Gia’s Dog Friendly Guide: Boston

When to Go:

—> Late April to Mid-October

When you think Boston, you may think cold and snow – but late-Spring and Summer temperatures are warm without being to sticky, as the city sits on a breezy bay. And early Fall offers cool temps and tons of leaves for your pup to play in! Just stay away from late-Fall through early-Spring as there may still be snow on the ground.

How to Get There:

Unless you’re driving to Boston, chances are you’re taking a plane. Flying with your pup can be tricky. Most airlines allow your pup to ride in the main cabin of the plane, in a airline approved carrier under the seat in front of you. I love the Sherpa Carrier. (pictured to the left) Each airline has different size requirements and fees, so you need to check directly with them regarding those issues.

BONUS at Logan Airport! Once in Boston, there is a fenced-in Pet Potty area right outside the terminal.

ALWAYS…

• Call the airline in advance and reserve a place for your pet on your flight, as they have a maximum allowed per flight
• Bring a copy of current health information including immunization records.
• Bring a small cup to put water in for your pup so they don’t get too dehydrated. But do not give your pet too much water on the plane as they will need to potty.
• Check your home airport’s website for pet-potty areas so you can make a last minute pit-stop.

Where to Stay:

—> XV Beacon 15 Beacon St. Boston, MA

XV Beacon Pet Policy & Amenities

XV Beacon is a jet-setters perfect city hotel, with impeccable service, top notch amenities and a can’t-be-more-perfect location, but it’s also a dog’s dream hotel! Your pup can expect the royal treatment with a huge, fluffy doggie bed, XV Beacon bowls to dine from, doggie water turn down service and organic peanut butter treats. And, being only one block from the famed Boston Common public park – what could be better!

Where to Eat:

Keeping in mind that any restaurant with an enclosed patio will not allow the pet “inside” the patio, but will allow them to be tied to the fence and seat you next to where they are tied. However, open patios will allow the dogs to sit with you, at your table.

—> Cafe Vanille 70 Charles Street  Boston, MA
Open for Breakfast (6am Mon-Sat, 7am Sun), Lunch, Desserts and Snacks

Cafe Vanille (or Cafe V as the Bostonians call it) is amazing for so many reasons. First, it’s at the base of Beacon Hill in the heart of Charles Street which is one of the most scenic areas of Boston. Second, Cafe V has an awesome outdoor patio area that allows your dog to sit with you. Last, the food is great! From breakfast wraps and pastries to the decadent desserts, everything is off-the-chain amaze-balls. And your pooch will be in good company, as basically everyone with a dog comes to Cafe V!

—> Stephanie’s on Newbury 190 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Open for Lunch, Brunch, Dinner

A Newbury St. institution for the last 15 years, Stephanie’s offers a wide range of menu of “sophisticated comfort food” including salads, pastas, meats and fish. Notable menu items include the Lobster Pot Pie and the Pecan Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Salad. And your pup will be happy as there is TONS of people (and puppy) watching on Newbury Street.

—> Henrietta’s Table 1 Bennett Street Cambridge, MA
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Supper & Brunch

Henrietta’s Table has been serving Boston’s best for over 15 years. They’ve become a staple not just for food but for dog-friendliness. With a great patio, you and your pup will be comfortable – we just recommending to call ahead and let them know you want to bring your pooch so they have the right table ready for you.

—> Cafeteria 279a Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Open for Lunch, Brunch, Dinner

Don’t get caught up in the name, no, this isn’t your high-school cafeteria! Serving everything from Boston clam chowda and pizza, to pasta or seared scallops! This Newbury St. eatery offers outdoor dining perfect for your pup and is KNOWN for a fabulous brunch menu!

Pet-Friendly Parks

If your pup listens well, is well behaved and is used to being off-leash, then they’re perfect for enjoying the off-leash parks that Boston offers! If not, it’s best to keep them close by and on their leash. As always, pick up after your pet.

—> Boston Common Beacon & Park Street, MA

This park is always pet friendly and allows dogs during normal hours on a leash. However, well-behaved dogs under solid verbal control are allowed off-leash in the Boston Common between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm – 8 pm. Please observe any signs with areas where dogs are not allowed or must be on leash. Keep in mind, dogs are NOT allowed in the frog pond and the park rangers WILL give you a ticket if they catch them!

