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There’s nothing like a little getaway with your honey to sunny Mexico. Even if it’s just once a year…time for a little R & R. After the vacay, when you arrive home and step off the airplane, every ounce of relaxation that you experienced while away is immediately sucked out of your body the instant you round the corner and step into the immigration and customs line where there are usually approximately 1,482 people ahead of you. Next, the airport officials start to herd you like cattle into that snaking line that seems to go on forever. At that moment, it was like you were NEVER even on vacation. Well, no more. Have you heard of Global Entry? Whether you’re a frequent international traveler or take that one short trip each year to Mexico, Global Entry can save you both time and peace of mind when returning back to the good ‘ole U.S. of A. What is Global Entry, you ask. Here’s the 411:
*Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
* Participants enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.  Translation: NO WAITING IN LINE!  Click here to see a list of the airports that have Global Entry.
*After filling out the application (cost is $100 per person), you have to go through a background check and in-person interview.

Click here to read more about Global Entry.

So what are you waiting for?  Click here for the on-line application.

A couple of summers ago while in Colorado, we discovered THE most beautiful line of jewelry call The Woods.  The two design geniuses behind this fine collection are sisters, Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock.  I’ve been itching to share their gems with you for a while now, but unless you’re in Colorado, you can’t see their beautiful pieces….UNITL NOW!  I was super excited when I heard that a store in Fort Worth called You Are Here (Yes, that’s the name of the store.  It’s what you call a “pop up store” that opened the day after Thanksgiving and will be open until x-mas) is hosting a trunk show of The Woods Fine Jewelry.  It’s tonight, Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. – 8: 30 p.m.  Did I mention that it’s a Happy Hour, too?  Grab a girlfriend and head to You Are Here, 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd. (in 6333, where the old Pickles & Ice Cream store used to be).  Along with the Wed. evening Happy Hour Shopping Event, You Are Here is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Along with The Woods trunk show, You Are Here also has lots of other fabulous clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc. that you need to check out.  You might just find the perfect Christmas gift (for yourself!).  Here are a few pieces from The Woods collection (I am picturing those gorgeous green earrings on MY ears pronto).  Here’s why I love this collection…it mixes precious stones with more casual materials (think wood beads and bone elements), which creates a beautiful contrast.  I also love that their pieces can be worn casually for everyday or dressed up. Look for yourself…

Click here for more info. on You Are Here.

images courtesy of You Are Here and The Woods Fine Jewelry

Last week Mr. and I played major hooky. On our way to a beautiful wedding weekend in Virginia, a few couples stopped off at Blackberry Farm near Knoxville, Tennessee. I didn’t even know that BF was on my bucket list until I got there. Part working farm, part luxury resort, and all together fabulous.

Even though we arrived to a steady rain, we were not deterred to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Smokey Mountains. {Well, actually we did stick around to a fantastic fire for quite a while…so possibly I should say we were only slightly delayed} Our darling cottage was pretty hard to leave. The property is amazing, and the girls did lots of exploring. There are amazing hiking trails nearby and the autumn leaves were a treat for us Texans. Thank goodness we got out and moved around a bit, because the meals at Blackberry Farm are INCREDIBLE!!

Dinner is served nightly in a restored Pennsylvania farm house. Clearly since not one of us was rushing off to an appointment or to meet a sitter, the meals were another luxurious experience. Most menu ingredients are grown on Blackberry Farm property. They even make all their own cheeses on site. The staff’s attention to detail is exceptional. I bought their cookbook on the way out, and cannot wait to recreate some of the magic.

The boys spent some time fly fishing in Smokey Mountain National Park and road biking. There were some spa treatments for the girls too. I have to come clean here and admit I got my hands on one of the famous Blackberry Farm puzzles. Sounds lame, but not. I swear. There is also tennis, horseback riding, yoga, cooking class. Really something for everyone. Once you’re there, cars are discouraged and you travel via golf carts which may or may not explode due to wreckless driving. Just sayin…

You must put Blackberry Farm on your short list of places to go. The first part of the week has been a challenging reentry, but my clothes weren’t going to fit much longer.

To learn more about Blackberry Farm and make reservations, visit them online here

images courtesy of luxury travel magazine and blackberry farm

We were beyond thrilled when Neiman Marcus asked the Go To Girls to host Fashion’s Night Out. We are simply giddy since learning the details of the swag in store for all who come join us in the Fort Worth Neimans on Thursday, September 8th from 6 to 8. We will have more details to follow but for now book a sitter, grab a girlfriend (or boyfriend, husband, mother, ANYONE!!) and make plans to come by for a bit.
In the event you’re not already sold on being there, some lucky winner will be leaving the store with a shiny new pair of red soled shoes…and that’s not all! In other words, DO. NOT. MISS. IT!!
xo GTG

As I seem to be winding up my summer (sniff, sniff), I have something to add to my travel wish list…

Situated atop a rock off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania is the appropriately (& quite simply) named The Rock Restaurant. You can arrive for your table in this tiny spot by foot, boat, or breaststroke according to the tide’s position.

The Rock serves a menu featuring freshly caught and prepared seafood, that must be brought in from (literally) right outside the back door. Reservations anyone?

