CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean

CURATED TRAVEL: Postcard from the Crown Princess on the Eastern Caribbean

This is just a peek of life on the Crown Princess sailing on the Eastern Caribbean. After 8 days floating on this stately cruise ship, I have a new appreciation for the fine art of cruising. The Caribbean is just as beautiful as ever with the shimmering turquoise waters, sugar sand beaches and beguiling breezes.

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Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.

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Travel Mosaic: The Year in Photos 2017

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.

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A Festive Evening with the KNOT Pro on Treasure Island, San Francisco

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. 

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The Napa Valley Winery Experience

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.

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Postcard from Wine Country - Fall Edition

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.

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Curated Hotel: A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica

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.

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Curated Travel: Romance Inspiring Honeymoon Destinations

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.

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Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo

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.

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An Afternoon in Picturesque Varenna on the Shores of Lake Como, Italy

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.

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CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Grand Hotel Convento - Amalfi Coast, Italy

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.

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