We’re all stuffed with Turkey and pumpkin pie, Christmas lights are up and the craziness of the holiday season is in full swing. All of this means one thing – November has come to a close. Aside from being grateful for my bounty of friends, family and food on Thanksgiving I did manage to fit in a fun South Florida getaway. Let’s take a look at what I did this November.
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This month I took a girls’ trip with my friend Adrianne, one of my besties from my Navy days. We started our trip in Miami, and while it was a little on the cool side for South Beach (once the temp dips below 70 degrees out come the winter coats) we had a blast. Miami is a great food town and this visit did not disappoint. We landed in Miami and made a bee line to Bar Centro by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel for cocktails, a bite to eat and some people watching. Culinarily Chef Andres can do no wrong and his take on the famous Cuban sandwich medianoches (with pork belly,serrano ham and house cured pickles served on croissants) was superb. Also I can’t go to Miami without stopping by CVI.CHE 105 for amazing Peruvian style ceviche.
We started our Sunday with a South Beach institution – drag brunch at the Palace! Bottomless mimosas and great food are a great way to start any day but the Queens at the Palace absolutely kill it! These ladies are absolutely captivating and engaging (I mean, they literally stop traffic as part of their show!) and interact with everyone. (Reservations here are highly recommended).
After an amazing show at the Palace it was time to head for what really brought us to Miami – a cruise! I was lucky enough to have been invited aboard the Encore, Norwegian’s newest ship, for a three day inaugural cruise. Stayed tuned for a full post coming up soon, but much like my my trip on the Bliss I had an amazing time. Three days of fantastic food (including a private wine tasting with Michael Mondavi. Yes, that Michael Mondavi), fun including an at sea racetrack and Atlantis themed laser tag, and Broadway shows like Kinky Boots and Choir of Man. Not only did I have the entire Norwegian Encore at my fingertips we also got to check out Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. Impossibly blue water, white powder sand and a fruity drink in hand; this is what Caribbean dreams are made of and Great Stirrup definitely delivered.
Things I’m Loving
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or just want a good to save some some $$$ here are some of my favorite Cyber Monday deals.
If you’re not already using Rakuten for your online shopping you’re leaving money on the table.
Expedia has great discounts on tons of hotels, flights and cruises and you can get an extra 10% off with code HOTEL10DISCOUNT .
Kayak also has some great travel deals on hotels and vacation packages.
Nisolo’s line of ethically made shoes and travel accessories is on sale. Use code CM15 for 15% off $150, CM25 for 25% off $250, CM35 for 35% off $350 and CM45 for 45% off $450.
This Delsey Carry On, normally priced $260, is on sale for $70!
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