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Initial Bali Snapshots

I’m in love with Bali. It’s truly one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited, and the people here could not be any nicer. I’m a little behind on posting, so I’ve compiled our first few days in one post and will share additional pictures from our cooking class, trip to Padang Padang beach (where they filmed Eat, Pray, Love), dinner at Jimbaran Bay, and elephant ride soon.

Food

Eight Degrees South – great Mediterranean food
Suku – tasty Asian cuisine with nightly Balinese dance performances
Azure – our poolside go-to for lunch
East – a casual dining spot at the Conrad
Sakala – a phenomenal food experience – a trust “must” in Bali
Lakeview Cafe – delicious Asian buffet with breathtaking views
2Day Cafe – as close to a warung (local restaurant) as we’ve tried – great veggies
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Experiences

Relaxing at the gorgeous Conrad Bali lagoon pool and beach
Eating miso soup and drinking freshly squeezed mango juice for breakfast
Practicing outdoor yoga and exploring Nusa Dua by foot
Watching the awe-inspiring Devdan Show (think Cirque du Soleil + So You Think You Can Dance?)
Trying fresh Luwak coffee (read this to find out how it’s made)
Exploring the Balinese coffee plantation, Santi
Witnessing a perfect rainbow between Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur (sleeping volcano)
Trying lots of fresh fruit (except the stinky durian fruit – see Sasha eating it below)
Enjoying the cultural Barong and Kris Dance performance
Our favorite so far – praying in Bali’s holiest water at Tirta Empul
 

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Morning view from our room

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Where you’ll find us (every second day – 50% culture, 50% tan!)

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Temple style watch guard points

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I’m never leaving

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Miso and mango for breakfast

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Onsite temple

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Practicing my yoga moves (outside of the 7:30 Sunrise Yoga class)

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My poolside Summer Salad and Sasha’s hamburger – is there anything better?

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At the Kris and Barong Performance

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Evil and Pure Spirits are fighting (can’t you tell?)

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Amazing costumes in play at the performance

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Two of the main performers

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Waiting to pray in the holy springs at Tirta Empul

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Lots of people and things to be praying for

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Sasha looks darn good in a sarong (I’m totally biased)

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Trying teas and coffees at Santi Plantation

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The freshly picked coffee beans and spices at Santi

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In front of Mt. Batur

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A gorgeous rainbow outside of Lakeview

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Sasha being brave and trying durian

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Me being less brave and trying mangosteen

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Durians look as unappealing as they smell (and taste!)

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 presetMy only picture at Devdan before getting scolded for taking pictures!

Cyber Monday Sales

Photographer

I cannot stand shopping when it’s crowded, so Black Friday is definitely not something I participate in; however, I’m all about Cyber Monday. There are some incredible sales taking place today! See the discounts and promo codes for my favorite stores below.

PS It’s December. My favorite month of the year.

PPS I leave for Bali tomorrow. I’m exceptionally excited.

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30% off entire purchase at J. Crew with the code “MONDAY”

50% off entire purchase and free shipping at J. Crew Factory with code “GOSHOP”

40% off designer items at Saks Fifth Avenue

Fashion Reward members at Nordstrom earn double points today

30% off entire purchase at Piperlime with code “CYBER”

Spend $250 and get 15% off entire purchase at Shopbop with code “BIGEVENT13”

Get 40% off entire purchase at Gap with code “CYBER”

Get 40% off entire purchase at Banana Republic with code “CYBER”

Get 20% off your purchase when you spend $300 at Tory Burch with code “HOLIDAY”

 

 

images via fourthlake

Favorite Black Boots

BlackBootsEvery year, I splurge on one new pair of boots. I got Tory Burch black ankle booties two years ago and tan DVF boots last year, and I wear them both all of the time (yes, it’s finally fall/winter in  Texas!). As I begin to make my Christmas list, I’ve been tagging some of my favorite black (abd dark gray) boots. I love the Tory Burch Jess Boot (#5) and the Sam Edelman Shay Bootie (#2 – only $140!). Are you a boot fan? Have you spotted any other cute options?

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featured image via pink peonies

Annual Christmas Card Photos

Since our family moved to the States in 1997, we have taken Semple family pictures every single year. I love this tradition, and I’ll make sure that my own family continues it. I had the honor of being asked to take our good friends’ Christmas photo – I was so thrilled. We took the pictures in the Houston Arboretum at Memorial Park (I am obsessed!). I took about 400 and narrowed it down – my favorites are below. Isn’t “Mister P” precious? He’s 15 months old now – see his 6 month photos that I took here and him at the hospital here. I love this family.

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