Postcard from Wine Country - Fall Edition
Early last week Scott and I retreated to wine country in Sonoma to celebrate his birthday. It was just a quick two-day getaway and a much-needed change of pace. Wine country is beautiful in the fall, with autumnal colors, and a crisp, woodsy chill in the air. We seem to make it to wine country for a fall visit every year. Last year we stayed at Sonoma Mission Inn for a surprise birthday getaway.
Postcard from Wine Country - Fall Edition
Early last week Scott and I retreated to wine country in Sonoma to celebrate his birthday. It was just a quick two-day getaway and a much-needed change of pace. Wine country is beautiful in the fall, with autumnal colors, and a crisp, woodsy chill in the air. We seem to make it to wine country for a fall visit every year. Last year we stayed at Sonoma Mission Inn for a surprise birthday getaway.
Where to Stay.Dine.Taste in Wine Country
This visit we chose to stay at the El Dorado Hotel on the edge of Sonoma Square. We've eaten at El Dorado Kitchen several times but this was our first stay at the charming inn on the top floor. As you can imagine, it is wonderfully convenient to stay right in the heart of historic Sonoma. We dined at the hotel for Scott's birthday dinner and had brunch the next day at the Sunflower Caffe next door. We also got a jump on our holiday shopping by visiting the charming boutiques lining the square. For more on shopping in Sonoma Valley.
Winetasting in Wine Country
We spent an afternoon at one of Scott's favorite wineries in Dry Creek Valley, Wilson Winery, from our earlier trip here. Another favorite winery is in Kenwood at Mayo. We enjoyed a private tasting a couple of years ago at Mayo here.
Update on the Wild Fires
Despite the beauty of fall in wine country, it does not go unnoticed that the October wildfires caused tremendous devastation, yet only in specific areas. Parts of Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Santa Rosa were especially hard hit, but most of wine country feels completely untouched by fire.
During Scott's birthday dinner we ended up chatting with a lovely couple at the table next to us. They eventually shared that their Bennet Valley home had burned to the ground, in a matter of a few minutes, on that terrifying night in October. While they are making the best of an abrupt life change, they also shared how devastating this kind of loss can be. Rebuilding your life from the ground up takes tremendous effort, patience, resolve and finding moments of humor whenever possible. I was especially touched by my new friend showing me her beautiful black boots. She said she had owned a pair of the same brand in brown. When the fire took everything but the clothes on their backs, she started to rebuild a wardrobe and was thrilled to find a pair of the same boots online, though in a different color this time. These boots represent just a small block in the rebuilding a life.
How to Support Wine Country?
The best way to support wine country is to visit--and often! Take your cash or credit card and stay, dine, shop, taste, tip and purchase wine to take home. Share your appreciation and your well wishes with the locals who are truly #sonomastrong.
Contact me at Curated Travel for wonderful deals in wine country.
A Walk in Bidwell Park with Uno Alla Volta
It's always a treat to discover a surprise package on the front step. I opened a box the other day that contained this beautiful pastel scarf from Uno Alla Volta. The ethereal leaf patterned Devore silk scarf was handpainted by Joyita. I styled it with my dusty pink faux-leather waterfall front jacket, Svelte leggings and Vince Camuto Booties.
Our walk in the park was a quick stop since we were on our way to an event in downtown Chico. The fall colors were irresistible and my scarf was perfectly in style at our favorite watering hole later that evening.
It's always a treat to discover a surprise package on the front step. I opened a box the other day that contained this beautiful pastel scarf from Uno Alla Volta. The ethereal leaf patterned Devore silk scarf was handpainted by Joyita. I styled it with my dusty pink faux-leather waterfall front jacket, Svelte leggings and Vince Camuto Booties.
Our walk in the park was a quick stop since we were on our way to an event in downtown Chico. The fall colors were irresistible and my scarf was perfectly in style at our favorite watering hole later that evening.
The watercolor silk scarf handpainted by Joyita.
"Joyita recalls the childhood joy of painting designs with rice flour and water on the floor of her home, guided by a grandmother who taught her to take notice of everything she saw. Today she takes additional inspiration from nature to create wearable works of art on 100 percent silk in her California studio. " Joyita
Uno Alla Volta from the hearts and hands of Artisans.
