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holiday decor

Kicking off the Festive Feeling at Filoli and Joules Coats

December 3, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

 Each year I love visiting the gorgeous Woodside’s Filoli Mansion and their annual Christmas shopping days. The 1915 estate and 654 acre grounds are a California Landmark and on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Bourns who built it were prominent San Franciscans that owned a gold mine in Grass Valley and the Crystal Springs Water Company and Crystal Springs Lake.
 In the 1930’s the property was purchased by the Roth family who made the formal gardens famous. Mrs Roth lived there until 1975 when she donated it to The National Trust for Historic Preservation.  There are events happening at Filoli all year long as well as classes and tours of this beautifully preserved home and property. It’s an easy jaunt off freeway 280, but enter the gates and you are in a magical place surrounded by green rolling hill, moss-covered oaks and little deer!

The holiday shopping days are usually sold out a few months ahead. So you need to plan by October to go to this. All of the rooms are transformed into seasonal boutiques which are really well done, beautifully decorated and filled with unique finds from cooking items, to holiday gifts and home decor and even some furniture.

 The estate inside is just beautiful and in it’s original state. You can even see the old servants buttons and cloak rooms, etc.

Check out Filoli’s site for any upcoming holiday lunches and brunches. They have things for Easter and Mother’s Day and fun summer events too.

One of the shops was scarves, coats, bags and wonderful sweaters. They were carrying the cute line Joules from Great Britain. I had never heard of them before and we fell in love with their perfect vests, raincoats and even rain ponchos. I was in need of a winter jacket and bought this floral number.

 It’s extremely warm and I love the floral of course. Check out their website, which has outerwear with the nicest trim and details. I especially like the leather trimmed capes and vests.

Have a cozy weekend everyone!

Kim

Filed Under: Filoli Estate Woodside, holiday decor, Joules UK Clothing, Northern California Travel

A Northern California Natural Christmas

December 2, 2012 By kimwheeler No Comments

Hope you are having a cozy weekend. We’ve had a wet and stormy week and today looks like much of the same. Today is our town’s annual Christmas parade, but I think I may stay in while the Cub Scouts brave the elements. Yesterday I spent the better part of the day picking up remains from the storm that hit Thursday night. The winds had brought gifts of sequoia and redwood branches and pinecones of all sizes. Cleaning up got me inspired to begin my Christmas decor and so out with the orange! I started going for a more Christmas zen feel with branches and naturals and neutrals. 

The English use clips of trees and holly to frame pictures and mirrors in the home. This is a tradition that dates back to the Druids who believed bringing greens into the home brought fertility and warded off evil spirits! Well, okay. No fertility needed here please, but I do think they look lovely and festive. I just like tucking them in a few spots for Winter welcome.

How lovely if we just let nature dictate the decor? I think all these greens look right with burlap, walnuts and my pretty mercury glass. All colorless really. I haven’t unpacked the big boys yet and may just have to keep some brights in the boxes this year. The light feel of this all just calms me. (Yes I’m trying to forget the Christmas timetable here people!)

Leaving out my seashells and popped in a few of these antique looking little ornaments I bought in mesh baggies from Restoration Hardware last year.

Just a few of these and more redwood discards on the living room mantle…Haven’t gotten the stockings or tree up yet…

Sequoias above are one of the prettiest conifers in my opinion.

In this grey wooden box I bought from Bunches florist, I stuck in the remains of the yard disaster- pinecones and tree bits. I think I like this best of all. It’s in my entry and smells so good when you open the front door. Juniper bushes have pretty little white pinecone like berries right now. Cypress bushes are also a good filler and cuttings can look mini tree like.

 

More evergreens… I’m noticing everything looks a bit crooked here. Hmm, could be my photography or possibly my house! 

I’m loving my boxwood wreath from Trader Joes. So pretty and different for $9.99. I added my own burlap wired ribbon. The Container Store is my go to for ribbons this time of year.  Their lovely wooden spools of dreamy colors make wrapping so fun.

How about a holiday posy? This mustard jar was perfect for the tiny bits of greenery. Tie with a whispy burlap thread and you’ve got a little Christmas for next to your bed or the powder room. Instagram makes everything look cool doesn’t it?

So before you go all out on Christmas decor, consider you surroundings. you might just have the most beautiful things right outside your window! It’s better for the earth and your wallet. If you don’t have evergreens like Northern California, you could use other greens like olives branches and even succulents. It’s all about bringing the nature indoors in the winter. Mix your greens with a minimal amount of silver or gold add neutrals and you have got a Northern California look!

Happy foraging!
Kim

Filed Under: bringing natural elements in, holiday decor, neutrals

Wreath Style!

December 12, 2011 By kimwheeler No Comments

via An Urban Cottage. Love the branches and this looks like boxwood.

