Signature Style: Block Heeled Sandals
Call them a perfect blend of style and comfort and I'll call it a signature style. I'm spotting block heeled sandals all over this summer and I'm loving the look. My pregnant step-daughter, Briana, showed up at dinner with a stylish pair of black block-heeled sandals last week and reported that they are a comfortable way to wear heels, even when pregnant. Talk about walking on solid ground in style!
Signature Style:
Block Heeled Sandals
BLOCK HEELED SANDALS
Call them a perfect blend of style and comfort and I'll call it a signature style. I'm spotting block heeled sandals all over this summer and I'm loving the look. My pregnant step-daughter, Briana, showed up at dinner with a stylish pair of black block-heeled sandals last week and reported that they are a comfortable way to wear heels, even when pregnant. Talk about walking on solid ground in style!
Block heels are significantly more comfortable than the stilettos I've almost completely given up on, finally, at age 55..... Sigh! I have to admit that years of rocking medium to high heels, on a regular basis, have taken a toll. I now reserve the higher heels for a dressy event or special date night, otherwise, I'll reach for the block heel or stylish flat anytime. I also find the block heels to be more balanced and sturdy than flirting with the delicate kitten heel, while usually lower, but can often feel unbalanced.
Block heels are my new favorite for summer. You will definitely see some chunky heels popping up on my Instagram page for upcoming travel.
This gallery features some of my favorites looks. I especially like the ankle strap numbers. Nude shoes ALWAYS elongate the leg which is a plus in my style book. Are you a fan of the block heel style? Has your shoe style changed recently like mine has?
A Parisian Apartment Style Brunch
One of the most alluring reasons to stay in a Parisian apartment while visiting Paris is savoring a taste of the French way of life. With a boulangerie, fruit market, grocery, patisserie, butcher and international market on nearly every block, it’s easy to gather the freshest, tastiest ingredients each day to create memorable bites.
Our Parisian Apartment style brunch in Paris
Brunch in the Parisian Apartment
One of the most alluring reasons to stay in a Parisian apartment while visiting Paris is savoring a taste of the French way of life. With a boulangerie, fruit market, grocery, patisserie, butcher and international market on nearly every block, it's easy to gather the freshest, tastiest ingredients each day to create memorable bites.
It doesn't have to be elaborate, though it can be, for us it was simple, fresh and flavorful. These are a few of the items we collected for brunch in the Parisian apartment in July. Pain au chocolate croissants, café crèmes, asparagus quiche, juicy peaches, and fresh scrambled eggs for one morning. This was our simple, fresh, tasty le petit déjeuner in the Parisian apartment.
(Click on images for slideshow)
Where is your favorite place to brunch?
For more on this romantic Parisian apartment.
To book your dream getaway to Paris contact us - Curated Travel.
Getting the Most Out of Your Yosemite National Park & June Lake Visit
Yosemite is one of California’s greatest natural treasures and a national icon. The majesty of the mountains, the proud sequoia, and the vibrant blue of the glacial lakes can also be enjoyed from the neighboring June Lake. I have a lot of experience with the area, so I wanted to share my tips for the best possible visit.
The most popular area of Yosemite is the highly photographed Yosemite Valley. Anyone who sees it can’t deny its beauty, but in the summer months, it becomes very crowded. The same remarkable landscape can be seen in its northern counterpart, Hetch Hetchy Valley, but with a more exclusive feel. Tuolumne Meadows can also be a more secluded area to visit, and the colorful wildflowers and vibrant, clean water of the Tuolumne River are a balm for the soul.
Getting the Most Out Of Your Yosemite National Park & June Lake Visit
Guest Blogger: Andrew Lowen
Yosemite is one of California’s greatest natural treasures and a national icon. The majesty of the mountains, the proud sequoia, and the vibrant blue of the glacial lakes can also be enjoyed from the neighboring June Lake. I have a lot of experience with the area, so I wanted to share my tips for the best possible visit.
The most popular area of Yosemite is the highly photographed Yosemite Valley. Anyone who sees it can’t deny its beauty, but in the summer months, it becomes very crowded. The same remarkable landscape can be seen in its northern counterpart, Hetch Hetchy Valley, but with a more exclusive feel. Tuolumne Meadows can also be a more secluded area to visit, and the colorful wildflowers and vibrant, clean water of the Tuolumne River are a balm for the soul.
