January 11, 2012

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Resolution: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in 2012. C H E C K ! As much as I like to think of myself of an adventure seeker or may I even suggest bad ass, I have to admit that when it comes to moving machines in the air, my stomach begins to hurt and my face becomes flushed. If you were to see the video my friend filmed of me at the beginning of the tram ride you would feel sorry for the pain I was experiencing! Fortunately, it was all in my head and the tram ride was a breeze; within the first minute I took a chill pill and was ready for the fun.

At the top of this 8,500 incline from the desert ground is gorgeous Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Covering 14,000 square feet of this mountain are gorgeous trees, streams, wildlife and lots of snow. Nothing is more fun then being in the 83 degree desert one minute and in the snow 10 minutes later. I love you California.

The landscape was calling our legs for a trail hike, where we found ourselves thankful for bundling up in ponchos and sweaters. I could have benefited from some hiking boots on some of the slippery ice, but I still managed to trek through it. Whether you enjoy hiking or not, you’ve got to take this tram the next time you’re in the area. The ride is a blast, the scenery is refreshing and you can look out over the entire desert.

Palm Springs Aerial TramwayPalm Springs Aerial TramwayPalm Springs Aerial Tramway

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January 10, 2012

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

I am back from my week in the desert and I definitely feel refreshed. Relaxing with friends in 83 degree weather was definitely the best way to start the new year. 2012 feels particularly exciting to me as it is the first time I have been single in 8 years. Going to the desert brought me so much closure and at the same time, so much fun! If you read my Twitter, you might know what salacious details I am referring to.

My friends and I stayed in a condo, which felt like a home-away-from-home, but I did make time to play at the Parker Palm Springs. My friend Dehlia had never been to this gem in the desert, so I insisted we had to stop by for a meal and tour of the grounds. As you might already know, Norma’s at the Parker is one of my favorite brunch spots in all of the desert and this time was just as great as any other. The added bonus is that there is now a rad cat hanging around the restaurant, appropriately named Parker.

Don’t these photos make you feel warm?

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

Playing at The Parker, Palm Springs

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January 4, 2012

Desert Cleanse

Desert Cleanse, Palm Springs
Blogging from the desert, Palm Springs specifically, and 2012 is off to a fantastic start. I am calling this a desert cleanse because I came out here to renew myself with great friends, fresh food, exercise and just balls-to-the-wall fun. So far so good, but I do have to say that last night we did share a Four Loko and hot dog flavored chips (evidence here). We were pretty toasty so lets consider that part of the fun!

Today I made Dehlia and I a delicious carrot and apple juice for breakfast. I bought a Breville juicer last fall and it has seriously changed my life. After “chatting” on Chatroulette until 4:30 a.m. we definitely needed a pick me up this morning. For lunch we hit up Native Foods where I enjoyed a Sesame Kale Macro Bowl, made with some flavorful krout and then came back to resort to take a two-hour nap because apparently we are old ladies.

If you are ever in the desert on a Monday evening, you must hit up the Ace Hotel’s B I N G O night hosted by Linda Fabulous. I promise it is a guaranteed good time.

Desert Cleanse, Palm Springs

Desert Cleanse, Palm Springs

Desert Cleanse, Palm Springs

Desert Cleanse, Palm Springs

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July 19, 2011

Muddled Lemonade

Palm Springs, California

The Parker Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to stay while  in the desert.  Having frequented this Jonathan Adler clad hotel, see here & here, I am have become privy to their cheeky emails which offer terrific rates throughout the year. In the last “monthly buzz” The Parker got my taste buds excited sharing their Muddled Lemonade cocktail recipe, which you can so happen to try at their festive lemonade stand.

Does this sound like the perfect summer drink, or what?

How To: Muddled Lemonade

  • 16 oz. cup Ice
  • 1 muddled lemon (about 4 lemon slices)
  • 2 oz. Citrus Vodka
  • 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
  • 2 oz. Sprite

Then shake it well!

