April 18, 2017

What I Gained By Giving Up My Shopping Habit [Retirement Series]

April 18, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

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.

April 12, 2017

Designer Spotlight: Trina Turk's Home in Palm Springs

April 12, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

I’m a long time fan of the colorful, vibrant, chic designs of Trina Turk.

April 07, 2017

CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Bora Bora in French Polynesia

April 07, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

One of the destinations at the top of my travel bucket list is Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The shimmering turquoise waters and sparkling sugar sand beaches speak to a tropical paradise. The Tahitian experience, in over-water luxury bungalows, is the stuff of fantasy.

April 04, 2017

COLOR STORY: Blush

April 04, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

The first home I owned was a condo in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, in La Crescenta. Though it was small, purchasing it was a huge milestone in my life. It was a brand spanking new one bedroom, one bath space with a balcony that overlooked a luscious garden of fragrant orange trees from the neighboring house. It was perfect for me.

Though I kept the color scheme neutral, back in the late 1980’s, I sought out the perfect shade of blush paint for the walls of my bedroom. The color, chameleon as the light changed throughout the day, added just the right amount of warmth to my space. Blush is a universally flattering shade which is always a good thing, especially in the bedroom.

March 29, 2017

An Afternoon in Beguiling Bellagio on Lake Como

March 29, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

One afternoon Scott and I pointed our rented Peugeot northeast, from our villa in Lezzeno, to beautiful Bellagio for the afternoon. Known for grand hotels, elegant villas, voluptuous flower boxes and stunning views from the steep staircases of the city center. Bellagio is beguiling.

March 22, 2017

How to Survive Those 'Last Day of Vacation' Blues

March 22, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

All good things must come to an end and my least favorite phrase to hear on vacation, “Tomorrow is our last day” was spoken.

UGH!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a nester and I love being at home, but once we settled into our luxurious suite, adjusted to the pace of resort life and getting spoiled — by gourmet food, fruity drinks, and pampering spa services — as well as being catered to at our every whim, it is hard to say goodbye to our new friends at Secrets Papagayo.

March 14, 2017

Curated Travel: Tips on Prepping for an International Getaway

March 14, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

I've spent the weekend packing for our first getaway to Central America--Costa Rica--to be exact. I'm expecting a lush, tropical jungle, bold adventures, and a bit of luxury pictured above--and I'm excited. After 11 days home with the flu, I am feeling good as new and ready for a getaway to Secrets Papagayo with my favorite guy. Over the years, I've found that packing requires different strategies for different types of vacations. International travel has a few additional requirements.

March 09, 2017

Curated Hotel: A Cozy Wine Country Getaway to the Wydown Hotel in St. Helena

March 09, 2017/ St. Helena, California/ Heather Lindstrom

Wydown Hotel has a well-appointed suite including luxury linens, super plush robes, slippers, gourmet coffees and fun touches like free bottles of Izze sparkling clementine. After settling into our rustic luxe suite we opened a bottle of wine and relaxed in the cozy leather chair for two. I spotted a hefty stack of stylish coffee table books on wine country life and knew this would be a cozy way to relax after the rainy drive.

March 05, 2017

COLOR STORY: Rainbows of Color

March 05, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

Perhaps it's because the pre-spring weather is vacillating between sunny with blue skies to waves of pelting rain, all within the same hour today, that has me dreaming of rainbows. Or perhaps it's because I have been housebound for....wait for it...8 days and counting, with a nasty respiratory flu that has me seeing a mirage of cold-medication induced rainbows today.

February 25, 2017

Our Lakeside Stay at a Villa in Lezzeno, at Lake Como, Italy

February 25, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

If the Amalfi Coast is shimmering pastels and Siena is rich, brushstrokes in oils, then Lake Como is bathed in watercolors mingling shadows with light. The views of mountain, sky and water are made chameleon by the microclimates in the Lombardy region of the Italian Alps. From sunny and brilliant to dark and stormy, punctuated with raindrops, no wonder this moody vista is considered magical to those who visit.

February 21, 2017

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

February 21, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

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.

February 15, 2017

Curated Travel Featured on The Knot Website For Destination Weddings, Honeymoons + Romance Travel

February 15, 2017/ Heather Lindstrom

Romance Travel

I have some exciting news about Curated Travel services. My travel advisor business is now being featured on The Knot's wedding website as a vendor of romance travel. Romance travel is big these days! It has expanded from destination weddings and honeymoons to bachelor parties, engagement parties, and even bridal shower getaways. Babymoons, rekindle moons (as I call them) and retirement moons are also hot these days. It's clear that travelers are finding fulfillment in celebrating milestones of life in unforgettable destinations.

Zoetry Agua Dominican Republic

The Link:

Curated Travel on The Knot

If you followed have Style*Mind*Chic Life blog you may remember that I received an invitation to The Knot's Dream Wedding in wine country a couple of years ago. I was honored to be invited for an all expenses paid trip to wine country to cover the wedding as a lifestyle blogger. Unfortunately, I had two events in Chico on the same day, including graduation for students in the adult program where I worked; it was a difficult decision but I had to decline the invitation. I was lucky enough to attend via live- streaming. The Knot staff sent me the professional images of the wedding so that I could blog about the event: My Invitation to The Knot's Dream Wedding in wine country.