www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2CBb_dPl60

GVOYW: Hello from Paradise Edition

I took a quick video on my beach run this morning.  It is absolutely beautiful in Playa del Carmen -- like the Carribean but closer and cheaper!

I’ll tell you, the best part of the run was when the clouds rolled in and it rained for literally 1 minute to cool me off from the heat,

The all inclusive hotel behind me appears to be nice, but the food and drinks at these places is like plastic.  Don’t be deceived!!!

Hope you’re enjoying the day.

Exercise is usually the last thing on your mind when you go to the beach, or anywhere on vacation for that matter.  But if you’re like me and actually enjoy working up a sweat, having an empty schedule allows you to get in the time you always want to dedicate to your body.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you need to go all out, but exercise will actually help you relax more.

So here are a few ways I stay active while on vacay.

A GOOD OLD FASHIONED JOG

The obvious choice: running on the beach.

Running in sand is really challenging and will burn off calories quickly.

STAIRS

They’re everywhere so take advantage.  After a beach run I’ll throw in 3-10 sets, half single step, the other half double.

DVD GUIDES

On this trip I’ve brought along P90x and a resistance band so I don’t have to construct my own workouts.

The main guy is pretty cheesy, but he definitely pushes me harder than I would myself. And with your laptop, you can set up anywhere (don’t ask me why I chose the dining room).

YOUR OWN YOGA FLOW

Yoga is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and rejuvenate your body physically and mentally.  Find a shady spot to flow through your vinyasa or bring a DVD (the P90x one is not bad at all).

Quick tip: when using a towel as a mat, fold it in half so your feet can lock into the ground instead of slipping on the towel.

EQUIPMENT IS EVERYWHERE

If you look around your property carefully, you’ll find little spots that can enhance your workout.

I use the infinity pools for dips and the wooden lounge chairs for step ups.

MULTI-PURPOSE POOL

Obviously you can swim laps, but as I’ve shown above, you can be in your bikini and tone up.  Tricep dips are one way.  While sitting on the edge of the pool, you can do leg extensions using the water for resistance.  Try doing 100 and you’ll be surprised to see your quads get tighter without working up a sweat or putting down your margartia.

REST AND RECOVER

Rest is very important for your body in building strength over a long period of time.  And that essentially is one of our goals, right?

So, don’t kill yourself on vacation.  Let your body recover from the beatings you usually inflict during the week.  In fact if exercise isn’t your thing, don’t worry about it at all.  But if you want to be outside and get your heart rate up because that is what makes you happy, I hope you’ll find these tricks helpful on your next tropical getaway.

My Saturday night in Mexico.

I really can’t relax unless my work is done.  For an entrepreneur, it’s a blessing to be responsible, and a curse to never be able to let go.

My Sunday fun-day.

Namaste. Just finished P90x yoga outside. Tomorrow I’ll post my tropical travel workout. Today, I’m off to the hammock.

My oceanfront office.

Ok, not really.  It’s too hot and sticky outside to be productive.  I’m actually sitting on the couch reading emails right now.

But, it looks like a great idea, doesn’t it?

In a perfect world, I wouldn’t need to work today, but I’m not opposed to it.

Happy Monday!

GPOYW: You don’t need to see me edition

Lunch (almuerzo in Spanish – you’ve just learned something today!). These veggies were grown down the street and grilled lightly. No seasoning needed. Wrap it up in a handmade tortilla and you’ve got a meal.

(This post has been updated.  Wow, totally embarrassed I wrote breakfast instead of lunch.  Must have been the tequila typing).

With a fresh pineapple margarita. Case and point: Mexico is healthier than the States.

Annnnd…scene. Nap time!

After my nap. Living on the edge and tanning topless. No, I’m not going to show you. Honestly I’m a little uncomfortable with the whole situation even though there’s no one here…. Just thought I’d try it out, go crazy. But this kind of behavior might be a little to extreme for me…before a couple cocktails anyway.

Umm, has anyone seen my ass? It must be around here somewhere. I swore I brought it…

Almuerzo

“Way down here

You need a reason to move

Feel a fool

Running your stateside games

Lose your load

Leave your mind behind, Baby James 

Oh, Mexico….”

—Mexico, James Taylor

Mason is so stressed out.

