4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide to help you plan your upcoming trip around Los Angeles and nearby cities. So this trip has been on my bucket list for a long time now. I have been living in the USA for 14 years and been in and out to tour other countries but haven’t been to the west coast particularly California.

I have been hearing a lot of good things about this state, its beauty and the laid back vibe as well as the perfect weather! Finally we were able to visit as we scheduled it for our 16th wedding anniversary. We planned it as a long weekend trip, mind you we are from Maryland. Since it is a long travel, I looked for non stop flights from DC to LAX so we will be able to maximize our days when we get there.

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO EAT

Day 1

We took an early flight out of DC straight to LA and touched down at noon time. We still have a plenty of time to roam around the nearby area. I already booked a rental car that will be delivered at the airport upon arrival using the turn app, It was easy peasy and very convenient! When we left the airport we went straight to the famous IN and OUT Burger to see what all the hype is all about since we are early to check in to our hotel. It was alright! I still prefer Shake shack 🙂  Then we decided to check out Rodeo Drive since I already wanted to shop. driving in Southern California

Rodeo Drive

Our eyes was stunned by all the cars around the area, it just look like everybody drives those luxurious cars that you would only normally see on TV. So I did some shopping and got me the YSL medium Kate bag to treat myself. We then had another snack as this cafe nearby and then took off to check in to our hotel.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at the Hollywood area and I chose to book this boutique hotel called Tommie Hollywood. It was walking distance to Hollywood walk of fame and from the hotel roof top, you can see the Hollywood sign. So then we freshen up to relax but my husband got an invite from his long time childhood friend to meet with us at a Filipino Bar called Noypitz. Then off we went and fin ally was able to use my new purchase to complete my outfit.

Day 2

Joshua Tree National Park 

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide Joshua Tree National Park

In our itinerary, this day is to meet up my college GF with her family and have brunch then visit the Joshua Tree National Park which is 2 hours away from LA. So we left early, we had a beautiful weather, sunny cold in the morning and warmed up in the afternoon. We had brunch at JT country kitchen and we love the food then went to Joshua Tree National park to explore the area. I suggest you fill up your tank as this park is huge! We did not get to go around the whole park but was able to see a lot of beautiful hiking trails.

Pioneertown 

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

After Joshua tree we then went to Pioneertown which looks like a set of the wild Wild West. I really enjoyed it and met some other friends there. I even dressed up to fit in the background. They have shops and restaurant there but we did not stay longer as there was not much to see.

We then drove to check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, We were not able to see much since we got there late and its dark already. I suggest to go there probably before sunset to enjoy the view. There were a lot of hikers If you like hiking. We then had dinner there with our friends and went separate ways afterwards.

Day 3

Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu 

Griffith Observatory

On this day we then met with another girlfriend of mine who recently moved here from Maryland. She then gave us a tour and went straight to Griffith Observatory and we were able to see the Hollywood sign there closer. It was a free museum just make sure you have your vaccination card so you can enter.

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide 4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

We then went to check out the streets with palms (instagrammble spots) and we headed to the Sta. Monica Pier for Lunch and ate at a Mexican restaurant there and tried walking around the boardwalk, bright some gifts for the kids and then drove to Malibu to check it our and went sight seeing.

4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide Sta. Monica beach 4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide

Day 4

We went to eat at In and Out Burger again to see if it taste much better but still, I love Shake Shack! Then we went on a sightseeing trip going back to the airport driving around some cliffs and it was amazing! We then returned the rental car and went to the airport!

We were able to do a lot in those 4 days well actually 3 days because the first and last day was held day travel. So I recommend getting a straight flight to maximize your stay.

Simply,

Christianne

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9 Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

 

Family vacation

 

DETAILS: STRIPE DRESS/ BUCKET BAG/ HAT/ SANDALS

 

Hello everyone! And welcome back. Today, I am reminiscing about my family trip to Ocean City, Maryland. We loved our trip so much a couple of years back, we will definitely be visiting again. 

