Heather Lindstrom 1/24/18 Heather Lindstrom 1/24/18

Sure Fire Romance Inspiring Hotels to Ignite Your Spark

There is nothing quite like a romantic, or sexy, hotel to ignite the sparks for a romantic getaway. Several of my favorite destinations can be found in the Romance Collection 2018. Enjoy the visual inspiration to set the scene for a fine little romance.

ROMANCE INSPIRING HOTELS TO IGNITE YOUR SPARK

The holidays are packed away for another year and thoughts are turning towards a new month and the romantic promises of Valentine's Day. I can almost hear the champagne corks popping in anticipation. Can you?

I'm pleased to see a number of my favorite destinations and resorts in this collection from Classic Vacations. I am also excited to see some destinations I'm currently booking for my clients. Those lucky honeymooners!

ROMANCE COLLECTION 2018

If you see any destinations that capture your eye, I can make that dream a reality for you.

Curated Travel

A few of my favorite romantic destinations:

Tips on Romance:

Romance Posts

Images

Heather Lindstrom 2/21/17 Heather Lindstrom 2/21/17

The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home [Thanks to Bacio Catering]

The menu for the Valentine’s Day carry-out dinner was pure deliciousness . I pre-ordered the butternut squash lasagna and Scott ordered the steak medallions with red-wine reduction. Bacio clearly laid out all instructions for heating our meal and it came together in just a few minutes. There was plenty of time to enjoy sips of sparkling wine while preparing our courses.

The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home

For Valentine's Day last year, Scott had the brilliant idea of bringing home a carry-out dinner for us. It was perfectly romantic to relax at home, without fighting the crowds, and enjoy a gourmet dinner. Flash to this Valentine's Day and we thought it would be fun to collaborate with the talented chef/caterer Amanda Leveroni of Bacio Catering again.

Despite one of the rainiest seasons on record here in Northern California, the weather was unseasonably warm which allowed for another alfresco dinner. I created a colorful table with a runner I purchased in Positano, Italy, last summer. The bold florals accented the lemon motif platter, also from the Amalfi coast. I added the flowers - roses and lilies - Scott brought home the evening before, a few candles and the table was set. Scott and I headed into the kitchen to see what delicious cuisine Amanda had cooked up for us this time.

I asked Amanda about her inspiration for a romantic dinner menu like the one she created for her customers this Valentine's Day and she dished:

"Our inspiration for this dinner? Well, that’s a tricky one. It has to be easy, user-friendly, not too complicated for someone (or 2) to re-heat and figure out. It’s the trick really with all of the items that we offer in the carryout.
When we are at your house or venue, our chefs can make it all magical. When you buy food from our retail location or a special dinner like this, we have to take into account soooooo many factors. Does it re-heat well? How does it present when it’s cold in the case? Ahhhhh! It’s such a hybrid business in the food world.
Our inspiration comes from the beautiful stuff the farmers bring in our back door. We look at what’s beautiful and delicious and build from there. We’re inspired by the many ways that we all think this meal should be shared. Shhhh! It get’s kind of naughty." - Amanda Leveroni

The menu for the Valentine's Day carry-out dinner was pure deliciousness . I pre-ordered the butternut squash lasagna and Scott ordered the steak medallions with red-wine reduction. Bacio clearly laid out all instructions for heating our meal and it came together in just a few minutes. There was plenty of time to enjoy sips of sparkling wine while preparing our courses.

Tasting Notes:

*The cheese board featured just the right balance of cheese, fruit, crackers and nuts. The Point Reyes Toma is always a favorite cheese in our house.

*The Mega Glow Greens included slices of orange, watermelon radish, sweet-spiced nut brittle and golden drops of dressing.

*The butternut squash lasagna, with velvety Grana Padano cheese, was to die for, as was the Niman Ranch beef. We shared bites and were equally pleased with our selections.

*Honey glazed carrots and potatoes infused with garlic thyme browned butter rounded out our entrees.

Bacio catering paired with Tin Roof Bakery for crusty bread and Mim's Bakery for the decadent, creamy chocolate delight that was intensely rich and decadent, so much so that we had some leftover for the next night. Mim's created our wedding cake 16 years ago and that added a special touch for our Valentine's day.

Amanda Leveroni is famous for her fresh, seasonal and flavorful dishes in the north state area and it is always a treat to see what combinations she will put together for a menu. Bacio Catering definitely understands the fine art of a romantic dinner at home.

We are hoping that Bacio Catering will be offering their romantic Valentine's Day Dinner again next year. In the meantime, you can order Bacio Biz Boxes year round or stop by the shop at 1903 Park Avenue to pick up delicious dishes to carry out for lunch or dinner. For more on Amanda's inspiring story of 30 years of fresh, healthy food and community love here.

Our thanks to Amanda Leveroni and the Bacio team for creating a romance inspiring carry out dinner for us. Just as you said, Amanda, there are many ways this kind of delectable meal can be shared. Dining at home can be most romantic, especially with a menu like this one. We agree with you, "Food is Love".

Cheers to you!

Our meal from Bacio Catering was a gift to us.

All opinions are, as always, my own.

Romance inspiring travel at Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom 2/12/17 Heather Lindstrom 2/12/17

The Fine Art of the Romantic Gesture [It Doesn't Cost a Thing!]

Nothing like my husband being gone the weekend before Valentine's Day to make me feel nostalgic and sentimental. I've been in a mood to clear the clutter and organize this winter, so I dug into boxes of old photographs and cards this weekend for a stroll down memory lane.

I was reminded of the fine art of the romantic gesture; it costs absolutely nothing (or nearly nothing if you buy a card). This is a good one. Nearly 20 years from when we first met, this romantic gesture still fans the flame around our house. The first year I started this blog I somehow got Scott to agree to share his perspective on how to make your love interest swoon.

These are just a few of my vast collection of romantic cards, and notes, from my guy. They are still the first thing I would grab in a fire, so I've now taken to capturing a few of them on my camera for safe-keeping.

I would share the notes, but perhaps it's best to keep some things private--even for a lifestyle blogger. ;)

If you are looking for a swoon-worthy Valentine's Day dinner in the Chico area, Bacio Catering and Carryout has the most delicious menu for a romantic Valentine's Dinner at home.

Check out the menu for this Valentine's Day:

You can still order for Valentine's Day here!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom 2/5/17 Heather Lindstrom 2/5/17

5 Romantic Places to Dine Like Star-Crossed Lovers - Curated Travel

Let’s face it, sometimes we all need a little inspiration to bring the romance back into life. It’s so easy to let day-to-day stresses zap the life blood out of a relationship. If you are needing a few ideas to enhance a date night, a couple of these romantic places to dine that might just set the stage.

5 Romantic Places to Dine

Let's face it, sometimes we all need a little inspiration to bring the romance back into life. It's so easy to let day-to-day stresses zap the life blood out of a relationship. If you are needing a few ideas to enhance a date night, a couple of these romantic places to dine that might just set the stage.

By the Water

Whether you find a seafront restaurant like this one at Seven Seas Los Cabos, Mexico, or one of your favorite lake view or river view spots, the glow of the sunset over the water will make you dine like starry-eyed lovers. You won't be able to help yourselves!

On a Beach

It may be a beach cabana to celebrate a birthday on vacation, like this one at Secrets Maroma Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico, or a simple picnic basket at the beach. Having a beach walk after dinner, or even during dinner, adds to the romantic quality of beachside dining.

High on a Mountain Top with an Expansive View

For us, it was this unique family style dining experience high above Positano, at La Tagliata, on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The views, the ambiance, the family vibe and the FOOD, made this evening unforgettable. That sunset view of Positano was magical and a view always enhances the mood.

On the Rooftop

Take it to the rooftops! I've sung the praises of a rooftop moment several times on this blog. We have found a few favorites over the years, including the Water Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hudson Hotel in NYC and hotel rooftops in Seville, Barcelona and Lisbon.

Pack a Picnic (or pick one up on the way)

A picnic works equally well for daytime or nighttime. On a sunny Sunday last spring Scott and I headed out for Table Mountain, near our home in Chico. We packed a couple of items and picked up a few things at our favorite healthy takeout place for an easy picnic lunch. We spent the afternoon enjoying the natural beauty of the sunshine, fresh air and springtime blossoms.