The silk scarf created by Joyita was a gift from Uno Alla Volta. All opinions expressed are my own.
Curated Travel Voted Best of the KNOT for 2018 for Romance Travel!
I was so pleased to learn that my Curated Travel brand has been voted 'the KNOT Best of Weddings 2018 Pick' on the iconic wedding website of the same name for romance travel. It all starts with happy clients, dreamy destinations, and rave reviews. It wouldn't have been possible without my wonderful travel clients and their support for Curated Travel. Thank you!
I was so pleased to learn that my Curated Travel brand has been voted 'the KNOT Best of Weddings 2018 Pick' on the iconic wedding website of the same name for romance travel. It all starts with happy clients, dreamy destinations, and rave reviews. It wouldn't have been possible without my wonderful travel clients and their support for Curated Travel. Thank you!
Big thanks to the KNOT for the recognition, the celebratory swag and inviting me to your stylish, inspiring events. I'm looking forward to designing even more romance inspiring travels for my clients in 2018.
Are you dreaming of a honeymoon, destination wedding, anniversary trip, babymoon or 're-kindle' moon for 2018? I've got some dreamy destinations in mind for you!
Curated Travel is based here on the website
and is also featured in a storefront on the KNOT wedding website:
Contact me to set up your complimentary Curated Travel consultation and let's design your next getaway!
Other Collaborations with the KNOT:
Beyond Thankful this Thanksgiving
The birth of baby Charlie, on the first of November, has added an extra dash of thankfulness, joy, and gratitude to our family holidays this season. I simply can't get enough of this sweet, expressive little face. I think he is an old soul and he is only three weeks old!
Beyond Thankful this Thanksgiving
The birth of baby Charlie, on the first of November, has added an extra dash of thankfulness, joy, and gratitude to our family holidays this season. I simply can't get enough of this sweet, expressive little face. I think he is an old soul and he is only three weeks old!
I now fully understand what the look on my dad's face was all about as he gazed at me, his newly adopted firstborn, in this image circa 1961. He knew of my marriage, my becoming a step-mom, and my 2 miscarriages before he passed. I know he would be so very happy for our family with the newest little addition. Can hardly wait to introduce Charlie to his 'great-grandma' on my side and loads of aunties, uncles, and cousins during the holiday season. The miracle and the magic of babies is something to be so very grateful for this Thanksgiving.
For those of us missing family members around the table this year sending hopes for comfort and peace.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful and blessed holiday season.
xx,
Grandma Gigi ;)
Signature Style: Velvet Vibe
It seems that velvet is having a major moment right now. I'm spotting velvet in fashion, footwear and plush decor pieces and the velvet vibe feels more fresh and modern, interpreted differently than in the 90's. I've been a fan for many years. It's comfortable and luxurious to wear if done right. I'll never forget my emerald-green off the shoulder cocktail dress from the 90's. I'm hoping to add a pair of velvet booties to my collection this year. How do you feel about velvet?
SIGNATURE STYLE: VELVET VIBE
It seems that velvet is having a major moment right now. I'm spotting velvet in fashion, footwear and plush decor pieces and the velvet vibe feels more fresh and modern, interpreted differently than in the 90's. I've been a fan for many years. It's comfortable and luxurious to wear if done right. I'll never forget my emerald-green off the shoulder cocktail dress from the 90's. I'm hoping to add a pair of velvet booties to my collection this year. How do you feel about velvet?
(Click on gallery for slideshow)
A fabric which divides the masses, velvet as a trend is nothing new and considering fashion’s recent fixation with the 90s we almost should have seen it coming. It’s one of those lavish textiles that while not often at the forefront of the runway, season after season, is continually there in some capacity. For autumn/winter though velvet is undergoing a renaissance that sees the luxurious fabric outpace its tactless past for something altogether more stylish. It boasts a dangerous streak for sure but also a wonderfully eccentric and lustrous element..."
-Sarah Young from Independent UK
Proof that I've been a fan of velvet most of my life...
My sister and I in velvet
Here we are again circa 1971 and it seems gucci stole our look.
A Sweet Bridal Brunch on the Canyon
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn’s upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn's upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.
