Zion Itinerary

Where to Stay

With our group of 7, it was important to us to find a place that was large enough for us to stay together. We decided on the Lafave Luxury Villas, luxurious rentals only a mile away from the Zion main entrance and located centrally in the little town of Springdale. It was the perfect base to come back to relax after a day of hiking! We also considered glamping at AutoCamp Zion, but ultimately decided against it since none of the accommodations could house us together. Worth a look if you’re going with a smaller group!

What to Do

I love being active on trips and I was so excited to see some iconic sights while we visited Zion. We started our trip with The Narrows – roughly a 5-6 mile hike round trip – and I cannot recommend Zion Guru Guided Tours enough! With your booking they guide you through the trail, pointing out key facts and answering questions, but they also supply you with specialized footwear and neoprene socks (both necessary for the water sections), a walking pole and a dry day pack to put your water bottle, snacks, and phone. You won’t regret doing this hike – or seeing mountain goats along the route!

After our first long day of hiking, we gave our legs a break and explored Springdale – the gateway town to Zion. There are a bunch of cute boutiques to get cute clothes, jewelry, and hiking gear, but my favorite part of the day had to be our spa day. We went to Deep Canyon Spa at Flanigan’s Resort and the salt stone massage was absolutely luxurious after a long day of hiking.

After a day of relaxing fun, it was back to the primary purpose of our trip – hiking Zion and seeing all the views! We decided to do a couple hikes solo instead of using a guide and two that we loved were the Emerald Pools Trail and the Grotto Trail. The Emerald Pools Trail is stunning with 3 levels of pools and waterfalls, a less intense trail than the narrows that’s a little over 2 miles round trip – so great for an easy morning hike! The Grotto Trail is another easy hike (1 mile round trip) that’s relatively flat, but you can see tons of wildlife along the loop. Another great option for when your legs are still recovering from The Narrows!

If you’ve been following me for a bit you know I love a guided e-bike tour – so I jumped at the opportunity to take one through Zion! It was an easier way to see more of this National Park in the few days we were exploring. Endorphins were at an all time high from all the movement I was doing over this trip!

Since we were typically on the go and having early mornings and long afternoons out on the trail, it was important to us to get quick and healthy meals that we could take on the go with us. A couple spots we loved for yummy breakfasts were Oscar’s Cafe (hearty & delicious food) and FeelLove Coffee (great coffee and healthy bites). We loved being able to power up quickly and head out on the trail! Another must stop to dine is King’s Landing Bistro – an American/European fusion bistro that delivers all the views of Zion and seriously good food. Highly recommend making a reservation so you can get a good spot!

There’s truly so much to do in Zion – from guided tours to solo hikes and exploring the nearby town, you will be able to fill your trip up with incredible views!

What to Wear

When I packed my suitcase for this trip, it was important to me to be prepared for all the hiking and walking we would be doing! I packed clothes that would be comfortable for movement while keeping me cool and boots that would protect my feet without leaving blisters. Below I’m sharing some of my must haves for this trip to help you prepare for yours!

Shop the must haves:
one | two | three
four | five | six

I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a good pair of hiking boots to keep your feet protected! Tennis shoes work, but they don’t have the same grip in the treads like hiking boots, which are also made to protect your ankles from rolling/sprains. Pair them with some thick, moisture wicking socks and your feet will thank you for protecting them from blisters!

We didn’t dress up much on our trip, but we did have one fabulous girls night out where I got to wear this romper from Abercrombie that I’m obsessed with! It was so fun to feel cute after a day of hiking with my girls and have some cocktails at Bit N’ Spur – which is a must add to your trip for delicious tex-mex style food and cocktails!

Outfit details:
Romper | Boots | Earrings

This Zion girls trip was easily one of my top favorite trips—combining my love of time spent with my girls and getting my body moving! There’s just something about fresh air, stunning views, and belly laughs with your people that fills your soul in the best way. I left feeling recharged, inspired, and already dreaming up our next adventure. If Zion’s not on your list yet, trust me—it should be.

xo
Ana B.

Head to my LTK to find all my travel recs and must haves!

The post Ana B’s Guide to Zion National Park appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Where We Stayed

We were lucky enough to get a room at the Kimpton, a thirty minute drive from the airport. The grounds were absolutely beautiful. There were plenty of available areas to lounge and enjoy sunbathing at this beachfront resort, with a gorgeous oversized pool and beachfront bars and restaurants for a cocktail and delicious eats from sunrise to sunset. The coral reefs were just steps away and snorkeling gear was available at no costs to the guests. As a spa junky, I was incredibly impressed with the service and fully equipped private relaxation area. There were multiple pools at all temperatures including a cold plunge and steaming hot jacuzzis. We also used the oversized gym multiple times. It was well equipped with all types of machines and had floor to ceiling glass windows for beautiful views while you break a sweat.

