Travel Mosaic: The Year in Photos 2017
It was a busy travel year around here for 2017 and that's just the way I like it. One thing I appreciate about living in Northern California is how accessible beautiful, and diverse, destinations are within a three-hour drive. This allows for us to easily get away to San Francisco, wine country, the Monterey coast or Lake Tahoe within an easy road trip. We added in a couple of beach trips to Southern California for family events this year. It's always fun to catch up on family time.
TRAVEL MOSAIC
It was a busy travel year around here for 2017 and that's just the way I like it. One thing I appreciate about living in Northern California is how accessible beautiful, and diverse, destinations are within a three-hour drive. This allows for us to easily get away to San Francisco, wine country, the Monterey coast or Lake Tahoe within an easy road trip. We added in a couple of beach trips to Southern California for family events this year. It's always fun to catch up on family time.
I was truly captivated by our time in Costa Rica and living 'pura vida'. These images capture some of the natural beauty bathed in golden light. I only wish I could share the soft breeze we experienced while chilling in that hammock. For more on Costa Rica and Secrets Papagayo.
Another first was the island of Jamaica for us this year. Zoetry Montego Bay was an intimate, luxurious beachside stay and the sunsets from the stately dock were spectacular. I'd head back to these chic digs in a heatbeat!
Finally, the '2017 Best Nine' app crunches the data and creates a collage of your top Instagram photos of the year. My Curated Travel Instagram account is not yet a year old, but I got some very good traction from several of these images. That first one of Positano garnered almost 300 likes which confirms that the Amalfi Coast of Italy remains incredibly popular. I promise to share more dreamy travel photos on Curated Travel Instagram for 2018. Of course, my Style*Mind*Chic Instagram continues to be filled with lifestyle, blog images, family and, my new favorite little man, Baby Charlie! Style*Mind*Chic Life Instagram.
I hope your 2018 is off to a wonderful start!
Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space
You may have the picture-perfect vases and glassware that produce a glistening display in your cupboard. You might even own the most breath-taking Victorian era furniture in pristine condition. But even the most perfect of accessories can fall flat in a room lacking a cohesive space.Creating a sense of unity in your home is a top priority, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your preexisting style and decor. When it comes to designing your home, there is no right or wrong. It’s a matter of choosing what accessories, colors, and furnishings best suit you and making all of your preferences work flawlessly together.Every home is about as unique and varied as the individuals who live in it — so why not let it show? You don't have to settle for mundane color schemes or one specific style to create the ultimate look in your home.If your rooms seem to emit a sort of choppiness or you can’t quite get the looks of your room to flow, be sure to check out our simple tips for creating a cohesive look in your home below.
Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space
Guest Blogger – Kacey Mya
You may have the picture-perfect vases and glassware that produce a glistening display in your cupboard. You might even own the most breath-taking Victorian era furniture in pristine condition. But even the most perfect of accessories can fall flat in a room lacking a cohesive space.Creating a sense of unity in your home is a top priority, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your preexisting style and decor. When it comes to designing your home, there is no right or wrong. It’s a matter of choosing what accessories, colors, and furnishings best suit you and making all of your preferences work flawlessly together.Every home is about as unique and varied as the individuals who live in it — so why not let it show? You don't have to settle for mundane color schemes or one specific style to create the ultimate look in your home.If your rooms seem to emit a sort of choppiness or you can’t quite get the looks of your room to flow, be sure to check out our simple tips for creating a cohesive look in your home below.
