Top 5 Places to visit before Summer is Over

Okay, I know summer is technically coming to an end…that is…only if you’re going back to school. Aka, if you’ve been thrust out into the real world, summer break doesn’t exist and the season is declared over when you don’t break a sweat anymore walking from your front door to your car. Therefore, you possibly could still be planning a late summer trip (I know I am). So where are the top places I recommend you should visit? I’m glad you asked 😏

1.Eden Roc in Miami Beach

Okay, numero uno on my list…MIAMI…duh! I love this city. The diversity, the culture, the ocean. I mean, if you like to have fun, you’ll be set. The food is great, and it’s one of those places where you’ll feel like you’ve entered another country without having to stray too far from your own backyard (America).
Why you’ll love it here:
Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR luxurious pools will be awaiting you with some of the most friendly staff and best restaurants on site.

DSC_0943

Processed with VSCOcam with kk2 preset

DSC_0376

IMG_7578

DSC_0473

 DSC_0018

Book your stay!

2. Huntington Beach, CA

Okay, so I’m a little biased here from living in this beautiful beach town all of my early twenties. Why did I love it so much? Street fair on Tuesdays, being in the surf capital, the beautiful homes, walking to the beach every day, BONZAI BOWLS, and the fact that you could accidentally stumble upon a chorus of people singing and playing the ukulele. Yep, this town slows down a bit after the US Open and always has something to offer, no matter what day of the week you’re there. Check out Jan’s Health Bar for the most amazing sandwiches and salads, Ruby’s at the end of the pier for an ice cream cone, and go ahead and take a surf lesson!

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

IMG_5638

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

IMG_7767

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

IMG_5291

IMG_6294

3. Big Sur, California

Love camping? Ready to have your breath taken away? pack up your friends, turn your cell phones off, and enjoy this majestic piece of heaven in northern California for one of the most beautiful get aways you will go one. You can go glamping, rent a cabin, or what I recommend, tent camping. Looking down at the ocean from the mountains, cooking over a campfire, and the dazzling stars that cover the night sky will guarantee to give you a good reset on life. Remember to pack bug spray and definitely go see McWay Falls!

IMG_8708

 IMG_8764

IMG_8813

IMG_0657

DSC_0068

4. Austin Texas

Okay, so some might think Austin is a giant bar scene…and, sometimes it can be. But lets not forget it’s the best city to visit for live music and bbq! Ever been to Stubb’s? That where you go to chow down and listen to whatever hot band is booked that night. Also, a little out of the city you can visit Hamilton Pool where you can float in the water, have a picnic with your friends, and relax. Just get there early because it’s first come first serve! And don’t forget! Austin has some of the BEST pizza you can order right out of a window.My best fiend and I are in love with Airbnb, so just grab one and get to seeing the town and don’t forget to stop by Hula Hut for lunch on the lake!

DSC_0576

DSC_0606

DSC_0651

IMG_9755

IMG_9794

5. St Maarten

Because who doesn’t want to say “See ya!” and head for the caribbean. Now this one may take a little more planning (and a passport) but I just had to throw it in the mix. A friend of mine used to live here and talk about how beautiful it was and how I would be missing out if I never made the trip out there. Well, when I finally did he didn’t live there anymore but I still got to play on the island and soak up all the beauty. And, best place to rent a jet ski if you ask me. Be sure to check out Maho Beach (not for the faint of heart!) for some awesome snorkeling and to watch the planes fly over you so low you could high five the pilot.

DSC_6600

DSC_6605

DSC_6615

DSC_6628

Screen Shot 2013-06-09 at 1.06.13 PM

I’m hoping by now you’re packing your bags and getting ready to head to one of these beautiful places. Either way, enjoy the rest of the season and be spontaneous, have fun, go somewhere new even if it’s a restaurant downtown. Love you all.

xokris

Bliss in Cancún!

Okay, so I am going over some of my most favorite trips I’ve been on and it’s taking everything in me to not just jump on a plane heading to the beach. Until then, I can reminisce on one of my best friends weddings in Cancun. Iberostar was one of the most gorgeous resorts I have ever stayed at and one of the most epic trips I have ever been on.

