When our family recently headed to San Diego I knew I wanted a different hotel experience, something that embodied the San Diego spirit. I found that and so much more in the amazing hotel; Pier South. When you first pull up it looks like an unassuming beach hotel. Once inside you realize this isn’t your “run of the mill beach hotel”. Instead, this is quite possibly the best beach hotel I have ever stayed in. 

Read Full Post...

I had a lot of “must see” items on my list when visiting Paris, Arch De Triumph, The Louvre,  and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, but all paled in comparison to one; Sacré-Cœur. Now when you look Sacré-Cœur up online you will see some fantastic photos of a beautiful Roman Catholic Church one that is great to see in person, but not really the main reason to visit Sacré-Cœur.

I have to admit I didn’t even go inside Sacré-Cœur. Instead, I climb what felt like hundreds of stairs and a workout good enough for the whole week, to see the view from the top as I stood in front of the church. Montmartre is the tallest hill in Paris and is where the Sacré-Cœur sits. From here you can see out to all of Paris, and it is quite a sight to see. You can even get some spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.

Read Full Post...

When I started looking for a great luxury hotel in which to stay while in London, I was given a suggestion from a friend to check out The Athenaeum. At first glance of their website, I liked what I was seeing. It is rare to see “family” as a tab on most hotel sites, let alone a luxury hotel. Some hotels claim to be family friendly, but you can be left wondering, “What does that really mean?” With Athenaeum, it’s clear from their site what they provide and how they can make your family vacation even better.

Read Full Post...

I get up in the morning and head out the door to my local market to pick up some groceries; I grab some potatoes, bacon, cream, eggs, and cheese to make one of my favorite breakfast casseroles. I head back to my apartment, cook breakfast for my husband and myself. We open the window to let in some fresh air and we people watch while we eat. Afterward, I clean up and stick all the dishes in the dishwasher.

Read Full Post...

His passion for food is tangible, you can feel it, you can taste it. Chef Dan Dienemann pulls up a chair next to our table and starts to describe that passion, and how it is incorporated into the food he prepares and serves every day at Barrel & Bushel. So much passion for a restaurant I might not normally think to visit if I wasn’t already staying at The Hyatt Regency at Tysons Corner right next door. I can’t believe anyone could possibly miss out on this place. By the way, the picture above is his take on Chicken & Waffles! Bourbon french toast, B&B pickles, B&B hot sauce and buttered amber maple syrup. Is your mouth watering yet? You know you want some.

Read Full Post...