travel | Lynsee Hee Kyeong

Category: travel

April 18, 2017

Best of Los Angeles with AirBnB

I’ve partnered up with AirBnB to share some of my favorite places to see, eat, and what to do in Los Angeles. As many of you most likely know, AirBnB is a leader in worldwide accommodations, enabling people to lease or rent short-term lodging in over 30,000 cities. To coincide with their platform, AirBnB recently launched Experiences. Let’s say you’re in Los Angeles, and wondering what wondrous activities there are in the area. From sports and nature to social impact, entertainment, food, or art-related activities, there is something for everyone to choose from.

For my Experience, I decided to face one of my all time fears of heights. Having denied it for most of my life, I have come to the conclusion that I am indeed, afraid of heights. The thought of being thousands of feet in the air without my feet on the ground, makes my palms as sweaty as Niagara Falls. However, I chose to go on the LA From Above Experience. Aside from the beautiful views, what really intrigued me about this particular Experience was the inclusion of learning aerial photography from a production pilot. Robin Petgrave is not only an accomplished pilot, but the proprietor of Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum (TAM), a Compton-based exhibit incorporating Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia and enrichment for the youth. What is so intriguing about this organization is that children from as young as eight years old can come to the facility to do school work or find a mentor, and receive flying lessons in exchange. It’s really incredible what he’s doing for the kids within the Compton area, and the impact it will have worldwide.

After the first 15 minutes (and clenching the life out of my seat), I became quite comfortable in the helicopter. Robin made it welcoming and took some of the tension off of my fear by playing some music and talking us through the entire trip. Mid-flight, he told us that we could hang our heads, arms or legs, outside of the helicopter to take selfies. My first thought was, “Sir, have you lost your mind?” but I became completely comfortable after my first attempt.

Throughout my Los Angeles trip, I also had the opportunity to try out some really healthy and delicious restaurants. Tocaya Organica is a Mexican cafe with burritos, bowls, salads, cocktails, and more. One of my favorite dishes was The Venice Beach bowl, with roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, lentils, garbanzo beans, pickled onions, cilantro-curry salsa, and sea bass. With a Miami Beach location, I am slightly addicted now. Another gem I was introduced to was Urth Caffe, which had a line around the block on a Thursday afternoon. However, the food was amazing and well worth the wait. They had some of my go-to breakfast options: egg whites, whole-grain oatmeal with strawberries and almond milk, and iced coffee. What I love about LA is that there are endless options for healthy food, and they always have almond milk readily available.

Finally, I had a chance to catch a high-intensity interval workout at Runyon Canyon. I have been dying to hit Runyon Canyon and I was so excited to experience it. The views are phenomenal, and almost make you forget you’re even running.

All in all, Los Angeles holds a special place in my heart and I always love discovering new gems in the city when I visit. A special thank you to AirBnB and Robin for the opportunity, as well as Max for accompanying.

Get the Look:

April 3, 2017

Puma Girl

As of now, it’s safe to say that I have been wearing these Puma Fierce Strap Swan shoes in two colorways (all black and black/blue) nearly every single day. What can I say? Sometimes a girl is just comfortable in sneakers 24/7. Let me retract that – women are comfortable in sneakers all of the time. Nobody wakes up and says, “I can’t wait to throw on my pain-inducing 5-inch heels today. Yes, let’s get it world.” I digress.

About a month ago, I was in La-La-Land for work, and had the pleasure of perusing Sunset Boulevard during a brief breakfast stint. There was a quaint little cafe style restaurant right off the strip, where I had the most delicious spinach and egg white fritatta and chai tea latte. One aspect of LA that I could always get used to is that everyone seems quite active. Equinox was right around the corner, and nearly everybody was decked out in active wear. My first thought was “Los Angeles, I have arrived.” Nevertheless, I fit right in with Puma‘s newly launched pieces!

