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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Dear Mom + Our MOST Exciting News Ever!!

/
Dear Mom + Our MOST Exciting News Ever!!

Dear Mom,

From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile.  From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and thatyou can never please everyone.

From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.

Read More

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.

Read More

Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves

/
Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves

We are seeing them everywhere this season-- flared, gathered, tapered, capped, layered, slit, caped, draped -- those sensational sleeves. When I was in fifth grade I asked my mom to sew a dress for me with straight sleeves and 2 layers of fabric encircling the wrists. I was also very clear, I wanted it in daffodil yellow!!

Oh, how I felt I made a bold fashion statement in that yellow dress, circa early 70's, with those sensational sleeves. We can skip the references to my 'Big Bird' yellow taste, but I will confess I continue to have fashion affection for those sensational sleeves.

Read More

Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

/
Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of ‘Pura Vida’, more eloquent than mere words can express, it’s an attitude of living the essence of pure life.

Read More