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July 19, 2011

Muddled Lemonade

Palm Springs, California

The Parker Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to stay while  in the desert.  Having frequented this Jonathan Adler clad hotel, see here & here, I am have become privy to their cheeky emails which offer terrific rates throughout the year. In the last “monthly buzz” The Parker got my taste buds excited sharing their Muddled Lemonade cocktail recipe, which you can so happen to try at their festive lemonade stand.

Does this sound like the perfect summer drink, or what?

How To: Muddled Lemonade

  • 16 oz. cup Ice
  • 1 muddled lemon (about 4 lemon slices)
  • 2 oz. Citrus Vodka
  • 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
  • 2 oz. Sprite

Then shake it well!

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August 26, 2010

Palm Springs Photo Diary


Entrance to The Parker Palm Springs

I was so excited to get away to Palm Springs to celebrate my birthday.  Sometimes I just crave 115 degree weather so I can just lay around the pool, drink spiked lemonade, and dive into total relaxation.  These past three days gave me just that, and I honestly wasn’t ready to come home.  If you’re looking for a resort where you don’t even have to leave the grounds, The Parker is the place for you.  Burn some sage, get naked and jump in the 24-hour pool.  Maybe you’ll see the moon bounce around, like I swear I did.

Decor by Jonathan Adler

This tapestry absolutely killed me;  I was ready to rip it off the couch and drive home never to show my face at the hotel again.  I rethought that idea, and decided to take this photo instead.  Are you taking decor notes?

Sissy Bingo at the ACE Hotel

I live for games, so when I read on the ACE Hotel’s facebook page that they were having a bingo night, I quickly added that to our agenda.  The evening was hosted by the amazing Linda Fabulous, who is as serious about bingo as she is her singing.  She was born in 1938 and has personality to burn.  If you’re not familiar with this spectacular woman, watch her here.  Even though my bingo cards looked promising, I did not leave with a win nor with the pieces of pie, champagne, and tote bags adorned on the lucky winners.  If you’re into good drinks, delicious food, and bingo, I suggest you swing by the ACE on a Monday evening.

Feliz Cumpleanos

This photo was too perfect not to share.  Asael surprised me with these adorable candles that spelled out “feliz cumpleanos” atop of a fruit tart.  The candles were melting so quickly that we started to laugh hysterically about not being able to photograph them because poof they’d be gone.  Luckily, we got this one just in time.

Traditional Eggs Benedict at Normas

One of my favorite breakfast dishes on the planet is eggs benedict, and Normas at The Parker makes them to perfection.  Their hollandaise sauce is a dream and whenever I’m in Palm Springs I must order myself a plate, accompanied by their fresh squeezed orange juice of course.  Even if you’re just driving through the desert, Normas is totally worth the stop to eat if you want something delicious. Did someone say lobster macaroni and cheese? (breakfast/lunch only).

PSYCH indoor saline pool

Much of our time was spent at PSYC (Palm Springs Yacht Club) where we decided we’d relax so much that we’d feel like two earthworms in the dirt. Thanks to a wonderful surprise gift certificate bestowed upon me by my best friends Stefani and Serge, I indulged in a “tailor-made” massage which proved to be one of the major highlights of this trip. Fyi, the spa gives you a shot of infused vodka before you make your way into your private room. My muscles are very thankful.  If you enjoy steam rooms, saunas, gel masks and floating in saline pools, please let me prescribe you a trip to this spa as you’ll leave a much happier person.  Throw in some robes, a quiet room, and some alcohol and you’ll be ready for a nap that feels like an eternity.

Iced honey vanilla latte at Koffi

We had to leave the hotel a couple of times to visit our favorite coffee spot in Palm Springs, KOFFI. How I wish there was a Koffi in L.A.!  I just love their lattes and Asael flips for their blended malt crazy coffee nusto insane drink.  Yeah, I just made that name up.  They have a great selection of coffees and teas so I highly recommend you check out this spot next time you’re in P.S.

A big thank you to all of those who sent me birthday wishes here, Facebook, Twitter, and text – I’m so grateful to have such great friends like you in my life!  If you’d like to join me on a getaway sometime, just shoot me a message.  I promise we’ll have a blast!

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