How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.  For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.

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Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

Ocean Vs. River Cruising: Which One is for You?

When it comes to taking a cruise on river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.But each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So what are the major differences?
One big difference can be summed up in one word: intimacy. River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members.

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A Bridal Brunch in Newport Beach: Roses and Rosé at Zinqué

A Bridal Brunch in Newport Beach: Roses and Rosé at Zinqué

The setting was picture perfect. The rustic table, embellished with nosegays of white roses tucked into vintage urns, laced with delicate greens, and crowned with intertwining wreaths of greens and tulips from above. The vibe was definitely roses and rosé with chilled bottles of Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé adding a blush of color to the table.  This was a labor of love and creativity as Dorie created the one of a kind tablescape and arrangements through her popular design business, Broadway Botanicals.

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A Parisian Apartment Style Brunch

A Parisian Apartment Style Brunch

One of the most alluring reasons to stay in a Parisian apartment while visiting Paris is savoring a taste of the French way of life. With a boulangerie, fruit market, grocery, patisserie, butcher and international market on nearly every block, it’s easy to gather the freshest, tastiest ingredients each day to create memorable bites.

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Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment

Our Stay in a Romantic Parisian Apartment

With sparkling crystal chandeliers, vintage velvet couches, luxurious linens, time-worn books, a pastel collection of vintage plates, whimsical accents like a jaunty top hat, and a touch of animal print, the details of this apartment are charming. The skeleton wall, meticulously restored, is a nod to the early history of this charming space.

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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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Curated Travel: Packing Tips - Edited Accessories + New Favorites from grayc glass

Curated Travel: Packing Tips - Edited Accessories + New Favorites from grayc glass

I've learned to minimize and refine my packing style through trial and error. I believe it was that three-week vacation to Italy and France in 2011, lugging an overweight suitcase on and off train platforms, up tiny staircases of hotels, and out of taxi cabs, that finally made me a believer in the less is more approach to packing and traveling. I was also grateful that neither Scott or I developed a hernia hoisting that bag up and down for three weeks.

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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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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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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.

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An Afternoon in Beguiling Bellagio on Lake Como

An Afternoon in Beguiling Bellagio on Lake Como

One afternoon Scott and I pointed our rented Peugeot northeast, from our villa in Lezzeno, to beautiful Bellagio for the afternoon. Known for grand hotels, elegant villas, voluptuous flower boxes and stunning views from the steep staircases of the city center. Bellagio is beguiling.

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