Guest Post: From High Street to Main Street: Styling Basics for Any Occasion

Hi, friends! I'm off exploring Colorado with my love, but I've got a great guest photo for you today! I decided not to ask for guest posts this time (this one happened to be already in the works), so I'll be taking a few days off from the blog. I'll be back on Monday with my quick thoughts about our trip! If you want to follow along with us on our trip, check my Instagram (thesiberianamerican) or SnapChat (SiberianOlya).

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We’ve all had those days. You have to be up at dawn for work or school, a million things need to get done, and on top of that, you’ve committed to plans that evening when you know you’ll be fantasizing about a pint of Cherry Garcia, fleece-lined sweatpants, and Season 2 of Scandal waiting for you on your Netflix queue. On that day, which will, of course, be flourished with freezing rain and an overcast sky, the last thing you may want to think about is how to look cute. So, you drag yourself out of bed and take a long, hard look at your closet. What sartorial battle armor do you choose to get you through the next 18 hours? To get you through any flurry of activity where the logistics of styling need to take a seat, let’s go over some tips and tricks that can transform your look for any occasion no matter what you’re wearing.

One Piece From Day to Evening

Whether you’re shopping from a brick & mortar or online dress boutique, you should always look for a single, defining high-quality dress that can be your go-to for anything from a 9 a.m. boardroom meeting, drinks with the girls after work, or even a six-hour flight. Opt for something in a classic, figure-flattering cut that ends just above the knee like a classic A-line, or even a wrap dress. Whatever you choose, think about how it’ll play well with the rest of your wardrobe. Layer a blazer or cardigan over it during the day, and style with a leather jacket, or an on-trend bomber for a fun night out.

Keep Your Colors Simple

Part of wearing a great, low-maintenance outfit for a number of occasions and settings is keeping your colors in check. You don’t need to buy an all-black wardrobe like some chic fashion ninja, but one aspect that can allow your basics to pull double duty from day to evening is their color. If you’re old enough to recall when Sharon Stone famously wore a charcoal grey Gap turtleneck to the 1996 Oscars, then you can see that even the most basic of basics can be styled to suit any affair. While you may not be going to a star-studded award show tonight, let’s say that you do have a turtleneck or basic top in one of your drawers. Pair it with a sleek, tailored jacket in a complementary tone, like a seasonal jewel tone like emerald green, ruby red, or inky blue, and you’ll have yourself a chic, menswear-inspired minimalist look that works at all hours of the day.

That Day to Night Glow Up

Going back to our example of a classic, signature dress, you can easily go from day to night with some distinct accessorizing and make-up magic. Let’s say you wear your LBD or favorite wrap dress to work and you’ve styled it appropriately with a blazer or cardigan for professional meetings. You can accessorize for crisp functionality with a stylish wristwatch, minimal bangles, more subdued neckwear, or earrings, and finish off your look with just some BB cream, concealer, and light eye makeup. Fast forward to happy hour and switch out those flats for some cute, complementary wedges or heels and much more expressive jewelry and makeup. Consider a smokey eye, a darker lip color, and some dry shampoo that can give your hair that fresh salon look even if you’ve just been sitting at your desk all day. For more inspiration on day to night transformations, InStyle has some great tips as well.

Always Be Ready

Whether you’re a staunch minimalist or you’re shouting that you have nothing to wear from under a pile of basic tees and tops, there’s something to be said about having a unique look that can take you from day to evening and from work to play with minimal effort. Whether you’re working overtime or taking care of kids or any other obligations, it’s totally possible to take something as simple as a plain white tee and turn it into a statement look with some fashion-forward twists and tips. But, above all else, remember that styling yourself should be as fun as it is flattering. Choose pieces and craft looks that draw out your best features and put a smile on your face and remember that confidence is always in style!

Author Bio: Elaine Gren is the CEO and creative director of Dressboutique.com. As a multi-talented boutique owner and stylist, she enjoys helping clients from all walks of life find styles they love.

Five Things to Do in Las Vegas, Nevada

It's no secret that I love visiting Vegas for a short getaway. I am always looking for ideas on what to do there, so when Ashleigh from Mermaid on the Move asked me if she could guest post while I am on vacation, I asked her to write about five things she thinks you must do in her hometown of Vegas! Hope y'all get some ideas for your next trip to the city!

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Lack of things to do has never been the problem in this city that I call home. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming the amount of things going on any given night. But there are some musts that you should take the time to experience when you’re visiting Las Vegas, Nevada.



Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign It may seem a bit cliche, but honestly the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign one of the most iconic images of the city, not to mention a free keepsake, unless of course you feel like tipping Elvis to take the picture for you. My suggestion is to go early in the evening early in the week to avoid a long line. Also, if you’re going to be in town during a certain time check to see if they will be lighting up the sign a different color for a holiday or awareness, like St. Patrick’s Day when it glows green.



The High Roller One of the newer must go-to spots is The High Roller, the largest observation wheel in the world standing 550 feet with an amazing view of the city, located at The LINQ promenade. Once you’ve taken in a 360 degree look of the city be sure to venture down the remainder of the promenade to check out the bars, cupcake vending machine and other fun and unique stops along the way.



Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden My favorite place to take people when they come into town is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden. Beautifully themed arrangements spread along a 14,000 square-foot showcase that is changed out seasonally, usually around every 3 months, so that it is almost always new, different, and breathe taking each time I visit. Another wonderful thing is that they recycle 90 percent of the trees, flowers and plants when they turn over the new theme, giving back to the environment in a unique way. Also, take a short stroll to the lobby for a peak at Dale Chihuly’s amazing glass blossoms hanging above your head.



Downtown Las Vegas There is absolutely no lack of things to do when it comes to Downtown Las Vegas, my personal favorite it people watching and grabbing drinks with friends and playing on the adult jungle gym at Container Park. Some other fun things to do is to take the zipline down the Fremont Street Experience on Slotzilla, grab a drink at the many themed bars down Fremont East or check out the Arts District, especially if you’re lucky enough to be in town on a First Friday.



Hoover Dam Hoover Dam is quite a breathtaking sight as you stand looking down over 725 feet below at Lake Mead. Yes, that one that Megatron is hidden beneath in Transformers. It’s a short 40 minute drive from the neon lights of The Strip through Boulder City, where ironically enough gambling is illegal. If you have the time, be sure to spend time in this beautiful city, I recommend grabbing breakfast at The Coffee Cup. These are just a few of the many things you can do in my twenty four hour hometown, with a million ways to be entertained and a little something for everyone.

Thanks for sharing your favorite things to do in Vegas, Ashleigh! Want even more fun posts on Vegas? Check out my list of best things to do in Vegas if you don't gamble or drink, my guide to the best shows in Las Vegas, my favorite buffets in Vegas, and our hike through Valley of Fire State Park.
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Island Exploring: What to Do in Nantucket

Hey, friends! I am almost ready to come back to this space of mine (I've missed y'all so much!), but first I have one more treat. Audrey Louise at Life at Louise is sharing what to do in Nantucket. I really looked forward to her post because it's an area of the country I would love to explore! I will definitely be pinning her guide to use in the future. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, Audrey Louise!

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I am so excited to spend some time here in Olya's world with her lovely readers while she recovers from her surgery. (A quick prayer & good vibes to you, Miss Olya!) Since she is the Travel/Food/Fun Queen I decided to steer things in an adventurous direction and take notes from my most recent vacation! Earlier this month I traveled to the Cape Cod region with my husband & my parents for a week-long vacation. While we were there we took a ferry ride across the Nantucket Sound (Atlantic Ocean) to Nantucket.

Before we were engaged or married, nearly six years ago, my husband Kyle and I attended a wedding on the island of Nantucket for his childhood friend (whose family just happens to have a summer home there). If it weren't for that wedding, I doubt we'd ever have looked at Nantucket as an agreeable vacation destination. I know islands can seem boring or intimidating (or ritzy), but Nantucket is a wonderful place to visit (or stay) if you find yourself along the upper East Coast! The small size (only 14 miles wide!) is what adds to the friendly, laid back nature of this little community.

 

Here are some must-see and must-do things while on Nantucket!

Rent a bike! If you take the ferry to the island you will encounter three bike shops within minutes of stepping onto the pier. Bike rentals typically cost about $30 for the entire day & you receive a bike & basket, helmet, bike lock, and map of the island. You can get anywhere on the island via bike! During our trips to the island we rent bikes as our main source of transportation.

Get some ice cream at The Juice Bar. K and I were so excited to return to our favorite shop on the island- the local ice cream shop! After our 18 mile bike ride (I'm still sore thinking about it) ice cream was a necessity. We have a particular fondness for their cookies & cream and cake batter flavors!

 

A trip to the 'tucket isn't complete without taking in some lighthouses. Here's a funny story... During our first trip to the island K and I biked to a small beach to check out the ocean and the lighthouse there. We sat on the rocks for a half hour and walked back up the beach hand-in-hand until a man stopped us and excitedly asked if we'd just gotten engaged! We hadn't and we awkwardly told him so. He apologized and said that tons of men bring their girlfriends to that lighthouse to propose.

