Hey There, Seattle

Tim and I spent a few days last week visiting family in Seattle. Somehow we managed to bring the sun with us and had a few days of lovely weather to explore the city. We ran along the Puget Sound, devoured delicious cardamom pretzels at the award-winning Cafe Besalu, shopped some wonderful markets and spent much needed time with family. Thanks Seattle, for showing us a good time.

Dinner at Jaleo

It's conference time! Well, for Tim anyway. All this week we are staying in the Grand Hyatt as Tim powers through his NCIL Annual Conference. It's fun to be downtown for a change and being close to Chinatown allows us to eat at places we don't get to often. The other night we decided on Jaleo to check out their winter renovations. The food is still amazing and the interior has been transformed into a an eclectic mix of funky, modern Spanish art and bizarre decor (picture foosball tables repurposed as bar tables with glass tops). I especially loved the design of the menus and the fun floor tiles.

And yes, that first image is their new drink menu which is on an iPad. The app was very well designed and user friendly, however the servers seemed hesitant to leave it on the table for very long so we didn't get nearly enough time to play and read about all their wines. Maybe next time?

Recap: Chincoteague, VA

We spent another great Memorial Day Weekend at Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. My family grew up going there, so it's always been fun for me to go back and reminisce. The wildlife refuge and beaches along Assateague are still beautiful, and it is still home to one of my all-time favorite ice cream palors: the Island Creamery. 

RECAP: Mexico

For our honeymoon, my husband and I spent eight days in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Despite a slight bout of sickness, we had a fabulous time and glorious weather. We explored the ruins of Tulum, sat on the beach, ate amazing food and shopped along Quinta Ave.

Mayan ruins at Tulum

The textiles in some of the local shops were so vibrant and eye-catching, it took everything in me to not purchase one of everything. 

Local textiles

Our hotel, El Taj, was beautiful in itself. Not only because of the views of the Carribean Sea, but I also loved the modern furniture and India-inspired decor.

View from our balcony

Modern outdoor furniture at the resort

Entryway to El Taj

In town we found some amazing food. Especially at Yaxche, our favorite Mayan restaurant that had an incredible design aesthetic (I almost stole some napkins). However it was a challenge to not eat every meal at the beach club with it's amazing views.

View from Indigo Beach Club

Between the people, the culture, and the food it was an amazing trip. I'm sure we'll be back soon enough, most likely with friends and family in tow. Hasta luego!