Another crazy day, but I thought I’d post a few pics of wreaths and doors I’m loving right now. Seems like a small thing, but how cute are some of these homes? Makes you really want to rethink your door color and more. I may be needing to up my curb appeal soon.

Enjoy!

I’ve added some more wreaths that were accidently left out yesterday.

Habitually chic. Love the colors and multiple wreaths.

A swag is always a easy alternative to a wreath.
Canadian House and Home. More branches.
This acid green looks so fresh for Christmas.

Olive wreath with lights.

Like the addition of the Joyeux Noel sign.

Great color.

Maybe for my next door color?

Can’t you just hear your boots crunching up the gravel?

I want this door!
Aqua blue door and greeny-gold ribbons are a nice compliment to each other.
White doors looks new. Like the pairing with silver.

 via Nine and Sixteen. It’s classic and perfect.

via My French Country Home. Love the unadorned trees and foliage.

Sigh, wishing I had lions…Maybe one day I’ll get some small cats since we live in Los Gatos.

How do you like to decorate your door?

Filed Under: door color, holiday decor, wreaths

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Still have my rain boots out, as more rain is comi Still have my rain boots out, as more rain is coming next Tuesday, but the sun is shining and it’s a Friday! ☀️( What is it about Tuesdays this year?) 

I bought some tulips for myself at Trader Joe’s last night and looking forward to a day out in SF on Saturday for Max’s birthday, which is today.❤️ 

More on The Weekend blog tomorrow -and Juliet @makemineaspritzer and I did a LIVE yesterday which is up on her Reels page if you missed it. 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the gun problem in this nation. Both Juliet and I am just sick about it. 
I don’t plan to shut up about it until we get some change. Our kids don’t need to live this way.. 
Being quiet about it isn’t helping us. So many, many good people out yesterday calling for action and demanding change and it’s giving me hope. ❤️

This Sunday there is a @momsdemand meeting nearby and if you are local I can send you the link. Leave me a comment below. I am going with my husband and anyone who wants can join. I’ll share it on stories too. 💪🏻
Another dark morning, but trying to brighten the k Another dark morning, but trying to brighten the kitchen up with some blues and greens!  I think we need to bring the sunshine in ourselves. I did a little field trip and braved the heavy rain yesterday with my friend Elaine to visit the new @westelm in Campbell. It’s nice having a home store you can drive up to and park nearby. I bought a few new glasses for my shelves and a pretty decanter. Will share more about this new shop on my stories. 

Stay cozy today. ☔️

#kitchendecor #kitchenremodel #openshelving #westelm
Here we are again. More families destroyed by the Here we are again. More families destroyed by the inability of our nation to take a stand against the gun lobby, manufacturers and politicians supporting them.  Little children and their teachers gone. I don’t want to hear about freedoms.. Those are faux freedoms gun culture enables. 

What about the freedom to go to school and feel safe without being gunned down? The freedom to go to the grocery store, the movies, a festival or a concert, a nightclub without fear of being killed? We all are in danger in all places. States with strong gun laws are at the mercy of the states with the weakest laws, as we have no walls between us. 

We don’t need to live this way. We just need to get together and stop the madness. NO OTHER first world nation lives lives this way with guns and weapons meant for war, easily had by anyone who wants them.  People are afraid to vacation here. It’s only a matter of time before every one of us is touched by this unrestricted gun culture. Let’s stop being complacent.  We must absolutely demand our politicians use their power to change this. The Tennessee Representative for this district sent out a holiday card with his family holding automatic weapons…like it’s some kind of joke. These are children’s lives. And what about those who are left behind losing a loved one or experiencing this horror and surviving? 

This photo from @shannonrwatts - please follow her. This is a child today being brought to a reunification center for parents awaiting news. ☹️

I know some of you only want happy posts, but can we agree we aren’t doing enough here and we all need to take part? 

Other accounts trying to make change:
@momsdemand 
@everytown 
@changetheref 
@march_fourth_ 
@giffordscourage 

Call and donate to your local politicians who take a stand on gun control. Know where all of them stand on guns and share it. If you can, donate to those in other states who are fighting the good fight and need the support. ❤️

I love this country and I really want change. 

#gunreformnow #shannonwatts #momsdemandaction
On the weekend meanderings… More tips on shoppin On the weekend meanderings… More tips on shopping Homegoods plus my finds from there I added to give little pop of spring color to this room. I’m also sharing some good white jeans, a new book to inspire, a wonderful face, lotion, and more! 