 

The Whaling Museum. In the middle of town, just across from The Juice Bar, is the Nantucket Whaling Museum. To be totally honest, K and I have tried to go during our trips to the island but we've never actually been there! (So much to do, so little time!) We've heard wonderful things about it so you'll have to report back to me once you've gone. It's on our to-do list!

Go sailing or whaling! During our last trip to the Cape we went whale watching out of Provincetown, MA and it was an insane experience. Seeing an animal in the wild- especially one as large and majestic as a whale- is so incredible! I believe that taking a tour out of a mainland city is much less expensive than taking one from Nantucket but regardless this is something you should do!

Check out the shopping and food. For only being 47 square miles of land (and a lot of that being beaches, homes, and foliage), the island has a ton of shops and restaurants. Ranging from beach casual to country club formal, there are so many food options. Nantucket is accessible via ferry or plane- neither of which is too agonizing or expensive. I know we'll be heading back as soon as we can; I hope I've sparked a little interest in you, too!

 

A huge thanks to Olya for inviting me into her corner of the internet today! Hoping you feel 100% soon, girl! I hope to see the rest of you over at Life as Louise in the near future! Let's chat about travel!

 

Seattle Hacks: How to Have a Great Experience with a Smaller Price Tag

Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the United States, even though I have only visited twice for a short time (before and after two Alaska cruises). Mattie from Northwest Native used to live in Seattle, so I asked her to put together a post of some of her favorite things in the city. I can't wait to do all of these someday!

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As a former Seattle resident, I have my favorite places. Seattle is an expensive city, there's no denying that. But I have a couple of hacks for a great Seattle experience with a smaller price tag!

Fancy dinner?

You could opt for Seattle's most elite restaurant (with an elite price tag), Canlis. There's no denying that it has a beautiful view, but it's also well outside the city center. I've never been, and I'm sure it's delicious, but with the cheapest option on the menu costing $90 for three courses, it's not quite in our budget.

[image source]

One of my absolute favorite Seattle restaurants is The Pink Door. I may be biased, because the first time we went was the night that my husband proposed to me, and our second apartment in Seattle was within easy walking distance, but this place is quite literally a hidden gem. Nestled in Post Alley, part of the iconic Pike Place Market, the restaurant bares no signage, just a pale pink door in a gray wall. The dim lighting in the dining room makes for great ambience at dinner time, and there's also patio seating with a view. I've only visited in colder months, so I regrettably missed out on patio seating. There are also trapeze acts on certain nights in the dining room! Entrees run from $17-$31, and I've never had a disappointing order. (They also have gluten free pasta and bread options!)

[image source]

Honorable mention: Tavolata (close by/similar price range, but a smaller space and more 'hip' vibe)

View of the city?

The obvious choice is the observation deck of Seattle's landmark Space Needle, but it's also the priciest option. For single admission, adults are $22, seniors $19, and kids $14. You can buy a package of two tickets (the idea is to go once during daylight and once in the evening) for a slight discount: adults $39, seniors $36, kids $29.

A lesser-known option is the Sky View Observatory, which is 73 floors up. It's a great way to get a view of the city, especially because you get to see the Space Needle from the outside looking in. Tickets are $14.75 for adults, $9 for seniors, kids ages 6-12, and students/military with ID. If you were looking at doing the Space Needle twice, you could do the Space Needle once and Sky View once and save money and see two different views.

The cheapest of all is Kerry Park. In my mind, Kerry Park is a postcard view of Seattle. It's a free public viewpoint (but it's up a steep hill, so be ready to get a workout or drive/take some form of transportation).

[image source]

Ice cream?

Okay, you got me, this one has nothing to do with price, but I feel like I have to let everyone in on this. Molly Moon's is a very popular Seattle ice cream shop chain. There are some fun and unique flavors, but most flavors have no chunks or ribbons (aka the good stuff). I prefer to get my ice cream from Cupcake Royale (another local chain). Their Stumptown coffee with dark chocolate ribbon and salted caramel cupcake flavors are my favorites! I've never had an ice cream with cake pieces in it where the cake actually kept its texture like Cupcake Royale's does.

[image sources: Molly Moon's, Cupcake Royale]

P.S. Cupcake Royale may win the ice cream round, but my favorite cupcakes in the city come from Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co!

