On this post, a summer treat that is so good for you, my Nordstrom Sale picks, lunch and garden shops in Aptos, and a gorgeous Ojai home to inspire.
It’s time for the weekly roundup of cool things with Juliet and Elizabeth!
I finally did my Summer Inspiration Board here in mid July..
I’m so over the heat. We’ve had more than a week of 90s-100s temps. Max made us watermelon slushies to sip while we hole up inside and watch Wimbledon. He made watermelon ice cubes the day before by cutting up large chunks and freezing them on a tray in the freezer for an hour and then popped them in a plastic bag to keep in the freezer for a few weeks.
To make a slushie he mix ice and watermelon chunks and water (if needed) to get your desired consistency. With the watermelon ice cubes added, it melts really slowly and you can sort of sip on them all afternoon. You can also take the blended slush and freeze it to make sorbet!
Did you know how good watermelon is for you? The red color is from lycopene which is helpful against cancer and diabetes. It also has heart healthy chemicals and anti-inflammatory properties that help joints. It’s good for your skin and helps lower your glycemic level too. Watermelon is 92% water. It keeps you hydrated and so much more -so indulge this summer. You can read about it here!
My skin
Speaking of skin, I finally figured out what was happening to mine. I went to the dermatologist as my peeling did not stop and turns out I have seborrheic dermatitis, which wan’t so bad, but results in my face constantly peeling and felt dry and rashy. It can be brought on by stress and a growth of too much yeast on the face? I am sharing this only because someone else may have the same thing.
With all the anti-aging cremes we use, peeling is often a side effect, so I didn’t even think much about it..Until it never stopped! They gave me a topical creme and also told me ‘Ma’am you have acne on your chin also.’
Then she said, you’re too old for Clearasil so we’re going to give you a creme for that too. Who knew I’d be struggling with acne again at 58 years old? Joy! My skin has never been easy always super reactive my whole life. The first thing I do when I get a px is read the adverse side effects like a neurotic. I’ve just had too many problems and I don’t trust. Then after panicking for a bit, I put micro amount on and see if I don’t die within the next few hours.. the I try more. So far, so good.
On my radar- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I feel like I try and find a few good picks and they sell out so quick, they aren’t available by time I publish. This time I tried to look after all the pre-shopping, so I hope these will be still in stock! There are a lot of things to choose, but these are a few that I liked and that were good purchases. I think this is an opportunity to buy something nicer for your closet.
I like this Zella longline jacket for fall. Great weight for travel and cute for throwing over leggings when you’re out and about.
Something about this denim skirt appeals to me. I can visualize it with a sweater or a t-shirt and the style is retro cute.
This blouse is pretty especially for fall and the shape and length are great to leave untucked or tucked. There are three other pretty florals besides this one.
About five years ago I bought this Simple Human light up mirror and I don’t know how I’d get by without it.. Everyone needs one of these ! It’s a good time to get one.
I love the look of this Monica Vinader ring !
All the Anniversary Sale Items here.
Aptos walk, Dig Gardens and Mentone..New Leaf and Wisteria
Sunday Max and I decided to break out of the house and do an early trip to the beach before the traffic got bad. We did a walk on Beer Can Beach ( It’s better than the name), in Aptos when it was cool and foggy..
Afterwards we stopped at one of the most amazing garden shop and nurseries- DIG! I particularly like the Aptos location though there is one in Santa Cruz too.. The plants are loving Aptos and with the fog. I came home with a few new things including a pretty violet I found in the indoor shop in a mustard yellow. I put it on my kitchen counter and think of my mom Sue who adored yellow- and this was the color of her kitchen. I also brought home a basil and another cucumber to add to the garden..
For lunch we ate on the summer patio set-up at Mentone, one of my favorite spots. David Kinch does a tribute to summers in France with a pop-up weekend patio. They have wood fired pizzas that are divine and frozen drinks and spritzes.. The romaine salad is delicious, HUGE and perfect with a pizza for two. The gingham covered picnic tables make you feel like you are having a European summer and the cool 70’s Yacht rock sort of playlist caps the perfect alfresco lunch. David calls the cuisine here, which is more pasta on the dinner menu, ‘ A twist on the cuisine of the Riviera, from Nice to a bit past Genoa.’
