Practicing Delayed 'Grativacation' for My Postponed Trip to Italy
I had planned to arrive in Italy today for a luxury travel event in Venice. My itinerary included a brief stay in Milan, a hosted tour of Turin, followed by a full weekend of luxury events in Venice. I have been looking forward to Travelux 2020 since I attended for the first time in March of 2018. That event, hosted at Lake Como, was filled with luxury travel experiences in and around Lake Como, San Remo, and Abano Terme. The trip caused me to fall even more in love with Italy, Italians and living la dolce vita. The event was also a life-changer for my new travel business.
I had planned to arrive in Italy today for a luxury travel event in Venice. My itinerary included a brief stay in Milan, a hosted tour of Turin, followed by a full weekend of luxury events in Venice. I have been looking forward to Travelux 2020 since I attended for the first time in March of 2018. That event, hosted at Lake Como, was filled with luxury travel experiences in and around Lake Como, San Remo, and Abano Terme. The trip caused me to fall even more in love with Italy, Italians and living la dolce vita. The event was also a life-changer for my new travel business.
I’ve been looking forward to reconnecting with my Italian travel partners and friends, so I’m disappointed about the necessary change of plans. Like so many of us, I’m practicing delayed ‘grativacation’ while looking forward to getting back to Italy when the event is rescheduled.
In the meantime, I’ve been looking back over blog posts from that trip in 2018 and will never forget, despite the most meticulous packing of my life, how I arrived in Italy for my first luxury travel event and my luggage didn’t arrive for another 6 days! I learned a lot about packing strategies but, more importantly, how to ‘make it work’ when your resources are low. I also wrote about my best tip for when you are forced to wear sneakers at a fancy event at Villa d’Este and dealing with other uncomfortable moments. ;)
Are you practicing delayed ‘grativacation’ too? What trip did you have to cancel? What travels are next are your wanderlist? Since you may have time on your hands, like most of us do these days, you can read more about my solo adventures in Italy in 2018 in the collection below (see first post at lower right of collection).
Check out: Keeping Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive
“Delayed Grativacation - The fine art of looking forward to a postponed trip and keeping the wanderlust alive. ”
Hello From Our Home to Yours in the Age of 'Physical Distancing'
Hello Friends,
Who could’ve known, just a few short months ago, what our current ‘normal’ would look like? Though our world feels like it’s turned upside right now I do hope you are finding moments of comfort, connection and even humor as our lives have slowed down.
Hello Friends,
Who could’ve known, just a few short months ago, what our current ‘normal’ would look like? Though our world feels like it’s turned upside right now I do hope you are finding moments of comfort, connection and even humor as our lives have slowed down.
I’m on day 19 of my ‘physical distancing’ and am hunkered down with my husband here in Chico in Northern California. We are healthy, comfortable and yet concerned about the state of our world right now. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, truth be told. How are you coping? How has this new chapter impacted your life?
I shared a few thoughts on Instagram earlier this week:
A glimpse of our world in the ‘slow life’ era.
We’ve been busy in the kitchen. Destination themed dinners have been a hit (think paella, sangria and fried plantains from Spain with the Gipsy Kings playing in the background). We’ve been trying to keep our meals fresh with lots of veggies and salads but I also broke down and baked chocolate chip cookies for the first time in years.
WOW! Hello cookies, we’ve missed you!
With all the home cooking we are now doing I must confess to missing some of the dishes at our local restaurants. We’ve ordered take out once or twice and plan to do it again soon to support the local businesses.
You will find the recipe to these soft and yummy chocolate chip cookies on my Pinterest board here. By the way, I used a light whole wheat flour and they turned out perfectly.
This made us laugh today. Does your home cooking weeks on end leave you feeling like this?
Humor from my wise mom.:)
This video popped up in the images on my phone today. We were in Provence this week last year and it is a good reminder of the beauty of that trip and to have hope that we will be traveling again someday soon.
