Vacation Recap Part 1 ~ Crete, Greece

So as promise, here’s a quick recap of my vacation in Greece last September. It was WONDERFUL 18 days filled with great food, great wine, amazing sights, and unforgettable adventure.

This is our cute little pension in Chania, Crete. I love the crisp blue against the white…

And the view in the patio was breathtaking!

Old Venetian Harbor

View of the light house in the Old Venetian Harbor

First night out we bought some cute souvenirs. After a bottle of wine with dinner, we were a little tipsy and even named each one of them.

Pedestrian street – Theotokopoulou, where our pension is located

After a wonderful and hearty breakfast, we trekked to the lighthouse. The lights through the clouds would have made for some good pictures ~ where’s a professional photographer when you need one

Next up , Municipal Market – it’s shaped like a cross and use to be the finest indoor market in Europe

Third day, we drove to Falasarna ~ west tip of Crete, 45min from Chania

Since the weather was cold, there was no body there even though it was the weekend

Last morning in Chania before driving east to Iraklion. Look at the man standing on the rocks to fish!

The drive took 2-3 hours and in that time, we passed through rain and sun

We visited the Palace of Knossos first (15 min outside Iraklion). Here’s a picture of horns representing strength and fertility

The Palace was designed to take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation

And I’ll end part 1 with this picture taken after eating outdoors on the harbor. Iraklion as the capital of Crete is much more industrious with lots of construction. I was happy we stayed majority of the week in the picturesque town of Chania instead.

Viceroy Santa Monica ~ Meet & Greet

This past week I was invited, along with a few other coordinators to Viceroy Santa Monica. I love the yellow/white/black well-known decor of the Viceroy Palm Springs and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for me at Viceroy SM.

I arrived early and waited in the lounge area by the bar. First thing that caught my eye was this kelly green chest. It’s a little shabby but yet so chic! Kelly Wearstler, designer of both Viceroys, have such a flair for mixing in the old and modern. Sorry for the blurry pictures I got off my iPhone.

The famous canary yellow that was sprinkled throughout the property.

I think these plates are almost as famous as the hotel itself.

Geometric patterns on the pillows, wallpaper, even structural designs of the hotel.

My FAVORITE design element of the day (something I would LOVE to do at my own home) are these ~ antique mirrors arrangement on the wall.

I didn’t realize Kelly’s decor style had a name ~ Hollywood Regency! She is the master of taking a strict color palette and clean graphic lines, and applied them to the glamorous, swanky style of old Hollywood.

I love the crisp apple green mixed with muted gray of Viceroy SM. Thank you Alison Montgomery, manager of catering at the Viceroy SM, for the invite. And I can’t forget, Jacqueline Cox, from The Tides, for the warm welcome.

How amazing is this dress?

I always LOVE short wedding dresses but this dress just takes the cake! I wish I know who the designer is but I have a strong feeling it might be the bride! To see more of Hilary & Joe’s wedding, please visit their photographer Aaron Delesie’s blog.