Alli Talley

March 6, 2017

The Time is Now...

Alli Talley

March 6, 2017

We kicked off 2017 with matching Daniel Wellington watches. We have both wanted new watches for awhile now, but we're the WORST when it comes to decision making. (Especially when it comes to fashion choices!)

While we were in Japan, we visited a Daniel Wellington store in Tokyo. That's when we knew we had found EXACTLY what we'd been wanting for so long. Classic design, elegant yet laid back style, and designer qualify at a fraction of the price. Alli picked the Classic Black style and Bobby went with the Classic Bristol, and we haven't taken them off since!

Not only are watches a timeless statement piece, (get it?! ) but they really do come in handy when it comes to travel. There's moments where our phones are dead or out of reach, and being able to check the time on our wrist (what a monumental idea!) truly helps. Plus we get a weird satisfaction when we manually change the times as we cross from one time zone to another. I guess you could say that it makes traveling the world feel that much more real.

We realize there are a lot of watch companies and brands out there to choose from, but we urge you to give Daniel Wellington a try. Not only is their style and design right on the money (obsessed) but their quality - at such an affordable price - is unheard of! (And you know we're all about a good deal!)

If you've been wanting a watch, don't wait. The time is now. And you'll get 15% off with the code NEWLYWEDS... so yolo!! ;)

Daniel Wellington #danielwellington

Alli Talley

March 4, 2017

Asia, Japan

Why You Should Splurge on a Five-Star Hotel in Tokyo - Park Hyatt

Alli Talley

March 4, 2017

Asia, Japan

If you have seen Lost in Translation, then you know the Park Hyatt Tokyo. While that movie hit the big screen nearly 14 years ago, we’re here to tell you that everything amazing you saw about the Park Hyatt in the movie is still just as jaw-dropping. We are going to share about 5 aspects of the hotel that you may remember from the movie, and will affirm why you should spend at least 2 nights at the Park Hyatt on your next stay in Tokyo.

First, lets talk 5-star service. Our friends Brad and Jenna (@formerlyyes) were in Japan shortly before we were, and they highly recommended that we spend the extra money for a 5-star, luxurious hotel experience in Japan. We are so glad we did. 5-star luxury in Japan in incredible. Upon arrival at the Park Hyatt, we were greeted by name and escorted to our room by the concierge. No need to stop at the lobby. The décor is grandiose, the service (both in-room and at the restaurants) is impeccable and swift, and everything feels very private and exclusive. You truly feel lucky to be there. While Bill Murray did not seem to grateful in the movie, we definitely did… and we’re confident you will too.

The room is incredible. An interesting touch was that instead of keycards, you get a literal key. We're not sure if for most it’s a hassle or nostalgic, but we liked it. The room is spacious, with top notch design, furnishings, and amenities. The bed is wonderful, which is probably why Bill spent so much time in his room. The highlight of the bathroom is the Aesop bath products, which are heavenly. The mini-bar, while a little pricey, is beautiful, stocked with an array of Japanese whiskies. Tea is complimentary and delicious!

The view needed it’s own section. Let the pictures do the talking. All rooms are in the top floors of Tokyo’s Park Tower, so ALL the rooms have views like this. It’s easy to sit here and get lost looking at the city buzzing below.

The pool, situated on the rooftop housed in a magnificent atrium, is where you should start your day. It’s a 20-meter pool with floor to ceiling windows looking over the city. There is also a fitness center in the same atrium with all the necessary equipment to get your pump on, assuming you don’t feel like swimming.

The bar, the New York Bar, is where Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansen would often rendezvous in the movie. Like the movie, there are great cocktails, stunning views, and awesome live music. It has a classic cocktail bar vibe that makes it worth the trip even if you aren’t staying there.

All of these aspects of the hotel are just as in tact as they were 14 years ago. The hotel is timeless Japanese luxury. As we were nudged towards spending the extra money, so we urge you… budget in a way that makes the Park Hyatt Tokyo a possibility. And watch Lost in Translation. You’ll thank us for both recommendations later!

Alli Talley

March 1, 2017

Mexico

ALL-INCLUSIVE LIFE IS THE BEST LIFE.