I’ve had a number of friends and clients reach out to see how my world in the travel business is faring during Covid-19. Though I’ve had a number of changes, including my two biggest groups (one to Paris and a Med cruise) cancel within two hours of each other, many of the other trips I’ve worked on for clients are being postponed rather than cancelled. This is hugely helpful for the travel industry as well as our own peace of mind. Those of us who are energized and motivated by travel are feeling like our wings have been clipped about now. Don’t dispair! Look towards the future, plot your travels for next fall, 2021 and beyond. I share more tips in this post on How to Keep Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive.
Thank you for reading today. Stay healthy and please reach out if you are so inclined. Let me know if there is specific content I can share - Travel inspiration? Travel tips? Travel Updates? Health and Wellness? - that would be helpful. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below or by email. We will get through this chapter by supporting each other.
Be well,
Heather
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The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, with gray ashes falling into the pool, our world here in Butte County has been forever changed.
We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, gray ashes raining into the pool, our world here in Butte County has changed.
Scott and I stared in shock at that swiftly moving smoky cloud as we flipped on the news to find that the newly named Camp Fire, tearing through our neighboring Paradise, was moving at the speed of a football field every 3 seconds. With my cousins and many friends living in that area we were desperately concerned for their safety. My cousins (and pets) safely evacuated to our house leaving with the roar of fire in their ears. They brought a young friend who had escaped as her home burned, flames flanking the road as she drove down the mountain, with burning embers peppering her car.
The day was a blur as we provided blankets, water, toast & jam, soup, chocolate and a steady stream of news but there was truly nothing that could quell the anxiety and fear for the possibility of lost loved ones, pets and homes. Scott ventured out to the grocery store amidst road closures and insane traffic but made it back with pasta and pizza, comfort food, for dinner.
Though I started packing a few essentials earlier in the day, around 8:30 Thursday evening it all became real as we received our own mandatory evacation order at our home on the south edge of Canyon Oaks in Chico. We suddenly had lots helping hands but left in a flurry of packing, loading and warnings and wishes to neighbors.
This was the view out our window and up our street as we fled.
Scott, our elderly cat Jack, and I ended up at my step-daughter Briana’s home on the north end of town where she, Shawn and baby Charlie provided food, drinks and lots of TLC for the night.
We finally slept but I awoke in the darkness of early morning to check the firelines on my phone to see if our home was possibly still standing. Within an hour we felt pretty certain the fire had not progressed to our home.
We later learned just how close the Camp Fire came to our neighborhood. Our home is the black dot surrounded in blue.
It was sweet comfort to wake up to this little guy, grandson Charlie, and have the kindness of family that morning. By late morning we were incredibly relieved to get the notice that we were cleared to return home.
This was the surreal drive home across town at around 11:30am as I followed Scott in his SUV. I’ve never seen a daytime sky the color of charcoal with an orange glow. We also knew, with that dust and ash came a world of devastation, loss and heartbreak.
It’s been almost a week since our world changed:
My dear cousins lost everything except the few items they could pack into their cars. They are in shock but grateful to be safe and sound. We have numerous friends and colleagues who lost their homes in Paradise and everything but the clothes on their backs. We know some who have lost a family member in the fire.
The devastation in Paradise and surrounding areas is truly jawdropping as you have probably heard on the news. The loss of life is astounding as the stories continue to unfold of residents miraculously escaping with flames on all sides. There are still so many who are unaccounted for and tragic stories of those who were unable to escape the flames. It may be months before some of those remains are found and identified.
There are also heartwarming stories of bravery, generosity and great appreciation. The firefighters have been a godsend. Giving, sharing and volunteering helps to ease the anxiety and stress of the the moment. When an entire town is decimated, as Paradise has been, our neighboring city of Chico is welcoming the residents with shelter, food, clothing, fundraisers, work spaces, governing spaces, places to worship and eventually, places to attend school. The community support is overwhelming and a true bright spot with the grim headlines.
