My Backyard and Beyond

New Year's Inspiration

2012-01-01T22:31:00.003-05:00

How did I not know about Polyvore until tonight? It's such a fun fashion site where you can create inspiration boards pulling in images of various styles and trends across the web. According to the site, they get 10 million monthly unique visitors - so apparently I'm a bit late to the game.

My New Year's Eve was a quiet gathering in a friend's apartment, complete with gourmet appetizers, a few touches of sparkles and a champagne toast at midnight.

As we close the chapter of 2011, the things that stand out most in my memories are the celebrations and special quiet moments I had with family and friends, near and far. My new year's resolutions include taking more time to write, mastering the Spanish language and increasing my yoga practice.

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2012!

The Sunshine State

2011-12-19T00:32:00.000-05:00

Business travels took me to Florida this fall and Sebastian was able to find a cheap Delta flight ($159 round-trip, can you believe it?) and join me for the weekend. We stayed in chic Bal Harbour - first, at the historic Sea View Hotel and next at the five-star ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa. Both lovely with their own charms! I'd stayed at ONE previously, but this was my first time at the Sea View.

Our first night, I enjoyed a great lychee martini at Makoto, Stephen Starr's new Japanese restaurant at the Bal Harbour Shops before sitting down to a late dinner at Carpaccio with Sebastian's friends from Paraguay who were staying in Miami for the weekend. The next day, we woke up early to head to South Beach. We spent the morning walking around Lincoln Road and then relaxed at the beach for a few hours, until Sebastian was stung by a swarm of jellyfish - poor guy.

All in all, it was a great weekend...

Drinks at Makoto

Dinner with Tony and Nadhia at Carpaccio

View from our room at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

Soaking tub at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

South Beach

Lunch at Mister Collins

Sentiment of the Day

2011-12-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” – Ernest Hemingway

Traveling with someone can certainly test a relationship. From sharing a cramped hostel room in Rome, Italy with five study abroad friends during college to lounging at a luxury all-inclusive resort in Cozumel, Mexico - I've sought out compatible travel companions along the way who share my sense of adventure.

Flashback: SCRUBS in The Bahamas!

2011-12-07T23:25:00.001-05:00

As a travel publicist, I've had some incredible business trips, from Bal Harbour, Florida to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Among some of the surreal experiences: working the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando (a blog post for another time); working in the media center for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada (another upcoming blog post); staffing a Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo shoot in Banff, Canada; and hosting the cast of Scrubs in The Islands of The Bahamas. Tough job, but somebody's gotta do it, right?

One of my first exciting business travels was to the gorgeous Out Islands of The Bahamas. I helped coordinate the logistics for a week-long television shoot throughout Hope Town, a quaint village that's part of the Abaco Islands. Around 100 cast and crew members flew a charter flight from LA to Abaco and the TV shoot resulted in two great episodes featuring a destination wedding and plenty of ice-cold Bahama Mamas. Behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot is posted on YouTube:

The following are some photo highlights of our week with the super-friendly cast and crew:

And my very favorite:

My most memorable meal

2011-12-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

It wasn't that the food was better than I've ever tasted (although it was right up there). It was about the atmosphere. This meal with Sebastian lasted about two leisurely hours, on our own private balcony in San Telmo, overlooking Dorrego Square - with faint tango music audible in the background. The sun was shining (resulting in pink shoulders after lunch) as we sipped sparkling water and chilled white wine. At the end of the meal, the waiter brought us two complimentary shots of limoncello. We savored the sweet liquor then pried ourselves away from our balcony, late for an afternoon appointment.

Sadly, our camera had died and I wasn't able to document the meal. If you find yourselves in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I highly recommend a meal at Amici Miei. Apparently, I'm not the only one who loved a meal there - it's ranked #3 out of 820 restaurants in Buenos Aires on TripAdvisor!

Sentiment of the Day

2011-08-25T18:16:00.000-04:00

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” -Kerouac

Hurricane tracking

2011-08-25T18:13:00.000-04:00

My thoughts go out to The Bahamas today...hope everyone is safe!

