On this post -Carmel in bloom, Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, my Rails capsule wardrobe, a salad for Memorial Day gatherings, and more.
Are you getting your home and wardrobe ready for summer? This week I started this gloomy week with some decluttering mojo and cleared the the laundry, some closets and moved a few things around…I added a few new plants, bought an ottoman and started working on redoing my bedroom. I’ll share more next week on that!
I bought this pretty planter for myself that caught my eye at Beachwood Home in Carmel Plaza when I was down there last weekend..My little pepperomia plant that my son bought me was outgrowing its pot.. I highly recommend these guys. Super easy to keep alive and looking good. They just need a few ice cubes a week and some drainage. I leave mine in a pot and change out the paper towels in the bottom occasionally so they don’t sit in water…
These planters are a nice investment for your home decor. I like the blue in my home mixed with sandy and earth tones… It has a seaside feel this sort of color scheme. ( By the way The California Style and Frank Lloyd Wright book are both great.)
If you can get to Beachwood Home, which I highly recommend- it’s stocked full of beauty and the people couldn’t be nicer…
You can find my same planter here if you can’t get to Beachwood.. and this below in the same size by the manufacturer..also pretty!
Carmel Weekend
We are fortunate to just be an hour plus away form Carmel. It’s probably one of my favorite places on the planet. We try and plan a weekend there at least twice a year..Max and I went down there last weekend for a long awaited getaway. The weather has been so bad we were waiting for it to finally be nice.
I think Carmel is a magnet for its beauty.. Right now, that is especially evident as there are flowers everywhere..The beach succulents – or magic carpet as they call it, are in full bloom and the roadside is littered with poppies, and people’s pretty yards are spilling over with flowers. Carmel has the perfect garden weather with sun and misty mornings and nights. If you are a garden lover, you will be in heaven…
Bernardus in Carmel Valley
Bernardus Lodge is someplace we have loved forever and when we can, we try and go at least once a year. Sometimes they have deals. Hotels have gotten so pricey! If you can go when it’s not a crazy time, rates are better. Fall is definitely more expensive and spring and early summer is not as pricey, surprisingly.
Why we love it.. It’s on the sunnier side of Carmel in the valley so you can spend a day exploring the beaches and the charming town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pacific Grove, Monterey and Big Sur. In the afternoon, you can come back to the resort and sit by the pool, or infinity jacuzzi and read a bit. The spa also has its own beautiful garden pool…
We stayed in one of the rooms overlooking the croquet lawn with views towards the mountains… I recommend them! What we did..After checkin in, we sat on our patio and had cheese and wine that they always have for you ..Later, after walking the grounds and the pretty garden, had a delicious dinner in their restaurant.
The next morning we had a great room service breakfast by the fire. We drove to Carmel and explored the town, had lunch and back to sit and read by the pool. The next morning we played tennis and had another great breakfast on their restaurant patio..Then we headed to Pacific Grove to walk the beach and have a picnic..
You are a two minute drive to the tiny village of Carmel Valley- which we didn’t go to, but it has wineries and cute restaurants as well..or ten minutes to Carmel.
Rails Capsule for Summer- perfect for Carmel
I said I’d share my favorite pieces from my Rails event in a capsule! There were so many gorgeous pieces in the store it was hard to choose. I brought home the short suit, gauze top and gauze jacket (below), the one shoulder dress and the gathered shorts. (Four of the pieces were gifted to me.)
I brought all the pieces with me to Carmel..and thought a few other additions to it and you’d have the perfect capsule wardrobe..
I LOVE the ease of the cotton one-shoulder dress..I know I and going to wear it so much.. and the pinstripe jacket can work with it as a look. I paired it with these sandals that were such a find at H&M and my Claire V. bag.
For a capsule..I think the addition of beach pants, another tank, a dress that could work as a day to night piece, and another blouse- plus some sandals, a clutch and woven bag ( those from other places as Rails has no bags/shoes), and one would be set for travel and for a summertime wardrobe.
You can mix and match all these pieces – the jackets work with everything..one casual, and one more dressy..add in a couple of simple t-shirts, a swimsuit and cute necklaces and there you go.
From upper right. Gauze shirt, drawstring skirt, beach pant, pinstripe blazer, pinstripe shorts, one shoulder cotton dress with pockets!, black tank, white dress, stripe blouse– longer on shorter people, gathered short, woven clutch, black sandal, blue bag, and white flatform sandal. ( Both sandals 30% off this weekend as are all the Rails pieces!)
I think it’s fun to choose a smaller collection of clothes for a time and see all the ways you can wear them. I feel less stressed on vacations when I am disciplined and bring a smaller amount and I do get more creative with accessories and mixing things up.
Since Rails is having 30% off their site this weekend, I have this beauty in my cart which I did not put on the capsule and only just discovered, but will be adorable with so much! I’m a sucker for stripes and this one shoulder look is so good for showing a little summer skin, but tastefully.
