B&B's for Sale

Travel Thursday

Forget staying in a bed and breakfast when you can BUY one! These B&B's in Northern California are currently available and have me wishing for investors...

The Ferndale Inn

Listed at a bargain of $924,500 in Ferndale, Ca.

Visit BBonline for more information. 

The Brannan Cottage Inn

Listed for $1.3 million in Calistoga, Ca.

Visit BBonline for more information.

The Joshua Grindle Inn

Listed at $3.4 million in Mendocino.

This ocean front property features all kinds unique lodging

like the Dolphin House and the Water House (below).

Visit BBonline for more information or visit the

Joshua Grindle Inn for a complete tour.

Happy Traveling!!

or

 Happy Hunting!

Les Quatre Pins B&B

"The Four Pines"
Grolejac, France
Travel Thursday


While in Dordogne, I stayed at Les Quatre Pins. I found this peaceful bed & breakfast on Visit France. Quietly tucked away in the heart of the Dordogne region just off the road from the small village of Grolejac (about 10-15 miles from Beynac, Sarlat, Le Roque Gagac, and Domme) it is convenient for exploring by day and relaxing by evening and night, and evenings here couldn't be more peaceful.

 

One thing I really enjoyed about the French country was the sound of birds chirping and singing all evening long. But there was something special about Les Quatre Pins, and that is it's owners Helen & Stephen. Originally from England, it was nice to finally converse in English, and they welcomed me as a long lost friend, going above and beyond to invite me to dinner and social evenings like at the local Hotel bar for traditional Friday evenings. 

Photos above from Les Quatre Pins website.

My stay was particularly special because it was my first stay in a bed & breakfast, even though it's been a dream of mine to own and run one for many years now. I'm so glad Les Quatre Pins was my first, and I'm grateful for the friendships I made. Here is my last night when we all ordered our own pizzas for dinner! Can you spot the fried egg pizza, again?

 

Even the cows were comforting to me especially when they "came home" in the evenings to the farm across the street. I grew up feeding the cows with my grandpa, so it definitely reminded me of some wonderful childhood memories.

For English & Americans seeking refuge and peace in the Dordogne region, I highly recommend Les Quatre Pins! (To book, visit HERE.)

Happy Traveling!!

Freedom Friday

I DID IT!

I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll give you the short version first. I quit my job.

Well, respectively I gave over a 4 1/2 week notice. I've been employed for over 4 years as a client services manager for an investment advisory firm for high networth clients. Leaving was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I debated for months, maybe even years about when I would do it. I'm pretty sure those close to me, never thought I would actually do it. But when the day I said I would do it, came and gone, a few times over, I finally had to look to my Chinese fortunes I save next to my mousepad, that I stare at for 8 hours a day, that say: Let your heart guide you. I prayed, took a deep breath, looked at it one last time for encouragement, got up and walked to his office. My co-workers have been my surrogate family since I moved to Florida not knowing a soul. They have treated me like a granddaughter, sister, and friend. Protected me during the recession. Day after day, I watched CNBC from my cubicle watching the volatile swings, all the while holding on tightly to my job, knowing they were looking after me. I should have had a T-shirt stating: I survived the Economic Crash. It made it even harder since I was given the option to advance my education to further my career. While I enjoy the investment world, and I have been good at it, (I mentioned before that I was in the Top 1% on 2 seperate competitions for the CNBC portfolio challenge (over 100,000 participants, in a male-dominated industry, I will go so far as to say, that kicks some royal ass!) I'm a creative person at heart, and couldn't bear to watch another 10 years go by wondering "what if?"

My roles of anwering phones, sorting mail, and well being a glorified gal-Friday after 8 years were weighing on me, since about, well 8 years ago. But I plugged, pressed on, and tucked those hard earned pennies away, waiting, posting about my dream jobs, wondering what the hell am I going to do?

My dream has always always ALWAYS been to be self-employed. I just couldn't decide what was best for me... writer, bakery owner, Bed & Breakfast (still a dream), join the circus (jk), you get the point. But after looking at the daily routine and financials of running a bakery, waking at 4am, never being able to leave the shop; making cupcakes was quickly looking like a nightmare.

