354 Days of Sun

                                                       THE MOORE, THE MERRIER!

When I caught wind of a chic private shopping event taking place in a villa at The Parker Hotel, I just had to know more about it!  Turns out fabulous local designer Jules Moore is a connoisseur of resort living and creates the perfect wardrobe to celebrate it! 

New Zealand-born Moore is a woman of the world who travels far and wide to source fabrics for her line. Destinations like India and Sri Lanka provide material and inspiration for her coverups, caftans and kimonos.  Made in America by hand, her unique pieces are ever changing.  Each piece is coined with a name that offers a hint of how it came to be.  Moore says her designs symbolize her “love for travel and how I feel in those places. I design to make you feel right where you are at that moment.”  Indeed throwing on a cover up called “Breeze” really says it all! 

Adding to the mood are her super sexy swimsuits!  It’s a guarantee that all eyes will be on you as you slink down the beach or emerge from a pool in one of her pieces.  Moore clearly knows that the key to truly enjoying resort living is to look and feel beautiful while doing it.  These suits have personality and it’s no wonder since according to Jules “the swimsuits are all inspired by women I have met in my life. Each has a story”.

On this day, Moore created a special shopping event for a woman celebrating her birthday with her sisters and her mom.  I watched as Jules effortlessly set up a bright and beautiful display from which the ladies could shop.  The ladies sat sipping champagne and intently listening as she eloquently discussed the pieces and even modeled how they would be worn.  We left the women to privately browse and try on the loungewear.  What a fabulous way to make a special occasion that much more wonderful! 

Shop the WEBSITE to take your Summer style to a whole new level!

                                                              PLANT PARADISE

Founded in 1938, Moorten Botanical Garden is a residence turned historical landmark and an incredible oasis in the desert.  Words can’t describe the beauty and serenity that emanates from this property.  From the sounds of the cooing doves to the stunning scenery of rare and beautiful plant life, this garden offers a uniquely special experience.

All desert plant specialists, The Moorten family have named this living museum “Desertland.”  Visitors are welcomed to linger and soak everything in, encouraged by a sign on the property that states “Take your time like a turtle and you will see more.” 

This living masterpiece is comprised of over 3000 varieties of plants from around the world and is available for events such as weddings, art exhibits and location shooting.  Guests can view and learn about rare plants, ancient fossils, gorgeous crystals and the nursery allows you to purchase and take some of them home.  There is a small fee for the museum portion of the garden but the nursery is also very beautiful, informative and free of charge.

What a special family to have purchased a residence in “The Mesa,” the first neighborhood community in Palm Springs, then to turn it in to this special garden that can be enjoyed and celebrated many times over.  Do yourself a favor and take a stroll through this Garden of Eden!

1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

                                                           FABULOUS FRONTIER!

Situated in the land of Joshua Trees, horse stables and epic scenery, Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is such a special place!  Pioneertown was founded in 1946 to be a realistic set for Hollywood film and tv shoots.   To read about the rich history of this wonderful place click HERE. 

Pappy & Harriet’s has the kind of atmosphere that compels you to hang out for hours and hours. The staff and eclectic clientele are so friendly and welcoming. The delicious food is worthy of the best chuckwagon…their nachos are famous for a reason ya’ll! 

The intimate venue offers live music to go along with ample cocktails.  Speaking of cocktails, grab one then go on a walking tour of the town.  Reminiscent of a true frontier town, the charming buildings have been locations for many movies on the big and little screen!  Have one cocktail too many?  No worries, simply book yourself in to “The John Wayne Room” at the Pioneertown Motel located just behind Pappy & Harriet’s.

This is a fabulous spot for a special occasion or just because.  Hop on to your modern day wagon train and get yourself to this picture perfect palace! 

53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown

                                                            TREASURE TROVE!

If vintage is your thing, Gypsyland Thrift is the shop for you!  Sourced locally from all over the Coachella Valley, you can stop and stay for hours and probably still not see everything they have to offer. Fortunately, this family run business is so welcoming that you should have no problem lingering as long as it takes to find your very own vintage treasure. 

The shop consists of two side by side storefronts situated where one offers mostly clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares, books and records and the other furniture and home accessories.  The shops are filled with so much color and whimsy, you can’t help but be enthralled. 

When I asked owner, Zach, about the point of view of the store he said it is unique blend of everything from “Mid-Century to Bohemian to Pioneer to Native American…” This perfectly describes the eclectic bounty you have to choose from! 

66169 Pierson Boulevard, Desert Hot Springs -  760.251.0588 (call before you go visit because their hours vary)

                                                                      LET’S DISH!

Dish Creative Cuisine is an innovative and fresh culinary experience in the desert. Executive chef Joane Garcia-Colson is at the helm putting the final touches on every plate served.   The creativity involved in the food is a pure delight and I loved soaking in the clear care and passion that went in to every bite!