Photography by: @MaxTheBody

Get the look:

February 25, 2017

Socially Driven with Mercedes-Benz: My Miami

As a car connoisseur and lover of all vehicles with some power behind the pedal, it has to be known that Mercedes-Benz is at the top of my list of iconic brands. When I was approached with their Socially Driven campaign, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to partner with the company to share my version of Miami. People consistently ask me about my favorite spots in the city, so I figured it was about that time to share with you all. Discovering new places and pieces of beauty is what I love, so if you had just one day to spend in Miami…these are my not-to-be missed moments.

6AM // CATCH THE SUNRISE BETWEEN 1ST AND WASHINGTON AVENUE. MIAMI HAS BEAUTIFUL SANDY BEACHES, AND SKYLINES TO MATCH. THIS IS ALSO THE QUIETER AREA OF MIAMI BEACH, SO YOU CAN TAKE IT ALL IN.

9AM // GET YOUR WORKOUT ON AT MIAMI BEACH’S MOST ELITE FITNESS CENTER, ANATOMY AT 1220. THIS PLACE HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD POSSIBLY NEED OR WANT IN A GYM, OR LIFE (NOT TO MENTION, IT’S EVERY CELEBRITY’S GO-TO SPOT TO GET SWEATY WHILE IN THE CITY).

12PM // GRAB A LIGHT LUNCH AT WYNWOOD YARD’S DELLA TEST KITCHEN. WITH SIMPLE INGREDIENTS AND COMPLEX LAYERS OF FLAVOR, THEIR DISHES ARE INCREDIBLE. SAVE ROOM FOR THEIR ALMOND BUTTER CUPS – YOU WILL MOST CERTAINLY WANT ONE TO FINISH OFF YOUR MEAL…OR 15.

3PM // GO FOR AN AFTERNOON STROLL AND CHECK OUT SOUTH POINTE PIER. ITS SIGHTS ARE GORGEOUS, AND THE AREA IS FILLED WITH ACTIVITY FOR EVERYONE.

7PM // FINISH OFF THE DAY WITH MIAMI BEACH’S TASTIEST PIZZA, GIOTTO. IT’S A LITTLE HIDDEN SPOT RIGHT OFF WEST AVENUE, AND THE MARGHERITA THIN CRUST PIZZA IS TO DIE FOR! I PROMISE, YOU WILL NEVER EAT ANY OTHER PIZZA AGAIN.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US?

If you live in or plan on visiting NYC, LA, Chicago, Austin, Miami, or Denver, Mercedes-Benz is inviting you to share your city in a simple and artistic way on Instagram.

It’s easy—you create a quick (but beautiful) animated album of 5 of your best geotagged photos and upload it to Instagram. Then, you share your album on your feed with the hashtag #MBsociallydriven—and your photos might be featured on the Mercedes-Benz website!

Ready to rediscover your city? Visit the official website here to enter!

April 6, 2016

Santana Row

In all 13 years that my brother has lived on the west coast, I have somehow never traveled there to see him. Yes, I know what you may be thinking. Lynsee, you are a terrible sister. However, I live on the complete opposite side of the country so we would meet in the middle for holidays. In lieu of continuing this ridiculousness, I flew to California this past weekend to see him and his fiancé (and participate in all of her wondrous bachelorette party festivities). Let’s just say there was plenty of estrogen, red wine, and I managed to come back to Miami with the voice of Kermit the Frog.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of residing at the luxurious Hotel Valencia Santana Row. Having never been to Santana Row, I was astoundingly impressed with the area (restaurants, shopping, wineries, nightlife). It seemingly reminded me of Lincoln Road here in Miami. The hotel was nestled in San Jose, with an elegant old world European style meets sleek modern design. As the only hotel located directly on Santana Row, it catered to everything that I possibly needed. Upon arriving, a tray of my favorite french macarons were awaiting with sparkling water. When I’m traveling, finding a good place to workout is always on the top of my list so I immediately wandered over to the fitness center sweat out anything that was consumed at Jacuzzi and Cline wineries in Sonoma.

