FASHION FRIDAY: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS YOUR HEART?

On this blog, you'll find my ideas on where to jet set, but from time to time, you'll get my recommendations about interesting fashion ideas from around the globe as well. I recently learned about a fabulous jewelry designer from California named Maya Brenner. She creates everything from necklaces, to earrings, to bracelets...But, I absolutely fell in love with her State Necklaces. They come in either sterling silver or 14K gold, and you can also get them with or without a little diamond (Around $100-$300 depending on which state). Many celebrities have sported them, including Eva Longoria-Parker who says she wears hers (state of Texas) because no matter where she is in the world, "her heart is in Texas." Obviously, my heart is in New York, so that's the one I want. I can jet set anywhere now, and bring a bit of my hometown along with me! You can find Maya Brenner jewelry at finer boutiques in the U.S., the UK and Japan, or on her website.

HOME AWAY

This summer was the first time we ever gave Home Away a try...and I must say we loved it! We rented a house out in Wine Country on Long Island for the weekend and it was perfect and so easy. Home Away is a vacation rental website that has everything from houses, to apartments, to condos, to villas, to cabins, bungalows, even castles! They have homes in the U.S., Hawaii, The Caribbean, and around the world! I think it's a "smart" way to jet set because you can save a lot more money than renting a hotel room sometimes, plus it also gives you the feeling of living somewhere instead of just vacationing. It's so easy to rent a place...just 4 simple steps:
1- Search Rentals & Contact Owners - Make sure to contact multiple vacation homes regarding availability and price.
2- Select Rental and Secure Reservation - To secure the rental the property owner will request a deposit. Deposits range from 10% to 50% of the total rental rate.
3- Review, Sign & Send Owner's Agreement - You should receive a written agreement which includes arrival/departure dates, payment schedules, pet policies, as well as cancellation/refund terms and conditions.
4- Send Owner Final Payment - Full payment is generally expected prior to arrival. Submit all payments specified in the written agreement to avoid losing your reservation and/or deposit. Credit cards and Pay Pal are preferred payment methods.

We loved the entire process so much, that we are looking into doing it again when we jet set to California this year!

JET SET SWEETHEARTS: THE TIDES RIVIERA MAYA

One of my friends is getting set to walk down the aisle really soon. After the wedding, she and her fiance will be jet setting to The Tides in Riviera Maya, Mexico for their honeymoon. This is a beautiful and secluded resort that is described as the seductive resort counterpart of being invited to an exclusive private villa and stunning spa. This hotel is located on the Playa Del Carmen white sand beaches that spread out for seven miles. After the craziness of planning their wedding...this is where they'll get to relax while sipping Pina Coladas...And a honeymoon wouldn't be complete without a couple's massage in their gorgeous Maya Spa...Some of their villas come with private pools... And if you book one of their honeymoon packages, you will enjoy a bottle of champagne while dining by candlelight and overlooking the ocean...What most people don't realize about honeymooning in Mexico is that it's pretty easy to get to if you live in the U.S. From J.F.K. airport in New York City, it's only a 4 and 1/2 hour non-stop flight to Cancun. Once you arrive in Cancun, you can take a taxi- the drive is about 40 minutes.

There are two honeymoon package options at The Tides in Riviera Maya:
1- A Poetic Honeymoon Package:
- Six days and five nights in a Luxury Riviera Maya Villa with a private pool

- Round-trip transfers to and from the Cancun International Airport to Riviera Maya

- Daily Breakfast

- Fresh flowers upon arrival.
- 1 Asparalove massage for the couple in our special spa suite
- Good Wish Mayan Ceremony
- 1 Private, candle-light dinner in the villa
- 1 Bottle of Moet et Chandon for the private dinner

2- Timeless Honeymoon Package:

- Eight days and seven nights in a Luxury Riviera Maya Villa with a private pool

- Round-trip transfers to and from the Cancun International Airport

- Daily Breakfast
- Fresh flowers upon arrival
- 1 Asparalove massage for the couple in our special spa suite
- Performance of Good Wish Maya Ceremony
- 1 Private, candle-light dinner in the villa
- 1 Bottle of Dom Perignon for the first dinner
- Horseback riding for two

I can help you book your honeymoon package or vacation to The Tides in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Email me and let me know when you would like to jet set...

