Category Archives: california

July 29, 2013 · 7:05 am

#BarbieIsMoving – a traveling world of PINK

Email, RSS Follow

Screen Shot 2013-07-03 at 2.59.24 PM

YES, it’s true, Lola is a travelista who has an affinity for the color pink. Well, this summer, one of my favorite icons and fellow lover of all that’s PINK, Barbie, has been on tour – traveling throughout North America. I was invited to experience VIP access when the tour came through Boston and, let me tell you, it was a treat. I think it’s no real surprise that Lola has a big imagination and it was fun to go down memory lane with the #1 doll property in the USA.

DCF_5837

The #BarbieIsMoving tour was super well-organized and the staff was so friendly & patient. Every person/family registered at the beginning of the experience and received gift bags to place all the Barbie giveaways into, including a brand spanking new awesome Barbie doll. I LOVE my new Barbie tote bag…it’s PINK!

barbie2

There were three main attractions. A fashion design area for little couture creators. A dress up & strut on the catwalk for little divas. And a Barbie branded Mega Bloks area for little architects and builders.

photo 3-1

I started my Barbie experience with the fashion show & runway photo op. They offer lots of tutus for girls of all sizes (and ages) and what else BUT feather boas!! I, of course, travel with my own feather boa but, as you can see, Barbie and I have the same FUN taste!! The staff helps you get dolled up and then you get to practice walking the runway before they snap your official photo and either email or text it to you. SO FUN!

photo 2

Next, I decided to try out my talent as a fashion designer and make my Lil Lola a new dress. This was especially fun for me. When I was a young girl they had this thing called ‘fashion plates’ where you could switch around the parts of the outfits and trace the outlines onto paper and then color the outfits in. Well, this experience was the same idea but on a real doll dress & you were able to color them in with fabric safe markers. I opted to go with a simple design that I could decorate with a Union Jack since Lil Lola and I were headed to the UK the next day. It was great to sit amongst kids (both boys and girls) making outfits. I got some good design tips for some of those lads & lasses.

photo 1

Finally, I headed over the Mega Bloks area to checkout that experience. Every person is given a starter floor & wall to build a room to add to the BIG Mega Bloks dreamhouse. There was a large building area with more bloks to add to your starter room. I knew I was in building heaven when the staff pointed out that some of the bloks are even glittery. YES…next to PINK, glitter is my next favorite color. 😉 Once you add your room to the dreamhouse, you get your own little box of Barbie Mega Bloks to take home.

556006_10151728995964466_723457621_n

Now, I know you know that I think Barbie is a great doll. BUT, did you know how savvy of a business her brand is?! Created in 1959, Barbie has had over 130 inspirational careers. She is a global doll and has represented more than 40 nationalities. A Barbie doll is sold every three seconds somewhere in the world. 90% of girls aged 3-10 own at least one Barbie doll. She’s had more than 1 billion fashions produced. Barbie has more than 7 million Facebook likes which makes her the largest Facebook fan page of any doll! AND she is the #1 worldwide property in the traditional toy industry. I’m sorry, but she is NOT a dumb blonde doll at all. Quite the contrary!!

Motorcade Beach

If you’d like to experience the FREE and completely PINK-TASTIC #BarbieIsMoving tour the remaining dates are:

  • Friday, August 2nd in Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Friday, August 9th in Tacoma, Washington
  • Friday, August 16th in Santa Rosa, California
  • Friday, August 23rd in Glendale, Arizona
  • Friday, August 30th in Mission Viejo, California

AND if that’s not enough Barbie for you, she has a life-size DreamHouse Experience in Florida. Plus, you can hit the high seas on The Barbie Premium Experience with Royal Caribbean International.

20 Comments

Filed under boston, california, travel

Tagged as ,

April 25, 2013 · 8:29 am

Travel Style – a #FriFotos Special Edition

Email, RSS Follow

Stylin’ & Profilin’

Lola's #Style is #lolafied

Lola’s #STYLE is #lolafied

I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-hosting #FriFotos on Twitter this Friday, April 26. In case you aren’t clear what #FriFotos is exactly, it’s a 24-hour chat that trends internationally. People worldwide share their photos that match the week’s theme and you can play along if you’re on Twitter or Instagram by following the #FriFotos hashtag and including it in your Tweets with your photos.

