Namaste, ladies! I just got back from my trip to Miami for my post-wedding getaway/Smartypanties review-trip (real honeymoon is scheduled for January next year in case you were wondering!). It was definitely a week of excess eating, drinking and sun. So necessary after all the wedding planning! I’ll start with my favorite hotel we stayed at, the Canyon Ranch. From the moment you walk in you instantly become relaxed. This is Miami’s off-season so the property was definitely less busy than say during spring break but this made it the most perfect time to go in my opinion. If you’re looking to unwind, this is the time! The check-in process was a dream. Our room wasn’t ready yet so the receptionist took our number to call us as soon as it would be. They took our bags and we were off to explore!

Our beautiful little kitchen! They give you a lovely tea set to use. I made us a pot of soothing chamomile before we showered one day. It was heavenly.

The Rooms

Our suite was equipped with a beautiful kitchen and living room. Everything was absolutely immaculate. We had two balconies overlooking the beautiful ocean and pool. They give you luxurious robes to put on after a great shower or a soak in your enormous bathtub. They have maid service twice a day and super technologically advanced buttons you can press if you want privacy or to have the room made up. Each night we came back to a turned down bed and soft rock music. This was one of our favorite parts of the trip! The bed was so comfortable as you would imagine.There were also two enormous flatscreen TVs in our room, so the technology was way up to par!

The Activities

They have something everyone would want. Yoga, Gyrokinesis, Meditation, Group Walks, Spinning, Abs, Legs and Kickboxing. Oh and did I mention the 2 story rock-climbing wall? The Huzz and I even made it all the way to the top! It’s harder than it looks! The instructors are fabulous. We spoke with our rock-climbing guide and he told us that Canyon Ranch interviewed over 1000 applicants before they hired their staff. Each instructor is truly an expert in his or her field and it makes the experience so fabulous. If you’re not a class person, there is also a state-of-the-art gym, complete with touch-screen TVs on each machine to watch your favorite shows, that is if you get tired of the ridiculous view of the ocean. You’d be surprised how much quicker your run goes when that’s what you have to look out at. Or if you want to run outside there is a fabulous path just along the water. The rest of the gym is gorgeous and super-clean as well.

The Grounds

The grounds are beautiful. Everything about this place screams whispers, “Zen!” There are 4 pools, one being adults-only, which is nice if you just don’t feel like getting splashed. Although, I have to say the children that were around were completely innocuous, when it comes to annoying children it’s always nice to have a safe escape. I had read some reviews on Trip Advisor complaining about children but I think the resort does a nice job of giving adults their space as well as fun activities for the kiddies and families to do together. At the main pool you can order food. You can also do this on the beach. The property is beach-front and they have attendants down waiting to set up chairs for you. It’s the perfect place to put your feet up and chill out. You can also order food by just raising your flag and having them bring it right down to you! The property is spattered with water fountains and gardens to sit and chill out or read a book. There is also a lovely library and lobby where you can rest, put your feet up and take it easy. We even loved perusing the store, filled with workout gear, yoga goodies and inspirational books and CDs. Yep, we drank the Kool-aid!

The Spa/Aquavana

The spa is truly the most unique I’ve ever been to. First of all, let me start by saying I am a total germ-a-phobe, for those of you who don’t know me. I have insanely high standards after visiting some of the best spas in NYC (and unfortunately also some of the worst—enter, Spa Castle). But I had never seen anything as fabulous as the Aquavana at Canyon Ranch. It’s a mixture of heaven and water! It’s a haven between the locker room and the spa that’s filled with wet saunas, dry saunas, foot tubs, cool showers, Jacuzzis and an igloo! Yes, I said it, an igloo! The idea is to go from hot to cold. It’s supposed to help rid your body of toxins. It’s a European-inspired aquathermal oasis offering intriguing treatment suites designed to relax your muscles and enrich your blood with oxygen. It’s truly an invigorating experience and even if you don’t book a spa treatment (which I think you should) you have unlimited access here if you’re a guest of the hotel. Once you’ve indulged in the Aquavana to your heart’s content you should try out the spa. I personally am old-fashioned so I stuck with a facial and a Deep-Tissue massage, which were soothing as can be, but the spa offers standout unique treatments like body wraps and traditional detox rituals. They also employ two healers who can offer Reiki treatments, healing energy or acupuncture, if that’s your thang. There are also medical consultants and nutritionists if you need to detox your diet or learn about building better health habits. The spa isn’t exorbitant but it ain’t cheap either. It’s pretty much what you would expect, somewhere around average for such a luxurious spa, which offers use of its aquavana as well. So in my opinion definitely a place worth the splurge. You could come here with a girlfriend and relax in the aquavana all day long. Massages begin at $140 for 50 minutes. Facials start at $150 as well for a deep cleansing facial. Body wraps also start in the same area at $165 for a 50 minute treatment session.

The Restaurant

The restaurant is gorgeous inside but has fabulous outdoor seating that’s in the shade and oh-so relaxing. I know you may be nervous that at a facility like Canyon Ranch, where they emphasize healthy eating and exercise, that you may not be able to indulge at the restaurant, I mean it is a vacation afterall, right? Well have no fear, I bear good news. The portions were not unreasonably tiny and the prices weren’t unreasonably exorbitant. Plus, many things are even organic (or at least partially so). Egg dishes ran about $11-12 and many came with potatoes, toast, or fruit. Nothing skimpy about that! Also you can easily supplement a side of turkey or veal bacon or other side-dish for only $4. Personally I loved the fresh-squeezed juices. My favorite was the watermelon! It’s so sweet and refreshing you’ll find yourself ordering a second. Also, good to know, the hotel serves complimentary coffee and tea until about 9:30 in the library, which is divine and also will save you a few bucks at breakfast!

The service in the restaurant is fabulous. Each staff member is friendly but not over-intrusive. My other morning favorites included “The New Yorker,” which is half a hemp-seed bagel with lox, tomato, cream cheese and onions, omelets, filled with anything your heart can desire, and the Sweet potato pancakes. Those were my absolute favorite! Definitely not to be missed! So unique and light but so filling at the same time.

It’s such a pleasure eating at Canyon Ranch because although the food is delectable you know you can’t get into too much trouble. Plus, they list calorie counts for everything so you at least know what you're getting into! Lunch Favorites? The artichoke fries were ridiculous. Such a satisfying, salty snack and yet totally on your diet because they’re baked! The fish tacos and grass-fed beef tacos down by the pool were also to die for! The portions were also pretty hearty if you’re hungry. The only thing I ate that I didn’t love was the chocolate zucchini cake and chocolate chip cookies. Not bad, just wouldn’t say they were my favorite. The other desserts were much better, especially the cheesecake lollipops. A must-try! My favorite part about the restaurant is that during the day it is an extremely laid-back environment but at night it transforms into a chic, trendy restaurant.

The Bar

I had one of my favorite drinks that I’ve ever tasted here. It’s called a “Purple Pillow” and it consists of house-made lavender infused vodka and muddled blueberries. Other cocktails were fabulous too like the Lychee martini, which uses house-made vanilla infused vodka. She even showed me how to make the infused vodka. You just soak overnight whatever you want it to be infused with! Okay so maybe I could have inferred that, but point is, the bartender was a sweetheart and her drinks were to die for! And they were strong as heck! Just don’t have too many of them the night before your 7am beach walk!

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring lots of workout clothes you’re going to want to do a million classes. You may want to spa or swim in between though so make sure you bring lots of changes for throughout the day. No one wants to put back on sweaty gym clothes! Gross!! My only complaint (literally!) was that the bath products were not my favorite so if you’re picky you may want to bring your own. Finally, it gets pretty windy down by the water so you may want to bring a light sweater.

