Palm Springs Weekend Getaway: What's New in 2021

This weekend I headed to Palm Springs for a much needed weekend getaway. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the springtime weather before the summer heat sets in. Palm Springs is usually known as a vacation hot spot for festival goers and music lovers but this year things are a little different. I decided to make this trip about checking out what's new locally and visiting some of my favorite fashion boutiques while just enjoying the scenery. 

On Friday night I arrived in town and after checking in I headed over to El Paseo for an afternoon shopping trip. 

The shops at El Paseo is a high end shopping street with brand names like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. and more as well as classic Palm Springs boutiques such as art galleries and interior design shops. I love coming here to check out the latest trends and seeing all the fun and vintage Palm Springs style. 

I stopped in the Tiffany store first and wandered throughout the shops. I stopped for a shave ice treat to get a break from the heat before heading over to my favorite vintage store. Marga's repeat boutique is right off El Paseo and always has tons of great finds. I love this store because it is so much fun to go in and hunt for a designer item and you never know what kind of gem you will find. This store has been around for years and the management is so nice and friendly. If you love vintage shopping or just like finding designer items at a discount you will love this store! 

After a successful shopping trip I headed back to my condo and decided to hit the pool. I also found two cocktail recipes on Pinterest that I decided to try out over the weekend and made some poolside drinks as well. You can check out my video here on how to make these easy recipes perfect for vacation mode. It was still a warm evening and the perfect way to end my first day. 

On Saturday morning I woke up and headed out to the pool for some relaxation time before starting my day. It was actually perfect weather and only about 92 degrees in the morning. 

After returning from the pool I got ready to head out to my massage appointment. I decided to try out the new spa at the Margaritaville resort which just opened in 2020. I was excited to see what the new spa had to offer and check out the resort. I headed into Palm Springs and checked into the St. Somewhere spa at the resort. 

The spa is located right next to the pool area and the "5 O'clock Somewhere" bar. 

The resort was so much fun with country lyric quotes on the walls and brightly colored decorations everywhere you looked. The massage was great and very relaxing and the spa was super luxurious. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you are a country music fan or just looking for a unique experience in Palm Springs. 

After my appointment I headed over to my dinner reservation at the Come Monday Cafe and Grill. 

This restaurant is super cute and also located poolside at the resort. It has a luxury southern garden feel with lantern lighting and patio seating. 

I tried the house burger which was delicious and would also highly recommend getting the shoestring fries on the side. They were perfectly crispy and tasted great! I would also recommend trying one of the delicious cocktails on the menu as it is Margaritaville after all! You really can't go wrong with any of the options.

On Sunday morning I woke up and had breakfast by my pool before getting ready for the day. It was another day with great weather not too warm with sunshine all day. After relaxing by the pool I got ready to head out to the Cabazon outlets. For my last day in town I decided take a shopping trip to this one of a kind outlet spot near Palm Springs. This outlet mall has tons of name brands that you can't find anywhere else in southern California like YSL, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and more! I love coming here to find great deals on some of my favorite designer brands. 

If you are looking for a fun and relaxing weekend getaway in SoCal I would definitely recommend heading to Palm Springs. While not everything is open just yet there is plenty to do and some fun new places to check out. Even if you have been before after being shut down for a year there are some great new places to discover! Let me know if you have tried any of these spots in the comments! 

Musicians Celebrate Memorial Day and Getting Back Onstage with a Night of Southern Rock Festival

 

On Saturday night at the Long Beach Cultural Center fans and celebs came out to raise awareness for veterans causes this memorial day weekend. The rock band Six Gun Sal headlined the Southern Rock Festival giving their first official live performance since the start of the pandemic. It was a very special night and everyone had a great time. Red carpet attendees included pro wrestlers, musicians, and Navy SEAL veterans. Check out my video below to see my red carpet coverage and hear interviews with some of the notable guests who attended. I went backstage to the pre-party where there was delicious Mexican food and patriotic drinks served. Guests enjoyed the "Brave Soldier" cocktail featuring the Positive Beverage Tropical Berry flavor and Doublecross vodka as well as catering by Mini Birrieria. There was also wine provided by Urban Press Wineries and beverages from Hint water. It was a great selection! 

