Sometimes you just need that sweet little song to brighten up your day. Every month I share the tunes that make my life a bit happier. You’ll find a lovely set of 1970s songs in the June Jukebox below. Follow the Spotify playlist to replay whenever you need those retro vibes ?
Miami, Florida is a melting pot of cultures and subcultures alike. Different races, creeds, ages, orientations have crossed land and sea to settle under the sunny Florida weather along its southeastern coast. And with the people who contribute a little bit of every culture, Miami is constantly evolving. Yet, a certain part of its charm remains attributed to its retro vibe that can be a refreshing change of pace.
To take a leisurely trip down memory lane on your next visit to this ‘Magic City’, add these Miami gems to your itinerary that ooze nostalgia at every turn.
Image: Wikipedia
Pink pastels, hard-edged, geometric patterns adorn many of the structures along this South Beach staple in Miami Beach. Talking a walk down Ocean Drive is like getting an introductory class in Art Deco. The hotels and apartment buildings are characteristic of the 1920s art movement, which Widewalls described as a ‘celebration of modern ideas of progress’. There are walking tours around the area, but taking your own time is a preferable option. You can snap several postcard-worthy images of the Park Central Hotel, The Webster, and The Carlyle, among others. Cap off your evening in The Regent Cocktail Club with a drink, ‘Roaring Twenties’ style. If you can’t get enough of Art Deco, Nostalgiosity previously recommended staying at Hotel Croydon to make your trip full-circle.
Image: Miami Racked
It’s a whole ‘nother decade when you enter this lingerie store. L.A. Boudoir Miami can make any woman who walks in feel a little bit sultry but also like a promising Hollywood starlet of 1950s glamor. The boutique boasts an array of vintage corsets, luscious silks, and opulent lace undergarments. The interiors are decorated with striped wallpaper, dividers with floral accents, and delicate chandeliers.
Image: Sweat Records
The neighborhood of Little Haiti is also a secret hub for Miami’s growing indie crowd. One of its headquarters is the vinyl retailer, Sweat Records, owned by Lauren Reskin whose teal-dyed shop remains resilient from hurricanes and recessions (yes, that sounds like a band). The 13-year-old record store has the best selection of forgotten artists to up-and-comers in the music scene. Reskin stated to Miami New Times how the community really comes together through their shared love of music, whether it’s the hipsters or senior crowds. They also do more than sell vinyl records – they regularly host brunches, events, and workshops that cater to different groups.
Image: Miami Herald
Great, speedy service is not something you’d expect from a casino but that’s one of the things valued most at Seminole Classic Casino. It seems to be working, as what’s dubbed “Hard Rock’s Older Sister” raked in over $160 million in 2016. In other words, people are coming, going, and returning. But before Seminole offered other table games, it used to be just a humble neighborhood bingo hall. Nowadays, they are seeing a decline, which is why Seminole introduced other games, as bingo is slowly being overshadowed by its virtual equivalent. Online bingo is seeing a steady rise in players and remains a game that displays a sense of camaraderie among its players. Foxy Winners highlights the extraordinary stories of ordinary bingo players, which can be encouraging for others to continue or try playing the game, while also adding to the strength of its community. Ironically, a positive of this trend is a renewed interest in venues like Seminole. Even after its revamp, the building’s interiors are still give off that retro vibe, albeit more luminous. Though it is not filled with smoke anymore and there are more games to choose from, many of the faces remain familiar. No renovation can discard the community aspect which is the true spirit embodied by Seminole.
Image: Mac’s Club Deuce Facebook
Miami Beach’s greatest dive bar – at least according to Anthony Bourdain and thousands of Floridians – has been around since 1964. Mac’s Club Deuce is a mainstay in Miami and will continue to be so because of its authentic charm. It has a vibe that’s doesn’t overdo it despite what the flashy lights might tell you. The facade also has an Art Deco feel to it, with the interiors reminiscent of a 50s diner’s decor apart from the neon-lit signs. Aside from a refreshing respite from the Miami heat, what many treasure is the company of its owner, Mac Klein who sadly passed away at 101-years-old. Nonetheless, Mac’s Club Deuce is a long-lasting legacy that he has bestowed upon Miami.
Although not as historic as some other major cities, the nostalgic atmosphere of Miami is enough to make for an unforgettable trip. The destinations above are definitely worth checking out, but keep your eyes open as you may discover many more places that can take you on a trip down memory lane.