Guest Post: Fashion's Cinderella Stories

Note: This is a sponsored post written by Mary Jane Fashion for The Siberian American. 
Mary Jane Fashion looks at some of the industry’s key players who went from rags to riches
Like in many areas of business, there are powerful, influential people who were not born into the opulent, grand world they now inhabit. Although many were born into design and retail families, there are those who were either plucked from obscurity or worked their way up to being some of the most prominent figures in their field. Their stories are truly inspiring and the fashion world has benefitted from their presences; they have produced great work and wonderful moments that have benefitted and shone the best possible light on the industry. Here are some of the most famous figures who came from very humble origins and managed to become fully fledged fashion stars.

Natalia Vodianova

 Photo by Georges Seguin

One of the most highly paid and respected models in the world, Natalia Vodianova hails from Nizhny Novgorod in Russia (formerly Gorky in the Soviet Union) and was born into relative poverty. Her father walked out on her and the rest of the family when she was a toddler and she made money by selling fruit at a market stall with her mother. It was at this street market where she was discovered by a modelling scout and she went on to become one of the most prolific models in the fashion industry. She established a long-term relationship with American design house Calvin Klein (shop similar styles at Mary Jane Fashion), was a spokesmodel for Chanel beauty, featured in editorials for all the major fashion magazines-including a famous Alice in Wonderland shoot by Annie Liebovitz that also featured Tom Ford- and walked for houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Versace. As well as being one of the most recognisable faces in fashion, she is a committed philanthropist, setting up charities like The Naked Heart Foundation amongst many others, which aid young impoverished people growing up in Russia.

Malaika Firth

Photo by Christopher Macsurak

Although she didn’t live in abject poverty like Vodianova, Malaika Firth’s background was not one of unparalleled affluence. Born in Kenya, the Firth’s moved to Barking in London, sharing a room with her sister and auntie and only have £2 to spend each day on her lunch. Famously, Firth’s mother rang up a modelling agency about representation for her daughter and she was signed straight away. Since then, she has modelled for fashion houses like Burberry and was the first black model to be featured on the runway and in a campaign for Prada since Naomi Campbell 19 years previously. Now she is a go-to model for many design houses, walking for Marc Jacobs, Kenzo and Dolce and Gabbana and is friends with other top models like Cara Delevigne and Jourdan Dunn. Firth has also maintained her relationship with Prada, which is a brilliant move towards fashion’s embracement of diversity.

Giorgio Armani

Photo by Jan Schroeder

Armani is one of fashion’s greatest designers and has, in many ways, transcended fashion with his business empire, which now includes a chain of exclusive restaurants and hotels on top of his menswear and womenswear labels. Famous for his high-quality, luxury goods, Armani is synonymous with style and sophistication. His early life, however, was troubled, because he grew up in the throes of Italian fascism under Mussolini and during the Second World War, with his home town Piacenza and nearby Milan frequently bombed by Allied forces, killing some of his childhood friends. Armani’s first taste of fashion and glamour came when he went to see films in Milan’s cinema, and sowed the seeds for his love of all things refined and beautiful. After a stint at medical school, he rose up through fashion’s ranks and in 2013 was worth an estimated $8.5 billion.

Guest Post: How to Plan for a Trip

Today, I'm excited to have Julie from Say Yes to Happy share how she plans for a trip. I love seeing how other people do their planning, so I was interested in what she had to say. Thanks for guest posting, Julie!

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Recently I saw that Olya was looking for guest bloggers and I emailed her to see if she'd be interested in me talking about traveling and how I plan my trips, and she graciously accepted! So here I am today! Hi my name is Julie and I blog over at Say Yes to Happy. I like to blog about my life, travels, what I'm reading and I also love getting to know other people through my interview series. With Olya off on her own trip I though it'd be fun to share how I go about planning my trips.
     
I absolutely love to travel. It is one of the things I am passionate about. I know that I will be traveling for the rest of my life to places near and far. I have a major case of wanderlust. I always get excited to go on a trip and I always feel a little melancholy when I'm coming down from the high of traveling. I've been to a lot of places but still have so many places still on my bucket list. I am dying to get over to Europe and see Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Lucerne, etc. Some of my favorite places I've been to are Alaska, Togo, Chicago (my hometown!) and the national parks. I've been to Zion, The Arches, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Sequoias, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Estes Park, etc.
One of my favorite parts of traveling is the planning stages. I love to look online to search for things I shouldn't miss. My go to sources are Pinterest, Google, Lonely Planet, and other blogs! I usually type in Must See in (Name of City/state/country) and then I map it out on GoogleMaps and see how far apart the places are.
I also like to look up high recommended restaurants and coffee shops. I love seeing local coffee shops that have character and a muffin or bagel. :) Don't get me wrong, I love Starbucks as much as the next girl, but I like support local businesses too. And it's fun to see places that are special to that specific location. I make to do list or things I need to buy or pack to make sure I don't forget anything. I always pack reading materials, like magazines I haven't had time to read, and whatever book I'm reading at the moment. And I love bringing my journal to write in on the way to get to the destinations.

