Livingston Manor : Staying and Seeing...Just the Highlights

Backyard view of the 'dome home' in Shandelee, NY

Between the onset of COVID and welcoming a child, the concept of 'vacation' has become a twice forgotten fantasy the last two years. As Summer fades and Fall finds its foothold, the time has come to take a 'together' trip. This Labor Day weekend, the three of us trek North to Western Sullivan Properties' 'dome home.' Shandelee + Livingston Manor become our sanctuary for three days as we detox from the day-to-day. Here is a peek at some of the serenity that successfully balances the buildup of stress and sleepless nights back home....

-WINDOW TO MY WORLD-

Lima, Peru -- White House equivalent

Every country boasts unique foods and cultural customs lesser known to tourists. For me, the thrill of travel invites adventure in discovery. This past weekend's day-cation in Peru includes a Procession of Saint Martin de Porres (on his feast day). Starting at the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion, many men lift a shrine with a statue of St. Martin and proceed on a 12+ hour pilgrimage through the town of Callao. Keep reading for a look at the festivities...

-WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY #HIDINGFROMTHEHOLIDAYS-

 #HidingFromTheHolidays in search of #PuraVida

The mis-adventures of unlucky Melquiades Ledezma (played by Antonio Espino "Clavillazo") originates the popular Tico slogan "Pura Vida." Ever since, eternal optimism and blissful existence define the simply translated "pure life." Up for interpretation, the Costa Rican mantra bids that comparatively, there exists an alternative that reduces your misfortune to a vacation in paradise; consequently, man up and make the most of every moment. Seizing the opportunity to regroup from reality, Costa Rica becomes the desired destination to decompress. Keep reading to have a look at my adventures #HidingFromTheHolidays...  

-WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY-

On the bridge to VA Beach!

Here's a window into my world this Wednesday, as I break from the normal routine. The last 10 days have seen sand, sun and sweets at Virginia Beach. Straying away from the 'strip,'  Sandbridge Beach and Red Wing Park (home to the Stone Bridge and 19 poké stops for Pokémon Go!) are relaxing alternatives. We complete a taste trial of top-your-own treats at Duck Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Amazing Glazed, and tour an active Navy ship--thanks to a coworker. Skate parks and slight sunburn later, we sip our last swig of sweet tea and head back to reality. Keep reading for a look into our week in VA Beach... 

TASTES & TRAVELS : BUMMIN' AROUND THE BERKSHIRES

Artwork on Church Street in Lenox, MA

Feeling inclined to fill up on the flavors of Fall and frolic in freshly fallen foliage, my honey and I head for the hills last weekend. Seizing a rare opportunity to venture beyond City borders, the Berkshires become a welcome wonderland after a weary work week. Brunch foods, bargains and beverages bring us to farmsteads and Main Streets in search of epicurean excellence. Looping through the circuit of Western New England, our search for fantastic food and drink continues; keep reading to see our weekend's favorites... 

PIRATES, PRINCESSES AND OTHER ELIZABETHAN ENTERTAINMENT @RENFAIRE

Re-enactment of the Queen's court at the Renaissance Faire (Renfaire)

With summer weekends waning, Lords and Ladies, warriors and wenches alike gather in Sterling Forest, Tuxedo Park for a midsummer celebration of post-medieval masquerade. Since 1978, Elizabethan England assumes the epicenter of entertainment at Renaissance Fair, weekends from the first of August to September's end. Over 65 acres of fantasy and forestry become laden with with 16th century vixens in velvet, artisans, pirates, musicians, actors and a variety of vendors. Keep reading for a sightly slice inside Renfaire this past weekend...

TASTES & TRAVELS : SPRINGTIME IN SEATTLE

Skagit Valley Tulip Season peaks in the month of April each year

This time last year, my honey and I were plotting our path around Seattle, Washington. Tulip season peaks each April in Skagit Valley, Washington, making it the perfect time to travel there. Sushi, shellfish and a slice of Sumner's rhubarb pie make for memorable moments. Keep reading for some of our favorites...

TASTES & TRAVELS : AUSTIN SIGHTS, SIPS & SNACKS PART 2

 Artful walls in the parking lot at Vintage Heart Coffee

Our trips usually revolve around sips (coffee, breweries, etc.) and snacks (local specialities, authentic farm-to-table cuisine, etc.), with some sightseeing in between. Austin is no different, with its share of local delights and delectable dishes. In a town where endless BBQ houses, coffee shops and taco taverns abound, there simply isn't enough time to try every single one! Keep reading for the succulent standouts...

TASTES & TRAVELS : AUSTIN SIGHTS, SIPS & SNACKS PART 1

Austin Mural from the side of the Roadhouse Relics building on South 1st Street and Annie

A new section for the blog has landed for 2015! While stylecurated has traditionally focused on NYC exhibits, pop ups and store windows, readers voiced interest in connecting on a more personal level. Tastes & Travels will mix things up from time to time and add a bit of personality to my otherwise fashion-focused NYC perspective. First stop? Austin, Texas. My Honey and I fly out Christmas Day to avoid crazy crowds. Keep reading for a breakdown of the "bests" we experience... 

STYLE SNAPS : STYLISH SIGNAGE

Bathroom signage at Seattle's Pike Place Market (L) by Duncan Thieme of SRG Architects / (R) Entranceway, by Laura Sindell, 1987

While bathroom signs serve a practical purpose, some signify "Men" or "Women" more stylishly than others. My Easter weekend visit to the West coast uncovers chic signage at both Seattle's Pike Place Market and Vancouver's BC Place Stadium. Where have you seen some cool signs lately?  

STYLE SNAPS : STYLE ME SILLY!

That's me, jumping on the bed, in a Dalia McPhee dress with a lampshade

This weekend warranted a break from the sights and sounds of NYC. Trading noise for Nature, I booked a yurt for one night, rented a car and grabbed my honey... Oh, and I brought along one of the "too good to pass up" sale dresses I never wore. What better occasion than a weekend in the woods (of the Catskill Mountains) to break out a fancy frock and stage a photo shoot. Have a look and let me know what you think!