In Search of the Perfect Travel Bag

I have to admit I have my collection of travel bags -- a roomy leather shoulder bag I bought in Italy years ago, a dark blue patent leather and canvas bag I splurged on at Barney's Coop and the brown and white geometric design canvas bag with matching small purse I bought up in Mass visiting my BFF, Debra. This is in addition to all the small luggage my husband and I have amassed. BUT....I'm always in search of another. And these are patterns and fabrics are too great from Jane Marvel. Should I indulge? So tempting.

Foodie Paradise

Well, we're not heading south for spring break. I guess it's sort of like the new "staycation" as we are headed to our cozy place in Vermont, in an attempt to save a bit of dough and get some use of it, since we haven't been there in months. More likely, we'll blow our budget eating and drinking well. We are getting ready to book at the Hen of the Woods in Waterbury, which was recently written up in the NY Times for its great atmosphere (an old flour mill) and local approach to food. Sounds like our kind of local place. I can taste the sheep cheese gnocchi now....and hope there is a warm nook where we'll dine.

Live Locally, Lust Locally

I love Kimpton Hotels...they have a funky, fun feel to them and the in-hotel restaurants are usually great foodie stops....not to mention the creative, colorful in-room decor. Now, we are getting our very own just down the road in Old Town, Alexandria -- just minutes from our house -- to add to those already in D.C. The Lorien Hotel and Spa looks yummy and here's what they have to say about it and it's fabu restaurant, presided over by chef Robert Wiedmaier who already has a few haunts which serve Belgian-American cuisine in D.C.:

"Led by the distinctive vision of Chef Robert Wiedmaier, approachable, fun food and wine are integral to Lorien Hotel & Spa's vision of the perfect boutique hotel. With one of the finest dining destinations in the area paired with a casual neighborhood favorite as well as a place to buy great wine and cheese, fabulous variety graces your stay. Adjacent to Lorien Hotel & Spa, BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier and BRABO Tasting Room feature the award-winning cuisine of Chef Wiedmaier in these very unique venues."

Next stop for dinner? BRABO.

Boutique Hotel Junkies Unite

Finally -- I've found another soul in search of kid-friendly boutique hotels. I've been on a quest since my daugher, Abigail, was born -- when I discovered that some of the nicer hotels did not take children under the age of 12. Having been single for most of my adult life, I can understand the consternation felt by holiday sun seekers who desire nothing more than peace and quiet near a pool with a cocktail -- not splashing American toddlers. So, it was with incredible amazement and delight that I stumbled upon Baby Friendly Boltholes, a site that caters to the likes of me. It looks like it offers the types of properties throughout Europe that I would have organized a weekend trip to back in my old, single days living in Croatia. Anyone remember those???

First you met the prince....now the princess

And, yeah, Polaroids are back...through a groovy on-line program I just downloaded!!