Contact

The Rock

here

images via here & here & here too

There are a few iconic designers out there whose pieces and designs are unmistakable. Missoni is one of those designers. Gorgeous knitted fabrics, bold color combinations and zigzag, stripe and circular patterns all define this global luxury brand. That is why when we heard that Target’s next designer collaboration was with Missoni, we did a little happy dance, then marked our calendars. That’s right, Italy’s fashion house, Missoni, is teaming up with Target to debut a 400-piece collection that will hit Target stores on September 13 and will run through October 22 (in store and online). Now it’s your turn to mark your calendar for Target’s biggest designer collaboration to date. Most of the pieces in the collection will be less than $40 (except for the bike ($399, see below) and the patio furniture ($599). Yes, Missoni did a bike for Target. How cool is that?). The collection will feature everything from women’s, men’s and girl’s/infant clothing, to homewares, scarves, candles, shoes, luggage and even patio furniture. The first three photos are the real deal from Missoni’s Fall Collection at Bergdorf Goodman (just some VERY expensive eye-candy to get you excited). The rest of the photos are from Missoni’s collection for Target. Click here to see the entire collection. Please Target, keep these designer collaborations coming. Who could be next?? Valentino or YSL for Target? Who knows. A girl can dream, can’t she?

Missoni at Bergdorf Goodman

Missoni for Target

images courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman and Target

The “Dad” does not know it yet but “we” have a little road trip planned to IKEA this weekend and a very small “Honey do”. Truth be told, I could totally do this on my own (I am quite crafty) but I like his company too much not to act clueless without him. So IKEA has never looked so FAB!! Check it….

These are prefabricated trellis screens that perfectly fit on some of IKEA’s furniture. Here is the Malm dresser shown in white $69 at IKEA and the Rast $39 is shown below.

Create a privacy screen.

 O’verlays are the brilliant idea of Cheryle Rhuda and Danika Herrick. I read about O’verlays from interior designer Julie Richard of the blog Shelter. I hope this got you as excited as it did me. Don’t know where I am going to put them but I will find a perfect spot. Happy Weekend!

Images courtesy: O’verlays.com. & Shelter

Hi all,

Just back from an unbelievable couple of weeks in my fam’s favorite mountain town–we hiked, fished, ate, laughed, and biked all in sub 80 temps. My vacation brain was still in force moments ago when I deleted the equally unbelievable {if I do say so myself} post I had written on a quiet rainy afternoon during the above referenced respite. I was planning to tell you all about my mountain must-haves. For now, I will just share my essential Mountain Town playlist:

My fantastic Mister Music Master set it up so you could download it for yourself here:

http://c.itunes.apple.com/us/imixes?iMixesPageType=1&id=447798495

I promise to get back to you with all of my favorite gear…after I recover from all the fun.
xoxo

Truth be told, when I sit down to simply check my email, I find myself getting lost in the blogosphere way more often than I would like to admit… but I do have my favorites. Luella & June (www.luellajune.com) is a Go to Girls’ fave and is at the top of my list! I am always a little giddy when I see that one of Bradley or Alison’s posts have arrived in my inbox. Any girls’ lists of favorite things that include lucite, Father of the Bride, & Sunday brunch, are girls after my own heart. Inviting them to do a guest post for us seemed perfect. Enjoy!

The warm weather is officially upon us! I’m so happy that the month of June has arrived, and I’m looking forward to spending some quality time outside! Whether you’re planning on being poolside or by the beach, here’s a list of some of my favorite beach bag essentials.

Currently craving Mark’s Madison Avenue Salad at Fred’s at Barneys New York.

So until you make it to Fred’s, here is the Go to Girls’ take on Mark’s Madison Avenue Chopped Salad. The secret to making a great chopped salad is to chop the ingredients into chunks that are all about the same size and to include contrasting textures. Instead of using tuna in this salad, you can use leftover cooked chicken or beef (or none). Just cut your choice of protein into bite-size chunks, then add it to the salad at the step when you would add the tuna. Serve this salad with crusty French bread, or tuck it into pita bread for sandwiches. Enjoy!

       Print This!    

Mark’s Madison Avenue Salad

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups finely chopped romaine lettuce (from 1/2 head)
• 2 cups finely chopped spinach
• 1 cup finely chopped radicchio (from 1/2 large head)
• 1/2 cup drained canned white beans, rinsed and patted dry
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen will do but cooked and cooled)
• French green beans (blanched and cooled)
• 1/2 cup chopped asparagus
• 1/2 cup tomatos seeded
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 8 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained and chopped
• 1 (6-ounce) can Italian tuna packed in olive oil, drained and broken into chunks
• 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, sprinkle on top
• a pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper to finish

Directions

Whisk the vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in the oil to blend. Add the lettuce, radicchio, spinich, and remaining ingredients. Toss to coat.  Season the salad, to taste, with Parmigiano-Reggiano, more salt and pepper, and serve.

For a more lemony take on the dressing follow these directions:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon  juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

In a small bowl whisk together the oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well and serve.

       Print This!    

images courtesy: New York Times

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