A Town and Country Holiday

Typically around this time of year I manage to to take a few days off and plop myself down with a book and a margarita on a beach in Mexico,
because an escape from LA is desperately needed.

This summer, I am opting for something altogether different,
and no, I don't mean taking the entire month of August off, like the Europeans do.
(I wish)

I'm going for a little culture and and a little relaxation
by way of a town and country holiday abroad.

So, after months of procrastination, I finally booked a few days here

and here

and here

and here

Hopefully, I will get a chance to visit this gorgeous place too

And, if the vacation gods are with me, I will have bathing suit weather all the way.

We shall see.

What kind of summer vacation destinations do you prefer, town, country or beach? 



My Mid-February Fantasy

Roatan Island

I know that with Valentine's Day coming up I should be thinking of about the kind of jewelry that says "I Love You" all rubies and sparkle and all things romantical,

but with the weather so cold and miserable I can't stop thinking about taking a little vacation in a sunny sandy spot like the Maldives, Reunion, Belize, Roatan or Phuket.

Since warm weather resorts make me think of turquoise water under a golden sun, my picks for what I would want to wear if I could find the time to squeeze in a little island get-away would be turquoise and yellow gold jewelry.

Turquoise Ring in 22k from Beladora2.com $595

Turquoise Earrings in 14K from Beladora2.com $395

Multi-Gemstone Bangle Bracelets in 9K from Beladora2.com $1950

Just add a bathing suit, sarong, sunglasses, flip flops and a passport and I'm ready to go.

Spain Summer Fun Part 2 in Hot and Happening Madrid

I finally made it to Madrid...what a different vibe after the quiet evenings on the terrace in Provence...pictures to come, bien sur.
Soon back home to blogging and the beladora biz.

La Belle France - C'est Chaud!

Ah...finally in the south of France where it is 100 degrees in the shade.
It is too hot to do anything more than sit in the shade by the pool and sip pastis so perhaps I will do just that....after all, do I really need to hike up Mount St Victoire in the middle of the summer? Je pense que non.
Three more days here, then to Madrid for a couple of days and then back home to reality.
I'm begininng to enjoy this whole vacation thing...perhaps I will do it more often.

Desperately Seeking Sunshine

As the sky clouds up and another rainstorm in on the way....I'm beginning to feel as though this winter is never going to be over.
It's true that I enjoyed our unusually cold winter and the view of the snow covered mountains from my window...
but I'm over it now and desperately seeking sunshine.

Now if I just could take a week off I would go to the Villa Azul Celeste in Puerto Vallarta.

I would lounge all day by the infinity pool

Enjoying the view of the ocean

In my Michael Kors gold chain bikini from Canyon Beachwear

And enjoy the sunset view with a margarita....or three

until dinner is served by the cook

Since this vacation is all about Mexican Riviera casual

No need to dress up with anything more than this

Debbie Katz Tie dress from Canyon Beachwear
and a little Beladora jewelry

Vintage turquoise earrings in 18K

Necklace and bracelet set in textured 18K gold

and

Vintage 1970's turquoise and diamond ring in textured 18K

Unlike the last time I stayed at this villa 20 something years ago, there would be no late night clubbing and shots of tequila resulting in someone (not me) having to be air evacuated out to a hospital in San Francisco...

The Queen Indeed - Helen Mirren at 63

While on vacation in southern Italy, Helen Mirren romped around in a bikini. Why is this blog worthy you ask? Because she is turning 63.....can I repeat that.....63. How fabulous does she look! We should all look so good when we reach that age.

Still, I can't help but wonder if there was any photoshop involved.

Note: I first noticed Mirren in Peter Greenway's "The Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover", a visual feast of a movie. Rent it if you haven't seen it.