I also make sure to reach out to friends and bloggers and ask for suggestions of places I shouldn't miss. The blogging community has been so supportive and awesome and I'm so happy to be a part of it. I'd love to hear how you guys plan your trips and your tips and tricks! Thanks again so much for having me here today Olya!

Guest Post: Cherry Cobbler With Cheese Cream Crust Recipe

Hey y'all! Chris and I are still on vacation, and today I have a great guest post! Zully from www.foodiezoolee.com made a delicious recipe based on Traverse City, one of the places we visited in Michigan. I can't wait to make this cherry cobbler when I get home!

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When Olya was looking for a guest post while on her trip I was really excited to jump at the opportunity to share a recipe with her readers! She mentioned that she would be visiting Traverse City, which is known for producing at least 70 percent of the tart cherries in the U.S. annually! That's over 200 million pounds - and lots of cherry cobbler!

I made these cherry cobblers from scratch and I know that might seem a little daunting for some of you at first, but believe me it's very easy. They are topped with a cream cheese crust, which you can easily make in 2-3 minutes. I swear once you make my cherry filling once, you will never buy the canned stuff again.


This recipe makes 4 servings (each person gets a ramekin). Total prep time is about 10 minutes. Total cook time is 45 minutes (10 minutes for filling + 35 minutes for baking).

Ingredients:
1/2 cup + 2 tbps sugar, divided
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups fresh cherries
3/4 cup flour
2 tbsp salt
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp heavy whipping cream

For the Cherry filling: In a large saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Add cherries. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Boil until thickened. Spoon the mixture into 6 oz ramekins (I used a set of 4).



For the Cream Cheese Crust: Preheat oven to 350º. In a bowl combine flour, 1 tbsp of sugar, and salt. Mix until combined. Add cream cheese and butter. Mix until you have a dough.

Topping your Cobblers: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Use the lip of a small bowl to cut a circle for each serving. Place on tip and lightly pinch edges with your fingers. Make a few slits to vent. Brush top with cream. Sprinkle the tops with remaining tbsp of sugar.

Bake for 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a bonus treat!

Safe travels Olya and thanks so much for having me!

Guest Post: Five Things to do in West Palm Beach, Florida

Melody Pittman is a middle-aged luxury travel blogger who resides in Vero Beach, Florida, and Boquete, Panama.  She has been married half her life,an empty nester, and enjoys all travels whether big or small.  Melody’s motto for life is “If you want to be happy, be” by Leo Tolstoy.  She finds that travel blogging is the perfect combination to showcase all her passions: food, photography, writing, social media, and traveling. Find her on her website at www.whereverimayroamblog.com

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Since moving to Florida, I have taken many road trips to wonderful destinations, but West Palm Beach is a city I love exploring and find myself ending up there frequently. West Palm is one of the ritziest areas in Florida and unofficially the start of the area of Florida what is referred to as "Southern Florida". West Palm Beach begins around I-95 and continues over to the east coast, where after crossing the intracoastal waterway, it simply becomes Palm Beach. Palm Beach is the richest zip code in the entire state of Florida and a gorgeous place to roam and sightsee, not to mention a prestigious address to have.

Here are five things things to do that showcase what West Palm Beach has to offer:

1. Open Your Wallet and Go Shopping- West Palm Beach is the home to high-end shopping, including both the CityPlace Mall and the newer Palm Beach Outlet shops, featuring a Nordstrom Rack, Sak's Off Fifth and over 100 other stores. CityPlace is an eclectic mix of stores, my favorites being Apricot Lane and Life in Palm Beach, with a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, including Cheesecake Factory and Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen. Though technically Palm Beach Gardens, it is still the part we consider West Palm, it is home to the upscale Gardens Mall. This 1.4 million square foot world-class shopping megaplex features 160 stores with anchor stores Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Sear's, and Sak's Fifth Avenue. Shopping at this mall could literally take all day; but do not worry, great restaurants will help nourish you while you recharge. South of downtown is Antique Row, with over 40 stores to cater to collectors or browsers. Antique Row is often regarded as one of the best antique shopping neighborhoods in the country.