Choose Your Paint WiselyThe hue of paint you choose to color your walls in can make or break the style of your space. While extravagant wallpaper and various room colorings can offer a sense of style to any room, you may want to choose a neutral shade that will allow the furniture and accessories to be the focal point instead.Just because neon yellow is your favorite color doesn’t mean you should splatter it onto your walls. When you want to connect your room’s overall look, choose a wall color that doesn’t detract your eye from what truly matters. The color of each room should enhance your décor — not overshadow it.Keep Your Flooring Consistent While you don't want every room to look like a mirror image of the one before it, the material you choose for your flooring should remain the same. Keeping your flooring consistent is even more crucial in apartments and smaller homes because a variety of designs will impair your ability to achieve a connected look. If you want to create a cohesive look in your home, choosing the right flooring is vital. Consider the floor styles that compliment your aesthetic and compare color schemes of wood and tiles to your existing layout. Remember that you can mix up the tiles and patterns — just try to keep the appearance and style consistent. Mimic Styles Without Mirroring CompletelyYou can’t achieve cohesion in your home when your living room is shrouded in retro décor and your dining room is entirely vintage. Instead of choosing distinct looks for every room, make sure the theme and style are apparent throughout.If you’re going for a country style look, be sure to incorporate rustic accessories into every room. Be careful that you don’t replicate each room’s look entirely, however — too much similarity can cause a mundane and lackluster appearance. Realize That Less Truly is MoreWhile a quick trip to your local supercenter for a few necessities can quickly turn into a few hours spent perusing the decoration aisle, remember to put down unwanted accessories the next time you go shopping.When it comes to decorations, less really is more. A room cannot achieve a connected look when it has too many accessories preventing your overall style from coming together. Consider minimalist decorations that allow you to still add a touch of panache without going overboard in the process. Know Your Style and Stick to ItCohesion doesn't come in one size, shape, or color. If you believe a tied-together look is synonymous with basic décor and interior furnishings, think again. Research studies show that humans crave a touch of personalization in their daily life decisions — home décor included! How cozy can your home honestly be if you don't feel like you had any power over how it looks? You can decorate your home with your unique style — the key is to just stick with your favored look throughout the entire house. Intermingle the Old with the NewJust because you want a polished style doesn't mean your home has to include décor made entirely within the last year. The most beautiful homes combine a mixture of various elements that defined the different time periods. To create a cohesive look with an added interest, try pairing traditional pieces with timeless vintage accessories. When it comes to decorating your home to perfection, there is no "correct" blueprint for success. Just know your style beforehand and shape your interests into a connected look that emits the most breath-taking display.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!
Thank you for sharing your stylish ideas with Style*Mind*Chic Life today, Kacey!
A Chic Evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco (The Video Edition)
I recently shared a blog post about our festive evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco last month. What a fun surprise to see a video from the event pop up on the KNOT Pro blog. They do such a fantastic job with both media and style. I am honored to have my Curated Travel voted best of the KNOT for 2018.
I recently shared a blog post about our festive evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco last month. What a fun surprise to see a video from the event pop up on the KNOT Pro blog. They do such a fantastic job with both media and style. I am honored to have my Curated Travel voted best of the KNOT for 2018.
ENJOY the video!
I recently shared a blog post about our festive evening with the KNOT Pro in San Francisco last month. What a fun surprise to see a video from the event pop up on the KNOT Pro blog. They do such a fantastic job with both media and style. I am honored to have my Curated Travel voted best of the KNOT for 2018. ENJOY the video!
Read the stylish blog post from the KNOT Pro here.
My take on the event here.
It's engagement season, so if you know any newly engaged couples looking to plan a dreamy honeymoon, please share my information with them. Honeymoons, destination weddings, anniversary trips, babymoons and dreamy destinations are my specialty. I am currently taking new travel clients so feel free to share.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
A Happy New Year Postcard for You!
ello friend,
I’m sitting here at the desk of my home office this afternoon with a view of threatening rain clouds over Chico, a steaming mug of wild sweet orange tea, and the scent of my latest favorite candle, French Cade Lavender by Voluspa. It casts a much needed warm glow around the winter pale room and the fragrance is heavenly. I have chill music on Pandora (though my husband is still blasting holiday tunes out in the kitchen). We are different that way, he can’t get enough, and by this time of the season, I’ve had enough. Today feels like the calm after the “holiday storm” and I feel like life is coming back into balance following a solid month of festivities. Though we will be heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends at the country club, I have an entire afternoon to appreciate the stillness, the calm and reflect on the year that has passed.