ICELAND EQUALS SAFELAND

In this crazy world we live in, safety is of the utmost importance to me when I travel. I have to say that when I was in Iceland, I felt very safe. In fact, Iceland has a relatively low crime rate according to the U.S. Department of State. One thing that reassured me of this when I was there was the abundance of baby carriages with babies inside of them outside of restaurants, coffee shops and stores. This is pretty typical in Scandinavia from what I've heard and read. Mothers and fathers will leave their little ones bundled up in their strollers while they go inside a venue to do whatever it is they are going to do. Nobody ever disturbs the carriages, and no one even seems to notice they are even there- except for the occasional American tourist (that would be me) who is not used to seeing such a thing on U.S. soil. I couldn't help but do a double-take the first few times I saw this, and even snapped a picture of this to show to you all. Could you imagine if someone did this in the U.S.? They would probably be arrested and have their baby taken away from them! It's nice to jet set to a place these days where you can feel so safe.

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE NAPA

Napa Valley is one of my all time favorite destinations in the U.S. I went out there a couple of years ago with one of my best friends and had an amazing time, but swore to myself that the next time I go it will definitely have to be with my husband. Napa is just so romantic. So when we do book our trip, the place where I want us to stay is The Wine Country Inn & Gardens.

The Wine Country Inn has been around since 1975 and is family owned and operated...I just love that because you always get the warmth and attention you deserve when you stay at a place like this. The inn is built well off the highway and is surrounded by vineyards. They have a pool, jacuzzi, spa, complimentary breakfast & afternoon appetizers as well as a free restaurant shuttle to take you into town so that you can relax, drink wine and not have to worry about driving. Rooms range from $250-$600 a night, depending on which room you choose and what time of year you jet set to Napa valley.

The Holidays are around the corner, so now is the perfect time to go...and take a look at the great things happening there this time of year:

October: There are still many days in the 80's & 90's temperature-wise...so take your bathing suit and enjoy the Napa Valley grape harvest while you're there.

November: The Inn holds its annual Ode to Olive celebration (November 19th-22nd) where you can taste different olives, olive oils and cheeses.

December: Head there for a romantic New Year's Eve celebration with your honey. They have a special dinner for $75 per person which includes a four-course meal with wine right at the inn...and also a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

JET SET SMART STORKHEARTS

Just because you are expecting a little one doesn't mean that you can't still jet set somewhere fabulous. In fact, I think it's the perfect excuse to go some place great with your loved one. I just came across something called Babymoon Guide which will help you get started.

Whether you want to jet set to somewhere far and exotic, or just want to be pampered for the day, this is a great place to find what you are looking for. They list suggested destinations for the Caribbean & Mexico, the U.S., Canada and Europe. They also have reviews from parents-to-be who have jet setted to the destinations so you can read and see what they thought about their trip.

Their featured babymoon this month is at the Mohonk Moutain House in New Paltz, New York. Their "Hello Baby" Babymoon package includes the following:

- Side-by-side massages: Moms-to-be will be nurtured by a 50-minute Maternity Massage designed to enhance lower back comfort, relieve leg and foot tension, and promote a sense of well-being. For Dads-to-be, a choice of the 50-minute Eagle Cliff Deep Tissue Massage or the customized Sky Top Revitalizer Facial for men will melt away stress and tension.
- Chocolates delivered with turn-down service each night
- Spa gift for the new parents
- Welcome gift for baby
- Charming accommodations, three meals daily prepared by award-winning chefs, afternoon tea and cookies, and most resort activities

Hey, I love to travel, and I wouldn't want to stop when I get pregnant or even when I have kids. As always, make sure to check with your doctor first before doing anything. If any of you have been on a Babymoon or would like to plan one, please let me know.