Miami

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We got married in May in The Millhouse, Slane and we headed off a few days later on our honeymoon to Florida, Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans. First stop Miami. We just wanted some downtime after the hecticness of the wedding and Miami hit the spot - sun, sea, poolside cocktails - perfect start to our honeymoon. I didn't get a huge amount of time coming up to the wedding to read up on Miami so was really pleasantly surprised that almost all of the buildings on South Beach (where we stayed) were Art Deco. I'm a fan of all things vintage so our first day was spent doing an Art Deco walking tour. The buildings are so beautifully restored from the outside but when you get inside they're even more stunning and decadent (you're not allowed to take pictures unfortunately). If you've never been to Miami definitely take a trip over - there's alot more to it than you think.

Track of the Day:   The Knife - Heartbeats

Great song, great video. Really sad to hear they're calling it a day once they finish their final European tour. 

Benefit Boutique Dublin

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Ireland's first ever Benefit Boutique is open! Located on South William Street it's your 'One stop shop' for all things Benefit. 

Services include a brow bar, body waxing and spray tanning, as well as brand new blow dry and nail bars and all at pretty good prices (15 minute manicure with polish for €20 and only €10 to remove shellac polish).  While you're waiting for your turn you can also browse all your favourite Benefit products.

I attended their blogger launch party on a cold rainy night last week and had my first glass of mulled wine while the lovely Mark and Sofia filled us in on all things Benefit.

Favourite product of the night definitely the new Bathina Body Mist (€38) - spray it on after your shower and you'll smell like heaven.

They've gorgeous new sets for Christmas that come in collectible tins including Benefit favourites like Benetint, High Beam, Hoola. What's really clever is you can recycle the tins & use for your biscuits / tea / make-up brushes / jewellery. They'll definitely be on my Christmas list!
Let me know if you've visited the boutique and what you had done. I'll definitely be going back for a manicure.

Wedding by a lake

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Dress - Warehouse

A few weeks ago we went to a wedding in Wineport Lodge. We had looked at the venue for our own wedding so it was nice to actually attend a wedding there.  It's a stunning venue overlooking a lake and on a nice day you couldn't ask for a more beautiful spot. 
I treated myself to this new dress from Warehouse for the wedding. It has a sweetheart neckline and a lovely chiffon overlay which I liked but it was the colour that really attracted me to it - there really isn't enough teal out there - the bride looked amazing in a Jenny Packham dress(I've been trying on her dresses the last few months but they don't suit me - you have to be quite tall and slim to pull them off).

Track of the Day:   Cat Power - Manhattan

Can't stop listening to her latest album Sun

Los Angeles

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We arrived at our hotel in Santa Monica really late after spending the entire day driving along Big Sur. We had hoped to stop in Santa Barbara on the way but didn't have time. I was delighted to get to the hotel and into bed and very excited about the next few days in LA. The weather had been beautiful so far and LA didn't disappoint.  First day in LA and we happened upon the filming of an episode of Criminal Minds. I loved this place already! I'm a sucker for celebrity. I even made himself drive us around for almost a full day looking for houses of famous people (we saw the houses of Bob Dylan, Barbara Streisand, Matthew McConaughey, Pamela Anderson and almost Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie but he wouldn't drive down the private road!). Driving through Beverly Hills and Hollywood and seeing iconic places like Chateau Marmont and The Viper Room reminded me how much I love Hollywood and the movies. I think I was born in the wrong era. Alot of people complain about how plastic LA is but I really did love it and would go back in a heartbeat.

Track of the Day:  Liz Phair - Fuck and Run

An oldie but a goodie.

Big Sur Part 2

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So, I had pretty bad food poisoning in these photos but luckily himself encouraged me to get out of the car and come see the view. I'm glad he did. It was just miles and miles of stunning cliffs and blue ocean. I really wish I had felt up for more exploring but I just wasn't feeling it!  Went back to the car after these shots were taken and drank this god awful drink that tasted like salty orange juice so I wouldn't dehydrate.

Big Sur Part 1

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We were sad to leave Santa Cruz behind us but very much looking forward to making our way down to LA via Big Sur and stopping in Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Carmel was lovely - reminded me alot of Malahide. Unfortunately we ate some bad fish in Carmel and got pretty bad food poisoning. So, the next day we decided to drive all the way to LA in one day. We had planned to stop along the way and take in all the views but all I wanted was bed! Luckily himself forced me out of the car to take in the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. He had planned to propose somewhere along the way but I was too sick! Maybe we'll go back one day and take our time so we can stop and walk along some of the beautiful beaches. 

Track of the Day:  The Beach Boys - Surfer Girl

Himself couldn't wait to play his surf mix (including this classic)as we made our way to LA.

Santa Cruz

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We left San Francisco and headed the way of Yosemite National Park where we spent much of our time in hiking gear...hiking. I found out that it takes people who climb El Capitan around six days and they sleep on stretchers attached to the cliff. They are effectively hanging off the side attached only by ropes..plus it costs around $30,000 per person. 

Next stop Santa Cruz, birthplace of surfing, seals and amusements arcades. Weather was starting to warm up.

Track of the Day:   Best Coast - The Only Place

When in sunny surf land...