“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar
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Basic. This $30 Pleione blouse is perfect for spring layering.
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Seeing Double. This Milly puff-shoulder blazer is lovely. This Express version is lovely and affordable.
Baby Gap. Is the ten-year “baby window” the key to the gender pay gap?
Discounted. The Friends/Family Sale is on at Bloomingdale’s. I picked these sick Ted Baker pumps, Tahari pleated dress, and color-block NYDJ blouse.
Soap. 5 Mistakes You Make When Washing Your Face.
Sparkle Eyes. These metallic Stila liquid eyeshadows are my new favorite.
Common Bonds. How to make friends when you work from home.
Outfitted. This $16 fuchsia ponte skirt + this blush M&S sweater + these rose gold earrings make a fun spring outfit.
Discounted. What’s the deal with the food they sell at TJ Maxx?
I’m off today to visit friends in Monterey, California. It’s only my second trip to the ocean, so I’m kind of excited for long walks on the beach with her labradors. If you have any great local suggestions, leave them in the comments.
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Monterey – Go to the aquarium, it’s amazing. I go to Monterey at least once a year for work and I always make time to go.
Food at TJ maxx- After traveling all over the world and shopping for different things…coming back to USA to see the discounted Turkish dish or the British candies you can only buy in the UK that you packed with great care in your checked luggage to only see it in your local Homegoods or TJ maxx. Ha! I still buy them locally.
We didn’t go to the aquarium when we were in Monterey in the fall, but everyone kept telling us we should have gone. We drove down the coast to a bit south of Big Sur, and it is well worth the trip. If you are a wine enthusiast, Monterey is home to some top notch pinot noir.
If you get the chance, Pacific Grove is well worth a visit.
I was just in Monterey last weekend for whale watching – we saw humpbacks and oodles of sea lions and otters.
I was just there last weekend too. Aquarium really is as great as everyone says, and without kids you can get through it in a few hours. Definitely wander around Carmel for the fairytale town experience. Also drive (10 min) to the Point Lobos reserve. There are short trails along the coast that are absolutely spectacular. Trails are really well maintained, I even saw strollers. No special shoes or gear required. Again, you can do it in a short amount of time, but you won’t regret it.
We have the good fortune of a second home in Carmel (just south of Monterey), it’s heaven! If you’ve only been to the ocean twice before definitely make the trip down to Main Beach in Carmel (very dog friendly), or follow Scenic Road along the ocean until you get to Carmel River Beach. That’s my preferred location for awe and peace.
Point Lobos is a worthwhile venture. I’d recommend the Bird Island trail which is very easy (my pouty 4 year old did it last week without shoes). It’s a well maintained, wide l, flat trail that offers some of the most stunning views. There are a few baby seals in residence along the trails coves too. If you go, make sure to take the stairway down to Gibson Beach.
As for shopping, Ocean Avenue in Carmel offers a solid mix, leaning toward the high end.
Coffee in Monterey at Plumes is a must!
For cocktails try the patio at the Cypress Inn in Carmel or the Inn at Spanish Bay along 17 Mile Drive (which you can actually walk to along the beach trails if you start out in Asilomar).
Enjoy your time at the ocean!
I’ve lived within 2 miles of the ocean for the last ten years and sometimes I take it for granted to go to the beach every weekend. Hope you get some good beach walks and salty air 🙂
I have always wondered about the food at TJ Maxx!
I had to chuckle when I read that article about TJ Maxx. I oversee the gourmet department for….a store that carries a lot of specialty/international foods. I see quite a few of the items that we carry at TJ Maxx for a couple of dollars cheaper. Actually, all of the buyers for the various stores at the very least attend the Fancy Food Show that is held twice a year in the United States. There really isn’t some “top secret” source as far sourcing inventory for retail.