On this post, our weekend in San Diego, what I worefrom Frank and Eileen, Paul Smith, a great book and more…
How are you are doing? I am heartbroken about this the airline crash in Washington. There are no words to express the sadness I feel for the families of those lost. Words can’t express how dark this week has felt. Thanks to everyone who left notes last week about how they are feeling too. It helps to be in community right now.
Let me tell you first about a book I have been distracting myself with…
I am obsessed right now with An Unfinished Love Story, A Personal History of the 1960’s by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It really great to read now, as it parallels what is happening in our times with human rights and so much else. Doris and her husband Richard Goodwin, both worked for Lyndon Johnson at different times, and Richard was also JFK’s and Lyndon’s speech writer. Doris later wrote LBJ’s biography with him. It’s their love story and the idealism of that time intertwined, as they go through Richard’s 300 boxes of his legacy toward the end of his life. I am am halfway through, but I have learned so much about Johnson, and The Great Society and his struggle to enact civil rights and end poverty. It’s just amazing how very much we Americans have thanks to him. Doris is one of the best historians and writers and this book was awarded best memoir last year by GoodReads and others.
I discovered if I Google a book title with author, it will show on the side what libraries near me have it. Love that and maybe you can try that too.
Weekend in San Diego
We headed to San Diego last weekend to visit with my oldest Jackson and his fiancé Kristin. Kristin is a huge walker and and they walk easily 8-10 miles a day to dinner, dessert, or exploring- and rarely use her car. (He is just down there periodically working.) They told us to bring walking shoes and had us doing 10,000 steps the evening we arrived and 18,000 or more the next day. I am totally not sure as my watch ran out of battery! It was a great way to see San Diego up close.
Kristin’s apartment is in the Gaslamp Quarter, an historic section of town with many bars and restaurants. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt near Seaport Village, which was about a ten minute walk to them. I choose the Hyatt for the views of the Harbor. We had a corner room with wonderful windows and a city view that was so pretty at night…
One morning we got to see a huge aircraft carrier come in escorted by four little tug boats…
I liked the Hyatt for the spacious room and perch over the city, but the drawback is that it is a conference hotel and huge. A positive thing is it also had a 24/7 Starbucks sort of place to grab food to go and it’s just a 3 minute walk to the charming Seaport Village…
Seaport Village was the first stop with Jackson for a walk along the water here. We had a lovely sunset and the view of so many neat boats and ships. We share some nachos and drinks while we waited for Kristin to get off of work. This is a beautiful long promenade to stroll with small shops and eateries..
Afterwards, we met up with Kristin at their neighborhood hang, The Whiskey House, which has 4,000 whiskeys. They go for the Happy Hour here and then grab pizza at nearby famous Prince Street Pizza-with Sicilian style square slices and take it to go and eat it on her apartment rooftop.
Max choosing from 4,000 whiskeys.
They walk everywhere and are getting to know the town so well. It reminded me of when Max and I were young and used to wander all over downtown San Jose in the 90’s. We walked to the small Camera Cinemas, happy hours, and so much. I am glad they are getting a chance to do some city time as young people.
After dinner they had us walk with them to Little Italy via the seaport path. It was great to see the historic ships like the Midway and the Star of India.( Need to visit those next.) Our destination was Extraordinary Desserts! It’s a dessert bar with tea and coffees and makes for a fun date destination. San Diego’s Little Italy is huge and is blocks and blocks of restaurants with alfresco dining and bars. If you get a chance, don’t miss it this area. It’s a wonderful spot to have a dinner or just gelato – and the options abound!
Extraordinary Desserts.Midway is a huge attraction.A cafe in Little Italy.
The next day we headed out to meet the kids halfway at Jackson’s favorite Lani Coffee, a spot he works at when he visits Kristin. It serves Kona coffee and the essence of Hawaii in special drinks and baked goods. I loved my lavender latte and banana bread so much I almost forgot to snap a pic. ( Note: Right by here is the New Kid’s Museum and a big playground if you have small ones.)
On the MLK Promenade.
Between the Seaport and Kristin’s Gaslamp neighborhood, there is a wonderful path to walk, Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. We used this so much on our walks, and it has a water feature that is lit up at night, and is lined with quotes by MLK to discover as you go through.
I told Jackson I wanted to see Coronado Island. The last time I was there, the boys were small tykes collecting hermit crabs in buckets. The beach here looks like it has golden sands thanks to naturally occuring mica!
Kristin and Jack had good luck finding some pretty shells. Coronado beach is expansive and lovely, and I didn’t remember there were high rises on it. There was a man making sandcastles for a price. We think this was a model for a proposal. So cute.
We popped up to the historic Hotel Del Coronado . It has expanded greatly since I last visited and has cafes and a deli, ice cream and sweet shop, and restaurant- all out on the beachside now. We had a yummy (but pricey) lunch from the deli, while we hunkered down from the cold winds. Kristin and I checked out the cute shops too.
After they wanted to show us Liberty Station, a 360 acre former naval training center that has been transformed to a place to gather. There are shops, restaurants, art classes, a marketplace with independent small eateries, tasting rooms, places to picnic and so much more. It’s huge and a lot of fun to explore. We visited a tea shop, stopped by the San Diego Water Color Society, and grabbed coffee and macaroons, while running about. I love that the old architecture of this massive training center was preserved. More about it and the history here. Kristin is thinking about taking pottery classes here and they had tables of people doing crafts of all kinds.
That night we checked out Malibu Farms, right near our hotel. We liked it’s healthy menu and spot right on the water. They sell some cute homewares and candles and have a coffee shop at this location.
Afterwards, the kids had us walk back to the Gaslamp Area. My feet wanted the light rail, but we missed it! We sat outside at a lively pub with talented singer.. The Gaslamp Area has streets closed at night, which makes it feel sort of safe for all the young people wandering about. We had drinks and fries there and then Jackson insisted we go to Insomnia Cookies where all the kids go after bar hopping as it is open until 3 a.m.! It actually was a lot of fun walking around in the evening and we felt quite safe and covered a lot of miles.
( I had to add a photo of Kristin’s wall in her studio apartment where she is hanging all her needlepoints! She’s getting quite a collection as she keeps herself occupied with this between medical rotations and studying.)
The next morning we walked to a great little brunch/ breakfast place- Broken Yolk Cafe. Wonderful vibe with great music and yummy food. I got the mom omelet and Max had the French Toast.
We had an hour or so to spare before flying out, so Jackson wanted us to go to Game Monsters, an arcade that has vintage and Japanese games. During the daytime it is less for entry, and we got to play Mario Carts, dancing games and other games together, as there were less people. You pay one price and all the games are free.
I hope to get back to see more of San Diego when it is it’s normal 70 degrees and not hailing and cold! Still we had a blast, and I realize I have just seen a small part of this city. It’s beautiful and if you haven’t been lately, there is so much to do. The flight from San Jose was just and hour and twenty minutes and if you get a Southwest fare, not too pricey. Same with our room, which was a great price and requesting a corner room cost just $10 more a night. So worth it.
Frank & Eileen pieces I wore to San Diego….
I was lucky to do a little collaboration with California clothier Frank & Eileen this month and took their beautiful pieces on my weekend away. These are stylish choices for February through springtime -and versatile for travel. I tried these looks on before I packed it all.
These joggers I choose in a cement color linen are so good for travel, and comfy for running around all day. I love this Monterey luxe cotton sweater with a roll neck. The two together are great and you can see they work with sneakers or ballet flats for dinner out. (This sweater is gorg and I ordered a medium which gives it room to layer too.) Max said I look sporty cute in the joggers which I think was a compliment!
I also loved the New York Travel set in black, which is a soft fleece, but looks chic in black! I dressed it up with my mom’s vintage gold hoops and necklace and vintage flats and it was great for the plane and another dinner out.
My favorite was this ice blue Milan Travel Set. Something about the pop of blue in the dark of winter is nice. I also wore the jacket over the black cotton sweater with white jeans and loafers. I know I’ll wear this so much the next few months and into summer. It comes in other cool colors- like elephant. The details like the side stripe on the pant, and the edging on the jacket make it stand out. They are beautifully made too.
I don’t always share it, but all these are on my LTK shop. If you go there, you can see all my past clothing posts and shop them. You can download the app or go to it online here and if you wish follow me and get updates when I share looks.
Other Good Distractions Now..
Did you grow up reading the Little House books? I was a huge fan as a girl, and we read my yellow paper back set to our boys, who also grew to love the stories and characters. I follow writer Jo Piazza’s Substack Over the Influence, and she shared they are rebooting The Little House series for television and (how did I not know this?), that she has a podcast called Wilder, where they explore all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, her legacy and the complications as well as the wonderful bits of the books.
I will start listening on my walks. You can get it on Apple Podcasts, also iHeart radio, and Spotify. I haven’t yet begun, but the description and the ten or so episodes sound intriguing…
“Jack Kerouac but make it a girl with braids. Carrie Bradshaw, but without the sex, and also braids. An American Icon. An American Odyssey. American propaganda….She’d made her first trips in a covered wagon, and eventually flew on a jet plane. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and legacy remain as powerful, mesmerizing, controversial, and violent as the America she represents. In a country currently at odds with itself and its history could there be a better time for an exploration of this woman?”
One episode, ‘It can never be a long time ago’ – words Laura says in the Big House, make me almost cry as I remember adoring these books 50 years ago, I’m looking forward to revisiting it all.
Paul Smith Living
Finally, I leave you with a wonderful and uplifting story of the charming and humble British designer Paul Smith. I could not have enjoyed this clip more and wish we humans could be more like him, enjoying life and not taking things too seriously, especially himself….
https://youtu.be/0cJGDwXdX-k?si=rYX5TqNaNroQDwPz
You can explore the wonderful Paul Smith collection here. Last time I was in London, I bought Paul Smith socks for Max and he still says they are the best! I love the women’s collection too. If you appreciate color, you’ll love Paul Smith!
Hotel Recommendations
I almost forgot, I am planning a small trip this summer to Paris and London. It’s my 60th birthday trip. Haven’t been to Paris since my kids were small and we rented apartments. We won’t be there more than 5 days, and I am wondering if anyone has a good hotel they love in both places? Just in case there is something I might miss. There are so many choices out there now. Love hearing about any special gems I should check out. Thank you!
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared ways to add color to your home and outfits, my favorite white bean soup, a hike and more.
Next week, I’ll have more ideas for coming together in this moment and some links to groups that may be helpful, for those who want to get active in our democracy. I also haven’t forgotten about shopping options- and sadly Target now is not one of them either.I will have more ideas next week! Sorry I just ran out of time this week to share it all.
Stay strong my friends and take care of yourselves now,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more weekend things…
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ON MY RADAR...
Reader Interactions
Comments
Ritasays
Thank you for always taking us along on your travels. I get to enjoy all the places I know I will never get to. San Diego looks like an amazing city. Wow, I can’t get over how appropriate the quote from MLK is and how it resonates for America (and the world) in these dangerous times.
kimwheelersays
Hi Rita! Aw I am so glad you enjoy the blog! I know San Diego is pretty special.
I thought the same about that quote right now. xo
Cath🇨🇦says
You are so spot on , Rita, regarding the quote from MLK ! I should keep Kim’s travel ideas for exploring San Diego … when the USA is a place to visit again… in 2029!?
Lynsays
I enjoyed this so much. Especially reading about all the walking you did and the wonderful restaurants. I am going to Paris for 10 days in June with my daughter and my 10 and 11 year old granddaughters. My daughter has rented an apartment for our stay, and we are all looking forward to it with great anticipation.
kimwheelersays
Lyn so glad! Yes walking really was a great way to see the city better. Oh what a wonderful trip you will have! The girls are such a great age to go.
NCSuesays
How wonderful to be planning a special birthday trip to Paris! Check out Noelani’s blog La Vie On Grand…all about Paris! She has wonderful lists of hotels and other useful info.
kimwheelersays
Thank you Sue! I adore her and her blog. I will go back for more tips. x
Wrensays
Thanks for the recommendation of this blog. Although I’ve been to Paris many times, I can always learn new things about one of my fav cities.
Mary Ssays
Just a suggestion for your next trip to San Diego and also for your son and his girlfriend:
The Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. Every time I have visited the Mingei -fun , beautiful and amazing collections! https://mingei.org/
Also the Hammer Museum in LA near UCLA (I know it is not in San Diego) but also quirky, fascinating and interesting
and one of the prettiest museum shops as well. https://hammer.ucla.edu/
To help with my sanity, I am doing a watercolor exercise: daily painting of the flags of the countries (or just the colors of the flags) that the present occupant of the Presidency has made nasty remarks about. Fun to really look at the colors and try to reproduce them! And writing a daily letter (for the next nearly 4 years) to some person who is a leader in the Democratic party with an idea for them to implement to help change the minds of voters. (Example: Gavin Newsom could get the various states together and
create an equivalent to the CDC which is being gutted of science)
kimwheelersays
Mary thank you! Appreciate the link here for people too. I had no idea about the Hammer and wish I got to it when I was there…. putting it on the list.
What a great idea to paint these flags and as a resistance too…and the letters. Anything we can do now feels better and more hopeful. I truly in my heart believe in the power of citizens to move mountains! I love the CDC idea with Gavin. I think he’s open to good ideas all the time. x
Toni Harpersays
Paris and London will be so fun. There is a FB group “Les Frenchies – Paris Travel Tips” that is very helpful. Hotels, restaurants, the metro, etc… Don’t forget the GB is requiring the ETA visa and France is going to be requiring the ETIAS (not a visa, but more of a pre-screening) mid year. Have a great trip!
kimwheelersays
Toni, I am checking out the group. Thank you and I did NOT know about the visas!! So appreciate it. x
Lisa Hsays
Ahh, San Diego! My Dad, and my Grandfather were both career Navy men. I grew up in San Diego. My dad was stationed at North Island, Coronado for years. The Coronado Bridge wasn’t built until 1969, so there used to be a car ferry to get back and forth.
My Grandmother’s family moved from Mankato, Minnesota (Little House on the Prairie!) to San Diego in 1907. They built a house on B Street – two blocks north of Broadway. Maybe 6 blocks from the Gaslamp district. My Great Grandfather was the printing foreman for the San Diego Union newspaper. My Grandmother remembered both Panama-California Exposition’s, which was why Balboa Park was first built. The first in 1915, the second in 1935.
