A great new book with fresh ideas on kitchen renovations, our stay at the historic Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, easy chic shorts, a glamorous outdoor birthday bash, and chat about the Barbie movie..
Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen or updating it? Before you go on Pinterest and see a million white perfect kitchens, you need to read Uncommon Kitchens by former House Beautiful editor, Sophie Donelson.
This book shows you how the heart of the home can be fun, different and not so generic. We don’t need to choose a white counter and a white backsplash!
There are so many options, but when you start the remodel process, we all tend to go with the safe options. The best for resale options. Forget that and create a home that feel authentically you. That’s what these people have done.. The advice in this book is new and fun.
A few photos from the book..
There’s something about a cluttered Downton Abbey style old kitchen that is so appealing to me.. Also lovely are the streamlined modern ones with fresh colors and rustic touches..
The book has excellent advice about getting out of the cookie cutter box called the kitchen and creating something totally different. None of the appliances and cabinets are set in stone and it is freeing to consider the possibilities. Many of these kitchen were remodels where the original kitchen was left intact and tweaked.. The interviews with the designers and owners give you so many lightbulb moments.. Like that kitchen choices are not irreversible there are many ways to change things up for a new look!
On My Radar Chic Shorts..
During summer I’m usually a sundress person, but with the elastic waist pull on short that is everywhere, many very chic looking, I have been spending a lot of this summer in shorts. They are just so comfy!
I especially love the ones in gauze material that require zero ironing like these from Madewell..now on sale..
I have also been wearing this pair with paper bag waist I shared previously from Rails and they also have a cute stripe one in stripes with a drawstring…
One look I have been wearing a lot are the Rails Leighton short and top in cream ( I also have the top in black. I wear Medium.) I love these little tops which are supposedly cropped, but on my 5’4 frame they just work with mid-rise to high waist pants and shorts… They come in a variety of colors.
How cute is the same short and top in blue? The Hibiscus color with the long sleeve top is also so good. I bought these shorts in small as they run slightly big. The gauze is so good for hot weather and travel.
Short sets have been on my radar. I’m seeing them all over. Matching sets reminds me of the Slim Aarons’ pics from decades past. I’d add cute sandals and jewelry to these and wear them out for evening too.
I found more cute pull-on shorts at Target and most are no longer online, but these tan animal print shorts are and I love the big pockets. Very comfy..
By the way, my legs are not great, have cellulite, broken veins and lots of scars. I really stopped caring about them being perfect! You have to wear what feels good to you, but I think we’ve moved to a place where we don’t need to have 20 year old legs to wear shorts. Find a length and style that feels good to you.
For the pale legs, I can’t deal with the smell of self tanner, but have used the daily Jergens Daily one before for a little color. Juliet shared on our LIVE this week she uses the Loreal Glotion bronzer and so have I, which can just rub in like lotion and it gives a bit of a glow and blur which is nice if you feel you need color.
The Claremont Hotel
Have you stayed at the Claremont Hotel before? Last week Max and I were invited to a special birthday party for my friend Elizabeth. It was an evening soirée, so we stayed at a hotel as she lives more than an hours drive away. Both Juliet and Elizabeth live in Orinda, and they recommended the Claremont. I was excited to see this historic and beautiful hotel in person!
The area where the hotel is situated captures a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and the skyline of San Francisco. The site with 13,000 acres was originally bought in the mid 19th century by William Thornburgh, who became wealthy from the Gold Rush and built a castle like home. A fire destroyed all the area, and it was sold it all to an investors who envisioned a luxury resort. Building was begun in 1906, and opened in time for 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition.
The famous spa and tennis courts were added in later years, as well as a rail link called the Key Line, that ran out the back steps of the hotel over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco in 1939, which was removed with so many other rail lines in the late 50’s. More about the hotel history here and here. The hotel is now run by Fairmont and has great service and we thought the food was excellent too.
We booked a Deluxe Room, which was not inexpensive….Still when we checked in, our room faced a roof full of air conditioning units and a dark hillside. I called down and very politely asked for a change. The people at the desk asked if I’d be willing to throw down another $100 for a great room with a view, and I acquiesced. I figured I was already out a bit what’s another $100?
We wandered the grounds while that room was getting prepped.. We checked out the fantastic pool and health club, a cute snack spot and the main restaurant…It was an unusually hot day and the pool was full of families, many who belong to this as a club.
