On this Weekend Meanderings..some fun ideas for Carmel day trips, an easy ladies’ lunch you can pull together for friends, Sienna Miller’s English cottage, a great white shirt and more…
It’s that time again for all the good things that popped up on our radars this week with Elizabeth and Juliet.
How has your week been? Ours has been busy helping Griffin to move back to University of Utah for his junior year..and we squeezed in a mini trip to Carmel for our anniversary, though it’s not until the 31st. We just love going in August for a few days and this weekend seemed to have a few rooms available, so we went for it.
Carmel
If you haven’t been in a while, it’s always a nice escape. You can’t help take in the natural stunning beauty and the charm of the town! This summer they’ve been having some wonderful weather, not the usual cold and fog. It’s been in the 70’s and low 80’s and so lovely.
We have been going to Bernardus Lodge for our anniversary for so many years, I can still remember Max complaining when the prices went over $200 a night.. HA! Those were the days. Now it’s a splurge and we try to go in the off season, but for our anniversary we try and make it happen. It’s one of my favorite spots and a great couples’ getaway in the sunnier part of Carmel, Carmel Valley.
We love doodling around Carmel for the day having lunch out and exploring the beaches and then heading back to Carmel Valley to sit and read by the pool and have dinner.
Two day visit ideas for Carmel..
One of the best things to do in Carmel, is take a beach walk at the main beach, which is gorgeous and very long and and then walk up the hill to town and have lunch and do a bit of shopping or poking about the shops..This time we found a new lunch spot in downtown Carmel I highly recommend, La Bicyclette. This charming bistro run by a Belgian family with the best food and darling atmosphere.. It is Michelin rated..so a reservation for lunch can help. We got lucky someone did not show for their reservation so we got in. You can also get on the waitlist and shop around.
I loved the pizza and their home made Calabrian chili oil ( it did that heart by itself!), which is not hot. They also have many amazing specials and sell their own bread and are lovely people. It’s in an old 1920’s Spanish building that was built for a doctor that is so cool. This whole spot is the very essence of Carmel..
Afterwards, you can explore the shops and grab a cappuccino or a treat at one of the bakeries. At the Carmel Plaza, a small outdoor mall, there are many new shops and one that Max made a beeline for like a zombie (seriously), was Dutch Door Donuts, where they cook to order and serve them hot. He was in heaven and the pink cactus pear one was our favorite..
Also in the Plaza is one of the best curated home stores, Beachwood Home. This store has beautiful items of all prices. I never go home without something and this time I bought a pretty bracelet for $20..
Another great day in Carmel area is to stop at The Earthbound Farm Stand to pick up some sandwiches to go.. This is the cutest farm stand ever with a flower shed to buy the fixings for your own creation, fire pits and fresh produce and artisan goods. I also love the home area and the cool books and textiles..
After you have sandwiches, head down the highway and go to Asilomar Beach..We love this beach that is in front of The Inn at Spanish Bay and in the smaller less crowded town of Pacific Grove. The beach here has wonderful tide pools and you can take a long walk along the road to all the little inlets or along the shore. Many people surfing here or boogie boarding.
If you wander along the long beach you can also trot along the long wooden walk they have built in front of the links golf course and see flowers and hiding deer. We love having a picnic here and exploring..It’s rarely crowded and so lovely.
An easy ladies’ lunch
I’m sure you are all familiar with my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa, if you have followed the blog for a while. If not read this post all about her and her home. It was her birthday in July and we finally got around to having a celebration lunch here.
It was easy for me to host thanks to my friends Juliet and Heidi. Juliet brought the gorgeous mini appetizer boards… She did fig jam, two kinds of cheese, nuts, crackers and a little fig with cheese and prosciutto on each pretty board..
Heidi made a delicious cobbler with fresh fruit..and fresh whipped cream for dessert.
All I had to do was make two salads !
