Dear Mom + Our MOST Exciting News Ever!!
Dear Mom,
From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile. From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.
From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.
Dear Mom,
From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile. From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.
From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.
From you, I learned of the mind-expanding benefits of travel, the essential nature of curiosity and that the devil is in the details. I've also learned the importance of feathering a comfortable nest and placing fresh-cut flowers bedside for family members and house guests. From you, I've learned the importance of celebrating, entertaining, and the fine art of throwing a party!!
From you, I've learned about courage. From moving to Hawaii at the young age of 19 to teach school, to taking out a rattlesnake, with a shovel, to protect us at our house in Loomis. WOW! I've learned about courage from you in that after your own losses you chose to adopt 2 baby girls, Heidi and me, and create a wonderful family life for all of us.
I learned more about grace and courage from your strength through dad's illness and passing, to embracing life and new love years later, with Hal.
From you, I'm learning to ask for what I need and WAIT for the response, rather than acquiesce away from what I deserve (remember that hotel scene in Paris?).
From you, I've learned to live life to the fullest each day, be grateful for all that we have and look towards an even brighter future ahead.
I'm looking forward to celebrating YOU with Heidi and the family this weekend. Can hardly wait!
Love you dearly, Heather
PS - I will never create a bouquet like you do, from flowers grown in your perfectly manicured garden, and I always love to see your colorful creations.
On another note, we will be celebrating Mother's Day this year with some exciting news to share.
There is something brewing in our family and it's a baby for Briana (my step-daughter) and her wonderful guy, Shawn. They gave us this sweet card, above, to announce their pregnancy. It was truly one of the most exciting moments in our lives for Scott and me. We are over the moon excited for these two. They will be amazing parents!
This will be the first grandchild for us, 'Grandpa Scott and Grandma Gigi'. Our family is growing and we couldn't be more excited!
To my dear birth mom, Marcia, recovering from surgery this week, under the care of my sister, Dorie, I'm sending hugs and special Mother's Day wishes for you both.
Not all of us who mother gave birth and life can be complicated. There are many ways to be family and to all who mother children, step-children, grandchildren and more, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!
CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy
Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy - Set in a former monastery dating back to the 12th-century, this luxury hotel features stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Seamlessly blending traditional architecture with contemporary decor, the hotel has an elegant ambiance and is ideal for a romantic Amalfi Coast vacation.
Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy - Set in a former monastery dating back to the 12th-century, this luxury hotel features stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Seamlessly blending traditional architecture with contemporary decor, the hotel has an elegant ambiance and is ideal for a romantic Amalfi Coast vacation.
Doesn't this place look dreamy? The mix of old world historical detail and Italian luxury creates the perfect home base to explore this picturesque area. The views of the Amalfi Coast are breathtaking from this vantage point. As I experienced with our travels to Italy last summer, these captivating views never truly leave your mind's eye.
Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast
Getaway to Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy
The Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi offers the European riches campaign including daily American buffet breakfast and welcome Champagne drink upon arrival.
To book this dreamy destination in Italy or your next getaway, contact me.
Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves
We are seeing them everywhere this season-- flared, gathered, tapered, capped, layered, slit, caped, draped -- those sensational sleeves. When I was in fifth grade I asked my mom to sew a dress for me with straight sleeves and 2 layers of fabric encircling the wrists. I was also very clear, I wanted it in daffodil yellow!!
Oh, how I felt I made a bold fashion statement in that yellow dress, circa early 70's, with those sensational sleeves. We can skip the references to my 'Big Bird' yellow taste, but I will confess I continue to have fashion affection for those sensational sleeves.
Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves
We are seeing them everywhere this season-- flared, gathered, tapered, capped, layered, slit, caped, draped -- those sensational sleeves. When I was in fifth grade I asked my mom to sew a dress for me with straight sleeves and 2 layers of fabric encircling the wrists. I was also very clear, I wanted it in daffodil yellow!!
