#californiastyle

Weekend Meanderings- a California Road Trip Cookbook, Dining Room Refresh & More

June 18, 2022 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

Hi and welcome to my Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet. This month has been flying by. I have been loving our June weather and some of these cooler days. I can hardly believe it’s Father’s Day weekend already. Are you doing anything special? We are making Max a breakfast of French Toast per his request and then a BBQ with my dad and my boys.

On Sunday Max is meeting up with his guy friends to Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe for Science. This is a public kayak event and part of UCDavis TERC or Tahoe Environmental Research Center. The trip is a 7 day thing, but Max is just joining friends for one day of it. It’s meant to celebrate the beauty of the lake, raise awareness of threats to the lake, help do some research, and hear from scientists. Funds help raise money for Tahoe. You can read more about it here. Sounds really fun and if you can’t do this year, maybe next time? I love this organization dedicated to preserving Lake Tahoe. They also have an Instagram page to follow, so you can stay on top of events.

Nigella’s Madeira Cake

Both Max and my dad love this cake, so I will be making it for our barbecue. I am sure I shared it before, but it’s the easiest and one of the most delicious cakes. It is also spectacular served with fresh strawberries in summer.

This comes from one of my first and most favorite cookbooks, Nigella’s How To Be a Domestic Goddess. I don’t think it worked for me, but I did dutifully work through a lot of the recipes and the Madeira cake, which is basically a lemon pound cake, the first recipe in the book and a winner. The crust is amazing and this cake tastes even better the second day..if it lasts that long!

It’s an easy cake to lug to a gathering. It’s lovely for tea or a birthday and makes a sweet gift too. Go to Nigella’s site for her exact recipe that is printable, and make sure to toggle to US measurements if you need cups vs. grams. If that seems tricky, this is a screen shot of the recipe from my Cookery Bubble on my Instagram from the book.

I see on the comments someone has tried this cake with oranges as a stand in for lemons and I will try that next time! The Domestic Goddess Book is now 20 years old, but still ahead of others with its modern look and simple recipes accompanied by great stories. Still one of the best!

The Forest Feast Roadtrip Cookbook

Speaking of cookbooks, I also just bought the wonderful new Erin Gleeson Book, Forest Feast Roadtrip, chock full of recipes from all the best spots in our amazing state.

Erin lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but traveled the state during the pandemic with her young family and stayed in California’s most gorgeous places. Some of my favorite spots like Humboldt, Tahoe, Sea Ranch, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs and others are featured in her book. Yummy recipes reflecting the tastes of those areas and along with the stunning photos in cute Airbnbs make this a must have in your California cookbook collection!

This book has over 100 vegetarian (not vegan) recipes all I am excited to try! If you’re not familiar Erin has a whole collection of her Forest Feast cookbooks, which are a treat with her watercolors, photography and healthy recipes. You can follow Erin on Instagram too.

Erin’s Santa Cruz Mountain home and her fantastic cookbook library. #goals

We’ve been making the date shakes non-stop from this book this month and they are delicious!

Dining Room Refresh

I’m slowly working my way through the house things I’ve been putting off and I thought I’d share a small change I love in the dining space..

I had a light wool rug I moved to our living room and to replace it, I had bought a darker polypropylene rug, which was supposed to wear well, but hated it. The space just felt dark. I knew I wanted something lighter and prettier here with my iron and steel table.

I found the Alamere rug on Serena & Lily. I like this for three reasons, it is a jute/wool flat weaves, the price was not outrageous, and it is reversible. I’ve been stalking it for a while and I am really pleased with it. I think it improves the space and lends a luxe look the other just couldn’t thanks to the soft colors and a raised pattern.

I also was in need of window help here. We had light woven panels, but they gave little privacy and we needed more sun filtering on hot days. I just ordered custom linen Roman style shades for some other windows (more on that soon), but custom made drapes for this long expanse start above $2,500! As I just spent money on the shades, I had to save somewhere else. I was going to order some basic white panels from Pottery Barn, but then happened on these unique panels at the Cupertino Homegoods.

I’m not a huge Homegoods fan, because I am always looking for quality, but sometimes they have just the thing. Something about these just spoke to me, and they were nice. They have a raised ogee shape that is a bit fringy. They are a dark smoky blue and are even marked down. They are Rachel Ashwell brand. Up close, this photo is making them look grey, but they’re more smoky blue.

I brought them home and four panels worked with my space. I also kept two of the woven panels for sheers in the center when I want just a little light diffusion. The panels are 96 inches and puddle a bit, which gives it even a more romantic feel and look….

So for a total of $80 I now have new drapes too. I guess you’d say this room is a little high, little low, but that’s kind of my favorite way of decorating! You can find the panels here. You can find more pretty curtain styles by Rachel Ashwell here. Her things seem to be of a nicer design and quality.

Flutter Sleeve Tops

On the hotter days I have been wearing a few flutter sleeve tops that feel pretty and feminine. I have found some here and there, and though I don’t have the most toned arms, I hope the pretty shoulder details make up for that. I just spotted this Flutter Blouse from Cloth & Stone, one of my favorite brands and it checks all the boxes for me with soft material, looser fit and well stripes..I love the fabric.

Persuasion

I was very excited to see a new film of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is out this July in theaters starring Dakota Johnson. Persuasion was the first Austen book I ever read. I remember the exact summer I read it, lounging in my parent’s yard as a college student… and it’s a wonderful book. I don’t know if the film does it justice as I see they’ve added some modern language to it.

Either way, it looks like a fun film and if you’re looking for a different summer read, this is a great time to read or reread the novel, before the film comes out.

Black Outdoor Pillows

I’ve been wanting to refresh the outdoor pillows and though I shared this post with many outdoor pillow choices, I still needed something with black to go with my yard. Annie Selke had these cute modern ones which will give my patio a graphic pop.

There is also this fun pattern on One King’s Lane, and this dotted one at Annie Selke which reverse to the opposite pattern.

The post a few weeks ago with more outdoor pillows here!

Juneteenth

Did you know this Sunday the 19th is also Juneteenth? This year will only be the second time we as a country celebrate it as a national holiday. Biden signed it into law last year, but people have been celebrating this date, marking the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in Texas for a long time.

I just found this great list of films to stream that better show the reality of being black in this nation. I think it’s a great time to take a few nights this summer to watch some of these..and share one of those films with family as well when kids are home.

Also on Instagram I follow the most eloquent woman Lynae Vanee, who does a weekly rant in her parking lot. She is funny and straight up. She’s a scholar in African American studies and I love her take on the state of the world and history and she is one to follow if you want to understand better the black experience in America. Love her and you can follow her here.

Well that’s my meanderings for this week. Please stop by my lovely pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs and see what’s happening in their spaces!

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here. Have a lovely weekend,

Kim

Last week’s post had my summer go-to’s in sunscreen, shorts, body lotion, the best warm weather jacket, a beautiful pink kitchen, easy summer dress and more.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

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Five Ways to Bring a Summer Feel to Your Home

June 9, 2022 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

Today I’m joining a fun group of bloggers for Project Design.. and today’s subject is Summer Decor Refresh. Having a deadline to share ideas here got me into gear getting the house freshened up. There have been a few things laying around, piles of winter blankets, wool pillow and a lot of clutter we just don’t need.

Summer has come upon us so fast. I noticed our local schools are out and everyone seems to be breathing a sort of collective sigh. Kids are playing in sprinklers, people are taking late evening strolls and lining up for ice cream in the evenings. This time of year goes fast, so why not make our homes have that happy vacation vibe too? Have some fun with this and think of it as ‘staging’ your home, but for your enjoyment… some ideas I’ll share.

Ways to bring a summer vibe to your home..

Bring the outside in. Get some pretty woven baskets ( I like these from Target) and drop in a snake plants or a monstera which are low care and look fantastic. I just added both of those plants. Think beach house. On my coffee table where plants tend to die, I added a faux green branch and a driftwood stick we treasure in a modern glass vase. The natural stick with the faux looks richer and gives a fresh pop to the table.

