Well hello. Sorry I’ve been absent from the blog and social media in general. I’ll blame it on the dog days of August or just lethargy. It’s not even the pandemic so much as I usually get this feeling about this time of year. I start to recognize summer is fast closing and I worry I haven’t gotten the most out of it, yet still feel lazy and unmotivated a bit. I blame the heat too and I’m a little in shock my youngest is heading to college in a week or so. Is anyone else feeling this way?
Griffin will begin his first year of college in Utah. That in itself is another whole post! We decided to spend a few days in Lake Tahoe next week so we could actually have some kind of vacation before Grif goes away. I’m looking forward to having an old school kind of vacation like we did as kids with some lazy days by the lake, hikes, biking to get ice cream, kayaking, boating, and hopefully games at night. When I grew up that was summer and the week we stayed in Tahoe was everything to us. Though I’m missing travel farther abroad, this is the time to appreciate the shorter trips and small pleasures like an ice cream cones, watching the stars and the scenery of a car trip.
I am a procrastinator by nature, and had been mulling over a few things to pull the yard together too. When confronted with August nearing, I started to realize it’s now or never so I ordered this outdoor rug from Griege. I’m so happy with my rug and it was my first time purchasing from this pretty site. The rug is super soft, from Belgium and really making the small deck we have feel like an extension of the house even more!
I was also debating about this outdoor rug from Pottery Barn which looks fluffy and soft..
And this outdoor Bianca rug from Anthro.
Speaking of Anthropologie they are having 40% off all dresses and some select shoes. I may get one more dress before summer is over. Casual dresses are all we need now for the foreseeable future right? I cannot see when we will get back to dressy occasions anytime soon sadly.
I have my eye on this Corey Lynn Calter Midi Dress which I think will transition to fall nicely with a denim jacket.
Another sweet dress is this cute tiered tunic..
This tunic dress also comes in three colors with pockets is a fun one that will wear through fall and for future vacations. (We can dream!)
For that home leisure that we are all getting now, (cry/laugh here), is this cute cotton maxi- also in four colors and petite and plus sizes. I like to read the reviews before I buy at Anthro and what others say about how the fit runs. This one runs a size big, so size down.
This Ambra tunic dress is made in California and also comes in a pretty blue. It looks like the perfect lightweight piece- just add a summer woven bag.
In my obsessions with woven handbags, I discovered this darling site Mer/Sea which is cute and beachy and they have this beautifully made tote. I have been using my woven bags so much. They are the new IT bag and the best part is everyone can afford some kind of woven tote and they look chic.
How is your mask wearing going? Are you finding ones that feel comfortable and easy? I recognized this week we need to have multiples and also carry extra with you, when mine broke in a store. I tried to pay, hold it down without touching my face and proceeded to have about 5 hot flashes at the same time! Talk about feeling stupid. Now I don’t leave the house without at least a few on me. I took my son to Nordstrom Rack this week for some college clothes and they have masks handed to you with tongs if needed and ask you to clean hands as they pump out sanitizer as you walk in. So smart. I wish everyone would do this.
I love that Kate Middleton wore a Liberty print mask this week. Photo via Vogue article. You can buy them on Liberty’s site. Maybe a fun idea to share them with friends as they have to be shipped from London.
My current favorite mask is comfy and feels thick enough, but still breathable and adjustable -from my local Anthro by The Odells .
The Sanctuary 5 pack is another good one. My guys each took one of these and like the fit and breathability.
Also in Vogue this week- Angelina Jolie looking chic with her dress and mask…This is the look of our summer 2020 isn’t it?
This looks a lot like the black Anthro dress I linked to above.
I hope you ar getting that summer feeling whether it be a Slurpee, caprese salads, picnics, road trips or counting the stars at night. We have to make it special with those little rituals now. I’ll give you all a full report on Tahoe which I hope will not be too crowded. Many friends and neighbors are going to Oregon, but if you are looking for a great California road trip where there are less people, I can recommend beautiful Humboldt county. So many Californians haven’t done this trip beyond the Redwood Curtain!! Fall is also a great time to go too. It is a gorgeous drive and there are many charming towns, especially the beach town of Trinidad where my husband Max grew up. This is my guide I wrote a few years back if you are considering it.. See some of California’s beautiful spots that are in farther corners!
Happy Weekend,
Kim
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Thank you so much for the guide Kim I am going to persuade my husband to go. We went up to Oregon when we looked at Willamette for our daughter but she went to Boston in the end, but beautiful part of the world. Enjoy family time 🙂
Thanks so much Francesca. I hope you get the chance to get up there as it’s really special and unique! One plus is there isn’t a whole lot of people up there either. Take care and enjoy your summer.