Unfortunately, our town of Chico, with a population of around 90,000 has a 1% vacancy rate. Nearly 7,600 homes have been destroyed in this fire. Homeless camps are growing all over town. It’s cold, rain is coming, the holidays are on the horizon. My husband is at a community meeting right now and just texted me that the Camp Fire has displaced 4 times the number of students as did the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa last year. It will be a long haul of rebuilding. Not just months but years.
I write this post today since I’ve heard from so many family and friends from around the world sending prayers and well wishes. They have watched the news coverage with horror and want to help. I know many of you reading this are wondering how you can help. Centers are overwhelmed with clothing and shoes right now but financial donations are desperately needed.
A few of my favorite local donation options:
Action News Now Camp Fire Fund 2018
North Valley Community Foundation - Butte County Schools Fire Relief Fund
If you prefer to donate directly please consider Mrs. Davis & the Fox Class on Go Fund me to support a teacher from Ponderosa Elementary who saved her students. Her classroom and home were both destroyed in the fire.
For now, life feels forever changed here in Butte County. We will support each other and we will rise again, hopefully coming out better, stronger and safer than before. We are #ButteStrong.
Thank you for your support and care for our world in Butte County. xx
Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire - FEMA
How It Feels: “When You Lose Everything in a Fire” - Kristen Moeller
Wine Country Fires Bring Devastation, Heartbreak and Resolve.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
Before and after images of wine country.
This story simply breaks my heart:
Resolution in wine country.
A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower for Briana (and Our First Grandbaby) xx, Gigi
It was a sweet summer bébé shower last month for my beautiful step-daughter, Briana. We are incredibly excited for Briana and Shawn with their little one on the way. Briana's mom, Shawn's mom and I co-hosted the shower for family and friends at her mom, Danielle's, house. For me, the preparation started with flowers at home. I used a mix of pastels since they have chosen to be surprised with the gender of the baby, due in early November. I created little nosegays for use in mason jars. I added ribbons with both pink and blue colors because the ribbons (with baby motif) were just so darn cute!
A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower
It was a sweet summer bébé shower last month for my beautiful step-daughter, Briana. We are incredibly excited for Briana and Shawn with their little one on the way. Briana's mom, Shawn's mom and I co-hosted the shower for family and friends at her mom, Danielle's, house. For me, the preparation started with flowers at home. I used a mix of pastels since they have chosen to be surprised with the gender of the baby, due in early November. I created little nosegays for use in mason jars. I added ribbons with both pink and blue colors because the ribbons (with baby motif) were just so darn cute!
Scott helped me deliver the rocking chair we had ordered from their registry. We were so pleased with this piece, comfortable and stylish, that they will enjoy for years (and hopefully more babies to come!). Though this shower was only for the ladies, the men went out to brunch while we were celebrating.
A sweet summer shower for a beautiful mom-to-be and we can hardly wait for the next chapter!
xx,
Gigi
![What I Gained By Giving Up My Shopping Habit [Retirement Series]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a66444d017db2e6975e076e/1525640325246-TGHMSE1K8UX2TQD23X8Q/Heather+shopping.jpg)
What I Gained By Giving Up My Shopping Habit [Retirement Series]
The last time I indulged in my regular shopping habit was June 2016. This may sound odd, but I’m tracking how long it’s been since I have darkened the door of my previous shopping addiction, TJMAXX. It’s been nearly 10 months. I’m sure my friends working at the checkout stand assume I’m pushing up daisies by now!
As with many life transitions, like retirement/reinvention, being conscientious with finances is an essential piece of the puzzle. I’m impressed by how much cutting the excess shopping can ease the strain of a reduced income. It’s a simple, but effective formula.