I also just got this Beaufort Tray I’ve been coveting from Serena & Lily and it was just what I needed here to lighten it and give it a California feel. I added a coral on top of these books and have some of my favorite shells scattered about. Pottery Barn also has these lovely real shells that you can add to vases or bowls.

Lighten up. Clear the floors and put away extra rugs. I love the feel of bare floor underfoot in the summer and rolled my extra throw rugs away until colder months. My faux fur throws and wool blankets got stored and we now have our linen and cotton throws by the sectional and in our basket. I love this PB throw which is perfect for a summer chair or sofa.. My wool and heavy pillows are replaced with some lighter block print and linen ones.

In my dining room I changes out a darker rug with a light colored cotton/wool Kilim style rug I’ve been saving for… which just arrived! I love as it lightens the whole house. Nice that this is a two-sided rug that I hope will last a long time!

Soften your bedding. This is a nice time to change out your duvet or heavy comforter with a cotton matelasse quilt and crisp white sheets. I’ve just taken all my older white sets out of storage and washed them with oxyclean to brighten them up. I tie them with a ribbon and place lavender sachets with them. I love white sheets in the summer. This Celeste Cotton quilt is my summer bed cover and in the winter I layer it with my duvet. Love this and it feels like a cloud.

Declutter. Go through the house and see what items can be put away for the season. Too often we live with ‘stuff’ because it’s just always there. If you walk through your home and try and put away one or two things on each surface. Summer is all about breathing room. If you must have stuff out, try basketizing things. A pretty basket can help corral mail, papers, keys and things and and looks calmer. I also switch up my books and put any summer themed books front and center.

Add in natural materials. Think island living type of materials, which give a vacation vibe. This is a good time to pull out baskets, rattan pieces, cane anything, and things with a woven feel or natural wood. I have my market baskets and hats by the door with my linen pillows I have collected over the years from Patine in Santa Cruz. I find the coolest baskets can be found at thrift and second hand stores, so keep your eyes open for those unique pieces.

I moved a floral print and a rope basket by the door. I have a faux air plant here and a chunk of coral on my books here. If you style your home as you would a vacation getaway, it will have that feel!

Don’t forget the kitchen. I love my black dishes and things, but for summer they go in the drawer and I pull out my Italian pottery bowls from Positano. Also helping with the holiday home feel are my travel souvenir tea towels, summer themed cookbooks, and a couple new plants with trailing vines. Don’t discount the produce section for decor. I love big bowls of summer peaches and apricots and baskets of tomatoes and pots of basil. They also make the kitchen smell amazing.

Give a summer welcome. Add fresh plants to your porch or entry to set the tone for your home. An easy care geranium or asparagus fern needs almost no effort and feels summertime pretty. I like extra baskets for your delivery packages or flip flops. If you need a mat, I love the look of a braided grass coir mat. You might consider adding a lantern or two with an automatic candle for that evening flicker.

I find if your treat you home like a holiday house, your summer days can feel like a vacation!

Summer home things I love…

Please go hop on over to these fab blogs and see what spring refresh ideas they have for your home. All of these women have such great ideas and style…

CARLA ASTON DESIGNED

CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME

MOST LOVELY THINGS

Kim

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Weekend Meanderings -Designer Melissa Penfold, Woven Baskets for Plants, a Lunch Spot & More.

May 14, 2022 By kimwheeler 27 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share things that grabbed our attention this week.. Let’s get started!

Village Bakery and Cafe

I had a lovely lunch outdoors at the Village Bakery and Cafe in Woodside last weekend as part of my Mother’s Day weekend with my family. I had been asking to come back here when the weather is nice, and we were fortunate to have a beautiful day. The cafe has the prettiest outdoor space patio and delicious food…

If it’s a cooler day you can opt to dine indoors which has a cozy clubby vibe with little lamps on the bar and tables. It feels like you are transported to a fancy English pub. They also have a wonderful bakery (the brownies!) to grab a treat to go after, or a more casual to-go lunch. This spot is a great day out and the center has a cute tennis store and home and garden shop.

Just some of the amazing selections at the bakery!

Boxwood and hydrangeas in baskets

One thing I love about the Village Bakery is it reminds me of Belgium and France with their boxwoods in woven baskets.

I want that look in my yard and have been stuffing hydrangeas into baskets all over. I have found the best baskets at Target. ( By the way my outdoor chairs and all of Serena & Lily is 20% off including sale stuff, use code GOFORIT.)

This seagrass basket is $26 and a good size for a boxwood or hydrangea. I line it with a plastic tray so the basket will not rot, and also take it out occasionally for heavy watering.

These by Kooboo are also perfect and more expensive, but a heavy rattan that may be very durable.

And there is this also at Target by Studio McGee in a lighter rattan that might be nice.

You can find liners to protect the baskets and let the plants drain here.

By the way, my lovely Weekend Meanderings pal, Juliet also has pretty baskets on her front porch too, which I must share. Do you follow her Instagram? She’s so fun.

Emily Joubert

If you go Woodside, and even better have lunch at The Village Bakery, you must stop at my most favorite shop ever, Emily Joubert, which is adjacent. This is probably the best home store in the Bay Area and they also have a new location in San Francisco.

Emily Joubert has a wonderful garden area with unique plants, outdoor furniture and pretty pots. Indoors holds a brilliantly curated selection of design and cooking books, pillows, dishes, fragrances, pajamas and baby gifts. Cards and jewelry as well. You can find their shop online and also follow the pretty Instagram. I love the story about her shop, named after her grandmother, who like mine, was a big inspiration.

I bought myself this lovely book..

Melissa Penfold

Melissa Penfold is a bit under the radar as she’s an Australian, but also was the longtime design columnist for the Sydney Herald. I found her book on one of the magical piles of decor books I haven’t heard or seen before at Emily Joubert.

The wonderful thing about Melissa’s book is it’s not your usual design tome filled with one designer’s projects. She begins by sharing some of the best in home design from across the globe. She shows spare, traditional and classical beauties all reimagined with fresh touches and a modern sensibility. Then she tells the story of her own stunning country home in the highlands outside of Sydney.

Her book is a treasure trove of decorating advice and no nonsense approach to a quality life using found treasures and well made basics. Interspersed in this book are great guidelines and ideas I want to underline or highlight and go back to and revisit. I’ve never felt this way about a design book, but it’s a decor bible of sorts for those who want to build a beautiful home to last a lifetime, not full of the latest trends.

I love these two of many great gems in this book:

“Get rid of everything in your life that doesn’t measure up, whether it’s chipped cups or stained linens. Avoid matching sets of furniture, bath fittings, or bedroom suites;
the most effective and affordable approach is to mix beautiful basics with one-offs.
A sumptuous cushion elevates a plain sofa into the style stratosphere, a basic round metal
table looks brilliant with an antique French chair. The most successful rooms defy categorization
because they reflect their owner’s individuality and life experiences.”
“Home is the ongoing story of a person and should be decorated with things that please the eye, soothe the senses, and move us in some way. It takes a lifetime of collecting to finish a room.”
Melissa Penfold

You can buy her beautiful book here and get more inspiration on her Instagram.

The perfect pants for spring/summer and travel

I recently got these new light cream pants from Anthro. They totally different than any other pants I own, but I liked the shape and light fabric. When I put these on they just felt great right away. I like that I can pair it with a blazer for a modern look or a tank or with this striped tunic top for a daytime casual look. They are a great addition to the spring/summer closet, and so lightweight they feel like nothing on which is nice for travel and hotter days. I like the two pockets on the front and they hit at ankle length.

The pants are here, up to plus and tall sizing, also in a black, which I am considering, and a khaki and 12 other colors! People love these pants and they are highly rated so check them out and also look at your local Anthro for these!