The usual hosts will be there: @FriFotos who can also be tweeted to as @TravelDesigned, @EpsteinTravels & @CharlesYap. I’m sharing co-hosting with ooo lala @purplepassport AND you can find me @LolaDiMarco. NOW onto this week’s theme. After a little discussion we decided on #STYLE. I think this is a fantastic topic for #FriFotos because it can apply to lots of things with regard to travel. Like is your #STYLE solo travel, backpacker or luxe? Is your accommodation #STYLE swanky, hip or budget? What’s your travel food #STYLE or even libations #STYLE? You get my point, right?! #STYLE is about the LIFESTYLE of travel too. Of course, I think the more creative the better and to help inspire you I’ve put together some ideas to show you LOLA’S TRAVEL #STYLE.

LOLAPINK

LOLAPINK

Theres no doubt about it. My travel #STYLE involves lots and lots of PINK wherever I can pull it off!

photo 1-16

Lola’s drink #STYLE of choice is COCKTAILS

Seen here are a Dark & Stormy at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS Beverly Hills, CA, 3 different versions of Negronis at Four Seasons Florence, Italy & the delicious Eastern Standard at Soho Beach House, Miami.

my travel #Style most certainly includes luxury hotel stays

my travel #STYLE most certainly includes LUXURY hotel stays

Don’t know what your #STYLE is for accommodations but mine’s definitely one where I’m looking for something special! These properties absolutely fit the special #STYLE bill. Seen here are two Four Seasons properties: Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, CA and Four Seasons Milan in Milan, Italy. AND two Relais & Chateaux properties: Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento, Italy and Villa Galicci in Aix en Provence, France. I can assure you that I have never stayed in any Relais & Chateaux or Four Seasons property that didn’t meet every expectation in GREAT #STYLE.

Lola #Style also goes with HIP hotels

Lola’s #STYLE also goes with HIP hotels

My travel #STYLE enjoys finding the new hot spots too. These hotels certainly exude a HIP #STYLE. We’ve got Mondrian SoHo in NYC, W Barcelona in Spain, The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas & The James Royal Palm in Miami. All very HIP. All very COOL.

FACT: Lola hearts the #Style of a beach vacay

FACT: Lola hearts the #STYLE of a beach vacay

It’s gotta be NO surprise that my travel #STYLE is definitely one that leans toward beach vacations. Sun, sand & the sea make me so happy! Here are a few of my favorite beachy spots: Miami Beach in Florida, Gouverneur Beach in St. Barts, Lucy Vincent Beach in Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Cas Abao Beach in Curacao.

photo 3-10

very important in my world…minibar #STYLE

One thing that I’ve found that really sets some properties apart is a beautiful, well-appointed minibar! First up is the BEST up so far – Soho Beach House, Miami. To the right is Mondrian SoHo, NYC. Below is Four Seasons Florence, Italy. To the left is W Barcelona, Spain. If you love a cocktail to start your evening off right or to have a night cap at days end, a minibar with serious #STYLE is essential! Just sayin’

photo 2-11

Lola’s #STYLE is definitely all about a FAB hotel pool

I don’t care if it’s not even warm enough to sun yourself, there’s something amazing about the #STYLE of great swimming pool. Granted, I prefer the sunshine & warmth option in my travel plans. Found here are Delano South Beach in Miami, W Barcelona in Spain, Petit Palace in Santorini, Greece and Soho Beach House in Miami. I ask you what’s not to LOVE about these pool’s #STYLE?

