Hello from Miami!
As I mentioned, Matt has been working on a project for work down here for a few months (ending soon), so we decided to have a little weekend getaway. We picked a great weekend for it — the weather has been gorgeous! 80s and sunny.
Matt had to work yesterday, so after getting some work done in the morning I headed out to explore on my own. It felt really weird to be wearing a sundress and sunscreen again!
Also, I discovered my engagement ring fits a lot better when my hands aren’t frozen. :)
I wandered along the bay enjoying the scenery and soaking up the sunshine.
MY OTHER RECIPES
Around lunch time, I stopped at a place along the marina. I can’t remember the name (it was pretty touristy but I wasn’t sure where else to go since I was in such a touristy area), but it was pretty good! I had the seared ahi tuna salad. Hit the spot.
I enjoyed my lunch with a view of the boats. :)
I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing (hit up the hotel pool for awhile — rough life) until Matt got back from work. We headed out to walk around a bit more, then came back and got dressed up to go out for pre-dinner drinks! :) Last time we came to Miami, I wished I’d brought fancier clothes — everyone gets SO dressed up here and while I know I don’t have to, it’s fun to get dressed up and I was sad I missed the opportunity! I basically never wear dressy clothes anymore being in grad school, ha. This time I was ready. ;)
Tank top and skirt both from Express!
We went to a fancy hotel restaurant called ZUMA for drinks — it was super trendy and fun, and already packed at 6:30 when we arrived. The menu looked amazing but it was way out of our price range, so we settled for drinks there and a cheaper dinner elsewhere. :)
I’m not normally a cocktail person (too sweet!), but Matt told me the drinks at this place were amazing and he was right. VERY creative and all made from scratch with real, fresh ingredients. Matt got a drink spiked with hot peppers (in a martini glass… real men drink from martini glasses, obvi), and I had the drink with the flower in it. It was a sort of cucumber gin basil somethingerother — and SO good. Not sweet at all, either.
We also shared a third drink that was tequila with lavender and jasmine tea — I loved that one, too! Very unique.
After drinks, we walked over to Brickell, an area nearby, for our real dinner.
We went to a place called “Dolores but you can call me Lolita” — weirdest restaurant name ever, heh. I unfortunately didn’t get an photos of the food because it was so dark, but we were both fans — not pricey and tasty food, too. Also, small portions so we didn’t leave stuffed. They have an awesome roof deck and we ate up there — I loved the ambiance. Very lively and fun!
Matt and I are off to get in a run and then heading over to South Beach for the rest of the weekend! I’m excited for some beach time. :)
Hope you’re having a nice weekend, friends!
The tequila, lavender, and jasmine cocktail sounds divine! Hope you’re having so much fun in Florida!
This makes me miss Florida and eating outdoors in the middle of winter sooooo much! Looks like a great time, enjoy!
So jealous!! The weather looks amazing!
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time – I’m jealous! After being inspired by your blog and reading it for months – I finally started my own. I love being able to comment now!
Yay! I will check it out :)
What interesting drinks?! Yum! I just booked a cruise this week and cannot wait to be warm again!!! T minus 29 days!
Looks amazing!! Glad your having fun :)
Miami is such a fun city! Haven’t been there is years but I loved it when I was there. Enjoy Anne!
Aaah I’m so jealous! I loved when my brother was in school at UMiami so I could have an excuse to visit a lot- such a fun town! Let’s not mention the night I took my brother out for his 21st on South Beach, not a happy morning, lol. Enjoy it!! Also, rockin outfit, I’m impressed with Express, an old fav, it’s been a long time, maybe I should stop in!
I seriously hadn’t shopped in Express since like… college?! But randomly went in to the one down in Florida and they had SUCH cute stuff!
Oooh those cocktails look intriguing! I’ve never been to miami, but it sounds like a blast :)
I love your ring. I just noticed this, but it is very similar to Meghann’s. The only difference is that your is much more substantial in the size of the diamond. I am also glad to see that you are having a GREAT time in Miami!
I know – so funny! The main difference is that hers is a square diamond and square sapphires (or maybe rectangles) – mine has teardrops and the circular diamond :)
Anne: What a wonderful Pics or can I say..Fannetastic Pics!! I miss Miami, Brickell ave., Bay, the beach, everything is fun, day and night, hope you enjoy this weekend! ;)
LOVE your engagement ring; looks fabulous. Have a great time in the sunshine, Anne!
I love herb infused cocktails!! Or my newest love is drinks with ginger beer, lime and gin. :-)
Looks like some great weather and fun drinkies! :D
Oooh I’m so jealous! I just bought 4 BCBG dresses ($20 each on clearance!) and can’t wait for warmer weather to wear them. Love your bright top, makes me think if the tropics.
Boy do I envy you in 80 degree weather. I have been under the weather this weekend and can’t seem to get warm. I love your outfit, it suits you. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
I hope you feel better soon! I have a bad cold at the moment – blech.
We all envy you! This is the time of year for Miami! Looks awesome. Thanks!
I am so jealous!
(but happy for you!)
Looks like you’re having a blast! I’m determined to visit Florida next year during the cooler winter months. A little bit of sunshine would be so nice right about now. ;)