Palm Springs Getaway

Looking for some low key luxury? You’ll find it at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs.

This high-end oasis boasts mountain desert views and provides the perfect setting for a romantic long weekend or golf filled getaway. 

Poolside Carne Asada Tacos and Spicy Strawberry Margarita

With just over 240 rooms this Ritz Carlton leans a little more intimate than most. As expected, the service is incredible and with such few guests, they can fulfill that Ritz promise of going above and beyond.

If you are visiting for a romantic rendezvous, don't miss the adult only pool perched cliffside or the 90-minute couples massage at the spa.

Request a room on the first floor to enjoy your personal fire pit and make sure you ask for a window-side table at The Edge Steakhouse to soak in the infectious desert sunset.

Couples Lounge at the

If your schedule allows it, plan an ENTIRE day at the spa. We've experienced a lot of spas all over and this is one of our absolute favorites. The spa area features an expansive couple's waiting lounge with a waterfall pool and outside sunning area. Within each locker room, you'll find a steam area, small European plunge pools, aroma showers and all of the toiletries and supplies you would need for a mini makeover. We loved the experience so much that we bought the aroma infused shower head so we could get our daily Ritz fix at home.

If you decide to journey outside the resort you'll have plenty of areas to explore. Palm Springs, nestled in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its spiritual retreats, golf courses, and film festivals. It's also flooded with midcentury-modern architecture (à la Frank Sinatra) and happily serves as Hollywood’s hideaway located 100 miles southeast of LA.

Searching for a dinner spot? Ristorante Mamma Gina's was recommended to us from our friend Gennifer and it's a "Can't-Miss". Originating in Italy in 1956, Mamma Gina's has enjoyed its desert location since 1986. The authentic Florentine cuisine was impressive and filling. Save room for dessert and an after-dinner drink because you'll want to soak up the ambiance.

If you are planning a boozy lunch, our gold medal goes to Las Casuelas Terraza. A Plam Springs staple since 1958, this Mexican joint offers a casual environment and a street-side patio adorned with tiny birds and plenty of tequila.

But you don't have to just eat your way through Palm Springs... you can shop your way through it too! Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, mainstream stores, interior design shops and lots of local watering holes.

If you are looking to explore your adventurous side, the surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Not to mention the Coachella Music Festival held every April.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Coachella), is an annual music festival held near Palm Springs in Indio, California. The festival features musical artists from a variety of music genres, including rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance music, as well as art installations. The origin of the event traces back to a Pearl Jam concert in 1993 held to boycott venues controlled by Ticketmaster. Some past acts include Madonna, Drake, Lady Gaga, Guns N' Roses, DJ Khaled and of course Beyonce. Since the festival is so close to LA you’ll find the place swarming with stars trying to get that perfect Instagram shot and dancing the night away. So if celebrity hunting is your game, it's well worth a ticket to Coachella.

Now, if golf is more your speed check out a round at one of many top-rated courses in the area. The prestigious PGA West Golf Club flexes its proverbial golf muscle with six courses designed by some of the biggest names in the business, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.

Our concierge booked us at Desert Springs Golf Club located at the JW Marriott right across town. This course was very playable and a ton of fun. With two courses to choose from it caters to players of all skill levels. Taylor Made rental clubs are available if you aren’t into dragging your sticks around.

No matter what you are looking for you can find it in sunny Palm Springs. We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more can't wait for our next trip.

For more travel information and recommendations check out my other posts!

Sip Around Germantown- Nashville, TN

East Nashville is on fire y’all. There are so many creative and yummy places to try. I quickly realized that my list of bars and resturants was longer than my long weekend.

So, I combatted my indecisiveness and FOMO by creating a hybrid bar crawl + lite bite tour... which I have christened as the Germantown Sip Around. 

Here are my most drinkable and snackable places in Germantown.  

5th And Taylor  

[Refined American fare served in lofty, rustic-industrial surrounds with a tree-lined patio]

Beauty School Dropout

My first "Sip" was imaginative, easy on the taste buds and the name was just so damn cute. Beauty School Dropout can best be described as floral fused with fruity, accompanied by a warm vanilla finish. [el dorado rum/ grapefruit / vanilla / lime / tiki bitters]

Sausage Cheddar Biscuits

After one bite of the Sausage Cheddar Biscuits, I bout fell out of my chair.  The crispy crunchy outside paired well with the spicy yet sweet inner filling. Four of these little babies were not enough. Don't skip with Chow Chow relish on the side. 

5th and Taylor shined bright as a triple threat by providing over the top customer service.  John David, our server, was knowledgable, friendly and attentive! It was tough to leave 5th and Taylor... but it was time to journey on to our next stop. 

Rolf and Daughters

[Industrial-chic restaurant with clever New American dishes, communal tables & inventive cocktails]

We had the heads up that the Rolf and Daughters menu was um... interesting. And boy, it was. Since we had three more returants to still sip at, we skipped our lite bite here and went straight for the cocktail.  Matt, our bartender, crafted his take on a margarita which he let me re-name as the “Britt-a-Rita”.  

Britt - A - Rita

[Tequila, Bitter Bianca, Garnish lemon, Basil, Simple syrup]

I appreciate anyone that will not only craft me my own special cocktail but also let me name it!  

Henrietta Red

[Airy, chic spot for oysters & elevated seafood small plates, plus a separate bar for cocktails]

We hit the bartender jackpot again at Henrietta Red! We veered off the menu for a low(er) sugar option of an Airmail. [vodka, honey, champagne, lime]

Airmail

I also tried the Little Deuce Coupe (a great nod to the Beach Boys), which would be perfect for a summer afternoon swaying in a hammock. Sweet and delightful. [wodka, lemon, grapefruit, grenadine, mint]

Little Deuce Coupe

312 Pizza Co

[Pan pizzas & other Chicago-style fare join draft beers in a big, airy pub with a rustic wood bar]

Our last stop was nothing short of delicious.  After all that sippin' we were ready to eat! 

312 Pizza Co is for all you Chicago-Style pizza lovers out there!  But if you prefer a thinner crust... they'll do that too! 

Hot + Fresh

We opted to create our own pizza and my goodness it was delicious!  Just a heads up it takes about 30 minutes to get your pizza, but that will give you plenty of time to enjoy one of their creative cocktails or craft beers. 

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So if you find yourself thirsty in Nashville, head on over and wet your whistle in Germantown!

Lexington Living : Babalu Tacos & Tapas

If you live in Lexington and love shopping, cocktails and culinary delights - I bet you've been to the Summit at Fritz Farm. 

My gal pal and I were over there finishing up some holiday shopping and after hours of retail therapy, we were desperate for a cocktail.  While there are plenty of wonderful places to grab a quick drink at the Summit, when she suggested Babalu I responded with an immediate yes.

Babalu is a southern based, upscale Latin-inspired restaurant named after the signature song of the fictional television character Ricky Ricardo, in the comedy series I Love Lucy. The house specialties are tacos and tapas highlighted by an inviting bar area that features imaginative drink specials. 

Speaking of drinks and as a side note... I must confess :  I'm a margarita snob. I love them and I make them well. So you can imagine my disappointment when a bartender tries to throw some janky mix into my “fresh squeezed” margarita. 

Happily, I can report there were no janky mixes at Babalu! In fact, there was nothing but deliciousness. 

As you skim over the drink menu, you could almost hear the ocean waves and feel the heat of the Los Cabos sun beating down on you.

The Caliente Cooler came highly recommeded by our bartender so we thought that would be a good place to start. 

Ingredients : Exotico blanco tequila, agave nectar, jalapeño triple sec, strawberry banana puree, house made sweet & sour.

Our bartender did not disappoint with the suggestion. It was not only a great place to start we also decided to end with it too. 

In the midst of our coolers, we got a little fruity with the Pineapple Margarita. I highly recommend adding some jalapeño triple sec to drum up some heat. 

Ingredients : House infused pineapple tequila, fresh squeezed sour mix, jalapeño triple sec (*special request)

It was very refreshing and tropical with a slight kick, but it couldn't top our beloved Caliente Cooler. 

After wetting our whistles, we decided to dive into the table side guacamole. 

Its a must order and fulfilled all my wishes of being chunky, spicy and fresh. 

And while I was impressed with the food, drinks and overall expereince, my biggest surprise came weeks after my visit to Babalu. 

A handwritten postcard thanking me for my visit. Are you freaking kidding me? I LOVE getting mail!!! So kudos to Babalu for going the extra mile in regards to customer service and being a great addition to the Lexington restaurant scene.  

The next time you in Lexington - make sure you check this place out. 

Cheers to you, Babalu.  See you soon! 

Phoenix + Scottsdale

The first time you visit a city, it can be overwhelming to find the "BEST" places to go.  I usually enlist the help of my friends on Facebook and Instagram to steer me in the right direction.  Since this was my first trip to Phoenix I had to go on those suggestions and some online research. 

Here are some of our favorite places we found to Eat, Play & Stay! 

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Blanco Tacos + Tequila

An afternoon at Blanco will make you wish that all your afternoons were spent south of the border, barefoot, with margarita salt on your lips. Trust the escapist thrill you get from a perfectly prepared plate of street-style carne asada tacos, or award-winning barbecue pork tacos with sweet corn fresh tomato salsa.

No matter where we are headed, we're always on the search for the best margarita and tacos in town. I just knew that Blanco wouldn't let us down. 

Everything was so fresh! From the hand-squeezed juices they used in their cocktails to the accouterments that adorned the tacos.  Blanco was an upscale place with a laid back atmosphere.  Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. (Just say YES to the pork tacos and jalapeño margarita!)

*Pictured above Mexican Street Corn + Pork Tacos + Jalapeño Margarita

Elements - Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Indulge in the culinary delights and impeccable service at elements restaurant at Sanctuary Resort. This award-winning array of farm-fresh American Cuisine with Asian accents presented by Food Network star and Chef Beau MacMillan features innovative seasonal menus incorporating local, organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat.  From its extraordinary views of Paradise Valley to its acclaimed innovative offerings, elements is a highlight among Scottsdale’s luxury dining options.

Wow, is all I can say about this place.  The food, the wine, the view. Our friends recommended this resturant and thank goodness we landed a reservation. Tony and I arrived early and had a drink in the Jade Bar (highly recommend) to soak up the ambiance.  If you are looking for a romantic spot, you can't beat the views here! Make your dinner reservation in time to see the sunset and request a booth that faces the valley or even better, a patio seat! 

*Pictured above, Tony holding one of our favorite (and hard to find) wines, Overture by Opus One

Italian Grotto

For almost 40 years, we have been serving fantastic pasta and seafood. From our meatballs to our amazing Halibut Picatta, you won’t be disappointed. Our menu offers a wide variety of chicken, veal and seafood dishes, along with the tried and true pasta dishes. Be sure to leave room for one of homemade desseerts.

With our old-school vibe and cast of characters coming in and out, you’ll be guaranteed a entertaining time. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, we offer a great patio, along side our “ocean-view” lounge.

If you want the true Italian experience stop here! This no frills, NY Yankee sanctuary is serving up sausage and peppers that impressed even my picky Italian. 

Just being in the presence of the owner and bartenders will transport you right into the heart of NYC. The Italian Grotto is a hidden gem in Old Town. 

*Pictured above Sausage and Peppers appitizer

Mora Italian

Without a doubt, a table surrounded by good friends, convivial vibes and a spread of soulful food makes for a great gathering. You’ll feel right at home at Mora Italian, where chef Scott Conant’s inspired cooking sets the scene for a remarkable meal in Phoenix's bustling Seventh Street Stretch. 

We were so excited to get to try out one of our favorite chef's new restaurant, Mora Italian.  Shout out to our main man Scott Conant for creating a vibrant, modern space that cuts through all the noise of heavy pasta and heavy cream that you would normally associate with an Italian restaurant. 

Britt + Tony with Scott Conant at the Aspen Wine and Food Classic

I can sum up my first impression of Mora in two words : Rosé SnowCone. Made with rosé provencal, grapefruit, watermelon, peach, pink peppercorn tincture, served over shaved ice, this is not your average snowcone. I couldn't get enough! 

As for dinner, we created our own tasting menu featuring: Focaccia di Recco, Pork & Veal Meatballs, Pasta al Pomodoro, Ricotta & Mascarpone Gnudi, Sea Bass and Salted Caramel Budino.

Yeah- we went a little crazy. But how fun is it to order a varitey of dishes for the table and try it all? 

*Pictured above Rosé SnowCone and Pasta al Pomodoro + Ricotta & Mascarpone Gnudi

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Fiesta Bowl

Phoenix served as our holiday getaway this year for a very important reason : The Fiesta Bowl! It was a GREAT game (especially since Penn State won)! #WeAre

A couple of notes about attending the Fiesta Bowl.  If you are staying in Scottsdale, grab an Uber. You are only about 25 minutes from the dome and they do sell alcohol during the game, so play it safe and don't drive.  You can spend what you would shell out in parking on your own personal chauffeur.  The event staff does an outstanding job of organizing and directing Uber and Lyft vehicles so you won't have to sit in hours of traffic after the game. 

Do plan extra time to enter the stadium.  They separate the security line depending on if you have a bag or not. There are size requirements on bags and if they exceed wristlet size, the bag has to be clear. Check the Fiesta Bowl website for specifics.

Old Town Scottsdale

Restaurants and Cocktails and Shopping, Oh My!  There is enough to do in Old Town to last you for a week! We only made it to a few places on our very long list, but check out this website for a full listing of events, places to shop, eat and drink. 

Shopping

• Scottsdale Fashion Square (ANY store or brand you want... they've got it! Over 250 Stores) See Directory Here
• Biltmore Fashion Park (5 miles away - Only Saks Fifth Ave in Arizona) 
• Old Town Gypsy Boutique

Sipping

• Rusty Spur (Live Music)
• Itallian Grotto
• Coach House (worth visiting to see all the lights in the bar)
• Bottled Blonde
• The District

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REFINED MEETS REVELRY AT THE CAMBY, PHOENIX’S NEWEST LUXURY, BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

Quirky elegance. Serious fun. A daring new fusion of work and play. Come mix it up at The Camby, where the unexpected is what we do best. Located in the renowned Biltmore neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, The Camby puts you in the heart of it all. Steps away from world-class shopping at Biltmore Fashion Park and surrounded by major players in Phoenix's business community.

At The Camby, you can revel in the edgy, yet classic sophistication of our boutique hotel rooms and suites. Delectable (and very sociable) restaurants and bars. Ultra-entertaining rooftop scene. Creative event spaces tailored to groundbreaking meetings and uncommon weddings. And savvy, attentive service that transforms each experience into a cherished memory. Join us soon at The Camby for a daring new view of work, play and everything in between. Welcome to the REVELution.

Ranked #11 on Travel + Lesuire's 17 Coolest New Urban Hotels... this hotel was just perfect for us! For all my Lexington folks- think 21C with more interactive pieces and eating spaces and less art. Very quirky, friendly and just plain cool. I would stay here again in a heartbeat! 

Here's some of the coolest features of The Camby...

• Tipsy Tea Party happening weekly on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 2-5pm
• Head over to the Rooftop Red Zone from 6 pm-10pm and enjoy NFL Sunday tailgating poolside! Tailgating fun begins with free admission, the OPTIMAL 25 Ft. screen, team themed cocktails, bucket of beer specials, grill station, social gaming, and cabana rental packages
• Embrace your inner rockstar and check in & jam out! Reserve one of their complimentary guitars during your stay

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I can't believe it took me this long to explore Phoenix! I just fell in love with the city and can't wait to go back for a round of golf and a nice relaxing trip to the spa! #StayTuned

Pets + Travel … How to find a Pet Sitter

Hey Y’all! This post is for all my animal lovers out there! Check out the Rover App to find a local pet sitter to drop in and check on your pet while you are on a weekend trip, stay at your house and watch your pet while on an extended vacation or just hire a dog walker while you are at work.

This “Match.Com” approach to finding a pet sitter is a great way to find a rate you are comfortable with and the perfect person to love and care for your animal while you are away.

Check out my review above!

Wednesday Wisdom

Kentucky Derby Sneak Peek

Hey Y’all! We stopped by Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby, to check out all the preparation that was going into this weekend’s big event. Check out the sneak peek below!

Aspen Food & Wine Classic

It’s been over a month since we’ve returned home from the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. And it’s taken me that long to process how amazing this experience was. If the Aspen Food & Wine Classic is not on your bucket list, put it on there (immediately).

Up until about six months ago I hadn’t even heard of this event (and I consider myself a Food and Wine lover). Now perhaps it’s my southern geographic location or that I tend to get “stuck” on things and become a habitual event attendee…whatever the reason… unacceptable. This event is AH-Mazing.