Next stop for Irene: the east coast. Hold on tight, New Yorkers! This is new territory for many of us...

Beatlemania at Yankee Stadium

2011-08-19T12:18:00.004-04:00

According to Klout, one of the things I'm most influential on is Paul McCartney. Now, travel and tourism, public relations, hotels and food.....these topics I understand. But if you want to interact with someone who is truly an expert on Paul McCartney, you need to chat with my Aunt Nancy. A self-proclaimed Beatlemaniac, Nancy is an expert on all things Paul.

When the Fab Four first came to the United States in 1964, my mother and aunt were among the lucky young ladies who got to see them perform live at Ed Sullivan Theater. Those shrieking, crying girls in the video footage? I have yet to spot them, but can only imagine.

Fast forward 47 years and countless concerts, Aunt Nancy finally got to see Sir Paul up close and personal - from the front row at last month's "On the Run" concert at Yankee Stadium. Before the show, we had a big family tailgate and enjoyed a delicious spread of gourmet food (only my mom would bring crisp pinot grigio, homemade salads and organic macadamia and white chocolate cookies for a tailgating dessert).

He opened the show with a joke that resonated with the New York City audience. “Who is this Derek Jeter guy?” he asked. “Somebody said he’s got more hits than me.”

We danced, sang and had a blast during the two hour and 45-minute show. He played favorites from "Jet" to "Hey Jude."

A couple of favorite shots (the close-up is from Aunt Nancy....Paul looked like an ant from my nose-bleed seats!):

Phabulous Philly

2011-07-26T22:39:00.001-04:00

New York City to Philadelphia and back in one day? Easy.

An early morning Bolt Bus, cheesesteaks at Jim's, frozen custard at Rita's, a peek at the Liberty Bell, a photo-op on the "Rocky" steps, a quick tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, an afternoon beer outside at Rittenhouse Square, a bite to eat at a local pub and a bus back to New York City.

DONE.

Dulce de leche and lost in translation

2011-07-13T21:24:00.001-04:00

I explored Paraguay and Argentina for 10 days in May, sampling every steak and baked good dripping with dulce de leche along the way. This was by no means a relaxing vacation (aside for a half-day of pampering in Asuncion), but a fabulous whirlwind trip filled with sightseeing, shopping, a birthday celebration, late nights and early mornings. I was lucky enough to be in Paraguay for the 200th anniversary of independence (bicentenario), which meant concerts and fireworks every night and that the city was decorated in their patriotic red, white and blue. A few highlights:

Vive la France!

2010-10-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

It has been FAR too long since I've blogged and I have so many stories to tell -- including a weekend in the laid-back Poconos, a weekend at the beach in The Hamptons, running a 5k down the shore, a culinary press trip to Nova Scotia....but first, the highlight of my summer: 12 days in the south of France.

We flew into Nice, stayed at an estate in quiet Mougins, and spent our days either laying by the crystal-blue pool at the house or exploring nearby cities such as Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Two chefs prepared and presented gourmet French cuisine (picture fresh truffles shaved on your filet mignon) and we had access to a tennis court and free-flowing Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé Brut at happy hour (try it, you'll thank me).

Some photo highlights:

S'more Please!

2010-06-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

Nothing screams summer quite like the smell of burning marshmallows over an open flame. When the roommates and I decided to host an impromptu barbecue the other night, we chose the dessert before the main course: S'MORES.

These were no standard recipe summer camp s'mores. Mara found jumbo-sized, "Giant Roasters" marshmallows at Shoprite that completely overshadowed the measly little graham crackers, creating an extra-gooey after-dinner treat. Go big or go home, right?

**What things bring back your favorite summer memories?

The (ultimate) destination wedding: Germany

2010-06-28T19:34:00.004-04:00

I went to world's greatest destination wedding ever in September - the marriage of the sister of a life-long friend to her soul mate whom she met in college. For four fun-filled days and nights, we ate German pretzels, clinked beer mugs, and danced both the Hora and the polka, at this celebration of the union between a blonde-haired, blue-eyed German beauty and a tall dark and handsome eastern European Jew.