* UPDATE I just noticed they are sold out of many sizes of the white/cream. Will try to share here if they get more in. I believe this is a newer pant, so maybe they will restock. Many sizes in other colors though..So frustrating so check in stores too.

Other options are these Theory white cropped pants (similar material), and these by Nic+Zoe, this pair at Madewell, and these at J. Crew.

The striped tunic is from Madewell and my straw tote is from Mango and I added my wool tassel from Tancredi & Morgan, another similar tassel here on Etsy (both are made by women artisans in Guatemala.)

Loads more straw totes on this post if you missed it!

Well that’s my meanderings for this week now please go see what fun finds and ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed last week’s blog with outdoor pillows, lemon shortbread cookies, a fun idea with thrifted finds and more that post is here. I also shared a great Asian noodle salad this week.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Last Minute Books and Other Good Things

December 21, 2021 By kimwheeler 3 Comments

I know I am still sending a few last minute things that fell off my radar … I was surprised how many books can still be delivered before December 25 if you order today. I thought I’d do a roundup of my faves and a few new good ones that I want too!

Also, if you’ve got your head down and missed it, today is the last day for the additional 15% off the Sale items at Serena & Lily and two things I love are on it, this Tivoli Pillow Cover, just $79 plus the additional, and the Norfolk Bath Towels, which are beautiful quality and now $14-$29 and additional discount..Other good things to grab are the Cobble Hill Pillow and my Blake Console is too. Use the code CELEBRATE If you order by today you can get this FEDEX’ by the 24th, but I suspect most people would be buying for themselves.

Now onto the books.. I’m trying this boutique widget to make it easier for you to just click on the item. Let me know how this goes. And please below add any good book recommendations you have loved this year. I’ve added a lot of cookbooks as they are my favorites..

I hope things are going well this week. I’m running out to grab a few last things before rain begins here for a while.

I’ll be back soon with a Christmas or New Year’s dinner post idea for you!

Have a great day,

Kim

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Project Design -Cozy Fall Home

October 7, 2021 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

It’s fall and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Getting cozy..sweaters, fires, hot drinks, soups, blankets and boots. Bring on the hygge! I was excited to be asked to join this Project Design collaboration today on Cozy Home. What makes a home feel warm and inviting?

Start with the front porch..

This weekend Max and I did a deep clean of the front yard. You can go buy pumpkins, but if your entry has a season’s worth of dust and spiders… get out there! We took a long duster to the eaves and lanterns, hosed off the porch and shined up the windows. We even wiped down the mailbox and swept the walk, and cleaned the front door. This is something nice to do seasonally. It really made the entry shine.

Next add a few pumpkins. You can go simple with one large one or go for the stacking method which seems popular here with varying pumpkin sizes and colors. If you have a long walkway you can put them along the path which is cute. If you have containers you can remove the plants and add small pumpkins and gourds as I did here with a few yard cuttings..I also added some mums and I even left them in the black pots they came in as they blended in behind the pumpkins. I went with the burgundy color this year for a change.

Make sure your welcome mat is in good shape. Maybe this is the time to get a new one so your place is looking sharp for the holidays? Pottery Barn has a nice selection of mats. I just moved a pillow and an old wool blanket to the front bench. If you can add a bench it is a nice welcome.

Since we have a front patio as well, I added a throw to the chairs out there and a candle. It just looks inviting and and reminds me it’s a nice place to chill and watch the sunset or enjoy a sunny coffee on fall mornings.

Sprinkle seasonal accents indoors..

How does it feel when someone enters your space? Ours is very open, but I moved our large wool rug right in the entry to so you hit a warm landing as you enter and changed out the coat tree things to some scarves, jackets and hats we use in fall.

I got this cute pedestal bowl as a gift and put on my island with gourds and pumpkins. I added small mum to the kitchen counter too.

I had no flowers for my round vase, so foraged the yard and took a branch off a tree for a little greenery. A bowl of pears or apples anywhere in the kitchen smells great and says harvest season..

To help the living and family rooms feel snug, add throws, extra pillows, perhaps a candle. Fall is a good time to set up a designated space for board games, or a table with a puzzle that’s being worked on is fun if you have space for it.. A basket to your main hangout room with a few blankets and throws that are easy to grab, is a nice touch too.

I warmed up the white couch with my cream and beige pillows and throws. I like the addition of creams with whites for some warmth in the cooler months.

In dining rooms you can add a little fun the the table with pumpkins..I also added a striped and tasseled throw to the bench. On the barstools I added an older pillow from Zara Home and we moved our record player and albums to the chest here so we will play them more.

I popped one of my white pumpkins with a few other bits..

In our media room, I added some darker elements and books and a fall candle to our new bookshelf!

In the bedroom, you can add some plusher elements also.

I keep my white coverlet from Crate & Barrel on all year and layer a comforter when it gets cold at the end of the bed, but during this in between time, a faux fur throw transitions it from a summer bed without the heavy duvet and looks snuggly.

It’s really just a matter of adding in details to make your place feel homey and warm. In my own space, I like adding more wood and dark elements along with creams. I think my family does love the festive bit on the porch and also the pleasant feel of soft throws on the beds and the couches.

Have fun with this season!

If you need a few things to bring a cozy vibe to the home..

From top left, by row…

Lapin Fine Faux Fur Throw, Gingham Linen Pillow Cover, Arhaus Faux Fur Throw,

Amber Lewis Cabin Blanket, Dodie Door Mat, Woven Rattan Pedestal Bowl

Anouk Pillows, Apothecary 18 Candle, Celeste White Quilt Coverlet

Block Print Pillows (on sale!), White Pedestal Bowl , Falling Leaves Bunch.

Please visit these beautiful blogs for some fresh ideas for the fall home…

Most Lovely Things

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

11 Magnolia Home

Make Mine A Spritzer

Thank you for stopping by! I love to hear your feedback so please leave me a comment with any tips or thoughts.

Kim

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Californians at Home – Style Maven Elizabeth Kirkpatrick

March 26, 2021 By kimwheeler 82 Comments

Today I am interviewing one of my favorite people, my friend Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, a native Californian who lives life with joie de vivre in a home unlike anyone else’s. She grew up in Northern California, met her Italian husband here while working at Gucci, and raised her young sons for several years outside of Florence, Italy. She and the family moved back here to the Bay Area to create a gorgeous and original home and gardens filled with animals, antiques, flowers and momentos from her travels.

Elizabeth sold antiques for 12 years and had her own shop, The Hen House. She began her blog The Vintage Contessa in 2009. Contessa was her email name and it seemed to fit her, and many of her friends call her that. She kindly opened her home to me and we safely took photos with masks and some distance and she gave some wonderful answers to my questions about what makes her a unique Californian. Meet the closest thing we have to a California Contessa..

Is this Europe? No it’s California! A glimpse of Elizabeth’s front yard. Don’t you love the paint colors of her home? She looks amazing in these citron tones and they figure prominently in her wardrobe and home.

Elizabeth you are a native Californian, grew up in Northern Cal. What makes living in California special and do you think it influences the way you entertain?
As a CALIFORNIAN we have it ALL……….OCEAN,MOUNTAINS and The DESERT all within a few hours drive! Besides it’s ALL I KNOW……..I am a 4th Generation Californian. I was born in a little farming community called Modesto in 1960. The housing community was called “Sherwood Forest”. My parents moved to Marin County when I was six months old. I had the best of all seasons as the snow (Lake Tahoe) was three hours away. The desert was an hour and 20 away by plane and my Mother had sisters in Southern California with beautiful homes. We would spend SPRING breaks and summer vacations with them. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my time there.I would say YES, MY SURROUNDINGS INFLUENCED THE WAY I ENTERTAIN.

