Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything!
I don’t know where I first heard this quote but it definitely resonates with me, perhaps now more than ever. After spending over a year mostly at home, socially distanced, and missing family and friends, every step back towards normalcy feels like a celebration. Now that Scott and I are fully vaccinated our world is opening up again and it is exciting!
My Mother ‘s Floral Arrangement
“Until further notice, celebrate everything!”
I don’t know where I first heard this quote but it definitely resonates with me, perhaps now more than ever. After spending over a year mostly at home, socially distanced, and missing family and friends, every step back towards normalcy feels like a celebration. Now that Scott and I are fully vaccinated our world is opening up again and it is exciting!
A few of my favorite recent celebrations:
Hugging my mom, who turned 90 during the pandemic, for the first time in over a year.
Hugging, kissing, and cuddling Charlie and Lily, our grandchildren.
Sitting on the couch and ‘chilling’ at Briana and Shawn’s home, my bonus daughter and family, for the first time since they moved in a year ago.
Lunch with dear friends, a milestone birthday dinner, a baby shower, alfresco dinner date with my hubby.
A spontaneous visit from cousins and a ‘sleep over’.
Mother’s Day lunch “inside” gathered with my family around our table decorated by my mother’s beautiful floral arrangement (all from her garden)
Hugging my bestie since 4th grade at lunch this week.
Even the ‘normal’ things like getting a haircut, pedicure, in-person shopping, and medical appointments feel much more comfortable. Yes, I definitely celebrated that long-awaited pedicure! Feeling truly grateful for this new chapter.
Up next on our itinerary? Our first flights in over a year take off next week! Yes, travel is back and we are slightly anxious yet VERY excited for a beach vacation. I’m so out of practice with packing that it will be an adventure in and of itself. Hope you will follow along on Instagram.
How about you? Are you feeling the celebration vibes too this season?
So I’m sticking with it, “Until further notice, celebrate everything” - large and small- that you have on your horizon.
By the way, our Virtual Luxury + Adventure Travel Show 2021 is Saturday, May 22. Find out more details and register for this fabulous travel event here. I promise it will fuel your wanderlust!
A Springtime Getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country and the Idyllic Montage Healdsburg
Earlier this spring Scott and I had the pleasure of returning to Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, the site of our first romantic getaway 22 years ago. We always enjoy a walk down ‘memory lane’ in this classic wine country town and this trip we stayed at a sparkling new destination, the idyllic Montage Healdsburg. The spacious resort, with 130 bungalow-style suites sprinkled throughout, is eco-friendly with a contemporary design style enhanced by native oak trees and vineyards. We thoroughly enjoyed the fire table on our balcony during chilly evenings, golf cart rides around the grounds, tasty cuisine at some old and new Healdsburg favorites, sampled delicious wines and enjoyed springtime drives through the vineyards. Just a friendly reminder that springtime in wine country is not to be missed!
Earlier this spring Scott and I had the pleasure of returning to Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, the site of our first romantic getaway 22 years ago. We always enjoy a walk down ‘memory lane’ in this classic wine country town and this trip we stayed at a sparkling new destination, the idyllic Montage Healdsburg. The spacious resort, with 130 bungalow-style suites sprinkled throughout, is eco-friendly with a contemporary design style enhanced by native oak trees and vineyards. We thoroughly enjoyed the fire table on our balcony during chilly evenings, golf cart rides around the grounds, tasty cuisine at some old and new Healdsburg favorites, sampled delicious wines and enjoyed springtime drives through the vineyards. Just a friendly reminder that springtime in wine country is not to be missed!
“With its captivating blend of wine country charm, rustic natural beauty and impeccable flavors, Healdsburg consistently ranks as one of America’s favorite small towns. Whether sipping your way through world-class tasting rooms or unwinding amid understated luxury, this historic enclave is certain to suit your palate.”
Twilight views of Mount St. Helena
From our Curated Travel Instagram post:
“Let’s face it, one of our favorite things about travel is the food 🍽 (and it’s something we’ve been missing with our year spent mostly at home). In Healdsburg, a well-known foodie haven, we enjoyed old favorites (Bravas de Tapas!🥂) and discovered new delights (Barndiva, Hazel Hill at Montage, Guiso, and Campo Fina). Simply said...travel is delicious!”
P.S. - Isn’t it surprising and fun when your order matches your outfit? ;) Thank you, Barndiva!