There are so many things I love to share to all of you about our family trip to Ocean City, Maryland. We have not been here in like 4 years and here was the post from 4 years ago. For everyone asking on my Instagram, we stayed in this newly opened Aloft Ocean City. The whole family really enjoyed and I know you will too because of all of the reasons I will mention here….

By the way, if you are on the hunt for a cute vacation outfit, see the outfit I wore above. It was very simple, but very comfortable and flattering. I especially love the hat to protect my face and eyes. And the shoes were surprisingly comfortable for my pregnant feet.  

9 REASONS TO STAY AT ALOFT OCEAN CITY

1. Accommodations.

The front desk is easy to find and you can ask them for anything! The rooms are very stylish and the interior is just superb, not just for adults but for everyone! Each room features bright white linens and black detailing for a very modern look. You will also find hints of yellow, orange, navy blue, pink, green, and so on in the rugs, couches, etc. The colors make for a very exciting stay.

The beds were super comfy, we got the 2 queen size bed with the Bay view. And I can not lie, the view was spectacular. They even have a Teepee tent for the kids and comes with disposable 3 in 1 toy to play with. How fun? Our everyday view in the balcony was so relaxing facing the waterfront seeing all those people jetskiing, parasailing, canoeing and paddle boarding.

2. Dogs stay free.

Aloft Ocean City graciously allows 1 pet per room with a max weight limit of 40 lbs. This is very convenient for solo travellers, couples, and even families that have a pet you would rather keep nearby. They even have food in the common areas for the dogs. How considerate?

We just didn’t take Mojo with us as we already have 2 kids to take care off. Lol! But, we will keep this in mind if we ever stay in this specific hotel again. 

3. Dining.

They have 3 dining options, the Re-fuel open 24 hours and WXYZ Lounge open for dinner with bar and Liquid Therapy for the open bar in the outdoor pool area. Between the different menu’s there is always something different to try. 

At the WXYZ Lounge, you will find a menu of American food. The dress code is casual and they have live music during the summer. The Re-fuel is full of grab & go meals, and other essentials you might require during your stay. Hit the Re-fuel on the way out on your busy day. Or, use the Re-fuel as a quick way to grab breakfast. A Liquid Therapy, you will also find American Food, as well as cocktails and other beverages, just by the pool this time. 

So if you just wanna stay in and don’t go anywhere you are covered. You wouldn’t be hungry. The location of the hotel is close to other outside restaurants if you want to try something else.

Just nearby, you can find:

4. Complimentary use of Beach Cruiser.

Not many hotels even offer bike rentals, but Ocean City Aloft offers complimentary use of beach cruisers! Wow! They are available for use from 7am-8pm on weekdays and Sundays. We were unable to use this benefit because I wouldn’t be able to bike. But this is something we will surely do next time when we come back after having baby Andi.

5. Complimentary Water Taxi Ride to/from Seacrets Jamaica USA

If you enjoy drinking and/or partying at a bar, you can catch a free water taxi to and from Seacrets Jamaica USA. “A lively waterfront nightspot with several dance floors, tropical cocktails & Caribbean-inspired eats.” This is only weather permitting, of course. 

 

9 Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

 

Aloft Ocean City amenities

 

sunset in Aloft

 

6. Indoor and Outdoor Pool.

Ocean City Aloft offers both an indoor and outdoor pool option. This is really great in case you plan on visiting Maryland in the Fall or Winter. The indoor pools are good to use when it is chilly to swim outside like what happened to us on the second day. I know that my kids appreciated still being able to swim and play in the water. The outdoor pool has nice bar were you can order mocktails, cocktails and some sandwiches when you are hungry. Very convenient. It is by the bay and has the best Sunset view.

