More Than Just Margaritas...

NET-A-PORTER's THE EDIT does a fantastic job of showcasing new travel destinations. The latest? A nod to Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño who is behind the vibrant beach resort in Mexico called Las Alamandas. The private suite-only resort is painted in a palette of tropical sorbets, the property dotted by palm trees, jasmine and lush gardens. The property lends to vitality in spirit and landscape - one that will certainly make my "Mexico Must" list.

Below, a few packing options to get you on your way (all available on NET-A-PORTER, naturally)...

Oscar de la Renta's Embellished silk kaftan via Kenneth Jay Lane Hammered gold-plated earrings via Alexander McQueen Punk Skull embellished satin clutch boxCharlotte Olympia's Triton embellished metallic leather sandals via Karla Colletto Rosettes appliquéd underwired swimsuit via Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato tote via Hervé Van der Straeten's tiered hammered gold-plated brass necklace via

Lisa Marie Fernandez's Poppy Bandeau swimsuit via Marni gold-tone tassel clip earrings via

Blue Skies & A Rustic Calling

While getting caught up on my WSJ Real Estate section, I couldn't help but be drawn to this unique 360 acre ranch in Stanley, Idaho up for sale. The sprawling property features breathtaking panoramic views of mountains perfect for hiking and skiing, converted sheep wagons for a rustic sleep retreat and best of all, a geo-thermal hot spring that flows into an outdoor tub. Pack your boots and whiskey, time for an adventure! Yeeeee-ha! Images via.

Garden Party Ready

Admittedly, this particular catalog is usually put in the stack of discarded mail, however this month, it gave me pause. The cover is perfectly enticing and all things Spring, showcasing a garden oasis with two chic seating areas. It is a scene I would teleport to in an instant - truly my definition of heaven. If you're in the market for outdoor furniture, I encourage you to look at Frontgate. Currently, they are offering 20% Savings on all furniture sets. My pick? The Grayson Collection in white with jade cushion fabric. Images via.

The New Prince of Pinot

Gavin Chanin has been profiled as "30 under 30" in 2011, a "winemaker to watch" by our own SF Chronicle in 2012, and even one of Food & Wine's "winemakers of the year" two years ago. The Wine-World Wonder Boy's most recent accomplishment is his shared vision and partnership with Bill Price (wine enthusiast and serial entrepreneur), in the formation of LUTUM. LUTUM wine is focused on small-production, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with grapes harvested from several of California's destination vineyards (pictured above). Their next release of Pinot will debut this May. Learn more here.

The Good Life

    We all know "lifestyle" and "the home" are words often used together when thinking about where and how we will live. We dream up idyllic visions of a humble ski lodge nestled under a bed of tall pines where we can sip our morning coffee from canteens and snowshoe under blue skies for the afternoon. We think about the fresh fruit we'd eat for lunch, the afternoon sea breeze taunting us to challenge our windsurfing abilities off the dock of our island retreat down south. We smile, placing ourselves in a quiet green oasis miles away from the city where we can drink iced tea for days and marvel over our own garden while enjoying the local paper with a loved one nearby. I find myself thinking more and more about the things that make me happy, the surroundings that speak to me, and the realization that, I can actually actively choose these things in my life.

When thinking about creating my own home, and ultimately, lifestyle, I always think about India Hicks and her beautiful home in Harbour Island. For those that know it too, I'm sure the above photographs are not foreign to you as her home has been photographed time and time again. However, I go back to these photos thinking about the good life. What does that mean to me? What do I want? What can I live without? What does my soul tell me? What is beauty mean in my life ? Life is short and we have the power to fulfill it accordingly.

Images via

The Sign of a Good Party

My parents are very social creatures. I have a distinct memory of them revealing one Sunday morning that they "broke" their friend's kitchen counter-top from a late night dance party the night prior. (I think I was about 12 years old and too young at the time to appreciate their strong social pursuits). I've come across old Polaroids of belly dancers at my Dad's 30th birthday party, boozy couples cruises in the Bahamas and some "cheeky" photographs of a husbands vs. wives mooning competition at our neighbors house two doors down. Well, like Mom & Dad, I've thrown a few parties in my day and smirk thinking about some of the wild tales that developed from such nights. There are the noise violations from local policemen, a broken coffee table from a passionate (and very sweaty) co-ed karaoke to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," muddy footprints on the sunroof of my old Saab and many other tales that will forever refrain from being divulged. The point is, these obstreperous tales are what often, make a party a success. So, as host, embrace the quirky - sometimes stressful in the moment - party fouls, and carry on.

Bon Weekend!

(Above: a simple tablescape from our dinner party last eve).

A Table in the Making

      We are hosting an intimate dinner at our house this evening and I've been thinking about the tablescape for days. I've had visions of greenery, soft candlelight, Spring blooms and anything outdoors on the brain.  I've curated a collection of inspiration above to help me design our tablescape. Now I have to get working on the playlist and chill the rosé... Images via here & here.

Underneath It All

        I've got lingerie on the brain and this article certainly played a part. There is something so wonderfully elegant yet independently powerful about a woman having her own collection. When I'm having a bad day at work I smile thinking about no one knowing what I have under my conservative dress, or if I'm feeling uninspired with an outfit for out on the town, I'll put on a little something underneath it all to make me feel bold and a little more confident. A little lace always pleases. For the best under the dress, be sure to visit my favorites in San Francisco:

Aricie at 50 Post Street (ask for Lucy)

Alla Prima (In North Beach or Hayes Valley)

Images above via

About Country: Bistro Jeanty

Bistro Jeanty is one of Yountville's staples when it comes to dining. This weekend, my best friend and I enjoyed a delectable meal on their terrace as wine country slowly heated up to the mid-70's and we plotted our next adventure. Their tomato puff-pasty soup is infamous and ordering a glass of rosé isn't even a second thought.

C&C Recommendation:

Enjoy an early lunch at Bistro Jeanty and skip dessert. Walk down the road to Bouchon Bakery (get there early to avoid the line!) for a sweet treat and iced coffee to enjoy while you explore the gardens at French Laundry.

The Wild Hat Chase

As I sipped my "Sex in the Valley" cocktail attempting to soak up every ray of the sunshine Napa Valley was offering this weekend, I stopped in my tracks when I saw Kokin's indigo banded raffia hat featured in the March issue of C Magazine. For months, I've been lustfully scouring every website trying to score this particularly handsome hat, much to no avail. Kokin's hats take the crown and are notoriously hard to find. Below, I leave you with a few other of my favorite options while the wild hat chase ensues. Also - you (mostly) can't go wrong with these.

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