The service at Dish is top notch and it’s strip-mall location in Cathedral City proves if you build it they will come.  For those of you are looking for a true foodie moment complete with a killer wine list, amuse-bouches and intimate atmosphere…this is your spot.  It’s absolutely DISH-licious!

68525 Ramon Road, Cathedral City

                                                                  POP VINTAGE!

All you have to do is look at these photos to know that you absolutely MUST visit this amazing pop-up shop at The Palm Canyon Galleria.  GF Mercantile is brought to you by the owners of The Frippery and it offers vintage clothing and accessories for women and men.  Open from April 5th to the 28th, all Coachella Music Festival & Stage Coach revelers can stop and shop at this short-term gem in the desert!   More items will be added throughout the weeks so you might just have to visit twice!   I know, I know…twist your arm right?

457 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

                                                  DIVAS & DESIGNS IN THE DESERT!

I was fortunate enough to attend opening night of the eighth annual FASHION WEEK EL PASEO.  The week of runway shows was March 15-23, 2013.  Described as a “consumer-driven” fashion experience, the shows are mostly a mix of very wearable fashions.  The tents are artfully styled, extremely organized and managed to perfection. 

On this evening I attended The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show….a video of the entire show can be viewed HERE.  There was a fabulous pre-show reception where guests could mingle while sipping on cocktails and even get a glamorous make-over by Saks artists using Bobby Brown make up.  The show was thrilling with great music and energy!  Following the show there was an after-party held at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert for The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue ticket holders.

Although not in attendance, I heard another highlight show was the Project Runway Show featuring the designs of 12 All-Stars…you can check out videos of each designers’ segments HERE.  Next year if you are really interested in making a week of it, there are limited “Diva Seats” available. These front row only seats are yours for every show during the week and come with extras such as luncheons and private VIP lounge areas.  Naturally I had several friends who were “Divas” and loved every minute of it!

Tickets to Fashion Week El Paseo 2014 will be available starting in November.  Snatch them up and start shopping for your best front row Diva looks!

Larkspur Lane bet. El Paseo and Shadow Mountain, Palm Desert

                                                                      ACE & LOVE

The BNP Paribas Open is the largest tennis tournament, two-weeks combined, outside of the four Majors. This annual event takes place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells.  The tournament has been taking place in the Coachella Valley since 1976! 

In 2009, Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation, became the new owner of the event and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.  In 2012 the event became the first and only ATP/WTA combined event to offer $1 Million in prize money to each of it’s singles champions.  At the start of the tournament this year, Mr. Ellison announced his goal to complete the construction of a brand new 8,000-seat stadium to be completed by next year’s tournament March 3rd - 16th, 2014.

On this day I was fortunate enough to attend the Women’s and Men’s Finals.  I saw Sharapova dominate and earn a win over Wozniacki.  I also witnessed Nadal make history by claiming his 600th match win!   The Indian Wells Tennis Garden has excellent food and beverage facilities and of course the weather is stellar.  Get your tickets early as this event is very well attended and their objective is to add 500,000 more attendees in 2014!

78200 Miles Avenue, Palm Desert

                                                                    MASTERFUL!!

Mastro’s in Beverly Hills is my favorite steakhouse in Los Angeles so I was thrilled when I learned they opened a restaurant in Palm Desert late last year.  I finally got a chance to check out the new location and it sure didn’t disappoint!  Much like it’s Beverly Hills counterpart, the restaurant has great ambiance with it’s dark wood paneling, ambient lighting,  and excellent old-school service.

While the large dining room looked very inviting, my friends and I opted for a happy hour at the bar, where guests are able to order from their entire menu.  The atmosphere at the busy bar, complete with piano man playing live music, is 100% good times! 

The food is delicious and in true American steakhouse style the portions are as ample as the pours.  A must try are the Lobster Mashed Potatoes….chunks of over a pound of lobster swimming in creamy buttery goodness!!!!  Need I say more?  I didn’t think so…

73-405 El Paseo, Palm Desert

                                                                    BRING IT!!!

I have a fun challenge for any reader who lives in/near Palm Springs, visits often or even has an archive of pictures from a recent trip.  First, you have to have an Instagram account…and if you don’t you should because it’s tons of fun.  Then get creative and post pictures at three of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, Cheeky’s, Birba and/or Jiao, plus their sister property The Alcazar Hotel.  All the details are in the middle picture!

I love a good competition and my friends and I have already gotten started uploading pictures with the hashtag #bestshotPS.  I’ve included a few of pictures in this post from my Instagram account 354daysofsun that I have already tagged and there will be plenty more to come.

Let’s do this people…bring it on!!!

                                                         LA COCINA MEXICANA!