I made a green salad with toasted walnuts, shredded chicken (bought a roasted one that morning at Whole Foods) and pears. Salad dressing was olive oil, this vinegar, fresh juice from half an orange, a bit of mustard and a bit of maple syrup and Maldon Sea Salt.
I also threw together a caprese with my dad’s heirloom tomatoes.
I served my house drink, an Audrey Palmer- my twist on an Arnold Palmer, just with equal parts tea ( I used Teajava) and fizzy lemonade from a bottle and a slice of citrus, sprig of mint for fun if you have it.
We wanted to eat outdoors and I had a piece of fabric that was really cute. I cut it to fit the table (umbrella issue), and layered the pieces over each other…I used my glass plates and pink napkins. Little favors were watermelon lip balm from San Francisco’s Elizabeth W. wrapped in extra fabric and on the plates..
I also grabbed two pink vases at Safeway, (which is getting the best floral area now),and did a mix of green hydrangeas and pink flowers.
It was casual, but it was fun and that’s what matters, being with pals and celebrating our dear Contessa… Don’t you love Elizabeth’s caftan with her pig Banksy embroidered on it? She sells these caftans on her blog and you can read more here.
Sienna Miller’s English cottage in the new AD
Sienna Miller has great style and her English country cottage is just as chic with a thatched roof, cozy rooms and lovely gardens.. It’s a wonderful escape and you can read and enjoy ten pages of it in the September AD.
I have to admit I often dream of an English cottage. This is a great issue with loads of good spreads and pretty homes..Photos by Simon Upton and decor by Gaby Dellal.
You can watch a little video that has a tour of her fantastic property that dates from the 1500s. Love this and after watching I an sure you will be wanting oversized white jeans and a black sweater for fall…
A great Anthro white blouse..and ring
While I was in Carmel, I made a quick dash into the Anthropologie there and came home with this fun Henley Popover Shirt.. Love the button neckline and also the button cuffs that give it more style than your usual white blouse. I already love wearing it with my cord shorts and I think it’ll be great for fall. I also bought one of these new chunky silver rings there..
Other Cool Things..
The Anthro Sweater I shared last week appears to have promo markdown right now for the weekend..If you haven’t grabbed this cute Chanel inspired zip hoodie, check it out here. Anthropologie is also having an extra 30% off all sale items this weekend only.
At our ladies’ lunch, Juliet gave us the cutest little gifts, mini stoneware colanders with her home grown tomatoes…I love the idea of this and wrapping them as she did to give away..Similar ones here.
Since we’ve been chatting about Carmel, did you hear Brad Pitt bought a home there last week? According to Architectural Digest article about it, the home was designed by famous architects, Greene & Greene in 1918 and uses locally found stone. More about the home in WSJ which is in the Carmel Highlands, near the Highlands Inn. Apparently at 40 million it is one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Carmel. Photo below from Hello Magazine..
Speaking of celeb homes, have you read Joni at Cote de Texas’s post this week about all Johnny Depp’s properties? I’m not a fan of him, but her deep dive and details with photos of his boats, island and amazing art deco apartments in Los Angeles was interesting.
And for a great perspective on this, Back Row writer Amy Odell, this week published a post on how Dior, with their ‘We should all be feminist’ t-shirts, has signed Depp to a new contract as their fragrance spokesperson, despite some pretty awful things the man has said about women. Apparently there is no backlash for Depp from that?
On the streaming subject…Has anyone else started Severance on Apple TV? Max and I heard great things about it, but it’s pretty dark so far. It has a huge raves and it’s directed by Ben Stiller and stars Adam Scott, who I love..and Patricia Arquette.
Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.
Kim
If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I shared some outdoor updates with a solar sail on the patio, the perfect outdoor throws from Portugal at a great price, a beautiful book for entertaining inspo, my favorite Instagram account for makeup tips, and a Channel inspired hoodie for transition to fall.