 

 The concert opened with Scott Gronsky Band followed by Kimberly Dawn, a rising country singer who gave a great performance singing some of her original hits as well as classic country favorites. Then the night got going with the headliner Six Gun Sal. The crowd was hyped to see the band perform again after so long. The lead singer .. stopped mid show to take a moment of silence to honor veterans and fallen soldiers for memorial day. He also invited the veterans in the audience up on stage and shook each of their hands. It was a great way to celebrate the holiday and remember what the long weekend is all about. Navy SEAL vet Johnny Walker also got up on stage to give a speech about memorial day and encouraged all Americans to come together for the holiday. 

After the break the concert got back into full swing and the night finished out strong with songs like "red blooded American" and other Six Gun Sal classics. Everyone enjoyed getting back out in person and the event was a a success. It was an exciting start to the summer! 

What I wore to the Jonathan Marc Stein Fashion Show + Copy my Look with this Tutorial!

 I had such a great time dressing up and getting out again to attend the Jonathan Marc Stein Fashion Show in LA last month. I decided to go with this retro look inspired by 60s fashion and needed some makeup to match.

 I was in a rush to leave and didn't want to spend a ton of time on winged eyeliner. Luckily I had the Cleopatra Cat Eye stamp by Lyda beauty! This little tool has saved the day for me so many times. I love how easy it is to use and how it makes the perfect retro cat eye look simple to achieve! Check out the video below for my tutorial on how to wear their green ink color this spring and summer! 

Getting Glam for the first time in a year! My Exclusive Interview with Gretchen Rossi

 She shares her take on fashion, updates on family and more! Watch the full interview in the video below. You can read more about this exclusive fashion event here

My Exclusive Backstage Interview with Miss Dubai 2019 Megan Pormer

This Thursday at the exclusive Jonathan Marc Stein fashion show I got backstage access to the glamorous event where I spoke with several of the celebrity guests and models. Megan Pormer arrived to model the bold and beautiful designs from Stein's Autumn/Winter 21 collection. We spoke about her thoughts on the collection, what she learned from the pandemic and more. 

Megan arrived to the event and went straight to hair and makeup. The model, influencer, and comedian took to the routine like she had never left and jumped right into to prepping for the runway while doing interviews. She told me, "In order for me to feel motivated about anything materialistic I have to feel that there is a purpose of me putting my energy into it and when I think about the fact that I am wearing a dress to communicate the importance of mental health to the world. Because it makes me feel like I am not just a mannequin. This is the first runway show that I'm doing since the pandemic and I needed that meaning. I feel like the pandemic made us all realize that we need more we need something deeper and we need to be of service to other people." She continued saying, "We show our emotions through art...and art comes in different forms painting fashion etc. and I feel like portraying an issue like demonstrating a mental health issue through fashion is a very nice way of communicating with the world and making them understand the importance of mental health." 

As she got ready to hit the runway I asked her what she was looking forward to most about the event. She said, "The most exciting thing for me about this show is not only the fact that Jonathan's designs are fabulous and portrays the real women and embodies femininity and power but, its also the fact that its for mental health to raise awareness about mental health issues through the organization of NAMI. I think that one thing we learned going through the pandemic was the fact that mental health is the most important thing because we all need our mind healthy before we can focus on anything else." 

I asked Megan what she loved about this collection and she told me, "What I have always loved about Jonathan's collections is the fact that his designs can be worn for different occasions it can go from a classy lady at a cocktail event to a wedding gown to a very chic boss girl. He designed this black piece that is short in the front and long in the back and I love how it incorporates how a woman can wear so many hats." 

