Signature Style: The Perfect Black Leggings from Svelte

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Signature Style: The Perfect Black Leggings from Svelte

Black leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. I pretty much live in leggings year round, especially now that I am working out of my home office. Sorry jeans, there is nothing more comfortable to pull on than a pair of leggings, plus, they are incredibly versatile. Dress them up with a silk blouse and heels or dress them down with a chunky sweater and boots. You can wear them from pilates to lunch to an event with the right accessories. Leggings can pretty much take you anywhere. When it comes to travel, leggings are a space saver and so easy to pack, wear, rinse, repeat.

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How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

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How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.  For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.

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Rest in Peace: Norma Kaylor Lindstrom

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Rest in Peace: Norma Kaylor Lindstrom

We are heartbroken today that our beautiful, stylish, smart, loyal and feisty sister-in-law, Norma Kaylor Lindstrom, has lost her battle with cancer. She and her loving husband, Skip/Dean, (Scott's brother), fought this battle courageously, with optimism and deepest love. Their love story of more than 37 years is an inspiration to so many of us. I snapped this photo of Norma at our house during a family gathering several years ago and it is one of my favorites. That sly smile, that style, enjoying her family as always. She loved her grandchildren, her two sons, her daughter-in-law and her husband, fiercely. She was a loving and beloved friend to so many.

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Color Story: Yellow Crush

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Color Story: Yellow Crush

Perhaps it's the settling in after a dreamy tropical vacation getaway, the pins and needles concern for our friends in the path of the hurricanes or the review of 9/11 on Monday, but I feel the need for a bit of cheer today. A shot of sunny yellow is just what the mood doctor ordered from my board "Yellow Crush" on Pinterest.

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Retirement for Two: "So What Do I Actually Do Now?"

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Retirement for Two: "So What Do I Actually Do Now?"

I’ve received so many comments and emails about my retirement series as I made the leap from school psychologist to launching my Curated Travel business, a year ago. From making the bold decision, to steps along the way, saying goodbye, even my changing spending habits, I chronicled my journey this last year in these posts: Retirement Series. There are a number of readers who are planning on retirement in the near future and curious about how it feels to go through this experience. It’s been fun to share our experience.

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Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

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Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

When it comes to taking a cruise on river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.But each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So what are the major differences?
One big difference can be summed up in one word: intimacy. River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members.

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CURATED TRAVEL - Dream Destination: Cobblers Cove, Barbados

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CURATED TRAVEL - Dream Destination: Cobblers Cove, Barbados

I must have the Caribbean on my mind with a getaway to the tropics on the calendar in the near future. While each island has a unique personality it's hard to beat this one. The sugar sand beaches and fragrant breezes are unforgettable in Barbados. Scott and I were there in 2010 and the vibe of this tropical paradise is the stuff of daydreams.

While researching luxury destinations for a Caribbean honeymoon for travel clients, I discovered Cobblers Cove on the tropical island of Barbados. At Cobblers Cover, the pink and white striped umbrellas, plantation shutters, lush gardens and luxurious Caribbean style suites will take your breath away. Take a peek at this dream destination.

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A Bridal Brunch in Newport Beach: Roses and Rosé at Zinqué

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A Bridal Brunch in Newport Beach: Roses and Rosé at Zinqué

The setting was picture perfect. The rustic table, embellished with nosegays of white roses tucked into vintage urns, laced with delicate greens, and crowned with intertwining wreaths of greens and tulips from above. The vibe was definitely roses and rosé with chilled bottles of Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé adding a blush of color to the table.  This was a labor of love and creativity as Dorie created the one of a kind tablescape and arrangements through her popular design business, Broadway Botanicals.

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Simple Steps to Take If You Want to Restyle Your Room

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Simple Steps to Take If You Want to Restyle Your Room

Every so often, it can just feel like it’s time for a change, especially if the interior of your living space has looked the same for a long time. It’s easy to have a vague picture of a newly designed room in your head that will make your decorating itch go away, but it’s an entirely different challenge to make that dream part of your home. There are many different challenges that people face when deciding how to restyle a room, but there’s no need to worry about any of them. Each can be met with ease if you approach them with thoughtful decisions. The key is to take your time. If you want your room to be perfect, you can’t rush it!

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SIGNATURE STYLE: Summer Vibe

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SIGNATURE STYLE: Summer Vibe

We are in full-blown summer mode here by mid-July, at least here in Northern California. Are you feeling it too? Soaring temps, late evening sunsets, bountiful fresh fruits and veggies, backyard BBQs, lazy days - perhaps even the luxury of a poolside nap - all speak to the vibe of summer.  During our road trip last week we experienced a mini-heatwave even on the coast in Newport Beach. It's official: the summer vibe is here!

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A Sunny Afternoon at the Parisian Flea Market - Porte Vanves

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A Sunny Afternoon at the Parisian Flea Market - Porte Vanves

Paris is adorned with a number of colorful flea markets or brocantes as they are often called. On our first trip to Paris, in 2003, Scott and I spent an afternoon at the famed Clignancourt flea market, also known as the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, and thought to be the largest flea market in the world.  We shipped home a small container filled to the brim with chandeliers, sconces, trays, perfume bottles, prints and charms from Paris long ago.

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