• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Summertime and Seizing the Moment

July 15, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

Summer is such a sweet word filled with so much happiness especially for kids. Each year that passes I feel the very precious and fleeting nature of it even more keenly. Kids are changing, growing and becoming bean poles. No matter how much they tower over me, they still just want to get their fill of  popsicles, pools, staying up late, running around town on bikes, camping and all those quintessential summer rites. 

 When I returned from my vacation, I learned my close friend is battling a serious illness and she hasn’t left my mind hardly at all. She’s a happy and joyous person who knows how to enjoy life and I am hoping she will soon be better. 
I am feeling very much aware that it’s important to live in the moment. 
There is no perfect time to do something and later often means never.
 Life is precious and summer especially short.
 I wonder how many lazy summers do we have left for my kids to just chill?
Already my oldest is doing an short internship with my husband’s start-up. 
Jackson’s first day of his internship. Don’t you love how they are both wearing flip-flops?
The Silicon Valley summer work uniform here.
Pretty soon they will be scrambling for more summer experiences, camp jobs and volunteer hours.
 I am trying to be a ‘yes’ mom more so than usual this summer.
 We made this collage of Griffin’s visit to Santa Cruz earlier this year.
Lemonade stand? Sure!
Late night frozen yogurt? Let’s do it!
Planet of the Apes? (Hey that one is major mom points if you ask me!)
Water fights, nighttime swims, sleepovers and camping on the lawn? Yes!
S’mores on the BBQ! Making ice cream!
More time for our favorite pets…
 
They so appreciate it!
Time for books! I’m reading as much as I can now!
A getaway with my husband before school starts is on my list too.
Some other ideas for savoring summer…
Afternoon ice tea with friends. My pal Kim is always good about impromptu tea chats on her porch.
 Look at what my succulent gave us this week! 

I am taking time to see all that’s blooming and enjoying the garden bounty and beyond.

Happy hour with your neighbors on Summer Fridays.

Movie nights on the driveway. (You can sometimes do this in conjunction with the happy hour.)
Game nights- we are talking board games here people- old school Monopoly and all that. (My kids love this and no one misses television when we get in the habit.)
Late night tennis when it’s cool and the courts are open!
Summer Camp for you! ( I am doing this!! At least I am calling it such. While my youngest is away at Scout Camp, I signed up for a Blogher Convention nearby and am meeting some friends and hope to make more friends and learn a few new things.)
Yesterday, Grif and his friend Nicholas and his little sister had a lemonade stand in the park.
They had been wanting to do this for a long while.
I had saved an old copy of Martha Stewart for lemonade stand ideas.
Grif used it to make some cute goodies to sell.
The day before they actually squeezed lemons from Nicholas and Lauren’s yard.

It’s was a pretty serious set-up and Nicholas was muddling raspberries and rosemary!

Gee maybe I should use them as bartenders!!  ;D
Anyhow, would you believe they got only 1 customer?
We got some very un-California like, crazy gale force winds for a few hours and even a light sprinkle.
Just enough to clear out the park!!
I’ve never seen the park empty, ever! It was crazy.
Still they enjoyed eating all the profits…Sugar intake was likely at a record.
I let them enjoy.
We will make it happen on another day.
Is there anything that means summer to you?
How do you live in the moment?
It’s something I am working on.

Any tips?
Kim

Filed Under: Living in the Moment, Summertime

ON MY RADAR...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adrienne Shubin says

    July 15, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    Cute post, Kim! I am glad you are embracing summer. I feel like I work ALL the time…everyday and before I know it, it'll be Christmas. I know it's not healthy and I need to live in the now much more.
    Maybe in August I will pretend that I am a Parisienne and take off the entire month…yeah, right!
    So sorry to hear about your friend. Sending healing and comforting thoughts her way and yours.
    See you next week!
    xo, A
    P.S. Any time your son wants to set up a lemonade stand at my house, he is welcome. Lemon, raspberry and rosemary- ade? Sounds yummy…and just screams for a little splash of Belvedere 😉

    Reply
  2. Lana L. says

    July 16, 2014 at 1:54 am

    This was so much fun to read! I know what you mean about summer being fleeting. Both my boys are working this summer, and I miss the lazy days of going to the beach, the park, the fair. I do love to read out in the hammock though! Sorry to hear about your friend – I will send good thoughts her way!