Afterwards we sauntered across the street to my favorite grocery store, New Leaf. If I lived in Aptos I’d be there every day.. They have an amazing selection of organic produce ( the BEST organic cherries), and totally unique foods and even a nice bakery and cafe now too.
Lastly before we left, I dragged Max to one last stop, Wisteria Antiques and Garden. It’s also in Aptos and has a meandering garden with the most beautiful pots and plants, and a sort of compound with little rooms and a house filled with great home accessories, art, furniture and more. I came home with a lovely ferns and a basket and pot. I probably don’t need any more plants at this point!!
AD California Homes Issue
This month Architectural Digest has a wonderful issue devoted to California homes. I LOVED this issue and every home was so pretty and unique. Grab it if you don’t already subscribe. Only one of the homes is online that I could find. It’s a dream Ojai home, decorated by Rodman Primark. Ojai is one of my most favorite places with its citrus orchards and mountains. Photos are by Christopher Sturman. More details of the couple and their home on the article called ‘West Coast Love Letter.’
Isn’t this wall of collected plates and the table fabulous?
Last Week’s Post
Thanks to all last week who shared their thoughts and wonderful comments regarding the state of things in this nation. I am always so grateful to all the eloquent and smart women who left comments. I appreciate your support and your perspectives! It also takes time to comment and it means so much. I am hoping our collective voice will make a difference come November and my wish is that more of us can be brave and speak up about this election to our friends and family too. You all are wonderful and I am still getting to all of them! I appreciate every one.
Other Good Things…
I’ve got a contest going on Instagram and on Monday I will be giving away a new J.Crew summer bag with one of my vintage silk scarves and also a new wrapped copy of Lauren Liess’s Beach Life book. You just have to go to my Instagram and make sure you are subscribed to the blog (here), and also following on Instagram and tag a friend on there who might like my account.
I was recommended the book Hula by an Instagram friend and it looks so good. Great one to read if you enjoy Hawaii and it’s got great reviews. It’s going to be my next book. It’s set in Hilo and covers the lives of three generations of women.
If you missed it, last week I shared cool spots we discovered in the little town of Waimea on the Big Island, things to help beat the heat, some summer sale things and more..
Next week, on Tuesday I’ll be back for July’s Signature Style with Cindy and it’s about linen!
Happy weekend and stay cool!
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun things..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Good morning Kim!
I think the heat is starting to get to us all. It is toasty and humid here, which seems like it is even more miserable. Bring on the cool weather! I don’t like watermelon or any melon for that matter but your smoothie looks refreshing.
We all, Juliet & I and you, said the same thing, it is a bit of a challenge to share the sale items because many sell out before we post them. The good news is that there is always something similar.
Your mood board looks great! I don’t change mine seasonally but I think I will start. Typically I just add to the one I already have. Admittedly, by the end of the year it is pretty full of stuff.
Your walk and adventure with Max looks like a great way to spend the day. What could be better than to start the day with a walk at the ocean and to end with pizza and shopping!
I stopped my subscription to AD, now I will have to get a copy at the store. That house looks incredible. I have never been to Ojai but I remember it from Brooke and Steve of Velvet and Linen posting their beautiful Patina Farm.
Enjoy Wimbledon, stay cool and have a wonderful weekend in Tahoe.
xo
Kim! I loved hearing about your day in Aptos. Makes me want to jump on a plane and visit. I grew up in Orinda and lived in the Bay Area about 40 years. Moved to New Orleans 20+ years ago. I have such fond memories of going to Santa Cruz and Aptos with my family oh so many years ago. Such a special area. We are overdue for a visit to the Bay Area – friends and family – so will now plan on incorporating some time in Aptos. If you happen to have any thoughts on a place to stay for a couple of nights, would love your thoughts. You and Max seem to like the kind of places/hotels/restaurants/bars that my husband and I do, so I am always interested in where you have been and all the details. Always enjoy my morning coffee when you pop into my Inbox. Take care out there!
Hi Kim, how great to walk on a cool foggy beach! Your day of walking, browsing shops, and having lunch on a shaded patio sound like a mini vacation.
I am 62, and have sensitive combination type skin. It’s mostly clear these days, and I think it’s helped by this cleanser https://www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/renewing-sa-cleanser it has salycilic acid in it, which my skin has always been fine with. You be careful though!
I’ve been blending watermelon too, and find that adding little Persian cucumbers to the mix, makes the flavor a little more “mocktail”! If you leave the skin on, it turns the color a bit, but I think that is probably where the nutrients are. I also squeeze a lime into the blender.
My husband has that same skin condition! He came home from the dermatologist with a brochure explaining it. He was told it’s hereditary- his dad had it also. We just got home from Colorado- where we had some lovely weather- now San Diego is warm and a bit humid- but nothing like the East Bay. I’m trying to ignore the Nordstrom sale. I don’t need anything- and I know I’d find a bunch of things I would have to have! Keep cool- Kim.
Well Kim I truly feel for you with the heat. If only I lived just over the hill from Aptos! Here it’s been nearly two weeks of 100 plus with most days near 110 and several even higher. Escaping to the coast or mountains isn’t always an option. So trying to stay inside with the AC running is just about the only option. Talk about cabin fever.
Thank you for including posts about our political firestorm. You are very brave and need to be commended. Those ladies who only want you write about fashion and superficial subjects!! OMG, do they not see how their rights are being rolled back and marginalized? Well done. Cool under pressure. Go girl!
And finally your Max looks like a GQ model. You two are an amazing couple and you are so fortunate to have found each other. Bravo! And he makes watermelon slushies!!! And you are so gorgeous also. I’m wondering if you help style him as many men just bumble around the fashion thing.
Gosh Leslie, I hope you are staying cool. That sounds really awful and it’s not our norm to go so long with such high temps that many days! I so get the same feeling when we can’t have the windows open and the cool night breezes. I feel for people who live places that have AC night and day! It is claustrophobic.
Thanks about the politics…It’s just hard to not mention last week! I too wish more bloggers would speak out as this election is not the norm and we women have to wake up. It’s scary. We can’t not think about what more might come from a Trump presidency. Thank you!!
You are so kind. Max is a good guy and I am lucky..and he makes slushies!! LOL. I have to help him as he hates shopping and has zero interest! It’s maddening. I buy his clothes and he is happy he never has to go to a mall! Take care and stay cool. xo
You and Max have the best couples outings! Love following along. You were awesome in your political comments last week. Even though we all may not agree, it’s still refreshing that we all should have the ability to express our opinions. Whether we agree with you or not, the issues our country is facing needs to be in the forefront of our daily lives. The contest looks fun and generous of you, but how do you tag a friend on Instagram? Seriously. Lol. Have a good week. Keep on inspiring!
Deanna, We try and get out! Thank you about the political discourse. We really need it and hopefully it will bring us together more. Maybe I’m delusional, but I hope.
On Instagram you leave a comment on the post I shared about the bag and at the end of it you can use a @ symbol and a friend’s name that you think would like the account. If you don’t have anyone to tag and are following on both places, don’t stress, I can still enter you in the contest! I’ll add you now! xo
Hi Kim,
I so want to visit Aptos and go on those beautiful walks you mentioned…one day. The garden store sounds brilliant too. Have a beautiful weekend !
Francesca, I hope you get to Aptos someday soon too. xo
I’m sorry you are suffering through such heat! Here in North County San Diego we have been blessed with lovely mid 70s weather (I’m sorry to tell you); marine layer in the morning, sunny in the afternoons. I’ve loved watching Wimbledon, next the British Open (golf) and then the Olympics and then the US Open.
I did an allergy patch test recently and discovered that I was allergic to fragrance! Which is in everything! This is been quite an adjustment in my life. Fragrance is in everything: from creams, shampoos, makeup, detergent, you get my drift, but my rosacea and itchies have improved. I’m quite the pro at reading labels now. Hang in there Kim, it will be worth it!