Hello friend,
I'm sitting here at the desk of my home office this afternoon with a view of threatening rain clouds over Chico, a steaming mug of wild sweet orange tea, and the scent of my latest favorite candle, French Cade Lavender by Voluspa. It casts a much needed warm glow around the winter pale room and the fragrance is heavenly. I have chill music on Pandora (though my husband is still blasting holiday tunes out in the kitchen). We are different that way, he can't get enough, and by this time of the season, I've had enough. Today feels like the calm after the "holiday storm" and I feel like life is coming back into balance following a solid month of festivities. Though we will be heading out to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends at the country club, I have an entire afternoon to appreciate the stillness, the calm and reflect on the year that has passed.
Our holidays have been unusually busy this year as my Style*Mind*Chic Instagram will attest. In November we welcomed Baby Charlie, but in December Scott's dear dad passed away. Since Thanksgiving we've traveled to Sonoma wine country, San Francisco, LA, Newport Beach, Escondido as well as Sacramento/Lincoln twice. We celebrated three Christmases with various branches of our growing family tree. It has been warm and wonderful, festive and frenzied.
As of today, my holiday to-do lists are almost totally checked off and I'm breathing a sigh of relief ready for a fresh new year.
Can you relate?
This is a virtual postcard I shared with my Curated Travel clients created with images of a couple of my favorite wanderlust worthy destinations, Portofino and Positano. Is travel on your resolutions list for the new year like it is mine? I would love to hear about your plans or, better yet, help make your travel dreams come true.
Thank you for being here to start the new year with me. I promise there will be exciting collaborations to come in 2018!
I'm wishing you a wonderful new year filled with meaning, joy, time with those you love and dreamy adventures.
Cheers,
Heather
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Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours!
Just a simple post on Christmas Eve wishing you a festive holiday from our house to yours. We will be celebrating at home with family, including sweet Baby Charlie on his first Christmas, this year. Thank you for stopping by and being part of our world today.
Just a simple post on Christmas Eve wishing you a festive holiday from our house to yours. We will be celebrating at home with family, including sweet Baby Charlie on his first Christmas, this year. Thank you for stopping by and being part of our world today.
What are your plans for the holiday?
A Festive Evening with the KNOT Pro on Treasure Island, San Francisco
The KNOT premiere wedding website threw a festive event in San Francisco for members of the KNOT Pro. It was a celebratory evening since I had recently been notified that my Curated Travel won ‘Best of the KNOT’ for romance travel for 2018. Why not attend a stylish, chic, hosted event on Treasure Island, San Francisco? Scott and I packed up and made the quick trip to San Francisco in early December.
A Festive Evening with the KNOT Pro on Treasure Island
The KNOT premiere wedding website threw a festive event in San Francisco for members of the KNOT Pro. It was a celebratory evening since I had recently been notified that my Curated Travel won 'Best of the KNOT' for romance travel for 2018. Why not attend a stylish, chic, hosted event on Treasure Island, San Francisco? Scott and I packed up and made the quick trip to San Francisco in early December. We booked a suite at the perfectly located Hotel Diva, enjoyed tapas and a pre-celebration vino (for me) at my new favorite spot on the corner, The European, before heading across the bridge to the Aracely Cafe on Treasure Island.
The cafe/event center was transformed with sleek lounge areas, bar top tables for cocktails and mingling, tables filled with fresh flowers and stylish details. Inside the floral arrangements were lush, the bar area was well-stocked and an army of servers were generous with hand-served delicacies. Inside the event space, surrounded by walls of billowy ivory panels, the DJ spun beats from ambient chill to techno beats as the evening wore on. My fellow attendees were energetic, entrepreneurial and chic.