As we wound our way through the narrow, tree-lined streets of Bavaria, I couldn't help but think, "There's no way any other wedding I go to will compare to this one."

Right before the big day, we drank cocktails at Katrina's bachelorette party in charming Riedenburg, a quiet town set on the Danube and about an hour outside of Munich. The men toasted at David's bachelor party at a beer hall just across town before the groups of men and women met up to share a pint at the end of the night at a smoky pub in the center of the village.

Pre-wedding festivities also included a trip to a Bavarian monastery claiming to serve the oldest beer recipe in the world - which, by the way, is also organic (cheers for a healthy brew!)

The rehearsal dinner itself was better than some actual weddings I've been to, with a live band, dancing, and flowing local beer on tap. Guests couldn't help but wonder how the actual wedding day would beat that evening.

But beat it, they did. The wedding ceremony and reception was held at a beautiful castle set up on a hill. Perfect Operatic notes filled the air as the bride walked down the aisle in a small garden ceremony. Traditions from both cultures were included as they said their vows in front of friends and family.

Around 2pm, the champagne was popped and the festivities began (and didn't end until 3am). The food and beer flowed throughout the night, including a "snack" (huge spread of food) again at midnight for the guests still tearing it up on the dance floor.

Germans certainly know how to throw an incredible wedding.

Photo of the Day - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

2010-06-28T10:40:00.006-04:00

Photo was taken from Granville Island, looking out on False Creek during a 2010 Winter Games press trip to British Columbia.

She's back!

2010-06-27T08:12:00.000-04:00

After a one year hiatus and trips around the world, I'M BACK! Stay tuned for stories from my adventures including a wedding in Bavaria, a two-week stint working at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and a week at the Miss Universe Pageant in The Bahamas. Upcoming trips include 10 days in Cannes, France and a week in London to visit a dear friend...

A Spanish Honeymoon

2009-07-28T22:46:00.006-04:00

A friend is going to Barcelona, Sevilla and Madrid on her honeymoon and requested my advice. I told her:

In Barcelona, definitely go to Parque Guell, the Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum (one of my favorite art museums in the world...and I've been to MANY as the daughter of two artists), and of course, the beach. Definitely go to the Alhambra (amazing!!!!) in Granada, when you're down in Andalucia. In Sevilla, check out the huge mosque (soak up all you can about Spain's rich history of the Christians/Jews/Muslims while you're there...they call the interaction for so many years the "convivencia,"...it's really fascinating). Along those same lines, if you can while you're down in Andalucia, go to Cordoba and see the Mosque there - it's pretty cool (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mosque_of_C%C3%B3rdoba) and maybe the Jewish Quarter, which is nearby -- I think it's the largest in Europe.

In Toledo, wander and get lost around the little streets - it's a fabulous little ancient town. In Madrid, check out the Palacio Real, go to Plaza Santa Ana and have some tapas outside in the big square, go shopping at El Corte Ingles (Spain's biggest department store) in Plaza del Sol (the center of the city), relax outside and walk around Retiro Park (maybe rent one of the paddle boats and go out on the pond in the middle?), go to the Prado Museum, and go out ALL night! If there's a Real Madrid soccer game while you're there, that could be really fun too. Spaniards love their futbol. For nightlife, I suggest Palacio Gaviria, it's this really cool huge club in what used to be a palace in the middle of Madrid. Just beware --- drinks are $$ there!

Must Do's for Spain (anywhere you go): drink some Rioja red wine and sangria, eat some tortilla espanola, and enjoy the blue skies and SUN.

***Would you add anything?***

Breakfast at Wimbledon

2009-07-03T12:59:00.003-04:00

Made a delicious breakfast and now back in bed to watch Andy Roddick play at Wimbledon. Someday, my mother and I will make it to this famed tennis tournament. Bring on the strawberries and cream!

