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03.01.19

Welcome to Miami

We decided to take a quick trip to Miami…specifically to South Beach!

We were taking the dogs for a walk in South Beach and we came upon a large Tuscan looking villa. After some debate I decided to google it. We turned out to be the mansion of the late Gianni Versace. As fans of architecture, fashion, and style, we were of course transfixed for a moment taking it in. After another delving search into google (thank goodness for google!), we discovered it was a boutique hotel and restaurant! We were able to get a lunch reservation and it was kismet.

Inside the mansion is stunning. To think of it as a private home is so indulgent. There is a large open courtyard right in the center with the ascending floors having an open hallway to look over into the courtyard. Although the courtyard is in the center, the centerpiece of this home is the pool and garden area.

We sat overlooking this spot as we enjoyed a classic Italian meal. The food was fresh and so satisfying and paired perfectly with the view. Considering the fact that we were sitting just a few yards from the Atlantic ocean only made the experience all the more thrilling.

My advice if you are venturing to the Versace Mansion for your own opulent experience is to soak it in as much as you can. The grand exterior foyer, the pool area, the library bar, the courtyard, and the ideas that must have followed through that space while Gianna Versace lived there.

02.27.19

Savannah Georgia: Recommendations

I’ve been to Savannah once before, but only for lunch.

So as we drove from South Carolina into downtown Savannah I was so looking forward to having the opportunity to take in more of a city I’ve heard so much about.

Old Town

We first visited a cafe that was recommended to me, but it wasn’t really what we were looking for. We left the cafe and explored a bit of old town Savannah right on the water. There is a great deal of Savannah that is historic and pre-Civil War because it was one of the very few cities spared from being irreparably burned during the Civil War.

The Olde Pink House

We were planning on having lunch at the Olde Pink House, which is a historical beauty. Unfortunately this beautiful house recently had an interior fire and is now under repair. However, when we stopped by we met the historian who was unbelievably knowledgable about Savannah. For that reason The Olde Pink House, is definitely on my list of recommendations, if for nothing else than to speak with the historian and learn about Savannah!

Alex Raskin Antiques

This was a discovery. We happen to love antiques. Due to that, I was looking at various blogs online, reviews, and websites about the best antique stores to visit in Savannah. This is how I learned about Alex Raskin antiques. What makes this shop INCREDIBLE is that fact that the home hasn’t been restored, but it hasn’t fallen into ruin either. The house is a marvel of craftsmanship and would reminded me of the forbidden west wing in Beauty and the Beast. The 5 story home (including the basement) has pieces of it’s history hidden in every room. If you love history, romantic, macabre, imagination igniting spaces this is a must see. The antiques inside aren’t just vintage paraphernalia either, some of them date back hundreds of years and come from far off lands.

Lady and Sons

This will always be a favorite of mine in Savannah and will always remind of this city. That’s because this was my first experience on our very short first trip to this southern gem! This is the restaurant Paula Dean started with her two sons. The food is truly southern food. Meaning massive portions of rich and decadent dishes. It’s a great stop for lunch or early dinner because the building is in a great neighborhood for walking to shops.

The Southern Square

Because of Savannah escaped the fate of being burned to the ground, many of the square parks in the city remain. What this means is the classic homes face onto a beautiful square park. It’s shared green space right in the heart of the city. The largest park in Savannah is a right in the heart of the city, and is perfect for walking. It’s very close to Alex Raskin antiques, so if you’re interested in both plan to see them around the same time.

02.25.19

Charleston SC Recommendations: Part 2

We got up early, as we typically do, to explore Charleston. There’s something so peaceful about taking in a city before it’s fully awake. We strolled into the South of Broad neighborhood after reading that there is quite a bit of historical architecture there. There were SO many beautiful homes!

We noticed that because of the age of the city many of these beautiful homes were very close together, as was typical in pre-Civil War towns. Many of the homes had beautiful open porches which doubled as entryways. Many of these verandas had curtains softly blowing in the morning breeze in these indoor-outdoor spaces. The visual reminded me that when you live in such a temperate climate you can have dedicated outdoor living space that can be utilized year round.

We then headed back to hotel for our scheduled brunch. We ended up eating in the courtyard of the hotel which was perfect because the girl’s (what we call our dogs as a pair) were able to join us! The brunch was fabulous and included in the hotel stay. The night before you simply select from the menu what you’d like the next morning, what time you’d like it, and where you’d like to eat; the courtyard, the dining room, or your private room, and then you hang the menu on the doorknob outside your room! In the morning viola!

After a brunch we headed off with our four legged girls to take in more of Charleston. We strolled to a shop that was recommended by Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam and I found the most beautiful rose perfume. This shop imports almost every item from France or Italy, and it feels like a piece of Europe was picked up and dropped into the heart of Charleston.
We then discovered Byrd’s Cookies, and what a discovery it was.

