All posts filed under: romantic getaways

Decor: Have You Been To The Cotswolds?

Two years ago, I planned a trip to England, which included The Cotswolds. Here’s the thing about the destination – it is best explored by driving. But there are trains/local transport, or tours which take you to the region, unfortunately mostly to the touristy parts. I was fortunate enough to experience The Cotswolds past all of that – the tucked away neighborhoods, shops and boutiques which were located off the beaten paths, and even strolls through the countryside. Either way you go, The Cotswolds are worth the experience. So you can imagine my aw, when I saw this article about a restauranteur and his 1919 Cotswold cottage renovation. Here’s how to experience some of the best Cotswold cottage stay

Boutique Hotel Pick – Kimpton Charlotte Square – Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the favorite destinations from around the world is Scotland, and the inspiration for my third novel coming your way soon. And although there are many wonderful hotels throughout the country, one in particular I wanted to feature in RS&S since it meets all of my eclectic taste in accommodations.     {for a list of 20 small luxury hotels in Edinburgh- visit this site}

Saturday Interesting Distractions From The Internet

I always tell myself to take a break on the weekends from being on the computer – which I do for the most part. But sometimes I am too excited about sharing what I consider interesting distractions or good things to know about. So go grab that cup of coffee or tea and simply enjoy… {featured image source and inspiration}

Boutique Hotel Pick – Le Mas Des Poiriers – Avignon, France

Even at this point in life, I dream of fairy tales, not so much about a prince sweeping my off my feet and ending up living a life of a princess, but more like, a place an adult woman could escape to, and be pampered for a week or more, with pool side refills on the finest of champagne and naps  on a plush wicker chaise longue in the gardens – that to me is the ideal of a fairy tale – 🙂

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken Salad

The recipe is titled Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken salad with Goddess dressing – and being that I am a goddess 🙂 I had to see what the ingredients are all about. I do love Buffalo Ranch chicken salad to start with and order the option at any given U.S. restaurant if they are wise enough to offer it on their menu. So, the only difference is this recipe calls for the goddess dressing: INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cutlets, or tenders 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, homemade or store-bought 1 cup Panko bread crumbs 1 tablespoon each dried chives and dried parsley 2 teaspoons dried dill 1 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste 1 pinch each kosher salt and black pepper SALAD 2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded 4 carrots, shredded 4 celery stalks, chopped 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped 4 radishes thinly, sliced 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped 1 avocado, sliced 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese GODDESS DRESSING 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 cup fresh basil 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded juice from 1 lemon  {more}  On another topic, recently an event I planned a few …

Travel: Where to Go In August

I normally travel to Europe off season or end to a season or the beginning to a season. Meaning May or Mid September through October – not so much for the great fares and hotel rates, but rather for the quiet before and after the student travelers have passed through the continent. But this list of best places to travel in August can also carry through the end of October just fine, I know, I’ve been there: {featured image} Also this How To article had me smiling – my favorite: How To Sleep Like A Pope In Rome

Travel: Coastal Towns In Italy

You know, I think I’ll just let the photos do the talking – because if you are planning a trip to Italy in the Summer, plan with coastal towns in mind – as Rome, Florence and inner cities are always too hot and too crowded. And yes, so are the beaches, but the subtle breeze and the cooling effect of the water makes an Italian vacation the most memorable. For example: On another note – I’ve always imagined renting out an entire Villa overlooking some body of water in Italy and just exist for a few weeks, while allowing my creativity to shape another novel {featured image source}

Travel: Luxury Camping

Considering I live in bear country (California), I stay away from camping – in a tent or in locations where those furry beasts could easily tear down walls and doors to get to the jar of honey I felt necessary to bring to a campground.  Gruesome I know – sorry. But I have a vivid imagination and believe everything I see in the movies – about bears that is.  😉 But I do love the outdoors, and often wish I could overcome my fears and experience ‘camp-likeness’ at least once in my lifetime. And maybe with this list, I may consider a few options – like…