Unfortunately, it was a little chilly to test out the rooftop pool waters but the views completely made up for it. In the evening, the hotel’s Vbar offers an ultra modern cocktail lounge with views of Santana Row and brunch at Citrus Restaurant was perfect because they had plenty of healthy options. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed my stay and would love to go back when I’m in the area.

For more information, visit www.hotelvalencia-santanarow.com.

What I’m rocking:

Hat by GoJane

Bodysuit c/o Hot Miami Styles

Jeans c/o Hot Miami Styles

Shoes by Express

July 8, 2015

Summer Travels: My Birthday with Shelborne Wyndham Grand

The entire experience made my birthday unique and one to remember.

In celebration of my almost three decades of existence on earth, I decided to partake in a little stay-cation at the newly renovated Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach. Throughout my primer years of life, when I could eat all of the endless amounts of cheese pizza without gaining a pound, I was quite excited to wish myself into another year of life. However, I’m borderline reaching thirty, and let’s be honest…it wasn’t as thrilling to think about this year. However, I celebrated for what seemed like a full month and enjoyed every damn bit of it.

Formerly the Shelborne South Beach Hotel, the renovations of the Shelborne effortlessly blew my mind. The Miami beach resort is located in a prime location, right along the ocean, with walking distance to the beach, shopping, restaurants, and the nightlife. I’ve come across some Miami hotels that reside in old buildings with not-so-invigorating amenities, but the Shelborne offered everything with pure luxury. Let’s start with my arrival. As soon as I entered, their staff greeted me with smiles and immediately helped me with my luggage. When I checked in, the lovely woman at the front desk knew exactly who I was before I even mentioned my name. This was both pleasant and frightening at once, but I was impressed.

I stayed in a King room facing the ocean with glamorous finishes and stylish interior decorations, a mini bar, and a personalized greeting from the 46″ TV. I immediately made a dash for the oceanfront pool where I enjoyed a fresh mojito and chips and guacamole (my favorite). Let’s just say I spent my days poolside, and my nights celebrating turning another year older. The lobby level bar surprisingly turned into a sexy lounge in the evening, serving up special cocktails in which the mixologists lit on fire. To complete this trip, I absolutely had to try the infamous Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant, Morimoto South Beach for Sunday brunch. My mother and my little guy joined me for a delicious prix fix brunch: unlimited fresh juice bar, endless mimosas, maki rolls, Bi Bim Bop, omelettes, and dry ice styled desserts.

The entire experience made my birthday unique and one to remember. Thank you to the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach. Check out my Instagram for more photos.

For more information, visit www.shelbornewyndhamgrand.com

What I’m rocking:

Romper c/o Hot Miami Styles

Shoes c/o ASOS

June 30, 2015

Summer Travels: The Edgewater and Mitsubishi

In a bout of escaping Miami, I went on a little rendezvous to Madison for a mid-Summer break before the Miami Swim Week madness begins, and my thee-year-old son turns yet another older (somehow this happened over a span of time that I can’t recall). The extent of my trip was essentially magical. I had the pleasure of staying at the most prominent hotel in downtown Madison, The Edgewater. Located in the heart of the city and steps away from the State Capitol, the newly renovated Edgewater has an array of gorgeous details to make for a relaxing experience. The hotel has 202 guest rooms, beautiful views of Lake Mendota, presidential suites, on-site restaurants, ballrooms, and a pleasant spa.

The Statehouse restaurant had an elegant array of dining options, while The Boathouse boasted more of a casual aura. Additionally, The Icehouse was available for casual dining, and The Cafe for lighter fare throughout the day. For a want of a more captivating experience, I also received a little manicure pampering at their spa. I spent 30-minutes with the most pleasant young lady, who brought me and my hands back to life. There was something beautifully Zen and relaxing about the entire facility. Aside from the spa, The Edgewater also has a decked out fitness center and salon. Basically, you don’t ever need to leave the hotel.