I started to think about how I wanted to spend my days, besides writing and blogging. Traveling is my favorite thing in the whole world. And I always catch myself obsessively capturing every step with the camera. Wanting to explore the history sites, taste the food, and experience the culture. Call me a dreamer - I don't care. Life is too short. Looking at devoting a portion of the year to travel, and the rest to business development and marketing was looking like it could work. That's how one fine day in June... the idea of Photography Getaways was born.

After my years of being indecisive, when the idea of Photography Getaways struck me, I knew I had found it, and immediately put plans quietly into play within the same week.

I wanted to offer a similar experience as the escorted tours I'd been on to photography enthusiasts who want to see the world. People who are interested in the same thing, who share the same euphoric feeling I do when I discover a new place, that inital awe and wonder of when you first see a new place, and can't wait to start capturing it. I didn't want to offer the same workshop style other photographers do, I wanted something a little different... a combination of a tour and a workshop, to add the culture, bonding, siteseeing and regional dining.

And so I waited until the right month when everything was set and I could and should finally give 100% of myself to my dreams... as I mentioned my New Year's Resolution was one main thing: to be true to myself. This was it.

So, now I will be taking a leap of faith. I know I'm not alone, and so optimistic for this year! I know it's going to be the best yet! It's so encouraging to see the success of other bloggers, and know that blogging has opened the door to so many possiblities. I've got big plans to make my blog even better... which I'm so excited for! Which I'll be starting with the return of 14 Days of Love, February 1st! I'll also be doing some guest blogging, and participating in more group blog posts. So if you're interested in having me guest blog, please do let me know! Also, I'll be hosting regular giveaways! Let me know if you'd like to sponsor a giveaway! Want to advertise? Interested in the Etsy shop? Join us on a Photography Getaway? Or please support by spreading the word... following on Facebook, Twitter, or Bloglovin'!

Happy Friday!

Not Just Another Monday

A Quote from Morning Glory, now out in theatres:

Rachael McAdam's mom in the movie told her...

"You had a dream. You followed it.

It was cute when you were 8.

At 18, it was inspiring.

At 28, it's pathetic."

I'm 28.

F***.

Well, thank God for Hollywood,

her dream came true.

Needless to say, I didn't sleep much last night.

I'd like to blame it on the anxiety of my first filling today in 17 years,

but that was hardly the case.

The movie hit me hard... the kind where you don't really want to talk to anyone for a good hour or so after, because it effects you. Happens to me a lot, which is why I actually enjoy watching these chick flicks solo sometimes.

So when Belle Inspiration, The Holiday Edition came out today on the 'online rack'...

it really did just that, inspire.

If you haven't been following my blog that long,

you may be wondering what that all has to do with each other.

Well I am magazine journalism graduate,

one who hasn't really worked in the field,

and it's a big deal to me, because my article and photos

appear in professional print for one of the more 'meaningful' times.

Also, my name is in the masthead for the very first time.

I'm a little more vulnerable writing an honest post,

these days with my readership up,

not only by international blogging friendships,

but by people who knew me in another life,

and may just be curious too see what I'm up to via Facebook...

plus being a new business owner,

it's best to keep things that feel a little raw covered up.

Yet this is my space, so I'll write anyway.

For one,

my name is Nicolette...and I go by Nikki.

Something I've never divulged on this blog for the past 18 months.

I chose Colette because I wasn't comfortable being on the internet.

Afterall, I didn't join Facebook until this year.

I personally find social networking very time consuming and invasive,

but vital in survival with international business these days.

I've never been called Colette by anyone I've known directly.

I considered changing the title of my blog a few months ago,

because it seemed... well, a little self absorbed.

But to be honest, it's not my name... just a title.

And no, I don't mind if you call me Colette... many of my blog pals do. :)

However, becoming Colette has allowed me to break out of this timid shell,

A person that has followed through with committment,

one that hasn't started yet another project and left it in the corner,

one that has not been scared of failure, therefore taking risks,

realizing Colette and the blogging world has done a world of good

for my confidence in success.

So, if you'd like to read my article on the Vizcaya Mansion in Miami,

or other great holiday stories written by other woman around the world,

visit Belle Inspiration and subscribe today.

P.S. It's never to late to give up on your dreams.

(I don't care how cliche it sounds.)

There was a man in his late 70's that walked around my college campus with his little Jansport backpack on going from class to class. It always made me smile, and gave me hope.