The last time I indulged in my regular shopping habit was June 2016. This may sound odd, but I'm tracking how long it's been since I have darkened the door of my previous shopping addiction, TJMAXX. It's been nearly 10 months. I'm sure my friends working at the checkout stand assume I'm pushing up daisies by now!
As with many life transitions, like retirement/reinvention, being conscientious with finances is an essential piece of the puzzle. I'm impressed by how much cutting the excess shopping can ease the strain of a reduced income. It's a simple, but effective formula.
What I Gained By Giving Up My Shopping Habit
*Living More Minimally - Granted, this is easier now that I'm not dressing up every day for my career. It feels good to refine my style for this phase of life, pare down my wardrobe and donate what I no longer need. My closet is more spacious and organized with this less is more approach.
*Time- By cutting out at least 3 hours of browsing time around my favorite shopping haunts per week I gained 156 hours per year. That equals more time for creativity, connecting, working out, pilates, reading, cooking, bubble baths and simply enjoying life.
* Cash - If the average shopping trip to a TJMAXX is $50 this can easily add up to a monthly savings of $200-300 which is a fantastic saving of roughly $3000 per year. I would rather save my money for traveling at this point. Spending wisely, and setting savings goals, is an essential part of any life transitions, especially retirement.
*New Respect For Things I already Own - While packing for our recent trip to Costa Rica I was tempted to buy a new sundress or two. I checked my closet, strategically, and realized I had some pretty things that I already owned that were perfect for the trip. Rather than spend on something new, I enjoyed reimagining pieces that I had enjoyed in the past. I shopped my closet and it felt good.
*Self-control - I gave up my shopping habit COLD TURKEY and haven't looked back. Sometimes I miss that rush of a few new bags of shiny objects, but that high never lasted long. Have you noticed? I feel good about my use of time and have spent some of that money I've saved getting back to the pilates studio twice a week. The change of habit has worked well for me in saving money, saving time and getting fit.
*Self-Respect - Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping or spending money. When I was working at a stressful job, and bringing home a healthy paycheck, I felt I deserved a little fun money for treating myself. I called it "shopping therapy" on the way home from work. I had a fantastic gift closet and a well-feathered nest. Sometimes, I would find myself in a daze walking around the store, pushing the cart, and ended up feeling like it wasn't the best way to spend my late afternoon or day off.
How Many Shoes Do We Really Need?
A word on strategic shopping. Yes, I have had to shop and make purchases during the last 9+ months, of course. I have needed to add a couple of pieces to my wardrobe, activewear and loungewear, with my new entrepreneurial lifestyle and pilates routine. I've also purchased several gifts online this year. I make my list, research online, and either purchase online or from the one place I do allow myself to get the necessities here in Chico: Target. When our local Target started selling groceries, veggies, milk, Starbucks coffee, wine and the occasional fashion designer collaboration (like this one), I joked that I could spend a year shopping exclusively at Target! I do my strategic one-stop shop at Target when my list has an assortment of items and hit Trader Joe's or Safeway for additional grocery items. My shopping style is strategic and simplified this year. It may not work for everyone but it is working for me this year.
This is a thought-provoking topic for me because I am also the owner of an online boutique and shopping is good for my business! I'm not against shopping, we all need to do it, I'm simply sticking with my goal of being strategic in my shopping and not wasting time strolling the aisles in a shopping daze looking for that next shopping high.
In essence, what I've gained by giving up my shopping habit is really about the bigger picture of life. Changing any ingrained habit is not easy, but the benefits can be truly surprising, just as this one change has been for me.
I have another exciting motivator for curbing my shopping habit and saving that extra cash. My husband, Scott, has recently announced his retirement in June from 30+ years in education as a school psychologist, program coordinator and statewide mental health services advocate. Can you tell I'm proud of him and his accomplishments? We are going to have such fun in this new chapter together. I'm already planning our next travel adventures. Strategically speaking, I've already decided that a pretty new dress is in order for a retirement party. :)
Do you have any tips for managing finances during life transitions?