    Reply
  3. Tamera Beardsley says

    July 16, 2014 at 2:23 am

    I just love this post my dear … so poignant and even a little bittersweet for me. Thank you for the reminder … to cherish not only each season … but each and every day. My children are older … and a little further down the path of life … but this summer we are once again are having family dinners every Monday night … including the wonderful boyfriend and girlfriend … our family is expanding … and I am trying new ways to savor summer and celebrate this newest … and wonderful phase ,,,with the intention of making new lasting memories …

    Kim thank you for this beautiful post … and the reminder to cherish each and every day!

    I can't believe I get to see your sweet, beautiful self … in a little more than a week … at our 'summer camp'!

    Much love dear friend! (this one had me in tears of recognition)
    Tamera

    Reply
  4. Tabitha says

    July 16, 2014 at 9:40 am

    This is the most idyllic summer post, I've never had this sort of summer, well not since I was a child, you have such a long season for your summer, ours is a day or two a week if we are lucky which is why we all need a minimum of 6 weeks holidays a year.
    What's a start up? I keep seeing this phrase and don't understand it, is it something techy?

    Reply
  5. Dawn Lucy says

    July 16, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Adorable summer post! Life is precious and everything should be savored and enjoyed. Keeping your friend in my thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to find out what you learn at the bloggers convention!
    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy
    http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    Reply
  6. Leslie says

    July 16, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Hi Kim,

    So sorry to hear about your friend.. it does make you think doesn't it? Life is more precious than we think.

    The kids are darling in these photos and you sound like a wonderful mother and partner as you balance "life". The to do list sounds perfect to me:)

    Have fun today!

    Reply
  7. Daidri Smythe says

    July 17, 2014 at 2:42 am

    I also hope your friend will be better soon, what hard news to get.

    My boys are now in their early 20's and I miss the days when they were younger mostly because I didn't live in the moment. Consumed with a corporate position, I often time was thinking about tomorrow. Ironic that they have flown the nest and I decided to leave the corporate life to find more balance. I'm not sure I've found any magical secrets of how to live in the moment but I sure know I cherish them more and more as I age.

    So glad to have found your blog!

    Reply
  8. commonwealth says

    July 17, 2014 at 3:47 am

    Oh goodness, this speaks to me. We've recently relocated to your neck of the woods (Boulder Creek) and I've been so fearful that the summer is disappearing for my two (13&10) under piles of boxes. Time to be more of the "yes" mom! Thanks for the inspiration – boxes will wait, but I only have this time with them once!

    Reply
  9. trinagrandinetti says

    July 17, 2014 at 5:04 am

    Love every word of this post! I've recently been reminded of the importance of "seizing the moment"(s) once again while having both my grown children as well as son-in-law and granddaughter all here for a month. I have found that daily cleaning gets put on hold, blogging gets put on hold and replaced with walks in the parks, playing in the pool, lunch dates, evening spent at the lake, and simple hours just sitting on the grass playing silly games with Miss Molly. I so appreciate you reminding me that this is truly the important things in life.
    So wish I could have purchased some of Grif's homemade lemonade, that is summer to the T.
    Many prayers for your dear friend.
    p.s. I was so hoping to join the "grown up camp" for the BLOGHER and finally meet you all in person but I have a speaking engagement on Sunday Morning that I just can't get out of. Sure hope I can meet up someday, but have a most wonderful time.

