On this post, a few photos from our weekend in a coastal town up north, a beautifully renovated historic Kenwood home tour to inspire you, and good things still to be had at the Nordstrom Sale!
Hope you had a good week. I’ve been away first in Tahoe for a few days and now we are up in Trinidad, a little beach town way north in Humboldt County. Max grew up here and we’ve been meaning to get back up here with our kids who love it too. We rented a beach house for three nights and are hanging with family.
Since the town of Trinidad is pretty small, rental homes get booked up fast. We finally thought far enough in advance this year to book one and find a long weekend that could work for our boys too.
Next weekend I will share Max’s favorite trails and beaches, the little restaurants, gallery and shops that we visit and some other not to miss places up here behind the Redwood curtain!
It’s very casual up here and it’s all about hikes and beach walks so I pretty much live in my Teva sandals and shorts and sweats…
We haven’t been here in summer for a long time and July is undoubtedly the best weather. This area is always foggy with sunny afternoons. Temps hover in the low 60’s in summer. I have loved watching the fog come in and go out all day long.. The views are dreamy and the ocean is littered with pretty sea stacks all over. Trinidad was an historic whaling port that later became a fishing village. It is on the historic land of the Yurok peoples, and was named Trinidad when explorer Bodega landed in 1775 on Trinity Sunday.
This is the beach at the harbor in the morning…
Max’s dad was a radiologist in the army. Max was born in Kentucky after that and they lived all over the states and in Okinawa, Japan when he was small. When his dad finally left the Army, Max was in 3rd grade, and they settled in Humboldt where joined a practice.
Trinidad was a dream spot for his dad Jerry who loved the outdoors and kayaking. His mother also loved the free spirited and creative community up here. Max grew up running wild all over his small town, knowing every trail and beach and later surfing. His house was across from Trinidad State Beach and he had a spotting scope where he could watch whales. How many kids can see whales go by their bedroom window? He now realizes how cool that was.
Walking to breakfast at the Seascape Restaurant at Trinidad harbor from our rental.. I love the fog!
His parents later separated and his mom went on to be a therapist, and his dad remarried. Both are now sadly gone, but his step-mom Marguerite is like a second mom and grandma to us all. She lives in nearby Arcata, and we spend a lot of time with her. Her home is so cool and so is she. My boys adore her too. Max’s sister Amara lives in Seattle and she and her husband Brian came to be with us all. It’s been fun and I have done 15,000 steps Friday alone walking around the town and beach exploring
Some photos of this weekend so far… the boys with Marguerite, and some of the homes in Trinidad..
On My Radar..
Something about J. Crew’s new floral hairclip really appealed to me. It’s a lovely fabric one and it is a claw style that pinches open. I think it will be pretty with hair twisted up for a vacation or just a dinner out paired a pretty dress or blouse.
The others are good things from the Nordstrom Sale I noticed this week that are still available like this pretty gold mesh chain necklace.
I also love this Electric Sky fragrance by Tory Burch and this set is a deal with the spray and a travel size.
Bombas socks are my favorite and this is a nice set. ..
Nordstrom makes very soft quality knit pajama sets. I’ve given them for gifts and have a few myself. This is a good time to grab a set. This lavender stripe is so pretty. There is also a short sleeve set and a set with shorts.
A Gorgeous Sonoma Craftsman
I think you are going to fall in love with this beautiful home in Kenwood. The owner is a designer Lisa Furtado, and she retained the lovely historical details of this 1912 Arts & Crafts home, while updating it for her family. The yard is incredible and it will make you want to find an older home that has been loved like this one!
Signature Style..
On Thursday, Cindy and I did our July Signature Style and my post was Elevate Your Look with Linen. I shared some modern linen pieces I think would be good to add to the closet. I also have a discount code for Frank & Eileen for my readers! So check it out if you want some chic pieces before all the linen in gone for summer.
You can visit Cindy’s post for more linen ideas too.
If you missed last weekend, I shared 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.
Happy weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun things..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Hi Kim,
Wow what a beautiful place for Max to grow up in. You captured some really nice shots. I have only traveled as far as lower Humbolt county many years ago on a road trip with my sister. My husband and I have been to Mendocino a couple times. Maybe next time we will venture further North. I would love to see that part of the state.
I have to check out more of the Nordstrom sale, been so busy dealing with the remodel…mainly finding a place to stay as our completion date got pushed back. Our landlord couldn’t extend our lease so we will be bouncing from one VRBO to another probably for another 3 weeks. I know what you mean about it being difficult to find a place in the Summer! I had to get a little pissy with the project director and project manager so they have a guy working there today installing the flooring when there has rarely been anyone there on a Saturday. I’m asking them if we can at least start putting stuff in the kitchen cabinets in a couple weeks!
Have a great weekend!
Linda
Thank you Linda! I am due to get back to Mendocino too! So pretty. I think Trinidad is worth the drive and while up there see Fern Canyon and Lady Bird Grove!
Oh my goodness I feel for you guys. We had the same issue with our rental and delayed remodel. Nice that airbnbs are an option! Ugh the last part is always so hard getting all those things done. Take care! Good luck. It will all be worth it.
😍
Morning Kim! Such a lovely post the pictures are so atmospheric and l just want to get in a car and drive there! When we were looking at colleges for our daughter we went to Humboldt and walked around and loved it! It was also lovely to hear about Max’s personal history and the image of him watching whales outside his window, magical!! It seemed like a creative, misty “other world “ place. We nearly bought a very sad and dilapidated Craftsman built in 1920 in South Pasadena and it still haunts us as to “wow what did we miss”.
Loved your linen post;you have such a fantastic eye those maxi skirts look so effortless and sweet to wear! Happy weekend !
Francesca, You would love Trinidad! Neat you got up there to visit the school too.. I really feel like it is an ‘other world’ sort of spot!
Oh wow I love Pasadena! That would have been neat…We think about missed house opportunities too.
Thank you! Hope you had a good week! xo
I truly enjoy the Home Worthy choices you share, very inspirational. I just sold a lot I purchased in my early thirties in Shelter Cove. It is in Humboldt County, your husband must be familiar. Coincidentally my father was born and raised in Glasgow KY and yearned to move to CA. Kentucky is great, but I LOVE CA! Thank you Dad!
I have a closet with lots of linen. Thank you for the tips. Greer
Greer thank you! Wasn’t that a wonderful historic home? Wow I have been to Shelter Cove! We spent a few nights there at a lighthouse lodge on our honeymmoon! Did you go there a lot? I was always wondering if it was a good spot to buy property?
How cool your dad is from Kentucky too and moved you to California! Yep, KY is nice, but nothing beats growing up in California.
You must have a great closet! xo
Trinidad is a magical place. I have driven through there several times and have stopped for lunch. I remember cute cottages painted in bright colors, fantastic ocean views and dreamy fog. I fantasize about renting a place there for a week. I imagine growing up there would be so cool. Whale watching with a spotting scope – I want to do that!
Thanks for sharing!
Catherine I really think it is. It’s the same! I know Max was really lucky.
Love this spotlight on Trinidad! Sounds like an idyllic way to grow up. Thanks!
Thanks Jenny! It is a special little spot in the world.
Kim, happy weekend!
Trinidad sounds like a wonderful place to visit and to grow up. I cannot wait to see more of this enchanting place. You make it sound so wonderful maybe I need to move there.
Love the J.Crew hair clip! I hope that you got one for yourself.
There were so many things at Nordstrom but sadly anything I liked was sold out. What about you? Did you purchase anything during the sale?
I watched that Homeworthy episode, the house is fabulous! Honestly, Homeworthy is my newest entertainment. I love watching all of the episodes.
Have an amazing trip with your family!
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth, It is a very special spot. I dream of living there! I want the hairclip! I purchased pjs and a top
all the other things I wanted were sold. I know love Homeworthy too! xo
Hi Kim! Seeing these photos of foggy mornings in Trinidad made me wish I was there right now. So much fun to spend some time in that lovely town. I loved hearing about Max and his growing up years. It’s neat that his step-mom is still living in the area. Thanks for the tips regarding linen in last week’s blog. Enjoy your weekend and try to stay cool! 😎
Hi Karen, It’s a magical spot! I hope you get there sometime! Thanks so much and hope you are staying cool too. x
Hi Kim,
Hope you found everything in perfect shape in your Tahoe home as you left it last time.
What a wonderful community to grow up in, Trinidad. Gee, where the living is easy and the life style is laid back. The fog is magical and there is something romantic about it. I so enjoyed hearing all about Max and his background, his mother, father (sorry they have passed away). Marguerite sounds wonderful and to say she is like a second mom and grandma to you all speaks volumes. You are all blessed to have one another. I love how Max grew up. I can’t imagine as a child being able to see whales from your bedroom. You have no clue how fabulous that is till you grow up.
Oh, and I forgot to say how special that Amara (pretty name) came and Brian to be with you.
YAY, 15,000 steps, that is a feel goodie. That calls for a yummy ice cream.
Enjoyed all the pictures, seeing the surfers with their boards so CA cool.
The pic of the home is so well manicured, love homes like that. From the outside it looks like it has strong bones.
I haven’t had a chance to look at the home in Kenwood. It’s always enjoyable to see beautiful interiors.
Thank you for taking us along with you to Trinidad. Your guys, all three are just too cute.
The pic of everyone walking to breakfast is dreamy and peaceful, the fog sets the mood.
😘
Thanks so much Katherine! Trinidad is really a magical spot. Max was so lucky to grow up there. It’s very peaceful here like a small village and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been, to visit. There are so many great walks and hikes! The homes are really cute here.
I know I have always Amara’s name.. Max’s mom made up her name and hi ( Maxon). She was a creative type and danced to her own drum.
Thanks you are sweet xo
Kim! Where has Trinidad been all my life. It looks enchanting and you can’t beat those July temperatures. What a dream when we’re roasting here in the Bay Area. I can’t wait for next week’s post and more info about getting away to this adorable beach town. I’m ready to book my Airbnb! xo
Juliet, It really is a special place! Working on the next installment.. It was too big for the weekend so it’s coming this week. xo