Girls' Getaway to the Beach California style!

It's early......and, thankfully, the coffee is brewing.  I'm finishing my packing for a beach getaway, with two of my nearest and dearest girlfriends from graduate school.  There has been the recent purchase of a beach house and we are more than happy to help her break it in.

There will be some lounging at the beach....

                      Lots of catching up.... laughter, deep conversation, shared memories of 20                              years and maybe even a few tears....

 Some gorgeous California sea views.

  

 Perhaps a picnic at the beach

Right now it sounds just about perfect........... 

Cheers to you and enjoying this week of summer to the fullest! 

xx,

 Heather

Images 1/2/3/4/5/6

Style for your life at my Stylemindchic Boutique here!

Getaway Guide (San Francisco) Top 5

English: Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco at sunset (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Francisco.........my, first and favorite, love affair with a city. As they say, you never forget your first love.  I've been visiting San Francisco since I was very young.  I remember trips with my family to  Golden Gate Park for viewing the Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Garden, a concert at the iconic Grace Cathedral, chocolate at Ghirardelli, or the gorgeous flower displays in the windows at Macy's around Easter.  Somehow we often ended up at Union Square for shopping and lunch at Blum's. I remember a luscious dessert...a cake with the most amazing crunch frosting (I suppose I haven't quite gotten over it).  Occasionally, my parents would splurge and we would dine at 'The Iron Horse' a quintessential  San Francisco restaurant on Maiden Lane, just off Union Square.  It was all red leather banquets, candlelight and  white linen tablecloths.  I remember the waiters wore formal black jackets (with tails?) with starchy white shirts. It was very Old San Francisco and quite fancy for a little girl~I loved it. 

 Since that time I have enjoyed numerous getaways and found some new favorites in this beguiling city. There is no way to cover all that delights in San Francisco,  I'll  simply share a few of my go to favorites.

                                                            
                                                          To Do:
Golden Gate Park-home to the The De Young Museum-historic and classical art with an eclectic collection of revolving exhibits. The Park is also home to the Conservatory of Flowers.

Pacific Heights-take a walk or a drive through this elegant and historic neighborhood with classic mansions and fantastic views of the city, the Golden Gate, and the bay (Divisidero is a good choice to get you to Pacific Heights-from their you can meander your way around the neighborhood).

Catch a Cable Car-take a ride on the historic line-perfect for sightseeing and getting around the city.

Golden Gate Bridge- walk or rent a bike to cross and visit the charming Sausalito on the other side.

Take in the sights and sounds of Chinatown to the north of Union Square.

Buy fresh flowers on the street corner in Union Square as a souvenir of your perfect day in the city.

                                                                      To Stay:

Hotel Adagio-Urban, sleek boutique hotel in the heart of the Theater District. The Adagio is one of our favorites, in the perfect location, just blocks west from Union Square and flanked by several high end boutique art galleries.
               

The Clift Hotel- is just across the way from the Adagio. This sleek, modern, whimsical hotel designed by Phillippe Starck has a stylish vibe. 

The W Hotel-Sleek, modern hotel near the Moma (Musuem of Modern Art). Fantastic roof top in warm weather.

Intercontinental Mark Hopkins- A classic! The top floor Lounge/Bar-Top of the Mark-boasts outstanding city views-and some nights a live band on the dance floor. A personal favorite since we started our Honeymoon here back in 2000. 

                                                 To Dine:    
  

 First Crush-Intimate, romantic, food and wine near Union Square in the Financial District.
Perfect start to a memorable San Francisco evening.
























Balboa Cafe-Iconic SF restaurant/bar maintains that old San Francisco charm.

Belden Place-the Alley- often called the French Quarter of San Francisco. A diverse group of dining spots offer an array of cuisines with an international flavor. Outdoor dining adds to the ambiance.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in Union Square-A lovely setting for a special lunch or afternoon tea.

Sociale- in Presidio Heights tucked away at the end of an alley on Sacramento Street this romantic gem is like a European getaway in a quite neighborhood.

     

Almost anywhere in North Beach-for authentic Italian!

                                                                  To Shop:  

Here is a great guide to shopping in San Francisco.

Some of my favorites:
Union Square-Iconic spot for luxury brand shopping and a gorgeous tree at Christmas.
               
Chestnut Street with a distinctive neighborhood vibe.
           
Sacramento Street-high end, stylish boutiques for fashion and home decor on the border between Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights.
     
Fillmore Street-fashion and home decor shops in a high-end, picturesque neighborhood.

             
The weather in San Francisco can be mercurial.  On the hottest day of summer inland, it can be shrouded with billowing layers of fog and a bracing wind. Since the weather can turn on a dime, layering is always the way to go.

               Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary at the Mark Hopkins, September 2011

This is just a start. Would love to hear about your San Francisco favorites~ please add your ideas below.
                                                         Cheers, Heather

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• Getaway Guide~New York City~Top 5

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Rest in Peace......dear Dad.

This is by far the most difficult (read tear stained) post I have written. Father's Day is just around the corner and I'm missing my dad more than words can say.  We lost him over three years ago and somehow, today, it feels like it was just yesterday.....That's the interesting thing about grief, it sneaks up on you and practically doubles you over, when you least expect it. 

I am proud to call James Curtis Orr my dad.  I am doubly fortunate in that Curt was not only my dad, since I was adopted at 3 days old, he was my adoptive father by choice, by luck, by love and therein lies the beauty of adoption. My parents always told me I was "chosen" and that makes a kid feel pretty special

....and I smile at my good fortune to have this kind-hearted, intelligent, hard working, loving, faithful man as my dad.

Dad and me with our Bower cousins

                         He loved being a dad................to Heidi and me (yes, I'll come clean-I'm the brunette)

                     .....and loved being a grandpa to Jared and Jordan.... (maybe a wee bit more).

My dad was hopeful......he walked me down the aisle (more than once) and never laughed when I asked him to 'give me away'.  Okay, so maybe once he joked about a 'no returns' policy.

He loved jelly beans.....and loved that his gift was packed in his favorites.

 Our family trip to NYC, to celebrate Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary, in December 2007. We had no idea it would be our last trip together, but we are so grateful for the memories.

Our next Christmas was spent in the hospital, following a devastating cancer diagnosis for my dad. Time was very short, with only 19 days from diagnosis until the end on January 4th, 2009. Despite the shock, pain and sorrow, we were blessed to share some special memories, fun stories and laughter......... On Christmas night, my husband and I stayed at the hospital as dad told long ago stories of growing up in South Carolina. He was at peace. At nearly 10 pm  I said "We should let you get some sleep, dad, it's 10pm".  He looked at the clock and said "It's only 9:50, what's your hurry?" with bit of a grin. Hugs and love you followed....Cancer, pain and medications took over from there, but I will always be grateful for the memories of our final day-Christmas day- together.

And life is....forever changed.........

                                           

Cool cat........................

 Rest in peace, Dad. I miss you more than words can say........... 

                                I have faith, as I know you do, that we will meet again.

xx,          
Heather