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Showing posts with label drinks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drinks. Show all posts

Monday, June 30, 2014

Destination Daytona

A weekend getaway to the beach was just what I needed, after my long trial of schooling (that has now come to an end) and a break from work. There was only one person I wanted to take and I am glad he came with me. We have been friends for about 2 1/2 years and its been a roller coaster relationship but he is one of the most important people in my life and I am very lucky to have him... to share this weekend with him.

If you follow me on IG (itskelly7) then you saw some of the photos I posted from our getaway already... if you don't go check them out.

We stayed in a lovely resort that is located on Dayton Beach, the Shores Resort and Spa. Our check - in wasn't until 4pm on Friday afternoon so we stopped and had lunch before heading to the hotel. We still arrived early but to our relief they let us check - in early. Upon arrival they give each guest a welcome pack which includes items to make s'mores... the hotel has fire pits located on the pool deck so guests can enjoy a sweet treat while watching the sun set and listening to the sounds of the beach.




After unloading the car we headed to the room (sorry I am a terrible blogger and did not get any pictures of the room, while it was still clean). The room was bright with color and the beautiful Florida sunshine. The view was spectacular




At one point on Saturday, after being in the sun all morning, I made myself a drink, pulled up the chair in the room, and opened up my Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 to read the current book Timebound. It was wonderful to just sit staring out the window at this beautiful view with a drink in hand enjoying a good book.

I was anxious to get down to the pool so I unpacked a few things, threw on my bathing suit and was ready to go soak up that beautiful Florida sunshine before it disappeared behind the hotel... but not first without having the boy take a few pictures of me.





I just love hotel beds... they are so plush, comfy, and white. Its like falling into a bed of clouds.

Bathing suit is from the Victoria's Secret outlet and the hat is from a consignment store, I do not have links for either of them.

I snapped a few pictures of the hotel from the pool deck...



A beautiful and unique hotel with lots of bright colors and its right on the beach.

 
They have cabanas guests can rent and use for the day to relax, take a nap, enjoy a cocktail and even lunch; whatever your heart desires.



And of course there is a pool deck bar to indulge in some summer beverages or cocktails... my preference Pina Colada. YUM!


This is the view from the window in the hallway outside our room.

Friday night we had cocktails at the bar before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant Ocean Deck. The food was good but we think the drink made us sick : /   Sorry no pictures we sat in a corner off to ourselves and just enjoyed each others company, chatting about whatever topic came to mind. 

Onto Saturday... I got up before the boy because was still feeling a little bit off, so I got ready and went for a walk down the beach.









A relaxing walk along the beach was wonderful but nothing like laying out by the pool catching some more rays... which is what I did next *wink* After a morning filled with rays, waves, and pool days it was time to head in to get cleaned up for lunch.

We had lunch at the hotel restaurant Azure. They have seating inside and outside on the terrace. We chose to sit inside to get a break from the sun.

We started out with balsamic glazed fried calamari. YUM! 


I paired my lunch with a glass of Malbec, my favorite red wine.




For lunch I had a salad with baby arugula and pears with pecans, stilton and a white balsamic vinaigrette. Full of flavor and the cheese was delicious. N was hungry and too quick for me to be able to snap a picture of his lunch he had a chicken quesadilla that looked tasty... I did taste the guac that came with it, it was yum. I do love a good guacamole.

After lunch we headed back up to the room where we both fell asleep for a couple of hours. I woke up with enough sunlight left so I snuck downstairs to snap some pictures of the inside of the hotel. Its a marvelous sight so be prepared...





Along with the bright colors throughout the hotel the inside had aspects of dark wood and plush furniture. The hotel is homey and inviting.









I love these chandeliers... I took a lot of pictures of them but I liked this one the best.


The chandelier in picture above has monkeys sitting on it... how cute ;)
This is the amazing bar we had drinks at Friday night with the wonderful bartenders.

Saturday night the boy and I ordered room service, picked out a movie from the hotel library and stayed in bed. It was relaxing and comfy.
Except for the loud people above us who I thought were going to come through the roof at one point. There were a few weddings going on that weekend and one of the receptions was going on right above us... frown. Other than that we had a wonderful two days together and I would do it again.

xo

*My Thoughts*
The hotel was gorgeous and the staff was wonderful. The lady at the front desk was kind enough to put our leftovers in the microwave in their office for us since there was no microwave available to guests. I would definitely stay at this hotel again if the chance arrives.

I cannot wait for my next adventure.

You can find hotel information here. If you book online through the hotel's website you receive a 10% discount with the code WEB10.


Sunday, May 18, 2014

Norm's Palette

I had the night off... after a slow shift at work. Of course I was responsible and worked on some homework before I went out.

But before I get into what I did last night I want to start out with this beautiful picture of the flowers that I bought my mom for Mother's Day... they have bloomed.


No editing needed look at those gorgeous flowers.

Okay now back to the real reason for this post. This lovely place called Norm's Palette.

Norman Rinne is the owner of Norm's Palette. He is an artist, cook, and business owner.

After walking in to the beautifully decorated place I sat down at the bar. Natalie, the bartender, was immediately friendly. And offered me a glass of wine. I was not sure which to choose she recommended one and gave me a sample. She did well, the wine was delicious. She filled up my glass with more. I sat for a little while enjoying my glass of wine and reading my book. But then I started to get hungry...

They have a short list of food. I ended up ordering the steamed clams. Natalie offered to put them over linguine, of course I said yes.



I mean come on... just look at that big pile of clams just waiting for me to eat. I worked on them one by one enjoying the taste of each clam. The linguine was a good choice since I enjoy pasta, a lot. 



After I finished my dinner and drank my glass of wine. I ordered another glass of wine and Norm took me on a tour around his second home.

He showed me all of the art and told me a little about each artists. Each piece of work is so unique.




I took this picture because I love this giraffe and I want it in my house. He is just so tall and look at that neck.




Happy!



These photographs are beautiful and the one above is actually in 3D. That's why it looks so trippy, is the word I used. You put on the 3D glasses (that are hanging in that silver bag) and the photo pops out at you, like it is coming to life. I love this photograph and the fact that it comes to life makes it all that more beautiful.


Norm has books on art, language, artists, etc. all over his second home. And that is exactly what Norm's Palette feels like, a home. There are comfy couches, chairs, and tables. So pull up a seat, get lost in a book and enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer.






You will have to ask Norm about this piece.


I met some wonderful people and we enjoyed some great conversation and of course a few too many cocktails. I can't even put into words how much fun I had at Norm's... so grab your friends and head on over to Mount Dora to see Norm.

 He also started teaching art classes. So if you enjoy art, wine/beer, and good conversation... this place is for you.

Information on Norm's Palette can be found here. 

xo Kelly

P.S. this post was supposed to go up last night, sorry for the delay