 

Kids indoor activities

 

oversized jenga

 

9 Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

 

7. Activities.

Ocean City Aloft even has a game room where they have different board games and big sized Jenga and Connect 4. The kids loved playing here, and it was nice to not have to pack so many games and entertainment because it was built-in. They also have a billiards, which is very nice for adults who like to play as well. After all, it is vacation. They offer rentals for canoe and paddle boarding as well which we would have tried if I wasn’t pregnant. 

Ocean City Aloft also offers different special events throughout the year. Just to name a few, they have the Winterfest of Lights, Cheers to the New Year, the Big Gatsby Party, and Hit the Jackpot in Ocean City. 

8. Gym.

I never got the chance to workout but my husband did. It is very nice when hotels have nice, clean gyms so that we don’t have to skip our workouts. Staying in our routine during travel is one way we burn off extra steam and stay feeling healthy throughout our vacations. Although chasing around other children is a workout in itself as well. Anyway, my husband said that in the gym at Aloft Ocean City, they own some of the coolest equipment to have, even state of the art equipment like the Peloton.

 

Aloft beach

 

child building sand wall

 

9 Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

 

9 Reasons to Stay at Aloft Ocean City

 

DETAILS: SWIMSUIT

 

9. The Beach.

The beach is just 2 blocks walking distance from the hotel and can be seen from our floor. Very close and very doable, even while pregnant. The kids really enjoyed the beach as they were able to build sand castles and boogie board. At the beach there are a lot of water sports you can try like parasailing if you are adventurous. 

When taking the children to the beach for the day, I recommend bringing some toys for building castles and playing. As well as some chairs, umbrellas, towels, plenty of sunscreen, and some ice cold drinks. Oh, and don’t forget the snacks. Snacks come in handy for everyone and ensure you can beat the heat, adults included. 

Family-friendly activities in Ocean City, Maryland:

  • Old Pro Golf: A fun filled day of mini-golf in an expertly designed indoor course that features Prehistoric Dinosaur and Undersea Adventure. Check out the specials to get a deal on your day of fun. 
  • Jolly Roger Amusement Park: An amusement park fit for the whole family. Attractions within the park include roller coasters, zip lines, swings, and GoKarts. Very fun!
  • Frontier Town Western Theme Park: This Western Theme Park is very cool and very fun. It was built in 1959 by Bill Pacey and Bill Paten. And it is meant to represent a replica of the old Western towns in the 1880s. Here, you just might come across some Western inspired dancing and even a play pretend bank robbery. As well as train rides, stagecoaches, pony riding and camping, and even a water park. 
I hope I was able to give beautiful insights about our recent stay here. You can take my word for it.

Other than these nine reasons to visit Ocean City, Maryland, you can expect great and free wifi 24/7. This is true in the rooms, in the dining areas, in the arcades, and even by the pool. They also offer express check-in for those that need it, as well as conference rooms for businesses to hold meetings, parties, and conferences. 

Aside from the restaurants located on-site and nearby the hotel, you can also order cooked-to-order breakfasts. So yummy and so fresh. Breakfast is available daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee. But when you smell how good the breakfast smells as you venture downstairs, you will want to try some for yourself for sure. 

The nearest Airport is Salisbury Airport. It is a 30 mins drive away and unfortunately, Aloft Ocean City does not have a shuttle to and form the airport. But with such a short distance, an Uber should relatively inexpensive if you decide not to bring a car. They offer on site self-parking, as well as charging stations for electric vehicles. 

If you have any more questions about Ocean City Aloft and our time there, drop them below! 

 

Simply,

 

Christianne

 

Photos: Novel (my better half)

 

This post is in partnership with Aloft Ocean City. All opinions are my own.

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A Winery to Visit in the DMV

A Winery to Visit in the DMV

SHOP THE POST: SIMILAR DRESS BELOW

If you are looking for a place to go with friends with good view, live music and good wine, this place is a good winery to visit in the DMV. Since my girlfriends and I haven’t been out just girls trip we really enjoyed chit chatting here while sipping some wine.