Finally we talked about what was ahead and what new trends we might see in the fashion world after the pandemic. Megan told me,"I think that art and mental health are going to intertwine in such a beautiful way that not only we no longer need to be ashamed of declaring if we have mental health issues we are going to talk about it openly and be almost proud of the fact that we are all willing to acknowledge it and work on it. What better way than to demonstrate it and communicate than through art and fashion." 

BTS At the Star Studded Jonathan Marc Stein Virtual Fashion Show Fall/Winter 21

On Thursday April 29th Jonathan Marc Stein presented an exclusive and exciting event to showcase his latest collection. I headed out to the beautiful venue in Los Angeles where I got exclusive backstage access to celebrity models and the designer during the filming. The event was a positive sign for the return of live fashion events and everyone was excited to be together for such an exciting day. Designer Jonthan Marc Stein is blazing the trail for what future events will look like as the industry begins to recover from the pandemic. The lineup included celebrity models Gretchen Rossi of RHOC, Miss Dubai Megan Pormer, and Shannon Baker. 

Jonathan's collection was inspired by self love and the event was held in support of NAMI to raise awareness for the vital mental health services they provided during the pandemic. The cause is very close to the designer's heart and he announced he will be donating the proceeds to NAMI. The show was held as an indoor outdoor event and models walked on a sun soaked runway outside while media filmed each look. Inside, guests mingled while models touched up hair and makeup in between looks. The clothing was bold and reflected the theme of self love and empowerment with beautiful gowns in fall colors such as burgundy, silver, and emerald green. Many dresses featured multimedia designs using Jonathan's signature vegan metallic leather combined with delicate fabrics for a stunning look. 

I spoke to the designer in between looks to hear about how he has adapted during the pandemic and what is currently inspiring him. During this exclusive interview we also talked about why he decided to hold this event in support of NAMI and what it was like holding his first ever virtual fashion show. Everything about this collection was new for designer Jonathan Marc Stein. He told me that he usually doesn't create themes for his collection but this season was an exception. His described the theme of forbidden love as "self love that comes from within and I want to showcase all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities." This theme tied into Jonathan's efforts to give back by donating to NAMI because of the connection to feeling positive about yourself. Jonathan said, "I wanted to give back to the community because everybody is struggling right now especially those with predetermined mental conditions." He told me that he felt a very personal connection to this cause because he knows so many people in the community who have struggled during Covid. This collection was all about being positive and creating hope for the future according to Jonathan. He shared that his goal for the collection and the event was to be positive in the face of all the troubling news that has rocked the nation recently. On the topic of the virtual show Jonathan shared that this was an exciting event for him too as this was his first ever virtual fashion show. While it certainly differed from previous shows Jonathan pointed out the positives saying he was glad for the opportunity to edit the videos and tweak his designs on the runway. Ever the artist Jonathan left no detail unfinished and could be seen making adjustments to models and gowns throughout the day. He told me optimistically, "You've got to evolve with the times especially during Covid." We also discussed his take on future trends for this fall and he told me, "This time I brought in dark moody jewel tones with emerald, amethyst, and I also brought in some metallic because I'm really well known for my metallics especially mixed with leather. It's going to be modern, edgy, and moody." 

I also talked with Shannon Baker about her take on the collection and what it was like to be modeling in a fashion show after so many months of staying at home. She shared that she was very excited to be vaccinated and how exciting it was to see that the event was safe and things were starting to look up for the fashion industry and the world. We talked about the collection and her favorite pieces. She told me she was happy to be out supporting her friend Jonathan and that she loved all of his pieces. Her favorites from this collection were the empire waist dresses. 

You can check out my other exclusive interviews with celebrity guests Megan Pormer and Gretchen Rossi here. 

The event was definitely a success and the hybrid style with both in person and virtual elements for the show may point towards the future of fashion shows even beyond the pandemic. One thing was for certain everyone agreed that it was an exciting moment to be out and about with an excuse to get glamourous after so many months in lockdown. The shimmering dresses on the runway held a glimmer of hope that the pandemic does have an end in sight after all. 

