there's something about an impromptu trip to palm springs with your best friend that does wonder for your soul.  maybe it's the gorgeous weather in the middle of winter, maybe it's the vibe you get when walking down the streets of downtown, or maybe it's just that you escaped the hustle and bustle of your usual routine for a day.  whatever it may be, i'm glad i have friends who i can share those types of days with.  and this friend, she's an extra special one.  

while we were in palm springs, ashley and i decided to check out the new hard rock hotel to see if it lived up to all the hype.  honestly, i was a bit disappointed.  maybe it's because we were there on a monday afternoon in the middle of january, but meh.  nothing extraordinary.  but, we did enjoy the funky decor and a delicious signature cocktail from our new bartender friend.  all in all, i think it's safe to say we had a pretty fantastic day.

ps. above the bar is a "hello, i love you" chandelier and when i become a millionaire, i'm getting the same one put in my house somewhere.  and that's a promise.

#hussiesdopalmsprings

this past weekend was miss olivia's bachelorette party in palm springs and boy was it a weekend full of celebration and love for the bride to be.  we spent a lot of time in the pool, drinking mimosas and sharing stories and laughs.  and you cant forget about the dance parties and cards against humanity hilariousness.  we even enjoyed a fantastic 3 1/2 hour dinner at lulu in downtown palm springs!  the weather was perfect and the group of girls was fantastic.  we ended the weekend at kings highway at the ace hotel for breakfast.  we even had a hashtag for the weekend - #hussiesdopalmsprings. it was such a great weekend and the perfect way to celebrate.

olivia, i can't wait to celebrate you and brian on your wedding day.  i'm so lucky to have met you through this crazy blogging world and i'm even luckier to be able to call you one of my closest friends.  your friendship is one of a kind and i thank my lucky stars for it.  i hope you enjoyed your weekend, you deserve all the celebrating in the world. 

adventure // palm springs girls weekend

this past weekend i jetted out to palm springs for the night with two of my best girlfriends.  we had a fantastic lunch at matchbox in downtown palm springs, complete with yummy cocktails and lots of laughs.  we headed to the ace hotel for some pool time and relaxation.  it was the perfect afternoon - the sun was out, the djs were playing awesome reggae and laid back music, the drinks were refreshing and it wasn't so crowded you couldn't move.  after hours at the pool, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up for dinner and start our night out on the town.  i had such a great time with my girls that i don't get to see nearly as often as i would like.  it was so great to just relax and catch up with everything that is going on in our lives.  i'm already looking forward to the next time we can get together.

some helpful hints if you're headed to palm springs:

- if you don't want to spend $300 a night in peak season, book a room at a motel for less (we stayed at the vagabond inn for $60) and head to a nicer hotel for the day and to take advantage of their pool.  the ace will issue a pool and spa pass for the day for $20 and during the weekdays, you can use the saguaro's pool at no cost.  

- ask the locals where to eat and drink.  they know places that are less "touristy" and probably easier on your wallet.  we got lucky when we chatted with our waitress at lunch and she recommended a couple great places to eat and to have drinks.  

- if you don't want to stay in the middle of the action and are looking to really get away and relax, there are great hotels and resorts in palm desert and indio that offer quiet and relaxing atmospheres to allow you to escape the loud and rowdy pool parties at some of the "cooler" hotels in palm springs.

travel // girls weekend in palm springs

hi guys! today for tourist tuesday i wanted to quickly recap my girls' trip to palm springs this past weekend.  olivia, tammy, farra and i headed out for a little girls weekend saturday morn ing. we spent the day at the pool sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun, followed by a fun dinner out in downtown palm springs. we wrapped up the weekend with some more relaxing and breakfast poolside before we had to head home. it was the perfect little getaway.

now, for the details! 

where we stayed: the saguaro palm springs by joie de vevre. you guys, this hotel is amazing! once an old motel, it has been transformed into a rainbow of fun! each room is a different color inside and out. the pool is the center of the action and has brightly colored lounges and towels. there was even a dj out at the pool when we arrived saturday. plus, the pricing is very reasonable and they offer complimentary 2pm checkout! i highly recommend the saguaro and know i will be staying there again, hopefully soon!

 

where we ate:  las casuelas.  this restaurant is one of my favorite spots to eat when i visit the desert.  whether at their palm desert location or their downtown palm springs one, the food is amazing.  we were sat quickly with great service.  i had the black bean burrito (no meat - remember?) and it was delicious.  no margaritas for us this time, but i can tell you that they are just as great (if not better) than the food!!  it's definitely a place to stop when you're in palm springs. 

what we did:  relaxed! and boy was it needed! the girls even let me sleep in on sunday morning (till 10- crazy!).  lots of pool time cocktails led to many laughs and silly pictures while soaking up some sun.  we even met a fabulous gay couple who are shooting their own show on bravo.  the music and cocktails were outstanding, but the company really made the trip!

we had such a great time this weekend.  i can't wait to get back out to the saguaro for some more relaxing.  i'm looking forward to staying more than one night and checking out the two restaurants that are on the property.