Let me tell you about the place, in case you are looking for a winery if you live around the DMV. We went here at Stone Tower winery in Leesburg, VA. It is an hour away from DC, southern MD and northern VA area. There was a $6.50 toll fee along the way, but the place was worth all of it!

When we got there, I already thought this will look even better come fall so we surely will comeback! so Before you enter the parking lot there was a staff greeting everyone coming in and explaining where to park and What to do and where to stay and will hand a brochure with their menu.

My friend called ahead of time to see if we need reservations since it was 5 of us. They needed reservation to access the main Stone tower Winery area which was only accessible for their wine club members for now. But for walk ins, they offer their Harvest barn area and he menu was mostly barbecue.

A Winery to Visit in the DMV

So the first place to access was the harvest barn as you can see behind me, this is where you can order your wine and some merchandise, cheese and stuff. You can also sit inside and chit chat there. When we came in, there was a live music in from of the barn facing their outdoor patio were most people sit and chit chat because the view is much nicer outdoors. You can also bring your dogs as I see a lot of dog owner with their pets, such a huge winery. They also offer weddings in case you are looking for one. A Winery to Visit in the DMV

We ordered chicken wings, salt, ribs and Mac and cheese as those were the choices in their barbecue menu. We tried different wines they have 4 items 2 red wines, 2 white wine and 2 rosé. We fell in love with the Rosé so we ended up ordering one big bottle, It was good for 5 people even though it was huge. Good enough to last us for about 4 and half hours chit chatting while sipping.

A Winery to Visit in the DMV

They offer a tour in the vineyard but we did not do it, as you can see behind me the plus place is huge. And there were a lot of spots to sit down and chit chat. They also have a pop up flower store were you can buy fresh flowers. A Winery to Visit in the DMV

A Winery to Visit in the DMV

Also my dress here was not in stock and they have a new version here with long sleeves. Also around the DMV if you are looking for other places to go check out this post.

 

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How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings

How We Are Saving on Hotel BookingsHow We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings

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Before this Summer ends, my goal is to be able to continue to enjoy small perks like staycations for the family.  They have the best price possible compared to all hotel bookings combined!

Now I told you how top save on hotel booking, now let me brag about this Hotel that we stayed in Washington, DC. This is the second hotel we stayed at in the Nation’s Capital, the First was the Kimpton Hotel.

Every time I book a hotel, I always look for the amenities for the kids because it is their happy place. So when I saw Hotel Zena and its gorgeous roof top pool. I booked it right away and it did not disappoint, it is so beautiful. They also offer Z shed where you can rent board games, Nintendo switch which the kids enjoyed as the pool closed early on Sunday. They also have a billiards table were me and Novel was able to enjoy as well.How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings

How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings

As for the The Hotel, it is part Art Museum and part hotel. You can find a big wall art of RBG, it is actually made of tampons and the reception desk has all these fabulous heels. and all around you can see all the beautiful art work. You do not want to come out of the hotel because of its beauty.

They also have a bar inside and roof top lounge but we did not get to enjoy it because it was close on Sundays. They open on Tuesdays were they have most patrons as per the receptionist. The staff also I wanna say was very friendly, helpful and accommodating! That even made our stay lovely!

As for the rooms, we love the bed it is so comfy and also the bathroom! It was al gorgeous and at the same time very functional, we got the city view!

SHOP THIS DRESS HERE!

Around the area, they have restaurants close by but we just had our food delivered through uber eats, we really did not want to come out more than we we are supposed too. We just enjoyed outside to see the surroundings which is the beautiful Thomas circle! They have a park in the middle were we see a lot of dog mom and dads.

We were supposed to try the scooter to ride around DC but we were not lucky to find one that is close to us. We will surely try it on our next staycation adventure again here in DC as I mention because I can save a lot from books through Staypia. You can now download their app through Google play store and apple App Store and it is free, signing up is free as well so you get to enjoy the member price discount which is huge!!