What I Wore

I kept all my outfits light and breezy, just taking a light sweater in case of a breeze. Linen pants, cotton dresses and shirts were a must. I bought a selection of bathing suits and cover ups from Cupshe and I am loving their unique styles and comfortable fit at an affordable price. I’ve put my favorite Swimwear Essentials together for you to easily shop!

What We Did

Our group enjoyed a mix of relaxation and adventure while in Roatan! Some of our group enjoyed a day of golf at Black Pearl and really loved the beautiful grounds. The true highlight for me was a trip to Maya Eden, an eco park tour where we got to see monkeys, sloths and exotic birds up close and personal. The sloth was especially cute! We also got a tour of a one-of-a-kind butterfly and hummingbird sanctuary, which felt wonderfully magical. We booked our tour through Kimpton which provided transportation and entry tickets. We spent a lot of time on the beach, snorkeling and sunbathing. While I booked my spa through the hotel and made a day out of enjoying the facilities, some chose to do a beachside massage with the locals, who also offer hair braiding and unique trinkets for sale.

What We Ate

We ate most of our meals at the Kimpton which offered the best baleadas for breakfast! Baleadas is a Honduran dish made up of fresh tortillas topped with refried beans, scrambled eggs, cheese, and cream. Yum! You can really get them made any way you want. We also loved the Picoso burgers at the Sea Cat, their delicious fries and jerk chicken wings! Dinner at Alera is a must! I recommend the Cowboy Ribeye and Grilled Red Snapper as well as the Chocolate Nemesis for dessert (pictured). We also ventured off to Luna Muna for dinner one night! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed the seafood dishes as well!

Our trip lasted just five days which felt a little short but we would definitely recommend it, and plan to visit again with our children in the future! There was a lot more shopping, restaurants and beach time we’d love to experience again! 

xo,
Ana B

The post Ana B’s Guide To Roatan appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Simply Cheesy Boards

I love using Simply Cheesy Boards for my holiday parties and get togethers! A small, woman-owned business, they do an incredible job of making delicious charcuterie boards and grazing tables designed to fit your taste and needs. Gift a friend one of these amazing cheese boards or use them for your holiday party or New Years Eve get together.

MAB Artistry

I couldn’t write a list of my favorite local businesses without including MAB Artistry! MAB Pro’s do more than just weddings, they’re also ready to get you glammed up for your parties, headshots, and family photos or teach you a new look with our makeup lessons. Even better, now through January 1st you can get 25% off all hair & makeup services* and makeup lessons when you book using code HOLIDAY!

*not applicable to bridal services

Loudon Wicks

I love experience gifts and the candle making party I threw for myself and my family was an absolute blast! Loudon Wicks is a phenomenal gift whether you want to gift some of their premade soy-wax candles or want to host a candle making party. You can go to their studio or host in home, which I did, and invite some of your closest friends for a fun evening making custom candles!

Dr. Maia Plastic Surgery

I have been going to Dr. Maia Plastic Surgery for my baby botox for years, which is why I’m always recommending her! She makes a customized plan for each of her clients to ensure they get the most natural to them look. Whether you want to book an appointment for yourself or give a gift card to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with Dr. Maia!

Need some more last minute gift inspo? Head over to my favorite things blog post filled with the gifts I personally love and cannot recommend enough!

The post Last Minute Local Gifts appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop my faves:
one | two | three | four
five | six | seven | eight

1.I love this Purology Conditioner and 2.Shampoo, it hydrates your hair and is free from parabens!
3.This Alo Sherpa Jacket is my go to on cold days! A perfect gift that will last all season long.
4.These Addias Cloudfoam Sneakers are one of my favorite things because I can wear them all day and my feet never feel tired.
5.A splurge, but an absolute fave is this Gorjana Diamond Alphabet Necklace. It’s so dainty and perfect to wear alone or layered.
6.I absolutely cannot live without this Huile De Douche Shower Oil by L’Occitane. I use it after showers and it makes my skin feel so soft!
7.The makeup junkies in your life will be as obsessed as I am with this YSL Lip Oil Stick which leaves gorgeous color and hydration!
8.This Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector is my go to for covering my dark circles! It doesn’t cake and doesn’t feel cakey, making it one of my favorite things! 