Any great memories of growing up here in California ? Summers?
Summers were spent in Newport Beach,Catalina Island and Palm Springs. My Aunt and Uncle had a yacht which we would cruise to Catalina for long weekends. We also had good family friends who I would stay with on Lido Isle.We walked everywhere. They (MY COUSINS) were always barefoot and I being “THE TOURIST” would always stub my big toe! From lunches at THE BLUE DOLPHIN to swimming the CHANNEL(which was a BIG NO NO!!) we were always busy bee’s!I experienced my First Spin the Bottle with a boy named JOHN ~JOHN!At home my house was on a hill where CELESTE and I would cardboard slide and dig to CHINA with gardening spades!I was always building a BARN or RABBIT HUTCH trying to con my FATHER into more pets!Or putting on PLAYS in our basement!I should have been in THEATER!

You are an amazing entertainer do you come by that through your mother or did you learn as you went?
My Parents did entertain while I was growing up.Especially during THE HOLIDAYS. My father would wear a red smoking jacket and my Mother would be in a long ……….wait FOR IT……..CAN YOU GUESS?………..CAFTAN! I knew when we moved back to CALIFORNIA from Florence, Italy I wanted to have GARDEN PARTIES! However, in the beginning we did not have much of a GARDEN! The Italian had the vision to terrace the backyard. My vision was a YELLOW AND WHITE GARDEN! I learned as I went as far as the garden. My husband loves to have people around and entertain. He would have people over every night if I said, “OKAY!” For him it means nothing of whipping up a dinner for 12 spur of the moment! SO, to answer your question I would say MY MOTHER and MY ITALIAN!

Has spending years in Italy improved the way you entertain and live? Or has being married to an Italian ?? Or both?
Living in Italy started for us in 1991 ~ 1994. Three years, four months, and 7 days………I stayed behind in Italy with the SONS when it was time to go back to the USA so MY FIRST BORN could finish FIRST GRADE. We arrived in Italy due to a death in the family so we were there to help out. We arrived in Italy just the four of us. Myself, husband and two little boys. We left Italy with two black Labs, two pound cats, one Italian woman named Gilda who had never been to the STATES and 18 pieces of luggage. It took THREE cars to get us to ROME and THREE WONDERFUL FRIENDS saying GOOD-BYE. A side note……….I PAID NOTHING FOR THE EXTRA LUGGAGE.NEVER MIND OUR BELONGINGS had left three months earlier in a container! Whats the saying,”When the cats away the mice will play!” I went shopping once THE ITALIAN had left! AND I was not buying clothes but plates and pottery!

Did Italy leave an IMPRESSION on me? Most definitely that would be a YES! Food and Family come FIRST in the ITALIAN culture. I have a good story about flying home with my sons to visit my family and I had two Italian business men FIGHTING over who would hold MY BABY! On the reverse flight I had two women in front of me rolling their eyes DISGUSTED that two kids were behind their seats! Guess what NATIONALITY THEY WERE? That trip I had my first big AHAAA Moment! What matters is FAMILY and being KIND. I ADORED ITALY…….I being the AMERICAN did not want TO LEAVE!

Did you grow up living in a house like yours with many cool objects and collected treasures?
My first response is NO! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HOUSE LIKE MINE? But in all honesty a few of the things I grew up with are with me today! Mostly furniture and prints, silverware,cooking utensils, and clothing that all belonged to MY MOTHER. My Mother loved to antique or thrift shop. She volunteered for an organization called SUNNY HILLS. I LOVED GOING TO WORK WITH HER AS IT WAS ONE BIG GOODWILL PILE! I was always finding “TREASURE!” I believe my look came into BEING as I had a VINTAGE/ANTIQUE shop for 12 years and my philosophy was, “BUY WHAT YOU LOVE”. That way if I ever closed; I could bring it all home with me! Well, that worked in reverse for me as some of “THE STUFF” I bought for the shop never made it to THE SHOP!

My Aunts and Cousin had BEAUTIFUL HOMES and ANTIQUES which I have always been exposed too. So,“THE EYE” was trained at an early age. Also,In the library in the Palm Springs house were back issues of COUNTRY LIFE from ENGLAND. I adored looking at these magazines, especially the last few pages where the real estate was listed! I would PICK my favorite old house abroad! Nothing has changed I still do that when I see real estate in Europe!

Elizabeth in her cool kitchen/art gallery. She can make you the most authentic cappuccino too.

You are a huge animal person and have had an array of dogs, chickens, doves, a cat and even a pig as roommates. How does this work with all your beautiful objects? Most people with all your gorgeous glassware and chandeliers wouldn’t have a pig wandering about, but you make it seem like the happiest spot for them!
The same way it worked without having the baby proofing items! I think all that baby proofing design stuff was just coming out on the market after we had our FIRST BORN! We did NOT use any of that. ALL EYES ON BABY and if we were invited to dinner without kids we did not accept the invitation!

The word NO was used and still is with THE TEA CUP PIGGY! THEY ARE VERY SMART ANIMALS…….unfortunately they are kept in mud and muck and get a BAD WRAP! He actually RUNS THROUGH THE HOUSE from one end to the other. Makes a U-TURN under the kitchen table! We call this SPRINTING! I MUST GET A VIDEO OF THIS FABULOUS FLYING PIG !He has never hit or run into any person or object! He puts himself to sleep every night and you will not hear a peep out of him until you get up in the morning! HE JUST KNOWS WHAT IS OFF LIMITS and understands the word NO very well. He also knows where he can PUSH the LIMITS!!

With her sweet pig Banksy in the yard. Can you see he smiled for me? Theodore was busy catting around when I was there so I am including this of the handsome devil from Elizabeth’s Instagram..

What’s your favorite dish or go-to for easy entertaining?
I would have to say PESTO for pasta as THE ITALIAN makes it once a year and we freeze jars of it. However, that is just a starter here…..We then serve a main course ~ you know THE ITALIAN WAY! Which for me is “CHASES MEAT” (A neighborhood boy loved this dish so we named it after him!) The real name is Cotoletta which calls for veal but I use thin sliced beef. Last night I made yellow peppers as a side dish……..EASY! Slice 4 bell peppers and take the seeds out. Put three tablespoons olive oil in frying pan and put peppers in and cover for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes add 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Put lid on and cook for another three minutes. Serve at room temperature. Recipe hails from CUCINA FRESCA which was given to me on my 28th birthday by MY MOTHER! “Elizabeth on your 28th B-DAY to improve the Italian cooking. With Love,Mother “

Is there a cookbook you love?
When we were first married I used THE SILVER PALATE cookbook. My Mother collected cookbooks and she loved GOURMET MAGAZINE. My Grandmother was a food and wine editor for THE OAKLAND TIMES newspaper she even had a RADIO TALK SHOW on KNBR. She had her own column. GO GRANNY!!!!!!! I have enjoyed MIMI THORISSON cookbooks and SKYE MCALPINE cookbook A TABLE FOR FRIENDS.
The other CONTESSA does a FINE JOB TOO! I ADORE HER ONE PAGE RECIPES…………..THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA is always a WINNER! I do her baked SALMON with mustard and breadcrumbs when it needs to be impressive but simple and can be made ahead!

You always have the most inspiring kitchen. How did you get that look.. collected pieces?
Most were FREE or FOUND objects! The Kitchen is the HEART of the HOME. That is where we all hang out. The cat, pig and me. My vision for the kitchen NEVER HAPPENED! I have a page from a magazine DREAMING of a big center island three level table. With a lamp on it! I had found old balustrades to make the table! We still have them. I still have the photo! This vision I had 29 years ago ~ it never happened. SO, I created a SITTING ROOM with my FOUND objects. Everything has a story with me!

The pine cupboard was being TOSSED OUT BY MACYS DISPLAY PEOPLE! (Seems the new Senior V.P. of merchandising did not like pine for the displays!) I also scored THREE TABLES one of which is my desk now and another is our KITCHEN TABLE and the third one I sold. The old dish rack my COUSIN GIFTED ME. The big Flowered chair another cousin was tossing. Second chair was MY dear friends Mother’s kitchen chair……..she was dumping as she moved back to South Africa and I said NO! She has since passed of Cancer. The loveseat belonged to a department store Family in Los Angeles. ORBACH’s I think. The feet are LIONS FEET!