So here’s the skinny… (and it’s the only thing skinny about this event).

What:

The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is one of the most regarded and prestigious wine and food festivals in the world. Tickets sell out fast. Like, “Taylor Swift concert tickets” fast so you’ve got to mark your calendars for December in order to score some tickets. And they aren’t cheap. So you better get Santa buttered up while you’re at it. ($1550/person for a consumer pass)

The event kicks off Thursday evening and lasts until early afternoon on Sunday. If you can plan to make it all four days, it’s worth it. If you want to narrow it down, Friday and Saturday are not to be missed.

What makes the Classic so special is the prestige that it carries. Not only do the top brands and liquors and vineyards show up to transform giant tents into a real life Willy Wonka fairy tale, but some of the best chefs in the world are there as well. They teach classes throughout the day in an intimate setting and in some cases you get to ask questions, act as their sous chef and taste their food. It is as awesome as it sounds.

Here we are with Scott Conant from Top Chef + Chopped. We were lucky enough to taste his gnoochi. #YUM

You'll spend the day bouncing back and forth from the tasting tents (giant tents with every kind of wine from Napa and around the world to taste and the yummiest appetizers to try) then hurry into a class about how to pair popcorn with champagne and then back to the tasting tents where this time you might hang out at the Patrón hacienda and have a grapefruit margarita popsicle and take some selfies with your friends. Wash. Rinse. Repeat… for four days. You get the idea.

Important tip for first timers: book the classes! The tasting tents close during the education sessions so if you don’t book a class you will just be wandering around like a lost pup waiting for the tasting tent to open again. Here is a link to the schedule from this year so you can get an idea of what the days looked like and what kind of classes were offered.

Where:
The classic is located in a very condensed section of downtown Aspen, Colorado. Have ya been to Aspen? If the answer is no? Then go! Especially in the summer. We just couldn’t get enough of the clear blue sky and the mountains that nearly touched the sun.

The town is sleepy and quaint. While you are there check out the local coffee shops and delis (ink! Coffee and Grateful Deli were two of my favs).  Or just stumble down to the lobby of the St. Regis like I did on the daily for your cup of joe.

And on Saturday morning if you are looking for some extra circular activities … check out the amazing Farmer’s Market or some high end shopping (Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, and on and on).

But back to the good stuff… The Food & Wine Classic is all within walking distance so no need for a car. Just arrange for transportation from airport and you’ll be good to go for the weekend.

As far as accommodations you cannot go wrong with the St. Regis. Luxury at its finest. Big entry fireplace, killer lobby bar and every room comes with fluffy robes and its own humidifier. But perhaps my favorite part was the milk on ice and chocolate chip cookies waiting in our room after dinner. (I’m a St. Regis fan for life)

Some rooms have fireplaces; some have full walk out patios so make sure you book early to get your preference of “extras”.  Some of the sessions are even held in the ballrooms of the St. Regis so it makes it very convenient to make it to your early morning cooking class if you are just an elevator ride away.

When:

The Classic is held annually, during the second week of June. It was created to draw tourist during the summer since Aspen is such a “Ski Town”.   The 2017 Classic will be held June 16-18.

Extra Credit:

The Grand Tasting ends at 6:15 nightly so you do have some flexibility with your evenings. That is if you can physically put anything else in your stomach. We got roped into going to a “Speakeasy Party” that was just down the road in Snowmass. BIG MISTAKE. There is no need to leave downtown Aspen. There are plenty of things going on right outside your door. If you have an American Express you will want to check with their travel concierge because there was one party we could only get into by booking with our Amex.

Also wear comfortable flat shoes! You will be walking a lot and in grass.  I would even discourage wedges.  Go for flats or flops (fancy of course) and make sure you bring a crossbody purse.  You will have to carry a wine glass and a ton of little plates in the tasting tents so keep your hands free for food and wine!

For More Information:

Follow Aspen Food & Wine Classic on Facebook HERE. #Cheers

Traveling with a Group? Make a Collaborative Playlist with Spotify!

Headed out on a summer road trip or taking a beach vacation with a group of friends? Well you’re gonna need some great tunes. But something as important as this shouldn’t be left up to just one person.

Thanks to Spotify’s collaborative playlist feature, you can be sure that no matter what taste in music might best suit the party, everyone will get their say.