This photo of West Palm Beach is courtesy of TripAdvisor

2. Indulge in a Gourmet Meal- So much food, so little time. West Palm Beach is a culinary treat, with foods ranging from upscale comfort to dozens of ethnic varieties and about 50 sushi joints in between. ER Bradley's Saloon is one of my favorite stops (make sure to check out the primo rides at the Valet parking) as well as Grease Burger Bar, for delicious gourmet burgers, a cool drink menu, and root beer on tap. There are so many restaurants here that my bucket list for eating my way around West Palm Beach covers two full pages, and that is only based on referrals. See for yourself; visit West Palm hungry!

3. Visit the Flagler Museum- Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler's gilded age estate located in Palm Beach was one of the most opulent palaces in the world for its time. Flagler's rich influence and sense of style is apparent not only in St. Augustine, where the famed college sits, but at Whitehall as well. The National Historic Landmark is open to the public, as the Flagler Museum, to commemorate one of Florida's most important Magnates who brought the East Coast Railway System to the state of Florida. One can see the grandiose stylings from the outside of the building, lined with Doric columns, and in everything this man laid his hands on. The drawing room on the first floor is my favorite, decorated elegantly. Another favorite feature is the wrought iron looking ceiling in the breakfast room, modeled after Warwick Castle. The museum has a pristine afternoon tea service, served in the Cafe des Beaux-Arts, that is available from November to late March, or during 'season' as we call it in Florida. Tea and museum admission to non-members is $40 per person.

4. Stroll Clematis Street- Clematis, the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, is a stylish street to people watch and be seen in the West Palm Beach neighborhood. A most interesting bunch of people are sure to raise a few eyebrows strolling around in the latest fashions or lack of clothing. This popular street is home to a gorgeous theatre that shows off-Broadway style shows as well as local productions. Boutique retailers and national brands offer designer threads, gorgeous bed linens, antiques and collectibles lining the street separated by nightspots, international restaurants, and trendy cafes. Many work lofts and luxury condos dot the landscape as well as historic landmarks. In the heart of Clematis is a fountain that is surrounded by appealing gardens. Flagler Drive at Intracoastal Waterway is where the street begins and is home to a fun filled sandcastle competition in December. The views of the Intracoastal are spectacular and the size of the yachts, impressive!

5. Tour the Breakers Hotel- The West Palm Beach icon, another of Henry Flagler's legacy, the Breakers Hotel is a five star luxury oceanfront resort that has the most magnificent drive leading to the entrance, lined with palm trees and beckoning the well to do. It will leave you feeling like you have just driven onto a movie set in Hollywood. Valet park your car and spend $25 inside the hotel (get your card stamped) and the parking is free. I recommend ordering 2 desserts at the Seafood Bar, $25 total, and that should take care of the parking fee. The Seafood Bar restaurant is nautical in theme and features two custom bars made of fish tanks full of colorful fish and eels. My friends and I shared the creme brûlée and the key lime pie desserts- sensational! Even the little seashell tipped silver spoon and cloth linen napkins were memorable. Be sure to visit the Breaker's boutiques and walk around to see the exquisite ballrooms, meeting rooms (adorned with explorers) and gardens. The Lily Pulitzer store offers a special printed scarf designed exclusively for the Breakers Hotel. Maybe you will get lucky and spot a celebrity on your visit. Unfortunately you will not get at a glimpse of the pool without a room card. This timeless classic is on my bucket list of hotels to stay at.

Guest Post: You Know You're From the Caribbean When...

Hey everyone, we are on our Lake Michigan Circle Tour, but I have a real treat for you. I love sweet Kay from The Kay Times, and I am so excited she is guest posting for me today! Take it away, lady!

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Hi guys I'm Kay and I blog over at The Kay Times. I'm stoked that Olya let me take over her blog today.

One of the things I love about Olya is her cultural background, being born in Siberia and living in the U.S. I love hearing about the unique things from different cultures. I myself am not from the U.S. (in case that wasn't fairly obvious) and there are many eccentric (and frankly comically weird) things about people who grew up in the Caribbean. You can spot us a mile away I tell ya!
 

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... You think anything Under 30 degrees Celsius (70's F) is freezing!

... 36 - 40 degrees (90's to 100) is legit unbearable and RARELY ever happens (if ever).

... You work with people you went to school with ... Or who knows someone you went to school with

... You wash 'wares', you don't 'do the dishes'.

... You put ketchup on your pizza ... and pepper sauce (this may just be Trinidad ha!)

