COSTA RICA /// VILLA TORTUGA

Back in July on our epic #wethotcostaricansummer we stayed at the Villa Tortuga. We waited last minute to book our room because we didn't really know how many people were actually coming on the trip. Originally it was going to be 5, then 7, then 9, then 10, then 13!! We booked the Casa Tortuga because this was the largest option available, and could sleep 8. Seven of us flew out on a Saturday and spent the day traveling to Villa Tortuga (2.5 hours from airport), buying groceries, hanging at the pool, and checking out the beach. This was our first time staying at Villa Tortuga so we  explored the area and found it this was the perfect place to stay on this trip. The owner, David was there to greet us and was super helpful with anything we needed to know, really cool dude.  Everywhere we needed to get to was walking distance, the board rental here was only $10 a day, and the best hidden gem was Tony. Tony is the security guard roaming the property, but he's so much more than that, he became our friend. We found out Tony loves to cook so one day after the boys went out and caught some fish Tony prepared a feast. Handmade chips and salsa, a fresh salad, ceviche, tuna steaks, sushi (he taught us how to make it), fish tacos... I can't remember everything he made because there was so much!

We have stayed at many different places in Nosara but right now Villa Tortuga is our favorite place for a group!

To see more photos from this trip look up #wethotcostaricansummer on instagram @buenobrandi

HIS & HER STYLE /// Billy Reid

On Jacob ///
Jacket 
Shirt
Denim
Boots

/// On Brandi

Cape 

Denim

Shirt

Boots (Similar)

Cuff

During our stay in Seattle, Jacob and I wanted to spend as much time as possible appreciating the weather and scenery, but we were unprepared for the cooler temps. We wanted to find the perfect outerwear to compliment our wedding attire but also something that we could wear everyday; the answer was Billy Reid, it always is. When I saw The Cypress Cape in the window my heart skipped a beat. I had to have it. All the different outfit arrangements flashed before my eyes.  I stepped inside, ordered  a glass of Bulleit bourbon on the rocks (oh yeah, they serve whiskey, no big deal), and shopped. I fell in love with The Cypress Cape and it was the perfect combo with the Mona Dress, and Jacob with the Finn Bomber so naturally they had to be ours. They were sold out of my cape size so they called around until they found it (I love that they do this). I wore it around the house and cuddled in it while I watched The Walking Dead. You would too.

My excitement over this cape really got me thinking and I decided that I should always be excited about what I wear. Jacob has always been good about this; he has always put a lot of effort in when getting ready. He's always groomed, smells amazing, and well dressed. Even his grungy stage was thought out. It just makes me feel good. So that said, packing for this trip we were really excited to pack only items we loved.

If you live in Houston you should stop by Billy Reid for the whole experience. Yeah, it might be easier to shop online but you don't get the same effect. Trust me on this. After a long day or week it's nice to be greeted by your friends , have a drink, and try on clothes that make you feel like a million bucks.

ACE HOTEL /// Seattle

When we travel we have a bad habit of waiting last minute to book Hotels, cars, or make reservations. We couldn't decide between Airbnb or a hotel, finally the week of flying out we looked at Ace Hotel and there was no availability. Jacob gave them a call just to double check and thankfully one deluxe room had opened up. Hallelujah! It was a big surprise to find out that this was our cheapest option in hotels. Crazy huh?

I loved the decor throughout and I loved the all over vibe. Jacob asked the guy at the front desk where we could go for a drink that was a little pretentious but more so laid back, he laughed and said he knew just the place. That hidden gem was in an Alley way called Bathtub Gin & Co. It was perfect for what we were in the mood for. So big props for great customer service, I always love a good recommendation, especially when it's walking distance from where we are staying.

You know how most Hotels have complimentary breakfast? Ace Hotel did too but it was actually yummy. They had Waffles, Toast, Peanut Butter, Syrup, Yogurt (Non Fat, and Flavored), Granola, and Stumptown Coffee.

If your staying in Seattle and you like more of an original place with history and character I totally recommend Ace Hotel.

Walking distance from ///
The Space Needle
Pike Market Place
Bathtub Gin & Co.
Seattle Water Front

Recommendations from our friends of things to see and places to go ///
Portage Bay Cafe and Catering
Capitol Hill
Ballard
Odd Fellows for lunch or dinner
Bastille (French place)
Kings Hardware (bar)
Stumptown Coffee
Besalu for pastries
Golden Gardens
Sunset Hill
London Plane
Elm Coffee Roasters
Pioneer Square
Saint Edward National Park
Snoqualmie Falls