Launching My CURATED TRAVEL Website

/
Launching My CURATED TRAVEL Website

There have been some exciting developments behind the scenes lately and I'm happy to announce that I have just launched my new CURATED TRAVEL website.  If you have followed Style*Mind*Chic Life blog you know that my Curated Travel/Travel Designer business has been based on the same website. I've had the blog for 6 years and added my Curated Travel business 1 1/2 years ago.  I think it's time for my CURATED TRAVEL to finally have its own space, a modern, visual destination on the web.

Read More

CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean

/
CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean

This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean. After 8 days floating on this stately cruise ship, I have a new appreciation for the fine art of cruising. The Caribbean is just as beautiful as ever with the shimmering turquoise waters, sugar sand beaches and beguiling breezes.

Read More

Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

/
Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.

Read More

Travel Mosaic: The Year in Photos 2017

/
Travel Mosaic: The Year in Photos 2017

It was a busy travel year around here for 2017 and that's just the way I like it. One thing I appreciate about living in Northern California is how accessible beautiful, and diverse, destinations are within a three-hour drive. This allows for us to easily get away to San Francisco, wine country, the Monterey coast or Lake Tahoe within an easy road trip. We added in a couple of beach trips to Southern California for family events this year. It's always fun to catch up on family time.

Read More

Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space

/
Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space

You may have the picture-perfect vases and glassware that produce a glistening display in your cupboard. You might even own the most breath-taking Victorian era furniture in pristine condition. But even the most perfect of accessories can fall flat in a room lacking a cohesive space.Creating a sense of unity in your home is a top priority, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your preexisting style and decor. When it comes to designing your home, there is no right or wrong. It’s a matter of choosing what accessories, colors, and furnishings best suit you and making all of your preferences work flawlessly together.Every home is about as unique and varied as the individuals who live in it — so why not let it show? You don't have to settle for mundane color schemes or one specific style to create the ultimate look in your home.If your rooms seem to emit a sort of choppiness or you can’t quite get the looks of your room to flow, be sure to check out our simple tips for creating a cohesive look in your home below.

Read More

A Chic Evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco (The Video Edition)

/
A Chic Evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco (The Video Edition)

I recently shared a blog post about our festive evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco last month. What a fun surprise to see a video from the event pop up on the KNOT Pro blog. They do such a fantastic job with both media and style. I am honored to have my Curated Travel voted best of the KNOT for 2018. 

Read More

A Happy New Year Postcard for You!

/
A Happy New Year Postcard for You!

ello friend,

I’m sitting here at the desk of my home office this afternoon with a view of threatening rain clouds over Chico, a steaming mug of wild sweet orange tea, and the scent of my latest favorite candle, French Cade Lavender by Voluspa. It casts a much needed warm glow around the winter pale room and the fragrance is heavenly.  I have chill music on Pandora (though my husband is still blasting holiday tunes out in the kitchen).  We are different that way, he can’t get enough, and by this time of the season, I’ve had enough. Today feels like the calm after the “holiday storm” and I feel like life is coming back into balance following a solid month of festivities. Though we will be heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends at the country club, I have an entire afternoon to appreciate the stillness, the calm and reflect on the year that has passed.

Read More

A Festive Evening with the KNOT Pro on Treasure Island, San Francisco

/
A Festive Evening with the KNOT Pro on Treasure Island, San Francisco

The KNOT premiere wedding website threw a festive event in San Francisco for members of the KNOT Pro. It was a celebratory evening since I had recently been notified that my Curated Travel won ‘Best of the KNOT’ for romance travel for 2018.  Why not attend a stylish, chic, hosted event on Treasure Island, San Francisco? Scott and I packed up and made the quick trip to San Francisco in early December. 

Read More

The Napa Valley Winery Experience

/
The Napa Valley Winery Experience

Napa isn't just known for the winery selection within the valley, but it's definitely one of the drawing points. This area is referenced as one of the top spots to vacation in the country. The weather is generally gorgeous, the small businesses are booming, and the people are friendly! Maybe it's the wine talking, but there's no better place to be a lover of all things vino. It can be a challenge to narrow down the wine community into a manageable list of wineries to visit in one go. We're here with some hidden gems and other popular options for a memorable winery trip in Napa Valley.

Read More

Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler

/
Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler

It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.

Read More