To see multiple areas without strain or fuss, there are several bus tours. The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour takes 2 hours and changes with the seasons – travel is conducted in an open-air tram in summer, and in a heated coach with panoramic windows in winter.
Winter in Yosemite may be the quietest season, but the snowy splendor makes for a magical holiday visit. It’s the only time of year to view the rare and awe-inspiring firefall – in February, the sun meets the cascade down the side of El Capitan to create a 10-minute illusion of flowing lava. Besides this, seasonal activities mean there’s plenty of interest, from winter photography workshops and starry night sky events to special dinners.
The most notable dinners are at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee), an elegant and impressive building that has been graced with visits from John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. The Bracebridge Dinner is both a comedy performance and a historical reenactment, but also a chance to visit Christmas of times gone by. The Yuletide feast is accompanied by music in the grand atmosphere of the candlelit Dining Room.
Chefs’ holidays see the best talent in the country gather to give demonstrations and cook a luxurious five-course dinner for guests. Wine-lovers may prefer the Vintners’ Holiday in the fall, where the culminating meal is perfectly paired with rare and limited-edition vintages. Naturally well-attended, these events require booking, which can be open 6 months or so in advance.
The other main, premier accommodation can be found at Tenaya Lodge. A large advantage here is the Ascent Spa, which delivers state-of-the-art relaxation and wellness in the rejuvenating forest surroundings. It’s worth a visit even without a stay in one of the deluxe suites.
A few hours’ drive from Yosemite Valley is June Lake, known as the “Switzerland of California” for its charming alpine scenery. The more adventurous can enjoy fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, but it’s lovely to simply go for a drive around the sparkling lakes and indulge in some photography. The fall colors are particularly marvelous.
It’s another area perfect for relaxing and revitalizing, given the variety of restaurants and resorts. The Double Eagle Resort offers a suitable range of spa treatments; the Spa Concierge will assist in designing the ideal package.
My favorite lodging here is a luxury June Lake rental, in a homely yet modern chalet. The rooms have every comfort but maintain a natural charm. There is privacy if desired, or the sociability of a group – the indoor jacuzzi and outdoor hydrotherapy pools are relaxing options - and it provides access to June Lake and Yosemite; there’s simply no equal in the area.
Yosemite National Park and June Lake are full of luxurious options for a relaxing and enjoyable visit. These tips are how I combine the stunning beauty of the area with exclusive sights and events. Now everyone can see why I keep returning again and again.
Guest Blogger Profile:
Andrew Lowen and his family have been a part of the June Lake community since 1968, where they now own a Yosemite Gateway Chalet. They love June Lake and are eager to share the experience with those who appreciate the grandeur that the Eastern Sierras have to offer.
Heather: Yosemite is near and dear to my heart with years of family/friend vacations there. My parents dined at the legendary Ahwahnee on their honeymoon. Thank you for sharing this post on the natural beauty of this magnificent area of California, Andrew.
Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment
With sparkling crystal chandeliers, vintage velvet couches, luxurious linens, time-worn books, a pastel collection of vintage plates, whimsical accents like a jaunty top hat, and a touch of animal print, the details of this apartment are charming. The skeleton wall, meticulously restored, is a nod to the early history of this charming space.
parisian-apartment-stylemindchiclife
Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment
Every now and then the opportunity arises to experience something truly memorable while traveling. Our stay in this romantic Parisian apartment was just that. My blogger friend, Corey Amaro, and her French Husband, Yann, created the classic Parisian apartment, back in 2013, with their renovation of his long owned apartment. In this light-filled pied-à-terre, on Rue du Chateau in the 14th Arrondissement in Paris, you will find all the Parisian romance you are seeking.
With sparkling crystal chandeliers, vintage velvet couches, luxurious linens, time-worn books, a pastel collection of vintage plates, whimsical accents like a jaunty top hat, and a touch of animal print, the details of this apartment are charming. The skeleton wall, meticulously restored, is a nod to the early history of this charming space.
Click on an image to view in slide show mode.
Corey purchased most of the antique pieces at Porte Vanves brocante nearby. It is a picture perfect market that she encouraged us to explore during our visit and we did. I will share more of our visit to the brocante, as well as other Parisian adventures, in an upcoming post.
The elegant bathroom gleamed as though lit from within with marble and shine. There are TWO (count them!) crystal chandeliers. You can't help but feel "slightly French" preparing for the day in this beautiful space. Corey has feathered the nest with all the creature comforts of home. Fluffy, fragrant white towels, every bath essential you could imagine, and delicious smelling French toiletries. This is surely a glimpse into the elegant and well-stocked Parisian home.
The bedroom is plush with luxurious linens, light filtering curtains, romantic sconce lighting, and charming details. The often photographed 'wall of maps' was a labor of love for Corey and is the perfect accent for this quintessential Parisian apartment.
This apartment is located in a true Parisian neighborhood, just as promised. Everything you want or need is easily reached by foot. The boulangerie, the café and bars just across the street, as well as fresh fruit stands, market, butcher, bistro, wine and cheese shops are within a short stroll. The metro line, #13 Pernety, is just a couple of blocks away and it is a direct line to the Champs Elysee and central Paris. This multi-cultural neighborhood adds to the unique Parisian charm of staying in the 14th.
Our time in Paris was just what we hoped it would be. Days started with a few quick few steps to the boulangerie across the street for café crèmes and croissants, strolling the neighborhoods, catching the metro to our typical haunts in the heart of Paris. A morning at Musee D'Orsay, lunch at our favorite St. Germain Cafe, a sunset ride on the Bateau Mouche on the Seine. If we weren't out late at a local café we enjoyed the cool evenings, windows thrown wide, enjoying a glass of wine in the shadows, watching the locals gather at the neighborhood bar just across the street. Sublime Parisian life!
If you are looking for a truly Parisian life experience, a stay at this romantic Parisian apartment is all the inspiration you need. If you are planning a trip to Paris, I have a number of recommendations to make your trip picture perfect. Contact me at Curated Travel.
Thank you to Corey and Yann for making our stay at your romantic Parisian apartment unforgettable.
*All Images Heather Lindstrom
Curated Travel: Romance Inspiring Honeymoon Destinations
Planning a romance inspiring honeymoon is a unique experience for every couple. After months, if not years, of planning the perfect wedding day, newlyweds are usually looking for some time to relax, refresh, connect and romance. In my experience, luxury all-inclusive beach destinations are top of the list for many honeymooners for pampering, privacy, and sheer relaxation. Your honeymoon is likely the most memorable trip you will ever plan.
A few simple considerations when planning your honeymoon:
*Destination? What's your vibe: Tropical and beachy, European charm, bold Adventure, wine country getaway, city style?
*How long do you plan to be away?
*How far do you want to travel?
*Budget? All-inclusive destinations can make the overall cost less complicated to estimate. A travel professional will have options and ideas that may not be available through traditional online channels.
*Must Haves? Luxury, beachfront, a romantic suite, personal service, a workout facility, adults only, 24-hour room service? What's on your list?
Honeymoon Collection Gallery for Inspiration:
Though it's your honeymoon, it's okay to plan a few activities separately. If he loves golf and you love some pampering, enjoy your morning at the spa and meet up poolside later. This doesn't mean your marriage is on the rocks already, it just means that you appreciate each other's interests, as well as how enjoyable it is to reconnect with stories to share later in the day.
What's your honeymoon style?
Did any of these destinations catch your eye?
See the resort details of my Romance Inspiring Honeymoon Destinations Collection
THE IMPULSE TO TRAVEL IS ONE OF THE HOPEFUL SYMPTOMS OF LIFE. Agnes Repplier
Check out this planning timeline:
Handy Honeymoon Planning Timeline from The Knot
Here's an idea:
Register for your Honeyfund Honeymoon Gift Registry.
As a travel advisor, I specialize in romance and luxury travel. Contact me and let's get started creating your romance inspiring honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Images: Classic Vacations
Curated Travel: Packing Tips - Edited Accessories + New Favorites from grayc glass
I've learned to minimize and refine my packing style through trial and error. I believe it was that three-week vacation to Italy and France in 2011, lugging an overweight suitcase on and off train platforms, up tiny staircases of hotels, and out of taxi cabs, that finally made me a believer in the less is more approach to packing and traveling. I was also grateful that neither Scott or I developed a hernia hoisting that bag up and down for three weeks.
Packing Tips: Edited Accessories
When it comes to accessories: Never underestimate the power of a sleek pair of sunglasses, a great scarf, signature jewelry and a fedora while traveling.
I've learned to minimize and refine my packing style through trial and error. I believe it was that three-week vacation to Italy and France in 2011, lugging an overweight suitcase on and off train platforms, up tiny staircases of hotels, and out of taxi cabs, that finally made me a believer in the less is more approach to packing and traveling. I was also grateful that neither Scott or I developed a hernia hoisting that bag up and down for three weeks.
Accessories have always been an issue for me, especially when traveling to an area with a chic sense of style, like Paris, the Riviera, the Amalfi Coast or a luxury resort in the Caribbean. Despite refining my clothing list, I had a hard time saying 'no' to many of my favorite accessories. This habit led to a hefty jewelry and accessories case to lug around with me, even during lengthy travels.
I'm a firm believer that switching out jewelry, scarves, and accessories can transform a basic black outfit, making them the perfect travel hack. That said, I was still hauling around more than I needed, due to sheer indecision, in the packing process. I also noticed that I often wore just a few statement pieces to keep it simple anyway.
For my trip to Italy and France last summer, I vowed to break my habit, and I seriously edited the jewelry and accessories that I packed.
*I carefully laid out a few must-haves, a gold bangle, Trina Turk bracelet, a statement ring from grayc glass, crystal studs, a sparkly necklace, gold framed earrings and a Marc Jacobs rose gold watch. I knew that these would be my go-to statement pieces for three weeks of travel so they had to be right.
*I reviewed my clothing pieces, arranged by outfits, to see that I had the right pieces to work with each ensemble.
Rather than 25-30 items, as usual, I had 7-8 thoughtfully chosen accessories which made the process of packing, traveling and dressing each day much more simplified.
I used the same system when packing accessories for Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica last March.
I snapped this pic in Paris from my perch in the Parisian apartment we rented last summer. This is one of my favorite signature rings designed by fused glass artist Courtney Gray of grayc glass. I wrote about my visit to Courtney's studio a couple of years ago for the blog. Courtney has a huge range of statement pieces available in her online boutique. She is also a founding member of my FEISTY group for Female Entrepreneurs. I often find myself reaching for a grayc glass statement ring to pack since I'm a fan of cocktail rings, the fused glass is beautifully unique and they remind me of home in Chico, no matter how far I travel.
A few of my latest favorites from grayc glass and her blog post featuring Curated Travel
Do you have statement pieces and packing trips for travel?
Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the ‘turn of the century’, in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as The Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the 'turn of the century', in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as the Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Bliss, all-inclusive luxury right on the beach.
Playing in the waves
Remembering HIS smile that captured my fancy the first time we met at that conference in San Francisco.
Practicing my mermaid skills in the infinity edged pool.
A reminder that no matter how imperfect we may feel on any given day,
we will look back and remember how easy it was to look this way.
Big beach hair- as usual.
An afternoon at the spa for two - erasing the exhaustion of a move to a new city, an engagement, designing a new build home,
landing a new job, and planning a garden wedding within three months.
One night we caught a taxi to a local restaurant, just up the hill, we had heard about around the pool, Kau-Kan. I will never forget that moment we stepped onto the upper terrace, panoramic views with ethereal music playing in the background. It was pure magic!
La Califfa
It was one of those moments of sensual perfection -- the sights, the sound, the flavors, the scents - that you never want to forget. A honeymoon should be designed to capture those kinds of moments that you reflect on over and over as the years go by.
Memories of a lifetime....
To book: The Thompson Zihuatanejo
or
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your next getaway.
An Afternoon in Picturesque Varenna on the Shores of Lake Como, Italy
There are places you stumble upon while traveling that simply need no explanation. On a hazy summer afternoon, we arrived by boat, from Bellagio. Between flashes of sunlight, bursts of showers, and a moody mist that wound around our afternoon, we experienced Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como. These images speak for themselves. Click on the gallery to open a slide show of charming Varenna.
Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy
There are places you stumble upon while traveling that simply need no explanation. On a hazy summer afternoon, we arrived by boat, from Bellagio. Between flashes of sunlight, bursts of showers, and a moody mist that wound around our afternoon, we experienced Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como. These images speak for themselves. Click on the gallery to open a slide show of charming Varenna.
When the skies opens up and you find yourself drenched like we were, seek shelter under a covered patio. Order up some yummy comfort food, like this Northern Italian style risotto, enjoy the decadence of the chocolate mousse and enjoy that chilled bottle of sauvignon blanc. We lingered at this lakeside restaurant, enjoying the view, our conversations and making some new friends on this cozy afternoon at Varenna.
Varenna was our last stop in Italy on our summer holiday.
Next stop-- PARIS!