Memorial Day
Are you staying near home? We have family and houseguests here so we will likely do a barbecue, though the weather has been cold! I hope we can take a drive and show our town to our guests and also gather for a Memorial Day barbecue with the family.
Our go-to is always a sort of chicken and fish on the grill and a pasta and green salad.
Our family favorite summer green salad
If you are looking for something easy to share or add to your meal that’s a little variation on the regular..
I use a mix of dark greens, romaine ( baby romaine is great if you can find it), a container of organic cherry tomatoes, 1-2 avocados cut into diced bits, toasted pumpkin seeds, and parmesan crisps broken up and sprinkled on top. I think what makes this salad good is the crunchy textures.. Also look for the sweeter tomatoes.
For the dressing I do a 3 parts olive oil, 1 part citrus vinagar, ( I like this one), a tiny bit of dijon mustard, one minced shallot, and salt and pepper to taste.
Other Things..
On this Memorial Day, I am thinking of all those who have died and who have given and sacrificed so much for all of us Americans.. I am hugely thankful to them and grateful on this holiday weekend. Much love to all our veterans.. Many who don’t get enough credit or love in this world.
Also, sadly we lost one of our great American icons, Ms Tina Turner this week. Tina was one of my mother’s favorites and I adored her style, her music, her ability to survive through abuse and so much else. She was hugely inspiring reinventing a whole new career at a later age..I found this quote of hers on Pinterest, and sometimes it is just what we need. RIP wonderful Tina.
On last weekend’s post, I shared the San Mateo Home tour, a recap of my Rails event, Everlane’s new linen, and more..
Also next week.. I’ll show you how I got my tomato garden in and how to make yours thrive with some tips from my dad!
Hope you have a lovely holiday weekend,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Lovely vicarious trip to Carmel and PG, two of my favorite places! Love the capsule wardrobe but what do you do about a bra for these one shouldered pieces? I guess some can omit one all together but not an option for others.
Sending good vibes from Lisbon en route to Paris! Six weeks, carry on only. There is a certain satisfaction in the simplicity but am not feeling very spiffy. Ah, well….
Hi Penelope! I think a strapless bra is the best solution.. one that isn’t too push up and smaller minimal type.. Alternatively, if one is small-busted, you could go with a regular bra and tuck the one side in the bra band under the arm. Yes you can switch out tops that work better!
Have a wonderful trip! I loved following your last jaunt. Wow that’s a long time for carry-on, but you’ll hopefully have space for cool souvenirs!
Kim,
I loved following along on your Carmel adventure this past week. I have been a few times but need to plan another trip. It is such a charming and magical place.
It looks and sounds like you and Max had a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend.
Rails as I said before is new to me. I have enjoyed learning more about them and seeing you so many wonderful, classic pieces. That shirt is a must for your closet! I will be checking out their sale to see if there is something I need.
A weekend with family and friends is always fun. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. It is cold and gray here with rain on the way. I am not complaining about the cold, soon it will be roasting and humid.
Your salad looks beautiful and delicious. I cannot wait to make it.
Have a happy and safe holiday weekend Kim. I could not agree with you more, people do not respect our veterans enough.
xo Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth.. Was so nice to go after not getting out with so very many weeks of rain this year..If you haven’t been, I hope you get to go someday, as it’s really up your alley all the gardens and pretty homes.
Yess the Rails pieces ar very beautiful and the company could not be better run. Lovely people, great service. I like their collection very much. The dresses and shirts are longer than they look. Many are shown on tall models. On a 5’4 person like me most are not short or cropped.
I hope you get better weather soon too. This gray..
Thinking of those who served and lost their lives.. and veterans.
xo
Kim – love me some Carmel and these pictures were great. What a fun weekend!
And that blue/stripe top from Rails is darling – thanks for the heads up. Happy Memorial Weekend!
What a fun Carmel weekend. As I’m from Illinois, it’s on my travel bucket list. The salad captured my attention. Sounds simple and just perfectly delicious for summer. Enjoy the long weekend! Ohhhh…and a fabulous travel capsule for a long summer weekend anywhere.
Deanna, I hope you get to Carmel someday. It’s really magical and unlike anyplace else!
I hope the salad is a winner.. Thanks so much. xo
I was able to find the citrus vinegar at a local grocery store and made your salad tonight. It was delicious. Love that crisp dressing. Thanks for all that you bring to us in your posts.
I’m so glad you were able to find the vinegar- and you liked the salad! Aw thank you. Wishing you a great weekend.
You look so pretty and I want everything in your capsule!!!
Mary Ann, They have the prettiest things. xx
We go to Bernardus a couple of times a year also, we’ve added Carmel Valley to the potential retirement location list! We’re headed to Santa Barbara in 2 weeks and like you, desperately missing our usual warm temps. We stay at Bacara there and it’s wonderful, on the water, multiple pools and restaurants, tennis, spa. etc. Never *have* to leave but downtown Santa Barbara makes it worth it!