Our idea of a good time.

Good morning from paradise.

Not sure if you remember this, but last time I came down, it rained continuously for 6 days straight!  On this trip, the weather is flawless: not too hot, a cool breeze comes off the ocean, and I have great friends here to share it with.

Now that’s what I call Smile Friday

Digging out the vein to get to the taco isn’t ever fun, but totally worth the effort…or the extra bucks per pound to have them already de-pooed.

Another fabulously fresh and simple lunch: shrimp tacos with Sarah’s pineapple salsa.

To make the salsa all you have to do is chop up:

— pineapple

— onion

— jalapeño

— red bell pepper

Add a little olive oil, a squeeze of lime, and you’re done. Use it with broiled white fish, cold green beans, or chips.

And today’s beach bum nap album, The XX. It’s mellow and motontonous but has personallity and soul.  Honestly, I’m terrible at describing music, it’s just a fucking amazing album.  I use it for spin (“Crystalized”) and to fall asleep. How that’s possible is beyond me, but I’m digging it.

(Click here to preview or buy on iTunes)

BudgetTravel magazine reports these findings from a recent survey:

Most beautiful city: San Francisco
Best family vacation: Williamsburg, VA
Best rental car company: Enterprise
Best airline: Southwest
Best travel app: Flight Tracker ($4.99)

I believe they chose the airline and rental car based on price. But this gypsy can tell you without a doubt that Southwest and Enterprise are absolutely NOT the most affordable. Continental and Jet Blue consistently underprice Southwest. While Enterprise does have the best selection of cars, they do not offer the cheapest daily rate.

San Fran is truly beautiful, but in terms of world travel, I would go with Prague or Barcelona or even London.

Happy 4th of July: American Honey edition

(Wouldn’t expect anything less than the perfect representation of American freedom from you Carolyn.  Block really does have the best!)

via carolynannahall:

Happy July 4th: Ready to roll to the Ranch edition.

— Ultra lite beer with limes (ironically in my IzoCleanze cooler), check.

— Hat and sunscreen, check.

— Overnight bag, check.

— Last and certainly not least, cutest dog in the world whining because he thinks I’m leaving him, check.

A two hour drive and we’ll be riverside!

I spent the holiday enjoying all of the comforts the South has to offer: good friends, warm days, cold beer, and smoked bbq by the river.  What more could a girl ask for?!

My girlfriend Alyssa (with me above) and her husband Brian host an annual Fourth of July river party at Brian’s family’s ranch in the Texas hill country. After hearing about it in years past, I finally made the drive out to reconnect with friends and my Texas pride.

Once I hit the dirt road off the highway I was taken back to my more youthful years by the smell of grass and plants.  I don’t know their names, nor can I describe the smell.  It’s woodsy and pinches your nose from the inside.  It’s the best nostalgic reference to the days hunting with my dad that I will ever have.

Country roads technically aren’t pleasant to drive on (especially in an Audi), but I always enjoy it.  Just a Southern thing I reckon.

The main house on the property was built recently and is exemplary of Texas Style. Each tree trunk and stone was hand selected that together create a rich character for the house.

Those steps probably weigh about 50 pounds each!

Fire pits are one of my favorite parts of Southern culture.  When you live in the city, you can gather a group, drink wine, and laugh for hours around a roaring fire, just like you would in the country.

Dinner was a whole smoked pig that was probably THE juiciest and most flavorful pork I’ve ever tasted.  Pair that with baked beans from scratch and you really don’t need anything else.

After dinner the party raged on, fire works went off, and amazingly no one was hurt. Overall, it was the perfect Texas day.

Thank you again to Alyssa and Brian for extending the invitation!

Might come as a bit of a surprise to you.

5am CST – Pry eyelids open

7am – I leave on a JetBlue plane.

11:30am EST – Pry eyelids open again as plan reaches the gate.

11:34am – I set foot into the great state of New York.

1pm – Mani/pedi with Lucy at BB Nails (I haven’t had a mani/pedi since Sarah’s birthday, yikes!).  My love Adrien is joining me!

2:30pm – Meeting #1

4:30pm – Meeting #2

6pm – Drinks with a few of my favorite peeps (minus one new mommy).

7:30pm – Dinner meeting.