Ever heard of the Hollywood Regency style? Sometimes called Regency Moderne, this design style uses bold colors, metallic and glass accents to exude opulence and glamour. It is named for Hollywood’s “Golden Era” of movie-making (~1920s-1950s), and the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica is a perfect example of its vibrant patterns and luxe details. A true gem designed by the talented Kelly Wearstler.
Santa Monica offers a wide diversity of food options, going from casual to extremely fancy in a matter of blocks. It’s certainly confusing: one minute you’re standing in front of a laid-back beer joint and the next you see a meticulously decorated café full of sophisticated menu options. If you’re anything like me, and both of those options sound exciting, you’ll love your stay in this easy-going beach town.
Dune’s Mediterranean options are perfect for a day when you’re feeling like eating healthier. Their falafel and hummus plates are packed with flavor and organic ingredients.
Dune’s super colorful hummus plate
Their Margherita pizza, fresh pasta, and cozy ambiance make it the perfect spot for a romantic evening. After trying the food I learned that the menu came from Michelin Star Chef Luigi Fineo, and wasn’t surprised at all! The minute I saw spaghetti with lentils and roasted tomato was an option I knew there was a creative mind behind all of it.
This is The Fisherman.
Cavatelli, mixed seafood, and spicy marinated tomato
This was the very first place I visited when I arrived in Santa Monica. It’s the perfect spot for coffee, a hearty breakfast, or brunch. The place is plant-based and has locations in both New York and Venice.
Manchego is a Spanish tapas and wine bar located right in the middle of Santa Monica’s Main Street. Aside from a convenient spot, this place offers an amazing happy hour menu that you don’t want to miss. Great sangria, cheese, and curated meats in a cozy setting.
I’ll admit Venice Beach Wines wasn’t in my original plans. I was strolling around and the homey terrace caught my eye. It was definitely the best thing that could have happened to my evening! Great wine options and equally delicious appetizers to go along. I had a green hummus plate that had me Googling a similar recipe for hours.
FIG is located inside the Fairmont hotel. I went for brunch and found the décor and meal options incredibly tasty. The place is close to downtown shops and cafés, making it a great starting point for your day.
I hereby declare my love for Tocaya Orgánica. Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, I know chains sometimes mess things up. Also yes, I’ve followed this brand from coast to coast. My first Tocaya experience was in Miami (has since closed), where we were honestly tired of eating meals that felt overwhelming and excessively reliant on processed foods. Tocaya has locations all over California now and I’d suggest trying their modern and organic Mexican options.
Notable mentions
Huarique, for a quick, yet healthy bite when you’re on the boardwalk.
Rose Cafe for a nice evening with friends. Great tea!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for a family-friendly spot right on the pier. Bonus points for sitting on the “Forrest Gump Bench”
Around the time I turned 20 I decided to radically change the way I was protecting and nourishing my skin. The whole thing started as an inward change: if I wanted fresh, young skin I had to stop hurting it. There are so many ways we unknowingly inflict pain on our own bodies!
I noticed, for example, that every time I went through a conflictive or stressful week, my face immediately reacted with a subtle outbreak. Sometimes it started out so small that I wasn’t able to tell what had caused it when it got worse a few weeks later. But I started studying my emotions, the food I ate, and the environment I moved in for a while. What I learned was truly eye-opening: for me, healthier skin depended on a calmer life. I had to become more aware of my energy, the way my meals were prepared, and how I reacted to my surroundings.
Then, and only then, I started making outward changes to my skincare routine. These helped with the more environmental factors I mentioned before. When I traveled somewhere cold and dry, there were ways to keep my skin hydrated. When I returned to the hot and humid climate I live in most of the year, there was a different set of products that could help me balance out the need to moisturize and the need to control oil. Likewise, whenever I know I’ll be exposed to direct sunlight, there are a few go-to products that help my skin (face, hands, feet, and the rest of the body) stay fresh.
Regardless of the climate conditions, I noticed a clear difference when I switched to organic products. My skin problems slowly reacted to more natural ingredients like green tea, lavender, aloe vera, and chamomile. While those specific components might benefit my oil-prone skin, there’s a wide range of organic products targeting other skin types like dry and mixed.
I wrote this article to share that list with you, hoping that it’ll also help you control for all of the external factors hurting your skin. As you read this, remember that there are inner matters to heal and balance if you want long-term skin and health changes.
Let’s split this into products that have worked for me prior to sun exposure and right after.
Before you hit the sun:
After a day of sun:
Any other sun care products you know and love? I’d love to read about them below!