Every detail was planned to perfection by Jordyn's family and friends! From the splashes of color in the breezy centerpieces, to refreshing flavor options at the mimosa bar, to the delectable brunch dishes, the sparkles of the cupcake bar, and the rose embellished favors. Sparkles, gold dust and 'love' was in the air to celebrate the beautiful bride-to-be.
Side Note: This unique architectural home on the canyon is stunning. Rumors abound that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor rented it while he was filming, 'The Klansman', in nearby Oroville. If these walls could talk!
To Book your dream destination contact me:
Welcome to the Family, Baby Charlie!!
Welcome to the world Baby Charlie. Grandpa and Gigi are head over heels in love with you!
Ohhhhhh Baby!
Scott and I welcomed our first grandchild to the family on November 1st. He was anxious to get here and arrived a few days ahead of schedule. Mom, dad, and baby are doing great and we (and I'm speaking for our entire family) have never, ever been happier!
Welcome to the world, sweet Charlie Daniel Clark!
We are so ready for this next chapter of life and all the joy that you bring.
Baby Charlie Raspberries!
Curated Hotel: A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica
In late August, Scott and I enjoyed a sublime getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica. We were celebrating his “retirement moon” and our 17th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, served with cool towels and chilled prosecco, we felt “at home”; just as we always do at Zoetry resorts. This luxurious boutique, beachfront resort has only 49 suites which make for an intimate, relaxing stay of unlimited luxury.
zoetry-montego-bay-curated-travel
A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay
"How was your getaway to Jamaica?"
I closed my eyes and thought back to late August...
A silver tray, a cool towel, a proffered chilled glass of prosecco and a "Welcome Home" from staff upon our arrival.
Turquoise waters and sun-splashed lounges with butler service poolside.
Water like glass at sunrise reflecting the pink and gold clouds over the sea.
Sheer curtains of our spacious oceanfront suite wafting in the tropical breezes during naptime.
Luxurious linens, plush terry cloth robes, and spa slippers in the suite.
A pampering couple's massage, fragrant with essential oils, followed by a dip in the spa pool.
Delectable dishes brimming with flavors of Caribbean spices and the freshest organic produce.
Time to simply be "us" again.
A cloudburst on a sailboat ending with a golden-fire sunset.
Shades of lavender, pale aqua, dusty rose, icy blue in a sunset that appears to wrap endlessly beyond the horizon.
"To say we had a wonderful time hardly does our getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay justice. It was sublime!"
In late August, Scott and I enjoyed a sublime getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica. We were celebrating his "retirement moon" and our 17th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, served with cool towels and chilled prosecco, we felt "at home"; just as we always do at Zoetry resorts. This luxurious boutique, beachfront resort has only 49 suites which make for an intimate, relaxing stay of unlimited luxury.
After being introduced to our oceanfront suite, complete with walk-in shower and sleek soaking tub, we threw open the sheer curtains to these amazing views of the pool and sea from the spacious balcony.
"Find yourself at Zoëtry Montego Bay, a boutique resort in the upscale Ironshore neighborhood. Just steps away from the Caribbean Sea, all 49 suites were designed with a holistic approach in three main buildings: Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain – a nod to Jamaica’s ecological tapestry. From open terraces and balconies to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, guests will enjoy views of the ocean or the lush tropical landscape. All suites include butler service and a selection of suites offer access to private swim out pools." - Zoetry Resorts
This is one of my favorite pool, lounge and oceanfront destinations. The views of the Caribbean colors from sunrise to sunset from the picturesque dock are sublime.
From gourmet dining at two lovely open-air restaurants, to the Jerk Shack for authentic Jamaican chicken, to 24-hour room service, food and drink is plentiful at this luxury-all-inclusive resort. Our suite had the amenity of butler service, and our butler created a romantic dinner on our balcony for us one evening.
Service at the pool and beach was also top notch!
"Connect with nature on our serene, private beach. Cleanse with organic, fresh and locally grown ingredients in each meal. Clear the mind with meditation and yoga. Rejuvenate at the spa. Set yourself to the pace of island life, relax and enjoy the Endless Privileges® experience." - Zoetry Resorts
Our suite at Zoetry Montego Bay
Our thanks to Saul Nunez, General Manager, and the warm, friendly, professional staff for making our stay unforgettable.
To find out more about Zoetry and other AM Resorts contact me