When we returned the kind lady at the desk gave us the key and to our surprise gave us the Tower Suite! That’s the top room which has it’s own rooftop patio… Big enough for a party. We couldn’t believe it! We were thrilled and then realized we had to scramble and get ready for the party.. I wore a vintage Trina Turk I’ve had and love.
In the morning we choose to order room service so we could spend more time in our very cool room. We watched the fog roll in and out with our coffee and the zillion dollar view of the Bay and SF skyline! The smoothies were excellent.
So the moral is I guess, always ask nicely for a better room? I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful historic hotel. If you can, ask for the Tower Suite because it may not be occupied like the night we were there.
If we had more time, we would have tried the spa and the restaurant. It’s a beautiful spot for a night away and exploring cool Berkeley. After checking out, we took a meander through the darling town. It’s been too long and I had forgotten about all the charming streets and ivy covered homes.
Contessa’s Soirée
Our friend Elizabeth, who we call the Contessa, had a lovely outdoor garden dinner party for her 63rd birthday. It was in her favorite colors green, yellow and orange and guests and her tables were adorned in the color. Elizabeth and her husband Giampiero are the best hosts. More about it on my Instagram this week, and on Elizabeth’s blog with all the details- flowers, her beautiful dishes and linens and her opera photo op…. here!
Elizabeth in sequins with Giampiero..and her stunning table. Don’t you love the colors? Guys were instructed to wear boutonieres and ladies caftans.
I was excited Max got to meet Juliet’s husband Jim and Giampiero. So many lovely people it was an unforgettable night in true Contessa style!
I think as we get older the most fun may be to throw your own party. Take a cue from Elizabeth and style your own party, with your favorites colors, food, music and with those you love!
The Barbie Movie
Our weekend was so busy and fun and we rushed back to catch the Barbie movie as Jackson’s girlfriend Kristin bought us all tickets a few weeks prior. She asked us all to wear some pink and the guys complied too. Griffin was home for a few days so we all went along with her family. It was good people watching – many dressed in pink and I have not seen so many women at a movie in a long while.
One of the most entertaining parts of the film is seeing the sets which were built like a real Barbie doll house size and 23% smaller than ordinary furniture as Barbie’s dream house it. They did a fantastic job and there was no computer graphics which is hard to believe.
The message was a good one.. lots to think about. Some hilarious parts and Ryan Gosling was excellent as Ken. A part that stuck with me- Barbie ( Margot Robie) must leave her stilettos behind and wear Birkenstocks to journey to the real world.. and then its shocked to see it’s not run by women, but rather men. For Ken it’s a dream and he can’t wait to share the patriarchal world he finds with the other Kens. Yikes.
We still live in a patriarcial world. Men are most of the leaders of the world. Men are the reason for our wars and political strife. If women ran the world, I believe we’d be in a much better place. That’s what was on my brain when I went home that night. What is stopping us from running the world and why its it taking so long? Why are men in our own country trying to turn the clock back on everything?
I’m curious to hear your thoughts if you went.
Home of the week..
Finally more homes are up for sale and I had some time to peruse and this little gem in Carmel by the Sea is a dream. If I won the lotto, I’d buy this place in an instant. I love the beautiful windows, pretty kitchen and multiple patios and decks…
On Tuesday’s post, I joined my dear pal Annie of Most Lovely things for her Tartine Tuesday using California plums and apricots. My blog and recipe here– and Annie’s with strawberries and goat cheese here.
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared, Slim Aarons’ beautiful photography, and choosing wallpaper for bedrooms.
Thanks for being here and have a lovely weekend!
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Good morning Kim!
A beautiful and jam packed post of fun, interesting and wonderful things.
First, the Tower room! What a wonderful surprise and the view! It sounds like an amazing place to spend a few days and how lucky you were to stay there. As they say, you get more bees with honey and kindness goes a long way.
Your Trina Turk dress looks gorgeous on you and loved beautiful at the Contessas party. She is a special lady and the party looked the same, held in her beautiful garden with all of her favorite people.
The kitchen book is an excellent suggestion for anyone looking to renovate or even a new build. We finished ours 1 year ago and although we did go with white cabinets in the kitchen we did dark green/blue in the laundry/butler pantry and we love it. There are so many interesting and unexpected touches you can add to your kitchen to suit your style and they way that you live. It is a great way o infuse your personality in the room.
You look beautiful, as always in your short outfits! Love them all. I love linen shorts and sun dresses too.
