PERFECT GETAWAY :: RANCHO VALENCIA

I said it before and I'll say it again, even a few days away from the madness make a world of difference. If you follow me on INSTAGRAM, you may have noticed, Emil and I spent a few very relaxing days at Rancho Valencia recently, doing what we love best, i.e. working on our tans, dining and exploring. Though this was our first time staying there, it will definitely be one of many to come for even now, as I am writing this post, I find myself panning our next visit, though perhaps for a slightly longer period next time, so that we can truly explore all the wonderful things Rancho Valencia has to offer.

So, if you are planing to visit, here are a few suggestions:

WHAT TO DO: Taking a yoga class at the Serenity Yoga Pavillon was truly amazing. Fact that my class took place outside at sunset, on a platform literally floating on water, made this one of my most memorable moments ever, not to mention the best yoga session I've ever had!

Nourishing Citrus Drench at the Spa was a truly indulging experience. I arrived at the spa feeling a bit tired and sluggish ( direct result of staying up way past my bedtime, catching up on some work the night before ) and walked out feeling rested and elated, with silky smooth citrus-scented skin. 

Playing a game of croquet: do a know how to play croquet? Absolutely not, but that hasn't stopped me before and most definitely didn't this time around! In fact, I think messing up was the major part of the fun. 

WHAT TO EAT: If you are as obsessed with cheese boards as I am, than you will definitely appreciate artisanal cheese board at Rancho Valencia's Veladora! Paired with a nice glass of wine, it was a perfect finishing touch after every meal. 

Lobster tacos are always good, but great lobster tacos are even better, and lobster tacos at The Pony Room were just that! Absolutely great! 

By the way, if you have any tips on what to do/see at Rancho Valencia, please share them in the comments! 

BANANA REPUBLIC Floral pleated midi skirt, heritage ivory safari blouse | CHLOE The Marcie mini textured leather shoulder bag | GUCCI Candy ankle strap sandals | MICHAEL KORS Brockton chronograph watch { similar here } | BANANA REPUBLIC Tina hat | SHOSHANNA Window eyelet beach shirtdress | ASOS flat gladiator sandals | NIALAYA panther ring, cross over gold ring, panther bangle in gold & white diamonds, stingray bracelet & rose gold & matte onyx bracelet 

INTO THE BLUE

It's official, I finally found a pair of comfortable platform sandals! It was last Friday, and I was having one of those magical days when everything seems to go your way. As I was mentally going through my Summer must-have yet still don't have in my closet list while lazily browsing a few of my favorite online shopping places, I stumbled across these babies! Now, if you read my blog on regular basis, you know that every year when I talk about Summer must-haves, white sandals make an appearance right at the top of that list! Aside from the fact that they go with everything, something about buying a pair of white sandals signals the begging of Summer and more importantly the end of Winter, the cold and my personal favorite, the gloom:)

Of course the reason I am obsessed with this particular pair of white sandals is the platform! Personally, I think it adds a certain chic element to an otherwise very casual ( and very comfortable might I add ) style. I fully intend to wear them with everything this Summer, from jeans and shorts to dresses and skirts! So, I hope you don't mind seeing them regularly:) 

BAUKJEN Nadia limited tweed top & Ivy tote bag | MOTHER x Candice Swanepoel the Looker ankle fray jeans | EXPRESS light wash denim boyfriend shirt | STEVE MADDEN Peer sandals | LOEFFLER RANDALL clutch | MICHAEL KORS Collection 59mm aviator sunglasses | ELODIE K rose gold chain ring | WANDERLUST & CO rings

SUNSHINE & STRIPES :: MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC AT THE BEACH

Good morning, Everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to share a tradition we have in our family. You see, every year no matter where we all are or how busy we get, we always make the time to get together, spend the whole day at the beach and have our annual Memorial Day picnic. Though there are a ton of beaches to choose from in California, we always end up somewhere around Malibu. There is definitely something about the beautiful white sand and turquoise water that inevitably draws us in and to be quite honest with you, at this point we cannot imagine spending Memorial Day anywhere else. 

As far as picnic food is concerned, none of us are particular fans of eating heavily on a hot California day, which is why we like keep it pretty light. Normally, we serve a ton of salads, crab salad being my particular favorite, fruits and of course refreshing drinks like lemonade or sparkling water. The only exception being desert, because I don't know about you guys, but my appetite for sweets doesn't diminish in any weather:) 

Knowing I'll be spending the whole day at the beach, I like to keep my outfits comfortable and since I am a bit traditional when it comes to Memorial Day attire, I like to adhere to the red, white and blue color palette. Today's look is no exception of course. For me, denim is synonymous with comfort, and a pair of cute denim overalls is just a perfect thing to wear to roll around in the sand. I paired my overalls with a super lightweight, slightly slouchy sweater because I love to wear things that feel good on and move with the breeze. I completed this look with a pair of oversized sunnies, a boyfriend watch and a few layered bracelets because quite frankly I can't go anywhere without my armparty:) 

What about you guys, do you have any Memorial Day traditions? 

EXPRESS overall shorts, dip dyed stripe slub knit sweater, multi-function watch in gold & cut-out metal sunglasses { in black here } | Pierre Hardy Red espadrilles { also love these ones } | OPI nail polish in Cotton Buds

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle