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

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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.

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Curated Travel Dream Destination: Amanyara Turks & Caicos

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Curated Travel Dream Destination: Amanyara Turks & Caicos

Amanyara in Turks and Caicos features a combination of pavilions and villas which sit in harmony with the environment. The buildings have low roof lines that converge with the landscape, embracing lakes, ponds and an oceanfront setting that includes low rocky headlands and a sweeping white sand beach. The contemporary design villas have a dramatic overhanging roof line that creates shaded outdoor areas on the three terraces.

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

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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.

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Our Stay in a Luminous Apartment in Centro Storico of Siena, Italy

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Our Stay in a Luminous Apartment in Centro Storico of Siena, Italy

Thick stone walls create a sense of velvety silence and the stone stairway, leading up to the second-floor apartment, is worn with footsteps of the ages.

There are so many options of where to stay while traveling that it makes the decision all the more challenging, but also intriguing. I love to pour over the images and descriptions of each destination under consideration; our trip to Italy was no different. After months of flirting with various lodging ideas - a villa in the countryside perhaps - we happened upon a charming apartment in the historic city center of Siena. The second-floor apartment is housed in a former monastery and it looked like the right place for us.

As with most of our travels, Scott and I crafted what we wanted our experience to be in Siena. We wanted an authentic, medieval city living situation in the heart of the city.

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A Summer Getaway to Siena, Italy

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A Summer Getaway to Siena, Italy

Scott and I spent a day in Siena, back in 2003, punctuated by wrong turns, a stint mistakenly driving in the no-vehicle zone and an epic heat wave. When we finally settled in and enjoyed the charms of an al fresco dinner, we vowed to return to this hilltop city someday. Siena was Scott’s top choice as a destination for our summer in Italy, so this was our time to revisit.

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through a Travel Consultant

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through a Travel Consultant

As a well-seasoned traveler, I can attest that I've already seen these types of benefits in trips that I've booked for my travel clients and it is exciting. Whether you are looking to travel the alluring views of Italy, the romantic streets of Paris, a sun-splashed beach in the Caribbean or any dream destination, I've got some fantastic resources for your next getaway.

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Curated Hotel: The Sonoma Mission Inn + the Surprising Power of a Surprise!

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Curated Hotel: The Sonoma Mission Inn + the Surprising Power of a Surprise!

We seem to have a number of family birthdays mixed in among the holidays. Though Scott’s birthday was a couple of days after Thanksgiving he suggested we celebrate on the holiday since we had a family dinner planned. While that was a great idea, I wanted to surprise him with a little something extra this year. On Thanksgiving I had him open a box with his upcoming surprise that read, “Pack a Bag, Birthday Boy!”.

We had a day to clean up from Thanksgiving and pack for our weekend getaway so it was a leisurely schedule.  I was tempted to spill the beans on our destination, but I kept it a secret. Seeing his excitement for this adventure reminded me of the power of a surprise.

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Signature Style: Fall Edit

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Signature Style: Fall Edit

Have you given much thought to your signature style? The older I get the more I feel the desire to hone in on my unique style, have laser focus on what I have that works (and what doesn’t), clear the clutter, donate to those in need and simplify my style. Rather than more is more, I’m taking a less is more approach:  less clutter, less mindless purchasing and more refinement of my style. This is my vibe, especially for this stage of reinvention in my new lifestyle.

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Curated Hotel: A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano

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Curated Hotel: A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano

We leave the seductive, photogenic Amalfi Coast with one last peek; a chic afternoon on the terrace at the luxurious Le Sirenuse Hotel. The iconic hotel, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, has launched a thousand fantasies, mine included. Who can forget those scenes in ‘Under the Tuscan Sun‘ with Diane Lane and Raoul Bova filmed in Positano and Le Sirenuse? There are no words to describe the relaxed luxury of a world-class hotel like this. I’ll let the images tell the story.

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Boating to the Dreamy Isle of Capri

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Boating to the Dreamy Isle of Capri

I have daydreamed of Capri. Cerulean blue waters, pastel buildings, brilliant hues of bougainvillea and windswept trees gracing the terraced landscape.  The lemon-scent mingling with fragrant notes of wild rose and sea air. I could feel the gentle waves of the bay lapping against the boat.  I am mesmerized.

You will be greeted with this picturesque scene at Marina Grande when you arrive by boat.

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