Love your blog, thanks for the capsule ideas, too.
HI Valetta, Carmel my happy place. I also think Santa Barbara is very similar! I should plan a trip. Thank you for the recommendation for Bacara. I will check into it. It’s sounds wonderful too.
Thank you so much and hope you have a great weekend! xo
Hi Kim! Your Carmel getaway look and sounds fabulous! Also loved your Rails capsule wardrobe. So casually chic! The salad sounds delicious! Hope you are having a fun weekend!
Thanks Molly! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. xo
Hi Kim,
How nice you and Max got away to gorgeous Carmel. I don’t think I realized you aren’t that far away from Carmel. It’s so nice that you both make it a priority to take time out to get away and mellow out together. Carmel is such a magical place. I loved seeing all the pictures. The blue and white pots etc. are beautiful.
I was so taken back this week and felt sad to hear of our Tina Turner’s passing. Like your beautiful mother I too am a fan. Her energy was unstoppable, dancing and voice Queen. Loved her . I know she had so many hurtles to jump through, her life was not easy. To know she found happiness living in Switzerland and in a happy marriage. She is for sure resting in heaven and out of pain. Thank you for the picture and her quote.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Our flag is out in deep appreciation.
💗🦚💗
Hi Katherine! It is so nice to have Carmel near. We were saying even though it’s close, it’s nice to get away!
I know Tina was such an inspiring human. Just adored her.. so good she was loved and happy.
We have our flag out too! Wishing you a lovely weekend. xoxo
Kim it sounds like you had a fabulous time at the Bernardus! One of my fave places to stay down there. Carmel is truly a magical place – we got married in Pacific Grove and always try to go at once a year. My other favorite is Santa Barbara which I love to visit once a year and pretend that we live there 🙂 . We try to find a different VRBO each time so that we can settle in and cook at home if we feel like it, but there are so many amazing restaurants, we usually dine out. It’s a great home base and convenient to visit Los Olivos and Ojai for fun day trips.
Your outfits look so great on you – I love the lightweight jacket and one shoulder dress. I dont think I could pull it off but I loved it on you.
Your salad sounds yummy – I haven’t made the Parmesan croutons in a while but you’ve inspired me to make them again soon.
Happy Memorial Day and thanks for the great tips!
Hi Michele, Bernardus is always so good. I’ve been there in heat waves, rain storms and pandemics and never had a bad time.. I adore Pacific Grove! I have ro get down to Santa Barbara. A VRBO is a good idea and travel out!
Hope you have a good weekend! xo
Kim, I think I’ve already told you but that black one-shoulder dress is magnificent on you! Magnificent. Your entire Rails capsule is perfect for summer … I love and need everything. Your Carmel getaways are alway magic and this one is no different. The blooms are absolutely perfect right now and everything about the town is enchanting. Bernardas is on my list and we just need to do it. And I think I need a field trip to Beachwood Home ASAP. Yous salad looks delish too … I need to be eating more of those. I’m so sad about Tina … she was a force and I don’t think we’ll see another like her in our lifetimes. Hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and your weather is better than ours. Ha! xo
Juliet, You are very kind.. I think it would look good on anyone! Thank you. I do think the Rails pieces are so good now and they are getting a lot more cool pieces.. They used to be mostly shirts and dresses. I just love Carmel..yes you should get to Beachwood!
Our weather has been middling to cool.. Not great for Memorial Day weekend. Hope you have a good one! xo
Hi Kim,
Such a nice post, Carmel is a favorite place to visit and I enjoyed the weekend I spent in April with my girls to celebrate my birthday. Bernardus Lodge looks so nice but sadly way out of my budget.
Some cute clothes you picked out, too! I’m loving the one shoulder look. Glad the Rails event went well! I was teaching that weekend or I would have been there for sure!
We always enjoy a fresh salad and they are easy to throw together, especially with all the fresh produce from the fields around here!
Enjoy the weekend, I’m painting my heart out at a 4 day retreat/workshop.
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi, I know I booked our stay a while back when they had a deal.. I also love where you stayed-The Quail Lodge is also wonderful and a favorite. So nice you have been busy with all your painting classes. Have fun at your retreat! Great weekend to do it! xo
Kim! I thought I left a comment on this post! I love that purple wave of flowers in Carmel, we used to have that in the way to our beach in dana point! Every spring…I was always amazed of the beauty!!
That salad looks so yummy!!!
Cx
Hi Annie! I love those and yes I bet Dana Point was lovely too. xo
Hi Kim, I missed this post because it went up the weekend we were in Portland, OR for a family wedding – I just gasped at the first photo of Carmel, beautiful! Your stay there sounds heavenly. And another lovely salad! Thanks for all the great ideas!