The brick floors were laid by MY ITALIAN one summer; he sent the three of us to ITALY to SUMMER at the beach! The Chandelier I found at a Flea Market. The carpet was a wedding gift from a family member in ROME.(I would love to change that but the sentimental WINS over the NEED!) The FRENCH clock I worked for by sitting in an ANTIQUE SHOP. THE rams head was GIFTED TO ME by a little BOY who lost his MOTHER to cancer. His mother was my dear friend. The feeding trough I found at a Flea Market with my SON for $3.50!!! The cabinet pulls I found in MODESTO at a JUNKYARD!
I think if ONE had to NAME MY LOOK it would be More of an ENGLISH COUNTRY HOME with a TOUCH of THEATER………Cecil Beaton and I SHOULD HAVE MET!

Is there a house drink you like to serve?
WINE or PROSECCO! My husband does not make cocktails nor does he drink them. With one EXCEPTION that would be a CAMPARI. That is his GO TO DRINK on the weekends. My Italian grew up in ITALY were there is no drinking age. Kids start early with water and a splash of wine! So, it is not forbidden when they become teenagers. It has always been there. If we go out I will indulge in a LEMON DROP or a COSMO!I feel like such a GROWN UP when I DO!

Alfresco entertaining is another thing you are a master at. I love how you set up your yard as another space. Any tips for gorgeous plants and creating an outside oasis?
READ those magazines! STUDY THOSE CATALOGS that come in the MAIL! TURN CORNERS DOWN of things that interest you. I am a self taught GARDENER. I read years ago in a British magazine that TWO COLORS in a GARDEN make more of an IMPACT than an assortment of colors. So, I decided to stick with YELLOW & WHITE flowers. Over the years a bit of purple and pale pink have slipped in. Only because I couldn’t WAIT for the white lavender to arrive! The purple grows better for me than the white lavender. When I purchased the PENNY ROYAL I did not realize it gave me a purple flower! I love that plant and BANKSY loves it too…….THE FRAGRANCE when one steps on it is OUT OF THIS WORLD!It likes SHADE and will SELF-SEED.
I used an old antique door for our outside table I found in ITALY………..Again it was FREE!I am still NOT THERE with the Outdoor Look as cushions get eaten by the squirrels! They love to pull the stuffing OUT and make HOLES in my yellow cushions! SO furniture is NOT big on my list which I would Love it be!

I have a fountain for the noise as we back up to a busy street! WE planted six fruit trees last SPRING so I look forward to seeing the BLOSSOMS and BANKSY the tea cup piggy will be HANGING OUT THERE! Catching any fruit that drops!I t will also make another wall to the busy road! ADD A MIRROR if possible!

Favorite candle or home scent?
I do not use candles as the one time I did the candle had dried flowers melted into it and they caught FIRE!!! The candle was in my living room and above the candle hangs DRY HOPS!! The flames were two feet……..high.I grabbed a blanket near by and yelled for The ITALIAN!! The whole experience put me off on CANDLES and that was years ago! My favorite scent is TUBEROSE.

Can we see a peek at your closet? You have an amazing wardrobe of caftans. I think just walking into your closet would make me happy every day. Any advice for someone renovating or creating a special space for their clothes?
I have zero advice as I have a husband who can do it all. Meaning construction, electrical and plumbing.However,he goes SUPER FAST so there is no time to think! Decisions have to be made LICKTY-SPLIT! Like the NIGHT BEFORE the next work DAY! I did have the vision to put my MOTHER’s bedroom lamps in the closet up high they add a little TA-DAH moment when you hit that switch. I have my veil and wedding invitation with my wedding shoes under lucite above the doorway.I always wanted to frame my bugle beaded wedding dress too but to give up. THAT WALL SPACE WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION!!!

I share the closet with THE ITALIAN as I like to refer to him on the BLOG, so it’s NOT ALL FOR ME! It is a DREAM come true but I still have baskets full of clothing that need to find a home soon! We are debating a center island! I DO LOVE THE SPACE when I enter so I think there will be NO center island for now!Instead of a chest of drawers I have an 18th century chest in my bedroom! Practical I am NOT! SENTIMENTAL I AM in saving the OLD PIECES! Let’s just say I’m a GOOD RECYCLER! Chandelier’s are ALWAYS a GOOD IDEA in A CLOSET or PANTRY or a GARAGE!

Elizabeth’s fabulous new closet her husband Giampiero built for her collection of caftans and basket handbags. I love the chandelier and the windows. Elizabeth is tall like a model and needed a closet that could hold those long dresses!

A California shop you love for home goods or clothes?
CHATEAU BEL AGE1578 W. LEWIS STREETSan Diego,CALIFORNIA
WEB SITE: CHATEAUBELAGE.COM TEXT for INFO: 619-518-1181
This is MY FAVORITE clothing shop I have found EVER! It is located in an old house and the living room has become the main salon with a fireplace. Water and refreshments are served. Opinions given if asked. A patio for outside chatting, eating and laughing. It’s a WONDERFUL SPOT TO JUST HANG OUT! I had my BIRTHDAY party there a couple of years ago! The owner has a FABULOUS sense of STYLE and a GREAT STORY! SHE grew up in an ICONIC CALIFORNIA HOTEL AS A LITTLE GIRL!

Favorite spot in California and one you hope to get to?
MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA.Close to Santa Barbara. I adore LOTUSLAND, a private estate open to the public. For years I missed OUT as their ADS in Santa Barbara magazine were always succulents! OH MY GOSH what a mistake I made ASSUMING what COULD BE! Ganna Walska created LOTUSLAND – Botanic Garden. Let’s just say Money was NO PROBLEM and FIVE husbands LATER you too can visit but reservations MUST BE MADE. Call 805-969-9990 or link here. A book on her LIFE is worth reading called, A ROOM AT THE TOP. She wanted to be an OPERA SINGER, but was told she was not GOOD enough so what does she do? She buys herself a THEATRE in PARIS!

I took so many photos at Elizabeth’s. There were just little vignettes of loveliness everywhere…Including the yards and gardens and patios..and so many beautiful flowers!

I also loved this wall in her husband’s office of photos of her and her two sons through the years.. I wish I had done something like this with my sons. You can see she has a talent for photo styling among other things!

Love these so much!

Follow Elizabeth on her blog The Vintage Contessa where besides her regular posts, features people with fabulous gardens each month and partners with Cindy Hattersley for Ageless Style. She is on Instagram as Contessa and Her Pig which is in her words : ‘Her musings and passions. What Inspires and Dazzles. Loving all things Worn and Rusted. AGE.The Grandeur of The Past. Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!’

Thank you Elizabeth! I could chat with you all day. I love all your wisdom and style and the way you wrap your day to day life in beauty. It’s truly an inspiration!

Get Elizabeth’s look and style. A few things she loves..and some similar looks.

Always Room at The Top by Ganna Walska, Sunbrella Citron Pillow, Aged Iron Pedestal Bowl, Jennafer Grace Leopard Paglamas, Hand Blown Colette Wine Glass Set, Outdoor Wall Cameo, Romi Tote Bag.

Hope you enjoyed this glimpse of Elizabeth’s California home as much as I did!

Sorry it’s been a while since my last Californians at Home post. Hopefully more soon! It’s not been easy doing this during the pandemic as you can imagine. If you missed them, you might also enjoy my other posts on Californians at Home – designer Cindy Hattersley, artist Heidi Woodmansee, and blogger Kristin Maxwell.

Have a great weekend!

Kim

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Californians At Home- Designer Cindy Hattersley

October 1, 2020 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today is just the second of my new series about how Californians live at home. Cindy Hattersley, a dear friend and super successful designer and blogger, has been at the top of my list to get for this series. She’s had a lot going on lately, but she kindly took the time to share some of her style secrets.