9pm – Pass the F out.

Obviously it’ a work trip, but I’m squeezing in a little me time.  And of course, spring hasn’t hit NYC yet so I’m forced to lug multiple pairs of boots across the country.  Whatever, the trip could yield some great partnerships, so keep your fingers crossed.

If you’re flying an airline that shares a terminal with Southwest, 9.5 times out of 10, the security line won’t border on obnoxious, it will be full blown ridiculous.

(This one at Hobby zig-zags and fills the entire terminal.)

Check it out. “That guy” who spilled half her bag in the security line pulled it together and made her flight.

Always my first stop in NYC: BB Nails on the corner of Lex and E 30th. Litterally I get off the plane and take a taxi straight here. Of course, I had to make the appointment with Lucy at least a week in advance. She’s that good! The number here is 212-689-1892.

How sweet is my Megs to come meet me to catch up?! I love this lady.

I’m off to meet G and Charlotte for lunch uptown. Trying out a new iPhone app for pics, what do you think? This effect doesn’t really fit the photo, but it’s my favorite thus far. More to come on this later.

I love surprising people with sweet treats. Usually I make them, but in NYC I have so many favorite bakeries, I pick one per trip and stock up to distribute to friends, people I take meetings with, etc. Such a simple gesture that always makes them smile.

The trick is to bring something people love and wouldn’t get for themselves (cupcakes from Sprinkles/Crave/Buttercup) or truly unique that people might not know about.

Today I picked up unbelievably delicious brownie bites from Bouchon bakery at Columbus Circle on my way to meet G. Another favorite is the cinnamon toast from Stumptown coffee. In Houston I go to Dapaco’s in the Heights for tres leches cake. As for LA, my go-to is Delucious cookies from Food+Lab.

I got my daily dose of Charlotte in person today. She’s such a good baby!!

For more of this precious face and tips from her beautiful mommy visit G’s blog www.georgiegirlnyc.com

The real deal in action.

G is quite a stylish mommy. She makes motherhood look so simple and glamorous! Love her Tory Burch shades and Steve Madden flats.

Maybe One Day Head To Toe:

— Marc by Marc Jacobs sunnies

— Yumi-Mazao trench from Encore

— Black leggings

— Fendi boots

— Faux snake clutch from vintage store on 19th street in Houston

I’ve always wanted a white trench, but it’s so impractical for New Yorkers who need outerwear that can look clean even though it’s embarrassingly dirty. For Houston and LA, a white trench will get a couple months of good use without looking worn.

As for a mommies, a white anything probably got pushed to the back of your closet. Just shows you the “Maybe One Day” isn’t necessarily around the corner for me.

After my last trip to NYC, I had put all of my boots away for summer. But never underestimate New York weather to throw a wrench in your plan. These Fendi boots have actually lasted through 3 years in New York, and with a little shine, look as good as new. (Side note: Did you see the video Adrien, Sarah, and I made on the roof of Gawker when Adrien was strutting his stuff in these boots? Too funny. Oh the memories!) Ok, he’s done. 10 minutes and 6 bucks later, these boots are ready to walk again.

Is it just me or is it true that the NY Times is a much better read in print than online? I lead a digital life, but you really can’t beat reading The Times (or WSJ or Vogue) in your hands. Some things just don’t translate. And it’s nice to go old school from time to time. Just my opinion.

I’m leaving for Houston at 4 today. See the weather forecast there a few posts below. My 2010 travels are cursed…

“…not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today.” — Zac Brown “Toes”

“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand…”

Sunday cena a la parilla. We missed you Pinch.

Cute picture, right?! (“Missy” and I at Trey’s birthday a few weeks ago.)

Well, I thought so.  And since I’m not feeling photogenic these days, I thought I would post a pic I like to introduce an article I wrote for The Houston Chronicle.  It has nothing to do with the topic, but it was either this or an airplane on the screen of a laptop I found in a Google search.  Boring!

The article is a quick list that outlines seven websites you can use to help plan and organize your next vacation.  The sites do the research and scheduling for you.

“Plan Your Next Trip With A Few Quick Clicks”  by Me for The Houston Chronicle.

Buen viaje.

(P.S. Michel’s sunglasses are Dior and my favorite frames I’ve seen all season.)