CdM Travel Blog: Roman Holiday 3 Day Trip

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Roma is a traveler's dream. The ancient Italian city has something for everyone and has been featured in tons of famous movies throughout the years for good reason. The classic charm of Rome paired with amazing Italian food means there is never a dull moment in this vibrant city. I loved getting to spend a few days here on my southern Italy trip last year. Of course there is never enough time to see the whole city in just a few days but I feel like I covered quite a bit of ground so here is my guide for how to make the most of your trip to Rome! 

Where to Stay: The Savoy Roma 

This elegant hotel is part of the Fairmont collection and is located in the famous Via Veneto neighborhood of Rome. My favorite part about this hotel was the rooftop bar with amazing views of the city every day and night. My second favorite was the Italian buffet style breakfast every morning with as many Capuccinos as I could want and so many delicious pastries. The location was perfect for exploring the city with the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps both within walking distance! There was also a metro stop nearby that took me straight to the Colosseum and the forum. The Via Veneto neighborhood is great for souvenir shopping as it is historically known for celebrities and other famous travelers to congregate here. There were also tons of great restaurants only a short walk away near the Trevi fountain. I enjoyed some delicious pizza right across the street from the fountain at the cutest little cafe. The American embassy is also right down the street from the hotel and it is a very safe neighborhood so this is a great place to stay if you are traveling alone too! 

What to See: 

Villa Borghese Gardens: The green heart of Rome as it's known is right across the street from the Savoy hotel and it is definitely a must see. These beautiful Italian gardens are huge and have many areas to explore with gazebos and different types of flowers to see all over. The Villa also has an art collection you can view if you want but just wandering through the gardens is also a great activity! 

The Colosseum 

The Colosseum is a must see of course for Rome. It is located next to the Forum and has several metro stops. You can also get some great views from above on Colle Opio which is known for a great spot for taking pictures of the Colosseum. You can read more great photo tips on my Instaworthy spots in Rome photo guide here! 

The Forum

After the Colosseum I recommend going straight to the forum as it is nearby and also a must see. The great thing about Rome is that all the historical landmarks are still very much part of the city so you are literally walking on history and you don't have to go out of your way to get to the sights for the most part. The forum is the ancient town center of Rome where village people used to live and you can also see the leftover columns and structures from other important government buildings. It is truly a beautiful sight even the cobblestone streets leading up to it are made from ancient Roman concrete. I learned that you can always tell the old roads from the new ones in Rome by the size of the cobblestones and how smooth the surface is. 

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is a really interesting stop in Rome and it is right next to a bunch of other cool sights so you should definitely take the time to stop by here. I loved seeing the architecture of this building as well as learning all about the cool history behind it. The ceiling is truly an amazing feat when you think about the tools they had available at the time. And the intricate tile work on the floor is another creation that took a ton of time and planning. 

The Vatican 

The Vatican is another famous tourist stop in Rome and I really enjoyed my tour of the grounds. The church, and museums have literally thousands of pieces of art and could take hours to explore on your own so I decided to pay for a tour and get the highlights from a knowledgeable guide but there is also an option to walk through on your own if you feel up to it. One of my favorites was obviously seeing Michelangelo's enormous masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. 

The Trevi Foutain  

Another magical spot in Rome is the Trevi fountain. I would definitely recommend stopping by at night for the full experience. The fountain lit up at night with the twinkling lights of the city all around is such a classic Roman experience. Don't forget to throw a penny in and make a wish! It just might come true! 

The Spanish Steps 

The Spanish Steps are another famous location for pictures and tourists. I was able to walk to them from my hotel and definitely appreciated the views of the city from this perch. 

What to Do: 

Colosseum Tour: Every attraction in Rome has a tour that you can pay for and some of them are worth doing while others you can skip but I would definitely recommend making time for the Colosseum walk through. The Colosseum is over 2,000 years old and still standing so it is honestly a once in a lifetime experience standing inside this amazing structure! The tour is about 45 minutes long and it's self guided with tons of information posted along the way about each level of the Colosseum and what it was used for. 