    Reply
  10. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 5:55 am

    Thank you Adrienne for you thoughts for my friend. I agree I think you should take August off! Live like a Parisienne! You deserve a vacation for sure. You would have loved the lemonade! The Belvedere splash is a fun idea!! We may need to try that. xx

    Reply
  11. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 5:56 am

    Lana thanks so much! Love the reading the hammock. Very cool. Enjoy summer!

    Reply
  12. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 5:59 am

    How nice you have everyone home now and are enjoying the boyfriend and girlfriend too. I am sure you are good at savoring the moment. You create such special memories for your kids. Looking at yours though I see how fast it all goes and we will be there before I can blink… So looking forward to seeing you dear Tamera. xxoo

    Reply
  13. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:10 am

    Tabitha, Summers I guess seem longer here due to the weather, but are vacations sure aren't! A start-up is a new company formed with a plan or idea , but limited resources. They usually run on a shoestring budget and hope to get funding from investors, then become publicly traded when they start making money (IPO), or they get acquired or merged or many just go belly-up.It's all a big gamble and tons are happening where we live here in this tech-center. It can be a any kind of company really, but many tech companies begin this way and especially here in Silicon Valley.. My husband's is still in the funding phase, hoping to close the next round of funding. So he has to work finding investors as well as run it and also create a lot of the product. Stressful!! It's all a crapshoot around here and sometimes the most unlikely people get funding and other fabulous products don't. A lot is due to connections also and your past experience…A lot of luck helps!

    Reply
  14. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:11 am

    Thank you Dawn. So good to see you and catch up last week. Yes, hope I do learn something!! xxoo

    Reply
  15. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:11 am

    Leslie, You are kind. Thanks so much. Happy summer friend. xx

    Reply
  16. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:14 am

    Daldri, Thank you so much! I too have gotten caught up in the race to do it all and have it all. So glad you have found balance and I agree as I age everything gets more precious! Thanks for your wisdom!

    Reply
  17. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:16 am

    I love Boulder Creek! Welcome to Northern Cal! I know the work of moving and all those boxes!! I hope you get to enjoy your summer. 10 & 13 are such great ages too. Thanks so much for your note!

    Reply
  18. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Trina, Thank you. I can imagine all these things are even more fun with a grand baby! Your photos of her and the family are adorable. Thanks about Grif and thoughts for my friend.
    Darn wish you were going to the conference! How very cool to be speaking though. You go girl!! Good luck and I look forward to reading about it!! xx

    Reply
  19. Catherine says

    July 18, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    Beautiful post, Kim. Great reminders to slow down and enjoy! I need to practice this more.

    Reply
  20. Mr Paul says

    July 19, 2014 at 6:38 am

    Tips! You are an incredible Mum Kim, you seems to be doing a fine job of everything you do. I for one am taking inspiration to take a little more time out to slow down and do some more reading. I always seem to be racing around. I for one would have bought several glasses of lemonade from the stall, rain or no rain. Have a great weekend. Paul:)

    Reply
  21. cindy hattersley design says

    July 19, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    Send those kids over to my house with that lemonade yum!

    Reply
  22. Amy says

    July 21, 2014 at 3:54 am

    Oh how I loved this post! My boys are younger than yours, but it is so fun to read about all the wonderful things you are doing with them…fun things to look forward to…enjoying the simple + beautiful moments. That lemonade stand looks incredible!! Love all your photography that you use to tell your stories 🙂 Summer to me is long days at Lake Michigan, concerts in the park, the smell of cut grass, lots of ice cream + summer dresses…and precious time with my hubs and boys!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Fun Kitchen Styling Tips!

