It’s time for our Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope this holiday week has been a break and you’ve found some downtime. We were away for a few days up at our tiny cabin in Tahoe. I’ll share a little about that and a few other good things that popped in my head, so let’s start..
Ulla Johnson in AD
I know I shared Nancy Meyer’s California remodel from Architectural Digest last week (like everyone), but I wanted to recommend the July/August issue of the magazine as it has got so many unique and fun homes! This is a keeper issue if you can find it…Even the cover is so cute.
Ulla Johnson is one of my favorite designers and her Montauk home is lovely. She has collected cool objects from her world travels that figure prominently. Part of that comes from being the daughter of archeologists, and her mom also painted and collected folk costumes which influenced her. The house has a very Californian feel to me. I like the mix of natural elements and blending of light earth tones…
AD Photo
Ulla in one of her dresses. All the photos and more on the AD article.
Ulla’s clothing is gorgeous. Her shapes, details, and fabrics are especially pretty and unique. I own a blouse, but I have my eye on a few other things.
Some pieces of Ulla’s I love.. this blue blouse, Samara Dress, Cari Beach Dress, Nerissa Tunic and Sea View Straw Tote. More of her collection here. I know they are pricey, but they are gorgeous and I just had to share. I would splurge on one of these for a special event. You can also find her things on consignment occasionally or upcycled online!
Tahoe
We spent a few days at our little cabin in the west shore. Our cabin is small and in a very under the radar neighborhood which we love. It’s an old Tahoe kit cabin as are most of the cabins and there is a lot of open space and nature. It’s just good for the soul to get back to being in nature. I feel a big sigh when I’m up there breathing fresh air and having my coffee looking over the forest.
Our cabin needs some things and slowly we are getting to them. A big tree is dying and needs removing and we ordered new doors a few months ago. I can’t wait to have doors with half windows which will bring light in and update it. I also pitched some old rugs this weekend and added my Liberty bedding from the J. Crew x Liberty of London collection to our bedroom. I also simplified the kitchen open shelving, keeping only what we use.
I’m seriously considering painting the log walls of this cabin a soft white and keeping the ceilings and accents their natural wood. It would be an undertaking, but could brighten and update it a lot. Something like this.. ( Sorry can’t remember where this photo came from!)
We also want to move a hot tub, add a fire-pit and update windows, so stay tuned. We are doing this slowly and the more we use it, the more we know what we want there.
Tahoe Hikes
If you’re in Tahoe, there are so many trails to explore. My husband is a big hiker and last weekend we did two new ones with Jackson and his girlfriend Kristin. Though it was a holiday weekend neither trail had hardly anyone on them. Hiking is a great way to avoid crowds if you’re up there at a busy time.
The Gnome Trail is a fairly easy trail that starts from west shore. We brought snacks from the West Shore Market and had a tailgate lunch before setting off. We walked about a mile in until we got to the area with a little stream where the gnomes were all over, hanging from trees, tucked in branches and even a gnome wedding on the valley floor. A few kids were there and delighted to discover them all. You could spend some time finding all the gnomes!
The hike also passes through a beautiful meadow and some of the prettiest wildflowers are here.
Chickadee Ridge is less of a hike, more of a destination, but on the drive up the road you’ll pass some amazing panoramic overlooks to see the lake. If you park at the marked spot, you need to have downloaded the map to use GPS to walk up the hill in an unmarked trail to a ridge spot about a mile up where chickadees feed out of your hand. We brought bird seed from CVS, as that is all we had, but they prefer black seeds that are in the hull. Wear shoes that can take dirt and some to change into after.. We met a family that did this during the winter by snowshoeing in. It’s a popular spot to feed them in winter. Wouldn’t that be a fun winter day out and picnic idea?
Max promised me lunch afterwards at one of the best spots on the lake, Gar Woods. We usually make an online reservation in the morning the day we want to go as it can be a real scene in the summer. You can sit on the deck overlooking the lake, but it’s less crazy if you ask to sit upstairs where the views are better and it’s less crowded. It’s a quintessential Lake Tahoe experience and view and the food is good too. I loved watching the little boats from here. Many people boat over here for lunch from other spots on the lake…
You can see there was still some snow on the surrounding peaks..
Wimbledon
Well, things certainly have shaken out differently this year with the Wimbledon play, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the change the last two weeks and will be sad when it’s over. My favorite match so far was Thursday’s women’s semi-final between Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur and Germany’s Tatjana Maria. They played some of the most exciting tennis I’ve seen in years with a lot of net play and crazy points. It’s notable that both these women are remarkable. Tatjana is the first mother of two since Margaret Court in 1975, to reach the semis here. She is also 34 years old and one of only a few to reach it at that age. She gave birth to her second daughter in April last year is ranked 103 in the world.