Letters to Juliet

Letters to Juliet is a must-see for anyone who loves travel romantic comedies, aspires to be a writer, loves gastronomie, or has a passion for Italy. There was beautiful scenery, a restaurant with fresh made pasta drying on the rack, love letters, Italian villas, and nice eye candy. The movie was far better than I expected, and my boyfriend even enjoyed it. It was me all in a wrap... and I know many ladies in blog land would surely love it.

On a similar note, I have been working on a few of my own writing goals lately and have even pitched my book to two agents in New York, so keep your fingers crossed.

As far as Italy goes, I've found quite a few websites with great international real estate. I found a charming little gem in Abruzzo that needs renovation for cheap! No I didn't buy it... but just letting my HGTV and travel lovers out there know there are some great deals for those who love that kind of project. I so wanted to share a pic... but it is right-click protected. Check it out HERE ($19,000)!

There are all kinds of international properties out there for all price brackets, including those who don't think they can afford it, one just needs to research thoroughly, bear in mind foreign taxes, renovation costs, and watch out for mold and water damage. Some websites for your perusal... Viviun, Holprop, & ToscanaHouses.


Here's to Dreaming!

Giada at Home

Giada De Laurentiis will be in Fort Lauderdale at Williams-Sonoma at the Galleria Mall on Thursday, April 8th at 2:00p.m. for her new book signing of Giada at Home. This is big. No. To me this is HUGE.

I have been watching her show for over four years, seen her Chefography, and even served two of her recipes at my college graduation dinner. Fried gorgonzola cheeseballs with arugula salad and fried nutella wontons with sprinkled powdered sugar. Back when I had a myspace page, I even listed Giada as one of the Top 3 People I Would Like to Meet. So, I am only working a half day on Thursday to get the chance to meet one of my idols. (I hate to use that word, but I guess it classifies.) I don't get star struck. But this could be different. I'm shy, and just hoping it turns out to be a pleasant event.  Luckily, I used to work at Williams-Sonoma in South Florida with the same manager, so keep your fingers crossed!

Have a super weekend!

Need a recipe for those leftover Easter eggs?
See my first post as Fort Lauderdale Ethnic Foods Examiner at Examiner.com!

Good Eats Wednesday

Foodie News
& Dream Jobs

Ego Anton, the Food Critic from Disney's Ratatouille.

I am extremely excited to announce that I will be the new Fort Lauderdale Ethnic Foods Restaurant Reviewer for Examiner.com. I have been wanting to write about food and review restaurants ever since I obtained my degree in magazine journalism. I can now dig out my dusty book Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob, which I bought upon graduation.

I 've always been known as a dreamer, but with patience and preserverance, things sometimes do work out.

Here is another example... in kindergarten when told to draw what I wanted to be when I grew up... I drew a Disneyland worker. Sure enough when I was in college, I applied to work for the summer at Disney World in their college program, and even though I humbly served Pineapple Dole Whip, or eggrolls in Adventureland (depending on the day), I fulfilled my dream. It wasn't until my mom pulled out that old drawing that I remembered what I once wanted. While my experience at Disney was nowhere near what a child would dream, with the minimal pay and laborous schedule, it's the fact that I had achieved one of my dreams, learned a tremendous lesson about finances, and it led to me to where I am today... currently living in South Florida.

Modern Replica.

Don't Laugh.

I'm not sure if that's Mickey Mouse, or the Easter Bunny.

I think I did a better job drawing when I was 5.

So brace yourselves,

I will be sharing my future reviews with you.

Thanks to Mel @ Reverie-Daydream,

I found out about Examiner.com because of you.

If you would like to become an examiner on in your local area and share your expertise or passion...

APPLY HERE. Referred by Nicolette Fisher.

Bon appetit! 

Dream Jobs

I'm continually amazed by how encouraging comments from fellow bloggers can be.
My dad likes to tease me, that it is "stroking each other's ego."
Whatever. Thanks dad.
But seriously, the friendships I've formed from blogging have really motivated me that anything is possible. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think many can relate. Since blogging, I started Etsy, actually stuck with projects I started, despite my lapse during the holidays.
There really is a good reason, which we will leave at that for now.

So, this weekend I took baby steps in getting to that dream job destination.

1. I applied as an Senior Editorial Assistant in San Francisco.
2. I submitted many photos to Frommer's Travel Photo Contest.
    Enter HERE. (No, scratch that--you will be my competition. Google the link on your own!)