I can't tell you enough how much we enjoyed our stay. It was everything you would come to expect from the rumors about how fabulous Canyon Ranch hotels are!

Have you guys been to Canyon Ranch Miami? Tell us about your experience!

For more information or to make reservations visit Canyon Ranch Miami's website or Facebook page!

*Smartypanties received 2 complimentary nights in consideration for a review. However, we did stay for 3 more nights, which we paid for and were well worth it. As always Smartypanties only posts honest opinions.*

One of my most favorite benefits of being a freelance writer, often writing about travel is that I get to do just that, travel. As most of you know, in just a few weeks I will be getting married. We aren't going on our honeymoon until next winter but we definitely wanted to do a little getaway in the meantime to relax and enjoy each other after the nuptials. Where better to go than Florida? It'll be early summer so it won't be too hot, but it's not spring break so the flights won't be too expensive. Perfect timing for a luxuriously budget-friendly vacation! If you can time things right you can get great deals at your favorite five-star hotels by not going during their busiest season. Who wants all the crowds anyway? I want to relax!

So here is what I have to look forward to, and what you'll get to hear about in just a little less than a month!

As you probably know, unless you live under a rock, Canyon Ranch is recognized throughout the world for their divine spa treatments and their fabulous approach to integrating healthy nutrition, fitness, lifestyle as well as spiritual growth. I can't wait to go and start my post-bridezilla, zen-like life!

Included with your stay are dozens of complimentary daily group fitness classes and walks, which are led by experienced, enthusiastic instructors. Classes range from yoga to vigorous cardio workouts! Classes change each week! 

After I work my butt off I plan to eat some delicious and healthy food (at least until I get dinner at Barton G and eat my face off!). Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach offers award-winning cuisine featuring the cleanest, freshest and most wholesome foods, emphasizing organic, local and sustainable. In addition to eating, you also learn about nutritious dining during your stay and can even sit down with a nutrition expert and learn how to eat better for your own personal goals. 

I'm most excited to check out the spa that Canyon Ranch is so famous for! Included with your stay is access to Aquavana, the most luxurious collection of European-style aquatic environments. I also plan to report back about a facial or massage (or two!). 

Have you been to Canyon Ranch before? Any suggestions for what we should do? 

*Smartypanties will be receiving 2 complimentary nights at Canyon Ranch as consideration for a review but will be paying for the rest of our stay.

In honor of Earth Day 2011, eco-gorgeous brand Lavanila Laboratories wants you to help them plant a forest! For each new “LIKE” received on their Facebook page (Lavanila Laboratories) on April 21^st and April 22^nd (Earth Day), Lavanila will plant one tree through their long-time partnership with The Nature Conservancy. These new saplings will be a welcome addition to their ongoing, evergreen (pun intended) initiative of planting a tree for each purchase made on www.lavanila.com.
 
So, please: spread the word and help build a forest!

This spring, TGIF takes on a whole new meaning with Fridays at the Sephora Beauty Studio! Sephora has always been the destination for the latest beauty trends, and now each Friday through May 27^th, all 15 Sephora locations in Manhattan will be hosting different interactive beauty events featuring some of the world’s top beauty brands. 

Stop in at your nearest Sephora store to transform your look in minutes with a free Express Service (no appointment necessary), or log on to www.sephora.com/go/fridaysatthesephorabeautystudio and find where your favorite brand will be each Friday to indulge in a new look. Services and brands change weekly so consult the online calendar often to ensure you don’t miss out on your favorites.

A few highlights for this Friday, April 8^th:

Josie Maran at Sephora Flatiron, 119 Fifth Avenue, 2 – 8 pm:

·         Flawless Complexion Express Service

Achieve a radiant complexion in just 5 easy steps with the Josie Maran makeup collection that is infused with her signature, all-natural Argan Oil – perfect to celebrate Earth month!

Fresh at Sephora 5 Times Square, 200 W 42^nd Street, 3-9 pm:

·         Sugar Lip Bar

Visit the Fresh Sugar Lip Bar to experience award winning age-delay lip care and learn how to get sweet, kissable lips!