Asian Noodles & Other Main Dish Salads

Signature Style- Fall Edit & New Season Wishlist

Remodeling – The Social Front Patio

Loving Rattan and Serena & Lily

My Favorite Sheets, Duvets & More- Refreshing Your Bed

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • Это прекрасный мир!
  • David Jimenez on Instagram: "France is officially on lockdown and and I’m grateful the government has moved quickly to curb the spread of the virus. Pharmacies, markets and the corner Tabac stores remain open (we depend on our Tabac stores the way that New Yorkers rely on corner bodegas). My corner Tabac offers expanded services that include being a Post Office annex and the easiest place to buy metro tickets in bulk while loading up on magazines and having a shot of espresso at the zinc bar. I'
  • White kitchen with copper island stainless hood.
  • A rare glimpse into how one of Boston's oldest and premier florists (and my favorite) gets ready for Valentine's Day.
The weekend post is up with chat about the trendin The weekend post is up with chat about the trending colors for 2023 in home decor and fashion.. Did you love the 80’s? If so this is perhaps a more sophisticated version with sherbet tones and bits of magenta, greens and navy.  Here I added a bit of these Easter tones to the coffee table with a grass cloth box, one of my books and a candle. I think the best way to update things is to add touches to the home and closet that appeal to you and mix them in with neutrals.. 
What do you think of these colors? I think they’re fun. Some clothing pieces bring me back to my Esprit loving days. It could be fun to add a shirt, shoe or bag in these tones and I selected a handful to consider..

Also on the blog, a few good white jeans, skin cleansers you may need and more! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns
 Happy Sunday!

#color2023 #springcolors #trending #serenaandlily #coffeetablestyling
A January PSA- get in your closet and get those wh A January PSA- get in your closet and get those white jeans out! I found mine at the bottom of my closet today in a basket and thought -yes! I love the look of a classic white jean, paired with a chunky sweater or turtleneck in black, beige, tan, creams-  neutral colors always look fantastic. Today it was warm enough that I could go sockless and wear my Madewell loafers with them and a little jacket I have from Anthro. Get your white jeans out. it will give your winter wardrobe have a little kick. White jeans can be worn all year and they even look great with winter boots and coats. 

This is also a great time to look at your white Jean inventory. 🤍If you don’t have a pair that’s comfortable and straight leg, in a thicker material…this might be a good time to look. I’ll share some on the weekend blog as well.

if you missed our LIVE this morning, you can watch it on Juliet’s @makemineaspritzer Instagram and I’ll link to it on my stories ! Thank you everyone for tuning in in for the fun questions and comments. We love doing this with you all weekly! Let us know in comments if there are any other topics you want to hear about. Today we talked trending colors, exercise classes .. finding art and pillows and more..

#whitejeanseason #januaryclosetremix #winterwardrobehacks
I love the sunshine in the morning streaming throu I love the sunshine in the morning streaming through the kitchen.. My baby daffodils are blooming to make it even happier. This is one of my favorite things about the new year, the bulbs and daffodils and California poppies that hint spring it on the way.💛 If you don’t have a few blooms in the kitchen, maybe you can add a few?

Hope your having a beautiful week!

#kitchensun #californialife #januaryincalifornia
I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1965. She’s wearing a empire, knee length dress and orange blossoms in her hair, which must have smelled heavenly. I want yellow in my closet this spring!

This is the center of my spring vision board! 💛 Link to all Elizabeth’s wedding dresses on the weekend post -and a few yellow things I added to the house if you missed it! 

#yellow #yellowaesthetic #liztaylor #thebrideworeyellow #springfashion #spring2023 #vogue
Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to c Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to check out the coast after these rough last weeks. Aptos looks pretty good and poor Seacliff is terribly battered. So sad to see what people have lost. My heart goes out to them.

We had the beach to ourselves and the weather was winter perfect. ☀️Cold and sunny. We had a picnic of sandwiches from Zoccolis deli and took in the sun and sea air while watching surfers and birds.

This song just seemed to fit -and relatable as I could not sleep last night! No idea why. Isn’t it maddening? 

Hope you get a chance to take a winter beach walk.. They are the best. 

#santacruz #aptos #california #northerncalifornia #winterbeachwalks #seacliff #norcal #seascapebeach
Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sha Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sharing a few good ideas for a dining room refresh, pops of yellow, my favorite winter skin care essentials right now, a beautiful and unique San Francisco house in @archdigest, online yoga, and the story behind a historic San Francisco home I came upon last week.. Head to the blog for all the deets! 

