My Vicarious Life

Hello ... From the Other Side of Never

thought July 15, 2019

Don't ever say what you won't do, if you've never been tried or tested in that area of your life. That's the thesis of my life at this very moment. I don't know how many times I've prejudged a scenario or situation ... place or time based on the comfort of my present reality. I say comfort because there's nothing like being snatched out of a familiar space to realize you don't always know what you think you know.

In the past three years, so many things that I considered foundational elements of who I am have either been shaken or have actually crumbled. I've touched on it here and there in other posts. But it took a conversation with a friend last week to bring back to my memory that, at some point, over the last several years I'd pronounced these relationships, fixtures, positions ... all essential to my happiness — and ultimately, my value. The good news: I'm still here; I haven't perished without the things I thought made me who I am. The not-so-good news but also not exactly bad news: It feels like I'm starting over. (Why do we perceive starting over so bad? That's a conversation for another day.)

I say to myself, at least once a day (usually while on my walk) — this is a good time to be me. I'll be crossing another milestone on my birthday in October. I am healthy. My family is well. And I feel God actually maneuvering me. (Think *Bird Box.* LOL ... But, the ending!!) It's literally like hearing a voice outside of myself say that "on paper," my life is ideal. And my life is ideal. You've heard me talk about what I prayed for as a young woman launching out into the world, and this is it. At the same time, if I'm honest, it's also a bit of a scary time in that some things I'm releasing have had to be wrestled out of my hands because I had so intertwined them into my feelings of wellness and certainty that I couldn't (and sometimes still can't) imagine who I'd be without them. And yet ... somehow, I'm also feeling a great sense of hope because I'm on the other side of what I said I'd never do or be, and I have survived.

I read a quote on IG yesterday that basically gave me a starting point for getting to my bottom line without miscellaneously tethering myself to people, places and things for the purpose of valuation. The writer suggested figuring out ways and activities that cause you (and me) to feel necessary, loved, capable and whatever else is important to you in a variety of ways that you give yourself. And this is very much a full circle moment for me on My Vicarious Life because it is essentially what inspired me to launch my site ... exploring all the things that make me, me.

My writing here and the relationships I've developed through this platform have given me more fulfillment than I could have ever imagined. So, it seems only natural that this time in my life would bring me back to MVL.

Yes, it is a good time to be me.

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Jet Life: Aruba, Just Enough of Everything You Need

Travel July 11, 2019

Sometimes you want to be castaway but know, without a doubt, that your destination will have everything you need for an escape that feels far flung … but with just the right amenities. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is that place. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea with miles of waters so blue that it looks photo-filtered, the Ritz — one of the island’s prime luxury hotels — is the ideal launching point for exploring Aruba. The nearly six-year-old five-star resort features 320-rooms and suites all offering private balconies and extraordinary ocean views; four dining outlets; an opulent, 13-treatment room Spa; and a 24-hour casino. Add to this a place where the genuine care and comfort of guests is the cardinal mission and an already perfect getaway is somehow elevated.

A resort may pitch to you the ideal that it, alone, is enough to be what you need in a getaway; here — it is understood. Located on the luxe Palm Beach, the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba engages its natural surroundings to provide guests with exclusive experiences. At the beach, snorkeling, diving, sailing and kayaking draw visitors out into the Caribbean Sea, and two beachfront pools with comfortable cabanas tempt you to spend your whole day in one spot. The edge of the sea is also the setting for complimentary classes including yoga and tai chi, while live music plays in between the sand and hotel’s expansive outdoor lounging area nightly. As soon as the sun starts to set, the upper outdoor deck is the most coveted spot on property. The first night, you’ll want to capture the saturated pink and tangerine backdrop to swaying palms and cresting waves. Thereafter, sunset becomes a necessary element of the Aruba island experience.

When I travel to the Caribbean, I’m generally content with the proverbial thought of ultra-fresh seafood. In my mind, every meal is splendid on an island getaway. However, a friend expanded my thinking about what to expect — telling me before I visited that virtually every cuisine imaginable is available in Aruba. That notion in and of itself was exciting, but I didn’t anticipate that the food at Casa Nonna New York would be as perfect an introduction to the island’s culinary scene as I could get. Casa Nonna, which means “Grandmother’s House” in Italian, is the hotel’s tribute to authentic flavors, fresh ingredients and homemade pasta that are the hallmark of true Italian cuisine. I didn’t taste anything that I didn’t love, but the memory of the Pansotti Di Zucca — Squash Ravioli, Brown Butter, Sage, Walnut Pesto, Amaretti Cookie — has lingered. For lighter fare, Divi Sushi Bar and Lounge is refreshing and indulgent.

