Much like the hula tells the story of Hawaii through dance, this post is going to show you how to do Kauai, #dbsobsessed style, through pictures. Aloha!

There's nothing like a visit to New England to motivate me to share some of my favorite obsessions with all of you. Due to a wonderful turn of events that included me having the opportunity to work in the Boston area from time to time, along with a wonderfully beautiful wedding I was invited to, I had the pleasure of recently taking a trip to Massachusetts and visiting some wonderful places along the way.

Of course, I thoroughly documented the experience so that I could share it with all of you! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as I tell you about some of my favorite parts of a summer trip to New England. Warning: while I usually try to keep things all about the obsessions and strictly positive, there are a few items of note from my experience that I felt compelled to share with you, regardless of the fact that they were less than positive. I can't be sending you a way to Boston all willy-nilly with these horrible experiences lurking for you to potentially stumble upon, can I?! I think not.​

First of all the trip started with a bang. Virgin America had made a mistake and accidentally refunded my entire ticket, unbeknownst to me, rather than just the portion that I had canceled due to some travel changes. While this resulted in me having to wait around and twiddle my thumbs for a while, it all paid off. For my nonstop flight to Boston I was upgraded to first class and starting things off just as DBS likes to, in the lap of luxury.

In keeping with the luxurious morning, I stopped by Cat Cora's airport bar for Mimosa and some early-morning pre-vacation work. Things were looking great!

My flight was delayed which ended up meaning that original dinner plans did not work out as planned, but everything went perfectly. I had noticed in some recent news stories that the Boston Park Plaza Hotel had just, and I mean just, completed a  $100,000,000 major renovation that had been in the works for some time. Loving its location, I looked at what their rates were and was thrilled to see that there were some incredible deals for the hotel. So, I decided to stay there for the first two nights of my trip.

As my friend Sue so aptly pointed out, the new Boston Park Plaza vibe is a very Las Vegas. It smells like Vegas, in a good way, it's lively, very open and bright. I was greeted at the check-in desk by a lovely man named Peter. Yes, lovely… As in good looking. However, he was also a pleasure to speak with, incredibly helpful and professional.

While many city rooms can be very closet-like, I was thrilled to see that I had a corner room with a king bed, a small but effective bathroom space, and a large closet. Even better, views out of both windows, including one of the Smith & Wollensky castle, a restaurant with which I have many fond memories.

Everything is so new in the hotel that you get a clean feeling unlike most hotel experiences. I'm sorry, but regardless of how nice a hotel is, there's no avoiding the fact that many many people have been in your room and in your bed prior to you. It was a real treat to be in a newly renovated  room. On top of that, the service was impeccable. That first evening a cheese plate and a bottle of chilled white wine were sent up to my room. What a kind gesture from the front desk, having heard about how excited I was to return to Boston after five years away and how my dinner plans had fallen through due to a delay.

Now, when I arrived I asked Peter at the front desk where a good place would be for me to meet with my friends and not be the only person above 30 years old. He recommended STRIP by Strega, within the hotel itself. I was less than thrilled at the idea but ultimately decided that proximity was key, due to a long day of travel.

I'm so glad that I listened to Peter because that place was awesome! I ended up meeting with two friends there on Friday evening and returning again the following evening with a group of friends. It was lively with fun 90's and 2000's music playing, good food, even better drinks, and a truly delightful staff. I spoke with many people who worked there during the time that I was there and each one was nicer than the last. Not only that, but the decor was on point! As you may have seen in past posts of mine, I love me a picture of a 90's-era supermodel. Well, they're all over the place here. Most notably, a three-piece series of giant black-and-white photos of I believe Christy Turlington, Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell acting out the 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' signs. Legitimately could not be more #dbsobsessed with that.

Oh, being that this was Fourth of July weekend, I don't want to say too much about the crowds that were out because I don't think that they were indicative of what a regular Friday night in the city would look like. It was probably a little less crowded, probably a more random mix of people, and undoubtedly fewer locals.

Up next, Colleen and I headed to an old haunt of ours, Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square. While I can't say I love it anymore, because I was so disappointed in the attitude of the staff and a complete holier-than-thou vibe coming from every employee, it cannot be denied that they have amazing drinks and food. So, here are some favorites.

The Boston Park Plaza did an amazing job of helping me recover from jet lag and too many cocktails, with this killer breakfast, which I enjoyed before taking off to Newbury Street... Stay tuned for more from the trip!

If you like to camp, and love cool stuff, then you need to get down with the Cairn Subscription Box!

To begin, here is how the company describes itself:

"Cairn was built by a group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. We saw an opportunity to bring positive disruption to the industry we love. We left successful careers around the country and congregated in Bend, Oregon, because living our passion is important to us. Our first “board meetings” were conducted on paddleboards. We are committed to fostering outdoor community by facilitating relationships and Inspiring people to get out and adventure."

There are so many camping items and accessories out there, that I personally find it overwhelming to even attempt to try out new gadgets. With this subscription, you get goodies like snacks, organization tools for outdoors, tools for things like building a fire, and even dog-specific camping items (if you ask)! I am totally #dbsobsessed and want you to try this out ASAP.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP WITH A SPECIAL OFFER!!

What a great thing I have to share with you! It is, without a doubt, the place I am the most #dbsobsessed with: The Wood River Valley. I happen to have grown up in this amazing place, but had not been back in 10 years! A quick overnight trip while in Boise, was just what I needed.

Here are some highlights and favorites from my recent pass through one of the most magical places on earth.

Stay tuned for more on this front... DBS Culinary-Minded Marketing is looking to expand to this fantastic locale, as soon as possible. There is a lot happening in the dining scene, here in the Wood River Valley, and I can't wait to see what could happen on that front.

It is always so great to be reminded of the fact that there is so much to see and enjoy in your own backyard. This past weekend, I was reminded of this in the same way I often am... by having a friend in town! I remember when I lived in Boston, and in SF, I would often do things I thought of as 'touristy' with my visiting friends, and ending up having the time of my life, and remembering how lucky I am to live in a place that people visit for fun!

On this Northern California day trip, we saw so many beautiful things, tasted delicious food, drank good wine, and had an amazing time. Yes, I was #dbsobsessed, and had to share the highlights with you!

Note: The stairs up from the Pt Reyes lighthouse are no joke, and I was nearly defeated by them. Not having a hair tie did not help either. I may have looked hideous, but I was having a blast anyway.

Cabo gets a bad wrap. So many people hear that four-letter word and think 'SPRING BREAK'! As someone who loves Los Cabos, I felt that I should tell you all about the adult version of Cabo. The version filled with culture, exquisite food, luxury experiences and a multitude of activities. 

Rule #1: Stay in San Jose del Cabo, or on the corridor between San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. You'll avoid the party scene (when you want to), and enjoy a quieter and more beautiful side of Cabo.

Check out the galleries below for tips, tricks and suggestions for my perfect Cabo trip.

In a special series of postings, I am going to show you my #dbsobsessed obsessions from Baja, specifically San Jose del Cabo, with a little Cabo San Lucas mixed in. Stay tuned!

When you decide to pack the day of a trip, it's easy to forget some essentials. THANK GOD for those seemingly weird Benefit vending machines in the airport. This little kit saved my trip, AND is an excellent addition to my makeup game. Perfect for when you need to pack light (purse makeup or carry on only), its all the eye makeup you need for a variety of looks, excepting mascara.

Primer, highlight + contour shadows and liner, all in one small compact.

I'm officially #dbsobsessed