Need more gift inspo? I have you covered with my 2024 Holiday Gift Guides!

The post Ana B’s Favorite Things appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Get your next book:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

-Took “The Wedding People” on vacation with me and I couldn’t put it down! The very different stories of the main characters, the comedy and the wedding vibes made it a perfect lighthearted read!
-”First Gen” by Alejandra Campoverdi is a must read memoir from a first generation Latina raised by a single mother in LA. This book really resonated with me, being Latina myself, and the hard work she put in to create the life she has today!
-In the spirit of spooky season, I absolutely had to add some can’t put down thrillers to my list! “The Guest List” and “Just The Nicest Couple” will have you questioning who did it through the final chapter, while “The Taken Ones” will have you double checking your doors and windows and locked up tight!
-A must read before seeing the movie, “It Ends With Us” tackles breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. This brave and heartbreaking novel grabs hold of you and keeps you turning the pages.

Need more cozy season reads? Check out my Cozy Season Reading List from last fall!

The post Ana B’s Fall Reading List appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

A yearly trip with my best girlfriends is part of my self-care ritual. As busy working women and moms, it’s so easy to forget to take time for ourselves, but I find that these little getaways make me a better person overall! This year we decided on a relaxing trip to Charleston and I’m sharing our full itinerary so you can plan your own girls trip or get ideas for a bachelorette!

The Itinerary

Download a copy you can edit here!

Where We Stayed

My friends and I love to stay in AirBnbs when we travel, not only because it’s usually more cost effective, but it allows us more freedom to all hang out. We love a slow morning where we can make or order breakfast and lounge in our pjs before getting ready to explore! In Charleston, we stayed in this beautiful AirBnb downtown that had us within walking distance to lots of things we wanted to see and do! With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, there was plenty of space for our group to rest and get ready each day. 

Let’s Talk Food

If you know me, you know I love good food and boy did Charleston deliver! Charleston has an amazing food scene that is perfect for all foodies. From fresh seafood and oysters to traditional Southern fare, it has something for everyone. Circe’s Grotto is a must stop for insanely good sandwiches, but get there early as there WILL be a line!It’s best to make reservations in advance to avoid a long wait for a table. For instance, Miller’s All Day is a fabulous spot, but if you don’t have a reservation you can expect a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. 

One of my favorite dinner spots was Mesu – a Mexican and sushi fusion spot that made my taste buds do a happy dance. You’ll love the Mexican street corn! Another spot you must get reservations at is 82 Queen, which is open for lunch, dinner, or brunch! The award winning she-crab soup did not disappoint and the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese is a MUST try.

Things To Do

A big draw to our trip was having a day of relaxation. We planned a spa day at Earthling Day Spa and loved the experience. I booked their Perfect Morning Package – a 3-in-1 package that included a full body scrub, massage, and facial. I truly felt so pampered and relaxed at the end of the 3 hour package. My face and body were glowing!

A trip for me is not complete without a walking food tour of the local gastronomy scene. You get to eat an assortment of amazing savories and sweets, while walking it off between each stop. A win-win in my book! Two of my favorite stops on the tour were A.W. Shucks Seafood Shack that had a seafood boil bursting with flavor and Republic Ice Cream that satisfied my sweet tooth with their creamy ice cream.

Did you really go to Charleston if you didn’t go tour Rainbow Row? These 13 brightly colored historical homes are some of the oldest homes still standing in Charleston and worth taking the time to see. Don’t forget to stop by the famous pineapple fountain for a few pictures before you leave!

Time To Shop!

I love going shopping on my trips and Charleston had so many options to choose from. Not to mention the shops themselves were so beautiful! A couple of my must stops are Uncommon James, Gorjana, and Dress Up Charleston. Uncommon James has a beautifully curated selection by Kristin Cavallari, of Laguna Beach and The Hills, that range for dainty necklaces perfect for layering to candles and skin care for pampering yourself while Gorjana features stunning solid gold jewelry and higher end fine jewelry with diamonds and other precious gems. I recommend purchasing their Laguna candle for a delicious coastal scent. Dress Up Charleston is a boutique filled with cute yet comfortably priced clothing with a range of boho tops and flowing floral dresses. I picked up a cute Charleston oversized sweatshirt there.

I hope this guide is helpful for your next Charleston trip! What are some of your favorite spots in Charleston? Comment below!

Xo, Ana B.

The post Ana B’s Guide To Charleston appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Products:
one | two | three | four
five | six | seven

1.Micellar Water Ultra removes up to 99% of longwear foundations and can also be used as a toner for those with oily skin.
2.Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a gentle cream foundation that restores moisture to your skin and helps it maintain its natural pH.
3.10% Pure Vitamin C Serum visibly boosts your skin’s radiance and leaves it feeling softer after the first use.
4.Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum leaves skin feeling hydrated to the touch and visibly plumps skin.
5.Retinol B3 Pure Retinol visibly reduces lines & wrinkles and is even suitable for use on sensitive skin types.
6.Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fast absorbing formula that leaves a matte finish and is water/sweat resistant.
7.10% Pure Niacinamide Serum helps even skin tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots while leaving skin looking brighter and more radiant.

My AM Routine

1.I start my day by washing my face with the Gentle Cleanser, to start my face with a clean slate. Wash using lukewarm water and rubbing the cleanser in gentle circles, then rinse and pat dry.
2.Next I apply the Hyalu B5 & Vitamin C serums to my skin, using 3-4 drops of each and rubbing into my face and neck. Always remember to apply your skin care products to your neck, it needs love too!
-If you have uneven skin tone or dark spots, this is also the perfect time to apply the Niacinamide serum. Use 3-4 drops and gently rub the serum into your skin.
3.These serums can be worn solo, or if you have dry skin apply your normal daily moisturizer.
4.I always make sure to finish my skin care routine with a sunscreen with a sunscreen of at least SPF 50! Using a sunscreen like Anthelios Mineral will help protect your skin from sun damage, but be sure to re-apply every 2 hours if you’re swimming or sweating.

MY PM Routine

1.I start my evening routine by cleansing my face with the Gentle Cleanser, to take away the dirt and sweat of the day. I then follow it by wiping my face with a cotton pad soaked in Micellar Water to remove my makeup still left on.
2.Next I apply the Hyalu B5 & Vitamin C serums to my skin, using 3-4 drops of each and rubbing into my face and neck. Always remember to apply your skin care products to your neck, it needs love too!
-If you have uneven skin tone or dark spots, this is also the perfect time to apply the Niacinamide serum. Use 3-4 drops and gently rub the serum into your skin.
-This is when I would also suggest using Retinol. Start off slowly, using 3-4 drops at night and rubbing into your face and neck, 1-2 times a week to give your skin time to adjust to using a retinol, before increasing usage. Always, always use sunscreen in the AM after using retinol at night as it leaves your skin more sensitive!
3.Just as in the AM, these serums can be used solo or with a PM moisturizer if you have dry skin.

I want to hear from you! What are your favorite La Roche-Posay products to use?

Xo, Ana B.

Want more of my skin care recommendations? Sign-up for the MAB Squad newsletter to be the first to see my latest blog posts!

Don’t forget to love your skin with a monthly facial! Click here to book a signature facial customized to your skin’s needs by our amazing Bianca.

The post Ana B’s Fall Skin Care: La Roche-Posay appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the books:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.Step into the glamour of Old Hollywood and follow Evelyn Hugo’s mesmerizing journey through fame, love, and secrets in ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo‘—a tale that will sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless.
2.In this harrowing yet inspiring world of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, ‘The Nightingale‘ weaves an unforgettable tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond of love.
3.Dive into ‘It Ends with Us,’ a powerful story that explores love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships, that will make it hard to put down as you want to know what happens next.
4.Add ‘How Are You Really‘ by Jenna Kutcher to your reading list for a dose of real talk, inspiring insights, and practical advice that will guide you to embrace your true self and create a life you love.
5. Embrace your innate artistic spirit with ‘Big Magic,’ a captivating journey into the world of creativity, where Elizabeth Gilbert inspires you to live a life driven by curiosity and passion.
6.Unlock the pages of ‘The Personal Librarian‘ and get ready to embark on a journey through history, and the extraordinary life of a woman who dared to defy the odds.
7.’The Unhoneymooners‘ is a hilarious and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers adventure that will leave you believing in second chances and tropical paradise.
8.Add ‘Lessons in Chemistry‘ to your “To Be Read” list for a humorous  and inspiring tale of a brilliant woman determined to break the glass ceiling.
9.Put ‘You Are a Badass Every Day‘ by Jen Sincero on your reading list to discover daily doses of inspiration, motivation, and practical wisdom that will empower you to conquer challenges and live your most badass life.
10.Discover ‘Wrong Place Wrong Time,’ a gripping real-life thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, proving that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

If you’re looking for more literary escapes, be sure to explore my Summer Reading List for a diverse range of stories that can transport you to different worlds all year round. Happy reading!

Xo, Ana

The post Ana B’s Cozy Season Reading List appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Where We Stayed:

Since this was the tail end of a busy trip, we decided to stay put in Vernazza, also considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. We rented La Casa dell’Eroico Vino, an airbnb where we could relax with a gorgeous view of the beach and main square, perfect for people watching. The airbnb was awesome! My only complaint was the lack of AC in the sweltering summer heat, but it’s common to not have AC in Italy, especially in the more authentic places. Many people opt for day trips to Cinque Terre so the trains were extremely busy at times! We definitely felt like sardines on the train at one point, but it was worth the overnight stay as the early mornings and late evenings were less crowded and more enjoyable. 

What We Wore:

Because Cinque Terre is a hiking and beachy town, the less clothes the better, especially in the summer months. We spent most days in our bathing suits and cotton or athletic clothes to stay as cool as possible. Check out my post on my poolside essentials which includes some of the swimsuits I packed!

Where We Ate: 

We had an incredible breakfast experience at Il Pirata Delle Cinque Terre. We had delicious coffee, eggs and bacon, but the star of the show is their famous cannolis and pistachio pastries. Cinque Terre has the benefit of beautiful views and the location of Ristorante La Torre was amazing! We enjoyed their pasta with pesto and prawns. Their selection of desserts were delicious but the views made the dinner a memorable experience. For a casual meal, we loved the pizza at Nusesa Pizzeria Cocktail Bar and for an added bonus all the waiters were incredibly gorgeous!  

What We Did:

Cinque Terre is most known for its hiking. The summer months can be brutally hot so I recommend an early or late evening hike, and taking advantage of the beach during the day. It’s also fun to pop into the various shops and markets to sample the fresh fruit and gelato, and hunt for unique souvenirs, accessories and clothing. You can also book boat tours at Cinque Terre which I would have loved to do! There’s always next time!  

As you plan your unforgettable adventure in Cinque Terre, don’t forget to explore my other Italy guides on Rome’s timeless beauty and Florence & Tuscany’s enchanting landscapes. 

Buon viaggio!

XO, 
Ana B

The post Ana B’s Guide to Cinque Terre appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Where We Stayed:

In Tuscany, we stayed in two different areas. The first was the countryside for my client Katharine’s wedding at Pescaia Resort. I will be sharing more about this venue and wedding soon but it was an absolute picturesque villa. This area does require the use of a rental car as Taxis are hard to come by. You can also schedule car service through the resort, but because it is remote, a rental car is a better option for exploring the area further.

After the beautiful wedding festivities, we took another train to Florence – truly one of my favorite cities in Italy. It is smaller than Rome and feels old worldly with buildings dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries. We had a beautiful stay at Hotel Lungarno with an epic location along the Arno River and a short distance from Ponte Vecchio. During a previous stay, we booked the historic Hotel Brunelleschi and had an enjoyable experience.  

What We Wore: 

Tuscany has so many places for photo ops. It’s definitely worth bringing some cute but comfortable outfits for your photos. Check out my Italy Packing List here! You can find my pink dress at Salome in Rome.

Where We Ate: 

We had incredible meals at Pescaia Resort during the wedding festivities, including the most delicious pastries and truffle pasta. In Florence, we made reservations in advance at our absolutely favorite gnocchi restaurant, Osteria Santo Spirito. Another notable mention goes to Trattoria ZaZa for their cool ambiance and famous Florentine steak, a must try! I recommend making reservations in advance to avoid long wait times.

What We Did:  

Florence is a very walkable city with all the major sites in close proximity. While it’s easy to just walk around and experience the city, we took a street food tour through Get Your Guide to try the local fair and learn more about the city. My favorite picturesque spots to visit, shop and spend a little more time are the Piazza Della Signoria, a famous square where you will find a replica of the David and the fountain of Neptune, Il Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world, and Ponte Vecchio, a bridge dating back to the Middle Ages that now has little shops selling all kinds of jewelry, art and trinkets.

Where We Shopped:

Florence has some of the best shopping to offer. You can find all the luxury name brand stores off the small streets near Piazza Della Signoria. However Florence offers an Outlet Mall just a short drive away offering all the name brands at discounted prices. 

You can find my purple dress here and sandals here – A perfect vacation fit that’s cute and comfortable for walking the city. Check out my recent Travel Guide to Rome for more! 

XO,
Ana B.

The post Ana B’s Guide to Tuscany & Florence appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.