I hope its a wonderful weekend.☀️

Don’t forget to visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs ..links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#northerncalifornia #weekendpost #yellow #diningroomdecor #bernardmaybeck #sanfranciscohomes #architecturaldigest #potterybarn #serenaandlily #californiastyle
Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has been seriously sick and fortunately is back home now, but still struggling with pneumonia. If anyone wants to send her a snail mail note please dm me and I will share her address. She loves unique cards and pretty postcards you’ve saved from travel, so she would be thrilled to get a little note!

It seems like just yesterday we were in her gorgeous yard taking photos for my Californians at Home series. It’s still one of my favorite photo shoots and if you want to read it again -or missed it I will link to it in my bio today. She’s one of a kind, so let’s get her well soon and bolster her spirits!!💛💛

#californiacontessa #californiansathome
I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisd I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisdom that was Martin Luther King. He will always be one of my biggest heroes and ten years ago I wrote a small post highlighting some of his very meaningful words and quotes that we could all use as a life guide. Link to the post in my bio and more on my stories. 

Do you know he is the only American to have a holiday for him that hasn’t been a president? He also had a low approval rating when he died. That has changed. Now people around the world use his teachings of living in peace and the fight for justice as a model we can strive for. I find his words so very needed in a world that is polarized more than ever. ❤️

#mlkday #mlkquotes #whatareyoudoingforothers
It’s still raining here! In an effort to use som It’s still raining here! In an effort to use some beautiful citrus and boost morale, I made these chocolate chips with a California twist. They have orange and walnuts -and for fun I added macadamias from my Hawaii trip and coconut flakes. I also switched out brown sugar for moscavado which is less refined and had more depth and flavor. So far response has been thumbs up from the home crew! 
The recipe and all the weekend fun- along with some cozy coats for this weather, and a recap of our SF meander are on the weekend blog. Juliet and Elizabeth also have great ideas this weekend.. links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 
Have a great weekend !

#californiacookie #californialiving #californiachocolatechipcookie #weekendpost #chocolateandorange
Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Fra Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Francisco’s Laurel Heights and a little walk through the Presidio to the Lyon Street Steps. We had an unbelievably beautiful day after so much rain and darkness. I highly recommend walking through this neighborhood, through The Presidio and grabbing lunch and checking out the lovely shops like the new Emily Joubert! The views are amazing all the way to the Golden Gate, and I am in love with all the beautiful homes of San Francisco. ❤️

#sanfranciscolove #presidioheights #lyonstreetsteps #sanfranciscowalks #housesofsf #visitcalifornia #ourgoldenstate #sanfranciscomansions #citybythebay #prettycity
Unearthed my Hunter’s and dusted them up! Bring Unearthed my Hunter’s and dusted them up! Bring it on, I am ready. I’m getting used to the rain, but this California girl is struggling with the gloom. How do people do it in the Pacific Northwest? Getting out for rainy day walks seems to help. Anyone else feel the same? I feel guilty for even mentioning it, with all the flooding and struggles so many are dealing with. 
Today is good -as we have power, internet and for now, just drizzles. 

#northerncalgal #californiastorm #hunterbootslove
It’s time for our first Signature Style of 2023 It’s time for our first Signature Style of 2023 and Cindy and I are talking cozy clothes, workout outfits and athleisure! And actually what else are we wearing right now?  If you’re not trying to workout, you’re likely staying cozy so we have all kinds of good things for you. 
Hope you’re staying dry and safe if you’re in California. 💛We had the craziest night yet with wind and rain last evening. We began with no power and internet so I was a bit slow getting this out..Sending good thoughts to everyone.

Stop on by our blogs..
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#athleisurestyle #workoutstyle #cozycore #pajamastyle #signaturestyle

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer