Taylor Bay + Bugaloos

Published on July 31, 2014July 30, 2014 by T.W.O.1 Comment

We took an excursion to Chalk Sound for the day and visited Taylor Bay. It’s a secluded beach with white powdery sand and beautiful blue waters. You can walk about a quarter mile out with the water only going up to your knees. Definetly bring your snorkels, there are fish, coral and maybe even a turtle or two that you will find further out. We also, well mostly our brother, decided to make a spa day out of our visit too. Taylor bay has great “clay sand” to exfoliate your skin. The Caribbean version of the Dead Sea according to our brother! This beach is a little tricky to find and don’t expect a parking lot. After making a left on Ocean Point Drive, we turned into a residential area. Not seeing any signs we asked a local and he directed us to a path that looked like it didn’t go anywhere. Well it did – and once we walked down the path and turned the bend we were all in pure awe. Taylor Bay is a MUST when visiting Turks & Caicos.

Bugaloo’s

Located in Five Cays Settlement, this beach side restaurant was the perfect lunch spot! Great views, friendly people, fantastic food and drinks! It was the first place on our trip where we ordered conch. Conch Salad, Coconut Conch Fritters, Conch Sandwich – – – we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it! It wasn’t our last time ordering it, that’s for sure! The Provo Punch was a great drink for this hot and humid afternoon – it’s a blended drink with tropical fruit. If you really want to make it a good, good lunch – – ask for a topper!!! After lunch we headed down to the beach and picked up two conches to take back home. The conch diver showed us the art in catching conch and removing the mollusk out of the shell. It was amazing to see these beautiful shells just lying on the beach. Won’t find these in California, that’s for sure!!!

And we made a pit stop for ice cream at…..

Villa del Sol

Published on July 29, 2014July 29, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

Villa del Sol was our home for the week when we visited Turks & Caicos. It was the perfect place to stay with our group of 6. The 3 bedroom and 3 bath villa was located on Grace Beach on Provo Island. The updated kitchen, open living spaces and large bedrooms were great amenities for us. The outdoor space had a lot of outdoor furniture, a hammock, beautiful pool and access to the beach. The beach was amazing – secluded, clean and big enough for our lounge chairs, paddle boards and fruit rum drinks. We can’t wait to go back and stay at Villa del Sol.

Duffy Boat Rides

Published on May 30, 2014June 6, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

This past weekend, our family was in town for T.W.O.’s Mom’s Birthday. We had an eventful weekend and it all started with a surprise from relatives that traveled from Northern California. We kicked off the weekend on Saturday with a Huntington Beach pier walk, a Duffy Boat ride in Newport Bay and ended our day with Pizza Making Night! Check out our highlights from our day.

Huntington Beach Pier

The Famous Pier Photo

T.W.O.’s cousins – Great looking Family!

Matching sisters! T.W.O.’s aunt and mom!

Biggest Fish we have seen caught on the pier – a thresher shark!

Duffy Boat Time – Duffy of Newport Beach

Sharing Popcorn….

Pizza Night to End the Night

Cheers to Family!

Austin, TX

Published on May 12, 2014July 6, 2015 by T.W.O.1 Comment

At the beginning of May one of T.W.O. jumped on their saddle and headed to Austin, Texas for a friend’s wedding. Having visited before, we knew that Austin was a great town, but after this trip we now know it’s an AMAZING city. With different neighborhoods, shopping, great food, live music, outdoor activities and rooftops we can’t wait to go back! Here are some of the highlights of one of T.W.O.’s trip.

Austin

Rainey Street

It’s a street filled with historic homes, many of the bungalow style, in downtown Austin, Texas. Rainey Street is positioned near Lady Bird Lake and Interstate 35 in the southeast corner of downtown. Our first stop – Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Great outdoor area filled with picnic tables and great ambiance.

Franklin Barbecue

The effort was there, but unfortunately we didn’t get to try this famous barbeque place. We arrived around 11am and the line was already a two hour wait. Two hours would have been worth it, but comes to find out a girl 10 people in front of us was holding a sign that said “Last person guaranteed food”. Ummm….okay Franklin – – you are going to have to wait till our next visit to Austin! Off to another barbeque place that didn’t disappoint.

The Ironworks BBQ

This little tin building is a historic site and a family owned and operated business that has been serving Real Texas Barbeque since 1978. It’s a definite must stop when visiting Austin. What did we order – beef ribs, brisket, corn on the cob, potato salad and a local beer. The ribs were phenomenal – – and you know that we like ribs! The meat just fell off the bone and had a great smoky flavor that wasn’t over powering. The brisket was juicy, tender, meaty and went well with their homemade barbeque sauce. I wouldn’t mind going back and having a brisket sandwich! Do they deliver in California??

South Congress

A neighborhood located on South Congress which is known for the shopping and its many eclectic small retailers, music, art venues, food trucks and restaurants.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, South Congress

On Sunday afternoon, while strolling down South Congress we stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant with a hour line. Must be good, right? Luckily we got the attention of the bartender who seated us before we had to wait the full hour – – must have been our California IDs! Anyways, the menu was overwhelming and I say that because everything looked SOOO good. It was so hard to choose what I wanted. From their burgers, to salads to vegetarian dishes and fries – – there is an option for everyone. Ended up ordering The Goodnight (an angus beef, Tillamook cheddar, hickory bbq sauce, caramelized onions, sliced jalapenos and sassy sauce. We got fries with queso which are highly recommended. Word on the street CA is going to be getting one of these in Marina del Ray area – – let’s hope!!

The Wedding

The ultimate reason why one of T.W.O were in Austin was for a wedding – – and besides all the sites seen and the food eaten, this was my favorite part. It was amazing watching two people that are so in love get married in front of their friends in family at Stonehouse Villa outside of the city. From the dancing to the food and mostly – the people that were there made for a special and memorable night. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Rorden!

Keep Austin Weird,

Birthdays + Bunnies

Published on April 23, 2014June 6, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

T.W.O. was able to spend this past weekend with their entire family. We celebrated March and April birthdays, Easter and got the chance to spend quality time together. There were laughs, good food, sun and beach runs. Check out some photos that were captured this past weekend.

The Beach

Home is Where the Heart Is

Birthday Celebrations

A Family Photo (with a photo bomb by Libby!)

Salt Creek Beach

Published on April 14, 2014June 6, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

Like most weekends, T.W.O. likes to stay active and find new trails. This past weekend, T.W.O. ventured to Salt Creak Beach and ran the famous trail near the St. Regis and Ritz Carlton. The golf course and ocean views were spectacular. There is no doubt we will be running this trail again and will include a pit stop at the Monarch Cafe.

Happy trails,

Doheny Beach Run

Published on April 7, 2014June 6, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

What better way to exercise then at the beach. T.W.O. tried out a new route this weekend – Doheny State Beach. Check out the site that they saw along their 1 hour journey.

Happy Trails to You!

Sunday Afternoon with Coast 2 Coast Collection

Published on March 11, 2014March 11, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

How would you spend your perfect Sunday? Taking a walk? Going to the gym or movies? Baking in the kitchen? Well, all those are great things as long as you enjoy doing them. T.W.O. spent their Sunday afternoon in Santa Barbara, which is one place they used to call home. It has a special place in our heart – from soccer tournaments, to watching our brothers play summer college baseball, to one of us attending UCSB and most recently a family wedding.

A perfect Sunday in Santa Barbara to us would be brunch at The Boathouse, a stroll on State Street, stopping by Wendy Foster for our hair ties and ending with a visit at Coast 2 Coast Collection.

The Boathouse (formerly known as Brown Pelican) is a great restaurant located on Hendry’s Beach. It’s a great spot for family, friends or even a romantic date! Three out of four times when we have dined at The Boathouse, we have seen dolphins. Let’s hope that we just didn’t jinx ourselves – or you! After lunch – – – on to State Street!

Coast 2 Coast Collection was introduced to us 2 years ago and little did we know that it would be a part of our lives. From candles, home décor, vintage jewelry and most recently a custom made bracelet for a bridesmaids’ gift from our sister-in-law, Coast 2 Coast is a definite stop on our trips to Santa Barbara. This luxury gift and tableware boutique has a wide array of brands – Bernardaud, Chrstofle, Hermes, Lalique and St. Louis. Immediately when you walk in the store, your jaw drops and you just want to buy everything for your home. From the linens to the table settings and frames and mirrored trays to the serving utensils – they all are luxurious pieces.

And what goes well with these pieces…of course vintage costume jewelry! Some of the designers are Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Miriam Haskell. We didn’t have any trouble finding something we liked – – – that’s for sure! These pieces are classic and original. The person sitting next to you at the charity event won’t be wearing the same necklace. Sounds fabulous, right?

Men – there is also a sports memorabilia section for you – – – so don’t wait in the car!

Next time you are in Santa Barbara, you have to make a stop at Coast 2 Coast. Don’t walk away empty handed; you will regret it later! Thanks Holly for having us!!

Borden and Foley Tribute

Published on March 6, 2014March 6, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

The Foley Food & Wine Society Wine Tasting Room at The Bacara Resort & Spa is just another great amenity the resort has to offer. Actually, it’s one of T.W.O.’s favorite new tasting rooms to visit. The Tasting Room was designed by Borden Interiors. The team did a great job making it feel like you stepped foot in a Tuscan Chateau with a little bit of a rustic, cozy feel. The dark, rich wood in the space is complemented by natural stone. Steel and metals also are used in this space, which adds a lot of character. Did we mention that the bar tops are copper? Yes – amazing, right? All the walls are filled with accessories from a variety of stores which T.W.O. likes. The best spaces don’t come from one magazine or store!

Debra Borden, Principal Designer

Borden Interiors did a fantastic job creating such a great space for people to come and enjoy the Foley Wines. We are so excited that we got the chance to visit the Tasting Room with Debra Borden, Principal Designer, and get the inside scoop on her vision and the process behind the build out. In addition, we tasted some delicious wines and sampled some delectable cheeses, chocolates and dried fruit. We took home a bottle of the Foley & Johnson Rosé , Three Rivers Cab Franc. Go check it out for yourself!!

Thank you Borden Interiors!!!

The Bacara Resort and Spa

Published on March 3, 2014March 4, 2014 by T.W.O.2 Comments

If you are looking for a nice relaxing vacation or getaway weekend and are willing to spend some money – The Bacara Resort and Spa is a great choice! Located North of the downtown, this resort has it all. Beach, pool, spa, dining, views and a fantastic wine room! T.W.O. spent a lovely afternoon walking around the grounds and some time in the Foley Wine Room. (More to come on that in a later post!)

This Spanish-style resort is welcoming right when you pull in. The “piazza” has a gorgeous fountain that is calming and the service is fantastic. The lobby is inviting with the beautiful floral arrangements and the complimentary lemon and cucumber water. It feels like you walked into the ultimate spa! The outside amenities include a pool, cabanas, fire pits, outdoor seating and the best part – views of the ocean.

Check out some of T.W.O.’s favorite highlights of the Bacara!