South Australia

Australia has always been on my "wish list" of places to visit. I don't know a ton about the "outback", but I do know that it's a long flight from Chicago. I hope to get there one day! Arabella On West (I just designed their logo) is located in Adelaide, SA and is within a block from the beach. The boutique hotel is conveniently located 10-15 minutes from the Adelaide International Airport and city centre. Sounds like Adelaide is great for dining, outdoor markets, museums, parks, beaches, shopping and even golf. Here are a few snapshots from the hotel's grand opening - check out that pool! The hotel opened in 2011 and is currently taking reservations...

©2012 Photos courtesy of Arabella On West

Los Angeles

Here's a quick photo recap of my recent work trip to LA. I was out there shooting an advertising campaign at Universal Studios Hollywood (the New York set). I stayed at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood. It was fabulous! My first day in LA also happened to be the hottest day in Los Angeles' recorded history... thermometers hit a whopping 113 degrees! It was hot!

(All photos ©2010 Keg Design except Photo #3)

Nashville, ya'll!

The hubby and I visited Nashville, Tennessee back in July. It was our first time in the Music City and we really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed downtown and hit-up all of the famous southern restaurants and bars... including Lonnie's Western Room. Although I'm not a huge fan of country music, I loved the spirit and vibe of this small city. It's fun, upbeat and very friendly. Unfortunately the Grand Ole Opry was closed for construction purposes, so we didn't get to visit.

During our stay, we also visited Belle Meade Plantation. It's about a 20 minute drive from downtown Nashville. It's a beautiful place full of SO MUCH history. We walked around the grounds, visited the winery and took a tour of the mansion. I was really excited when I saw that they were setting up for a wedding later that evening. Of course I took some photos (see below). After further investigation, I learned that wedding ceremonies take place in the Boxwood Garden (on grounds) and reception parties are held in the Carriage House and Stables. For more information on event packages go here.

Are you in love yet? Wait until you see these professional photos I found of other weddings that took place at Belle Meade Plantation. Check out how the moss-topped barn from above is the backdrop in the ceremony photos below. And how awesome is the Carriage House? I'm pretty sure that a wedding in spring, summer or fall would be absolutely beautiful here. Images from Dove Wedding Photography and Gray Photography. What a great venue with tons of southern charm!

Colors of Italy

Here are some of my favorite photos from Italy. The vibrant assortment of colors over there is absolutely amazing. Day or Night. North or South. Everything is fresh, colorful and beautiful!

Photos ©2010 Keg Design.

Italian Souvenir

Let's just say that my checking account is still feeling the adverse (i.e. empty) effects of an Italian vacation. My Mom and I had a great time in Italy and we did A LOT of shopping! I won't bore you with all the little items I brought home, but I wanted to share my BIG PURCHASE. I scored this beautiful leather jacket the first day we arrived. The San Lorenzo Market in Florence is one of my favorite places to find great deals and purchase souvenirs. They also sell amazing leather goods - purses, wallets, jackets - you name it, they probably have it. The vendors are persistent and they really like to guilt you into buying - bring your haggling skills with! I talked my way into a great discount. I'm excited to wear this beauty once the weather gets colder (hopefully not until October), so for right now it's hanging in my way-too-small closet...

Photos ©2010 Keg Design.

Belle Porte Italiano

There's really nothing I don't love about Italy. Even their doors are inspiring! Here's a collection of the many Italian doors I found and photographed during my recent trip to Tuscany and Liguria...

Photos ©2010 Keg Design.