I hope I was able to share to all you who loves to travel and stay in hotel about this website and also to share to you about this beautiful hotel that you may want to check out.

How We Are Saving on Hotel Bookings

Thank you for stopping by and see you on our next staycation… I promise it will be worth your while if you are planning on staying in a Hotel in DC.

Simply,

Christianne

 

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Family Day Trip St. Michael’s Island

A Family Day trip at St. Michael’s Island was needed, Since the pandemic started we have been visiting nearby small towns just to see what they have to offer. We have been living in Maryland for 13 years now and we are still yet to explore all its beauty so let me introduce to you this another must see place in Maryland. Family Day Trip St. Michael's Island

SHOP MY OUTFIT:

DRESS/ SANDALS/ BAG

THINGS TO DO:

  1. VISIT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM

Family Day Trip St. Michael's Island
At the Maritime Museum

We started checking out their Maritime Museum were they showcased all the boats in the marina, how they make them, boats for crabbing, also the history of the town..

Checking out all the different ducks around the Chesapeake Bay

Bike rentals

You can also explore the town biking and they have these bike rentals for you. This just reminded me of our recent trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. You can find these bikes at the Maritime Museum. It is a big area with clustered museums inside from how to build a boat and all other important history of the time. Surrounding it is the Marina and all those beautiful Yacht and Boat and they also offer boat trips that are around 45 mins long. We were suppose to do it but it was so hot that day that we will not survive it with the kids starting to feel tired.

2. STAY AT THE INNS – AIDA VICTORIANA INN

Family Day Trip St. Michael's Island
This is the Aida Victoriana Inn near the museum and the bay

Check them out if you wanna stay in the island. We stayed outside the island near Annapolis as we also wanted to explore Annapolis after.

3. EAT CRABS! We ate at the claw, it is by the Marina and you can dine indoors and outdoors. You will love the view as it is next to the water and of course your Maryland experience is not complete without eating crabs! We ate the the CRAB CLAW, try reserving if you want to come. They were short staffed that day as most places nowadays due to pandemic just to be sure you get accommodated.

There were a lot of restaurants around so if you do not eat crabs nothing to worry about.

Family Day Trip St. Michael's Island
It was Andi’s nap time around the time when we were exploring their downtown and their cute shops.

Family Day Trip St. Michael's Island
Shops downtown

4. EXPLORE THEIR SHOPS

Here are some of the shops around the town were you can find cute items, memorabilias..

5. WINERY

In case you did not know, they have brewery and winery around so you can also add that to your list. So if you are looking for something new to explore.. this is the place for you.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope I was able to give you guidance on this trip if you are planning to visit.

Simply,

Christianne

 

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Why Take a Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

It has been 2 weeks since we left Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. It was really such a relaxing and fun experience for the whole family staying there.  The main reason why we ended up visiting the island in the first place because I got this deal on the internet for $99 for 4D/3N, the catch we have to attend a 90 min preview to a timeshare they will sell us, so why will I not get it right? SC is an 8 hour drive from Maryland so its wasn’t that bad and there are a lot more reasons…..  So why take a family Vacation at Hilton Head Island?

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head IslandSHOP THE POST:

ROMPER/ SANDALS

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

  1. Family Friendly Place

When you got around the whole island. The most you will see are the happy faces of families going to the beach together, biking , eating out, going to the park, kayaking, paddle boarding and so on… I see a lot not just their immediate family but with their grandmas and grandpa’s too!

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

2.  Hotels

As we explore the island, we noticed that it is small and the hotel are mostly walking, biking distance to the beach or the bay side to enjoy the waters. The hotel we stayed at isn’t bad but not the best either I am gonna be honest, It was 5 mins drive to the beach. The Hotel we had the preview for the Timeshare was the bomb! They have 2 properties in the island one next to the bay and one next to the beach so you have best of both worlds there.

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island
This is the hotel pool were we stayed

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island
This is the Hotel by the bay were they were selling the timeshare.