Alli Talley

March 1, 2017

Mexico

We just returned from a four-day trip to the Paradisus Los Cabos by Melia resort, nestled right in between San José del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas. Four days was just enough time for us to really get used to life at an “all-inclusive”, and let us tell you… it truly is the BEST kind of life. Here’s why.

IT’S WORRY FREE, AND EASY AS CAN BE.

First of all, you never have to carry around your money, credit cards, your id… anything! We put them all in our safe and didn’t get them out until we were packing our bags to leave. Upon arrival, the Paradisus staff gives you bracelets to wear during your stay at the resort, and those bracelets are all you need.

Your every need is met before you even know it. The staff at Paradisus Los Cabos were some of the most attentive staff we have ever experienced. Whether it was refilling our drinks, calling us a taxi to go into town, or bringing us cold towels when we arrived back to the resort - they thought of everything.

Something special about Paradisus Los Cabos is what they call, "Eye Candy". They like to surprise their guest with moments of excitement that could be a flash mob, a love note written in the sand, or a sudden performance on the roof of one of their restaurants. We got to see all of these! One of our favorites was on Valentine’s Day when they had a special cupcake delivery to the pool! Talk about eye candy, hehe.

YOU EAT AND DRINK. ALL THE TIME.

Now as you probably already know, we are big foodies. We LOVE to eat. Not only is the food at Paradisus Los Cabos REALLY good, there’s a lot of it. And so many restaurants to try! We found ourselves “grazing” every couple of hours… a pizza here, a margarita there, some ice cream by the pool, another margarita, some chips and guacamole in bed… You get the picture. To us, nothing says “vacation” more than constant snacking. And when it’s really good and really fresh, we don’t even feel bad about it!

YOU LIVE IN YOUR BATHING SUIT.

Forget about the constant worry of “What am I going to wear?” or “Did I pack enough socks?” At Paradisus Los Cabos, all you need is your swimsuit and some sunscreen! Pretty much the only time we’d take our suits off was to go to dinner (and we’d usually change back into them for a night swim after)! Sometimes we’d even rock our bath robes over our suits when we were feeling extra luxurious…. Because #vacation!!

IT BASICALLY BECOMES YOUR “VACATION HOME”.

After a couple of days at Paradisus Los Cabos, we begin to really feel like we owned the place. We figured out our favorite spot by the pool, our favorite bartender (What’s up, Omar!!), our snacking “routine” (very important), and we knew most of the staff - and even the guests - by name! We love making friends when we travel, and here everyone felt like family. It made having to leave THAT much harder.

If you like worry-free vacationing, complete with delicious food, top-shelf drinks, lots of pool time and new friends, then you’ll LOVE the Paradisus Los Cabos. Don’t take our word for it though - book a trip ASAP. And tell us when you’re going. We’ll meet you there. ;)

Alli Talley

February 27, 2017

Asia, Japan

Japanese Food-venture!

Alli Talley

February 27, 2017

Asia, Japan

Culture, Food, Style, Transportation… Japan blew our minds across the board. We decided we should probably show you some of the various meals we ate, because they were INSANE! From Ramen, to sushi, to GYOZA (our favorite!!), to Matsusaka beef, to Yakisoba… there’s too much. Enjoy the following photos of the vast variety of Japanese culinary delights! (And you should probably head to your local Japanese restaurant ASAP)

Look at this sushi at Ginza Kyubey! The best tuna we've ever had!

We don't recommend, but Bobby tried McDonald's...

Matsusaka beef at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

At Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, you cook the beef yourself to your liking. So good!

Random local street food. There's an egg, and then we don't really know what the rest is...

Yummy tempura after a morning at the Kurama Onsen.

Our favorite food (GYOZA) at Tiger Gyoza!

MUST HAVE: Bento Boxes on your train rides. This Tonkatsu was pretty awesome!

Homemade Japanese meal made by our friend Keiko during our Traveling Spoon experience.

GYOZA GYOZA GYOZA!!! Go to Chaochao Gyoza!

Alli Talley

February 12, 2017

USA, California, Marriage

Laguna is for Lovers

Alli Talley

February 12, 2017

USA, California, Marriage

We can’t think of a better, more romantic beachside town to spend Valentine’s Day than Laguna Beach.