Photo Highlights from Colorado

2009-07-02T13:31:00.014-04:00

Climbing rocks at Garden of the Gods:

Beautiful view:

Jody (my gracious Denver host/guide) and me with the bride-to-be:

After a delicious dinner at Mountain Sun in Boulder:

Red Rocks. I need to return for a concert here. What a gorgeous music venue:

The stairs at Red Rocks. We did these FOUR times:

Cara and Andrew's beautiful wedding - set at an amphitheater at the top of a mountain in Boulder:

Syracuse University reunion with the bride:

Redhead "sisters" at the reception:

Where to next?

2009-06-30T14:14:00.007-04:00

"Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life." -Jack Kerouac

My upcoming travels:

-July: The Hamptons, Jersey Shore

-August: Vancouver/Whistler, The Bahamas

-September: Germany

Mile-High City

2009-06-26T12:03:00.004-04:00

Greetings from lovely Colorado. Walked through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs yesterday (photo), then had some authentic Mexican food at a local hole-in-the-wall spot with killer margaritas. Today's game plan: Working out at Red Rocks, hitting up the Denver Art Museum, shopping downtown, followed by a pre-wedding BBQ in Boulder.

More photos to come!

2009-06-07T20:00:00.002-04:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

Go Federer!

2009-06-07T11:06:00.005-04:00

Spending a lovely Sunday morning at my parents' house, enjoying homemade quiche (my mother is a regular Martha Stewart), hot tea, and watching the French Open on NBC.

http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/man-all-but-accosts-federer-on-court/?hp

He just tied Pete Sampras for career Grand Slams (14). Can't wait to go to the U.S. Open in August!

Vancouver...Oh, how I adore thee.

2009-06-07T10:37:00.002-04:00

My second business trip to Vancouver was just as exciting as the first. I came to the conclusion that I could truly live in this city someday. It has the perfect mix of laid-back atmosphere, health-consciousness and art and culture. Ahhh, just call me Zen Meredith.

We stayed at the new Shangri-La Vancouver, the luxury resort company's first North American property. I've never in my life experienced such service. As soon as you arrive at the hotel, an employee in reception excorts you up to your room for a unique in-room check-in experience.

Ever seen the moment in The Holiday (yep, just referenced that blockbuster of a movie) when Kate Winslet lays in her bed at the house she's staying at, realizes the buttons next to her head control the black-out curtains, the music, etc...and she squeals with delight??

...Yes, that was me.

The buttons by my head controlled the regular curtains, the black-out curtains, the electronic "do not disturb" message, the lights, etc. And to top it off, the room was bigger than my entire apartment in New York. It was pure bliss.

During my stay in Vancouver, I got a sneak peak of the facilities for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. And let me tell you, the Games are going to be amazing. [More to come on this]

Welcome to Miami

2009-06-06T21:49:00.010-04:00

Each year, my childhood friends and I get together for a girls' weekend reunion. Our friends travel to one location from North Carolina, Maryland, New York and New Jersey. This year's reunion was set in gorgeous Miami, Florida. My childhood friend's sister's fiance's family (yes...I'm sure you had to read that a few times to grasp the connection) has a huge condo right on Miami Beach and they offered it to us for a long weekend. I was shocked when we arrived -- the place was enormous and spotless and they even left us keys to their Prius!

This was the view from the balcony:

The first day was cloudy and chilly, so we made the most of our (rare) quality time together by whipping up some spicy Mexican food and catching up each others' lives.

We stopped by and wandered around the new Fontainebleau Hotel, which was a convenient six blocks from our home for the weekend. Even on a Sunday evening, the Blue Bar and LIV Nightclub were packed. What do these people do for a living? Nobody has to work on a Monday?

We headed to South Beach to explore for a day and, at the recommendation of my sister-in-law, we stopped by beachside bar "Wet Willie's" to check out the impressive selection of frozen drinks:

Such a great, relaxing trip. Over the course of the four days, I was able to catch up with old friends, explore a new city and complete an entire novel. What more can you ask for in a girls' getaway?

A very busy spring...

2009-03-09T23:16:00.003-04:00

My upcoming travels:

March: Vancouver (work meetings)
April: The Bahamas (Weather Conference)
May: San Francisco and L.A. (work events)
June: Colorado (for Cara's wedding!)
July: The Bahamas (press trip)