I hope these examples of #STYLE has got your creative juices flowing. It will be so FUN if you come PLAY along on Friday on Twitter with #FriFotos. Don’t forget to tweet to me @LolaDiMarco and add the hashtags #STYLE and #FriFotos to your photos. I look forward to seeing you & your travel #STYLE there!

xo – LOLA

16 Comments

Filed under amalfi coast, barcelona, california, caribbean, cocktails, curacao, europe, florence, florida, france, greece, hipster hotels, italy, martha's vineyard, miami, milan, new york, spain, st. barts, swanky luxe stays, travel, USA, vegas

Tagged as , ,

July 11, 2012 · 1:51 pm

‘The Mikimoto’ at Beverly Wilshire

Email, RSS Follow

there’s a saying that “diamonds are a girls best friend” but did the girl ever meet Mikimoto?

it may come as NO surprise that the oh-so-luxe pearl jewelry experts, Mikimoto, have a store front in the posh Beverly Wilshire – Four Seasons. for those who don’t know, Mikimoto is the foremost producer of the finest quality cultured pearls. The Mikimoto name is synonymous with superior quality at every stage, from the selection of finest materials to expert workmanship to their customer service commitment. Mikimoto combines timeless elegance with sophisticated, modern design. let’s just say – VERY LOLA APPROVED!

however, only 1/3 of my Mikimoto story has to do with the gorgeous pearl jewelry outfitter.

another 1/3 has to do with a legendary cocktail that is the signature drink of Beverly Wilshire’s The Blvd. ‘The Mikimoto’ is a delicious concoction which was served for 50 days in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Four Seasons brand last year at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills. during my most recent stay with Beverly Wilshire, i requested to try the signature cocktail of the hotel. the lovely staff arranged for me to sample ‘The Mikimoto’ at The Blvd one afternoon with the dashing General Manager as my companion & tour guide to my cocktail tasting. well…i had NO idea what a treat was in store for me. i should have known as Four Seasons makes even the ordinary special! the brand prides itself on making your stay customized, unique & memorable if you allow them the opportunity. I SURE DID and they did not let me down.

it was a like a scene from Pretty Woman. no, i’m not claiming to be any Julia Roberts. let’s not get carried away. BUT this IS my Pretty Woman moment.

so, there i am at the Reg. Bev. Wil. and the GM escorted me out to a coveted sidewalk table with staff waiting on us hand & foot. he had the menu at the ready for me to view. then, as they brought me the drink – well, it was delivered in the MOST GORGEOUS crystal glass i’ve ever seen. here’s the final 1/3 of the story. the Beverly Wilshire worked with Swarovski Crystal to have a special glass for their signature ‘The Mikimoto’ drink. i can’t decide what was more heavenly?! the cocktail, the glass or the fabulous pearl designer it was all named after.

OH, and did i fail to mention Mikimoto created a signature bracelet to go along with this special anniversary? well, i was able to test drive one of these beauties and i think i’m now in LOVE.

‘The Mikimoto’ cocktail is a combination of watermelon, mandarin & pineapple infused ultimat vodka, along with cointreau & finished with a lychee garnish shaped like none other than a pearl! all of this deliciousness can be yours for $19.

if you were lucky enough to be a patron during the anniversary celebration you could have your ‘The Mikimoto’ served in the stunning Swarovski Crystal glass to take home to the tune of $500. and if your date was a BIG spender then you could have the divine cocktail, crystal glass & bracelet all for $2500. to me, this is the best value! the Trifecta…a case where three isn’t a difficult number.

i was sold. BUT where was my sugar daddy?! just kidding – the experience was reenacted for me and this was good enough for lola – for now! 🙂

thank you Beverly Wilshire for making me feel like a Pretty Woman sipping my own gorgeous ‘The Mikimoto’. you certainly did make my visit a most memorable one!

28 Comments

Filed under california, los angeles, swanky luxe stays, travel

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

July 9, 2012 · 7:52 am

Palm Springs & the desert cities: retro chic + modern cool

Email, RSS Follow

Palm Springs packs a punch as a perfect short getaway!

when i think of Palm Springs i think of vintage Hollywood glamour. even though the desert cities and Palm Springs have grown up, modernized & changed – that vibe still exists. it was fun to experience the best of the old with the new recently. i love the retro influences in all things design these days – Palm Springs & the desert cities certainly fell into this fabulous category. it offers the best of modern luxury but still has that kitschy feel. even better yet, it honors its history with reminders in the names of the Aqua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians that have forever inhabited the area as well as its ties to old Hollywood.