My grandmother loved family picnics on La Jolla Cove. They used to take a horse and buggy there!
Such a vibrant city, with a great history! How great that Kristin and Jackson are exploring the city on foot, and immersing themselves in the food and culture. What great memories they’re forming.
kimwheelersays
Lisa wow thank you for sharing your amazing family history in San Diego. I did not know about the bridge not being there until the 60’s. How great they came from Mankato all the way here. Is there home still there? Wonderful your great grandpa was part of the paper history too. My grandmother told me also about the Panama Pacific Expo up here ! How incredible they were all there in the time of the horse and buggy? You are truly one of the SD natives.
I think the kids are so lucky to have this opportunity to see SD up close and to get to know a totally new city, on foot especially and their little neighborhoods.
diannesays
Fun! My husbanding I listened to an Unfinished Love Story in the car (book on tape) and it was fascinating! It was a time I lived through but wasn’t very engaged politically. Both John and I loved the book!
You had a whirlwind weekend with the kids and how fun!!!!! Walking is the best especially if you are enjoying deliciousness at every corner.
The Frank andEileen outfits are adorable you however I bet you were COLD…….
Thank you for sharing!
kimwheelersays
DIanne, I think this would be a great one to listen to in the car! I am glad to hear you both liked it. Yes walking really is the best way to see a new city isn’t it?
Yes I was SO cold. Everyone told me it was the coldest week in SD in a year….:?
Jillsays
Great post and thanks for all the SD tips.
Recently went to London with my son and we stayed at the Royal Horseguards, great location…Rooms were very spacious. Gordon’s Wine Bar is around the corner and a nice stop for a charcuterie nibble. We did a number of things around the area by the Intercontinental – really enjoyed Apsley House and the pub Rose and Crown, great food. Also enjoyed the Viator London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs.
kimwheelersays
Jill I had forgotten about that hotel and heard others love it also. Thank you.. Will put Gordon’s, Apsley House and Rose and Crown on my list!
Oh the historical pubs sounds neat too! Thank you so so much! xo
Kathysays
Thanks for being a reprieve from the world right now. It helps to get me into another world where life is softer and lighter.
kimwheelersays
Kathy thank you. I hear you. Sending good thoughts. xo
Kathleen Hurdersays
Hello Kim~
I’m a long time San Diego resident and your son did a great job of touring with you!
For Paris recommendations I would stay at Hotel Borg Tiborg in the Marais or Le Relais St Germaine in the 6th. A fabulous tour guide is Claudine Hemingway, the grand niece of Ernest and EXTREMELY knowledgeable. For London, we stay at Dukes, around the corner from the Wolsley and the Ritz.
Let me know if any of these work for you!
kimwheelersays
Kathleen thank you! SO appreciate these hotels. Wow and Ms Hemingway! Will check them out now. SO appreciate this. x
Francesca Bsays
Hello Kim,
A young couple in love is such a gorgeous and powerful antidote to the world’s troubles!!! Thank you for sharing your magical family time in San Diego and places to see. Jackson and Kristin are so beautiful together and Kudos to Kristin for her embroidery wall, love it!!
My son and his wife are in the AF and based in Alaska for now but San Diego is their end game which will be fab for us too as its a car journey. Talking of Paul Smith, I had a college reunion last year in London and one of my mates wore Paul Smith’s Melange wool coat which was so utterly gorgeous I kept looking at it all night. Not in my price range but totally swoon worthy. One day!
For London hotels the instagram blogger “So Susie” has some places she recommends. I go to Best Western Swiss Cottage which is perfect for me as I love to walk on the Heath and go to Hampstead and pretend I am a local, but it’s perfectly fine, but not fancy! Think grandmother’s furniture!! Happy week Kim 🙂
kimwheelersays
Aw thanks so much Francesca for the kind words about the kids. They are a lot of fun. Wow so amazing your son and wife are in Alaska. I bet that is an adventure. I hope they get to SD and near to you. I was looking at the Paul Smith women’s collection and gosh are there some gorgeous pieces.. I wish I could afford! Thank you I will check Susie’s blog… I have heard about the Swiss Cottage! Location is everything right? xo
Jennysays
I love Doris Kearns Goodwin, Little House, MLK, so what a fun post!
I read this blog: https://witwhimsy.com/travel/paris/
She also has a travel service to Paris and I’m feeling like you deserve a splurgy 60th! (I’m not paid lol!)
Love and support.
kimwheelersays
Jenny, Me too You are so kind to send the travel service! Looking into it! xx
Wrensays
Thanks, Kim, for your Saturday morning armchair travel. Right now, I can hardly listen to the news, it’s all so disheartening. I was introduced to Frank and Eileen by Cindy and have 3 pieces. Wish it wasn’t so pricey!
kimwheelersays
Wren, I am with you. SO hard to not hear it and despair. I know love F&E! I wish they were too. Well made though and in California. xo
Carol Cartersays
I love all your outfits and have bought many pieces you have recommended. But I haven’t purchased anything from Frank & Eileen yet. I love the New York Travel Set on you. What size did you get? I am 118 and 5’4″ and it looks like I would be between an XS and S. Does it shrink when washed?
kimwheelersays
Hi Carol, I am so sorry I missed your comment! I think that you would be an XS in the NY set.. It runs a bit big. They don’t really shrink at all. I have an xs on here. Hope that helps!
Carol Cartersays
Thank you! And thanks for all the ideas about remaining vocal and making sure our voices are heard!
Michellesays
Following your blog has caused me to add yet another CA city to my lists of future trips! San Diego sounds great! Thanks for sharing that with us. Goodness, you could technically never leave CA but find tons of very different trips and experiences to enjoy. I’m excited for your Paris & London trip for your 60th! We were in London a few days last June, after starting out in Belgium and taking the Eurostar over. Then we finished up with a few days in Oxford. Probably one of my favorite trips ever, but there’s never enough time in London! I’ve been 3 times and am already planning a way to get back. And Paris, how dreamy for a birthday trip! Enjoy the planning and enjoy every minute of the trip.
kimwheelersays
Michelle, I know we have so much right here don’t we? Aw thank you. I bet you had a great trip. Belgium is so magical and I love taking the Eurostar. Oxford was also a highlight for me too. I hope you get back soon too!x
mariasays
Loved seeing the SD photos – my son is a student there and we love exploring the city. We find it more accessible (compared to where we live in LA), but still loads of options. Extraordinary Desserts has the best pavlovas btw.
Question: why is Target off your list?
Also, love the F&E travel set – would be thrilled to find a dupe at a more affordable shop like H&M or other.
kimwheelersays
Marcia, How fun it must be for him to be a student there.. So very much to see and do. I missed the pavlovas!
Target has decided it will no longer do DEI and they previously committed to hiring a diverse work force, and caring about making a fair workplace.
I don’t know of any dupes, but there are some Frank & Eileen pieces on sale now at Nordstrom.
Mary Ann Pickettsays
Bravo for keeping up with those youngsters!! I love San Diego. My sister lives there and we go fairly often.
kimwheelersays
You guys are so lucky!
susansays
Our democracy has been hijacked in 2 weeks. No amount of cute clothes or nice weekends should distract us from what is happening. I look forward to ideas on fighting back. I have signed up for an Indivisible meeting next week to try to find out what we can possibly do. Look forward to your ideas.
kimwheelersays
Susan I get it and am feeling the same. Agree we need some concrete things we can do. I hope to have some ideas…
San Diego is one of my favorite places! It looks like you have a jam packed weekend of fun with the “kids.” It is a great city for walking as it is safe, there is lots to see and do and it’s just beautiful and fun!
The Frank & Eileen piece look fabulous on you, but then again you are on of the most stylish people that I know.
Thanks for the book recommendation! I have read other books by Doris but not this one. I also did not know about the Google tip for seeing if the book is available in the library! That is a great tip!
Kim, I have been going to Paris since I was 16! One of my favorite places to wander, explore and just enjoy the sights and sounds. What area would you like to stay in the Right or Left Bank? I love the 7th Arr as a base. Make sure to go to the smaller museums, the Jacquemart Andre, Musee Rodin, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet, Musée de Cluny, Marmottan Monet(over 100 Monet pieces), the Delacroix museum, Musée Cognacq-Jay. Make sure to get the Paris Museum pass so that you can zip in and out of these small places and see more than 2 a day. Make sure to book ahead of time for the museums that you do not want to miss.
The Fountain de Mars is one of our favorite places for dinner. But really I have never had a bad meal in Paris.
Have a great weekend! xo
kimwheelersays
HI Elizabeth! Aw thanks. Love the F&E things. I think the book is so good!
Ooh we will have to chat about Paris. It’s been a minute for me and I don’t know it as well as London. I will have to get to some of those museums. The pass is a great idea. I forgot you can book ahead too. Thank you. I am writing all this down! xo
Linda Salazarsays
So glad that you enjoyed your visit to my city!! I was born here and will never leave. We are further inland, so it does get hot in the Summer. Looks like Kristin and Jackson are having fun exploring. You mentioned a few places that I wasn’t aware of so I will be writing some of them down! We used to go to Extraordinary Desserts ALL the time when my daughter was younger. Someday we will have to take the grandkids. My father-in-law had a Mexican restaurant in East Village for about 40 years, when it opened it was just considered “downtown”. They named that area later. My husband and his brother had the responsibility of closing it in 2017 right before his dad passed.. An investor bought the property but last year when we drove by the restaurant sign was still up and there was a fence around it and graffiti. 😕
The last time we were at the Hotel Del was to attend Antiques Roadshow. We got lucky and snagged two tickets online, we had a couple Native American pottery pieces of my in-laws and a banjo ukulele that was signed by Pete Seeger that my husband’s uncle found in a closet when we were cleaning out the house. It’s not worth a ton of money but I still need to sell it on eBay. It was a lot of fun, we saw some of the regulars from the show, including Nicholas Lowry. (the plaid suit guy) Did you ever see his apartment on Homeworthy?
Love the Frank & Eileen pieces. You wear them well!
This last week was so hard, the plane crash was just devastating. And then our president has to make the tragedy worse with his stupid remarks, and it hasn’t even been 2 weeks in. I haven’t been watching the news much except I do like Brooks & Capehart on Friday nights on PBS. I follow Brian Tyler Cohen and Meidas Touch Network on YouTube, but some days I find myself watching too much. I could relate to your post today on IG. I find it’s starting to stress me out and make me irritable. I work out a lot so that does help some!
kimwheelersays
Hi Linda! Wow that is pretty cool your father-in-law had a Mexican restaurant. I hate seeing things like that go away too. Hopefully, they’ll revamp it one day? I have to say I didn’t see a whole lot of that. SO many vibrant small businesses. We are missing that up here in the land of exorbitant rents. Few small businesses get the chance to flourish! Wow I didn’t know you got to attend Roadshow at the Del! I will look for that one when they re-run them. Those sound like gems. OH and thanks I will look for Nicholas’s Homeworthy video too.
Ugh the remarks made the tragedy so much more painful for the families. The man has NO heart, and knows NO way to soothe or heal his nation, not does he care to. He will go down as one of the most hated people on the planet someday.
I know love Brooks and Capeheart.. Honestly, it’s been hard every day seeing what is next. I try to limit my time, and yet not totally bury my head. My heart hurts. It’s hard being an empathetic person right now- and I am sure you are one. xo
Katherinesays
Hi Kim,
Doris Kearns Goodwin is my very favorite historians. She was on one of our Sunday early morning shows promoting her book. I bet it’s excellent. I admire her so much, a brilliant lady, and so classy.
The airline crashes this week were heart wrenching to watch and all the wonderful lives lost and all the families, and friends that have to process such a shocking loss.
Looks like you had a great tour of San Diego, it ‘s a great place to explore. Love Coronado, we have always enjoyed our holidays there and at the Del. The ocean is great.
Kristin and Jackson look like they know how to enjoy life to the max. So smart that they lace up their sneaks and follow their noises to do endless exploring. You saw lots in a very short time.
Good for Kristin that she needlepoints. A great way to unwind and relax.
Yay for you a trip to Paris and London for your birthday. Something to look forward to.
kimwheelersays
Katherine, I just admire her so much and how lucky are we to have such a great historian? I’m so sad about all these crashes. My heart breakks for these families. Isn’t the Del awesome? I need to go back. I know I am proud of the kids getting out there!
Hope you are doing well in Arizona. xo
Patriciasays
Hi Kim, it was lovely to read about your tript to San Diego, it’s sounds like a great place to visit. By the way, can you tell us where your blue loafers are from, they look like suede? They’re gorgeous!
I’m so happy that I ‘know’ people like you after the nonsense coming out of the White House in the last 10 days or so. I have to keep in mind that it’s ‘not all Americans’! So thank you for all you do with your blog.
I was happy to read of your trip to San Diego. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. We go every summer and are still discovering new places we like. I don’t know if you have been to La Jolla and Del Mar but they are very nice and have beautiful scenery and good places to hike/walk. Plus the shopping and restaurants. I too love Coronado Island and visiting The Del. Your book rec is one I very much enjoyed too. Thinking of LBJ, you might enjoy a visit to the Hill Country of Texas and a tour of the Johnson Ranch. His legacy should be remembered with gratitude. Well worth your time. As a lifelong Texan, I revere Lyndon Johnson and it is important to remember how many great things he did for Texas and our country. Thank you for acknowledging him. He would not appreciate the state of politics in our state today. Thanks again for sharing your trip and loved your fashion choices. Enjoyed learning about Paul Smith and his unique stores.
kimwheelersays
Linda, I haven’t been to La Jolla or Del Mar for years.. I need more time there! Oh so glad you enjoyed the book also. I didn’t know you could visit the ranch! Thank you for telling me about that. Agree we owe so much to Johnson and I am so glad to be better informed about it..You Texans should be proud for sure. I think he would be sick knowing what is happening. I love Lady Bird too! Aw thanks and agree about Paul Smith! xo
Patricia D.says
What’s going on with Target? They were my major Amazon alternative.
kimwheelersays
Patricia mine too. So disappointing they said last week they will end their program of diversity, equity and inclusion, which was promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, (that includes veterans the disabled) and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities. https://apnews.com/article/target-dei-supreme-court-diversity-7f068dfee61a68a9a1f82b94e135b323
Karen H.says
Hi Kim, So glad you had a lovely trip to San Diego visiting your kids. We have stayed at the Hyatt you were and it is a great base for touring the wonderful sights and shopping. How fun to plan your 60th birthday in London and Paris. My favorite cities! You might consider splurging and staying a the Park Hyatt Paris-Vandome. It is fabulous! Please keep us posted about ways to stand up to the tyranny that is going on in our country right now. Thank you. Xo
kimwheelersays
Karen thank you. It was a great base! Oh will look up the Park Hyatt now! Many thanks…
Sigh I have a list and will share more on Saturday. Hang in there! xo
Cath🇨🇦says
Kim, what an amazing amount of work you did providing us with this jam-packed blog…so many ideas for future travels…San Diego would be completely new to me. When you consider London for your special birthday trip ,perhaps look into The Montague on the Gardens, in Bloomsbury. It has been a place I have stayed at least four times, and mostly on my own. Very comfortable, welcoming and beautifully decorated in true English style. Russell Square is there to stroll through and enjoy a coffee, and The British Museum is literally around the corner. The theatre district is a short stroll away… and after walking so much recently with the younger ones , you’re ready! I am by passing London this time, when I fly to the UK in late September, and directly on to Paris. Noelani of ‘La Vie on Grand’ showed a beautiful place to stay in St Germain, so I have three nights and two days to explore this part of Paris , on the other side of Les Jardins de Luxembourg missed on previous visits. Lots of walking, especially to Notre Dame! Then my UK adventure begins in October…first visiting friends in Surrey , then on to York and touring the Yorkshire Dales, continuing to Edinburgh and finally west of Scotland on the Clyde to see my relatives once more. Turning 75 in July, I may not be visiting this way again… not so much my age, but more likely my budget !
Things are changing here in Canada economically , so belt tightening will be in order. 25% tariffs beginning on Tuesday will be a game changer… especially since the bizarre reason regarding Fentanyl imports is a complete myth. Only 1% of all coming into the US, and that’s according to US statistics…it’s unfortunate, obviously , but not killer amounts according to the White House . Let’s read and reflect on the MLK quote again! Sigh!
kimwheelersays
Cath, Thank you for these great recommendations. I am so glad to hear about your trip plan. It sounds wonderful! You have been to York I bet? It was one of my favorite places ever. I hope you have so much fun. I am going to check out Noelani’s Paris hotels. I love the area of the Montague! Will check that out. The whole tariff thing is a mess and a scam just for him to look powerful and to bully our allies. I apologize for all of it!! Is there any looking inward? Seeing how we can combat fentanyl? No it’s just blame someone else for all of it. No real true solutions…. and he’s on to the next person or ally he can act like a big man around.
The MLK quote was really timely. I love Canadians. Hugs to you.
Cath🇨🇦says
Kim, Hotel de l’Abbaye Saint Germain is the one Noelani suggested. Looks so lovely.
As for York, all I have seen is beautiful Victorian York train station , when going or coming from Kings Cross to Edinburgh…so finally getting off the train this time!
We have a month’s reprieve from the tariff threat, apparently ! Yeh! But what’s happening up here in Canada – Strong and Free- is a lot of conversations…and everyone figuring out how and where they plan to spend their money. Travel plans are already changing, and Amazon purchasing may go way down. Speaking with the produce fellow where I shop locally was so interesting… lots of products in cold storage that need to be sold, giving the grocery companies time to find alternative sources. Shoppers are turning to available Mexican produce. Many Americans may soon notice how these threats are actually back firing and hitting their own pocket books, perhaps something the White House may not have accounted for. Trouble for Trump? I do hope so😅.
And what is so ironic is how our collective anger at these threats (and noise) is just making Canadians work harder together to find solutions…finally better inter provincial trucking transport, pivoting to find more export alternatives, and definitely a stronger sense of national pride. Early days, but right now, four years seems like a very long time indeed.
Enjoy your travel planning. Can seem rather all consuming … I have just been helping my cousin from South Africa through the maze of plans for her trip to the Rotary World Convention in Calgary , Alberta in late June, then her trip west on The Rocky Mountaineer train , with both of us staying in Vancouver and Whistler and then after a ferry trip , here at home on Vancouver Island as I show her my beautiful BC.
Nicolesays
So excited for Little House reboot! Glad you had some distracting fun. My dream would be to live in a walkable community one day. Stay well!
Julietsays
Kim! I’m so envious of your San Diego getaway and can picture all the places you guys visited … but cold and rainy? In San Diego? What? We used to stay at that Hyatt for Navy bowl games. Great location for exploring that wonderful city. Love Kirsten’s attitude toward her steps … SD is ideal for walking. Happy to see you made it over to Coronado … my favorite place in the world. Well, Coronado or London. Both are amazing. Anyway, Kirsten lives in a great area and it’s nice that she and Jackson are making the most of their time there. If I were you I’d visit a lot. I wonder if that was the USS Carl Vincent coming home? When I was (much) younger I had dinner on that ship … but that’s a story for another day. And in private. Anyhoo, my parents met and married in San Diego and we lived on Coronado when I was very young. I’m not sure why I don’t live there now … I love it so much. London and Paris?! Now that’s exciting. We love the Lanesborough in London. But on our last trip we booked the Goring. Both wonderful locations. I need to know more about your plans!!!
kimwheelersays
Juliet, So bummed about the weather, but still loved the weekend. Was expecting sun which I could really use now. Now I can’t wait to hear that story. HOw cool you lived on Coronado. I did not know that and I do think it is SO pretty. It’s like th Carmel of SO Cal. I am going to check out the hotels. Thank you. x
Debsays
I am heading to San Diego this week!
Are there any discount codes for Frank and Eileen?
kimwheelersays
Deb I hope it’s great. I hear the weather has improved. I did see they have some of the F&E things marked down at Nordstrom here, including a similar jacket to mine and other good things here: https://rstyle.me/+fq9cRK_-TofXo4OkpdNy9w
x KIm
Thank you for always taking us along on your travels. I get to enjoy all the places I know I will never get to. San Diego looks like an amazing city. Wow, I can’t get over how appropriate the quote from MLK is and how it resonates for America (and the world) in these dangerous times.
Hi Rita! Aw I am so glad you enjoy the blog! I know San Diego is pretty special.
I thought the same about that quote right now. xo
You are so spot on , Rita, regarding the quote from MLK ! I should keep Kim’s travel ideas for exploring San Diego … when the USA is a place to visit again… in 2029!?
I enjoyed this so much. Especially reading about all the walking you did and the wonderful restaurants. I am going to Paris for 10 days in June with my daughter and my 10 and 11 year old granddaughters. My daughter has rented an apartment for our stay, and we are all looking forward to it with great anticipation.
Lyn so glad! Yes walking really was a great way to see the city better. Oh what a wonderful trip you will have! The girls are such a great age to go.
How wonderful to be planning a special birthday trip to Paris! Check out Noelani’s blog La Vie On Grand…all about Paris! She has wonderful lists of hotels and other useful info.
Thank you Sue! I adore her and her blog. I will go back for more tips. x
Thanks for the recommendation of this blog. Although I’ve been to Paris many times, I can always learn new things about one of my fav cities.
Just a suggestion for your next trip to San Diego and also for your son and his girlfriend:
The Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. Every time I have visited the Mingei -fun , beautiful and amazing collections!
https://mingei.org/
Also the Hammer Museum in LA near UCLA (I know it is not in San Diego) but also quirky, fascinating and interesting
and one of the prettiest museum shops as well. https://hammer.ucla.edu/
To help with my sanity, I am doing a watercolor exercise: daily painting of the flags of the countries (or just the colors of the flags) that the present occupant of the Presidency has made nasty remarks about. Fun to really look at the colors and try to reproduce them! And writing a daily letter (for the next nearly 4 years) to some person who is a leader in the Democratic party with an idea for them to implement to help change the minds of voters. (Example: Gavin Newsom could get the various states together and
create an equivalent to the CDC which is being gutted of science)
Mary thank you! Appreciate the link here for people too. I had no idea about the Hammer and wish I got to it when I was there…. putting it on the list.
What a great idea to paint these flags and as a resistance too…and the letters. Anything we can do now feels better and more hopeful. I truly in my heart believe in the power of citizens to move mountains! I love the CDC idea with Gavin. I think he’s open to good ideas all the time. x
Paris and London will be so fun. There is a FB group “Les Frenchies – Paris Travel Tips” that is very helpful. Hotels, restaurants, the metro, etc… Don’t forget the GB is requiring the ETA visa and France is going to be requiring the ETIAS (not a visa, but more of a pre-screening) mid year. Have a great trip!
Toni, I am checking out the group. Thank you and I did NOT know about the visas!! So appreciate it. x
Ahh, San Diego! My Dad, and my Grandfather were both career Navy men. I grew up in San Diego. My dad was stationed at North Island, Coronado for years. The Coronado Bridge wasn’t built until 1969, so there used to be a car ferry to get back and forth.
My Grandmother’s family moved from Mankato, Minnesota (Little House on the Prairie!) to San Diego in 1907. They built a house on B Street – two blocks north of Broadway. Maybe 6 blocks from the Gaslamp district. My Great Grandfather was the printing foreman for the San Diego Union newspaper. My Grandmother remembered both Panama-California Exposition’s, which was why Balboa Park was first built. The first in 1915, the second in 1935.
My grandmother loved family picnics on La Jolla Cove. They used to take a horse and buggy there!
Such a vibrant city, with a great history! How great that Kristin and Jackson are exploring the city on foot, and immersing themselves in the food and culture. What great memories they’re forming.
Lisa wow thank you for sharing your amazing family history in San Diego. I did not know about the bridge not being there until the 60’s. How great they came from Mankato all the way here. Is there home still there? Wonderful your great grandpa was part of the paper history too. My grandmother told me also about the Panama Pacific Expo up here ! How incredible they were all there in the time of the horse and buggy? You are truly one of the SD natives.
I think the kids are so lucky to have this opportunity to see SD up close and to get to know a totally new city, on foot especially and their little neighborhoods.
Fun! My husbanding I listened to an Unfinished Love Story in the car (book on tape) and it was fascinating! It was a time I lived through but wasn’t very engaged politically. Both John and I loved the book!
You had a whirlwind weekend with the kids and how fun!!!!! Walking is the best especially if you are enjoying deliciousness at every corner.
The Frank andEileen outfits are adorable you however I bet you were COLD…….
Thank you for sharing!
DIanne, I think this would be a great one to listen to in the car! I am glad to hear you both liked it. Yes walking really is the best way to see a new city isn’t it?
Yes I was SO cold. Everyone told me it was the coldest week in SD in a year….:?
Great post and thanks for all the SD tips.
Recently went to London with my son and we stayed at the Royal Horseguards, great location…Rooms were very spacious. Gordon’s Wine Bar is around the corner and a nice stop for a charcuterie nibble. We did a number of things around the area by the Intercontinental – really enjoyed Apsley House and the pub Rose and Crown, great food. Also enjoyed the Viator London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs.
Jill I had forgotten about that hotel and heard others love it also. Thank you.. Will put Gordon’s, Apsley House and Rose and Crown on my list!
Oh the historical pubs sounds neat too! Thank you so so much! xo
Thanks for being a reprieve from the world right now. It helps to get me into another world where life is softer and lighter.
Kathy thank you. I hear you. Sending good thoughts. xo
Hello Kim~
I’m a long time San Diego resident and your son did a great job of touring with you!
For Paris recommendations I would stay at Hotel Borg Tiborg in the Marais or Le Relais St Germaine in the 6th. A fabulous tour guide is Claudine Hemingway, the grand niece of Ernest and EXTREMELY knowledgeable. For London, we stay at Dukes, around the corner from the Wolsley and the Ritz.
Let me know if any of these work for you!
Kathleen thank you! SO appreciate these hotels. Wow and Ms Hemingway! Will check them out now. SO appreciate this. x
Hello Kim,
A young couple in love is such a gorgeous and powerful antidote to the world’s troubles!!! Thank you for sharing your magical family time in San Diego and places to see. Jackson and Kristin are so beautiful together and Kudos to Kristin for her embroidery wall, love it!!
My son and his wife are in the AF and based in Alaska for now but San Diego is their end game which will be fab for us too as its a car journey. Talking of Paul Smith, I had a college reunion last year in London and one of my mates wore Paul Smith’s Melange wool coat which was so utterly gorgeous I kept looking at it all night. Not in my price range but totally swoon worthy. One day!
For London hotels the instagram blogger “So Susie” has some places she recommends. I go to Best Western Swiss Cottage which is perfect for me as I love to walk on the Heath and go to Hampstead and pretend I am a local, but it’s perfectly fine, but not fancy! Think grandmother’s furniture!! Happy week Kim 🙂
Aw thanks so much Francesca for the kind words about the kids. They are a lot of fun. Wow so amazing your son and wife are in Alaska. I bet that is an adventure. I hope they get to SD and near to you. I was looking at the Paul Smith women’s collection and gosh are there some gorgeous pieces.. I wish I could afford! Thank you I will check Susie’s blog… I have heard about the Swiss Cottage! Location is everything right? xo
I love Doris Kearns Goodwin, Little House, MLK, so what a fun post!
I read this blog: https://witwhimsy.com/travel/paris/
She also has a travel service to Paris and I’m feeling like you deserve a splurgy 60th! (I’m not paid lol!)
Love and support.
Jenny, Me too You are so kind to send the travel service! Looking into it! xx
Thanks, Kim, for your Saturday morning armchair travel. Right now, I can hardly listen to the news, it’s all so disheartening. I was introduced to Frank and Eileen by Cindy and have 3 pieces. Wish it wasn’t so pricey!
Wren, I am with you. SO hard to not hear it and despair. I know love F&E! I wish they were too. Well made though and in California. xo
I love all your outfits and have bought many pieces you have recommended. But I haven’t purchased anything from Frank & Eileen yet. I love the New York Travel Set on you. What size did you get? I am 118 and 5’4″ and it looks like I would be between an XS and S. Does it shrink when washed?
Hi Carol, I am so sorry I missed your comment! I think that you would be an XS in the NY set.. It runs a bit big. They don’t really shrink at all. I have an xs on here. Hope that helps!
Thank you! And thanks for all the ideas about remaining vocal and making sure our voices are heard!
Following your blog has caused me to add yet another CA city to my lists of future trips! San Diego sounds great! Thanks for sharing that with us. Goodness, you could technically never leave CA but find tons of very different trips and experiences to enjoy. I’m excited for your Paris & London trip for your 60th! We were in London a few days last June, after starting out in Belgium and taking the Eurostar over. Then we finished up with a few days in Oxford. Probably one of my favorite trips ever, but there’s never enough time in London! I’ve been 3 times and am already planning a way to get back. And Paris, how dreamy for a birthday trip! Enjoy the planning and enjoy every minute of the trip.
Michelle, I know we have so much right here don’t we? Aw thank you. I bet you had a great trip. Belgium is so magical and I love taking the Eurostar. Oxford was also a highlight for me too. I hope you get back soon too!x
Loved seeing the SD photos – my son is a student there and we love exploring the city. We find it more accessible (compared to where we live in LA), but still loads of options. Extraordinary Desserts has the best pavlovas btw.
Question: why is Target off your list?
Also, love the F&E travel set – would be thrilled to find a dupe at a more affordable shop like H&M or other.
Marcia, How fun it must be for him to be a student there.. So very much to see and do. I missed the pavlovas!
Target has decided it will no longer do DEI and they previously committed to hiring a diverse work force, and caring about making a fair workplace.
I don’t know of any dupes, but there are some Frank & Eileen pieces on sale now at Nordstrom.
Bravo for keeping up with those youngsters!! I love San Diego. My sister lives there and we go fairly often.
You guys are so lucky!
Our democracy has been hijacked in 2 weeks. No amount of cute clothes or nice weekends should distract us from what is happening. I look forward to ideas on fighting back. I have signed up for an Indivisible meeting next week to try to find out what we can possibly do. Look forward to your ideas.
Susan I get it and am feeling the same. Agree we need some concrete things we can do. I hope to have some ideas…
Kim,
San Diego is one of my favorite places! It looks like you have a jam packed weekend of fun with the “kids.” It is a great city for walking as it is safe, there is lots to see and do and it’s just beautiful and fun!
The Frank & Eileen piece look fabulous on you, but then again you are on of the most stylish people that I know.
Thanks for the book recommendation! I have read other books by Doris but not this one. I also did not know about the Google tip for seeing if the book is available in the library! That is a great tip!
Kim, I have been going to Paris since I was 16! One of my favorite places to wander, explore and just enjoy the sights and sounds. What area would you like to stay in the Right or Left Bank? I love the 7th Arr as a base. Make sure to go to the smaller museums, the Jacquemart Andre, Musee Rodin, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet, Musée de Cluny, Marmottan Monet(over 100 Monet pieces), the Delacroix museum, Musée Cognacq-Jay. Make sure to get the Paris Museum pass so that you can zip in and out of these small places and see more than 2 a day. Make sure to book ahead of time for the museums that you do not want to miss.
The Fountain de Mars is one of our favorite places for dinner. But really I have never had a bad meal in Paris.
Have a great weekend! xo
HI Elizabeth! Aw thanks. Love the F&E things. I think the book is so good!
Ooh we will have to chat about Paris. It’s been a minute for me and I don’t know it as well as London. I will have to get to some of those museums. The pass is a great idea. I forgot you can book ahead too. Thank you. I am writing all this down! xo
So glad that you enjoyed your visit to my city!! I was born here and will never leave. We are further inland, so it does get hot in the Summer. Looks like Kristin and Jackson are having fun exploring. You mentioned a few places that I wasn’t aware of so I will be writing some of them down! We used to go to Extraordinary Desserts ALL the time when my daughter was younger. Someday we will have to take the grandkids. My father-in-law had a Mexican restaurant in East Village for about 40 years, when it opened it was just considered “downtown”. They named that area later. My husband and his brother had the responsibility of closing it in 2017 right before his dad passed.. An investor bought the property but last year when we drove by the restaurant sign was still up and there was a fence around it and graffiti. 😕
The last time we were at the Hotel Del was to attend Antiques Roadshow. We got lucky and snagged two tickets online, we had a couple Native American pottery pieces of my in-laws and a banjo ukulele that was signed by Pete Seeger that my husband’s uncle found in a closet when we were cleaning out the house. It’s not worth a ton of money but I still need to sell it on eBay. It was a lot of fun, we saw some of the regulars from the show, including Nicholas Lowry. (the plaid suit guy) Did you ever see his apartment on Homeworthy?
Love the Frank & Eileen pieces. You wear them well!
This last week was so hard, the plane crash was just devastating. And then our president has to make the tragedy worse with his stupid remarks, and it hasn’t even been 2 weeks in. I haven’t been watching the news much except I do like Brooks & Capehart on Friday nights on PBS. I follow Brian Tyler Cohen and Meidas Touch Network on YouTube, but some days I find myself watching too much. I could relate to your post today on IG. I find it’s starting to stress me out and make me irritable. I work out a lot so that does help some!
Hi Linda! Wow that is pretty cool your father-in-law had a Mexican restaurant. I hate seeing things like that go away too. Hopefully, they’ll revamp it one day? I have to say I didn’t see a whole lot of that. SO many vibrant small businesses. We are missing that up here in the land of exorbitant rents. Few small businesses get the chance to flourish! Wow I didn’t know you got to attend Roadshow at the Del! I will look for that one when they re-run them. Those sound like gems. OH and thanks I will look for Nicholas’s Homeworthy video too.
Ugh the remarks made the tragedy so much more painful for the families. The man has NO heart, and knows NO way to soothe or heal his nation, not does he care to. He will go down as one of the most hated people on the planet someday.
I know love Brooks and Capeheart.. Honestly, it’s been hard every day seeing what is next. I try to limit my time, and yet not totally bury my head. My heart hurts. It’s hard being an empathetic person right now- and I am sure you are one. xo
Hi Kim,
Doris Kearns Goodwin is my very favorite historians. She was on one of our Sunday early morning shows promoting her book. I bet it’s excellent. I admire her so much, a brilliant lady, and so classy.
The airline crashes this week were heart wrenching to watch and all the wonderful lives lost and all the families, and friends that have to process such a shocking loss.
Looks like you had a great tour of San Diego, it ‘s a great place to explore. Love Coronado, we have always enjoyed our holidays there and at the Del. The ocean is great.
Kristin and Jackson look like they know how to enjoy life to the max. So smart that they lace up their sneaks and follow their noises to do endless exploring. You saw lots in a very short time.
Good for Kristin that she needlepoints. A great way to unwind and relax.
Yay for you a trip to Paris and London for your birthday. Something to look forward to.
Katherine, I just admire her so much and how lucky are we to have such a great historian? I’m so sad about all these crashes. My heart breakks for these families. Isn’t the Del awesome? I need to go back. I know I am proud of the kids getting out there!
Hope you are doing well in Arizona. xo
Hi Kim, it was lovely to read about your tript to San Diego, it’s sounds like a great place to visit. By the way, can you tell us where your blue loafers are from, they look like suede? They’re gorgeous!
I’m so happy that I ‘know’ people like you after the nonsense coming out of the White House in the last 10 days or so. I have to keep in mind that it’s ‘not all Americans’! So thank you for all you do with your blog.
Hi Patricia! They are old suede Tory Burch driving loafers. I found a few similar ones though..
Here
https://rstyle.me/+VniY-k1KW4SZzNurKLBKCw
https://rstyle.me/+chTqqc6xZ49Crj0nLD7tIQ
and these a new one at Tory
https://rstyle.me/+Q9W37nbyFKBmpMtOhs5Fmw
xo Kim
I was happy to read of your trip to San Diego. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. We go every summer and are still discovering new places we like. I don’t know if you have been to La Jolla and Del Mar but they are very nice and have beautiful scenery and good places to hike/walk. Plus the shopping and restaurants. I too love Coronado Island and visiting The Del. Your book rec is one I very much enjoyed too. Thinking of LBJ, you might enjoy a visit to the Hill Country of Texas and a tour of the Johnson Ranch. His legacy should be remembered with gratitude. Well worth your time. As a lifelong Texan, I revere Lyndon Johnson and it is important to remember how many great things he did for Texas and our country. Thank you for acknowledging him. He would not appreciate the state of politics in our state today. Thanks again for sharing your trip and loved your fashion choices. Enjoyed learning about Paul Smith and his unique stores.
Linda, I haven’t been to La Jolla or Del Mar for years.. I need more time there! Oh so glad you enjoyed the book also. I didn’t know you could visit the ranch! Thank you for telling me about that. Agree we owe so much to Johnson and I am so glad to be better informed about it..You Texans should be proud for sure. I think he would be sick knowing what is happening. I love Lady Bird too! Aw thanks and agree about Paul Smith! xo
What’s going on with Target? They were my major Amazon alternative.
Patricia mine too. So disappointing they said last week they will end their program of diversity, equity and inclusion, which was promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, (that includes veterans the disabled) and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities.
https://apnews.com/article/target-dei-supreme-court-diversity-7f068dfee61a68a9a1f82b94e135b323
Hi Kim, So glad you had a lovely trip to San Diego visiting your kids. We have stayed at the Hyatt you were and it is a great base for touring the wonderful sights and shopping. How fun to plan your 60th birthday in London and Paris. My favorite cities! You might consider splurging and staying a the Park Hyatt Paris-Vandome. It is fabulous! Please keep us posted about ways to stand up to the tyranny that is going on in our country right now. Thank you. Xo
Karen thank you. It was a great base! Oh will look up the Park Hyatt now! Many thanks…
Sigh I have a list and will share more on Saturday. Hang in there! xo
Kim, what an amazing amount of work you did providing us with this jam-packed blog…so many ideas for future travels…San Diego would be completely new to me. When you consider London for your special birthday trip ,perhaps look into The Montague on the Gardens, in Bloomsbury. It has been a place I have stayed at least four times, and mostly on my own. Very comfortable, welcoming and beautifully decorated in true English style. Russell Square is there to stroll through and enjoy a coffee, and The British Museum is literally around the corner. The theatre district is a short stroll away… and after walking so much recently with the younger ones , you’re ready! I am by passing London this time, when I fly to the UK in late September, and directly on to Paris. Noelani of ‘La Vie on Grand’ showed a beautiful place to stay in St Germain, so I have three nights and two days to explore this part of Paris , on the other side of Les Jardins de Luxembourg missed on previous visits. Lots of walking, especially to Notre Dame! Then my UK adventure begins in October…first visiting friends in Surrey , then on to York and touring the Yorkshire Dales, continuing to Edinburgh and finally west of Scotland on the Clyde to see my relatives once more. Turning 75 in July, I may not be visiting this way again… not so much my age, but more likely my budget !
Things are changing here in Canada economically , so belt tightening will be in order. 25% tariffs beginning on Tuesday will be a game changer… especially since the bizarre reason regarding Fentanyl imports is a complete myth. Only 1% of all coming into the US, and that’s according to US statistics…it’s unfortunate, obviously , but not killer amounts according to the White House . Let’s read and reflect on the MLK quote again! Sigh!
Cath, Thank you for these great recommendations. I am so glad to hear about your trip plan. It sounds wonderful! You have been to York I bet? It was one of my favorite places ever. I hope you have so much fun. I am going to check out Noelani’s Paris hotels. I love the area of the Montague! Will check that out. The whole tariff thing is a mess and a scam just for him to look powerful and to bully our allies. I apologize for all of it!! Is there any looking inward? Seeing how we can combat fentanyl? No it’s just blame someone else for all of it. No real true solutions…. and he’s on to the next person or ally he can act like a big man around.
The MLK quote was really timely. I love Canadians. Hugs to you.
Kim, Hotel de l’Abbaye Saint Germain is the one Noelani suggested. Looks so lovely.
As for York, all I have seen is beautiful Victorian York train station , when going or coming from Kings Cross to Edinburgh…so finally getting off the train this time!
We have a month’s reprieve from the tariff threat, apparently ! Yeh! But what’s happening up here in Canada – Strong and Free- is a lot of conversations…and everyone figuring out how and where they plan to spend their money. Travel plans are already changing, and Amazon purchasing may go way down. Speaking with the produce fellow where I shop locally was so interesting… lots of products in cold storage that need to be sold, giving the grocery companies time to find alternative sources. Shoppers are turning to available Mexican produce. Many Americans may soon notice how these threats are actually back firing and hitting their own pocket books, perhaps something the White House may not have accounted for. Trouble for Trump? I do hope so😅.
And what is so ironic is how our collective anger at these threats (and noise) is just making Canadians work harder together to find solutions…finally better inter provincial trucking transport, pivoting to find more export alternatives, and definitely a stronger sense of national pride. Early days, but right now, four years seems like a very long time indeed.
Enjoy your travel planning. Can seem rather all consuming … I have just been helping my cousin from South Africa through the maze of plans for her trip to the Rotary World Convention in Calgary , Alberta in late June, then her trip west on The Rocky Mountaineer train , with both of us staying in Vancouver and Whistler and then after a ferry trip , here at home on Vancouver Island as I show her my beautiful BC.
So excited for Little House reboot! Glad you had some distracting fun. My dream would be to live in a walkable community one day. Stay well!
Kim! I’m so envious of your San Diego getaway and can picture all the places you guys visited … but cold and rainy? In San Diego? What? We used to stay at that Hyatt for Navy bowl games. Great location for exploring that wonderful city. Love Kirsten’s attitude toward her steps … SD is ideal for walking. Happy to see you made it over to Coronado … my favorite place in the world. Well, Coronado or London. Both are amazing. Anyway, Kirsten lives in a great area and it’s nice that she and Jackson are making the most of their time there. If I were you I’d visit a lot. I wonder if that was the USS Carl Vincent coming home? When I was (much) younger I had dinner on that ship … but that’s a story for another day. And in private. Anyhoo, my parents met and married in San Diego and we lived on Coronado when I was very young. I’m not sure why I don’t live there now … I love it so much. London and Paris?! Now that’s exciting. We love the Lanesborough in London. But on our last trip we booked the Goring. Both wonderful locations. I need to know more about your plans!!!
Juliet, So bummed about the weather, but still loved the weekend. Was expecting sun which I could really use now. Now I can’t wait to hear that story. HOw cool you lived on Coronado. I did not know that and I do think it is SO pretty. It’s like th Carmel of SO Cal. I am going to check out the hotels. Thank you. x
I am heading to San Diego this week!
Are there any discount codes for Frank and Eileen?
Deb I hope it’s great. I hear the weather has improved. I did see they have some of the F&E things marked down at Nordstrom here, including a similar jacket to mine and other good things here: https://rstyle.me/+fq9cRK_-TofXo4OkpdNy9w
x KIm