Oh, how I felt I made a bold fashion statement in that yellow dress, circa early 70's, with those sensational sleeves. We can skip the references to my 'Big Bird' yellow taste, but I will confess I continue to have fashion affection for those sensational sleeves.
Style Tip: Wearing dresses or blouses with sleeves is also a good way to hide skin imperfections or skin that may not be as firm as we want it to be. Hello aging beautifully!
Are you a fan of this trend or is it just too much?
Which look is your favorite?
Know your sleeves:
Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of ‘Pura Vida’, more eloquent than mere words can express, it’s an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Getaway to Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica
Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida', more eloquent than mere words can express, it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Secrets Papagayo is a luxury, all-inclusive beachfront resort on the peninsula of Papagayo. The intimate collection of low, mostly one-story bungalows, are sprinkled throughout the expansive property, infused with tropical beauty. Chauffeured golf carts are available, at the touch of a button, to whisk you to your destination on the property. Ipads in each suite allow for ordering up spa services, room service and more. An in room 'secret cupboard' allows for your meals and drinks to be delivered to your suite, without being disturbed, with 24-hour room service. Once delivered, a light goes on and you know that your meal has arrived.
Stunning natural beauty abounds in Costa Rica.
secrets-papagayo-costa-rica
Evening at Secrets
From morning yoga on the beach, to kayaking, to wildlife hikes, bike tours, wine tasting dinners with live music, private beachside dinners and dance lessons, Secrets has plenty of options to keep you happy. Spotting the monkeys in the trees was one of the highlights for us. Secrets resorts are known for luxurious spa treatments and a couple's massage has become a must do for our getaways. We also made some fun new friends, always a plus of traveling. Dana and Chandler, see you in Aruba!! ;)
As preferred club members we can reserve a private beach cabana, with full service, for the day. We found this to be a wonderful way to spend a relaxing day (or 6) at the beach.
Food and drink options are limitless at Secrets. From healthy options to decadent dishes you can live it up however you like. With all-inclusive gourmet dining, you don't worry about a thing!
That moment, of taking care of a bit of travel business on my laptop, from this "home office". The stuff of my dreams!
A breakfast serenade at Secrets....
We enjoyed every minute of our getaway to Secrets Papagayo. Each time we visit a resort from the AMResorts group - Secrets, Zoetry, Dreams - we are so impressed with the impecable, friendly service. Staff is trained to make our staff seamless and enjoyable. We feel at home, at each resort, from the moment we are greeted with a friendly smile, served a cool towel, a frosty welcome drink and a "Welcome Home".
Costa Rica, infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida' -- more eloquent than mere words can express -- it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Costa Rica-you are such a natural beauty! We are taking your 'pura vida' attitude home with us!
To book a getaway to Costa Rica contact me:
For more on Unlimited Luxury at Secrets
Thank you to Unlimited Vacations and Secrets for making our stay so unforgettable!
The Transportive Quality of a Great Read with Kristy Woodson Harvey
I'm a sucker for an accent, especially a southern drawl. I'm sure my fondness for the sounds and pace of life in the south comes from my dad, born and bred in Pickens, South Carolina. I remember several visits to the south and being enamored with the gentle breezes, slower pace, and friendliness of the place.
When it comes to reading, I gravitate towards books that transport me to my faraway places, such as Italy or Paris, but I've recently added the South to my collection of favorite reading destinations, thanks to my most recent read.
I'm a sucker for an accent, especially a southern drawl. I'm sure my fondness for the sounds and pace of life in the south comes from my dad, born and bred in Pickens, South Carolina. I remember several visits to the south and being enamored with the gentle breezes, slower pace, and friendliness of the place.
When it comes to reading, I gravitate towards books that transport me to my faraway places, such as Italy or Paris, but I've recently added the South to my collection of favorite reading destinations, thanks to my most recent read.
Kristy Woodson Harvey - Author
I'm excited to introduce my blog friend, and best-selling author, Kristy Woodson Harvey and her latest novel, Slightly South of Simple. Kristy is getting lots of buzz for this latest release -- part family, part design, part southern charm -- and it is well-deserved. I became acquainted with Kristy and her mom, Beth, through their super stylish blog, Design Chic.
You will never catch me reading sci-fi, but I am captivated by a story about relationships. Kristy captures the voices of a mother and 3 grown daughters in an authentic way. I would describe Slightly South of Simple as a sunny day at the beach, with a few menacing, cloudy twists. I'm glad to hear this magnetic read is the first of a series on this family of strong, independent women, landing again in Peach Tree Bluff. I loved it! Kristy's book is a perfect Mother's Day gift for the women in your life!
The next “major voice in Southern fiction” (New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand), Kristy Woodson Harvey, introduces her novel SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE, which chronicles the journeys of three sisters and their mother.
- Elin Hilderband
Kristy's writing has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including Southern Living, Traditional Home, Domino, Houzz and Our State. She has been seen in Readers' Digest, Women's Health, The Washington Post, Dr. Oz The Good Life, The Huffington Post, USA Today's Happy Every After and North Carolina Bookwatch, among others. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five-year-old son where she is working on her next novel.- Bio
A wonderful Review on Huffington Post
To purchase:
Slightly South of Simple: A Novel
To follow:
Instagram: @kristywharvey
Twitter: @kristywharvey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristywoodsonharvey
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mydesignchic
This book was a gift to me and all opinions expressed are my own.
The HOT List: City Guide - Chico, California
The HOT List: City Guides will feature an ‘in the know’ local sharing hot tips on her hometown. Our first HOT List features a longtime Chico resident, and one of my favorite people, Melanie Drakulic.
The HOT List: Chico
I'm excited to introduce a new series on Style*Mind*Chic Life for my Curated Travel brand. The HOT List: City Guides will feature an 'in the know' local sharing hot tips on her hometown. Our first HOT List features a longtime Chico resident, and one of my favorite people, Melanie Drakulic.
City Guide Bio: My name is Melanie Drakulic and I consider myself a local Chicoan. I was born in San Francisco, CA and moved around a bit from state to state until I was in 6th grade when my family moved to Chico. I attended Chico Junior High, Chico High, Butte College, and Chico State University undergraduate school and graduate school. I’ve been a child, a teen, and an adult in Chico and each stage has brought new insight for me about what a special community Chico really is.
How long have you lived in your city? 33 years (minus a few when we lived in Portland, OR)
3 Words to describe your city? Natural, Seasonal, & Homey
Best place to spend the night? Hotel Diamond is a historic building relatively recently restored and is in the heart of downtown Chico. It is walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shops. There is also a restaurant and bar in the hotel that offers a fun atmosphere and live music.
Favorite spot for brunch? Nash’s Restaurant has always had a terrific brunch with bottomless champagne. The atmosphere is fun and lively for all ages.
(Mike and the kids)
Favorite place to catch a view? Monkey Face in Upper Bidwell park is a short hike that results in views of Horseshoe Lake, Bidwell Park Golf Course, and the surrounding lower parts of Upper Bidwell Park. Also driving down from Paradise, there is a lookout point where you can clearly view the Butte Creek Canyon that is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Favorite place for a date night?Fifth Street Steakhouse is our go to for date night. It’s fun to have a drink at the bar and intermingle with the crowd of various friends we run into also out on dates. Then to be seated in their red leather booth in the dimly lit, warmly decorated dining room makes for a perfect setting to enjoy wine and a delish meal.
Describe your favorite meal in town? The Sicilian Café is a locally owned family restaurant in a unique corner of downtown. It is the kind of place you go to spend the evening, not rush through a meal. You start with antipasti, then soup or salad (they have the best homemade blue cheese dressing), your entrée (my favorite is the Chicken Americano, my husband loves the Veal Parmesan), and of course dessert ~ the homemade tiramisu!
Favorite rooftop or dive bar? Of course, Duffy’s is the town favorite. It’s a locally owned dive bar with an eclectic mix of patrons, cheap drinks, a jukebox, sports on TV, lively talk, and down to earth service. And bonus - The Pub Scouts play their traditional Irish music there three nights a week.
Best spot to workout? Upper and Lower Bidwell Park are the best free and natural places to work out. Exercise options range from hiking, running, swimming, mountain biking, roller blading, golfing, etc. There are miles of trails and creeks to explore and work up a sweat on. If you’re looking for gym action, I go to the old tried and true Chico Sports Club. It’s not fancy, and maybe a bit outdated, but the instructors are the best. They make Zumba, Pump, HIT, Yoga, and Pilates fun and calorie burning!
Favorite places to shop? We shop for food at our local co-op S & S produce and Butcher Shop Meats. They provide mostly local, organic products in a quaint and rustic shop. If we are doing retail shopping, I generally head downtown to any of the local boutiques such as Urban Laundry, For Elyse, or Made In Chico. Chico Sports Ltd. And Fleet Feet are also good for sporting and exercise shops.
Favorite natural beauty spot? I really love Butte Creek along Honey Run Road. There are several spots you can pull over and picnic and play in the water along the road all the way up to Honey Run Covered Bridge.
(Melanie - another natural beauty - enjoying the water)
(Jack and Calina walking on rock walls)
Favorite street to wander? I love to wander around the Chico State Campus for its natural beauty with its many different trees, flowers, and the creek that runs through campus. The buildings are also beautiful with the classic brick buildings to more modern designs toward the newer parts of campus. I also like to meander down the little streets between Chico State and Chico High, like on W. Frances Willard to look at the quaint and unique architecture of the homes along that street.
Hidden Gem in your city? I’d have to again reference Bidwell Park, Lower Park & Upper Park. So much to do and see. From Lower Park trails and playgrounds to Upper Park hikes and swimming at stops like Bear Hole and Salmon Hole. So beautiful and accessible.
HOT List City Style Tips: Chico has four full seasons. Your wardrobe will need things for freezing cold, rain, mid 50’s to 60’s, warm sunny days, and blistering hot over 100 degree days. We are casual chic here. Dare I even say a little Bohemian? Well, at least I am ☺. Nothing too formal is necessary in Chico.
Thanks for sharing your HOT List Chico, Melanie. I've known you for 15 years and I still learned some new tips.
Love it when you dish, girlfriend! ;) xx
You know you want to book!
![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?
Designer Spotlight: Trina Turk's Home in Palm Springs
I’m a long time fan of the colorful, vibrant, chic designs of Trina Turk.
I'm a long time fan of designer Trina Turk's effervescent use of color and pattern in textiles and easy, breezy fashions. Her vibe is purely Palm Springs chic which speaks to the desert lifestyle of lounging poolside, in bikinis or caftans, during the day, and cocktail parties under the brilliant desert stars in the evening. Palm Springs was my go-to weekend getaway spot during my years living near Los Angeles and I appreciate the desert vibe. I spotted this collection of images from the house she shares with her husband, Jonathan Skow, in Palm Springs. Though they were originally seeking a mid-century modern home with glass walls and clean lines, they fell in love with this home inspired by the lines of a sea going vessel. I hope you enjoy this peek into Trina Turk's vibrant Palm Springs world.
Our home is anchored by pieces my husband, Jonathan, and I have collected over the years. Adding, deleting, and switching things up over time gives a home true character.
Designing a room and a head-to-toe look are not that different! Color, texture, proportion and fabrics are all important—from a room’s architecture (the body) to the furniture (clothing) to the art and accents (jewelry, shoes).- Trina Turk
I love Trina's colorful collection of vintage jewelry and sunglasses.
#designinspiration
See more of Trina's home and discover a list of her favorite spots in Palm Springs:
