ode to hampton park.

I've written about my love of Hampton Park before, but I really can't say enough about one of my favorite places in Charleston. Now that it's a block from my house, I stroll over with the pup several times a week. It's the perfect way to end a long day.

A lot of people don't know about the park — even people who grew up here — so it feels a bit like a hidden gem. That said, more and more people seem to be discovering its charms, and it's so nice to see the grounds full of runners, picnic-ers, cyclists, and people walking their dogs.

I rarely see them at work, but the park's volunteers do an amazing job with the gardens — they always seem to be in bloom. In the early spring, the azaleas and camellias flood the park with vibrant pinks and reds. Later in the summer, the hydrangeas explode with bright blue and purple blooms (I'm always tempted to steal a few stems!), and the magnolias fill the park with their fragrance. Right now the roses are peaking — stop by soon and take a sniff, and maybe scramble up a sprawling live oak while you're at it.

photos taken with my iPhone.

mexico withdrawal.

It's been more than a week since we returned from Mexico, but I still wake up expecting to see the sun rising over the ocean outside my window. That's how I started every day, uncharacteristically waking up at 6 a.m. to slide open the balcony doors and let the salty breeze in, then calling room service for a big breakfast to be delivered to our room. We drank Mexican coffee and ate pastries in fluffy robes. I've never been so spoiled in my life.

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort just outside of the fishing village of Puerto Morelos. I researched resorts obsessively before buying the tickets. My criteria: Oceanfront, infinity pools, multiple dining options, swim-up bar, good reviews. The Now Jade Resort delivered on most fronts, though the food was sometimes lacking.

We rented a car, which I'd highly recommend. It cost $60 for the week, less than the price most shuttles will charge just to take you to your hotel. This allowed us to go where we wanted when we wanted. No waiting on cabs, no packing into tour buses with a bunch of drunk Canadians. The roads were clearly marked, and we felt very safe, even when we drove down a dirt road to a remote spa in the jungle.

Highlights of the trip: Massages at said spa, exploring the ruins at Tulum, fish tacos and margaritas on the beach in Puerto Morelos, bargaining for beautiful Mexican blankets at the market, and paddling around the stunning Siete Bocas cenote on the Cenote Trail. Although it was great just hanging out by the pool, I'm so glad we left the resort and got to know the Riviera Maya.

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and you have questions, please feel free to ask!

Mayan ruins at Tulum

More Tulum

 These monstrous lizards were everywhere!

I ate a lot of fish and shrimp tacos. A lot.

Deep thoughts with Todd: Beach or pool? Rum runner or mojito?

spring break.

Mexico. by ericajackson featuring madewell

I don't think I've ever deserved a vacation more than I do this one. March was brutal, complete with endless special issues at the paper, demanding freelance projects, and a sinus infection to boot. I may only be going to Mexico for five days, but I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. And by that I mean hanging in a hammock over an infinity pool sipping mojitos until I turn into a raisin. I'm also secretly happy that the resort doesn't have Wi-Fi so Todd and I will be forced to unplug for the first time in a long, long time.

What are your spring break must-haves? I'm making sure to pack plenty of magazines, serious sunblock, and the kind of glam poolside attire I probably couldn't get away with on little Sullivan's Island.

Mission: DIY.

If you're anything like me, you've got a big ol' pile of DIY projects you've been meaning to try. Pinterest is my favorite source for inspiration (here's my DIY board), and here are a few projects I'm thinking of taking on this weekend. 

gold tumblers!

camera straps!

 ipad case! (different fabrics, though)

pretty pictures! 

 key hooks!

plight of a pale girl.

So, I feel a bit behind-the-times asking this, but what are your thoughts on self-tanner? I'm a few weeks away from living in a bikini, and I'm as translucent as the day I was born. Tanning beds are out, obviously, but I'd like to fake a bit of a glow, at least. Any advice, dear readers? Favorite brands, methods?

troubadour.

I've been a big fan of Lindsey Carter since seeing her debut show at Charleston Fashion Week in 2009 (I interviewed her here and here). As a finalist in the Emerging Designer competition, she was up against swimsuit designer Marysia, who ended up winning the grand prize — it was definitely a tough call. Both designers have since found great success, and Lindsey recently unveiled some images from her new line. Aren't they purty?

lizzy c.

I've been doing a bit of freelance work for Lizzy C Photography, a company based in Melbourne, Australia. Lizzy is an amazing photographer and she's so fun to work with. Through the wonders of the internet, I've been assisting her with blogging, editing, and social media, and I've really enjoyed it so far. Be sure to check out her website!