A quintessential drive through wine country embellished with vibrant yellow mustard, blue skies, green grasses, and white puffy clouds of spring.
We stopped in at Ferrari Carano, a walk down memory lane from our first visit, for a private wine tasting on their Mediterranean-style terrace overlooking the pool. The gardens, landscape, and rose’ here are extraordinary. We even stopped by the first b & b where we stayed 22 years ago and discovered the old Adirondack chairs still in place on the lawn.
Thank you to Montage Healdsburg for the warm welcome and exceptional experience in wine country.
Montage Healdsburg is a preferred partner and a member of the Virtuoso Luxury Network.
For more information and to book online here or contact us to book for you.
Virtuoso travelers receive:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast Credit for two guests per bedroom ($30 per person, daily)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Read more posts on visits to wine country:
With Love from Italia!
I wish I could say I’m writing to you from Italy today but, no, not just yet. Last week I spent three glorious days connecting with brand partners in Italy through Duco Virtuale, an invitational luxury travel network in Italy. It was wonderful to connect on one-to-one zooms with old and new Italian friends in the industry. With all the downtime this last year, hotels and resorts have refurbished, refreshed, created new protocols, and reimagined unique ways to experience la dolce vita. They are counting the days until they can welcome Americans again and we have much to look forward to.
I wish I could say I’m writing to you from Italy today but, no, not just yet. Last week I spent three glorious days connecting with brand partners in Italy through Duco Virtuale, an invitational luxury travel network in Italy. It was wonderful to connect on one-to-one zooms with old and new Italian friends in the industry. With all the downtime this last year, hotels and resorts have refurbished, refreshed, created new protocols, and reimagined unique ways to experience la dolce vita. They are counting the days until they can welcome Americans again and we have much to look forward to.
Take a peek at some of the tantalizing views I experienced on zoom with Duco Virtuale.
After 3 days of catching up with travel industry friends in Italy, I’m now catching up with my clients who are booking now for travel later. It’s exciting to have travel on the horizon again, isn’t it?
I will let some of the stunning images I enjoyed with brand partners satisfy your senses for Italy today.
Contact us when the time is right for you to start planning your next dream getaway here.
Images: credit Duco Virtuale and brand partners
A Handy New Tool to Fuel Your Wanderlust: Meet The Wanderlist (It’s Complimentary!)
Wanderlust is having a moment with all the time we spent at home last year. As you are drooling over exotic destinations or a travel adventure closer to home? Do you ever wonder if there is a way to save and organize the destinations that capture your fancy? What about sharing travel dreams and ideas with family and friends or even your trusted travel advisor?
As a travel advisor with the global luxury network Virtuoso, I’m excited to share an innovative tool to capture your wanderlust travel dreams (plus it’s currently complimentary!).
Wanderlust is having a moment with all the time we spent at home last year. Are you are drooling over exotic destinations or a travel adventure closer to home? Do you ever wonder if there is a way to save and organize the destinations that capture your fancy? What about sharing travel dreams and ideas with family and friends and/or your trusted travel advisor?
As a travel advisor with the global luxury network Virtuoso, I’m excited to share an innovative tool to help capture your wanderlust travel dreams (plus it’s currently complimentary!) with my travel clients and readers of the blog.
Introducing the Wanderlist:
WANDERLIST FEATURES
Users can create a secure account
Browse destinations of interest and begin dreaming
Create personalized wish-lists
Experiences- Collect unique travel ideas
Hotels- Select from 1400 properties internationally to add to wish-lists
Cruise Lines- Discover cruise opportunities in destinations of interest to add to wish-lists
Share and compare ideas with friends, family, and your travel advisor
Add any wish-list ideas from the web to your list
Users are notified by email when friends, family, and clients create new lists, heart an idea and invite others to share in the fun.
Wanderlist is fun, easy, and FREE!
Consider the latest research on travel planning:
“It’s even possible to double-dip on the experience advantage. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life showed a major spike in happiness — lasting about eight weeks — during the planning stage of a vacation, as people enjoy the sense of anticipation.
Another study shows a boost in happiness after a vacation, as people remember the experiences they had.
And the people they enjoyed those experiences with. ”
On a personal note: The gallery above is from our very own Wanderlist with a trip to French Polynesia on our summer horizon. #wanderlist
How About You-
Are you ready?