Chef With Rome Italian Cooking Class: I found this experience on Airbnb and it was one of my favorite memories from this Rome trip! It was so fun and I learned how to make some delicious authentic italian food! Since it was a weekday I got the class all to myself and the Chef, Igor gave me extra tips and tricks for making delicious home made Italian pasta. The experience is extra fun because you get to cook in a real working Italian Osteria and use the kitchen! I truly felt like an Italian chef whipping up pasta and Tiramisu. The best part is you get to eat everything you make at the end and Chef Igor also gives you a glass of wine to enjoy with your meal! I still use these recipes at home too! 

Take lots of Photos! Check out my guide to the top 8 most instaworthy spots in Rome here for tips on where and how to get the best travel pics! 

The Top 8 Instagram Worthy Spots in Rome

Roma is one of the best places to capture some amazing travel photos. Let your Italian style shine through in this amazing city. The friendly Italian culture and sun soaked picturesque streets will bring out the best in anybody so make sure to capture every minute! I got the inside scoop on where to take the best photos by booking a photography session on Airbnb experiences. My photographer Fabrizio captured some great shots and gave me an amazing tour of the city as well. Here are my favorite tips and spots for getting those vacay photos for Instagram and beyond. 

1. Colosseum 

It’s no mystery why this is the most iconic place in all of Rome and has been immortalized in countless films. I explored The Colosseum feeling like a model destined to be on the cover of a magazine. There is a wall across the street, just above the metro stop that you have to try. Also there is a great view of this ancient beauty from inside The Forum. 

 

Yes, sunrise is best, but the light near sunset will be gorgeous as well. 

 

2. The Forum

 

Explore angles and perspectives of the ruins at The Forum to get your perfect shot. There is an outlook overlooking The Colosseum you won’t want to miss. The cobblestone, the pink hues and being surrounded by history will have you swooning. 

 

Most any time of day, but of course, early is a great time to find the opportunities for fewer people in your photos.  

3. Piazza Navona

Don’t forget to capture yourself in the act of enjoying all that Rome has to offer. The fountains and architecture around the square are to die for.  

Colorful buildings are a beautiful backdrop as well. 

 

Sunrise again! 

4. Pantheon

How can you not feel like you’ve stepped into history itself in this place? I backed up a bit and got my shot with the fountain. You can also move in close for some fantastic details. Whichever perspective you choose, you can’t go wrong. The problem is going to be which ones you share on Insta.  

 

Sunrise. Sunrise. Again I say, sunrise. 

5. Ponte sant Angelo

You can grab some amazing views from Pont Sant’Angelo, including a breathtaking one of St. Peter’s. It’s got to be one of the best views in all of Rome.  

 

If you’ve got the skills to take night shots, try evening. Or … have I mentioned… sunrise?  

6. Trastevere

Make time to explore this picturesque neighborhood and explore the streets and find those little tucked away spots for photos. I loved the cobblestone streets, the doorways, steps and window boxes. There are endless possibilities if you can get there early enough to beat the crowds. Tip: you might find fewer people if you head over to Via della Lungaretta and Vicolo della Torre. 

  

Go at dawn to beat the crowds, sunset is gorgeous too. 

7. Trevi fountain

 

The beauty of this amazing fountain is incredible. This is me thinking about just how grateful I am for being in this place. Instagrammable doesn’t begin to cover it. Don’t forget – hold a coin in your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder to ensure your return trip to Rome. Yes, please. 

 

This place is always crowded, but with a little patience and luck, and yes – getting up before dawn to arrive as early as possible, you can get a shot without people in your shot.  

8. The Vatican 

Simply being at The Vatican is sort of a surreal experience. For photo ops, the architecture and the infamous Vatican staircase inside are not to be missed. Stroll around and see if you can find yourself in front of a view where everyone else ISN’T already taking pictures. 

 

Beating the crowds here can be done with some luck, but it’s rare. Early is your best bet. The crowds are more manageable.