JK! A big Thank You to all for making "Dream Jobs Monday" a little closer to reality.

Happy Monday!

Dream Jobs

HGTV Host/ Travel Channel Host


I've always been a fan of HGTV, and seriously considered applying to Scripps Media fresh out of college. Not sure I would have stood a chance. But it has been a real dream to either work for either HGTV, The Travel Channel, or Food Network.

I have spent countless hours the past couple of months on the couch watching House Hunters, House Hunters International, Property Virigins, The UnSellables, etc, etc. This weekend I began to grow frustrated because I caught mainly repeats. Hmm... maybe that says I've watched way too many.

But one new show stands out as simply amazing. The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie, Austrailian landscaper, who travels the world to find his inspiration for amazing international landscapes.

HGTV or Travel Channel... please hire me! I promise to be your next new "it" host to travel around the world... searching out quaint international inns.

Casi Franci Bed & Breakfast in Rome, Italy

via bnbfinder.com

Maybe I will start with the Travel Channel Academy. Anyone else care to join me?!
Click HERE for more info.

Dream Jobs

Part II.

A few weeks ago, I posted the beginning of a Monday series about Dream Jobs. Here is another one of my dream jobs...

No, it's not Buddy the Elf!

 as played by Will Ferrel in Elf.

It would be a book editor like his father Walter. :)

If I had to choose to be stuck in an office working for a major conglomerate it would be...

Random House.

I have a fantasy that entails reading manuscript submissions all day. I am way better at editing than I am writing. I would be a kind editor. One that sees promise in all stories, whether they need work or not. I would offer suggestions of what could work better. I would see to it that I could find a market for each specialty book once in tip-top shape. If working to fit a company's budget, and it just didn't work for the book publisher I worked for, I would send a writer in the direction that may best suit them.

Ahhh... yes... to be in editor with a peaceful Manhattan office (if such one exists). I could read, edit, and assist. Wouldn't that be wonderful???

On, the subject of Elf, I decorated for the holidays yesterday and put up the tree. Ornaments are tonight!!! So, did I beat everybody?

And one quick reminder before you go:

Take one small step everyday to living your dream...

Dream Jobs

Part 1.

  Those who know me, know I'm very imaginative about what I want to be and what I want to do. My problem is not knowing what I want to do, but narrowing down what I want to commit to completely without getting bored or wanting to switch gears yet again. My wants change seasonally because I have so many interests, but I'm pretty consistant about being practical, and I'm finding that practicality is paralyzing, because it's hard to be brave, or even stupid, to abandon what is safe.

   I'm creative and hands-on, a little shy, and can be a marketing genius when time and money allows, but fearful to pull the trigger or jump start anything. Blogging and Etsy have allowed me to experiment and have fun focusing on some of the things I love, but I'm still sitting at the desk under flourescent lights, wondering if my educational loans were all worth it. Because I'll admit I'm still dispersing the mail, answering phones, and data entry, pretty much the same tasks pre-degree except with a little better salary. All things I wouldn't mind doing if for the pleasure of my own business. I know, I know I should be grateful, because of the many who have lost their jobs and would be grateful for my opportunity, but I think most people can relate it is hard watching the years go by sitting on the sidelines, watching the star players live out their dream.

  So until that day comes when I decide on my niche, no need for sympathy, just a little Monday gripe, this is the perfect excuse for a Monday escape with a mini-blogseries focusing on Dream Jobs and success stories. What better way to start a Monday?

So for starters, here is a little background on me...

My Degree: Bachelor of Science in Journalism- Magazine &  a business minor.

What I intended to study when I applied to colleges: Film Production / or Screenwriting
(Of the 6 colleges I was accepted in to, film was not offered at the University of Oregon, where I attended.)

My Actual Job:  Client Services Manager for a boutique investment advisery firm.

(That's me subserviently playing the part of dutiful employee. Remember when Emily in the 'Devil Wears Prada' says, "I love my job. I love my job. I love my job." in her cute British accent.

Yeah...I love that line.)

So there you have it my friends, after months of blogging, my personal resume on a post and my heart and soul exposed. I know many of my blog friends have careers they love and that I so jealously love. So if you are interested in guest posting your success stories, interview, how-to, or general advice (on blog or privately), email me at nicoletterenee@hotmail.com.

Here's to a new week! :)