At Home

You don't need to go far, your most romantic place to dine could be at home. I know it was for us last Valentine's Day. Rather than fight the crowds and expense of local restaurants, Scott had the idea to order a gourmet dinner from our favorite local caterer, Bacio Catering. Amanda and crew created a swoon-worthy Valentine's Day menu. My only task was to make the table look pretty while Scott plated and presented the multiple courses of our delicious dinner. Dining at home, with such deliciousness, made it a truly relaxed and intimate dining experience. I noticed that Bacio is offering their Valentine's Day Dinner for 2 again this year. Check out the drool-worthy menu. If you live in the north state area, I highly recommend this experience for an utterly romantic Valentine's Day dinner that will have you two acting like star-crossed lovers at home!

Do you have any places that you find especially romantic for dining or date night?

Curated Travel

Heather Lindstrom 2/14/16 Heather Lindstrom 2/14/16

The Fine Art of Romance (His+Her Perspective)

For me, romance is not the sweeping gesture, the dripping of diamonds or the elaborate gifts. For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared in

For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared several years ago.

If I have my choice, travel is my go to for celebration or creating some romance.

The Fine Art of Romance

Is there such a thing? I imagine romance is a bit different for each of us.

What does it mean to you?

For me, time spent enjoying my loved one [Scott] and creating memories is the fine art of romance. I also love a hand-written sentiment, as Scott and I shared in this post from several years ago.

If I have my choice, travel is my go to for celebration or creating some romance.

Unfortunately, not this year.

Scott and I had planned to be on our winter vacation for Valentine's Day this year. Perfect timing to be on a tropical getaway, or so we thought.

As with many things in life, when plans change, we come up with Plan B.

Disappointed...yes, discouraged...no!

We are figuring out how to bring some romance home this year.

As Scott continues dealing with ongoing back pain, we are finding different ways to create some romance around the house. It might be a soak in the tub or our re-discovered outdoor spa. It may be a whirl around the globe over steaming mugs of coffee, plotting our next travel adventures. Or it may be soaking up the unusually warm weather we are having here in California this week by dining on the patio. It will be savoring the fragrance of the first of the season tuberoses Scott found at Trader Joe's (my favorites) and there will be some moments of gratitude. Not for what we don't have this year, but for what we do have. Romance is not just about a day. It's more about how we live our lives, don't you think? I've shared some thoughts on how to keep the spark alive and tips for getting the 'sexy back' in previous posts.

zoetry-champagne-balcony-stylemindchiclife

I asked Scott what romance means to him this year and he decided to write it down:

From Scott: I suppose there is not a clear distinction between romantic and loving, so I'll blend them. The last four months have included my shoulder surgery, a wonderful, quick trip to San Francisco to celebrate Christmas with "the girls" (my three daughters), a rather severe back injury with another potential surgery (me, again), and the canceled tropical getaway. Through all of these ups and downs, mostly downs, Heather has really "been there". She was tearful just before my shoulder surgery (worried wife). She took me for a walk in the park when I got cabin fever. She was generous, loving with my family. She has clearly felt my pain with me, she has gotten up in the middle of the night when I was in angry agony over the back pain, and she has been patient when my pain and frustration resulted in less-than-appreciative behavior on my part. Together, we have continued to find reasons to laugh intensely, and she has remained kind, hopeful, adventurous, sexy and romantic. What is romantic to me? A woman who shows me this love when I'm far from my best. I hope my gratitude and plans for more future romantic getaways are enough for her to feel romanced this Valentine's Day. - Scott

Following a short escape to wine country early in the week, we are happy to be home on Valentine's Day. Scott ordered up a gourmet carry-out dinner from Bacio Catering here in Chico. Since I have been handling the load of shopping and cooking for the last few months, this is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day without the hassle. I love the thoughtfulness of his gift and I'm looking forward to a gourmet dinner at home that I don't have to cook. ;)

What is the fine art of romance to you?

Heather Lindstrom 9/8/14 Heather Lindstrom 9/8/14

My Mother's Wedding Video (Happy First Anniversary Jeri & Hal!)

Heather Lindstrom, Jeri and Heidi at the Wedding

My radiant Mom, Jeri, on her wedding day, with my beautiful sister, Heidi, and me last September.

There is nothing that makes a daughter happier than knowing her mother is enjoying life and love to the fullest. My mom, Jeri, and my new Step-father, Hal, have enjoyed an uncommonly rich romance, a heartfelt and memorable wedding celebration, and a European honeymoon in the last two years. It's safe to say, this daughter is extremely happy for these two, especially as they celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

This is the wedding video....it will make you cry happy tears!