Souvenirs are special for reasons that have nothing to do with price tags. There’s just so much affection and consideration in stopping, even for a minute or two, to pick up something for friends and family back home. Shopping for souvenirs isn’t about how expensive or exclusive an item is, but about how appreciated your loved ones feel when you make an effort to share a little bit of your trip with them. During my last trip to Amsterdam, I spent some time looking for unique trinkets and inexpensive objects to share with relatives and friends. I created this list in case it’s helpful for your next trip to any city, not just Amsterdam. Most of these are easily replaceable with other local objects you may find in your travels. On to our list!
1. Van Gogh Satchel: € 14.83 from the Van Gogh Museum Store
2. Kaleidoscope: € 4.92 from the Van Gogh Museum Store
3. Ceramic Coasters: € 14.83 from the Van Gogh Museum Store
4. Teal Highlighter Set: € 2 from Flying Tiger Amsterdam
5. Traditional Rosenberg Dutch Stroopwafel Tin Box: € 3.79 from any Albert Heijn (local supermarket)
6. The Monocle Guide to Amsterdam: € 12 from Monocle or most museum bookstores in Amsterdam
7. Bols Genever Mini Mason Jar: € 4 from House of Bols
8. Crochet Vincent Doll: € 24.75 from the Van Gogh Museum Store
9. Ceramic Souvenir Magnet: € 1-2 from flower shops in Bloemenmarkt
10. Old Amsterdam Cheese Wedge: € 4.99 from any Albert Heijn (local supermarket)
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As always, I hope these recommendations are useful for your next souvenir search. No matter what you bring back, remember that a little thoughtfulness and generosity goes a long way.
Let’s talk about happiness. We’ve been sold the idea that it comes after a certain “pursuit”. That it’s an end we reach using other means. The other day I was looking at the brightest, most colorful tulips you can think of, perfectly placed against a rustic wood wall. The color lover I am, these bouquets drew me in almost magnetically. On looking at the petals closely, however, I realized these were silk tulips: delicately handcrafted petals glued together to resemble natural flowers. Real or not, naturally occurring or not, these tulips had given me joy. They also taught me a lesson about this “quest” for happiness we subject ourselves to. Are we obsessed with finding a specific type of “happy” that conforms to a goal we’ve been sold? Are we allowing random discoveries to ignite unexpected moments of happiness? Are we missing out on the silk tulips for going after fresh ones? Are we sacrificing the joy of every other season in our lives for the momentary changes brought about by a single period? Me? I’m deciding to make this year about “happy” as a lifestyle, not an end goal. A means, not an end. A celebration of the real, not a comparison with the expected.
Every year brings 365 opportunities to change course. If you divide that by the number of minutes in a day and realize just how quickly a small decision can shake things, then that number of opportunities becomes even larger! There is just so much potential in committing to new habits, reconnecting with ideas that matter to us, and refreshing our relationships with others, that it seems like a waste not to spend a few minutes rethinking where we’re headed. I created this small manifesto as a way to remind myself of the ideas that matter in my life, hoping that putting them on paper will help me prioritize them even more in the new year. If it’s helpful, feel free to download this note and share it with those you love.
Amsterdam is bustling with exciting cuisines and innovative dining concepts. I was thrilled to discover that Dutch ingredients and processes have combined with flavors from all over Europe (and the world!) to create a unique experience for foodie visitors.
I saw great service and interior design experiences all over Amsterdam, but here are my favorite spots to grab a quick bite or full-on meal:
Incredible brunch and a cozy atmosphere to shelter from the cold. I loved the fresh, irreverent tone they infuse everywhere from their menu to wall signs. And who’s not a fan of all-day brunch? As a confessed breakfast addict, the sound of having perfectly-cooked Eggs Benedict or French Toast at 7pm is music.
Relatively new, Centra is a Spanish fusion resto-bar located right next to the Red Light District. The owners use the Catalan word Xampanyeria to describe this cava, or Catalan champagne, bar. Outside of drinks, their tapa selection is impeccable and diverse: you’ll find everything from a traditional Pan con Tomate (tomato bread) to a creative version of Spanish croquetas (fried balls/nuggets) filled with Paella rice.
Half retail store, half coffee shop. Pluk is the perfect spot to grab a hot drink and quick bites with your friends or significant other. Their breakfasts, bowls, salads, and sandwiches are on the healthy side, and you’ll love how they bring together flavors from around the world. Think hummus, Serrano ham, edamame, acai bowls, and curry mayonnaise all under the same roof.
