Snapshots from Cabo

Tunic - c/o Conversation Pieces (sold out), Panama Hat - Target (similar), Aviators - Nordstrom

Floral Dress - c/o Conversation Pieces (on sale!), Turquoise Necklace - Forever 21, Envelope Clutch - Urban Expressions via Marshalls (exact), Flip Flops - Old Navy, Aviators - see above

Coral Sweater - J.Crew, White Shorts - BLANKnyc, Wedges - Jessica Simpson, Lace Dress - Free People, Turquoise Necklace - see above, Envelope Clutch - see above 

Looking back at these pictures takes me back to a week of pure relaxation, indulgence, and paradise. It was such an amazing trip. Just what we needed. Now I am looking forward to our next adventure.... where will we go next?

I packed so many outfits for Cabo, but only wore a fraction (typical). What I loved is that the weather was so perfect in the evening, after spending a full day at the pool, dressing up was so nice. The floral crush swing dress was my favorite piece to wear when we went into old town San Jose del Cabo. The vibrant colors were so fun, and it flowed so nicely in the wind. 

I wore my ethnic print tunic regularly as a beach cover-up (first group of pictures), and wore my turquoise cluster necklace every day! I am ordering another one to have just in case something happens to this one...you gotta be prepared!

Special Offer from Conversation Pieces!: Get Free Shipping for 415Bond readers! Enter "415Bond" at checkout. 

What to Pack For a Beach Vacation

From Left to Right: White denim cut-off shorts - BlankNYC, Beaded bracelets - Conversation Pieces, sold out, (similar), Mirrored aviators - Nordstrom, Embroidered tunic - c/o Conversation Pieces, sold out, (similar), Panama Hat - Target (similar), Envelope clutch - J.Crew, sold out (similar), Lipsticks - assorted brands, Watercolor Bikini - J.Crew (on sale!), Lace-up Wedges - Jessica Simpson

I leave for Cabo San Lucas next Sunday, and I've been mentally packing for about a month. I can't wait to break in my new tunic from Conversation Pieces (I plan on wearing it every morning to breakfast over looking the ocean....ahhh) and my fun watercolor printed bikini from J.Crew. Most of the trip will be spent in a bikini and a panama hat, so I'm bringing at least 3 different mix and match combos.My white denim cut offs will get a lot of use during the day, since it will match with every top I pack. At night I plan on bringing light, airy dresses in bright prints like this stunner I got today in the mail. I can't wait to share pictures from the trip!

What are your must-haves for a tropical vacation?

xoxo, Courtney

Aloha! My Trip to Hawai'i!

I went to Hawai'i during Memorial Day week with my Mom and brothers for 5 nights/6 days worth of sun and fun. We left early Saturday morning (5:30 am to be exact) and got to Oahu by noon. We stayed right off of Waikiki Beach. Below is a sampling of my pictures from the trip!

Waikiki Beach:

 Waikiki Beach, while famous, is very saturated by tourists. Of all the islands, Oahu is the least "private" or "secluded". The main street parallel to the beach is lined with shops and reminds me somewhat of the Embarcedero in San Francisco. The waters were warm, but crowded. 

Diamond Head Crater:

Diamond Head is a huge crater on the south side of the island that is a short .8 mile hike to the top. It is a windy, steep hike however, so it's no walk in the park. I highly recommend any visitors to do it. The views from the top are stunning (bottom picture). Make sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothes (and shoes) and bring water! Luckily it was quite windy that day so the heat wasn't a problem, or else try to hike as early in the morning as your travel companions will let you!

Dole Pineapple Plantation:

 

 

We made a quick stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation after a day at Kailua Beach (rated one of the best beaches in the world!) I am so glad we did. Pineapples are among my favorite fruits, and I honestly didn't really know much about how their grown or processed. Well, they are grown in fields and picked (every single one, by HAND!) We picked up a mix between a sorbet and ice cream made with fresh pineapple. (bottom picture) It was so delicious. 

Hanauma Bay:

 Snorkeling is always one of my favorite activities to do on a beach vacation. We went to Hanauma Bay, known for the coral reefs, schools of fish and if you're lucky, sea turtles. This excursion can get pricey as you pay for parking ($1), admission ($8 ea) and rentals ($10 ea) so knowing that can help you prepare. Since there are so many people competing for lounging space on the beach and snorkeling spots in the water, it can get super crowded. This may also be best to do in the wee hours of the morning. 

 Pearl Harbor:

 We made the stop to Pearl Harbor a few hours before our flight out of Oahu. There is no fee to get into the memorial, unless you take any tour. So we passed by through the museum and looked at everything from afar. I wish we spent half a day taking the tour, but if we ever get to go back, we will make sure to do it. But I am glad we at least got to pass by. 

Food Food Food:

 I like to go on vacation to eat. How doesn't? We got to eat a lot of yummy meals while in Hawaii. Here's a few samples. The top is a Loco Moco plate from Rainbow Drive In. They were featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. It is Hawaiian fast food if you will: sticky rice topped with a beef patty and sunny side up eggs topped with gravy and a side of macaroni salad. Delicious! Second is a bowl of chicken and veggie ramen from a noodle place we got along the main strip in Waikiki. Lastly, we got some pineapple and strawberry shave ice after our Diamond Head hike! So refreshing. 

Sights:

 There are so many stunning sights in Hawai'i. Compared to the city landscapes of California, the tropical scenery is such a drastic change. The first picture is a tree with the beautiful flowers used to make the leis. The second are these huge trees I saw on Waikiki Beach that kind of reminded me of The Lion King. Not sure why. haha. Lastly, the bottom two pictures are the sides of the H-3 Highway. There are sky high mountains with lush green trees with hundreds of waterfalls. It was one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen. It was stunning. I am so glad I wasn't driving, because I was so distracted by how gorgeous it was! 

What I Wore:

Badgley Mischka Halter Bikini - 6pm.com

Now for a dash of fashion. I brought along a new bikini with me on the trip and wore it for the first time (a risk I was willing to take). I ordered a few months ago this bikini from 6pm.com and it's hands down the best bikini I've ever owned! I have an emerald green color vs black, and it fits great! Not to mention, for being a designer piece, the price was amazing! 

xoxo, Courtney

Day Trip to Apple Hill

Since Alex had Veteran's Day off from work, we decided to make a day trip up to Apple Hill since he has never been! We went to 3 separate ranches but they were within 5 miles of each other (if that) so it was super easy to get to all of them. My favorite part of the trip was the famous apple cider donuts from Rainbow Orchards Ranch. They are made constantly throughout the day so you get a hot, fresh donut on the spot. It was crispy and sugary on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. I highly recommend grabbing a few! Jack Russell Brewery was a nice end to the day, and I sampled their Pumpkin Ale and we got to take home the pint glass as a memento! Don't forget to take home an apple pie for your Thanksgiving meal, available at almost all of the ranches. :) Here are some pictures from each of the ranches.

Apple Ridge:

Rainbow Orchards:

Jack Russell Brewery:

What is so nice about living an hour away from Apple Hill was that we made a half day out of the trip and had enough time to see James Bond later that day! A successful day indeed. :)