It’s no secret that I love a good treat, but my standards for “good” are high. This cookie did not disappoint, and it comes in the perfect size bag for gifting!
Next we visited the market in the middle of Charleston, but it’s not dog friendly, so if traveling with pups, know this before visiting!
We rounded off the day with a lovely stroll through the park right off Broad St. and just a moments walk from the hotel. This park was lovely, with large overgrown trees and a great deal of history to share.

02.22.19

Charleston SC Recommendations: Part 1

Charleston has been on my list for a long time. It’s southern charm and tasteful elegance have appealed to me from the time I first heard about it, but it’s taken me a while to make my way to this colorful city by the sea!

I typically recommend not staying in a chain hotel when visiting a smaller city like Charleston, because chances are good you will get a more local infused and therefore authentic experience.

This was most definitely the case with our stay at the John Rutledge House Inn. You arrive to a stately pre-Civil War home, and we happened to arrive at dusk. This made the entire experience all the more picturesque.

To begin with you enter the front door by walking up a grand double sided iron staircase into what was once a private home. A private home where George Washington once visited! Because this is a small hotel, it allows the owner the luxury of choosing unique decor for each room. Our pet friendly room can be summed up as quintessential southern charm. The blue hues were tranquil and the view of the courtyard had us feeling like locals in the southern gem of a city!

We ventured out for a light dinner of seafood, because when this close to the sea, why not?! After sampling some Oysters we tried the shrimp ceviche and the tuna tartar. Both were just as delicious as we hope they would be. We then discover and indulged in the low-country special of she-crab soup! Which is a crab bisque with some added spices and a quick pour of some sherry to top it off! Apparently she-crab is popular in many restaurants, but as we ate at Amen Street, I can give a strong recommendation for their food and service.

We then walked back to the hotel, which I loved. I love a city that feels safe enough to walk in the evening, and that was my feeling of Charleston. It’s also a lovely way to take in the city and experience the nightlife. It’s usually a very different experience than in the bustling broad daylight of a Monday morning.

02.20.19

Orlando and Disneyworld

Orlando is a favorite city for me. I love the warm heat, it reminds me of all the years I spent growing up in Las Vegas. But I also have such fond memories of visiting my maternal grandparents in southern Florida, that Florida just has a special place in my heart. I also love getting the good instagram shot! So here are some of my favorite spots in central Florida for getting the best ‘gram photos and places I always try to visit when I’m in town!

Glass Knife

This is an art deco dream in Winter Park, Florida. Also the perfect spot for multiple instagrams, with the pink wall, photogenic bench, and interior full of pink, gold, and black dream. Order the cinnamon roll and thank me later.

Winter Park

Just go for a stroll. There’s beautiful little spots all through this community. But, look for the arched hallway with a fountain at the end. It’s a hidden little section of shops and restaurants and feels like a combination of Harry Potter hidden alleys AND a town in the Tuscan Valley of Italy. All the charm of a small town in Florida just a short drive from Orlando!

Frontera Cucina

This restaurant is in Disney Springs and is often very busy, so either make a reservation or go during off hours: 2-5pm. Order the queso fundido and the mango guac. Both are our favorite dishes and in our opinion trump the entrees! Disney Springs has multiple great instagram spots, but our favorite is the deck behind Sprinkles because it has such a pretty view of the river and the greenery! Also check out the Co-op in Disney Springs for unique Disney souvenirs, art, and window shopping!

Disneyworld

The secret to getting the best Disneyworld photos is to be in the park when it’s not crowded! “But how Stevie?!” The secret is in the breakfast reservation. Make a reservation for the Crystal Palace for 8am and then you can get some great castle photos before the park is the least bit crowded!

11.26.18

Songwriting Your Own Story

Songwriting is all about a good story. My story, your story, our stories as a culture, and the stories that make us who we are as individuals. Storytelling is a way of life.

Ancient artwork, storying telling is an art that contains deep truths. Truths that usually stand the test of time. Story time is something that is represented through SO MANY cultures the world over. They remind us of where we’ve been, or what we’ve been through. Storytelling can help us heal. A great story can teach us more about who we are and who we can be.

As a songwriter it’s never lost on me the effect that our stories have on us. Especially as individuals. The stories we believe about ourselves continue to have an impact on us our whole lives. Sometimes it’s the stories other people have told us about ourselves. If you had a parent who was overly critical this can affect you your whole life. The same applies if you had a parent who told you that you could achieve anything you believed. All of the things you’ve believed about yourself make up your story.

Songs allow me to write the stories the way I feel they should go. I can change the characters, the outcomes, or start purely from an idea and not an experience. But most importantly, I can choose the perspective. The perspective is everything when it comes to a story. It’s what the ultimate message will be; what the song or story represents.

I like to remember this same idea for life. The perspective of the story is the most important part. How you see the story has the biggest impact on the ultimate result. This is applicable for you as well, songwriter or not.

The next time you don’t like the way your story feels, think of it from a different perspective. And ALWAYS remember that this is your story, you can write it however you choose, and if you decide you want something different all you have to do is keep writing.