To get started with a collaborative playlist, open up Spotify on your PC, Mac or your mobile device. Next, you can either create an entirely new playlist from scratch, or take an existing playlist and add your peeps as collaborators.

Create a Collaborative Playlist

In this example, we”ll be creating a new playlist designed for our upcoming trip to Punta Cana:

After you name your new playlist, click on the name of the playlist and find the circle with three dots in order to access the collaborative playlist menu. Click “Collaborative Playlist” in order to activate this feature.

If the process was successful, the new collaborative playlist will be denoted by a small circle seen just above the playlist’s name in your sidebar that looks something like this: .

Invite and Share With Your Friends

To get your friends in on the fun, right-click on the playlist one more time, and open up the share prompt by clicking the “Share” option.

From here, you can add friends from your Spotify account, or if you have connected your Facebook account you can invite friends that are linked to that account.

Voila! After you share it..  the people you shared the playlist with will now have the option to add, delete, or modify the order of any songs contained within that playlist. #PlayOnPlaya

Packing Light? Here’s the only shoe you need!

Heading out of town and want to save some weight and space in your suitcase? Well the first place you should take a looksie is at ALL of those shoes you are packing. It’s tempting to pick out a pair of shoes for every outfit … but what if you didn’t have to?

Check out these awesome Cambiami sandals! They come in a versatile nude base color with various color/pattern strap options. The mix and match-ability makes them the perfect packing companion.

Not only are they versatile, but they have a flexible footbed that contours with each step and a memory foam insole.  This package comes with the base sandal and 3 interchangeable straps!

Check them out Here!  

Full Steam Ahead - My Favorite Travel Steamer

I am a wrinkle freak.  My worst nightmare is wearing white linen pants on a long car ride in the summer. So naturally I never leave home without my Downy Wrinkle Releaser.  But that will only go so far.  For bigger jobs my go to is the HiLife Travel Steamer.

The best part is that it is lightweight, portable and it’s hand held. It lasts 15 minutes with each fill up of water and has a 9 ft cord! (you know how sparse plugs can be in a hotel room) Slip it into your suitcase to easily smooth wrinkles and creases out of suits, dresses, and more.  It's so handy I use it daily at home too!

Check out the steamer HERE on Amazon. 

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Never Lose Your Checked Bag Again

You know the scenario all too well — you arrive at your destination and your bag is…who knows where! Reduce the hassle of traveling and know exactly where your checked bag is with Trakdot Luggage Locator! Just slip the palm sized device into your luggage, golf or ski bag, and enjoy peace of mind travel while you monitor its location on your smart phone.

When your bag is in the airplane’s cargo hold, Trakdot automatically enters “airplane mode” (conserving batteries) and “wakes up” once back on the ground. By employing newly patented quad-band GSM chip micro-electronics, Trakdot reports its city-specific location to you via text message, email or a free app, anywhere in the world with cell service! And Trakdot will even help you find your bag on the luggage carousel via Bluetooth technology!

May be linked to multiple phones; each phone can track multiple devices (one device required per checked bag). Includes first year annual service fee ($19.99/year thereafter). FAA-compliant and FCC-certified.

Buy it Here.

How to Take Better Instagram Travel Photos

If you’re anything like us, you’re a total sucker for travel photos on Instagram.

A dreamy beach scene with impossibly blue waters here, a jaw-dropping mountain landscape and the sun serenely setting in a faraway locale there, and you can’t help but get double-tap happy. These days, with smartphones at our disposal, even the least savvy shutterbugs can look like a pro. All it takes is some tips and a keen eye to take your pics from grainy to glossy magazine-worthy.

To help with the former, we tapped Instagram genius Dylan Furst, who has a whopping 613,000 followers, for some pointers. Here, he shares ten tips and tricks you can put to the test on your next excursion.

Before you begin to shoot, it’s crucial to keep the crop and composition in mind. Although Instagram allows for full-size photos now, it still adjusts the crop to a square, which can appear incongruent when perusing the feed as a whole. According to Furst, people are likely to follow you based on your body of work, so photos should look clean on first glance.

To shoot horizontally or vertically — that is the question.

It doesn’t matter which you choose, but you should do both to get different perspectives. Switching up the angles will help you see things differently — and ultimately give you more options on what to post. “I’ll almost always try a vertical and horizontal shot on anything I’m shooting, from portraits to landscapes,” says Furst.

