2011.
My friends and I have decided to get away this winter, and before the Christmas season. We just booked our trip to the Dominican Republic in November, and I couldn't be more excited. My last and only time I've ever been to an all-inclusive was for my honeymoon, so going with friends is definitely a different experience that I'm really looking forward to.
We are staying at the Sirenis in Punta Cana for a week. The idea of going away prior to Christmas is something so foreign to me, as if anything, I have gone away in February/March the past few years. It's very exciting to have a trip so soon and to kind of kick of the winter with!
(Pssst, did you also know I'm going to Vegas next month?!)
So yesterday my BFF won an all-expense paid trip to Vegas for four days and to see the iHeartRadio music festival. How cool is that?! They called her on live radio and told her she won at 8am yesterday morning. They woke her up. What a way to be woken up!
Naturally she was taking her husband with her...until he realized the dates conflict with something work-wise and he can no longer attend.
So she picked me to go with her instead.
WHAT!?
We are going to Vegas in a month!
I. Am. Stoked (and grateful!). Can't wait! I've never been to Vegas and this cannot come quick enough. How crazy is this? We are officially on a shopping ban until then. Wish us luck.
Vegassssss.
While in Florida I did quite a bit of shopping, but surprised myself by sticking to a fairly good budget. I think I spent about $200 which made me feel like I got a fair amount of new stuff, but I didn't go overboard on the spending. I took photos of many of the items I didn't buy so I could share with you all here:
Ross:
1. I tried this dress on in two colours and it was just 'meh'. It was a little on the short side too, especially in the back (considering how covered up it is on top, this is something I would have wanted to wear to work but the shortness said otherwise).
2. This is the first hi-low dress I've ever tried on and while it photographed well, I didn't like it (it was one-sleeved as well).
3. This dress was a beautiful print but I'm kind of cinching it in the back, which you can't see; it was pretty paper-bag-ish on me.
1. Too nurse-ish and just awful all 'round.
2. Billabong but too tight and not flattering.
1. & 2. Calvin Klein and looking at these photos makes me regret not getting this dress, but at the same time, it just felt tight and restrictive. I also opted for another turquoise dress instead. In the end, my mom ended up purchasing this dress in red.
1. I can't remember the brand (AnnTaylor? Talbots? Not sure..) but this dress looks so pretty and flirty, but in real life, I couldn't get it zipped up in the back. Ha!
2. Another case of cannot-zip-up. This Jessica Simpson dress was girly and flirty but the fit was too small.
1. This top if from Charlotte Russe and I loved the fit but didn't love the colour combo.
2. This was a no-name type brand dress with optional pick-ups (meh) that I thought would be pretty layered under my white blazer... but, the straps were elastic and it just felt... dated.
3. Really pretty Calvin Klein dress but was too big and there were no smaller sizes.
Charlotte Russe:
1. I loved this top from CR but it didn't love me, it was a size XL and a large would have been a better option; sadly, this was the only on in the store.
TJ Maxx:
1. Another Calvin Klein dress that was far too small... and kind of ugly.
2. Max Studio dress with tiers: pretty and in a comfy jersey fabric (and look at that length! Awesome for someone as tall as me) but was too big and was quite loose (although doesn't really look that way, it was).
3. I can't remember the brand on this one, might have been Jessica Simpson but it was too tight, too short, too yuck.
1. I was hoping this ivory lace mini dress would be like that F21 version everyone seems to have. Nope. No not at all. Too big and the size down was too small.
2. Pretty satin top with a key-hole in the front but just wasn't feeling it.
1. I liked this thin-knit sweater but it was a size xs and while it didn't necessarily look it, it could have been flowy-er. The shorts were cute but I already had a couple pairs of coloured denim shorts so I had to pick and choose.
2. Wanted to love this peach sleeveless button down but hated it. The pants were a different story and they stayed in my cart until the cash register, where I put them on hold and never went back.
3. Same top as the first pic but a size small, which was better, but not good enough. Same deal with the shorts: money doesn't grow on trees. Haha.
1. Super billowy button down. When I say billowy, I mean massive. Too massive.
2. Yawn, this coral top was nothing special.
3. I debated on this black top but c'mon, I have a couple like it already so I passed. And side note: there are those damn blue pants again. See how much I liked them?
1. This was an O'Neill top and I loved the detail on he back, and I was going to buy it but then put it back. I'm not a huge red-top-kind-of-person and going bra-less is not an option.
1. I loved this pale pink tiered top but it didn't love me... and it washed me out bad.
2. Yet another Calvin Klein dress that was too small (see me stealthily holding the zipper in the back shut?).
Things you might like:
* Haul Video (Florida Purchases).
At the last minute, just like last year, I decided to fly down to Cocoa Beach, Florida and spent eight days with my parents. They drive down every year and since I would be able to stay for free, I found a cheap-ish flight (just under $500), packed my bags, and off I went!
The condo they rent is right on the beach, but nothing fancy. A small one-bedroom with one bathroom and tiny kitchen. I sleep on the pull-out couch in the living room but the location makes up for any lack of space. You literally walk across the small parking lot and are on the beach; beautiful. The beach where we stay is not very busy at all, which is really quite nice. Since I was there during half of March Break, it was a bit busier than usual (I have been there four times) but you certainly aren't fighting for beach towel space; your closest beach go-er might be 100 feet away from you.
I didn't get much colour as I tend to try and be sun safe, which means anytime I was outside, I always wore SPF (30), especially on the beach. I forgot my hat so purchased one at Ross halfway through the trip to ensure my scalp and face were covered at the beach. On top of that, I like to joke that I'm albino as I don't tend to tan very easily (go spray tans!) and certainly am not going to get colour in just a week-long holiday.
I'd love to share some photos of my vacation with you...
This trip was exceptionally beautiful with weather above 80 every single day, sunny skies and breezy ocean winds. In the mornings I would wake up around 8:30-9am and often go for a run (or walk after I twisted my knee) on the beach which is a welcomed change of scenery from running on my usual gym treadmill.
I would often run down to the Pier (above) which was about a mile from our place.
The 'Sandbar Sports Grill' is home of their famous fish tacos, which I had never tried before. They have now become a favourite and I craved them for the rest of the trip. Unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to go back a second time.
Since we were so close to Port Canaveral, we would often see cruise ships coming and going out to sea.
... and others were spent on the beach.
I ate tons of yummy food while on vacation including the cheapest wings & bear ever (three of us ate for $19. 36 wings and six beer. $19. I'm not kidding. Is this normal in the US?!). I tried to stagger in some healthier meals and snacks as well (putting a bikini on daily will help this effort. Ha!).
Peanut came to Florida this year for the first time ever and endured the longest car ride of her life (~24 hours). From what I hear, she loved it and slept in between rest stops.
On my last night, I went down to the beach around 7pm to see the final cruise ship departing. It was breezy and cool and the ocean seemed to erupt under the overcast sky. Simply beautiful.
And of course on the day I left, it was beautiful and sunny, just like the previous seven days and I got in one last airport shot before flying the four-ish hours home.
You may also like:
* Vacation update (post written during my stay).
* Shopping in Florida: what I purchased + a video.
* Meeting Jamie of GlamLatte at the Orlando Airport.
* What I didn't purchase.
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