The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018

The Day Our World in Butte County Changed. #CampFire2018

We awoke to one of those crisp, crystal clear autumn mornings where we could see all the way to the coastline from our perch. From the moment I looked out our window during breakfast and saw a menacing plume of smoke racing across the sky, with gray ashes falling into the pool, our world here in Butte County has been forever changed.

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A Walk in Bidwell Park with Uno Alla Volta

A Walk in Bidwell Park with Uno Alla Volta

It's always a treat to discover a surprise package on the front step. I opened a box the other day that contained this beautiful pastel scarf from Uno Alla Volta. The ethereal leaf patterned Devore silk scarf was handpainted by Joyita. I styled it with my dusty pink faux-leather waterfall front jacketSvelte leggings and Vince Camuto Booties.

Our walk in the park was a quick stop since we were on our way to an event in downtown Chico. The fall colors were irresistible and my scarf was perfectly in style at our favorite watering hole later that evening.

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A Sweet Bridal Brunch on the Canyon

A Sweet Bridal Brunch on the Canyon

Remembering this sweet bridal brunch on the canyon for the beautiful bride-to-be, also my honeymoon travel client, Jordyn. She and her family are longtime Chico residents and have become my dear friends in recent years. We had such fun celebrating Jordyn’s upcoming nuptials in this beautiful spot on the canyon.

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A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower for Briana (and Our First Grandbaby) xx, Gigi

A Sweet Summer Bébé Shower for Briana (and Our First Grandbaby) xx, Gigi

It was a sweet summer bébé shower last month for my beautiful step-daughter, Briana. We are incredibly excited for Briana and Shawn with their little one on the way. Briana's mom, Shawn's mom and I co-hosted the shower for family and friends at her mom, Danielle's, house. For me, the preparation started with flowers at home. I used a mix of pastels since they have chosen to be surprised with the gender of the baby, due in early November. I created little nosegays for use in mason jars. I added ribbons with both pink and blue colors because the ribbons (with baby motif) were just so darn cute!

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Retirement for Two: "So What Do I Actually Do Now?"

Retirement for Two: "So What Do I Actually Do Now?"

I’ve received so many comments and emails about my retirement series as I made the leap from school psychologist to launching my Curated Travel business, a year ago. From making the bold decision, to steps along the way, saying goodbye, even my changing spending habits, I chronicled my journey this last year in these posts: Retirement Series. There are a number of readers who are planning on retirement in the near future and curious about how it feels to go through this experience. It’s been fun to share our experience.

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The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home [Thanks to Bacio Catering]

The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home [Thanks to Bacio Catering]

The menu for the Valentine’s Day carry-out dinner was pure deliciousness . I pre-ordered the butternut squash lasagna and Scott ordered the steak medallions with red-wine reduction. Bacio clearly laid out all instructions for heating our meal and it came together in just a few minutes. There was plenty of time to enjoy sips of sparkling wine while preparing our courses.

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Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day

Date Night: Al Fresco Dinner At Home for Valentine's Day

It was an unusually warm Valentine’s Day this year. Scott had the brilliant idea of ordering in from the Chico gold standard, Bacio Catering, so that we could thoroughly enjoy our evening. Turns out this was the perfect way to enjoy a stress free date night and an al fresco dinner at home.

 

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Behind the Glass: An Afternoon with Artist & Entrepreneur Courtney Gray of grayc glass

Behind the Glass: An Afternoon with Artist & Entrepreneur Courtney Gray of grayc glass

To say that I had a good time spending an afternoon in the studio with Courtney Gray--the artist and entrepreneur behind gracyc glass--would be an understatement. Courtney is warm, effervescent, smart and talented. Did I mention she is hysterical? I felt like I had known her for years within minutes of meeting her. Courtney showed me around her home studio; being based at home is her practical solution for staying in touch with family life, while still having the opportunity for late-hour artistic inspirations.  Courtney is based in Chico, Northern California, and has garnered quite a following in the community and beyond.

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