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A great post—especially about Carmel. Can’t wait to visit the new shops and walk the beaches. Haven’t been there in years and it’s time. Love your ideas for the girl friend lunch menu. You seem to have wonderful adventures with hubby and friends and that’s how it should be. I always enjoy reading about your meanderings.
Aww thank you Sheila! It was fun to have friends here again..after not for so long. And we are so lucky to live in the Bay Area. Right now is such a great time to get out with the nee weather. Have a great weekend. xo
As I always say you do get around,
I have not heard of that resort in Carmel Valley before is it after Tancredi?
We stayed at The Highlands INN years ago. YEARS!
I hear you were SPOTTED on the streets of Carmel from you blog?!!
That house by Greene & Greene is gorgeous!
Seems AD has stepped up its game?
It was terrible for years with too many Ads?
You all seem to be mentioning it ALOT. I should check it out again as I have let all subscriptions die out.
Not much there for me anymore.
Thank you for the lovely luncheon I think we all had a great time the weather was perfect the food was fantastic and the company is always good!
I feel like I’m on vacation when I’m at your house!
Happy Anniversary!
XXX
Elizabeth, It is a few miles past Tancredi on the left side! I forget honestly about The Highlands Inn! It’s a beautiful spot and we stayed there once or twice before we had kids. In fact I went to a wedding there that was lovely. Brad’s on a pretty part of the coast right before Point Lobos. AD is the BEST magazine now. I would say it is more like the old HG , and the new editor, Amy Astley came from Vogue and keeps it chic and fun.
Thank you for baring with my timy yard and the sun, but I was so happy to have you all here and celebrate you! Your caftan was perfect and I want those Estee Lauder bracelets now! I hope you come again soon. Too bad we are so far and Cindy had moved south. xoxo
Always enjoy your posts, love that blouse will have to check that.
You did a great job enticing us to go to Carmel. Lovely pictures.
Thanks so much Cindy. I know I just love it there! Have a great weekend!
I love just about everything you shared in this edition of your blog. Great stuff, Kim! And Carmel–does it get any lovelier? I hope to visit in the new few months. Thanks for sharing. Great job!
Aww thank you Linda! I hope you get to Carmel too. xo
Good morning Kim, enjoyed reading your post and loved your lunch table – such a pretty cloth and flowers. The food also looked amazing. We always love visiting Carmel too. And I wasn’t sure about Severance to start with but then got hooked and couldn’t stop watching it!! Disturbing and thought provoking at the same time! Have a great weekend xx
Hello Julia! Thank you.. a bit impromptu, but it worked out! Okay good to know about Severence. I feel like aso many people like this I need to keep chugging along..And Adam Scott is the best!
I hope you’re having a lovely weekend xo
You’ve got me reminiscing about my stays in Carmel back in the 80’s …in another life!
We stayed at a lovely BnB …maybe Stonehouse Inn…which was beautifully decorated and had the best breakfasts. Twice with the former husband, and later with my mother- in – law. Sadly the place wasn’t kept up as it was previously. Loved the town and the good memories.
I will keep your suggestions for places to visit in town and stay . Perhaps it’s time to consider a return to Carmel. Certainly one of my favourite places.
Also, your pear and walnut salad looks like a keeper, and the personal charcuterie boards made by your friend are a fantastic idea! My husband’s tomatoes are ripening, so he’ll likely be considering a caprese salad for sure. Patio luncheons are such fun, and more so for a special occasion as you enjoyed. Thanks for this on my Saturday morning.
Hi Cath, That sounds like a lovely place.. Just the name- Stonehouse makes me want to stay. Isn’t it sad when a spot that was so special gets sold or falls apart? That has happened to a few spots I have loved too.
Thanks the salad is so simple.. pears are getting good about now too! I’m so grateful to have people over once again. Aww thanks for the note and happy weeekend!
