Fascinators & Holiday Planning

1. Fascinators: The Statement Piece with Flair (Not Function)
If you’ve ever watched a royal wedding or attended a high-society event, chances are you’ve spotted a few eye-catching accessories perched delicately atop the heads of fashionable women. No, we’re not talking about hats—we’re talking about fascinators.
A fascinator is a formal headpiece, a fabulous flourish in the world of millinery that’s all about style over substance. Unlike traditional hats, which provide shade or protection from the elements, fascinators serve a different purpose: pure, unapologetic ornamentation.
Since the 1990s, the term fascinator has evolved to refer to this chic alternative to the hat. Think feathers, flowers, veils, bows, and sparkles—usually arranged on a clip or band that secures it neatly to the head. It’s more sculpture than shelter, designed to catch the eye rather than block the sun or rain.
Fascinators are often worn at weddings, horse races (hello, Royal Ascot!), garden parties, and other events where elegance and personal expression are encouraged. While they cover very little of the head, they make a big statement—equal parts sophisticated and whimsical.
So why wear one? Because fashion doesn’t always need to be practical. Sometimes, the best accessories are the ones that exist just to bring a little joy, flair, and conversation into the room.
So to add a little joy to Mother’s Day – my mom and I both wore fascinators to a Mother’s Day tea.  What did you do this past week that brought some joy to your life?

2. Why Planning a Holiday is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Yourself
When was the last time you took a real break? Not just a long weekend, but a real, soul-restoring getaway—the kind where your shoulders drop, your sleep deepens, and you remember what it feels like to just be?
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Life is busy. Responsibilities pile up. And often, the idea of planning a holiday feels more like a luxury than a necessity. But here’s the truth: planning a holiday is an investment in your well-being, your creativity, and your joy.
Here’s why taking the time to plan your next holiday isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
1. Anticipation Boosts Happiness
Studies show that the simple act of planning a vacation can boost your mood—even more than the holiday itself. Why? Because anticipation gives us something to look forward to. The daydreaming, itinerary research, and even packing lists light up our brains with hope and excitement. It’s a reminder that there’s life beyond your to-do list.
2. Planning Reduces Stress Later
A well-planned holiday means fewer decisions in the moment. No scrambling to find a place to eat or wondering if that hotel is actually clean. Instead, you can rest into your experience, knowing the logistics are handled. You’re not wasting mental energy on the details—you’re living the moment.
3. It Helps You Disconnect (for Real)
When you intentionally plan time off, you’re more likely to actually take that time off. It creates a clear boundary for work and rest. Planning ahead also gives your colleagues and clients time to prepare, meaning you’re less likely to be pulled back into your inbox while sipping coffee on a sunlit balcony.
4. You Get to Reconnect—with Yourself and Others
Whether you're heading off solo, with a partner, or gathering with friends or family, holidays create space to reconnect. They pull us out of autopilot and into presence. Laughter flows more freely. Conversations go deeper. You remember what you love about life—and about the people you share it with.
5. It Gives Perspective
Stepping away from the familiar gives you new eyes. Distance has a way of clarifying what matters and what doesn’t. You may come back with insights about your work, your habits, or your priorities. A shift in location often leads to a shift in mindset.
Final Thought: You Deserve It
This isn’t about indulgence. It’s about restoration. You don’t have to earn a break by working yourself into the ground. Planning a holiday is a form of self-respect. It says, “I matter. My well-being matters. My joy matters.”
So go ahead—pull out that calendar, browse some locations, and start dreaming. Whether it's a cozy cabin, a mountain escape, or a beach with nothing but waves and silence, your next holiday starts with the decision to make it happen.

You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. Plan now. Rest later. And feel better for it.
I am in the process of planning our trip to Italy and Greece in September.  This has been a dream of mine for about 18 years and it is so exciting to see it coming together.