#NoFilter — but really, don’t use one.

Filters are your frenemy — applying one can degrade the quality of the photo, even if it wasn’t low-quality to begin with. Be careful of over-editing too, which can make things appear unnatural. “I never edit within the Instagram app,” says Furst. Instead, he turns to third-party editing tools like Lightroom. (Other resources include VSCO Cam and Afterlight). “It’s important to develop your own style, but you shouldn’t click one button and have your photo edited in seconds.”

Step out of your comfort zone.

It’s essential to experiment — blur things purposefully, play up silhouettes, and try new angles. Creativity and originality are vital, so attempt to see things differently, take photos of the same object several times if you need, go to different locations, and don’t simply recreate someone else’s shot because it worked out well for them.

Find your focus.

Give your viewer one clear focal point. If it’s dark outside, find something lighter to focus on. But ultimately, it comes down to choice. “I love shooting with a wide open aperture, which achieves a lot of blur behind or in front of what I choose to focus on,” says Furst. “People will tell you there are right and wrong ways to do something, but as an artist, I believe that you should always do it your own way — and maybe even break the rules.”

Let there be light.

Lighting plays a huge role in photography. Flash can overexpose one area, so it’s best to use natural light whenever possible. “I prefer to shoot when the light is softer, whether that be at sunrise, sunset, in foggy conditions, cloudy, or rainy,” says Furst. “I don’t like to shoot in broad daylight due to harsh light, but some people prefer that.” Shooting after dark, which can take a lot of trial and error when you’re first starting, is its own beast. It’s important to practice and learn the ins and outs of your camera.

The more the merrier.

You know what they say — if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Snap several frames of a single object. Not every one will be perfect, but the more you take, the more likely you’ll find something you’ll want to showcase.

Watch your back — and front.

Playing with depth and scale (background and foreground) are key. For example, when you add something like a person in front of a huge landscape, it shows how massive it is. This way, viewers can better relate and put themselves in your shoes when marveling over your photography. “To me, it’s all about making someone feel something,” says Furst.

Select the right tool.

Opt for using your iPhone camera instead of the one offered on Instagram. Not only does it allow for taking several shots of the same scenery, it also gives the shutterbug more control over the image, including setting the focus, selecting what’s exposed in the frame, and more.

Keep it consistent.

Staying consistent with your posts to develop a style and tell a story is also an important technique to remember. If all your photos have a similar aesthetic, it will look more appealing when viewing them together. But don’t forget to have fun with it, of course.

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Read the original article on Oyster.com.

Cocktail in the Clouds- 7 Drinks to Order on Your Next Flight

Let’s face it. Flying can be stressful. What better way to cool down and calm down than a nice booze cruise at 30,000 feet? Up until now, I bet you’ve opted for some pretty simple options while ordering high in the sky. (Vodka Water – anyone??)

Well hang on to your tray tables… here are 7 amazing drinks to order on your next flight.  (courtesy of  vine pair)

1. MARGARITA

What it normally is: Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice
How we made it: Tequila, Orange Juice, Sprite

Pour in as much tequila as you’d like into a cup with ice, stir in orange juice, and top with Sprite.

2. KALIMOTXO

Pronounced kahl-ee-moe-choe.

What it normally is: Red Wine, Cola
How we made it: Red Wine, Coke

If only life were always this easy. Mix equal parts Coke and red wine over ice and stir.

3. DEATH OF A LADIES’ MAN

What it normally is: Scotch, Rye, Maple, Lemon Juice, Tobacco Bitters
How we made it: Scotch, Jack Daniels, Brown Sugar, Tea

Mix equal parts Scotch and Jack Daniels. Pour into hot tea, and stir in a sugar packet. Note: this also doubles as the perfect comfort drink for a cold.

4. SANGRIA

What it normally is: See here.
How we made it: Red Wine, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice

Over ice, pour red wine, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Stir and pretend you’re in Madrid.

5. WHITE RUSSIAN

Milk builds strong bones.

How it’s normally made: Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Cream
How we made it: Vodka, Coffee Liqueur (aka Kahlua, feel free to use Baileys), Half & Half

Over ice, mix the coffee liqueur and vodka. Use more liqueur if you want your White Russian on the sweeter side, and more vodka if you want to act more Russian. Pour in the half-and-half. Toast to life.