—> Peter’s Park E. Berkeley Street, South Boston, MA

The Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space is a 13,000 sq ft off-leash dog park, with 3,000 feet dedicated just to the small pups. The park is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

—> Fort Washington Park 115 Waverly St, Cambridge, MA

This park is definitely for the dogs. It’s a nice, totally pooch friendly off-leash dog park with free poop bags and trash cans to help keep it clean.

Things to Do

Don’t let your pup fly to Boston to only to sit in the hotel! Take them with you on pet-friendly excursions and scenic walks through this historic city.

—> The Freedom Trail Begins at Boston Common & Tremont Street

This is Boston’s 2.5 mile historical tour marked by a bricked or a red line on the sidewalk and various large street signs. The trail takes you by many famous sites around Boston including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, famous burial grounds, Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. Your dog may join you on the self-guided tour.

—> Explore Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Harvard University offers a beautiful campus and will allow guests to bring their pups to the grounds within the University. As always, well-behaved dogs are a must and so is picking up after your pup. Self-guided and free student-lead tours are available.

—> Walking Tour of Beacon Hill, Begins at Mass State House on Beacon St.

Explore Boston’s 19th century neighborhood, complete with cobblestone streets, original iron work and brass door knockers. The hills and gardens provide a fun (and tiring) walk for your pup!

—> Island Romp For Dogs & Dog Lovers, 60 Long Wharf, Boston MA

Take a 25 minute water taxi ride to a small nearby island. Then let the pups run free, play with other well-adjusted dogs and enjoy nature! Call ahead for dates and details!

Cool Shops for the Pups

Your pup is always happy to see you and gives you tons of love and affection. Reward them with a shopping spree or a treat during your trip.

—> Fish and Bone, 217 Newbury Street Boston, MA

Our favorite in Boston for the hard-to-find foods and treats. Homemade dog treats and plenty of fun stuff to spoil the pup with!

—> Pawsh Dog Boutique 31 Gloucester St  Boston, MA

This little doggie boutique offers unique pet supplies, cute t-shirts you won’t see anywhere else and a dog salon…just in case they get too dirty in the dog park!

—> Polkadog Bakery 256 Shawmut Avenue South End, Boston, MA

Spoil your pup with homemade dog treats using only the finest ingredients. Fresh baked items include items for all sizes and diet restrictions.

Head to Provincetown…Voted The Most Dog Friendly Town in the USA

Cape Cod’s legendary P-town and let your pup get sand between their paws!

1. Getting there is easy! Take a ferry from Boston where your leashed pet is welcome! Then once in P-town, there’s unlimited fun for you and your pooch!

2. Most hotels, restaurants and cafes are pet friendly so your options are open.

3. They have plenty of options for FUN on the street, in the park and on the beach!

—> Pilgrim Bark Park, Route 6 & Shank Painter Rd, Provincetown, MA

Rated the #2 dog park in the USA! There is a general dog section and a section exclusively for small dogs under 25 pounds. The park is home to many beautiful sculptures and structures donated by local artists.

—> Hit the Beach Off-Leash between 6-9am & 6-9pm

This is the only time you are allowed off-leash on the beach in P-town. You can walk, run, play frisbee and dig….just only between 6-9 both AM and PM.

Beaches include: Herring Cove, Race Point Beach, Town Beaches, Harbor Beach. However this DOES NOT include the Cape Cod National Seashore, which does allow your pup, just ONLY ON LEASH. Provincetown is the only town in the Cape that allows dogs on the beaches off-leash.

Yeah, it is always important to wear your sunscreen, but especially in a desert. Scottsdale is HOT and DRY which means you won’t feel yourself getting burned until you’re fried! Wear it and help keep that beautiful jet-set skin baby smooth!
________________________________________________________________
Take a Taxi

Taxis in Scottsdale are cheap and readily available so you won’t need to rent a car for day to day activities. Scottsdale is all about the party. If you plan to join the party, you definitely don’t want to be drinking and driving.
Rent a car only for day trips to other towns like Sedona.
________________________________________________________________
Stay in Old Town

If you want to enjoy the nightlife and shopping then staying in Old Town Scottsdale is great because you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to every hip restaurant, nightclub, lounge or shop. If you stay further out of town, the longer the taxi ride and you definitely can’t walk anywhere.
________________________________________________________________
Leave Room in Your Suitcase for Shopping

One thing we didn’t expect was for Scottsdale to have such an amazing level of shopping. It’s like being in LA (really). With The Mix you’ll get John Varvartos, Agave, Splendid, Chip & Pepper, Hugo Boss, Juicy, Theory and Hudson (and these are just some of the names you’ll see).
* See the “cool Shopping” section for more details

Sedona Hiking Tours: www.sedonahikingadventures.com
Custom created hikes based on your needs, wants and desires.
Sedona Air Tours: www.sedonaairtours.com
Tour by helicopter, biplane
Evening Sky Tour: www.eveningskytours.com
The Sedona area has some of the best viewing conditions in the United States resulting in many clear dark nights producing outstanding viewing conditions.

The Location: It used to be that “South Beach” referred to the famous Ocean Drive and hotels like the Delano and the Shore Club were a bit far for the average tourist. But now, with South Beach hotels popping up further and further down Collins the Shore Club‘s location on Collins & 19th, puts the boutique hotel in a perfect location, snuggled right in the middle of all the South Beach action.

The Hotel: The white-on-white made famous by South Beach is rampant in the oh-so-chic lobby of the Shore Club. Flowing white curtains, white on white furniture and Moroccan candle holders create an inviting flow to this extra-large lobby and leave guests with comfortable places to hang out without intruding on the front desk or concierge space. Just a few steps from the lobby is the famed high-end shopping boutique Scoop NYC where exclusive patrons can find the hottest fashions straight off the runways.

Heading out the back doors of the lobby, you walk through the Moroccan themed garden of cobalt blues, vibrant greens, stunning yellows, very reminiscent of the Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech, owned by Yves Saint Lauren.

As you approach the end of lily-pond lined path you enter the mystical world of the Shore Club Sky Bar. The Sky Bar by day is an inviting place to lounge away from the cool-chaos of the pool parties. You can read a book, check your email with the free hotel wifi while sipping an iced beverage on sunbeds.

The Restaurants: For breakfast or lunch, my favorite is Terrazza, which is the restaurant adjacent to the gardens and overlooks the pool. This is also a South Beach brunch hot-spot. The menu is filled with indulgent items like over-the-top French Toast, Ravioli alla Fiorentina yet also offers healthy, lighter fare like the to-die-for favorite Chicken Paillard.

While poolside you can order from the Rum Bar daily libations and easy eats like the veggie wrap, hummus or chicken tenders.

For dinner, the world-famous Nobu is just steps away offering creative Japanese cuisine and of course perfectly rolled sushi set in a super hip vibe.

The Nightlife: At night, the Sky Bar turns into the hot spot for the social-elite where the dimly lit gardens and hidden nooks, provide the perfect place for the well-known to unwind without and audience.

Adjacent to the outdoor area is the more-exclusive Redroom. The sleek, sexy bar is always packed and a favorite among the South Beach party-seekers.

Guest Rooms & Suites: There are 3 buildings with guest rooms and suites starting around $300-ish depending on the season. The categories range from superior king to the lookout suite. Room choosing tip—> request a room on a high floor with wrap around balcony, providing you views of the ocean and city.

The Bungalows: If you’re looking for something a little larger or more private than a regular room or suite, check out one of the seven, two-story, poolside bungalows. Unique aspects of the Bungalows include private outdoor showers (who doesn’t want to shower outside) and outdoor dining areas that overlook the garden. The garden provides a slight barrier between you and the pool, so voyeurs can’t infringe on our privacy.

The Beach House: Thinking of spending and extra long time in South Beach? Or maybe you want the ultimate in privacy? Then opt for the supreme luxury and privacy of the 800 square foot Shore Club Beach House. It’s a private villa with separate entrance, a totally private pool to throw your own pool party and an outdoor dining/lounge area.

The Penthouse: Just in case you’re rolling with super deep pockets and a pension for ultra-luxury, check out the Penthouse Suite. It’ s 6,000 square foot, 3-floor mega-suite with a private elevator accessing all three floors (definite bonus in high season). It also includes two spiral staircases, private rooftop pool, steam room and sauna, outdoor shower and 360 degree panoramic views of the city and ocean.

The Pool: Well, well, well….the Shore Club pool scene continues to make a splash with the weekly, Sunday Shore Thing pool parties. Bronzed bodies descend on the Shore Club early to mark there territory and choose the perfect lounge chair or custom bed that surround the pool. Of course, the most coveted spots for sunning are the raised row that is perched above the end of the pool. It’s almost like the King/Queen are sitting front and center on their Shore Thing throne and ‘holding court’ to all their pool-party-going ‘subjects’ below. As the DJ amps up the beats, the party flows from casually-tame, to crazy-wild where anything can happen (and does). For those that care, the infinity style pool itself is always the right temperature, somewhere between relaxing bath and just enough to cool you off.

Yep, with marriage, I committed to love and cherish this man for better or for worse. And honestly, there could be much worse than running around the globe chasing the sun, parties and music festivals. In fact, I really like the ‘Robert Murgatroyd Fountain of Youth Program’. Let’s face it he’s getting younger and younger, and not in a mid-life crisis ‘get an earring’ type of way. But in a, “I’m not done exploring myself and finding new things that inspire me.” kinda-way. And, yes, I have loved every minute of this journey…well, except one night, when he had pre-set the computer to start recording a music festival in the Netherlands. Apparently the computer speakers weren’t turned off, as I was harshly awoken by what sounded like 900 screaming monsters at 4am. That I could’ve done without.

So- now, here I am, almost 10 years into this relationship and I’m the wife of a DJ Murgatroyd. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve had many thoughts of how can I keep up with my hubby, oddly he’s 12 years my senior and I’m trying to keep up with him. Part of him staying young, is finding new things that inspire him, gets his creative juices flowing and empty his crowded brain. At the moment, that inspiration is music.

It’s now the eve of our departure to our first ever experience at Winter Music Conference (WMC) which ends in a 3 day festival called Ultra Music Festival. It’s quite possible, unless you follow Electronic Dance Music (EDM) that you’ve never heard of this. But, let me tell you- it’s basically a week where every top DJ in the world descends on Miami along with 300,000 of their closest, glow-stick holding fans for a week-long, over the top, wild, crazy, yet magical event. It’s where DJ’s meet, deals are struck and careers are launched. It’s also a place that the top EDM fans can see just about every DJ they could imagine.

About Ultra Music Festival: Of course, it’s a music festival, so like Woodstock, Lalapalooza or any other festival- the dress is minimal and drugs are common. And with EDM festivals, wearing creative costumes or outfits is encouraged. But, the thing I absolutely love about the world of EDM is that it generates positivity. The music, is for the most part positive – from the beat to the words (if there are words). The message of the vast majority of DJ’s is about loving everyone and being nonjudgmental, something that is severely missing in our younger generation. The now-famous symbol of the EDM scene is making hearts with your hands. This is not BS, it’s real. Strangers are nice to each other at EDM festivals. In fact, it’s common to bring homemade bracelets called ‘Kandi’ and to exchange them with strangers by holding hands and sliding your bracelet onto their arm and vice-versa. It’s refreshing to spend time in a place where judging others is discouraged, positivity is encouraged and being yourself is mandatory.

Schedule of Events: During the week of WMC, there is an actual ‘conference’ for DJ’s, music buffs, equipment demos, music industry Q&A’s etc… buuutttt….then there’s the other WMC. The one filled with all-day pool parties and all night events at Miami’s best clubs. Then of course, there is Ultra Music Festival from Friday to Sunday 12pm-12am.Of course, in Jet Set Life fashion we’ve chosen to be in the VIP section, as the General Admission is a sea of sweaty people that neither Rob nor I want to be stuck in the middle of for 72 hours. No knock to those that love being in the middle of the crowd, but that I just don’t have in me. VIP gets you a private area to view the acts, clean air conditioned lounges and private bathrooms and bars without lines. All worth the hefty price tag in our opinion.

From what we’ve been told, we’ve got to pace ourselves…but in true Robert Murgatroyd fashion- we will be everywhere, all day, every day.

Seemingly sleep, won’t be a priority….either will food after Wednesday night. Here’s our schedules for WMC and who we’ll be seeing at Ultra….this doesn’t even include the actual ‘conference’ which Rob will be attending as well….and quite possibly, I may be sleeping through.

Follow our WMC & Ultra Music Experience on Instagram

Drugs: When I talk to people, they always ask about the EDM world, and drugs. Yes, this is a week-long, giant rave and yes, I expect that many, upon many will be under the influence of multiple substances including the now popular Molly. But, just in case you care, no we will not and do not do drugs. We have a family, a business and are just too old for that stuff. So- instead, we’ll stick to a few cocktails and people watching.

Why Do This?: Some have asked why two seemingly sane 30 and 40- somethings would want to put ourselves in the middle of a 300,000 person rave filled with costumed people, drugs and beyond loud music. Well, the answer is simple, we love it. We love feeling alive and getting outside of our box. We love the music and the message that the music sends. We love how friendly and passionate EDM fans are. We don’t need to do Molly, dress up in an Indian headdress and suck on a pacifier to have fun. And we won’t judge those that choose to. Instead, we’ll experience WMC and Ultra15 on our own terms and in our own way. So tonight, I will get a deep spray tan, pack my favorite bikinis, florescent clothing and sparkly make-up. And yes, I’m making some Jet Set Life and DJ Murgatroyd Kandi bracelets to exchange with life-loving ravers.

So when people ask us “Why?”, we answer “Why not?”.

During our last stay in Mykonos we got to experience the magic of the Andronikos, we created some beautiful lifelong friendships with other guests and the wonderful staff has become our family. The Andronikos Hotel has become our new home in Mykonos.

Overall Vibe:  With rooms laid out more like a village and less like a hotel, you don’t feel like a guest. Lounge poolside by day on the lounge chairs or beds, ordering incredible local iced coffee drinks or cocktails and lunch of the incredible menu.

The Perfect Guest: The perfect guest for the Andronikos loves luxury, and appreciates hotel design, but should be able to relax and enjoy the splendors of the Greek Islands without the pretentiousness.

The Pool Scene: The hotel pool provides a serene and sexy backdrop where international celebrities casually lounge poolside next to the local social elite and lucky guests who were able to score a room during the peak of the summer season. This mix of see-and-be-seen, however doesn’t create a a ‘click’ society reminiscent of your teenage years, as it does at other top Mykonos hotels. Instead, somehow at the Andronikos socializing comes naturally and creating lifelong friendships poolside is the norm.

The Location: Just a 10 minute walk north of Mykonos town, the Andronikos Hotel has a great central location that makes exploring the island of Mykonos simple.

The Hotel Design: Cheeky, sexy, modern design combines with traditional Mykonian white-on-white style. Calming, relaxing and serene.

The Room to Book: Book a newly designed Cocoon Room with a large balcony and an ocean view. You’ll wake up to stunning views of the pool, the town, the sea and then later enjoy the sunset from your balcony. Bonus!!! Greek hair and skincare products provided by Korres fill your bathroom with the beautiful scents of Greece.

The Restaurant: Lady Finger is the hotel’s premier fine dining restaurant where you can dine by candlelight poolside or with a view of the town lights and sea.  The menu offers simple in-season ingredients, traditional Greek flavors, but the dishes, like the hotel, are designed beautifully and offer a whole new gastronomic experience unlike any other we’ve had in Mykonos. Quite honestly, this is arguably the BEST restaurant on the island.

The Staff: The casually cool staff are always willing to go the extra mile and make sure you are 100% taken care of. They truly make you feel like you’re at home and not in a stuffy hotel.

The Pool Bar: In the morning they’re serving some of the best coffee on the island, mid-day poolside cocktails are flowing, but at night – this bar really heats up! It’s like a scene straight out of the movie ‘Cocktail’.

Friend the Andronikos on Facebook and see what the fuss is all about!

So- to make up for it, I’ve set a goal to learn Italian. Not the widest spoken language in the world, but it’s one that I love and am passionate about. And I figure, if I can learn Italian, then French and Spanish will be a bit easier to master. In the hunt for the best language learn programs, I came across three that I think are great in their own way. Here they are:

1. Rosetta Stone

Pro: Learn 30 new language like a baby! From learning the basics like boy and girl, all the way through conjugation of verbs and sentence structure.

Cons: It’s VERY expensive.

Price: A set of Levels 1-5 is $500

2. Pimsleur

Pro: They offer 50 different languages! Easy to do the audio portion on a road trip, while in traffic or on your couch at home.

Cons: For me, this one seems very travel based. More about learning to ask common questions, order food etc… and less about truly learning the language. Also- very expensive!