Those outdoor rugs look SO comfy..not what I imagine when thinking of a patio area! So many cute dresses..where do I begin😁. Never been to Humboldt area. and you make it sound inviting. Tahoe is so beautiful and I haven’t visited in about 30 years.. My youngest (Who lives about a three hour road trip away) went for the day and rented a boat. I remember how much fun we had rafting down the Truckee River. We usually did it twice!! Have fun with your family😍
Linda
Hi Kim … I’ve missed you! I’m saying that to let you know not to make you feel guilty lol . Time free from IG etc is good to have sometimes. Also isn’t time passing so quickly at the moment.
I bought a selection of masks very early on for all the family … some pretty ones and some more practical black ones. Always concerned that everyone has enough, just in case …
I’ve really enjoyed this post, some gorgeous dresses. Particularly the Anthropologie one you though would look good with a denim jacket … I agree! I hope you were able to order one. You’ll really suit it … great colours!
Your new rug looks lovely too … it works so well. I bought a gorgeous colourful one for Isla to play on outside … as soon as I saw it, I thought it was perfect for her and I couldn’t resist it!
I’ve mentally planned a visit to Humboldt County one day, since you first mentioned Max’s home town. It sounds gorgeous as does the drive there.
I hope you make it to Tahoe … your trip sounds wonderful. Perfect family time with the boys before Griffin moves to Utah. Looking back the shared memories of family trips are so important . Your boys will remember them so fondly as my family does. I love that we still occasionally all go somewhere together. That they still want to! 😂
Take care Kim , have a good week! xxx
Have a wonderful summer getaway to Lake Tahoe. A big shout out to Humboldt County Redwoods.! Trinidad is one of my favorite little beach towns. Kim, did your husband go to Humboldt State? It is a beautiful campus. My grandson graduated there two years ago.
Good morning Kim,
You are not the only one who has been “Blog Absent”. I too, felt a little slow getting my ideas written and organized to post. Yet, once I finally did start writing again, my brain tuned in and cooperated with me again! I have been trying not to make unnecessary purchases during this time because I realized that I have so many barely worn pieces in my closet. I’d like to think this is the perfect time to begin using them and put them into rotation. I have a similar black maxi dress that I just mended, and it has become a new/old favorite for me. I just need to up my mask game!
This is a lovely post, as always! Happy Sunday!
Diana
I feel the same way about August. I’m always so lethargic and lazy while feeling guilty that I don’t get much done. in facts I just woke up from an ‘accidental’ nap I took on the couch. The dresses are all pretty. I have a similar one to the black one that I got years ago from Walmart while we were vacationing in the US. I wore it to the beach yesterday and my favourite thing about it is that it’s not overly long. I’m not overly tall and I find that maxi dresses wear me rather than the other way around.
We had done very well with Covid here but things have got out of hand and now we’re totally 40 to 50 cases daily which is quite a high number for a small island.
Well, I hope you enjoy Lake Tahoe and make some wonderful memories.
Hi Kim – I, too, am feeling the dog days of summer. It’s mid-August and I haven’t been the the beach. What? We’ve been looking at houses in Tahoe and on the coast for a dog-friendly get away after Labor Day. If you have Tahoe house recommendations I’d love to hear them. I absolutely adore your style and want to buy everything you recommend. I had to limit my self to the adorable tiered dress from Anthro … in blue, of course. How exciting for your son heading off to college. I’ve been following along with several friends as they prepare their college bound kids under these unusual circumstances. Best of luck to your Griffin. Enjoy the family getaway! xo
THAT RUG FROM GRIEGE IS PERFECTO!!!!!!!!
NOW I would be tripping on the POOF TRAINS but would LEARN QUICKLY!!!!!!!!!
THAT WHOLE OUTSIDE AREA IS SMASHING!
ITS AUGUST AND ITS HOT TODAY………………
BEST OF LUCK TO YOUR BABY heading off TO COLLEGE!!!!
I KNOW WHERE YOU ALL WILL BE SKIING NOW!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Hi Kim,
First, I love the outdoor rug. We had several but they eventually fell apart and I should replace them but haven’t yet. Such good recommendations! Your outdoor space is wonderful! Second, those dresses are so cute! I feel like I shouldn’t be buying anything right now, I have purchased a few summery things and find myself not wearing them because I fall in to the habit of wearing the same old thing. I somehow don’t feel like “me” wearing a dress unless I’m going to run errands or something. I know that doesn’t make sense, I need to change my habit!
I remember how nervous I was sending my daughter off to school. I’m sure you’ve sone everything in your power for Griffin, and he’ll be on such a grand adventure! Going away to school is a big deal and I was SO emotional when we finally said good bye! I’m happy you are going to spend some time together on a family getaway to Tahoe, (lucky!). Have a great time, make a lot of memories!
Enjoy the last weeks of Summer.
XO Heidi
I went to Humboldt State and then stayed in the area for another five years. Beautiful country! You made me miss the place!!
How did I miss this post? Love Mer Sea wraps and those totes are to die for. I love the colors. I have a similar one but it has purple. I love the softer colors. Darling dress suggestions if only I were younger! I really need some new masks. I am going to check out your links. Good luck on the college jaunt. I hope all goes well for Griffin!