The early morning mist, walks along cozy cottages by the sea, world class shopping, sunset cocktails, and candlelit dinners by the ocean… Laguna Beach is like a fairy tale. But very real. And very doable!! Trust us that you will win some serious points with your significant other if you plan a romantic weekend (or even a day trip) here. We’ll help.

Let’s start with brunch.

Breakfast is our favorite meal, so we take brunch very seriously. The Ranch has recently opened a restaurant called Harvest, and it is AMAZING. From bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls, to fresh pressed juice, to the perfect eggs benedict… you can’t go wrong. Best part is? It’s off the beaten path. You won’t wait in long lines, you won’t feel like the average tourist, and you most likely WILL have an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. It’s our little secret… So please don’t tell too many people. ;)

As far as accommodations, we HIGHLY recommend staying at Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa. Do it. (And thank us later). This little boutique hotel has recently been remodeled by famed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and it is absolutely perfect. From the colorful tiles to the cloud-like beds, to the lush, tropical grounds… Casa Laguna is a peaceful, colorful, and charming oasis - located just across the street from the beach!

Whether we’re on a vacation or a “staycation”, once 3pm hits we’re usually ready for a cocktail (Just us?). Tommy Bahama has our favorite cocktails (get the Sunburn!!!) complete with a relaxing, tropical vibe, live music, and shopping. That’s right - shopping! After we drink, we shop! (Probably should do it the other way around.) Regardless, we love their classic, beach-y style and comfortable designs. Last time we were there, we both walked out with a whole new wardrobe!

Spend the afternoon meandering the streets. Find a hidden gem of a cafe (and tell us about it!), explore art galleries, or relax on the beach. So many options...

Then there’s dinner. Driftwood Kitchen is our new date night go-to. The restaurant is a converted beach home that has an amazing vibe. Their menu is seasonal and constantly changing, so we can’t tell you what to order (unless the grilled Spanish octopus or Chilean sea bass are still on the menu). But we can tell you that it will be good. And you will want dessert. Even just so you can enjoy the ocean views a little bit longer. The Driftwood Kitchen staff does an incredible job at making every guest feel as though they are family… It’s truly a special place!

Next, walk off your food and turn up the romance by heading to Ruby Street Park. This beautiful little lookout point is a great spot to enjoy the sounds of the ocean or stargaze. It may be occupied on Valentine’s Day, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Still ready to rage? Or Ruby Street Park is too crowded? Head to Mozambique where chances are the dance party has already gotten started! Their live music is always incredible, and the people watching is even better. We can’t leave Laguna without popping in for a song or two… or ten!

There it is! A romantic, incredible day in this beautiful little town. Enjoy!

***BONUS***

Since it was so hard to narrow down our favorite Laguna Beach spots (and in case you have a whole weekend), here’s a few more:

Drinks:

The Rooftop Bar :: The BEST mojitos (and perfect for catching the sunset)! Just make sure you get there early - it can fill up fast! Maybe head here for a cocktail before dinner? It is Valentine’s Day, so you may as well splurge.

Broadway :: These craft cocktail specialists can whip up just about anything, and their seasonal drinks are always our favorites. Not sure what to order? Have them surprise you!

Breakfast:

Banzai Bowls :: Our favorite acai bowls in town! (And if you've never had an acai bowl, you're REALLY in for a treat!) Bobby's favorite is the "Da Kine" and Alli loves the "Diamond Head"!

Heidelberg Cafe :: From the pastries, to the coffee, to the breakfast burritos - this longtime Laguna staple will never let you down. The patio is our favorite spot to have a cup of coffee and have a long, leisurely breakfast.

Lunch:

The Stand :: Healthy, fresh, and affordable! This vegetarian-lovers dream never disappoints. It’s a casual, pay at the counter kind of place - so we recommend getting your food to go and taking it to the beach for a romantic picnic!

Dinner:

Splashes :: Located at the stunning Surf and Sand Hotel, Splashes is literally on the beach (hence the name)! Some of the best seafood we’ve ever had has been here, and the romantic ambiance is par none. Splashes is a Valentines Day dream!

For a full list of all the Valentine's Day specials and events in Laguna Beach go ----> HERE.

This article was originally published for Visit Laguna Beach’s Blog