Jamie Laubhan-Oliver
Creative Director, D Home and D Weddings
Vacay locale: Marrakesh, Morocco
1. Mint. Any time we popped in a shop, they served us mint tea. I haven’t found the equivalent for consumption here, but the Cire Trudon Abd El Kader candle from Grange Hall smells as sweet. $95.
2. Amber. I brought back amber blocks for my closet to remind me of the many apothecaries. When I saw this beautiful amber potpourri at Nicholson-Hardie Garden Center, I knew it would be my go-to replacement. 25 oz. box, $78.
3. Caftans. I love these Moroccan staples on Dallas soil, because a simple change of shoes takes them from casual to elegant. Calypso St. Barth has several styles, including this hand-block print silk caftan. $425.
Ryan Conner
Associate Editor, D Home and D Weddings
Vacay locale: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
4. Mexican tops. We bought a lot of handmade blouses at the busy outdoor markets. Stanley Korshak carries Mi Golondrina, a gorgeous line of embroidered clothing and linens created by Dallasite Cristina Lynch. Long-sleeve deshilado top, from $395.
5. Lavender. San Miguel is also a big producer of lavender. The T Shop has pretty bundles of dried sprigs that can be arranged in a vase as a fragrant bouquet. $18.
6. Churros. Vendors serve up the cinnamon-sugar-covered treats on every corner in San Miguel. Rafa’s Cafe Mexicano in the Park Cities has some of the best churros in Dallas. $2.95 per order.
Nancy Nichols
Senior Editor, D Magazine
Vacay locale: Havana, Cuba
7. Mojito. Cuban bartenders use at least two teaspoons of sugar in every glass. La Duni makes a slightly less-sweet version with a taste that takes me back. The only thing missing is a view of the Malecón. $9.75.
8. Cigars. Friends always ask me to return with cigars. After smoking their last Cohiba, they head to Cigar Art, where Cuban masters roll Bishop Arts blends every weekday. Box of 20 Robusto cigars, $144.50. 504 N. Bishop Ave. 469-399-0901.
9. Classic cars. Havana’s streets are filled with antique American cars, many in mint condition. They drive with pride, and so do the folks who take vintage Mustangs and Dodge Challengers to Keller’s Drive-In on Northwest Highway on Saturday nights.