6. AMARETTO SOUR

How it’s normally made: Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
How we made it: Amaretto, Orange Juice, Sprite

We believe in the power of poetic leeway. Repeat the margarita recipe, but swap the tequila for amaretto.

7. FRENCH75

How it’s normally made: Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Champagne
How we made it: Gin, White Wine, Sprite

Mix the white wine and gin over ice. Top generously with Sprite.

Or if you are REALLY serious about your libations check out Carry On Cocktail Kits from W&P Design. I’ve linked the the Moscow Mule and the Margarita. Each kit comes in a handy little tin that can be carried on to the plane, and all you need is a bottle of liquor. Each kit comes with a recipe card, a bar spoon, a 1/2 oz jigger, a linen napkin to make you feel super-fancy and the perfect syrup for your selected drink. And yes… it’s TSA Approved!

Each tin comes with enough ingredients to mix two drinks, which means your flight just received a significant upgrade.

Score your Carry On Cocktail Kit HERE!

Never Pick the Wrong Seat on a Flight Again

By the time you get to the screen to choose your seat assignment when purchasing a flight, you’re probably “over it”. After researching flight schedules, comparing prices, deciding to actually pull the trigger and making sure you spell your spouse’s middle name correctly on the personal information page – the last thing you want to do is fuss with which row is best.

But that’s a big mistake.

Choosing the wrong seat on a flight can really set a bad tone for an exciting getaway.

For instance, are you traveling with a gal who loves to lug around a giant purse (guilty) and will rummage through it no less than ten times during the flight to retrieve snacks, lipgloss, headphones or her cell phone? Well then the bulkhead seat is not for you.

Or how about if you are traveling with a child who has in the past been known to swing his little feet back and forth the entire flight? Then you better pick a seat with a little extra leg room. Or how about a seat with a TV in the headrest so Sponge Bob can do some of the babysitting and you can finally catch up on some “you time”.

But how do you know which seat is best for you? Well say hello to my little friend- Seat Guru. Accessible via app or online, Seat Guru allows you to get Seat Map Advice or Check a Flight Status with just a few clicks.

Simply input the airline, departure date and flight number (or departure/arrival cities) and Seat Guru will pull up the airplane you will be flying on. Along with the model of plane they have a detailed interactive seat map key that shows if the seat has a Good review, Be Aware rating or a Bad Seat warning. After clicking on a seat you will find a detailed description of features and amenities (power port, TV, extra leg room) or warnings (limited recline of seat, proximity to lavatory).

In the info section you will find details about the flight like if in-flight entertainment will be offered or if carry on rolling bags will need to be tagged and stored under the plane for the flight.

This tool is a great resource and is worth a look. I’m a girl that likes surprises but not when it comes to my vacations. So check out Seat Guru and let me know what you think!

If You’re Happy and You Know It… You’re Probably on Vacation

Travel Number One Mood Booster, According to New Survey

We already know that traveling can boost your sex life and help you lose weight, but a new study reveals it will also boost your mood.

(Exhibit A: the photo above taken at Little Palm Island located off Little Torch Key… If that isn’t happy, I don’t know what is.)

Priceline.com released their “Traveler’s Sweet Spot” survey last week, and more than half of respondents said that traveling improves their attitude more than exercise or shopping.

The survey of 1,005 U.S. adults, which Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of the travel booking site, also looked at what types of trips boosted people’s moods the most. Thirty-eight percent of men and 34 percent of women said romantic getaways were the best vacations. The next best mood-boosting trips were a family escapes (33 percent of all respondents) and retreats with good friends (23 percent).

The survey found that a trip doesn’t have to be long getaway to provide a boost. Four out of five Americans would rather take multiple, short getaways than one long vacation this year. Forty-four percent would like to take three to four trips this year to be happier, while nearly 10 percent would like to take seven or more trips in 2016.

“Research tells us that 44 percent of Americans frequently regret not being able to go on more trips, and the majority are not booking these trips due to travel costs,” said Brigit Zimmerman, senior vice president of Air and Vacation Packages for priceline.com.

Perhaps that’s why Americans left so many vacation days on the table yet again in 2015.

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This story originally appeared on Travel + Lesiure