Tips & Advice Archives | The Open Suitcase

Dec 15

Instagram post 2199756139183495028_53059164

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
.
.
.
Include a visit to Longwood Gardens near Philly to get your ho ho ho on. The Conservatory features 20 oh my gosh holiday themed rooms.
.
.
.
Plus the food and drink are awesome. Check out the stew made with famous Kennett Square mushrooms and drafts brewed with hothouse fruits. Try the Cherry Oatmeal Stout! Trust me.
#christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmasmood #ornaments #holidayseason #visitphilly #christmasinphilly #ribbon #Longwoodchristmas #merryandbright #holidaydecor #tmom ...

156 2

Nov 18

Instagram post 2180067237598570401_53059164

Room with a view...
.
@HawksCayResort lanai rooms overlook serene water features like the (heated!) pool and lagoon.
.
Best of all, they have large decks with loungers. One’s calling my name.
.
The resort’s looking good after a $50 million post-Irma renovation. Same friendly service I enjoyed on two prior visits. You can go home again.
.
#HawksCayRises #hosted #thepreferredlife #tmom #luxuryfamilytravel #floridakeys #visitflorida #conchlife #marathonflorida ...

162 7

Nov 5

Instagram post 2170739770182135838_53059164

It’s all relative....
.
.
.
I’ll never complain about my weight again. I’d be nearly 2 TRILLION pounds if home was a neutron star.
.
.
.
So many fun facts learned at the American Museum of Natural History today. Did you know that the lyrics are true? We really are stardust...created out of a nebula cloud. Thank you, @jonimitchell_official .
.
.
What I didn’t learn? What’s a neutron star? Calling @neildegrassetyson #sciencerocks #dayatthemuseum #citypass #nyc #inthecity #dayoff #naturalhistory ...

210 2

Oct 27

Instagram post 2163548809492433258_53059164

Mirror fence
.
.
.
That’s the name of this sculpture, one of more than 100 that dot the 500 acres at Storm King Art Center.
.
.
.
Fall’s the perfect time to visit, but go early. They expect 6,000 guests on beautiful autumn days, like today. Did you get outside? #hudsonvalley #hudsonriver #nylovesfall #autumncolors #fallcolors #fallfoliage #outdoorart #naturesbeauty #greatoutdoors #artscene ...

463 25

Oct 22

Instagram post 2160215508711210153_53059164

So very serene.
.
.
.
I was a nervous wreck during the hours leading up to my daughter’s wedding. But watching her glide through the getting ready, put me at ease. .
.
.
Big thank you to @beautybycherise for helping the bridal party put on the pretty. First time for me wearing false eyelashes - such fun!
.
.
.
#effortlesschic #bridalhair #romantic #bridalmakeup #theknot #hairinspo #weddinghair #weddingday #hairfashion #weddingphoto ...

218 8

Oct 16

Instagram post 2155864957986881296_53059164

Programs?! Programs?!
.
.
.
3 days before the wedding, the details of the ceremony were finalized. So, I headed off to our local craft store and picked up medium weight card stock, a small single hole punch, ribbon and stickers. Oh. And a paper crease to help make crisp folds.
.
.
.
Employing 3rd grade crafting skills, I knocked these out in no time. What? Me worry? .
.
.
#michaelsstores #weddingcrafts #papercrafts #weddingday #weddingessentials #goingtothechapel #motherofthebride #stickers #stationery ...

229 6

Oct 15

Instagram post 2155156419790734167_53059164

Do you know the way to San Jose?
.
.
.
The city’s changed so much since I started visiting back in 2007. Hotel prices have soared thanks to Silicon Valley tech money. Finding an affordable, yet elegant, place to stay to begin our week-long wedding adventure was a challenge.
.
.
.
Fortunately, my daughter found the @hayesmansion, an historic hotel that, until recently, was owned by the City of San Jose. It’s scheduled for a $15 million upgrade by new owners. Can’t wait to see it after the reno!
.
.
.
Built in 1905, it’s a magnificent estate property tucked away in a suburban neighborhood. I stole some precious quiet time in the mornings (#calmbeforethestorm), with my coffee on a secluded terrace surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Thank you to the friendly and efficient group reservations team, especially Frances and Rona, who facilitated our stay. .
.
.
#HistoricHotels #sanjose #siliconvalley #luxuryhotels #visitsanjose #comestayawhile #weddingvenues #norcalweddings #gardenparty #luxehotels #livelikearoyal #wanderlust #hayesmansion ...

290 2

Aug 16

Instagram post 2112073367485195002_53059164

Feeling groovy? Celebrating #Woodstock weekend with some funky sugar cookies. Break out the tie dye and rock on! •
•
•
#flashbackfriday #1969 #peace #love #hippie #vintagesounds #rockandroll #musicfestival ...

225 8

Aug 3