IMG_7254

DSC_0043

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

DSC_0203

IMG_7070

DSC_0184

DSC_0012

 DSC_0116

DSC_0125

IMG_7135

DSC_0331

DSC_0329

DSC_0030

 IMG_7195

IMG_7199

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

 

IMG_7192

IMG_7187

DSC_0234

xokris

Bed & Breakfast

Greetings, beautiful readers. I hope you have all been getting through the slum of the end-of-winter blues. That time of winter when you’re counting down the days till spring so you can remember what sunshine everyday feels like. Well, cabin fever may be taking over your whole existence if that’s the case, leaving you wondering what is new and exciting you can do while still having the warmth of being inside. To shake up things in that slump, I visited McKinney Bed and Breakfast  with my wonderful boyfriend where we enjoyed sampling breakfast treats and reading books in a room (“The Sweet“) that looks like it was cut from a piece of heaven. The newly remodeled room is a Better Homes worthy find and comes with even better hospitality. Amp up your weekend and visit this beautiful abode to see for yourself.

IMG_5017

IMG_4792

IMG_5021

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

IMG_5028

IMG_5025

IMG_5022

IMG_5010

IMG_5029

IMG_5030

IMG_5027

IMG_4777

Restaurants to check out in the area (all within walking distance)
For Breakfast- Snug on the Square
For Lunch- Patina Green Home and Market
For Dinner- Square Burger

xokris

Book your stay today

Get my outfits here.

Photos by Skyler Fike

Back to You Again

I love to explore as much as I can and I enjoy going to new places to take in something completely unseen. And then there are those places I feel I just can’t get enough.White Sands, New Mexico is definitely one of them. I first made my way out there with my family when I was 14 where I did cartwheels with by brothers and watched my mom turn into a little kid again. The 2nd time I went with my brother and best friend, right before an incredible storm started rolling in turning the whole sky a brilliant navy blue. This past December I again got to take in the beauty of this place. Though it was a little bit colder compared to the times I went in the summer, it was even more beautiful than I remembered. I can’t wait to make my way back out there and create new memories to build on top of the old ones. Thank you immensely to O’Neill for sending me my wardrobe for this trip as well.

-zKGHH5BGY25Oj7kScOfQe5K9f9B8FbfpHCSi6adADQ

41HPjW86NQq_fbuzAADJc1NF1NgpkEpYIYasCZ-vlqc

hCvCFvwhvHLqntW1y5RF71U89G3G9uPePMieyBugpYk

ct_xSSq04o0UyqpL52CbkcAG8ymcW5SdPTdQBRFyIOU

hI0xnLJBPjy6dPgG0IlIkAz5XKnWVedrJ7JPWwfP1k0

YYMaZRLQloQiPToV2PAF1p7aRkfZZqTCShCnolcl75M

UIkODB2jHRKlcYOn8Clwp9thv04YnD1J_MXFOBa0sog

xokris

photos: Skyler Fike

Get my jacket here!
Get my maxi dress here!
Get my mini dress here!

Up in a Tree

Summer is still burning and that’s okay, because I have so many dresses in my closet I still love to wear! O’Neill is such an inspiring brand to me because of how the company pushes positivity and adventurous sides of life. If you have a chance to check out O’neill Women’s Instagram page I strongly suggest it…you will be tempted to snag a few bikinis, a sundress, and hop on a jet to a tropical island somewhere. They were kind enough to send me this beautiful maxi dress that I really adore! The retro paisley pattern, and slits on each side made me feel like a boho queen while I ventured around San Juan Capistrsano.

This park was so beautiful and had certain views that made me think of Scotland (cool, right?). I of course had to climb a tree and lose myself in the absolute beauty of everything.

_MG_5797 copy _MG_5643 copy _MG_5732 copy _MG_5745 copy

xokris

Get this dress here!

Photos by Seven Shades of Grey