Girl Shops Globe

It goes without saying that one of my favorite parts of travel are the markets and shops. When we were in Peru, it was the textiles; in Buenos Aires, the shoes and antiques. Did any of you ever see the show Man Shops Globe on the Sundance Channel? It chronicles Keith Johnson doing, what I might consider, my dream job: searching for the most unique and beautiful objects and decor for Anthropologie. It was always a tricky show to catch when it was airing--but you can watch the episodes online now at Sundance.com. Anyways, Man Shops Globe follows Johnson, who travels six months of the year, to ends-of-the-earth excursions, from flea markets in Paris to remote villages in India to obscure art studios in Turkey. Did I mention dream job? When I travel I always think of that show and what Keith would say--would it make the cut and take the trip back? I try to only bring back items from my travels that I couldn't find elsewhere, that are part of the culture or folklore art, and/or just tickle my design fancy.

Sprinkle Covered

I realized something while looking at snapshots from our trip. If I had to describe Sayulita, Mexico in all of its splendor, my description may be best given as a metaphor. Sayulita is the chocolate-dipped-sprinkle-covered-frozen-banana of my dreams. It is bright, and rich, and messy, and melt in your mouth perfection. And when you are enjoying it, all the rest of the world disappears. The moment is about enjoying each bite. You cannot help but think of the chocolatey, melty, sprinkle goodness that is the dipped banana--that is Sayulita. And even better, is when all of your friends have choco banana with you--everyone ooey and gooey and enjoying it together. Sayulita, and frozen diped bananas, are best this way. 

The "sprinkles" of Sayulta are all over the place. Colors here and there, everywhere. The markets are filled to the brim with hot hues of every shade. At one store, called the Gypsy Gallery, hand loomed and woven vintage fabrics are ALL over. It was hard to resist filling up a second suitcase! Handmade, bright, and rich textiles--perfection, right?

Third Time in Puerto Vallarta!

Vacation is here! Matt and I are Mexico bound, and are most likely up in the air by the time you are reading this. I will be unplugged all week, with the exception of maybe a few instagrams- so you can see a bit of our Puerto Vallarta adventures by following me HERE (yes , I changed my username, its @lauren_tien now!). This will be my third trip to Puerto. Ay ay ay! I am so thankful, I love Mexico, despite everyone's concerns up here in the North. I studied Spanish all through college and have such a passion for the culture. Not only is it a vacation, but a time my mind switches to thinking in Spanish. Oh how I love it. And did I mention we will be seeing more than a dozen of our California friends!?!?

The first time I went to Puerto Vallarta, I was at the awkward age of eleven. It was an amazing trip with my dad, aunt, and cousins Jenna and Katie. We parasailed, ate chips and salsa all day long, snorkeled, sported the hair braid & beads fashion to a tee, and built sandcastles while having pizza parties on the beach with the local kids. 

The second time I went to Nuevo Vallarta, was just over a year ago with my mom, one of her best friends, and my kindred spirit Caitlin. Unlike the trip when I was eleven, digital cameras documented our moments. I thought you might enjoy some snapshots from that trip (and I am sitting here writing the night before we leave and am getting SO excited for sun, sand, piña coladas and fish tacos, to name just a few basics.)

Clearly trying to make a deal.

Looking back, not quite sure why we ate these?

I told you, kindred spirit.

Although I am traveling this week, I have scheduled posts throughout the week. So be sure to check in! You can also read up at a few of my go to blogs on lifestyle, fashion, design, and all the in between: 

Thoughts By Natalie | Anne the Adventurer | What I Wore 

Crazy Bananas | Darling Magazine | Little Green Notebook

Going Home to Roost | Kendi Everyday | Samantha Elizabeth