Not long ago I attended a lunch for our friend Elizabeth at her home and while there I asked Cindy if I could snap some photos. Cindy lives in a very special spot of California, Chualar in the Salinas Valley, ten miles south of the town of Salinas. Chualar was part of an old Mexican Land Grant and her stunning home is nestled in the hills in a private neighborhood. Cindy and her husband bought the property, along with the 10 acres of adjoining open space 30 years ago and did every bit including the amazing gardens while raising their two kids. They have created a sort of oasis out there in the Monterey Spanish Colonial style and have lovingly decorated it with their collections and beautiful antiques.

A little more about Cindy, a Midwestern gal who came to be a Californian. Let’s take a peek inside her California home shall we?

Cindy you grew up in Indiana, but have been in California a long time. How does California influence the way you live and decorate? Do you feel more like a Californian after all these years?

I am a hoosier at heart, but yes I do feel more like a Californian. The weather here allows us so much freedom with bringing the outdoors in. I love having my garden as an integral part of the overall design. Entertaining outside whenever possible, and incorporating natural elements in my interiors as well as when I entertain.

What do you think makes Californians different in the way they live and entertain?

Our ability to entertain outdoors most of the year. There is always something green and or flowering to bring inside our homes and our casual approach to both how we entertain and live. I think we Californians entertain in a style that is approachable and inviting.
SO agree! We are much more casual I think.

I love your home and the personal things along with antiques and beautiful objects make it so unlike any other home I’ve been in. Did you achieve this look organically over time or was it all planned?

Both actually. My husband and I started collecting antiques before we graduated from college. We created a couple of our corner cupboards when we built our home. We have continued to buy and sell pieces over time in order to add to our collection. As you know I am an avid believer in a collected look. I love combining the old and the new to create a harmonious mix. I don’t want my house to look like a museum with collections everywhere. My husband is more of a purist. He would prefer everything to be antique. I prefer more of a mix but always favor something old over something new.

You are a beautiful entertainer are there any tips you can share?

I try to keep the menu simple but tasty.

Is there a favorite dish that is your specialty or cookbook you return to again and again?

I don’t think I have a specialty. I love to cook but cannot and will not bake! I don’t usually prepare a lot of heavy food. I use a lot of fresh ingredients whenever I can. I prepare more Ina Garten recipes than any others. I know any recipe she puts in a cookbook has been well- researched. I am a big fan of hers.

I adore her too!

I know you and your husband are wine people. Tell me what California wine you are loving right now.

My husband loves Napa cabs and we both love the Rhone varietals from the Paso Robles area where we own another home. Personally I like wines that are more food friendly. Pinot Noir is my favorite hands down.

Is there a favorite fragrance or candle you use in your home?

Interesting that you should ask. I don’t care for anything that smells like something baking. I prefer a citrus, or earthy based candle.

Is there a great California shop you love for clothes or home goods or both?

Locally, for home goods I love Tancredi & Morgen, Wisteria, Patine, and Warmth Company. Both Warmth Company and Tancredi carry some interesting clothing items as well. In Paso , AnBe, the Shoe Tree and Bijou for clothing.

What’s the California town or spot you most love in our amazing state?

I love Paso Robles and we are fortunate to live close to the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. I love Yosemite and all of the wine regions, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Ynez Etc.

Anyplace your still want to go to here, but it’s on your list?

We have been most places within the State, I guess I would just like to revisit many of them.

Thank you Cindy!

Below a few more photos of Cindy’s home. I think it’s the accessories, mix of color and all the cozy spots make it so special and inviting. Even this etagere in her powder room is just a stunning collection. The food she prepares is also gorgeous as you can see from the photos. Some more glimpses of her pretty spaces. A lot of photos, but I wanted to show you how lovely it is…

Her sweet pup Beau!

Cindy not only has decorating talent, but fantastic personal style too. Every time I see her I am mentally taking notes on what she put together, her cool jewelry, shoes and clothes. She just wrote this post about how she found her own style! I loved it.

If you follow her blog, Rough Luxe Lifestyle, you get a fun mix of design, style and entertaining. I have gotten so many great recipes from her too.

Cindy on Instagram here

Get the Cindy look..

Embroidered Dezi Pillow, Wooden Dough Bowl, Ridge Striped Pillow Cover , Black Wooden Bowl, African Mud Cloth pillow, Oyster Shell Orb, Water Hyacinth Placemats, Glenna White Dinner Plates.

Like this post? Save it on Pinterest!

The next Californians at Home will be sooner and monthly.

Kim

P.S. Even Cindy’s barn is cute!

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My California Room- Before & After

July 23, 2020 By kimwheeler 18 Comments

This is a story of an unformed and anonymous space, that I dreamed could be a cool room… It was once my old kitchen and was left behind in the remodel and reconfiguration of the house. Initially, we imagined it as a space that could have sliding glass door, so it could be a private office or a den. However, as the renovation came closer to completion, we began to realize what was drawn on paper was really not as large as it seemed, and the glass door idea was not going to be worth doing for such a narrow space.

Before- the room right after the remodel. We were trying to see how my semi-circular couch could fit in here. It didn’t work.

I decided the best thing to do would be to leave it open, forget the glass walls and have it serve as a space for the guys to watch shows or do gaming. It could also be a spot to play family games or read or work on a laptop, when we want a cozier space.

You see part of the space is the walkway in from the garage and so there wasn’t much left to call an official ‘room.’ I love skylight we added here.

For perspective, the original kitchen was an 1980’s addition with greenhouse windows and a slanted roof. I loved the light in this space, but the single pane widows were deteriorating and California kitchens aren’t really the climate for a full ceiling of skylights…

To better use the space, the kitchen was moved to the center of the house and this area became the extra den/media space. The ceilings were raised to meet the rest of the roofline and the entry/ walkway from the laundry was relocated – marked above, and the X is the skylight. The rest of the area became the leftover room in the top photo.

To open up this tight space, we swapped out the window for French doors. Now we open up this room when we want to use the pool area for entertaining and also acts as a kind of adjunct lounge for when we hang or entertain around the pool. The view out to the pool visibly enlarges the space, a great trick.

Once the French doors were installed it became clear to me this room was going to have to have a water theme. It made sense to create a ‘California Room.’ If you Google California Room, it says it is an indoor-outdoor living space- a relative of the sunroom, but with open air. That is exactly what I was hoping for so I call it our California Room, plus it sounds way cooler than a den/media room!

I had two Serena & Lily chairs I had been saving just for this room. I built the space around these and the rug. These Mattituck Armchairs have the prettiest details – caned back and brass accents. They seem like the perfect chairs for a California home. (My throw here is Serena & Lily’s Avery Alpaca.)

This is how the space looks currently with my chairs and the new rug which I am obsessed with!

I was fortunate to find a nearly matching ottoman to the chairs at a local Homegoods. A total lucky find. I also added my vintage tennis racquets which feel kind of fun in here.

This part of the wall has a recessed space where I will be adding a bookshelf.

I also bought two upholstered chairs that swivel, found at my local Harvest home store in Los Gatos.

Our acrylic table fit in here perfectly to hold my turntable under the television. The basket below holds the guy’s gaming things and we just stacked our vinyl albums under the table…

I had an old marble table that I used between the chairs.

Our vintage glass console in the walkway is a good catchall for keys and sunglasses as we mostly leave and enter through the garage.

I’m still trying to figure out the perfect mix of pictures and objects for this wall. I think once I have the bookshelf it will come together..

To finish this space, I still need a coffee table and the book shelf. This rattan bookshelf is on the top on my list. I can imagine the styling possibilities and space for my books!

I tried to think like a designer and created an inspiration board with a few other things that might work to pull this little space together. Here is my idea board for the room and I hope to add these bits as it evolves..I began with the chairs and my rug…

Items from above:

The Marco Rug (on sale now!), was my jumping off point for the color scheme with it’s ocean hues. It’s fun, beachy, a little Boho and would be the perfect flooring for a room that people might enter with wet feet. It’s recycled denim which is super cool too. The Ryder denim/wool rug is another great option in this tone so cute!