She was beat by the number two Ons who is known for her kindness and is the first Arab woman, and first from Africa to reach a final at Wimbledon. After the match she made sure her friend got recognition for her Cinderella sweep to the semis. Both women are so inspiring and show kindness and toughness can go hand in hand. The message this week from Wimbledon is it’s never too late to see your dreams come true! I can’t wait for Saturday’s final with the adorable Ons, below right.
Wimbledon Spectator Style
I couldn’t let a year of Wimbledon pass without some mention of the spectator style which is almost as fun to watch as the matches. People dress so lovely and it’s fun to see the fashions- many preppy and tennis inspired, but mostly classic and lovely.
Princess Beatrice has my vote for favorite dress and Kate looked amazing in her blue polka dot and today in the final in a stunning yellow..
Some of the other celeb looks I liked..
Other cool things..
Vogue’s photographic diary of this year’s Wimbledon has some beautiful photos.
If you missed it, I did a post on travel and packing yesterday for this month’s Signature Style.
I bought this Serena & Lily gingham linen robe, on sale now, for summer and loving it ! Perfect weight and for travel and I love the pockets. they are also having their summer tent sale which is a green time to grab a lot of summer themed pieces for the home.
I loved Annie’s home office and she’s inspired me to print out all my favorite quotes for my own pin board!
I also thought Mary Ann’s office and Cindy’s were beautiful work spaces!
This 1973 t-shirt shows your support for Roe and five dollars is donated for each shirt sold to National Institute for Reproductive Health.
Well that’s my meanderings for this week. Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs and see what’s on their minds this week..
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
Thank you for being here.
Kim
If you missed last week’s meanderings I shared Nancy Meyer’s home remodel, a day out in Danville, tennis fashions at Wimbledon and more.
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I love what you are doing to your cabin in Tahoe! It’s going to be so cute. I vote for painting the walls white. Although I do know that would be quite the job. I’m going to try to pick up the July August architectural digest. I’ll have to see if I can find it anywhere. I love Nancy Meyers home, and I’m excited to see the rest of the issue. Michelle Dockery’s outfit from Wimbolton, is exactly like an outfit I had in college. Mine was olive green linen vest and pants just like that , it’s so fun to see the 70s reinvented!
Kim,
Your cabin looks like the perfect place to rest, regrouped and to commune with nature. I love to hike and I think hiking in a gnome forest sounds perfect.
Wimbledon is always fun to watch, especially the spectators. It’s ironic that there is a dress code for tennis but people wear pajamas to the airport. Kate looks stunning in all of her outfits but this yellow dress is amazing on her.
Ulla Johnson is incredibly talented and her clothing is gorgeous. I am off to check out these pieces that you like, the blue is beautiful. And her house is fabulous too. Love the photo of the three little girls by the pool.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
Thanks Elizabeth it’s a great little escape. Isn’t that funny that people can wear pjs to the airport? I see college kids doing that a lot..Older people should not! Isn’t the blue beautiful on her? I know love that cover.. the home that goes with it is so fun too.xx
Good morning, Kim! Ulla Johnson is a relatively new designer for me (I know, have I been living under a rock?) and I was excited to buy one of her dresses this year, a splurge. I adore her bags, and this woven one you’re showing is on my wish list. Hello Jim?! Her home in Montauk certainly does have a California vibe. My first thought was Palm Springs. But, then the pool! Wow, love the overgrown look and not sure why Max would roll his eyes. It’s fabulous, obviously. It’s always so much fun to see glimpse of your little cabin and life around the lake. I can’t believe the birdie on your hand!!! And the Gnome trail. I love Gar Woods … haven’t been in ages. You make me want to visit Tahoe … soon. In a previously life I spent a lot of time in a cabin in Meyer and enjoyed the summer months most. I love your love of Wimbledon and I’m going to turn it on today. And I really appreciate the glimpse of Wimbledon fashion. I saw the Duchess of Cambridge in polka dots … always stunning. And, agree Princess Beatrice looks amazing. She’s really turned up the volume on her style and I”m here for it. Have an amazing and restful (I hope) weekend. xo
I am not surprised you have an Ulla Johnson. Her dresses are lovely and I bet you look wonderful in yours! Yes you have to get back to Gar Woods! Always fun… and the food is too good. Wimbledon went too fast.Loved seeing Kate and the others! xo
Lost my original comment doing this on my phone!I HATE my new IPAD!
Doesn’t update etc.
Kate is Stunning in yellow!She has my vote!
I hate that so much!! Hit takes time to leave a comment..No worries! Thanks for being here. I loved that yellow too. x
Hi Kim, your cabin in Tahoe is the dream! It’s so wonderful that you can use it all year round. Great post, thank you!
Hi Patricia! Thank you I know it’s a tiny spot, but I feel lucky.
