Alli Talley

March 21, 2016

USA, Nevada

Romantic Valentine's Getaway at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas!

Alli Talley

March 21, 2016

USA, Nevada

For the past couple of years we’ve been on the hunt for the best spot to stay on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s surprisingly harder to find than you would think. It’s all about the location, the views, the amenities, and of COURSE the pool. There are many, many, factors that go into our decision… And we’re writing this blog to let you know that we believe we’ve found it. The Mandarin Oriental is our new favorite place to stay on the Las Vegas Strip!

First of all, the room speaks for itself. It's spacious, modern, and very zen. One would never know they're staying on one of the busiest, loudest, and craziest streets in the world. This room is completely sound proof and a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas! Nearly everything can be turned on or off by a remote control, and the bed is a pillowy perfection that required us to incorporate several naps into our daily itinerary. We didn't hate it. Plus... can we talk about this BATH TUB?

It's heaven! When it comes to baths, the Mandarin Oriental leaves no detail spared - as they even equip you with bath salts, luxury beauty amenities, slippers, and a TV in the bathroom mirror. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and you have your own personal, in-room spa!

The Mandarin Oriental is just as stunning outside as it is inside. We couldn't get over the way the silvery-blue building sparkles in the sunlight. Photos don't do this structure justice!

Those of you that have been following TN for awhile now, know that for us, it's all about the little details. We appreciate hotels that go above and beyond to show care and appreciation for their guests. At the Mandarin Oriental, they do just that. Every day they gave us fresh water bottles by our bed, hot coffee and tea in the morning, and nightly turn down. Even when we ventured out to explore the strip, the staff would offer directions, recommendations, and water bottles for our excursion! We can't say enough about the hospitality at The MO.

Even on Valentines Day, we arrived back at our room to find this amazing set up. Cupcakes, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries... What more could we ask for!? We're coming here every Valentines Day!

The view from the Mandarin Oriental's Tea Lounge were breathtaking... Especially at night. Once again, this hotel feels like an oasis from the chaotic strip. We loved having a glass of wine in the Lounge and watching the hustle and bustle happening down below.

Staying at the Las Vegas Mandarin Oriental was pure magic. We can't wait to return.

Alli Talley

February 26, 2016

USA, Nevada

Cirque du Soleil's Mystère at Treasure Island

Alli Talley

February 26, 2016

USA, Nevada

When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas can be overwhelming. It’s kind of like picking a dinner restaurant in New York City - the possibilities seem to be endless, and everything looks good! Even as we were approaching the strip, we passed billboard after billboard showcasing magic shows, iconic concerts, theatrical productions, celebrity impersonators, comedians… How does one begin to choose?!

We’re so glad you asked. That’s what we’re here for. ;)

Mystère has been one of Las Vegas’ most popular Cirque du Soleil productions for over 20 years. You know that if anything has lasted in Vegas for THAT long it must be good.

(If you aren’t familiar with Cirque du Soleil, here’s a little backstory. They’re currently the largest theatrical producer in the WORLD. Over 90 million people have seen a Cirque du Soleil production. Each one is contemporary, unique, and features a synthesis of acrobatics and cultural themes from around the world.)

Located inside Treasure Island, Mystère is an enchanting circus-style show, with gorgeous sets, intriguing music, and stunts that will knock your socks off. It’s also incredibly funny, and had us laughing to the point of tears several times!

Make sure you get to the show early. One of our favorite elements of Mystère is the audience interaction - even before the show begins! And while there isn’t a bad seat in the house, we enjoyed being somewhat close to the stage. But be warned: you may involuntarily become a part of the show!

And while we could go on for days about the acrobatics, the humor, the live music, the jaw-dropping sets… we won’t. We want you to be as surprised and blown away as we were. So trust us when we say go to Mystère! You won’t regret it.

Alli Talley

February 4, 2016

USA, Hawaii, Photography

Capturing Maui with Fuji's X-T1 and 10-24 Lens

Alli Talley

February 4, 2016

USA, Hawaii, Photography

During a recent trip to Hawaii we were able to try out the Fujinon 10-24mm lens and Fuji X-T1. We want to take some time to reflect on these remarkable Fuji products, and show you some of our sweet shots too!

First, let's look at the Fujinon 10-24 lens. This small, sharp lens is an absolute dream for travel. It is amazing for hotel rooms and landscapes when it is zoomed out, and the tele end is good for a variety of other shots. While I haven’t quite become a photography guru, there are a few things that stood out to me that I really appreciate. First, with such a wide zoom, I expected a little distortion in the corners. The 10-24 surprises with extremely clean corners at 10mm. Check out some of these shots that look incredible!

I also like how you can control aperture with a built in auto switch on the lens. I know you can’t have everything right there on the lens for you, but I like that you don’t have to go digging through the menu to find the setting you want.

I thought I would have an issue with the aperture of this lens being limited to f4, but I found I was primarily using this for ultra-wide (and would switch to my Fuji 23 if needed). While the 10-24 isn’t super fast, it gives you some good low light controls to keep it valuable when you are without a tripod- which is often when you are traveling.

Overall, this lens is the most convenient that I have found for travel photography. It will definitely be the next lens I add to our kit. It is relatively compact (easy to pack) and it takes beautiful photos. Great job Fuji, may we keep it?

Next, the Fujifilm X-T1. When shopping for a camera, we were told this was the best mirrorless body out there. We opted for the X-E2 to save a little money, and because we didn’t think we would notice a difference. But we did. And we want one. (Are you seeing a trend?)