You can tell a lot about a Mexican restaurant by their guacamole and it doesn’t get any fresher or more delicious than at El Mirasol!  This family owned gem is my top recommendation when you’re looking for a great Mexican meal in Palm Springs.  The food is prepared with care, the service comes with a smile and the margaritas are fuerte! 

They have large comfy booths that are great for groups and a lovely patio perfect for dining al fresco when the weather is perfect & warm.  What are you waiting for?  Vamanos!!

140 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

                                                                  DAY TRIPPIN’!!

354 Days of Sun is thrilled to have a photo essay contributed by Beth Yorn.  Beth is a beautiful model (who I have represented for years),  an amazing photographer and designer of Elizabeth Bell Jewelry.  Beth and her husband, rockstar Pete Yorn, have a family home in Palm Desert and visit often.  They regularly explore the splendor of the Coachella Valley and the surrounding desert areas.  On this day…this happened….

Written by Beth Yorn

In my opinion the best way to explore the desert is in a big tough
pick up truck. Fortunately my friend, Rick Marino, has one. We have
 gone on all sorts of fun adventures together. Just last month we took
two trips out the the Hauser Geode Beds and actually found the round
cauliflower rocks, cracked them open and saw sparkly crystals inside.
 We loved it so much we went two weekends in a row!

This weekend we decided to go somewhere a little closer, Anza-Borrega
Desert State Park. It is only an hour and a half from Palm Desert. We drove down the 10 to Hwy 86S along the Salton Sea. We were supposed to take Hwy 78 into the park but missed our turn and just decided to turn
 right at the next unmarked road and head across the desert. It was a 
crazy dirt road with river washes and boulders everywhere. While
 bouncing along in the truck I saw something glistening in the
 distance. We stopped the car, and I got out and realized the ground
 was littered with pearlescent seashells and fossilized coral. A few 
BLM signs clued us in and told us that we were in an ancient sea basin
(the San Sebastian Natural Area). It was pretty darn cool to be in the
middle of the desert and see all of that fossilized sea life.
 We continued on and eventually met up with Hwy 78. From there we went to Split Mountain (a gorgeous canyon that you drive through) and
 Elephants Knees… while hiking around the area we found Oyster
 Reef… it is exactly what is sounds like… piles and piles of 
fossilized oyster shells.

At that point we were hungry so we headed into the town of Borrego 
Springs, it is a relaxed small town with some cute little shops. There
is a great store operated by the Anza Borrego Desert History 
Association. There are wonderful local books and maps that are very
helpful if you are exploring the park.  We ate at Kendall’s Cafe. The food was simple, but the restaurant feels like it hasn’t changed since the 50’s. I really enjoyed it.  After lunch we explored the Anza Borrego Visitors Center, a unique underground building with a detailed history of the valley. I thought it was pretty cool that the area was once a lush savannah where giant tortoises, mammoths, camels and zebras roamed. 

Next up was Fonts Point. Important to note, along the way, and in the
 entire valley you will see giant metal sculptures. There are actually
 129 of them! They were created by Ricardo Breceda. We enjoyed looking 
at the massive pieces of art all the way up to Fonts Point along County Hwy S22. We stopped at a great fruit stand on the way out of town that
had some of the sweetest oranges and grapefruits I have ever tasted.
We turned off the Hwy and headed to the Fonts Overlook, again, off
road vehicles only. It is 4 miles from the turn. It is one of the most
 beautiful overlooks I have ever seen. The expanse and height is
 dizzying to say the least.

On the way back home we swung by the old marina at the Salton Sea. It
 really is sad what happened to that area. It is one of the largest
 wetlands in California and so many birds and fish die each year
 because of the high salt content. If you want to see a great 
documentary watch “Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea.” We actually picked up a copy the Anza Borrego Desert History Association store mentioned above.

Finally, while heading back home to Palm Desert, we stopped at one of our favorite restaurants, El Mexicali Cafe (there are quite a few of them now in the area). We had our all time favorite Palm Desert dish, hot 
peppers stuffed with shrimp served with mayonnaise and soy sauce. It
 sounds crazy but it is awesome! A great end to a great day. I look 
forward to going back to the park soon to hopefully to see some of the 
big horn sheep and enjoy the high wildflower season.

                                                                      INSTASUN!

                                        **MODERNISM WEEK :: SPECIAL EDITION**

 Palm Springs Modernism Week is an annual 11-day extravaganza celebrating mid-century modern architecture and design.  There are a multitude of incredible events and parties.  I was fortunate enough to enjoy one of the fabulous home tours.  The houses were spectacular!  On this day, I was struck by the pops of color and whimsy found in the interior design. These photos highlight the joie-de-vivre style of desert life! 

Tickets for Modernism Week 2014 go on sale in September.  So there is plenty of time to plan a trip and come visit!

Follow yours truly on Instagram @354daysofsun…submit your photos by adding #354daysofsun!