If I won the lottery I would buy that house too! It is fabulous!
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
xo
Good morning Elizabeth! I was very lucky to stay in that Tower Room at the Claremont. Never expected that. The party was one of those unforgettable nights! You did amazing with your kitchen..I love the brick floors and cool things you choose. I would change mine now a bit.
Isn’t that house pretty?
Have a good one . xx
Oh, the Trina Turk dress!! May I ask where I could find the sandals you’re wearing with it? Exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Btw…you have great legs and I loved your message on wearing shorts. I also dislike tanners (and am fair skinned) so I appreciated your pic and message about rockin’ shorts at any age, w/ or w/out tanner. You really look terrific in the pic and so I thought “this is silly” …I’m going to wear shorts (and can do shorter than a bermuda at that!).
Hi Mary! Thank you very much. I was excited to have an opportunity to wear the Trina dress. It has been gathering a lot of dust! Yes for a while i was always bothering about my leg imperfections and I just stopped caring! We don’t need to look perfect and it’s so darn hot. Enjoy your shorts!
I love the sandals and they were from H&M. You may be able to find them in store, but I can’t find them online sadly.
There is also this from Madewell which is similar..
https://rstyle.me/+nd5LccAHL19L6ZT2AkaiKA
and this at the Rack-
https://rstyle.me/+F1iXuwLiQ7j9ncm1p_ByIQ
and this..
https://rstyle.me/+1AZO2Mv_V7h2WmdhkcvSNA
Hope those help! xo
Kim! What a fun post! My friend just gave me that book, The Uncommon Kitchen!
That hotel looks gorgeous! And so do you in your shorts!
She did? Annie your kitchen design was so unique too! I love this book. xx
Why are some men so intent on turning the clock back? Because they are SCARED!
Pat I think that has to be why. Though it’s not all men and my dad agrees women would be better leaders. Women aren’t motivated by money or greed. Women want peace. I hoe I live long enough to see this all flip.
Perfectly said that women want peace over greed.
Isn’t it the truth? I just visualize a world run by women- or at least a LOT more women!
Hi Kim, wow, this weekend’s post was absolutely chock-a-block with wonderful images – that hotel! the party! the outfits! Thanks for sharing. I haven’t seen the Barbie movie yet, but it does look like fun – I think I’d enjoy it.
I do agree with your paragraph about men running the world, never have truer words been written.
I’ve just read The Contessa’s party post – STUNNING!!
Hi Kim,
What a fun time you’ve had recently. I lived in Oakland, almost on the Berkeley border, for 6 years and my daughter went to Claremont Day Nursery, very near to the hotel. The one time we did stay there, I felt like they had put us in a broom closet, the room was so small. I don’t think we could afford an upgrade back then! The views are as good as they get! You can see both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate on a clear day. The big fire a few years ago in the hills came scarily close to this historical gem.
Thanks for a good review of the Barbie movie – I’m going this afternoon. This was Barbieheimer week for me since I went to Oppenheimer Wednesday. I surprised myself by liking that movie very much.
Thanks for sharing the kitchen ideas, shorts and the Contessa’s party…always an interesting start to my Saturday.
So many interesting comments in your post. Haven’t seen Barbie yet but it sure had been. “Hit”. Totally agree with your thoughts on men as leaders. Good for you wearing shorts. Do what makes you happy. You look great in them.
I follow the Contessa and her party was beautiful and looked like a fun event. We need to do more home entertaining, like our parents did many years ago.
Only been to the Claremont for lunch but it’s a little gem in the hills. So Lucky you were upgraded. Oh the Carmel home is so charming.
Thanks for sharing.
Sheila, Thank you! I know we need to start having people over more. The pandemic stopped a lot of that.
Youre right the Claremont is a little gem. I hope it stays that way.
Have a great weekend!
x
Hi Kim,
Loved the post as always and that Tina dress looks amazing on you and l loved your men wearing pink, kudos. I loved the movie; l thought Ryan Gosling was amazing and America Ferrera was incredible too and always worth watching. My professional television writer daughter is getting married in May and she has chosen and fallen in love with a very kind and compassionate individual who is more than ready to take up the childcare and the home life so she can soar on the work front. I am seeing lots of positive change in terms of male female dynamics in the next generation. Bring it on ! Happy weekend 🙂
HI Francesca, Both Ryan and America were great! Sounds like your daughter found a gem. How exciting for them. I love that the next generation is so much ore open minded and progressive and I know we will hear more about this kind of thing! It’s great and so hopeful!
xo
Kim – great post. Such varied content, & all interesting & useful. Your legs are toned & strong. That’s what matters – says this fellow pale person. 😊
Could you provide info on your ecru raw-edge jacket worn with the animal print shorts?
I NEED that jacket!! Thx!!!
Hi Rita! Thank you..You get the pale thing!
The jacket is my favorite thing- it’s from Tommy Bahama and it runs slightly large. I have a small and it’s wonderful. I’ve had mine now three years- perfect for summer..
This is the link..
https://rstyle.me/+78C15rvJiAFv1i-fiu_1Gw
Have a great weekend!
xo
Hi Kim – great post as always. I love looking at kitchen design – especially those that are not cookie cutter. It’s so great to see people’s personalities and interests expressed in the heart of the home.
Wow did you and Max luck out on the Claremont room upgrade! How fabulous and what a perfect place to unwind after the party and enjoy on Sunday morning.
I love the buzz the Barbie movie is getting and the conversations it has been sparking on these topics. I think people were skeptical of enjoying a “Barbie” movie, but it appears Greta Gerwig did a brilliant job. I love how you and your men wore pink and you made it a family affair. Nice to have enlightened men in our lives right ?
OMG that Carmel house! I’m with you – need to start playing the lottery more often 😂.
Thanks for all the inspo – hope you’re having a great weekend!
Michele I agree I love unique designs! I can’t even believe we got lucky to get that room.. much better than the one facing the AC units!
So nice to meet up with you!
I loved the Barbie film..We ARE lucky to have men who are enlightened. I love that word!
Have a lovely weekend too!xo
Kim, thank you for another great post- a perfect mix of design, travel, fashion, and fun! . Loving that charming Carmel home! Enjoy the weekend!
Kim, thanks for another great post- a perfect mix of design, travel, fashion, and fun! . Loving that charming Carmel home! Enjoy the weekend!
Hi Julie! Aw thank you .. I know love that home!
Happy Weekend, Kim! Where to start … I’m going to order Uncommon Kitchens right now. I love a colorful, fun kitchen … and I’m really enjoying the new ledges being installed above the backsplash that I’m seeing so often now. Wish I’d thought of that when we renovated. And the more furniture-ish look that the Brits are so good at creating is really the warmest, coziest kind of kitchen. Love all the examples you’re showing from the book. As for shorts, I’ve gotten over myself and started wearing them again. And I do love the pull ons … and the fun sets. Being somewhat height challenged is an advantage because so many fall a little longer on me which is good. I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Claremont. Too bad it wasn’t longer so you could visit the pool, spa and play some tennis. We haven’t been over there in several years and its time … I mean it’s just a hop, skip and a jump. I love the area, the history of the hotel … it’s just such an elegant, grand dame and we’re lucky to have it closely. And what an awesome room upgrade!!! You guys look great in your Barbie movie pink get ups … how fun! I’m waiting for it to stream … hopefully soon! As to why men are still running things I don’t know. They’ve really mucked it up … and it’s time for a change and different approach. Let’s hope we see the shift made in our lifetime. As for that Carmel house, when I win the lottery you’ll have some competition. How utterly charming … as are most homes in Carmel. I’ll be scrolling these real estate photos all afternoon … day dreaming and maybe I’ll get out to buy a lotto ticket. Ha! Wishing you the best weekend … it’s a lot cooler over her. Absolute perfection! xo
Juliet, I love the British kitchens too- and wish I had made one of those little shelves above a marble backsplash too.
Yay for shorts and getting out there in them! We need comfort not perfection!
You’re lucky to be near the Claremont! maybe we can spa sometime. Agree men have mucked things up. Let’s just get more women at least half in all places and see what changes we can make. xo
Kim, I so appreciate your comment on wearing shorts. We’re heading to the mountains for a week with our daughter, SIL, and two grandkids–to the same rustic family “resort” where we went with our daughter 30 years ago. I’m bringing three pairs of shorts to wear IN PUBLIC; hang the visible veining and the pale skin that I’ve allowed to cramp my style for too long. At 68 I need to celebrate that I still have working limbs and set a good example for my granddaughter.
La Contessa’s garden looked so beautifully decorated. It took my breath away. And you were fabulous in your vintage Trina Turk!
I have yet to see Barbie, but all the furor about it on the right has me very excited to go! I think Greta Gerwig is a bloody genius to have taken what long has been considered a symbol of unachievable, unrealistic physical perfection and made her story a feminist proclamation! Brava!!
Hi Sarah! Wow what a special vacation! Yay for you.. Wear those shorts sister and enjoy. Yes we totally need to think that way.. We gotta be not so picky about the superficial things and love what we have. A very good example for your granddaughter !
Yes her garden is gorgeouss!!
Greta did a great job with the film… I love that Barbie she created. You will like it. x
Hi Kim,
Elizabeth’s 63rd birthday was really outstanding. Everything was amazing. All the pics told a special story. Loved your vintage dress. The opera panels set the mood. The Italian has so much love in his heart and the neighbor Paul was so kind to help with the assemble. A labor of love.
The Claremont Hotel is a legend. Wow the Towers Suite was a pleasant surprise. I can imagine how beautiful the view was. Berkeley is a cool place. I spend many of my weekends in the sixties hanging out in Berkeley. Many changes since then, but the vibe is probably still the same,
Good for Kristin to gather the family together to the Barbie movie. Everyone looked great dressed in pink. The guys were good sports.
The home in Carmel is fabulous.
You looked cute in the shorts. You are fortunate to have the legs to pull the look off.
We talk about how great it would be to have a women as president in our home. Hopefully that will happen in our lifetime.
Hi Katherine! She threw a bash that won’t be forgotten that for sure and so authentically Elizabeth.
Berkeley is still very cool. I needed more time to explore. There were neat bakeries nearby and other spots I didn’t get to!
Aw thanks fun weekend…I know I am waiting for that woman president! My grandmother wanted one and was excited for Hilary. I think about her. xo
Looks like you had quite the weekend between the party and your stay at the Claremont. It’s beautiful! How awesome they gave you the Tower room, I looked at the photos on their site…wow. When my daughter had surgery many years ago, I asked if we could have a private room even if the insurance wouldn’t cover the difference. Not only did they grant my wish, I never got a bill from the hospital.
Elizabeth and her husband sure know how to throw a party and dress for it as well. I adore that Trina Turk dress on you, it’s so cute!
We are not going to be building a house on our property after all so we settled for a remodel. One bathroom I am sticking with gray and white but the smaller one I want to go more colorful. Maybe green or teal blue subway tile. Still trying to figure it all out. I was really stressed about locating a place to live but I actually found a VRBO casita near our house and the host is willing to let us do a month to month lease for less $. I hope it all works out.
I understand why the Barbie movie is rated PG-13 but try telling a 6 year old (my granddaughter) that she can’t see it. 🙁 I guess some of the content would be over their head at a younger age but my daughter is very strict about what the kids are allowed to watch. I bought Emma a pink Barbie tank dress from Gap to ease the pain a little lol.
Enjoyed watching your video chat the other day!
Linda
Linda, Thats nice to hear that your daughter got a private room… You never know if people are going to say no. I figured it can’t hurt to ask!
Aw thank you about my Trina dress. i was so happy to have a place to wear it.
Yay that you found a place to live during your remodel. I remember that was very stressful for us too.. I like the idea of doing a colorful bathroom.
Oh you are a sweet grandma getting her the Barbie dress. I can’t get why it’s PG13! Seems like the content would be too sophisticated for the to understand anyway..
Thanks for watching the video! xo
Kim, my family stayed at the Claremont when I was a kid (six kids) and someone told us the place was haunted! I remember being a little scared. But then, right before we left SF the general manager and his wife invited us to dinner there…such a nice time.
If I had legs like yours (so fit) maybe I would wear shorts. I guess I could try them again as they would be three inches longer on me. Love the blue matching combo.
Awesome post!
Mary Ann, I never heard that it was haunted! How fun staying with 6 kids there!
I was thinking you had been there since your husband did all the hotels in SF!
My legs are not great, pretty white and scarred and I just don’t care.. The blues set would be adorable on you! You need in for Florida. xo
The Tower Room – how fabulous was that upgrade and those views! Yes to color in the kitchen! Love your Trina dress – you look great in it! Gorgeous table and a fun birthday party. We should all be celebrating special moments like birthdays! I made your tartine for lunch yesterday (used nectarines and apricots) and it was a huge hit. Have a great week.
Barb thank you! I’m so glad the tartine was good! Sounds delicious with apricots and nectarines! xo