we spent the weekend in palm springs for some much needed rest and relaxation. it ended up being the best time we have ever had in palm springs (and we have been SEVERAL times). it was a blazing 110 degrees out but that didn’t stop us from riding our bikes up and down the strip. which we later found out you are not allowed to do. apparently only police can ride on the sidewalks. ignorance is bliss.

as soon as we checked in to our hotel, we walked across the street to a new mexican restaurant for lunch and margarita’s. it was just what the doctor ordered.

then we went back to our hotel and rented bikes (which alcazar offers for free). we had SO much fun dinging our bells at everyone we came across. i do not know how we didn’t get tickets the first night we were there.

then we stopped into azul for what might have been the best mojito i have ever had. i’m pretty sure the bartender hated me for ordering it. but it was FANTASTIC. or maybe i was just really thirsty from the bike ride…lol.

the next morning we went to the riviera hotel spa for massages. the spa facilities themselves are nothing to write home about BUT the co-ed grotto is fantastic. and we have always had a cabana to ourselves where you can relax & hang out before/after your treatment. i had a deep tissue massage this time and it was AMAZING. any massage that leaves my muscles sore but relaxed is FAB.

and then we went for another bike ride. of course, i HAD to stop and take a pic under the 26ft tall marilyn monroe statue. looking back on it now…seems a bit dangerous. that thing weighs 34,000lbs!!!

we have driven past the palm springs tram every single visit. this time we decided to give it a go. i’m not sure what i was thinking. i am terrified of heights. my palms were sweating and i held onto the railing for dear life…not even caring that i had my arm basically wrapped around a complete stranger when it swung mid-air.

but then when you get to the top…the view is amazing. and there is a beautiful forest where you can hike and even camp. it ALMOST makes me want to ride it again just to take eep one day. although my husband read about all of the past mishaps (power outages and even one death-freak accident but still) after we did it so i am not sure i will actually ever do it again.

and this is what i wore out for our last night out on the town (target dress & loft clutch). i forgot ALL of my jewelry so i felt naked the whole trip. but it was SO hot that i doubt i would have wanted any on anyways. if you are planning a trip to palm springs, i highly recommend staying at the alcazar hotel (previously the peppertree hotel). it is right at the beginning of the strip so everything is within walking/biking distance. we had a great time…and now i just can’t wait to go back!

29 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Kenzi
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 4:22 am

    Looks like a great time! and such a nice carefree vacation style too. I’m leaving for vaca here in a week or so (Kure Beach, NC) and I’m already stressing over what to pack! :/

  2. Amy
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 4:56 am

    Looks like you had a fabulous vacation! Loving your target dress for the last night – where was that when I went to my target?! Jealous! You look beautiful!

    xo Amy

    Leopard and Lillies

  3. Danielle
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 5:12 am

    Looks like you had a blast. But looking at all your pics makes me want to go back on vacation. And that mojito looks amazing. A great mojito on a hot day is perfect. Yum

  4. Iva
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 5:26 am

    Lovely! I am so jealous…but in a good way.
    http://fabmom12.blogspot.ca/

  5. April
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 6:25 am

    What a fun little vaca! And I know how you feel about those bikes…whenever we go to our local getaway stop, I love riding them around the town!

  6. carisa@bunnies and pearls
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 6:28 am

    sounds so fun!! love that target dress 🙂

  7. Tara
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 6:37 am

    It sounds like you had a fabulous time! Yay for some rest and relaxation!

  8. Red Tag Chic Los Angeles
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 6:55 am

    Thanks for sharing these fun pictures Jenn…..I agree that Palm Springs will always be the perfect destination despite the temps!!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

  9. Neris
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 6:59 am

    sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! photos are too cute 🙂

    xoxo,

    Fashion Fractions

  10. megan, the frugalista diaries
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 8:10 am

    love the last dress jenn
    Xo Megan

  11. Amy Shaughnessy
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 8:32 am

    What a fabulous, fun trip! Did the massage hurt while they were doing it? I have had a swedish massage but I didn’t feel like it was strong enough.