      

an example of swanky luxe is the four diamond award-winning Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, with its modern fabulousness. it has all the amenities you could wish for in a casino property. obviously, there’s the casino aspect but it also has lounges, pool parties, a state of the art theater, multiple restaurants, a posh spa – i could go on! right up the LOLA APPROVED alley.

      

then there’s their sister property, Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, which fits perfectly into the retro category. the Spa at Spa Resort Casino was first opened in 1960 – talk about vintage cool! AND i was lucky enough during my long weekend stay to enjoy the award-winning Spa Resort Casino’s historic “Taking of the Waters” spa experience. in my opinion, this IS NOT to be missed. talk about a unique, one-of-a-kind experience to Palm Springs. the Spa has the last standing bath house where the area’s famous hot springs are pumped in to have this 5-step signature spa treatment. the treatment includes steam, sauna, eucalyptus inhalation, a 10 minute soak in a private tub of the famous therapeutic mineral waters & finally, the tranquility room where you can relax your mind & awaken your spirit. this is my favorite memory of my visit to Palm Springs!

      

another thing i think of when it comes to Palm Springs is cocktails. you know, like the forever classic martini. it just so happened that while i was visiting the desert cities it was Restaurant Week – a very progressive event happening around the US these days. it’s where many “see & be seen” POSH restos participate in a prix fix menu and feature some of their best menu items. talk about getting a FAB value. saving money on dinner enabled me to sample some of the best cocktails too!! lola was a happy girl! see my travelin’ partner in crime – Leah Travels mouth-watering write-up on the food!

      

i don’t know about you but, when i envision Palm Springs, besides the desert of the Coachella Valley, i also think of the gorgeous views of the mountains all around. another wonderful discovery i made and got to partake in on my quick visit was the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. such a spectacular way to get a real sense of the valley & desert cities. an absolutely stunning 10 minute, 2.5 mile ride up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto at an elevation of 8,500 feet & bam – INCREDIBLE VISTA! another must-do in my book!

      

other things i indulged in while in Palm Springs: some sunning by the pool, some good laughs with great friends & a little fun with a BIG Marilyn Monroe, of course. things i missed out on: shopping the notorious Rodeo Drive of the desert – El Paseo. all the finest shops are here including my favorite, a J. Crew concept store. see my hostess with the mostess – Mrs. O Around the World tantalizing write-up on the shopping and more! i would have liked to have taken a drive through Joshua Tree National Park as well. ah, there’s never enough time to do it all. i guess another visit to Palm Springs & the desert cities may be in order!

*some photo credit thanks to Leah, Mrs. O, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa & Spa Resort Casino

31 Comments

Filed under california, palm springs, swanky luxe stays, travel

Tagged as , , , ,

June 6, 2012 · 7:30 am

from lola, with love!

Email, RSS Follow

dear Mr. & Mrs. O,

i was taught growing up that it’s good manners to write thank you notes. it’s a habit i still try to adhere to so here’s my heart felt one to you!

i cannot say a big enough THANK YOU for your amazing hospitality this past weekend in Palm Springs. from the lovely accommodations to making all the arrangements – everything was an absolute treat! i’m beyond thrilled that our mutual love of travel & adventure brought us together to finally meet.

i know i don’t need to explain to you how much there is to enjoy in traveling. it’s always wonderful to delve into new destinations. i love finding fantastic restaurants & sampling different cocktails – same as you. AND it’s always great to discover new sights & unique activities to the place you’re visiting. BOY did we ever cover all that ground and more!

i think the VERY BEST part of traveling is meeting new people and making NEW FRIENDS. while all the other things on the check list make a trip worth while, it’s these interactions with others that leave the longest lasting impression & fond memories for me.

we had so much fun & many laughs! i will always think of Palm Springs happily for being the destination of our introduction and what i hope will be a life-long friendship.

you both couldn’t be any more charming in every way. as i have already said, i find your love of life infectious! thank you, again, for being delightful hosts.

here’s to many more fabulous getaways down the road, Mr. & Mrs. O!

XO – lola

6 Comments

Filed under california, palm springs, travel

Tagged as ,