Reconnect

It's been over a week since I looked at a calendar, which for me, being a type A scheduler, is quite a feat. In fact, we were flying across the International Date Line for NYE, and our new year began in a completely different hemisphere. It was important to us to start the year off with strong minds, committed hearts, and renewed intentions that will help lay the foundation for creating a prosperous year. So we decided a month in Bali would be the best place to achieve that. This past year was one of the busiest of our lives - greeting the newest constellation to our family, Maximillian, travel to Europe, Mexico and Asia, our wedding, moving homes, and working with incredible clients around the world doing what we love. But first and foremost comes family - which brings me back to Bali. This month will be about reconnecting this little unit. About making time for real conversations with my husband (new parents, you will understand this point), and having our son experience life as a family, instead of just one of us at a time. It's also about taking those moments for ourselves to tap into that space that gives us peace. This morning I awoke to waves crashing and birds chirping, a sliver of a moon fading into the pink and orange sunrise. Sitting outside, I took a moment to breathe and stretch, to reconnect with my body and mind. In that moment, I could feel my body begin its healing, my mind begin to settle. I am reminded of how important it is for me to experience that. I am reminded of so many things that I have put off this past year. I am excited for this next month of reconnecting and exploring, but moreso, I am excited for this life ahead. I am filled with so much gratitude for all the people and moments responsible for helping me shape the world that surrounds me today. I know the power lays within me... and that is everything.

I'm going to check out (as much as a type A can) for a moment, so I can fully be with my family, however I will still make time to reply to client emails (please give me a days grace in this regard!). I look forward to meeting and working with all the new couples coming into my world! I hope you all can take the necessary time to reconnect with whatever part of your world you need to in this moment, and start this year off in a beautiful space. Much love to you all xoxo.

(photo taken in Baja this past year - we seem to have a knack for finding those dilapidated shacks...)

Follow Me | The Perfect Hideaway

Many of you know I travel quite frequently, especially in the winter months. I have recently started another company called The Perfect Hideaway, which features Boutique and Unique Accommodation Around the World. I have been blessed to stay in so many amazing places and spaces that I wanted to share... and now it has taken on a life of its own.

For the next two weeks I will be touring Bali, featuring some amazing properties and private villas. I will also be featuring must-see shops and restaurants along the way.

Follow me on instagram @theperfecthideaway or www.theperfecthideaway.com!

Indonesia Instagram

Yes, I know. This year has been off to a slow start for blogging. But I’m ok with that. Knowing the imminent wedding chaos is around the corner, I think I will relish in the quiet of where I am. Right now, that happens to be Indonesia. A couple days in Bali and now on the island of Sumbawa, I am a week into my adventure. Loving the heat, the white sand beaches and the sweet frangipani that seems to linger in the air.

Moroc-o-gram

Some fun instagram shots from Morocco...

Morocco | Video

Having had my new camera for only a short time, I am still learning so much about video. I first started making home videos from Blackberry phone clips in attempt to capture the essence of our adventures that still photos just could not do. So although I have come a long way, I am still learning so much... here is a rough draft from our Morocco adventure... enjoy!

Essaouira | Morocco

A rare stormy day of rain and dark clouds greeted us the morning we were to drive over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh and Essaouira. It seemed as if the tiny villages made of red earth and rocks could dissolve and wash away into the deep gorges at any moment. It was a treacherous drive through the mountain range along the narrow road comprised of endless switchbacks and sharp corners, dodging huge tour buses that hogged the road and boulders washed down with the rain. Relieved to finally reach the flat empty lands around Marrakesh, we continued on to Essaouira, dramatic skies creating epic backdrops for the shepherds and small villages. We arrived in Essaouira as the sun's rays finally succeeded in piercing the dark clouds, shining warm light onto the ancient walls of the small seaside town. Even the thousands of gulls seemed to revel in the beautiful light, swooping and cawing high in the sky. Yes, it was nice to be on the ocean again.

Essaouira was the perfect place to end our month long adventure in Morocco. It had the grit of Fez and the beauty of Chefchaouen. We wandered the narrow streets, in perpetual awe of the depth and texture, stumbling upon local shops and markets, loving the endless stream of exotic smells and sounds. Around every corner was sight that excited all senses.

We stayed at Dar Skala, a guesthouse with a tiny entrance that takes you up winding passages until you reach the rooftop patio with one of the best views in Essaouira. Jorge and his son Pablo were incredible hosts, adding a personal touch to the beautiful home they welcomed us in. We rose with the sun and ran along the vast stretches of beach, followed by breakfast on the roof and full days of exploration (always taking a break for a coffee and croissant in the main square, of course). Inevitably we would end up watching the sun sink into the ocean with a glass of wine, lulled by the evening prayer, eventually venturing out in search of kefta tagine. Yes... the days were perfect...

The Sahara | Morocco

I spend a lot of time in the desert. It is a special place for me. Perhaps because it is so opposite from my everyday life of living in a city, driving around congested streets, rushing around here and there. But when I am in the desert, I am filled with such peace. The vastness demands presence. Your senses come alive as all your worries melt away. At times the only thing I can hear is my own breathe mingling with the wind, my thoughts becoming clear and light. Everything slows down in the most beautiful way.

And then there are the dunes. I was so excited for this part of our Moroccan adventure, never having experienced anything as large as the Sahara. You can’t ignore the energy emitted from these beautiful shifting mountains. Always moving, always changing… and never with the same particles of sand.

We rode camelback through the dunes, watching the evening sun warm the sand into deep red tones. Once again, silence, except for the camel’s large hooves prodding softly along. We passed Berber camps, set up in the middle of nowhere. Their houses were made of scrap wood, covered with blankets and carpets, some surrounded by carpet walls for protection from the wind. Nearby, their herds of goats were eating the patches of grasses, growing in the most unlikely places. Our Berber camp was not unlike the others, except ours had queen size beds and running water (so yes, maybe it was quite different!). That night by candlelight, we ate one of the best meals of the trip, a Moroccan salad and a meat tajine. The most spectacular of all though, was the sky. So littered with stars it took your breathe away. Mesmerized, we lay and watched the luminous sky until the day finally overwhelmed us and we crawled into bed. We awoke before light, climbing a nearby dune to watch the morning light flood across the dunes, warming the vast Sahara. Yes, the desert is a very special place.

As much as I love the desert, the ocean, my true love, is calling...

Location: The Sahara, Merzouga, Morocco

Accomodation: Yasmina Hotel (would highly recommend)