3. Restaurants

A lot of restaurants around that are driving, biking and walking distance to each other. The 2 that we went to that we recommend are the Big Bamboo that is walking distance from the Coligny Beach and The Black Marlin Bayside Grill  which is next to the bay. Both have good food and have live musics!

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

4. Bike Rentals

If you and your family love to bike around together like we do then this is another highlight of the trip. The island has a good bike trail that can give you a tour of the island. We only rented the bike for 4 hours just to go around and they have the carriage for And to sit. Some of our hotel neighbors rented a bike the whole stay as their means to go around.Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

5. The Beach

The beach is 12 mile long and has a long and beautiful shoreline. You can do a lot of things on the beach aside from swimming, playing in the sand, paddle boarding… We saw kite surfing for the first time! You can also bike on the beach, we saw some Yoga class happening too and some swim team practicing. The water was refreshing and the waves are just perfect! We mainly went to Coligny beach were they also have a small park and has beautiful free public parking which we haven’t seen being packed, We were always able to find parking!

Why Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head IslandWhy Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head IslandWhy Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head IslandWhy Take A Family Vacation at Hilton Head Island

I hope I was able to give some insights if you are thinking of going. Let me know if you have other questions and I will be happy to answer them. In case you are looking somewhere local to go here and here are some of them.

Also here are some of the outfits I wore here.

thank you so much for stopping by and have a nice weekend!

Simply,

Christianne

 

 

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Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland

Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland

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ON ME: CARDIGAN/ BAG/ SUNGLASSES/ SHOES/ TANK TOP

ON ANDI: LONG SLEEVE SHIRT/ SHOES 

Today’s feature post on our Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland. This is an hour away from southern Maryland were we live. Hubby and I decided to try to explore neighboring towns since we are not near travelling by plane anywhere due to the pandemic. This way, we keep sane and able to enjoy the outdoors while we still can. Since the experts says outdoor is still the safest, wearing a mask and washing or sanitizing hands.

Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland

Last weekend, we decided to visit Howard County and it is few minutes away from Baltimore City. We started by checking out their Centennial park. It was a lovely weather close to the 80’s and a lot of people in the park but since it was a huge park. Physical distancing were practiced and we all get to enjoy the nice weather. They have a lake so if own a kayak or boat you can ride it there. They have a huge field to play a lot of things with your family and friends. Basket ball, volleyball, tennis, Pavilions a bike and a walking trail.

Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, MarylandFamily Field Trip: Ellicott City, MarylandFamily Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland

 

After we explored their park, we drove a few minutes to check out the Historic Ellicott, City. It was a nice little City with small shops, restaurants, street performers and they have nice murals. We enjoyed looking into the Main Street, we got some cute items from one shop there, we ate at a Japanese restaurant, they offer outdoor Patio dining. There was a distillery were you get to see what they have, a lot of cute instagrammable spaces.

Family Field Trip: Ellicott City, Maryland

 

This has now become are family bonding every week. Last week we went to check out Thurmont, Maryland and took a picture at their famous Loys Station covered bridge. Trying to stay outdoors while we still can.

Stay safe and healthy and see you again on the next post.

Simply,

Christianne

 

 

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Fall Style in Old Town Alexandria

Fall Style in Old Town Alexandria
Fall Style in Old Town Alexandria

SHOP THE LOOK:

THAKOON TRENCH COAT SIMILAR HERE

STRADIVARIUS SWEATSHIRT (OLD) SIMILAR HERE

H&M HIGH WAIST JEANS

LOUIS VUITTON BAG SIMILAR HERE

FRANCO SARTO KNEE HIGH BOOTS

It was a lovely weekend to walk around Old Town Alexandria. Fall Style in Old Town Alexandria, wearing this trench coat perfect for the setting in the middle of this cobble stone street. It was a bit cloudy and cold too. So I decided to wear this trench coat (no longer available) and my current favorite Franco Sarto knee high boots. I know already that I will blend in with the perfect Fall vibes of this small city.