... You eat everything with 'pepper' (hot sauce)

... And you know someone who 'makes pepper'

... Sunday lunch is an occasion

... You know that a 'sweet drink' is 'soda' and 'coke' is coca cola or Pepsi 

... You say 'old years night' instead of 'New Years eve' 

... Growing up it was drilled in you that a good education is the best thing you can have and you probably know this rhyme: 'learn little children before you are old; for a good education is better than gold; for gold and silver may fade away; but a good education will never decay'

... As a kid, you knew better than to talk back to your parents because Caribbean parents don't play.

... You know that just because the sun is up in the morning, it doesn't mean that it won't be a rainy day by noon.

... You went to Secondary School, not High School and each class was called a Form and not a Grade (unless you went to an International School in which case - disregard).

... No one ever leaves your house thirsty, hungry or empty handed. Food for all.

... Rich, poor, middle class or in between - you greet people politely when you enter a room

... You know what "chicken and chips" means ... A "far" place might mean an hour's drive

... You don't consider going to the 'beach' a vacation. It's called the weekend. If you're taking a vacation you're leaving the country.

We're a weird and cool bunch I tell you!

Thanks again to Olya for letting me take over her page while she's on vacay!

Guest Post: Stylish Crossings: The World’s Most Beautiful Bridges

Hey, friends. We have made it to Chicago, and I am currently wondering how we fit so much stuff in the truck. While we are moving, I thought it would be fun to have another great guest post from Holiday Lettings about the most beautiful bridges in the world. Thanks for the post, Holiday Lettings, and I am excited to share more about our move tomorrow!

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Bridges make up some of the world’s most unforgettable man-made structures. But which are the most aesthetically appealing? Holiday Lettings assembles a list of the loveliest examples to visit, from London’s Tower Bridge to Leonardo da Vinci’s design in Norway.

Tower Bridge, London, UK

Photo credit: Tony Smith (license) via flickr.com

It wouldn’t be a proper trip to London without gazing down the Thames from Tower Bridge and snapping some photos. After all, its imposing Gothic towers and ornate drawbridge (raised to let boats through) make up one of the city’s most iconic sights. While you’re there, you can find out more about the structure at the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Venture across the bridge into the Tower of London, shudder at its gory history and gasp at the opulent Crown Jewels. Why not take a boat down the river from the nearby Tower Millennium Pier and see the city from a different perspective? You’ll drift past the imposing HMS Belfast - the former warship’s now a floating museum, and you can explore its nine decks and Operations Room.

Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Photo credit: Abir Anwar (license) via flickr.com

This is the most famous bridge in this gorgeous city. Emperor Hadrian commissioned it as an approach to his mausoleum in 136, but it’s the angel sculptures along the parapets to whom today’s travellers pay their respects. Designed by Bernini in the 17^th century, they tell you the story of Jesus’ crucifixion as you drift across the River Tiber.

The bridge leads you to the monumental Castel Sant’Angelo, which has served as everything from a prison to a papal residence. You can admire the vast collection of Renaissance paintings and pottery, and take in the lavish apartments (plus torture chamber). The views from the ramparts towards the Vatican City are stunning. If they inspire you, you might want to take the quick walk to the mighty St Peter’s Basilica and the legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

Photo credit: Mark Dodd (license) via flickr.com

You’ve seen plenty of images, but nothing can prepare you for the reality of Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s so astonishingly familiar and so amazingly grand that you’ll struggle to take your eyes off it. If you have a head for heights, why not climb all the way to the summit? Alternatively, get out on the water to see the bridge across the harbour, or take to the skies on a helicopter tour and feel your jaw drop at the breathtaking bird’s eye views.

Back on dry land, watch the sun set over the harbour from one of the Opera House’s bars as you savour a chilled glass of white wine from the Hunter Valley. The nearby Botanic Gardens make a tranquil oasis where you can take the sun and relax. When you’re re-energised, how about hiking along the coast from Bondi to Coogee? There are idyllic beaches with perfect surf and glittering rock pools to explore on the way.

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, New England, USA

Photo credit: Beth Stiner (license) via Wikimedia Commons

Covered bridges are among New England’s most iconic and cherished structures. Ten thousand reputedly dotted the countryside in the nineteenth century, but it’s estimated that less than 2,000 remain today. The Cornish-Windsor Bridge in New England is the country’s longest example and most impressive survivor: step back in time as you move over the wooden floorboards and absorb its simple beauty.