 Juliet and Elizabeth’s have good spring things on their posts too!
Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 
Hope you all have a sunny weekend!
Well after all this weather, and so much indoor ti Well after all this weather, and so much indoor time, I’m officially sick of everything and I am ready to give the home a little refresh. Homegoods and TJMaxx have some great spring items and a promotion with items from France, Italy, etc. They can be a good source for outdoor pots, new pillows, rugs and decorative bits. It’s good time to find a ‘few’ emphasis on few, new things for the home. They carry unique items, many one offs, but you have to be a discerning shopper.. What to look for and what to avoid on this little clip. 

I’ll be taking more about how to shop smart at these sort of places on the upcoming blog as well. What’s been your experience at these stores? I have had good luck and bad and I think you have to be smart about what you choose and don’t fill a home with these things. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on shopping there. More tips from my last trip there on stories and saved on shopping tips. 

#californiahomestyle #springhomedecor #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #homeaccesories #northerncalstyleblog
A little spring in the kitchen while another storm A little spring in the kitchen while another storm rages. Met a friend downtown and we had to dash as the storm hit and power was out minutes later. Stay safe everyone!
I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room today as my builder @mikemccloudconstruction shared it too. I still love the way it came out! I had saved many inspiration pictures of how I wanted this to look. I was lucky Mike helped me make this happen. A good builder who listens and has ideas as well, helps so much. I’m sharing some of  the extra details up close. 

I loved this blue sort of organic watery tile for a pool bath. I also knew I wanted an open shelf for all the pool towels so people could grab them on the way out the door. The @serenaandlily mirror definitely has that nautical almost porthole, sort of look and picked up the unfinished oak color. I used an RH pendant light and the sink is Victoria and Albert. The counter is from a slab of @vadaraquartz that I spilt and used in the laundry as well as the boy’s bath. I choose an inexpensive cement tile for this space and the connecting laundry/mud room which works with drippy pool feet!  It’s been almost four years and all still looking great! 

DM me if anyone wants details I left out! I thought I did a post on this, but maybe not! I need to do that with all the baths. 

Hope you all have a good week and get some nature in the first day of spring! 

#californiaremodel #poolbath #poolbathroom #powderroom #serenaandlily #mikemccloudconstruction #northerncalstyle #lunabaytile #vadaraquartz
On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore i On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore it and I am sharing some pretty toile pieces, beautiful woven leather bags in fun colors, cute sweatshirts, a trench coat that stands out, the new book about the story of J.Crew, and more! 

Juliet and Elizabeth have great things to dive into this weekend too…

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

Have a great weekend! Hope you got a little sun while it was out. ☀️

#weekendpost #bayareablogger #paloalto #evereve #toile #cos #madewell #jcrewbook #northerncalifornia #californiastyle #trenchcoat
Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and resort vacations? This month’s Signature Style is for you! Cindy and I are sharing our tips and favorite sources for warm weather looks.  You need a few good pieces like a great linen jacket, a swimsuit you love, a couple of coverups, and a pretty dress and you’re nearly ready. More ideas and suggestions on our blogs! 

Hope there is a sunny getaway in your future!☀️
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#resortwear #resortdress #resortpacking #whattowearresort
Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks se Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks seen at the @bnpparibasopen . I always love to see how people mix it up including the guys! Nice to see so many cute looks and cool hats. Loved the Day Glo brights and florals the best. Hope you get some ideas if you are going to this tournament or doing something fun in the sun soon! ☀️

Thank you to all the sweet people who kindly let me share their looks ! 

Also, due to weather..the Signature Style resort dressing post with Cindy is postponed until tomorrow. Sorry I had no Internet here in Los Gatos yesterday and 89 mile an hour winds so I have been unable to work! Back at it today. Hope you all are doing okay after yesterday’s storm! 

#bnp #bnpparibasopen #tennisparadise #whattowearbnp #tennis #tournamentlooks #indianwells #northerncalstyle
How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of lo How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of love in our actions.  This is a wonderful account and @yung_pueblo ‘s book ‘Lighter’ is top of the NYTimes list too. 

Happy Monday. 💛
Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got back from three whirlwind days with pals and we had a ball. It was so good to be in the sun and and warmth -with snow capped California mountains as a backdrop.  We went in the beginning part of the tournament which we always do, and got to see Andy Murray, Sabalenka, Zverev, Raducanu, and so many fantastic other players. We basically eat, slept and breathe tennis for two days straight and we loved it!  You can still catch play on the @tennischannel 🎾

I will share another Reel of all the stylish people.. Something about tennis brings out the sharpest dressers and there was excellent people watching. 

If you love tennis, this is a bucket list tournament. They call the fifth slam and it’s getting crazy popular so plan a year ahead of you want to go. We reserved our hotel that was walking distance a year ago. More tips on my BNP post that I update each year. 
Link in bio! 

#tennisparadise #bnpparibasopen #indianwellstennisgarden #bnp #bnptips  #andymurray #zverev #raducanu #sabalenka #tennis #californiatennis #discoverpage #tennislove #tennisgirl

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