Trump Soho

The plan is to find and rent an apartment in the city to use on weekends and when the kids are not in school. For the amount of times we travel into the city, it would be way more cost-effective to get a place.  It is a future plan, not a happening-this-second plan. A few things need to happen in order for that to happen.

So until then, hotels are where it is at. Trump Soho was the last stay. I have to be honest, I dragged my heels on this one. I had my reasons, but I was pleasantly surprised. I always said I would never stay there, but you know what they say, never say never.

The trough sink in the bath was freaking amazing. No seriously. My next home I want the faucets from the wall and a trough sink. I have been saying it for years. Off the hook I tell ya’.

The pool bar area was sparse and crisp. The only bling was the lighting fixtures.

Blurry picture. The credenza’s details were lovely. The simple arrangement is spot on.

The lobby.

I would stay there again. I have to say I am more of The Bowery Hotel kind of gal, but the service and attention to detail by the staff was impeccable. The location is what I would say is “our home away from home”. The room was extremely clean. It passed all my cleaning check points. I felt comfortable and relaxed. I cannot compliment the staff enough. They were stellar.

I guess it is true, never say never.

About these ads

Boca Firsts

Well our trip to Boca had a lot of firsts.

It was the first time I drove a mini van. Please do not hate me. And it was the first time we ever had a flat tire in a mini van.

It was the first time S floated in a pool without crying! We actually couldn’t get him out of the pool. He had a love hate relationship with pools after I enrolled him in swim class last year. It was not a good scene. I think he really likes to do things on his own terms, and I get it. So now, he loves the pool again.

It was the first time Miss F took a ride on a Merry Go Around.

We went to a neat museum that had robots, R2D2, exhibits on gravity and simple machines.

We actually got a group shot where we were all looking. That is a first.

Last year, I took the kids to the beach almost every day. Miss F was so small then, that she never even touched the sand. This year she walked in it and loved it! I think our future beach endeavors will be ones that she will love.

Every morning, we would go to the same Boca Beach House for breakfast. We became “regulars” and the kids really liked Leslie who was the heart and soul of the place.

This get-away from reality vacation was a very necessary thing. Did you go anywhere for a break from reality?

Vacation Home

So here is where we stayed while we were in Boca Raton. Last year we took an RV down to Boca Raton to see one of my dearest friends. The trip was one to remember, one for the fact that we survived in that thing and the second because we were able to hang with our friends.  One the way back home, we stayed in Charleston. That city is magical.

We took an RV on a whim because Miss F was too young in our opinion to fly. I would reconsider that if I was in the same position. The ride was so bumpy, amusement ride bumpy, but it was a ride that I could not get off. At one point, when we were near Newark, I was like I am outta here. Book me a flight. This is not happening. I held Miss F the entire way. No Joke. Cradled her head because I was afraid the vibration and bumps would damage her. I was tired and spent. What can I say. When that part is retold, it has everyone in stitches. I was a mess.

So this time around, we booked a home. We figured that it would be less than what a suite would cost and when considering the amount of money we would spend on food at a resort, this was the route for us. We could walk to the beach. We cooked. Kept a routine for the baby and we had room to do our own thing. Priceless.

We had room to move. We packed considerably less because we could do laundry at the home. We grocery shopped and ate at the neighborhood beach diner. We got to know the store and restaurant owners and staff. We really felt at home.

This was one of those times when you really wished vacation was a bit longer. Until next year.

A Look at Easter

Well, our vacation was just what it was supposed to be. Relaxing and fun. We spent Easter morning with our friends who hosted an Easter Breakfast. Delicious.

The rest of the day pretty much consisted of sitting by the pool, eating good food, and yummy ice cream, and trying to get back on my feet. Being under the weather since November, it was refreshing to say the least. I am still not on my feet, but getting away from reality was very much needed.

Here are some snapshots of our Easter in Boca.

The kids had a blast searching for their Easter Eggs in a new location. All the nooks and crannies of the rental home were fun for them to explore.

S loved the pool. He was in there all day and night. The pool had these neon lights that you could turn on at night. The kids thought that was amazing.

Trying to get a picture of Miss P in mid air while she jumped into the pool was nearly impossible. I have about 50 of these splash pictures. She thinks they are cool.

On our afternoon walk, we came across this tree. The trunk was something we have never seen before. It looked like a sculpture.

Easter 2012 was relaxing and chill.  I hope you had a fabulous Easter with your friends and families.

Packing for a trip outta here

I love stacks of vintage suitcases.

How do you pack for a vacation? Do you wing it and do it the night before? Do you make a list and stick to it? Do you pack a lot and then edit as the departure date approaches?

Before I had my children, I would pack the day before and pack a lot. After I had children, I changed my routine. I pack them first. I pack myself after, but I edit all of us as the date approaches. We decided for our family, that renting a home or suite that comes with a washer and dryer is the best idea for us. Now, I pack even less. I actually share a suitcase with my youngest two children.

Traveling with young children can be a bit nerve bending. I try to limit the suitcases because we are dealing with carseat and a stroller. This year I am thinking we will take a carseat on the plane for Miss F to sit in instead of checking it. I have a feeling she will be a wiggle worm and she is more content in her seat. It should be interesting walking through the airport lugging it, but I think it will make for a more chill flight.

I am  in the process now of packing- a week in advance. I have everything laid out and will edit as the week goes. When I pack, I plan outfits and items that are interchangeable. We rarely go anywhere cold while we are on vacation, so the bulky items stay home.

This year we are renting a home on the beach. We are pretty excited about this and are eagerly awaiting the warmer weather, pool and beach as a backyard.

image 1 via pinterest