I love to mix in some navy as a little punctuation in this space with the carpet. This is especially a cute item -the new navy Ibiza Pillow Cover.

We will need a table in here for games and to hold drinks and The Market Coffee Table is the perfect table for a California Room as I can move it outdoors when I want to expand the room to the pool deck. I like that it’s lightweight and small in size so it doesn’t overwhelm the room. More than anything though, it brings me back to happy Hawaiian vacations when I look at it!

I envisioned a chunky white lamp for the entry table here and this lamp fits the bill and has a coastal feel, but is still a classic to have for a long time. Good lamps are such a great investment. Don’t we always keep them for decades?? I know I do.

I love these navy stripe baskets in varying sizes to hold throws for chilly nights when we open the French doors and for getting cozy while watching shows. They come in three sizes and also in an Indigo Black. I am a sucker for anything with stripes.

On the stripe theme, I love these frosted glass vases that remind me of beach glass. They would be cute with cuttings from the yard and could double as hurricane vases on the coffee table for alfresco evenings.

This Palomino Alpaca navy throw has been on my wish list for a while. My Serena & Lily throws are some of my favorite houses items. This blue stripe baby alpaca throw is lighter and would also be a cool addition to the beach vibe in here!

I had the walls prepped in this room for wallpaper and this Owens Wallpaper in sand color seems just right for this coastal theme room.. plus the stripe thing.. I love it!

Serena & Lily just began carrying these cute Campania Beach Towels and I am thinking of getting a few for just outside the French Doors in a basket.

They come in a pretty navy too.

Serena & Lily is having their Summer Tent Sale right now! It’s a great time to get some of their beautiful things at a discount. I bought my Marco rug during this sale – at a big savings, so it’s worth watching this sale to what gets listed. Things do get added so I check often. I love the quality of their products, so I am always thrilled to get one of their lovely things on sale.

Thanks for following along and all your kind words about the house updates. You all have made me feel so good about it. It’s a lot of decisions and still I am working away. I hope to do a video walk through of the house very soon. The master bath video is on my Instagram. Please follow there for more regular updates and videos if you are interested in the house remodel.

Thanks to Serena & Lily for help with this design project and the beautiful Mattituck Chairs for this room. I am honored to be a design partner with them. Some links on this post may generate a commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Kim

P.S. Look – this room is already being used a lot with the husband working from home… another good reason to make it inviting and comfy!

Californians at Home- Meet the Creator of The Mom Mystique

May 11, 2020 By kimwheeler 27 Comments

Today I am excited to share with you the beginning of my new series, Californians at Home. I’ll feature stylish Californians and how they decorate, entertain and what they love. I am fortunate to have met many cool people in the Bay Area and farther out and I think you’ll enjoy seeing the inspiring way they live here in the Golden State!

Kristin Maxwell came into my circle through tennis. I instantly took a liking to this fun and stylish gal who I only later surprisingly discovered is also a blogger. Kristin recently relaunched her website, The Mom Mystique and I enjoy her weekly newsletter which is filled with good ideas and finds and always a little touchpoint that seems apropos to the moment. When I visited her pretty home for a girl’s lunch a few months ago, I knew she would be a great person to interview about California living. I love her taste and how she lives…

Tell us a little about the Mom Mystique and you! How did you start blogging?

Hi! I’m a Mom/StepMom to four teenage boys and one teenage girl. I’m a born and bred Midwesterner that moved West a few years ago to marry my best friend of twenty years.

I started a lifestyle and family centered blog about seven years ago when my kids were young, and found I really loved the exercise of writing, creating content, and connecting with my community. I moved back to California (we lived here once before when my boys were little) from Minneapolis in 2016 after my divorce, and once the dust settled, I knew I wanted to start writing again. I came up with The Mom Mystique because as a Mom of teenagers, I found that my kids really knew nothing about me as a person, and who I was before I became a Mom. I was, in a way, kind of mysterious to them.
They were surprised, and I like to think, proud, to learn that in addition to making school lunches, folding laundry and driving carpools, I spent summers in Brazil and Spain as a teenager; worked at a winery in France in college and studied at the University of Copenhagen for a semester; went ice climbing in Switzerland, crisscrossed Europe alone with a backpack more than once; toured vineyards all over Australia, and excelled in my career in the wine business. They seemed shocked I had skills other than loading and unloading the dishwasher. 😉

I always say that by nature, teenagers seem to walk around with mirrored lampshades on their heads, completely oblivious that anyone other than themselves exists. These conversations actually opened their eyes to the fact that this person they had been living with their entire life actually had an entire existence before they arrived on the planet and had accomplished some pretty amazing stuff, therefore, spawning the genesis for a new writing platform. It was at that point that I decided it was time to put the proverbial pen to paper again and start to document this amazing new life we were leading. We had become a modern day Brady Bunch. All we needed was an Alice. And the kids actually really like being a part of the blog and it’s given them new material for them to make fun of me.

I love your home and its California vibe. Tell me how you decorate. Is it organic? You seem to have a great eye and a mix of high and low which feels very chic and personal.

Thank you! I am a complete study in contrast when it comes to my decorating method and style. Sometimes I make purchases on a whim, other times I belabor a simple decision to death, which drives my husband crazy! I love mixing styles; high and low, pattern and color. I’m a huge fan of Home Goods and Target, but also One Kings Lane and 1st Dibs. The hunt is part of the process and when you start playing with a room, you just know when it feels right. I would say I gravitate toward a timeless, traditional style because I love the classic color combinations of royal blue and red, a greek key pattern here, a cherished collection of ginger jars there. Throw in a zebra rug and a few leopard pillows to top it off, and that to me feels like a layered, lively, lived in look.

I love your pretty dining room. It is preppy and traditional, but in a modern way. Is this part of being a mid western gal?

I’ve found that my innate style runs toward classic traditional, which has a very Midwestern/East Coast sensibility about it, but with a relaxed, welcoming California vibe thrown in. I love having people around our table and I’m not afraid of mixing, matching and layering textiles when I entertain.

A few snaps of her colorful dining room that overlooks her lovely front yard space.

You recently remodeled your kitchen with the cool idea of adding a lounge with a banquette instead of a large island. How did you decide on that, your finishes and have any tips for others?

Well, the banquette was actually sort of a design accident, but it turned out to be my favorite feature in our new kitchen. We wanted to do a fast, inexpensive refresh of the space and with our family, a “lounge” vibe seemed like a perfectly appropriate thing to do with that dead space in the room. I came up with the idea of a faux leather banquette and a couple of barrel cocktail tables, and it instantly felt like you were sitting in a club! It completely opened up the space and made it so inviting; everyone hangs out in the kitchen anyway, so why not be comfortable.

You have a blended family and currently a houseful of older kids. How are you all managing during this pandemic? How do you make your home be a place for all of them, which it seems to be?!

With five teenagers in the house, I was a little nervous about how they would all fare during this time, but it turned out the one that has had the biggest struggle, is ME! I’m a bit of a neatnik and I like my routine, so this new controlled chaos took some getting used to. To be honest, the kids have actually been FANTASTIC! One of the kids even said, “I don’t want this quarantine to end.”

We are so fortunate that our kids all get along well and “blending” was never an issue, so I think having built-in companions at home has helped alleviate some of the loneliness and isolation that other kids have felt during this shelter in place. In addition to “school”, three of the kids have been putting in hours at the family business to make extra money and pass the time. They are also pretty disciplined about working out everyday. We have done the puzzles/games/movies thing, and of course allowed too much Xbox like everyone else. The hardest thing has been dealing with major disappointments like my son coming home early from his freshman year of college, and my step daughter missing the end of her senior year and delay of her graduation ceremony and all the special activities that surround that truly monumental time. We’ve all had ups and downs for sure, but all the kids have been truly patient, resourceful and resilient, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

The lovely color and finishes of her newly remodeled kitchen space.

