All posts filed under: romance and love

time to reflect while i descend from cloud 9

For the past four months, I have done nothing but run around while I organize “the wedding” and although it’s been a few days (mostly 3) since the occasion, I find myself periodically reflecting on the most beautiful event I have experienced in my lifetime. I honestly believe we were all on cloud 9 (as I smile from ear to ear). The most I want to remember is, the bride and groom’s humble smiles and blushed cheeks, the family and  friends who made an effort to be there, the laughter and sincere gestures of all the guests, and finally the most amazing Springtime weather San Francisco had to offer. Thank you everyone…

boutique hotel pick – baglioni hotel – london, england

In light of the fact the Summer Olympics are in England this year, I had contemplated spending my vacation or holiday (I like that word better) attending some of the games.  I am still on the fence about it, but it doesn’t hurt to dream, just in case I can’t make it a reality. Anyway, here is my dream hotel pick for London: Baglioni Hotel , which according to the chain’s website  is “luxury with an Italian touch”. What more can I anyone ask for?

movie night for valentine’s day

Just like most women, I love getting dressed up and going out for dinner, but not really on Valentine’s Day. My favorite way to celebrate the occasion is to stay home  and cook, believe it or not and rent a  few mushy films  and watch them while munching on popcorn and drinking champagne. Here are some of my favorite films for this year. They are mostly available through online rental or for a few bucks at a local megastore (i.e. Target)

unique gift ideas for her – holiday and beyond

Unique gift ideas for the woman over 40 is sometimes challenging when the person you are shopping for has various self conscious issues. To play it safe, I have  complied some gift ideas from here,  which I feel are pretty low key even for the most conservative woman you have ever known. 1. Jimmy Choo Sepia two tone pumps 850USD 2. Gucci 1973 leather bag 850USD 3. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold plated earings 495USD 4. ACNE Pistol suede ankle boots 570USD 5. Miu Miu I-Pod case 150USD 6. Tara Matthews hand embelished swimsuit 495USD 7. Nixon Chromo watercolor Sterling silver watch 450USD 8. Maison Martin Margiela distressed suede boots 855USD 9. Illesteva sunglasses 295USD 10.Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch 550USD 11.Alexander McQueen Leopard Cashmere silk blend scarf 725USD 12.John Hardy Sterling silver and saphire ring 895USD

holiday classic film recommend on a cold winter’s eve

While I understand, this week may be hectic for most as they shop last minute for gifts and draft up the menu for the holiday dinner, I suggest taking one evening off from all the madness and having a date night with a loved one by simply watching a class film, while munching on popcorn and drinking champagne. Fireplace is highly recommended but optional, the original classic film (from list below) is most recommend, a remake just won’t do for this particular experience.

boutique hotel pick – bacara resort and spa – santa barbara, california

Fall is a perfect time, in my opinion, to escape to a resort and spa hotel. I think, even though the weather may be a bit brisk and unpredictable, the romance of such a property do more than make up for it. I know I just got back from Italy but, I can’t help think about a weekend escape right before the holidays. My favorite is the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, California. I not only enjoy the drive down to Santa Barbara, but once at the hotel, I seldom leave for the entire weekend.

romance with the island of santorini, greece

Having lived on almost an island (well a Peninsula) all my life, I have a certain appreciation for places around the globe which are either small towns or villages near water or an actual island. With that said, I can’t resist reflecting on my trip to Santorini, Greece a while back. Santorini is hop skip away from Athens Greece and can be accessed via air or sea. I chose air, because I figured I didn’t want to get seasick and a flight in my mind meant a shorter trip to my destination. Of course at the time, I didn’t factor in getting to the airport, waiting for the flight, dealing with weather delays and of course finding a means to get to the car rental agency on Santorini. But an adventure is always exciting, even if at times it is scary. So, with a small luggage in tow, my travel partner and I, after enduring the longest flight on the shortest distance ever, finally got to the island in the afternoon. The airport, being very small, …

boutique hotel pick – hotel palazzo giovanelli – venice, italy

Venice, Italy fullfills every bit of my fasination  with the renassance era. I just can’t get enough of this beautiful travel destination and no matter what season, the beauty of Venice is always overwhelming and more admiring, at least for me. Of course since this is the year I will be planning a trip to Italy, I must also include yet another favorite hotel of mine in Venice – Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli – as a highly recommend property for romance and elegance.

inspiration: outdoor special occasion table setting

Call me crazy but I am ready for Spring, although it isn’t officially Spring until around March 22nd, I am ready for it right now. So, as I feel my stress level escalating to code orange from being cooped up indoors most of the day, I have decided to turn to my collection of outdoor special occasion table setting photos  to put a smile back on my face and give me a moment to daydream about Springtime. If you feel like I do today, find something that inspires you  and take a moment to escape mentally.

inspiration: cafe de flore – paris, france

After a long week, I needed some inspirational photos to help escape “mentally” at least from the every day norms. My favorite place to hang out – Cafe De Flore in Paris (of course), France. I have a strange appreciation for cafe photos and here are some of my favorites Cafe de Flore to share with you. Have a great weekend and remember think happy thoughts no matter how hard life can be. 🙂 {photos: courtesy google search cafe de flore – various artists}