Franklin County is a quaint and sparsely populated area surrounded by state parks and 250 miles of stunning and pet-friendly beaches. It is located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s northwest panhandle between Tallahassee and Panama City. The local community is closely knit and there really is nothing quite like Southern hospitality.

It is a hidden gem that has become our retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and is perfect for anyone looking to get away and just relax. We also always bring two of our dogs to join the fun in the sun. Aside from the white sand beaches, the seafood is my favorite part.  From stone crab, clams, fish and oysters — it is a seafood lovers dream. Fresh off the boat and right into your tummy. The days are spent at the beach and the nights are spent indulging in local seafood goodness and just kicking back over a bottle of wine.

I AM WEARING: Marc by Marc Jacobs Tou Can Do Bikini  // Zara tee // J Brand Denim Shorts // Selima Sun Sunnies

 Every once in a blue moon, everyone  just needs to get away, unplug and enjoy the company of those you love most.

With Love…

Marta

Personally, I enjoy travelling light and always looking for ways to pack less. I prefer not exceed two suitcases as having too many choices can be frustrating when you’re on the go. Packing is all about strategy, so consider the below and decide accordingly:

• Business or pleasure?

• Where am I going?

• Duration?

• Weather?

• Agenda and planned activities?

For my current trip I planned for the following: One week or so in Florida. The weather is in the mid-30s. Aside from staying active, working and catching up on reading, the plan is to do as little as possible. So for this trip, I packed a carry-on with the following key 10 items:

1.  Bikini - Depending on the length of your vacation, be sure to bring enough bikinis to keep you looking amazing.

2. Sunglasses - A pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and to look chic sans make-up.

3. Laptop - I won’t travel without my laptop. It is as simple as that.

4.  Floppy Hat – It  not only looks glamorous but covers your face from the sun and keeps your hair color from fading.

5. SPF - I am obsessed with sun safety. I use sunblock all the time including a lip balm with SPF.

6. Simple Top – A versatile  top that can be worn with just about anything. I love nautical stripes for a beach vacation.

7. Books - I am always reading a book and a vacation is a perfect time to start or finish one. Currently, I am reading The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho and loving it.

8. Denim Shorts – A pair of comfortable pair of shorts can be dressed up or down.

9. Leather Flip Flops – I am not a fan of rubber flip flops and a pair in leather is must more chic.

10.  Runners – I’ve made a commitment to stay in shape this year, therefore my work out gear comes everywhere with me.

What do you plan on vacationing next?

 With Love…

Marta

The decisions that you face in life and choices that you make are what will shape who you become. An individual grows and gains a sense of oneself during the hardest times in life. It is in difficult situations that you tend to surprise yourself the most. It really is incredible as to the strength and drive one can master up when faced with challenges. It is also those hard times that you will look back on and know that they are the reason that you’re here.

I AM WEARING: T by Alexander Wang Sweater // 7 For All Mankind Cords //  Sayami Cashmere Scarf // Puma Sky Wedge Sneakers // YSL Arty Ring

When you’re feeling torn in life just allow yourself to trust the instinct within. It might not make sense at first, but you will understand the reason once the storm calms. There is no easy way out and there are no easy solutions or shortcuts, which is why you must trust yourself blindly. Think about it, if you can’t trust your own instincts, then how can you trust anyone?! First and foremost, allow yourself to feel down, frustrated, and confused. The harder the decision, the greater the outcome.

Allow yourself to fail and then get up and try again because if you don’t, then you will never learn what life really had in stock for you. The past few months of my life have been a roller-coaster ride. With lots of excitement but also hardship, this is the lesson that I have learned or am learning as I write this.

With Love…

Marta

As I was getting ready for yet another day, I realized that my one item is a lip stain from Armani. For a girl who used to hate wearing lip color,  this is a bold statement but one that is worth making.

In the midst of  chaos all that a girl wants is a lip color that would last longer than one sip of coffee. This is precisely, the reason why I thought to share this gem with you. Until I discovered Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro, I hated reapplying my lipstick all the time. The formula is moisturizing and doesn’t dry out lips as a traditional stain would and the color does last a long time.

 I have two favorite colors from the line — a neutral #500 for day and a bright red #401 for evening.  At some point in her life, every woman should put on red lipstick and live a little

Now, I am excited to find out what’s your favorite beauty item?

With Love…

Marta