Kim, I did look up The Stonehouse Inn in Carmel. It is a weekly rental now, still with very pretty interiors . Could see the kitchen in the photos, , which was off limits when a BnB , and the dining room definitely needs a big bouquet of flowers! However with 6 bedrooms , it would be an amazing spot for a family reunion… although likely an expensive stay.
Cathy thank you! I am off to look it up! xo
Kim! Carmel! I adore it and it’s been too long. And now I want to book a trip and leave this instant. What a dreamy weekend … those donuts! I always save your travel posts for future getaways. You find the coolest places. Speaking of dreamy, our luncheon at your fabulous home. It’s every bit as amazing as I knew it would be and your back patio and gardens. Paradise. Loved enjoying your dad’s tomatoes after hearing about him for so long. He should have joined us! And your salad and the dressing. Wish I could remember to squeeze a little orange juice in to mine. It was a lovely day and its so fun to relieve it through your photos. Love the Henley top, Siena’s home … and Brad Pitt in Carmel. I wonder what he’s going to do with the place. He’s such an architecture fanboy. All the more reason to go to Carmel. I’ll bet he makes a bee line for those donuts. Have a wonderful weekend, Kim. I imagine you swanning around your back patio in sun hat, Audrey Palmer in hand … and Architectural Digest, Veranda, etc. xoxo
Juliet thanks for squeezing into the micro yard.. It’s a bit tight, but so nice to have you all here. I know my dada would have loved a good chat with you ladies. Isn’t Brad’s house cool?? Love people who love architecture and aren’t going to mess with it! Maybe we can celebrity spot him.. Wonder if he’ll go to the auto show?? We should all go with Heidi. She knows what’s up around there.. LOL yes that’s me in the yard with my magazines. but probably swatting bees..HA!
Happy weekend Kim! Love all the mentions on Carmel. I will have to check out that pretty Beachwood Home store as I don’t remember having seen it at the Plaza. Carmel Valley is beautiful. We enjoy eating at Rustic Cafe. Have you been there? Your luncheon for Contessa looked good, and you girls coordinated your outfits beautifully!
Karen it’s a great little store and the owner buys everything himself and is always there.. I forgot his name. Paul I think. Really sweet guy. So funny you mention Rustic Cafe..in Carmel Valley! We went to Corkscrew, but it isn’t as good as it once was and I think next time we will go to Rustic. I haven’t bee in years! Thanks so much for you note! x
Kim,
I could not agree with Juliet, you always find the cutest places to eat, shop and explore. Carmel is a beautiful place, I have not been in many years. I will have to add that to my growing list of places I need to get back too.
I do not know why you would ever want to leave your beautiful house and back garden, it is an oasis!
How wonderful to have a ladies lunch with Contessa, Heidi and Juliet. You all look lovely. And the food looks amazing!
AD has had some exceptional houses lately. Love Sienna Millers house in the Cotswolds. And Brad Pitts new place is AMAZING, as is the history. It is nice to know that as someone who love houses and architecture that he will be a good steward to it.
Johnny Depp…honestly that trial was a travesty. Hard to believe when you read his texts that he has a daughter he is so disrespectful to women. Dior, as the article you linked to is a business and unfortunately they don’t care. Women who care about women should stop purchasing their items.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and wonderful adventures,
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth maybe you can plan a trip out here.. Carmel is so wonderful. Thanks about the yard.. It’s pretty micro sized! Agree about the houses of Brad and Sienna! I fully agree and plan to tweet that article. Dior should be ashamed and women should stop supporting Dior.
Hope you have a lovely weekend! xo
You are causing me to have wanderlust to be in Carmel. I was there just about a year ago, 3 nights by myself, and I loved just poking around and walking everywhere. It’s so interesting to see the homes and yards in town. I’m glad that the trend to pull down little cottages and put up huge faux Tuscan houses seems to have slowed down or I hope so. One of my earliest memories in life is of playing at the beach when my grandparents used to go there to get out of the heat of Fresno. Glad you found Bicyclette (it’s not new, maybe you know). A darling spot. Another fav is out in Carmel Valley, Corkscrew Cafe.
Thanks for covering so much ground in your weekend meanderings. Always a treat to read.
Wren three nights in Carmel by myself, I could have a blast.. and do some damage. Love all the shops! Yes I hope they start caring about the small cottages. Big homes don’t really fit in there! I knew La Bicyclette had been there a long time, but hadn’t been in a long while.. Corkscrew we went to also! Very charming and right there by Bernardus! Always love your notes Wren. xo
Hi Kim,
What a wonderful post that you have written about. Your anniversary trip to Carmel looked so wonderful. I got a kick out of Max with his donuts, he looked like he was in “donut heaven,” such a guy thing. Carmel is such a beautiful place to celebrate a anniversary.
Your hosting of Elizabeth’s birthday at your home and all the collective yummy food was spectacular. Your entire table setting was so feminine and pretty. You gals are so adorable together and the handcrafted birthday card was exceptional, what talent. I have never seen a card designed quite like that. Your father’s tomatoes looked so healthy, even from the platter they looked home grown.
It’s so wonderful you and Max have one another. You make such a cute couple. Happy early Anniversary. We celebrated our 43rd anniversary last month.
Yes, you could be our daughter.
Katherine I know!! It’s like we were at his worst place, the shopping mall and he found a happy spot! We had a nice time in my yard celebrating Elizabeth.. Aww thank you about our anniversary. Happy Anniversary to you also! xo
Kim,
I have a serious case of FOMO! Your ladies’ lunch in pink is simply gorgeous! When I saw photos on Instagram, I thought how fun everyone wore pink and blue! You planned it! Perfect! Your table in pink too is so pretty! And even more pink in the AD article on Sienna Miller’s home!
Your Carmel trip looks wonderful! Cindy and Mary Ann showed me around Carmel last October. It had been years.
xx
Annie wish you were with us! I loved Sienna’s home too. More pink is great! Carmel is so good.
What a pretty table you set for Elizabeth’s birthday. I live all the links. It looks so feminine and we’ll put together. Carmel sounds cool and wonderful compared to the heat and humidity we are having. We had a holiday today and managed to get out of the house even though it felt !Ike the tropics outside.
Lorna, I wish you were closer so you could join us! I have heard about the terrible heat all over Europe. I don’t know how we got so lucky this summer, but this week we are getting it.. xo
Bernardus Lodge is beautiful! So funny, we almost missed each other in Carmel. What day were you there? We were only there for a couple hours on Wednesday but I made a point to run into Carmel Plaza since we parked near there. I was looking for Beechwood Home because I went there last time and darn it got sidetracked stopping at Anthropologie. That store goes on forever! I did pick up a sweater because I only packed one and a very lightweight one at that. Turns out I hardly needed one in Aptos because the weather was fairly warm. My husband would have been all over those donuts if he had spotted Dutch Door Donuts. We had just been to the bakery though lol. I think we hit every cookie place too on this trip. Have you ever been to Penny Ice Creamery in Santa Cruz or Aptos? Really good. Went there twice. Somehow I managed to lose weight on this trip.
Looks like a lovely luncheon and what a great photo of the four of you! The food looks amazing.
Wishing you and your hubby a wonderfully Happy Anniversary! I had to chuckle when I read about the little heart splash of Calabrian Chili Oil on your lunch plate. Yesterday, in my kitchen with my mom, we prepped all the garden chilies for our chili oil. It is a little bit of a process, but so worth the effort. I’m so glad you and your Gal Pals were able to celebrate Elizabeth! It is absolutely beautiful when we can get together and have a casual afternoon of laughter and pretty things! Collectively, you all brought something wonderful to the celebration and the end result was super!
Hope you are doing well! This was a very happy post!
All my best, Diana