Pam this is why they say San Diego has the best weather in the world! I totally agree! It is so nice you get this in summer! I just sent your comment to my son’s fiancee.. She is moving there in a month for her 2 years of rotations and I keep telling her how lovely it is. I adore all those shows and I am so excited for the Olympics!
Wow Pam, I hear so much about how people are reactive to fragrance. That is great you were able to find this out, but once you start looking I have no doubt it is a struggle to find fragrance free- especially skincare and shampoos and lotions! There are even fragrances that mask.
I wonder if trying this might help with my rosacea too? I also look at all the labels! I recently heard that some people are allergic to niacinamide too and since it is the new thing, it’s in every skincare thing! It’s hard to avoid it..
Thank you for sharing this! x
Hi Kim,
Love your Summer Inspiration Board. It’s dreamy and I especially like “when you can hear the waves,” etc. I totally relate to the sentiment.
Thx for sharing Max’s recipe for the “Watermelon Slushie.” I’m going to make it. No, I did not know it was good for you. I did know it was mostly made up of water.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis of “seborrhetic dermatitis,” and some acne on your chin. As if the “SD” was enough. I’m happy you did not die from the creme. Ha, ha. Sense of humor soothes and calms the soul. My mama’s face and eye lids started to peel when she was being cared for in the home for eleven years in Berkeley. We would tell her ladies pay big bucks to have thin layers of their skin to peel. Actually it concerned me. By the way I read everything on px also look for drug vitamin interactions. You are so SMART, you can’t be too careful to read as much as possible. It’s all about “ trust but verify.”
I remember Aptos that I’ve been there but so long ago, and I loved the community. Meatone looks fabulous, yum pizza and salad the best.
The walk on the beach melts my heart. I’ve always been drawn to footprints in the sand.
Big Dig Gardner (great name) looks like a wonderful nursery. I’ve always been attracted to African Violets, the purple and yellow pot is full of joy. Sue is right there in the kitchen with you. It doesn’t get any better than that.,Do you have a more recent picture of you and your mom? For some odd reason I don’t recall, just when you were all young.
Oh New Leaf sounds special. Maybe one will come closer to beautiful Los Gatos someday. We try to only buy organic, except for bananas. Eat lots of those.,
Wisteria Antiques and Garden looks like a great place to shop. Love the pots. I can’t find cool looking pots in AZ I have not checked out a Pottery Barn in person.
I vaguely recall Ojai if my brain is on the right track. It was a small town in the early 1970’s. I’m thinking I had an account that I serviced.🤷♀️
Yes, the couple are cute together. The wall collected plates is meaningful and their table is full of personality plus.
Speaking of cute, that would be the pic you took of your Max at the beach. Such a handsome dude, you both make an adorable couple. You are blessed to have one another. So much to be thankful for.
Have a lovely weekend.
Katherine, You are a sweetheart, and I love that since you were all over California with your job, you always know all these towns! That was a cute thing to tell your mama. Sometimes they just want to hear positive right? My grandma was the same. Thank you Kathering I am thinking of my mama every time I get in the kitchen.
If you ever get out here we should go to Wisteria! You would adore it!! I know I try and do organic too.. I’m glad I’m not the only one doing checking all these labels. You have to !
I adored that Ojai house! Hope you have a good weekend too!x
Looking forward to your review of Hula. It is on my list.
I’ll report back! It looks good doesn’t it?
Hi Kim,
Well you hit all my haunts in Aptos. I was in Wisteria a day or two before you. It’s one of my happy places.
I walked the beach down there this morning and enjoyed the lovely cool marine layer AKA fog! Had my tea at Aptos Roasting Co and window shopped before heading home.
I feel like I’m eating watermelon all day long, I always have one cut up in the fridge. Now I’ll try freezing some – what a great idea. BTW you can freeze individual grapes too, they are delicious and taste just like candy when frozen (but so much better for you!) And so refreshing.
I know you hate driving 17 but next time you want to head over let me know and we’ll do an explore of all the fun shops around here!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, We have to meet up there soon! I know watermelon is so good!xo