Peter Thomas Roth at Sephora SoHo, 555 Broadway, 1-7 pm:

·         Meet Brand Founder, Peter Thomas Roth from 1-3pm

Enjoy an Everyday Eye Treatment Express Service and also be on the lookout for Peter Thomas Roth himself!

Bumble & bumble at Sephora 5^th Avenue, 1-7 pm:

·         Express Hair How-To

Learn dry styling techniques from the Bumble & bumble style experts and receive personalized product recommendations to keep your locks looking their best.

So, I know many of my readers out there are engaged or married and if not have definitely been subjected to "the bridal shower," a rite of passage for brides-to-be. Your family and friends shower you with gifts and love and team up to make your day awesome. But I have to tell you that I don't think anyone has been to a bridal shower like mine (perhaps a smidge of bias involved, acknowledged and understood, but not much!). I'm about to make all y'all jealous when you see the spread that my Mother-in-Law-to-be and future aunts and cousins made for me. 

First of all, how cute is my mother-in-law-to be (right) and her sister? I hope my sisters and I are this cute at our future children's wedding events!

First of all, it was Smartypanties themed! Yay! Does anything get cuter than that? The room was adorned in pink tablecloths, smarty candies and roses made out of UNDERWEAR! Yes, underwear! They rolled the Victoria's Secret thongs and made them the tops of the roses, they got me a Smarties bag, they filled vases with tons of Smarties candies and then made the most gorgeous cake you have ever seen in your life. Made it. As in iced each centimeter by hand. I don't know how many of you have made a professional looking cake and iced each square inch by placing dots on it, but it takes a long time! Like, tear your hair out because you've been icing for 2 hours and feel like you've gotten nowhere, long time. I could not be more appreciative or more touched. If you are looking for a creative way to do place cards, look what they did above, they made flower topped pens, which then guests could take home (in addition to each taking home a one-size-fits all underwear-topped rose). 

The cake looked like me!! How awesome, right? My favorite part is that they tried to flat iron the hair on the first Barbie to make her look even more like me. She did not live to see the party. We learned a valuable lesson, Barbie hair and flat iron do not mix.

Me and all the fabulous in-law family (and my Mommy too!)

My fabulous family who all traveled to be there for the fabulous occasion! Wouldn't have been a party without them! I can't wait for the wedding now! Less than 2-months, people!

Thank you again to my family who traveled and to my future family (who I already feel like they're my family) for putting on the most incredible bridal shower any future bride has ever seen!

As beautiful as the shower was, nothing was more beautiful than what my mother and mother-in-law said to me. Both of them gave me such wonderful and meaningful speeches. It was so perfect! My family, including my parents, my aunt and my sister flew in for the occasion and all my newest family members were on hand. 

Hi Dolls! Check out my article on the WE (Women's Entertainment) website about How not to be a Bridezilla. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to re-read it…

This review is slightly overdue considering I bought my coffee table over a year ago. However, it makes me just as angry as ever. When I moved in with my boyfriend (soon to be husband!) we bought a few new items of furniture as you can imagine. We found exactly the coffee table we pictured, just dark espresso colored wood with two drawers, which we thought we could use for storage. I was very anti glass top because it always made me nervous that I would break it. However, I have many negative things to say about West Elm's quality. It may as well be from Target. Honestly other than the fact that you don't have to put it together yourself it's not worth the price. I could have bought a very similar item from Target and even though I would have had to put it together, the quality would have been similar. Not to mention we have to use coasters on it, which is a huge pain! 

West Elm doesn't have my coffee table anymore to show you but it was over $500 and I am extremely disappointed with its quality. I would say spend a little more and hit up Crate and Barrel or just suck it up and go Target.

For example, this buffet table is $699. Their pieces are just very cheaply made. I would NOT bother with this store. It's just an overpriced, pre-assembled Target.