USA: The shopping

Unfortunately, I didn't find the shopping to be as great as I expected. This could have been because it was the end of sale period and there wasn't as great a variety of stock, but I just didn't find that many unique pieces. Let's face it, I do like my Australian/ NZ designers.

That said, I did do a bit of shopping and had some fair finds. It amazed me just how cheaply you can buy into the latest trends, so that even at full price it hardly feels like spending money at all. There were also quality pieces that were much cheaper in America, so I splurged on jeans, shoes and a watch. And let's not even mention the skincare and make-up...

Here are some of my purchases:

Floral jeans; cream and spearmint knits, from Forever 21 - super cheap!

Bought this sheer cherry print maxi from Manhattan Beach (best boutiques of the trip)

Super cheap but super cute blouse from H&M, pictured with Stuart Weizmann brogues bought on sale from Saks 5th Ave (they remind me of those Marc Jacobs ones I'd hoped I'd find)

Knit and pleat skirt from Zara - brights were a big trend!

Michael Kors watch and J Brand jeans...
and yes, this is me lying on the grass, exhausted after a day's shopping.

USA: The sights (New York)

New York, wow, what a whirlwind. After 6 days and 7 nights, I was so incredibly exhausted. There is just so much to see and do, especially at night time when there is a smorgasbord of world class theatre, music, comedy and more to choose from. I had wanted to check out a few well known restaurants, but to be honest I was almost too busy to eat...

Times Square: sensory overload

Just imagine how much shopping there is to do in a city this big

Loved Little Italy - only ate here on night, but I think I could have done so every night, quite happily!

The Normal Heart was an amazing play on Broadway (starring 'Sheldon Cooper'!)
It's finished now, but I would also recommend the off-Broadway play All New People, written by Zach Braff (from Scrubs, also wrote Garden State) - very funny!

Harry Potter exhibition!!! Yes, I'm a nerd...

I would definitely recommend our hotel, Staybridge Suites Times Square (but not in the really busy section!). On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday they do Happy Hour, with beer, wine, softdrink, hot and cold nibblies... all free! Buffet breakfast is also free. And the rooms are a good size, with big comfy beds.

USA: The sights (West Coast)

Manhattan Beach in LA - liked this better than the more iconic Venice Beach and Santa Monica, due to the cute boutiques, better food options and incredible beach-side mansions. Although I did love cruising along Santa Monica in the convertible happily singing Everclear and seeing the familiar views from so many movies. But, in my opinion, Manhattan Beach had the best shopping in LA and a great, relaxed vibe.

The drive along Highway 1 was amazing, with breathtaking views

Santa Barbara was one of my favourite spots; this is the old Mission, which everything in the town is designed to match. A lovely shopping strip and great food complete the experience.

Would definitely recommend El Paseo, a quaint Mexican restaurant - go on 'Margarita Monday' - this is not advertised and we were surprised to see how cheap the delicious cocktails were!

Elephant seals and squirrels were both in abundance at Piedras Blancas along Highway 1. Skip past Hearst Castle and stop here instead.

The specialty of the northern California coast.

Yosemite National Park - go for 2-3 days for sensational views at every turn.

The fog rolls in over the Golden Gate bridge.

Love the San Fransisco architecture.

The view from the window of our Mustang convertible.
I loved the variety in the Californian landscapes.

I really enjoyed California, it's so relaxed and the people are really friendly. It's pretty tough to be back at work, but it's nice to look back on the photos and imagine that I'm still there.
What an adventure!