Price: Phases 1-3 is $795

3. Duo Lingo

Pro: They have made learning a new language into a game! Learn like a baby! From learning the basics like boy and girl, all the way through conjugation of verbs and sentence structure. They also offer their course online or download the free app to your mobile device!

Cons: So far, I can’t find any issues. Maybe that they only currently offer 6 languages?

Price: FREE…..yep, freakin’ FREE!!!

“Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. When people ask me what really changed my life eight years ago, I tell them that absolutely the most important thing was changing what I demanded of myself. I wrote down all the things I would no longer accept in my life, all the things I would no longer tolerate, and all the things that I aspired to becoming.” ~ Anthony Robbins

Time for “Tough Love”. Ready?

The reason that you don’t have what you want in life is because your ‘bar’ doesn’t match you ‘goals’. Your ‘bar’ is your standard. It’s the minimum you have to do to reach the goal. If you set your bar too low and don’t take massive action, but have lofty dream of success, you’ll never reach your goal.

Dreams are great, but they are just Goals without Actions. Goals require Action. And to truly Change, that requires MASSIVE Action.

It’s like a kid that wants straight A’s but won’t study. A guy that wants to find the nice girl and get married, but keeps bringing home the easy, one-night stand. A person that dreams of going on expensive vacations, but isn’t willing to do the work to earn the money.

Then, you have the ultimate goal setters. The kid that comes from a low-income, broken family that rises up and becomes a doctor. The athlete without legs that runs marathons. The underdog who wins the gold medal at the Olympics. They set there bar high, and are often told it’s too high, but they go above and beyond to become Outstanding, hence they Stand-Out.

Which would you rather be?

Here are my steps to raising your bar, setting new standards and reaching your goals!

Steps to Raising Your Bar to Reach Your Goals

Step 1 The Goal: Decide exactly what you want, and be specific. Write it down. Then ask yourself if you are willing to do ANYTHING it takes (legal, ethical and moral of course) to reach the goal. If yes, this is a good goal.

Step 2 Time: Determine the length of time you need to reach that goal. Short-term, measurable goals work the best. So choose something with a time frame of 3-6 months.

Step 3 Raising the Bar: Write down the “daily actions” that you need to have to reach your goal. Be very specific. This is your new standard.

Step 4 Rise Up to the Bar: Time to take action and put your “money where your mouth is”.  Modify your daily routine to ensure that you will be able to complete these actions. This is the place most people fail. Find out what you’re really made of! Remember it takes 2-3 weeks to make your new routine a habit. DO NOT GIVE UP! RISE UP!

Step 5 Check-In with Yourself Weekly: If you find yourself NOT doing the “actions” necessary to reach your goal – re-evaluate if this is something you truly want and are willing to work for – or is it something you WISH you had, but are not willing to do the work. Or, if you are doing the actions but not progressing appropriately, re-evaluate the action steps.

Example: A 35 year old women wants to build a sexy, lean and toned body for her summer vacation to the Caribbean.

Step 1 The Goal: My goal is to have a lean body, shapely muscles in arms, legs and abdomen, but still curvy.

Step 2 Time: Vacation is in 3 months.

Step 3 Daily Actions:

• Prepare clean healthy food on Sundays for the week
• Eat 4-5 clean, healthy meals daily
• Drink 1 gallon of water daily
• Allow myself 2 rewards per week
• Weight Train 4 days per week
• Do Cardio 3 days per week
• Do Yoga 1 day per week

Step 4 Make Changes: She makes the changes and starts off her 3 month goal strong.

Step 5 Check-In with Yourself Weekly: A weekly re-evaluation of her goals, progress and actions shows that after the first 2 weeks she started to ‘indulge more’ and her progress is not showing. She adds a new “daily action” of writing down everything she eats in an effort to keep herself honest.

___________________________________________________________________

I’ll leave you with this. You can accomplish more than you think you can. Think back to when you were a little kid and thought you could fly…no one could tell you any different…you KNEW you could fly! Get that innocence back. It’s NEVER too late!

Raise the Bar, Rise Up to the Bar and turn your Dreams into Reality.

Do More of the Things You Love and Less of the Things You Don’t.

Those are the words that we live by. To us, Passion is numero uno. Passion in what we do, who we are, who we love….life is Passion! Isn’t your dream to wake up everyday, excited about your life? It’s definitely ours. Sure, there are plenty of things we MUST to do, that we don’t necessarily love….but those pale in comparison to the true joys and passions we have in our life.