Kim, I loved everything in this post. Ulla Johnson’s work fascinates me. Most are too ruffly for me personally but I just adore what she does…and her home! Love it! Love seeing what you are doing to your cabin. You are such a pro. Everything you do is so well done. Great post!!
I love Ulla and most of her clothes aren’t right for my body type, but they ares so lovely. I hope I can make the cabin look fresh! xo
Hi Kim,
I so enjoyed seeing your cabin, a peace of heaven nestled into the forest. There is always something to be done inside and out when you own a cabin/retreat. I appreciate what you said about a tree needing to come down. It’s so wonderful to be surrounded by clean air and nature.
The Gnome Trail looks so special. So sweet seeing the chickadee feeding right out your hand.
Gar Woods restaurant offers such beautiful
views. What a nice way to end a relaxing hike.
Thanks for sharing your peace of heaven.
Hi Katherine, that is sweet you to say. So true about ownership, cabins especially. Always something to do! Yes sadly a tree is dead and hug and right above our cabin. We have to wait for the tree people as they are all backed up for months! Hoping they can do it soon.. Sad I see a lot of trees with some beetle disease and mostly dead.
Gar Woods has the nicest views. Nice summer spot! Thanks Katherine. Hoping you summer is good too.x
Hi Kim,
I don’t know if you’ll even see this it’s late Sunday. But anyway I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed this post so much! Love seeing your sweet cabin and agree white walls will make it look a bit bigger and brighter for sure. I know you’ll have it perfect in no time. Lake Tahoe is such a special place.
Ulla Johnson’s house is oh my gorgeous. And the clothing is very pretty. My mom’s nickname (her name was Ursula) was Ulla! I remember her niece calling her Tante Ulla and wondering who that was until my mom explained that they called her that in Germany. My dad called her Uschi. Anyhoo…
Love the gnomes and think it’s so fun when people do this, just to bring a smile to other’s faces!
That’s a cute robe! I need a new one, but I rarely wear one nowadays. I just slip into my yoga clothes first thing in the morning and then get to my mat!
Love the tee, I need to order one. Geez who would have ever thought we’d be fighting to get back a basic right that we fought to get 50 years ago?!!
Xo Heidi
Thanks Heidi, I think the white might brighten it up too and look fresh. Just got to convince Max this is a good thing…I love that your mom was Ulla.. I didn’t know that was short for Ursula! Good for you yogaing first thing. I need to do that. I sit in my robe and look at the news.. Probably not as healthy at all!
I agree I’m enraged about all this and have my T-shirt and a sweatshirt on order. I plan to go to the walk-out this Wednesday! xo
Kim,
I always look forward to your Saturday posts. I think painting the walls of the cabin white is a great idea! I know what you mean, I am in the middle of finishing up the baseboards and trim in our hallway. I painted the hallway a creamy white months ago and it took me this long to get around to finishing it. I would like to paint a bedroom and small bath the same color. One thing leads to another….
Looks like you are enjoying your time in Tahoe. I haven’t been there since I went with some college friends after graduation! My friend’s parents had a condo and we came home one day after shopping to find the place full of broken glass. Some construction workers nearby were using dynamite which caused some rocks to fly through the windows. Thank goodness we were not there at the time! What a mess. At least there was 4 of us to help clean it up.
My husband had Wimbleton on for a little bit yesterday. I saw Kate in her yellow dress. How does anyone look like that after 3 kids? 🤷♀️😩
Linda
Hi Linda, White is so good isn’t it? Creamy white sounds nice. Wow that was crazy what happened to your friend’s condo. Thank goodness you weren’t there! Scary. I know I often think that about Kate. Just wondering if that is her natural body? If so, she is very lucky. I also wonder if she has stress and that leads to thinness.. Rare to see someone that thin unless they are models and very young.
I enjoy your blog and weekend meanderings. I have a place on the North Shore and am so excited to learn of two new Tahoe hikes! I’m sure the chickadee hike will be a hit with visitors. I love seeing the cabins like yours in my neighborhood and the little changes made to them (shutters, doors painted in a bright color, wraparound porch or large deck, for instance). I’ve never been inside one, so I’m excited to see what changes you make to yours. The last time we hiked on the west shore (near Paige Meadows), I was struck by how many homes have an electric door device to deter bears! We went to Fire Sign Cafe for breakfast last time and it was so good, but get there early! I look forward to more Tahoe posts–such a gorgeous place!
Judi, So great to connect with another Tahoe peep! I agree love seeing the little updates people do to traditional cabins over giant new builds.. Yes we have to have bear wires here! I have seen two large bears in my front yard and they seem to work really well. Fire Sign is a great cafe! I need to get back, but it’s always packed. I need to go early someday.. Thanks for the reminder. Enjoy the beautiful North shore!