For more information, visit www.theedgewater.com

Even so, no trip is complete without proper ride-along equipment. Now enters the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT, which was a beauty to drive throughout the city, and its styling was carefully designed. From the exterior’s smooth lines, cutting-edge design, and split grill, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT was without a doubt a standout to drive. This beast also had paddle shifters for a sportier driving experience, and a V6 engine for plenty of oomph. Of course, the touch panel display and rearview camera system are standard and a must have. It’s also purse-friendly for those looking to obtain a sleek SUV automobile that doesn’t dent the pockets.

What I’m wearing:

Top by Victoria’s Secret

Bra by Victoria’s Secret

Skirt c/o Pinnacle Runway

Shoes by ASOS

Sunglasses by Gucci

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT featured throughout

June 24, 2015

Summers Travels: Shore Club Miami

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of residing at South Beach’s most chic hotel, Shore Club. Aesthetically crafted, renowned architect David Chipperfield’s modern approach to design was showcased throughout the entire space. The hotel serves as a leader in South Beach’s social scene with sexy pool parties every Sunday, Redroom special events and exceptional nightlife options. Located directly on the ocean, Shore Club is walking distance to shopping and Miami’s hottest spots. The vibrant decor is featured throughout, with a labyrinth of gardens, polished terrazzo floors, eclectic furnishings, tufted floor cushions, and hand-woven tribal rugs.

My room, the Ocean View King, faced the ocean with a refreshing all-white color palette, Mexican sandstone bathrooms, glass-enclosed showers, and the most incredibly delicious smelling bath products by MALIN+GOETZ. Aside from the decor, Shore Club hosts the most popular pool parties on South Beach so I had to check it out. The vibe is relaxed with gigantic custom tufted day beds, hand-painted pillows, and a Rumbar for signature cocktails.

Let’s talk about the grub. Terrazza at Shore Club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a Ladies Who Brunch every Sunday. The brunch spread was amazing, including a custom pasta and omelette station, shrimp cocktail for days, fresh salads, cheese and antipasto, dry-aged steaks and chops, delicate salmon over polenta, handmade brick oven pizzas, and unlimited mimosas, beelines or bloody mary’s. What’s better than a decadent Sunday brunch overlooking Shore Club’s infamous pools? Absolutely nothing.

For more information, visit Shore Club’s website.

Swimwear featured: Hot Miami Styles

June 15, 2015

Summer Travels: HotelRED

During a recent stint to Madison, I had the pleasure of staying at the most chic boutique hotel in the area, HotelRED. Nestled across from the University’s legendary Camp Randall Stadium, it most definitely lived up to its reputation as the first stylish boutique hotel and restaurant in the city. My not so small Premier Studio Suite was decked out with contemporary furniture and lighting, gorgeous artwork, a furnished outdoor balcony, well-appointed kitchenette, European spa shower, a living room area for relaxation, and Aveda spa products throughout. For a moment, it felt as thought I was in New York City again.

Aside from the trendy rooms, HotelRED housed a quant restaurant and bar with approachable and sustainable dishes that cater to locals and travelers alike. The dirty martinis and shrimp cocktail were my go-to items. If you know me well, then you also know that a fitness center is a must wherever I travel to, and HotelRED had me covered with state-of-the-art equipment. Needless to say, I’ll be back very soon.

For more information, visit www.hotelred.com.

June 6, 2015

Summer Travels: YVE Hotel

As part of a recent Memorial Day Weekend “stay-cation,” my little guy and I stayed at the downtown Miami-chic YVE Hotel for a weekend of rest and relaxation. With its undeniably spectacular location, YVE offers the best that the city has to offer. During our stay, we had a gorgeous view overlooking the bay with lit up rooms and luxurious bedding. Everything was within walking distance – from Bayside Marketplace for shopping and entertainment to the American Airlines Arena and endless restaurants. However, YVE houses a pleasant restaurant and gastropub (Biscayne Tavern) that combines comfort food and globally inspired dishes.

For more information, visit http://www.yvehotelmiami.com

August 1, 2014

How to: Relax in a Day + Win a Trip to Hawaii

Summer is all about relaxing, despite some of our shortcomings in physically being able to take a break from work or school, and simply be. Nonetheless, everyone needs a little R&R periodically to reset. Therefore, I’m teaming up with Tommy Bahama to showcase some of my favorite ways to relax in one day (you can relax for one day – nobody will tell the relaxation police).

8:30 AM / Despite my ridiculous inability to sleep past 6 AM on any given day of the week, Sundays are my days for rest. Beginning a day of relaxation obviously requires a delicious cool smoothie and an inspirational book, and a Tommy Bahama Chillax recipe is just the fix. Rather than opting for a coffee (although I pretty much live for it), this mango and coconut-infused smoothie gives an island escape vibe for the entire day. It could also be mixed with rum, but an 8:30 AM cocktail may be a little too much relaxing just yet.

9:30 AM / Migrate to the bathroom for a little skin therapy – there’s something about applying an anti-stress facial mask and Lancome’s exfoliating cream all over my body that instantly relaxes everything. Perusing through my e-mail inbox and scrolling past Instagram selfies has never been so tranquil.

10:30 AM / Select an outfit for the day that consists of barely-there bikini bottoms and a matching top of course. Anything else would be uncivilized. After all, National Relaxation Day is August 15th so that’s the excuse that I’m going with for rocking a bikini all day, every day, up until then.

1 PM / By now, switching to a beach or poolside lounge chair has probably taken place. Take some time to clear your mind, rub a little tanning oil on the body, read a good book, and bask in all of this relaxing glory.

3 PM / It’s probably considered happy hour somewhere, so now would be a good time to add a little rum into that Tommy Bahama Chillax smoothie. I opted for non-alcoholic, but feel free to spice it up!

The Chillax Recipe:

1 ½ parts Cruzan® Mango Rum (optional)

¾ parts Cruzan® Vanilla Rum (optional)

1 part Mango purée

1 part Coco Lopez

1 ½ parts Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake over ice and immediately strain over cubed ice or blend it up for a deliciously refreshing beverage.

4 PM / By this time, I’m ultimately ravished and craving either chocolate or another snack that is equally healthy enough for me. In an attempt to combine the two, I concocted probably the most epic snack of all time: Cookies n’ cream popcorn. Shut the front door. It’s even kid-friendly (tested and approved by my toddler). The recipe for this will be on my YouTube channel.

6 PM / If you have ten fingers and ten toes, then you must keep them appropriately good looking to evade getting the judgmental chipped-nail looks from passersby. Applying a Nail Therapy pack to each finger, letting them sit for about 30 minutes, and covering them in gloves keeps them moisturized and beautifully resistant. Throw on some Dior polish and cuticle remover for a little nail luxury.

8 PM / Wrap up the day with a lavender foot soak and run a hot bubble bath, accompanied with a Lush bath bomb for utter relaxation. There’s something about the scent of lavender and jasmine that feels ritzy and comforting to the soul. Wonder what you accomplished for the day, and realize that it’s been one hell of a relaxing day.

In honor of National Relaxation Day, I’ve teamed up with Tommy Bahama to bring you the “Summer of Go” Sweepstakes which includes weekly giveaways between July 16th – August 18th and a Grand Prize Giveaway on National Relaxation Day weekend (August 15th – 18th)!

Weekly Prizes:

Air Transportation for 2 (anywhere Alaska Airlines flies)

3-night stay at select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts locations

$500 Tommy Bahama Gift Card

“Summer of Go” Travel Pack

$50 Uber Credit

Grand Prize:

Air Transportation for 4 (anywhere Alaska Airlines flies)

7-night stay for 4 at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

$1,000 Tommy Bahama Gift Card

Dinner at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant on Mauna Lani

$200 Uber Credit

“Summer of Go” Travel Pack

To enter the “Summer of Go” Sweepstakes, visit the Tommy Bahama landing page!

This post was sponsored by Tommy Bahama, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.