You can investigate these charming constructions fully at the Vermont Covered Bridge Museum in the southwest of the state, which features displays on the builders and designers behind the bridges. There’s more for fans of New England style at nearby Bennington’s Old First Church, with its classic white weatherboard exterior. Renowned poet Robert Frost is buried in the cemetery here. You can also soak up the atmosphere of the historic Park-McCullough mansion near the town centre.

Leonardo's Bridge, Ås, Norway

Photo credit: Åsmund Ødegård (license) via Wikimedia Commons

Leonardo da Vinci designed a bridge to link Europe and Asia, submitting his proposals to the Turkish sultan in 1502. They were rejected at the time and remained a simple sketch in one of Leonardo’s notebooks. His vision finally came to life 500 years later and 1,500 miles further north than originally planned in Ås, Norway. You can stroll across the elegant wooden structure and admire Leonardo’s lovely blend of function and form.

While you’re there, discover what today’s scientists are studying at the nearby Vitenparken green science centre, where you can catch an exhibition on climate change or another environmental project. For more green research, the neighbouring Norskogarboretet (arboretum) offers you 70 species of forest trees to admire.

Guest Post: Weird and Wonderful Restaurants Around the World

I am always looking for new places to visit, so when Holiday Lettings contacted me about a guest post featuring weird and wonderful restaurants around the world, I knew this was right up my alley.

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Have you ever eaten underwater or in a gorgeous grotto? You could next time you’re away. Holiday Lettings serves up quirky restaurants from Alnwick to Zanzibar that you’ll never forget.

The Rock - Zanzibar, Tanzania

Photo credit: Rod Waddington (license) via flickr.com

It may look like a fisherman’s hut that’s been washed up on a rock, but The Rock is actually a seriously good seafood restaurant. So take your pick of lobster or tiger prawn dishes and sit back; you can hear the soothing sound of the sea and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

A boat takes you back to gorgeous Michanwi Pingwe beach, an amazing spot to watch the stars come out. Why not explore the area’s fascinating environment with a hike through the local mangrove forests? Fans of the great outdoors will also love the stand up paddling trips organised by SURF Zanzibar.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Rangali Island, Maldives

Photo credit: Courtesy of TripAdvisor.co.uk

Descend into a wonderful underwater world at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Rangali Island. Diners are surrounded by glass walls offering vistas of vivid coral gardens and tropical fish. If you can tear your eyes away from the view, you can dig into delicacies from caviar to foie gras.

If you’ve been inspired by the marine life you spotted at dinner, you can delve deep into the waters on a tour with a local dive centre; Island Divers on Dhigurah to the east of Rangali is a popular option. It’s also worth hopping over to neighbouring Nalaguraidhoo to soak up some sun and sip cocktails on the tropical beaches.

The Treehouse Restaurant at the Alnwick Garden Centre – Alnwick, UK

Photo credit: Rodney M Glasgow via TripAdvisor.com

Ever dreamed of eating way up in the branches? Then stride over the rickety rope bridge and creaking walkways through the canopy to The Treehouse Restaurant. Check out the trees jutting up through the floor and warm yourself by the blazing log fire before digging into the seasonal dishes.

When you’ve eaten, take a moment to take in the surrounding gardens with their massive delphiniums and toxic plants. Next stop, neighbouring Alnwick Castle, the star of a Harry Potter film. If you’re interested in history, you’ll have a great time discovering Alnwick’s past at the Bailiffgate Museum in the town centre.

Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, Italy

Photo credit: Maty53mi via TripAdvisor.co.uk

This may just be the world’s most romantic restaurant. A spiral staircase hewn into the rock leads you down into a beautiful grotto. Watery reflections from the tables’ twinkling lights and stunning views over the Mediterranean complete this perfect dining scene.

How about working off the meal with a walk through the quaint streets of Polignano a Mare? It might leave you with enough room for a delicious ice cream at Irvi's Cafe Gelateria. Alternatively, you can get out on the water on a boat tour of dramatic caves and grottoes along the coast.

Dans le Noir – Paris, France

Photo credit: excusesexcuses via TripAdvisor.co.uk

Sensory deprivation is on the menu at Dans le Noir, where you dine in total darkness. Apparently the flavours of the food will seem more intense when you taste this way - can you identify the ingredients of the mystery dishes?

You’ll definitely want your vision back if you head to the nearby Pompidou Centre to see the excellent collection of modern paintings. You could then treat yourself to a funky piece of jewellery at Les Expressives boutique down the road. And the ancient Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles Church, an easy walk away, is a terrific place for a moment of contemplation.

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Note: This is not a sponsored post, and the topic was selected by me.