This is a laid-back café in Amsterdam’s stunning botanical garden under the same name. While minimalist, this space is full of brilliant design details that combine plain wood grains and the natural aesthetic brought about by plants. Stop by for breakfast or coffee before you take a tour of the entire botanical garden. If you’re a plant lover, I can guarantee this will be one of the most inspiring experiences you’ll have in Amsterdam.
In case you haven’t noticed, I have a soft spot for Spanish tapas, especially while in Europe and especially during the colder months of the year. They are just the right size to let you try many different flavors while savoring single bites. Spanish food is also on the warmer, spicier side, something that is even tastier when it’s freezing cold outside. Tapas Bar Catalá offers savory tapas, great prices, and an incredibly convenient schedule, closing at midnight.
I read about this chic neighborhood cafe in Monocle’s Guide to Amsterdam, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Owned by an Australian couple, Little Collins is conveniently located near the popular Alfred Cuyp Market. After tasting a few meals, I will hand this place the award for most innovative breakfast options in Amsterdam. Blackbean and chipotle waffle? Check. Pickled cauliflower & whipped salmon roe? Double check. This is the place to go if you want to surprise your taste buds with the kind of dish that you “would have never ordered” that immediately becomes your favorite.
I know, I know I said 5. But I found this cozy spot during my last night in Amsterdam, and it became an instant favorite. It faces one of the most beautiful canals in the city, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out. Don’t forget to try their Sangria pitchers, grilled tuna with spicy sauce, and Spanish potato tortillas.
I found this one by chance while walking around Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square), a popular plaza in central Amsterdam full of nightlife and dining options. Unlike other places that focus on a single cuisine, this restaurant combines the best of Argentinian steak culture and Spanish tapa-sized servings. I loved their Pulpo (octopus), pan de tomate (bread served with a tomato puree topping), and grilled anchovies.
Nothing I can say about Blue will top the view. Their location gives you a full 360° view of central Amsterdam while you sip great coffee and enjoy small plates. While I’m sure their bar is perfect for a night out, Blue made our morning and I’m positive it’ll make yours too. Order their scrambled eggs with smoked salmon & veggies.
Inspired by a character in 1950s Spanish cinema, this tapas bar combines a great location with fair prices and bold flavors. Try their homemade Sangria and classic tortilla.
I had been trying to get a table here for a while, and was finally able to in my last trip to Amsterdam. Depending on the time of the year, it might be a good idea to book a table in advance. This modern Italian restaurant is located in a narrow, little street behind Rembrandtplein (the plaza I mentioned before), and is as intimate and cozy as it gets. Best known for their Neapolitan-style pizzas, they also offer fresh homemade pasta.
Koffiehuis stands for “coffee house” in Dutch. If you’re looking for a place to chat next to an Amsterdam canal, this is your spot. Great coffee and perfect location.
Extra: The Alley
I had read mixed opinions on this place before visiting, but the location close to Amsterdam Centraal Train Station and De Bijenkorf (a popular department store) made trying the place worth it. Breakfast was delicious and quantity was fair in relation to the price. We were ready to take on the day without having to walk too much and I’d go back in a second.
Gitana del Mar is where you go when life has been going by so fast you can’t remember what day of the week it is. This charming property in Buritaca features rustic bungalow accommodations, delightful organic cuisine, and a spa full of unique treatments in the midst of it all. When I saw cuisine, that’s not an exaggeration. This place is all about delicately planned menus, soulful bites for all kinds of diets, and locally sourced ingredients.
Gitana del Mar is an eco-friendly, culturally aware property that makes sure guests interact with their surroundings harmoniously. You’ll find no excessive waste or noise onsite. That sense of tranquility has made Gitana a top choice for Yogis at every level, to the point where there’s a dedicated shala (house or studio) and regular yoga classes on the premises.
Did I mention food? Okay, because it deserves a second, third, fourth, and as many mentions as it can get. This is a true highlight of Gitana del Mar. All guest plans include room & board, so you’ll never have to worry about getting fed. Getting fed well? That’s also handled.
Interior décor is on point at Gitana. There’s a perfect combination of Nordic simplicity, hygge, and organic materials everywhere you look. While globally inspired, the property does have a strong local influence from the indigenous tribes that inhabit the Sierra Nevada. You’ll find handwoven details in cushions and linens, as well as botanical illustrations around the site.
