Everything She Wants

(Tracy E. Hopkins) I’m a city girl. But year after year the daily concrete grind – weaving in and out of foot traffic set to an ear ringing soundtrack of honking horns and piercing police, fire truck and ambulance sirens – wears me down. “I’m walking here!” So at least once a year I escape the skyscraper cluttered skyline into nature -- be it to the mystical desert out West or an exotic beach locale with tranquil blue water.  This year, I'm tempted to venture on a snowbound  excursion (not my usual choice of climate) to Quebec. One nature girl getaway that stands out was a solo trip to Southern Utah. Yes, Mormon country. After a girlfriend raved about her solo excursion to Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah, I booked my trip. At the time, my web content job had become tedious and my coworkers were working my last nerve. Although diversity is normally a consideration for me when I travel, this time I threw caution to the wind. I desperately needed ...

Whenever I travel, Kimpton Hotels are always my first choice.  They  are centrally located, with art-and-fashion forward decor and stellar customer service.  And with a complimentary wine happy hour every day, what's not to love?  Mason & Rook rooftop pool./Kimpton Recently, on a girlfriend getaway to Washington, DC, I stayed at the new Kimpton Mason & Rook in Logan Circle near the hot U Street corridor full of trendy shops, bars, restaurants and music venues.   The boutique hotel even has a Shinola Watch Butler program, where guests can borrow a stylish watch during their stay.  So If you are planning a visit to the nation's capital this summer here's a package you don't want to miss. Sip, Sun & Soothe” Package   at Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel Live the high life and enjoy the newly opened rooftop pool at Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel. Sit poolside with inventive cocktails in hand from the team at Rad...

My best friend Cindy and I have known each other since junior high school. But it wasn’t until our junior year in high school that we truly bonded, fanatically over ‘80s Brit-pop duo Wham! (the name of this blog actually derives from the Wham! hit, "Everything She Wants").  Me and my friend Cindy in Turks and Caicos. Over the years, we’ve maintained our friendship, even as life has taken us in different directions.  My career in publishing transplanted me in New York City, while she stayed in Baltimore and became the principal of our former high school and a multi-tasking mother of three.  So I jumped at the chance to spend some husband-and-kid-free time with Cindy on the Beaches Friends Forever Girls Getaway at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. During our tranquil trip (minus a choppy catamaran cruise), Cindy had her first facial and massage and did yoga and meditation for the first time.  I’m glad I was there to share those ex...