    Amy

    Fashion and Beauty Finds

  12. Sam
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 8:32 am

    Sounds like an amazing weekend! Very much deserved.

  13. Michelle
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 8:42 am

    Love Palm Springs for that weekend getaway! Pictures are great! Have you checked at Korakia Pensione? It’s an amazing little boutique hotel/ B&B that my hubby and I have stayed at two years in a row. Check them out at http://www.korakia.com. I’m in no way affiliated with the hotel just love the place.

  14. WOLF359
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 8:46 am

    Love these pictures, I wish the weather in my country was like that in your pics!

  15. Nikki at Bedazzles After Dark
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 9:20 am

    Looks like you had a GREAT time. We love going to Palm Springs – it’s one of our fav places! It’s such a BUMMER you didn’t get eat at “Cheeky’s” probably the best brunch spot in town (they close at the end of July until September for “holiday) Next time you visit stop by there and have cocktails at Birba!

  16. bravoerunway
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 9:33 am

    Ah-ha! So that’s where Marilyn is now! She was here in Chicago during winter! Looks like a fun time, and biking in 110 degree weather? I am impressed!

    • jennifer
      Jul 24, 2012 @ 1:42 pm

      i remember you took a pic with her too, right?!?! pretty cool! =)

  17. kw
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 9:59 am

    cute photos! this looks like absolute fun and i adore that last dress. 🙂
    kw, http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
    enter our giveaway: http://www.ladiesinnavy.com/2012/07/a-green-garden-shabby-apple-giveaway.html

  18. nancy @ adore to adorn
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 10:53 am

    what a fun time it must have been! I loved Palm Springs when I went there…but yes, the heat is definitely high!
    xo,
    nancy

  19. Meredith
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 12:11 pm

    It looks like you guys had a fantastic weekend! I love all the outfits. You kept them casual yet still fashionable!
    Meredith
    http://www.createthatoutfit.com/

  20. Cathy
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 12:42 pm

    Looks like you had an amazing time based on the fabulous photos! Love the Marilyn statue photo with you and the last dress looks divine on you!

    http://cstyledesign.blogspot.com

  21. Jennie
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 1:46 pm

    Haha, so funny to see Marilyn there! She was just in Chicago for a year and no one could decide if the statue was hideous or art – but it didn’t stop us from the photo opp!

  22. Miss M
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 2:22 pm

    Sounds like such a lovely weekend and you’ve made me really crave a mojito!! 🙂 And as always, you look stunning! x

  23. SADBblog
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 2:40 pm

    Looks like so much fun!
    have you made a closet on my site yet? Me and my sister created a site to buy, sell, and swap you clothing, shoes and accessories called Because I shop too much. http://www.bistm.com/
    We would love to shop your closet!

  24. Courtney
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 5:35 pm

    You look SO pretty as usual! I can’t believe your a mom either; I hope I’m that slim when I have babies (actually, I wish I was that slim now)! 🙂

    xo,
    Courtney
    girlavantgarde.com

  25. Alice at Happiness at Mid Life
    Jul 24, 2012 @ 10:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing these photos…my family & I love Palm Springs. The last time we stayed at Shadow Ridge and the liddo guy loved the splash pool.

    You are brave to ride a bike in that hot weather! Good to know that about the sidewalk thing for next time we head out there.

    BTW – where’s the Marilyn statue located? I don’t think I’ve seen here in Palm Springs before.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

  26. summer
    Jul 25, 2012 @ 8:36 am

    Love that dress! I can’t believe it’s from Target; they never cease to amaze do they? You sold Palm Springs; adding it to our travel list!

  27. Rachel
    Jul 25, 2012 @ 12:06 pm

    I love that your dress is from Target – and that you look so well put together 24/7!

    http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com

  28. lisacng
    Jul 31, 2012 @ 1:54 pm

    Love the photo with the cactii, so cool! And oh my gosh that tram is HIGH! Good for you for making your way up there. You look fab in your “travel” outfits!