A Game-Changing Solo Trip to Italy (plus essential packing tips)
I'm reminiscing on a game-changing solo trip I took to Italy three years ago this week. Though I’ve enjoyed several Italian adventures in the years following this entire travel experience opened new doors for my Curated Travel business and reaffirmed my staunch adoration for the magic, beauty, and deliciousness of Italy and the charm and verve of the Italians. Plus, I learned some essential packing strategies I will never forget!
villa balbiano on Lake Como
I'm reminiscing on a game-changing solo trip I took to Italy three years ago this week. Though I’ve enjoyed several Italian adventures in the years following this entire travel experience opened new doors for my Curated Travel business and reaffirmed my staunch adoration for the magic, beauty, and deliciousness of Italy and the charm and verve of the Italians. Plus, I learned some essential packing strategies I will never forget!
I remember how anxious I was about flying to Europe solo for the first time, without my husband, and how daunting it was to be without my carefully packed luggage (a panic!) until the final leg of the trip. I learned how to put my best foot forward despite wearing sneakers to a fancy dinner party at Villa d’Este at Lake Como, how to lead with a smile to distract from my thrice-worn outfit, and that I was bold enough to seek out this adventure and make the most of every moment. I also learned to alter my packing strategies so I’m that never caught without the necessities again.
Below is a collection of blog posts from this transformative journey and if you are missing Italy like I am, I hope you enjoy the views. These photos feel like old friends and I am reminded how I, like so many of my clients, can barely wait to get back to dreamy Italia.
Ciao!! I have just arrived home from my 10-day luxury travel event in Northern Italy. My jet-lagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, scintillating views, the sparkle of chandeliers, prosecco toasts, and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine. - Curated Travel Blog
Posts are in chronological order starting on the lower right. Ciao!
Our Stay at Classic Timber Cove Resort on the Northern California Coast + Notes on Travel During Covid-19
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced need for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, and most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced cravings for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, along with, most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
Just as I hoped, Timber Cove Resort, a classic California Coast seafront lodge was just the place. Not only was Scott surprised by the laidback charm and beach feel, he appreciated the gourmet dining, firepits, wine tasting, and retro record players in each rustic room. Also noteworthy were the private entrances and windswept balconies with cove views equally stunning at sunrise and sunset. And who can resist those outdoor firepits??
“Timber Cove is proud of its rich lineage. Built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility, Timber Cove was designed by famed architect and original owner Richard Clements Jr., who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural style. Envisioned as a dramatic A-Frame structure, the original Timber Cove generously incorporated redwood and stone materials to create a timeless space that complements the local surroundings. ”
Outdoor dining was allowed during our visit to Timber Cove Resort so we made the most of our cool fall evenings with lap blankets we brought from home. The Coast Kitchen restaurant was a welcome relief from months of home-cooking and we enjoyed the fresh fare with indulgent notes. Cheers to the birthday boy!
For our second day, we ordered a picnic from the kitchen and took it to the beach on the bluff. Despite a chilly day, it was warm in the sun and the perfect perch to enjoy tapas and a chilled sauvignon blanc above the sea.
notes on traveling during the Covid-19 chapter:
Scott tells me I am by far the “most cautious person” he knows regarding Covid-19. We have taken 2 short road trip overnighters since the pandemic and only traveled and dined outdoors in our ‘safety bubble’ of two a handful of times. Here are the guidelines I use to prepare to travel safely.
Check case numbers and recommendations in your destination before booking a hotel and check cancellation/postponement policies.
Check hotel/lodging for outdoor living spaces rather than enclosed lounges & lobbies.
Read reviews and ratings on how well the resort implements the hygiene plans and protocols.
Pack all the gear: an assortment of masks, hand-sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes (for wiping down touchpoints in your room), disinfecting air spray, and blankets/picnic ware for outdoor dining.
Most restaurants use a QR code rather than a paper menu for touchless ordering, but if they don’t you can ask for a new single-use paper menu.
Before you travel plan out comfortable rest stops where you can use the facilities. While I’ve NEVER been a fan of gas station restrooms now is not the time to start. We plan our travel time frame around a stop for lunch at a trusted restaurant or coffee shop.
Take a moment to appreciate your staff and servers who are working harder than ever to make your experience safe and enjoyable. In our experience, they are doing an amazing job!
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Timber Cove Resort who went above and beyond to make sure the birthday boy was celebrated and that we felt comfortable the entire stay. Truly, a road trip in your local region can be the safest way to travel when the time is right for you.
Contact us to learn more and to book your next getaway.
All photos were taken on my iPhone.