So, when my hubby showed a true, honest and passionate interest in learning how to DJ a month before his 46th birthday, how could I be against it? Once his DJ-dreams were public Facebook knowledge, people began asking me how I felt about my husband becoming a 46 year old “club-kid”, and asking me if he was having a mid-life crisis. It makes me laugh because to me, him following his passion is NOT even close to a crisis! It’s living. And for him to take on such a new, fun and exciting challenge is inspiring! As his wife, it’s my job to support him, love him and be his biggest cheerleader in EVERYTHING he wants to do.

At first it was a dream to just understand how DJ’s create amazing music that moves people to a higher place. He really thought this would just be a hobby. For his birthday, I got him DJ equipment and he found a great local DJ to give him some lessons. At first, it was like having a little kid learning the violin, but as he practiced, I started realizing how truly natural this came to him.

He began getting some great feedback, we starting thinking this may be more than a hobby, maybe this is his life’s 2nd Act. It was time to get more serious, we built out a DJ studio in our closet, yes, the closet, funny I know, but if you saw how freakin’ huge this closet is you’d understand. Plus, it was easy to sound proof!

As he became more and more vocal in social media about his DJ-hobby turned obbession, people began begging for a Murgatroyd Mix. In mid-October, to move him along and prevent “paralysis of analysis”, I suggested a deadline for his first “mix” to be released. Something far enough out that he wasn’t rushed, but something close enough that it gave him a little bout of butterflies. We chose my Birthday (which is today, Jan 28, 2013). He has spent the last few months learning new mixing techniques, deciding on the perfect playlist and ultimately learning what his DJ style would be – it’s called Open Format. That basically means, he’ll play anything he wants from deep house and dirty beats to top 40 and classics.

So….here it is. His very first mix-tape (don’t you just love how they still use the phrase “mix-tape” even though tapes are almost as old as dinosaurs)!

Click, Like & Download “It’s My Birthday Mix” FREE!

We used to say “up and coming hot spot”, but no longer. With the World Cup and Olympics on the horizon, hotels and restaurants have really stepped up there standards. Rio has arrived!

Stay At: Fasano Hotel Rio
Eat At: CT Boucherie
Party At: Londra
Cool Thing to Do: Helicopter Around Rio & Christ the Redeemer

Find more places to stay, eat and play – Download The Secret List Rio here!

2. Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedes are said to be some of the happiest in the world! Visit the picturesque sea-front city and find out why. Then head down to the Stockholm Archipelago for some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Stay At: Berns
Eat At: PA & Co
Party At: Cafe Opera
Cool Thing to Do: Visit the Stockholm Archipelago

3. Split, Croatia

Move over Hvar….here comes your sexy sister beach hot spot of Split! Definitely on the radar of international jet-setters, Split is an inexpensive, up-and-coming alternative to the more oblivious hot spots of Sardinia, St. Tropez and Mykonos.

Stay At:  Hotel Atrium
Eat At: Kadena
Party At: Gaga
Cool Thing to Do: Spend the day at Obojena Svjetlost beach club

4. San Francisco, USA

SF is on the scene! Loving the culture that the Bay Area brings to the West Coast. Hip bars, yummy restaurants and a young cool vibe. Definitely hit up Comstock Saloon- may not be hip, but it’s been serving up cocktails since 1907. For a trendier crowd, hit The Redwood Room at the Clift.

Stay At: Kimpton SF
Eat At: Flour + Water
Party At: Comstock Saloon & The Redwood Room
Cool Thing to Do: Film Night in the Park

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Love the culture of BsAs but I also love how far your $$ goes! With an awesome exchange rate, you can still take advantage of a strong dollar, even when it’s not so strong! I’ve listed two hotels because one is more a resort (Faena Hotel) and is a bit out of town. The second is a small boutique hotel (Home Hotel), but in an absolutely PERFECT location! Casa Felix tops my list with a unique experience of dining in a closed door supper club.

Stay At: Faena Hotel & Universe or Home Hotel
Eat At: Casa Felix
Party At: 878
Cool Thing to Do: Take a tango class at La Viruta

Find more places to stay, eat and play – Download The Secret List Buenos Aires here!