The Fuji X-T1 body looks pretty awesome at first glance. Compared to the X-E2, it has more controls, a more pronounced handgrip, and (like the X-E2) has amazing overall design.

While I was overwhelmed by all the dials at first, I quickly appreciated having more control on the body instead of looking through the screen menu (like the 10-24 lens). The dedicated shutter speed dial has a lock on it that keeps it in the automatic setting, but once taken off can rotate all around. I really value having the ISO dial on this camera, as I am prone to using Auto ISO on the X-E2 since it is more difficult to toggle with. My fear of all the dials turned to gratefulness, as every major function that I need to change mid-shoot is at my fingertips.

I didn’t realize how much I would love having the handgrip of the X-T1. The X-E2 has a minimal handgrip, but I figured since it is such a small camera it wouldn’t’ matter. I found that the X-T1 was much more comfortable, and the grip gave me peace of mind as I walked up and down the beach looking for the perfect photo.

The beautiful look of this camera is backed by a control scheme that is easy to navigate, and an image quality that is incredible. Combine it with any of the X-Series lenses (we want the 10-24) and you have a compact photo kit that is perfect to take with you on a journey to Hana, or to capture a breathtaking sunset from your Lanai! Aloha!

Alli Talley

October 15, 2015

USA, California, Weekenders

Quick Weekend Getaway: Historic Luxury at the U.S. Grant

Alli Talley

October 15, 2015

USA, California, Weekenders

This summer was full of jet-setting opportunities - from African safaris, to cocktails in Dubai, to hiking the Cinque Terre! While it's been a summer to remember, we're cooling down on our travel time and settling back into reality. That being said, we're all about the weekend getaways! Living in Orange County, the options are endless when it comes to pretty places to stay... This time around, we opted for a quick weekend trip down to San Diego. We wanted downtown luxury mixed with classic, San Diego charm. There's no better place to stay than the U.S. Grant Hotel!

If you are at all intrigued by hotels with history, this is the spot for you. Do yourself a favor and check out the U.S. Grant’s website and read about everything that has gone on there since they opened their doors in 1910. It was built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in honor of his father, the 18th President of the United States. We'll be the first to say that Ulysses S. Grant Jr did an AMAZING job - in more ways than one! The U.S. Grant was once famous for an incredible Palm Court above the massive grand lobby, which was literally an oasis of palm trees on the second floor - complete with a gorgeous view of the downtown. They have a Turtle Soup at the Grant Grill that is unbelievable… And don't let the word turtle scare you. It used to be turtle and now it’s mock-turtle, and is actually made with beef tongue! The hotel used to house a speakeasy during the prohibition era called the Plata Real Nightclub, where there was booze secretly brought into the hotel through underground steam pipes. Also, there was a sit-in at the Grant Grill in 1969 that carved the way for women’s rights in San Diego. We’re telling you… a lot has happened at this historic spot!

As for our stay… we arrived to find a elegant lobby with classic furniture and decor. There are beautiful chandeliers throughout the hotel, as well as numerous cozy nooks to sit, sip on a cocktail, and people watch. One detail we loved was that the U.S. Grant has their trademark “G” logo all over the hotel in really creative places. If and when you visit, make a little game out of it by walking around and seeing how many G’s you can find. Similar to looking for “Hidden Mickey’s” at Disneyland. (You know we love Disneyland!!)

Our room was AMAZING. We could really dedicate this whole blog to our room alone!. It had a big, cozy bed with the kind of bedding that makes you never want to leave. Ever. The headbord was a painted one-of-a-kind art piece by French artist, Yves Clement. It's touches like this that we have come to really appreciate… beautiful modern, abstract art fitting in wonderfully with an elegant, timeless bedroom.

We were excited to eat turtle soup at the Grant Grill and had also heard great things about their cocktail menu. It definitely did not disappoint. Our waiter, Brendan, started us off with a couple cocktails and a small loaf of bread, because that’s how all meals should begin right? Bobby had the most incredible Manhattan, while Alli had a tequila concoction that was torched with fire before she drank it. The turtle soup ended up being one of our favorite dishes - it was really tasty! And no turtles were harmed in the making of the soup!! We were stuffed with more amazing food including pork belly, halibut, and lamb loin (which is like the filet mignon of lamb). While our tummies were stuffed, we had to try some dessert. (Duh!!) Our server suggested we have the mango beignets with mint sauce, which ended up being a perfect light option!

We finished the night off with a short stroll of the Gaslamp and headed back to our room to enjoy a lovely air-conditioned night sleep (our home has been really hot with no AC - come on Southern California! Don't you know it's Fall?!). We slept in the next morning, and did not want to leave. The U.S. Grant was such a treat! It was a perfect weekend getaway and we cannot wait to go back!

Conveniently enough, today the U.S. Grant is celebrating their 105th anniversary!! Congratulations, U.S. Grant team!

Alli Talley

September 15, 2015

New York, USA

NYC: The Paramount Hotel and 10 Must-Do's in Photos

Alli Talley

September 15, 2015

New York, USA

We were recently in NYC and we're obsessed. There is so much to do, see, and eat that we could probably write a blog like this every month and have something different to say every time. This time we stayed at the chic Paramount Hotel. It has a great location in Midtown Manhattan right next to Times Square and has great personality. The two-story lobby has a beautiful reflective fireplace and the lighting gives it a really hip vibe. The rooms are comfortable and modern, making for a perfect place to rendezvous in between the endless adventures of New York City.