You seem to be an effortless entertainer. Are there any tips you can share?

I’m glad it appears that way! Lol! I will say, it always helps to have someone to entertain alongside. My husband is the self-proclaimed “better chef” of the two of us, so he is usually behind the meal planning. I do the table, appetizers, and pour the wine! And a good playlist always helps, which again, comes from my husband.

How does California influence the way you live and decorate?

Stuffy and pretentious are not the norm here; fussy, fancy and formal do not describe California living to me. Personally, I want my home to be classic, casual and comfortable. With five teenagers, two black French bulldogs, and a husband that is prone to spilling red wine- the goal for our home is beautiful + bulletproof.

Is there a favorite dish that is your specialty or cookbook you return to again and again?

I love everything Ina, and have nearly every one of her cookbooks. I can confidently say I make a killer lasagna and a decent turkey burger, but I cannot operate the BBQ and have yet to master carbonara.

I love this area Kristin designated for pantry/wine storage!!

I know you are a wine aficionado. Tell me what California wine you are loving right now.

Oh, so many! Right now, I find it’s more important than ever to support our local vintners and growers by buying domestic, and I tend to lean toward my favorites in Sonoma County. Angels and Cowboys Rosé is a household staple, as are the wines from Reeve, Scribe, Banshee, and Lioco.

Do you have any tips you learned from a mom, grandmother or family member that was passed down to you?

My Mom is a beautiful entertainer and I blame my textile obsession on her. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many cloth napkins, placemats and tablecloths I own. No matter what night of the week it is around here, dinner is always served with a cloth napkin.

A chic spring table setting for a girl’s lunch.

Is there a favorite candle or fragrance you use in the home?

Honestly, I’m not married to one particular scent, but I do love Jo Malone Orange Blossom candles.

Do you have a style idol?

I love Jackie Kennedy, Lee Radziwell, Carolyn Murphy and Aerin Lauder for their traditional, classic, sophisticated style and beauty. And I also admire Lauren Santo Domingo from Vogue and Moda Operandi fame, as well as stylist Ann Caruso and Olivia Palermo.

You, like me, seem to adore travel. Favorite spot or dream trip you are planning?

That is the one thing I’m really missing right now, travel. We had a trip to London planned for spring break that we obviously had to cancel, as well as a family vacation this summer to Greece, so those two destinations are top of my list as soon as we are free to fly again. I also really want to go to Morocco, Vietnam, the Maldives, and do an African safari. In no particular order.

Kristin style….

Joe Malone Orange Blossom Candle, Two Tone Zigzag Basket, Magnolia Stoneware, Ina Garten Cookbooks, Twig Flatware, Blue and White Dishes, Basketweave Seagrass and Black Rug.

Thank you Kristin for kindly opening your home to us. Some photos were taken by me before this pandemic and others are Kristins by Betsy King Photography. Follow her blog and wonderful newsletter at The Mom Mystique and on her Instagram.

Hope you enjoyed this and another Californian is up soon!

Kim

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Weekend Update- My New Garden and Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 2, 2020 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

Hello I wanted to check in with you all and see how you faring. We made it through April and it looks like May could mean some loosening slowly of restrictions here in California. There is a little feeling of hope in everyone it seems and even tennis could be back in my future ! We’ve done well with our numbers and people here in Northern Cal have been mostly good about trying to do the right thing. Masks have become protocol and I am proud of us for all getting on that so fast and adapting it to our lives.

My family has gotten out more than some. My guys have done some hikes and bike rides with the family and I have been shopping for my dad and delivering to him. How about you all? Today I talked to a friend whose family has not left the house in the seven weeks and they have three kids.

The bright spot this week was putting in our garden! Dad brought us tomatoes he had grown from seed as he does every year. Jackson my oldest, did most of the work and my dad just gave a few social distanced directions before leaving us with the plants. I’m so grateful to have my dad nearby and helping us.

Jack and I are pretty excited to change up the garden this year by adding some larger containers of herbs and lettuce as well and flowers to hide the air conditioning unit. The walls have Bower Vines which replaced an invasive Potato Vine that was driving my neighbor nuts.

Carla, my landscape designer said these will spread out and cover the fence, but not take over. I will share our progress as the garden grows. If you are thinking of getting a victory garden in, now is the time, as the frosts have passed and the days are getting warm, so plants can take root and thrive in the hot months.

Max snapped this photo by the garden gate when we were back there the other day and you can see a bigger view of the rest of our yard. I shared more pictures this week on my Instagram stories, and how we came to own this very large and winding pool and a yard with a massive amount of brick!! We’ll never afford to replace it all so we’ve come to love its old school charm.

I am slowly working on each area and I have to say gardening has been good for me. There is something about being out there even if I am just pulling weeds and trimming, feels like I am working towards something and it’s calming. I am upping my garden game and even ordered some pots and supplies. You can still get supplies by delivery or curbside pickup at local nurseries during our shut down, so I am trying to support them.

On Instagram people asked about my camo shorts and they are my go-to for gardening and pretty much everyday when it is warm. They are from Sundry, one of my favorite companies with a cool California vibe and made in Los Angeles.

They have some adorable things marked to nearly half like this cool Mama sweater just in time for Mother’s Day.

And I know these shorts would be chic worn a million ways this summer.

This heart sweatshirt is also fun. I seem to be living in my shorts and sweatshirts lately. I love the softness of Sundry tops. If you appreciate comfy and cute weekend clothes, they are the place and right now that is everyday for most of us!

One other Mother’s Day thing I highly recommend and I literally live in now, is my linen Serena & Lily pajamas. I have the pink and I would one day love to get another pair in white or this cute striped set.

S&L pajamas are beautifully made in Portugal and easy to care for. I just pull them out of the wash, tumble for a few minutes and smooth them and air dry in the sun. Serena & Lily is having 20% off everything now with code ATHOME so it is a good time to pop over there if you have been considering any of their beautiful home goods.

My flip flops I also was asked about and they are Tory Burch red toile and they are on sale now for $39!

My yellow top above is a Liberty fabric blouse from J.Crew. Right now J. Crew has all shorts and swim on sale at 60% off. That never happens. I love these swimsuits with matching coverups! Maybe a early summer gift for yourself..

SO cute.

People love to give flowers for Mother’s Day so I wanted to call out a wonderful Farmgirl Flowers. If you aren’t already familiar, they are a SF company that delivers flowers by bike in the city, and also ship over the country. They use only farms that are pesticide free and pay fair wages to their employees. Many of their bouquets are benefitting charities too. I like that they use upcycled burlap to wrap bouquets. Keep them in mind when asking for or ordering flowers this year. Men always appreciate hints too.

I think their selections of bouquets are lovely…

Another local company Tancredi & Morgen in Carmel has sweet Mother’s Day kits. I love the packages they pulled together with their lovely curated things and some of those packages are on sale. I think it’s good to support local businesses now so they stay in business. I have loved their shop forever and have many things I treasure from them. They have free shipping and local delivery!

Some very lovely things and cool cards with them.

I hope you have a good weekend. There’s no beach is in our immediate future, but we are getting to know our neighborhood pretty darn good with all the walks! The New York Times had a great read for your weekend on how we are connecting again with our neighborhoods, one of the unexpected benefits of being stuck at home. You know we were all rushing about so much going here and there before this pandemic, many of us never had the chance to know our neighbors well, and a whole lot of us are now taking the time to do that which is so good for our communities!

One more thing, on my Instagram this week, I am asking people to post a photo of that brings back memories of travel to a special place. It can be a treasured souvenir, like my bowl from Positano I shared (below), or a place you want to get back to someday when we can all travel again. Tag your photos #dreamingofmytravels and I’ll pick a random winner at the end of the week to win a travel book, soap from Hawaii and a few other fun things.