I'll be honest, I was on the more mature end of the age range, but I was thrilled to be part of this group of movers and shakers in San Francisco and beyond. My advice for attending an event that represents your new career, a new circle, a new chapter of life and owning it? Put on the outfit that makes you feel your most confident, add a smudge of your favorite lipstick, remember a stash of your business cards (as well as mints!), put on your best smile and take the leap! Scott and I enjoyed a memorable evening and capped it off viewing the city lights from the shore of Treasure Island.
The next day we relished the festive feel of San Francisco at a few of our favorite haunts: the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus for brunch and to view the impressive tree under the stained glass dome, a walk through Union Square with a photo by the tree, purchasing some blooms from the flower stand on the corner, a walk down Maiden Lane and lunch at an old favorite for Mexican fare, Colibri.
My collaboration with the KNOT Throws a Dream Wedding.
Curated Travel Wins Best of the KNOT for Travel Specialists.
Thank you to the KNOT Pro for the invitation to this stylish event!
Blog Post from the KNOT Pro.
Here is a video of the event
The Napa Valley Winery Experience
Napa isn't just known for the winery selection within the valley, but it's definitely one of the drawing points. This area is referenced as one of the top spots to vacation in the country. The weather is generally gorgeous, the small businesses are booming, and the people are friendly! Maybe it's the wine talking, but there's no better place to be a lover of all things vino. It can be a challenge to narrow down the wine community into a manageable list of wineries to visit in one go. We're here with some hidden gems and other popular options for a memorable winery trip in Napa Valley.
The Napa Valley Winery Experience
Napa isn't just known for the winery selection within the valley, but it's definitely one of the drawing points. This area is referenced as one of the top spots to vacation in the country. The weather is generally gorgeous, the small businesses are booming, and the people are friendly! Maybe it's the wine talking, but there's no better place to be a lover of all things vino. It can be a challenge to narrow down the wine community into a manageable list of wineries to visit in one go. We're here with some hidden gems and other popular options for a memorable winery trip in Napa Valley.
This winery is appointment only as far as tastings are concerned. That is interesting considering this estate focuses on a single wine, a Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon. They're definitely experts in this variety! It has more of a formal atmosphere and bookings are often booked solid a month in advance. For those who have high standards, this is a luxurious option to consider checking out.
Here is another winery that requires reservations due to popularity! This facility is newly remodeled, complete with a massive pendulum in the center of the wine caves. This makes it feel like you're in an art museum instead of a wine cellar. The patio outdoors features gorgeous views and comfortable furniture to relax on.
The French architecture of this estate is eye-catching from miles away! They're known for their sparkling wine and Pinot Noir varieties. Their tour ends with samples of each of their wines as well as cheeses, fish, fresh caviar, fruit, and charcuterie meats. All three of their terraces deserve to be viewed when you visit, each offer different views of the estate.
There are over sixty wines available at this Italian style winery! It's open seven days a week and there is no appointment necessary. The grounds are perfect for having a picnic, as there is an onsite deli here with food options including a large variety of gourmet cheeses! It's children and dog-friendly, and the customer service is outstanding. This is a fitting choice whether you're new to the wine tasting process or you're a pro!
This is a smaller estate and vineyard that's extremely close to the downtown area of Napa. The busy atmosphere makes it feel more like a bar than a tasting room. They produce the largest amounts of Pinot Grigio in Napa Valley, so don't leave without trying a glass or two!
Utilizing professional transportation guarantees safety, and it opens up your options. It's a lot easier to visit multiple destinations in one day with a chauffeur who is familiar with the area. Check out Napa Wine Tour Transportation for a well-rounded experience!
For more on Wine Country.
Guest Blogger Post from a Napa Valley Local
Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler
It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.
It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.
Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler:
Gifts for Her
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Gifts for Him
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The gift of travel makes the best gift, I'd love to create the perfect getaway for someone you love.
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