When the urge hits you to venture out onto the island, San Nicolas, Aruba’s “Sunrise City,” is a charming and walkable coastal town and home to a thriving art scene of galleries and colorful street art as well as a blend of unique architecture, cafes and shops. Or take a bus tour for sites like Alto Vista Chapel, the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana gold mill ruins and the famous Natural Bridge.

Aruba is just enough of everything you need. And feeling as if the island itself had constantly inquired “con ta bai” (how are you?) throughout your stay, you’ll leave “One Happy Island” with your sights on the soonest return.

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DIY: The Cutest Babe Top

babe top July 05, 2019

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Time Off: Festivals, Wellness & Visa-Free Travel

Travel June 18, 2019

It’s that time of year again when you can hardly ignore the itch to hop on a plane to some place with a cabana and an umbrella-ed drink. I mean, for me, travel anytime is a good idea. But, there’s something about summer that’s just … special. And the thought of new scenery and an experience you’ve not yet had makes it even better. In case this very thought has crossed your mind and you need a jump-start on where to go, where to stay and what to do, I’ve got you covered.

Panama City Turns 500!

This August, Panama City celebrates its 500th birthday. Throughout the summer season, Panamanians and tourists alike will celebrate the modern and cosmopolitan Central American capital with an events-packed calendar paying tribute to the rich history of the first Hispanic city founded on the American Pacific. Panama City became the starting point for Spanish expeditions to conquer the Inca Empire in Peru and its central location earned it a position as a vital trade route stopover. A modern city framed by the Pacific Ocean and man-made Panama Canal and anchored by the settlements of Nombre de Dios and Portobelo, most of the gold and silver bound for Spain passed through the city. In honor of its role in shaping world history, festivities are a range of cultural, educational, culinary and musical events available throughout the summer season. Designed to showcase unique elements of Panamanian culture, a modern city framed by the Pacific Ocean and man-made Panama Canal. Getaway to an eye-catching hotel located at the epicenter of the business district just steps away from the bars and restaurants of the vibrant city. A sleek, modern beacon capped with a crown of gold, W Panama proudly disrupts the Panama City skyline with 50 stories of playful space inspired by local art, fashion, culture and cuisine. You’ll be perfectly situated.

Experience Peruvian Culture Up Close

Escape to a luxurious and mystical journey like no other in the heart of the Sacred Valley. The only hotel with a private train station at a lower altitude to acclimatize and the ideal point of departure in your journey to Machu Picchu, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa guests are treated to an up close and personal learning experience centered on the Incans’ and Peruvian culture with the resort’s new Andean Bread Baking Class and Incan Legends Storytelling session. Guests learn about how the Incas had no written language, so storytellers and performers recited the myths and legends of the cultures they conquered through lore and narrations. Elegantly designed hotel rooms include mesmerizing views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River from private balconies while the resort’s refined dining options feature organic ingredients and local products.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Launches “Well-Rested in Waikiki” Wellness Program

Designed with the resort’s jet-setting, global clientele in mind, the “Well-Rested in Waikiki” wellness program at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach features a curated menu of five unique wellness experiences designed to help promote better rest and sleep. In addition to three nights in luxurious accommodations, the rejuvenating package includes a “Midnight Meditation” session in the resort’s private yoga studio to help combat jetlag, a luxurious “Cabana Nap” to enhance the irresistible poolside “vacation nap,” a “Sleep Workshop” in the Spa Relaxation Lounge, a 50-minute “Beauty Rest” spa treatment, and “Suite Dreams” turndown service featuring essential oils, a calming bath, and more. Package starts at $2,400++

This Month, U.S. Citizens Can Officially Travel to Brazil Without a Visa

Beginning June 17, 2019, Brazil will no longer require visas upon entry from citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada and Japan, making it the opportune time to travel to the destination. The Brazilian Hotel Association recently revealed a major 52% increase in flight bookings since March. These flights were booked directly following the original announcement that Brazil will no longer require visas. With a goal to increase its tourism, the country is already seeing an influx of tourism ranging from business to leisure. Located in the heart of downtown Sao Paulo, the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel encourages guests to explore the culture of this vibrant city during the day, eat local Brazilian cuisine, and wind down with a relaxing treatment at the Spa at Renaissance. The Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resortoffers newly renovated guestrooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the sea. Located between trendy Barra da Tijuca and famed Ipanema Beach, the it’s the city’s only beachfront resort and has an extensive recreational area, spa, and amenities.

- Katrice L. Mines

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