We walked around Lee street and came across Prince street with its beautiful cobble stone street. It felt like I was walking on the streets of Europe. There were a lot of family taking Fall family pictures, a lot of tourist and some pre nup photo sessions around us.

The trench coat gave me the perfect layering on top of my sweatshirt. Another thought that came into my mind when in Europe were people wear trench coats and walking on cobble stones. Also the leaves on the ground made a really perfect Foliage. We were in Italy exactly a year ago and it was perfect. It was not crowded but it was rainy for some reasons.

So if you are here in the DC area visiting, make sure to stop by this place and it will never disappoint. There are a lot of small shops and coffee shop and restaurants around and nice hotels. This is also close to the Potomac river if you want some water front view.

And in case you are looking for coats and another place to see close to DC area,check out this post. I was wearing a mustard coat that is so soft here perfect for Fall and Winter weather.

Happy Monday and wishing you all a good week ahead. Thank you dfor stopping by!

Simply,

Christianne

Photos: Novel (my better half)

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Family Road Trip To Shenandoah

Family Road Trip To Shenandoah sharing the best view to see the Fall colors. This place is about 2 and half hours away from DC metro area. Planning a day trip is not that bad with all the gorgeous Foliage you will see there and along the way.

Along the way, we had stumbled to this small town to eat brunch. We ate at the Tula Bar and restaurant in Washington, VA. This was about 30 mins away from the skyline drive. This town has a lot of gallery to check out and the Fall colors here are just so gorgeous too.

Family Road Trip To Shenandoah

SHOP THE LOOK:

CHECK COAT

RAILS SWEATER

CHINESE LAUNDRY OVER THE KNEE BOOTS (OLD) SIMILAR HERE

KAREN WALKER SUNNIES

H&M HIGH WAISTED JEANS SIMILAR HERE

We were suppose to go here the weekend before because it was the peak but it was a rainy weekend. It wasn’t a good idea then. Yesterday was a cold but very sunny day, perfect to go see the Fall colors of the mountain at Shenandoah before it is gone.

We had a rainy and windy week and some of the trees already lost their leaves but as you can see here. We were stay able to get to see the beauty of it all. We went here before probably about 4 years ago with family friends. This time we want my in laws to get to see the beauty of it.

We got here 3o mins before sunset and the colors are just perfect. It was so sunny that the colors would be washed out if we captured it at that time. This tunnel here is picture worthy, I tried so fast to get a a quick shot before cars starts coming.

And it’s a wrap! The moon is just as gorgeous as ever here. Check out the photos of us here that I posted four years ago.

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Tulip Festival in Virginia

SHOP THE LOOK:

TARGET YELLOW MAXI DRESS

TARGET STRAW HAT

DKNY HANDBAG (OLD) SIMILAR HERE

KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES

STEVE MADDEN SLIDES (OLD) SIMILAR HERE

Tulip Festival in Virginia when you are unable to see the original Holland tulips and this is 45 mins away from Washington, DC. I have been seeing a lot of post of Holland tulips and of course it expensive to travel to Europe just to see it. Then I googled tulip farm around me and found this gem of beautiful flowers.

So if you live in the DC, MD, VA (DMV) area then this is the place to be at if you are looking for beautiful tulips. We went a day after the peak bloom but they were still pretty. You can also pick your own flower which is $1 per piece. Admission fee is $8 on weekdays and $10 on weekends if you buy it online and $2 more when you buy it on the gate entrance. Check out www.burnsidefarms.com to check out their peak bloom. It usually is around April another nice flower sighting after the Cherry Blossom Festival.

As for the dress, It is very comfy and it is not a maternity dress but it runs big so it fit my bump just right. The straw hat was also very chic and under $15.

I hope I was able to inspire you with this post and see you again on the next blog post. Thank you for stopping by!

Simply,

Christianne

Photos: Novel (my better half)

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