On this post, new spots to visit on Hawaii’s Big Island, like the revamped Kona Village Rosewood, the Mauna Lani, and my own recommendations for vacation rentals in the Big Island.
Hello friends! Happy 2024. It’s the weekend post where the girls and I ( Juliet and Elizabeth), share what’s in our brains and on our radars.
I hope you had happy holidays. I am excited to be back and missed you all. Like everyone, I was on a bit on hamster wheel with the holidays and was so glad to have a chance to catch my breath and a break.
I can’t wait to take down the holiday things and start fresh this weekend. I put a big bowl of Meyer lemons from my three year old tree that has been going bonkers. I think I’ll make some lemon chicken and pasta this week.
We just took a short six day break with the guys in the Big Island of Hawaii. Renting a place in The Big Island of Hawaii for a few days has been what we’ve done after Christmas for a while, as it is the only time my boys are all off school and work at the same time.
We usually rent along the Kona coast and this year found a place that shares the Mauna Lani Beach Club which is a great beach with a spot for lunch and a cove for great snorkeling and swimming.
I tried my best to spend the time immersing myself in books, away from social media and the phone and the news. We played games, watched some movies, took walks and laid in the sun. I enjoyed a lot of salads, fish and fruit.
The best part of all on this trip? The unplugging from the internet and the world. I think we all need more of that in 2024.
Checking out the new Kona Village Resort
As we were in the Kohala area we had the chance to check out the newly remodeled Kona Village Resort that had recently reopened after being wiped away in a hurricane ten years ago. After January 3rd, the resort was open to the public, so we decided to have a dinner there and bop around the newly rebuilt property.
Many families were longtime regulars at KVR as they call it, and even went the same time every year, meeting up with the same regulars. Meals used to be all included and everyone had a sort of hut on the water with no A/C or television. I always wanted to go. It seemed very authentic Hawaiian.
Today it’s a Rosewood property, and while it still has that shipwreck island vibe, it exudes the ‘quiet luxury’ that is meant to attract the one percenters. I wonder what those original families think of the revamp?
Clearly some things are a nice addition like air-conditioning and your own bike to get around. All the paths of the resort are made of crushed coral, so do not bring your nice sandals like I did. You’ll want soft flip-flops, or slides. All the lighting is by torches or soft candle sort of light. It’s quite lovely.
The resort is spread out along an expansive beachfront and we saw few people except at the restaurants and at the adorable Shipwreck Bar made out of a sunken boat found off the bay here. I recommend visiting for the Shipwreck Bar and having a Banana Colada, their specialty.
There are two restaurants, two oceanfront bars, and a little coffee and snack spot. We had dinner at the casual Kahuwai Cookhouse restaurant. The food was good, but made to be shared…. Not the best thing with guys in their 20’s. We had about seven ‘small plates’ including a Cornish hen, grilled salad, Brussels sprouts, and pork fritters and fried rice with spam. The desserts were amazing and I had the best rosé I have ever tasted from Austria. The crusty loaves of purple bread made with ube root served with infused olive oil and Kona sea salt was our favorite thing. We enjoyed sitting in the sand and seeing the sunset.
The Auberge Mauna Lani
On another day, we stopped by the newly remodeled Auberge Mauna Lani. This hotel was reimagined in 2020, but due to the pandemic had a slower rollout to the public. We walked over and had lunch there at the beach shack and it was delicious.
There is a marketplace where you can order pizzas, baked goods, a deli, and an excellent coffee bar. This resort feels very family centered. We used to take our kids here when it was the old resort and it still has that homey feel, albeit more upscale and pricey. It’s also quite gorgeous! I was glad to see so many young families enjoying it.
Finding Holiday Rentals in the Big Island
I’ve had more than a few folks reach out and ask about how we found out holiday rental at that busy time of year. Let me share where I look…
We knew about 6 months before we wanted to do the Big Island on the Kona side as we love the beaches and the less crowded feel of the island. We have been to both Maui and Kauai and like them too, but they are even more busy at the holidays. The Big Island is more spread out, and though it’s a busy time, not nearly the same feeling.
We usually look online. We like to find a place that has a dedicated beach to use, and sometimes they are even connected to resorts. This year we stayed at The Villages at Mauna Lani and rented a large duplex with three bedrooms. It has a beach to use called the Mauna Lani Beach Club that has a lunch spot, great snorkeling and a beach with chairs and some with shade and parking. You can also walk over to the Mauna Lani Auberge when it is not high season ( after Jan 3), and use all the restaurants.
Also always available and in this small area is The Fairmont Orchid with three restaurants, and the shops at Mauna Lani with a great grocery, and a Tommy Bahama restaurant, a pizza spot, juice place and a coffee spot. There are a few condo complex’s that share all these. Another that we have rented is called the Mauna Lani Terraces which is closer and walking distance to it all. This time we had a short five minute drive or a 15 minute walk.
As we couldn’t find anything 6 months ago, we just kept checking on the internet for things to open up as people cancel. About 3 month ago we found our spot on this website..
https://www.vacationbigisland.com
Our rental was here:
https://www.vacationbigisland.com/property/mauna-nani-mlv-335
You can find more on the Mauna Lani Terraces on this website..
https://www.southkohala.com/mauna-lani-terrace
Also try VRBO and Airbnb and using Mauna Lani to search.
We have also rented in the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach area, another favorite. Those houses and condos share the two resorts Mauna Kea and Hapuna Prince, which are the same company nearby and you can buy an affordable family day pass to use both beaches and all the resort amenities for the two hotels. Those beaches are also excellent, as are the hotels. Those are a little north of this area about 15 minutes.
https://www.southkohala.com/mauna-kea-resort
There are also more pricey homes to rent near Four Seasons Hualailai and those are found usually through the resort. They use the resort facilities and beach, for quite a big daily fee, but often come with a golf cart and more. ( This is also in the same exit and area as the new Rosewood Kona Villages, so you can use their restaurants and bars easily if it’s not a high season.)
https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/big-island/kona-coast/kaupulehu/hualalai-resort
We really just read a lot of reviews and look at photos to find our spots..Just remember this is the sunny side and Hilo is the wetter and more residential side.
Hopefully that is helpful! Please reach out with more questions as I have rented there so many years and I am happy to help guide anyone to a good area and with more tips!
Plan a monthly or quarterly reset..
I felt lucky to be able to get the chance to reset before the new year began, but I started thinking why do we only do this for ourselves once a year? Why not do this quarterly, or heck even once a month? It’s a good way to get back on track, and checking out of social media and unplugging is good for our mental health.
One of my resolutions for 2024, is to mark a week off the calendar once a month to take a break from the phone, the internet, tv and spend more time with books, in the garden, with nature and on walks. Sort of breather to recalibrate and focus on my fitness, health, good cooking, eating right and enriching reading. All of this feeds our souls and is a nice example for our loved ones too.
A plug for starting tennis ( or maybe pickle ball)
I am not a super sporty person, but I play tennis a few times a week and also on a USTA team. I started playing tennis as an 8 year old. We had just had a tennis and swim club built a few blocks from our tract of homes. While we couldn’t afford to belong, I could take a weekly lesson and ride my bike across the orchards that surrounded our neighborhood to the club. Thus began a lifelong love of tennis and a sport I could actually play and enjoy.
I played at the public courts occasionally with my sporty parents and in P.E. and later in high school. I really didn’t play again until I was in my 40’s when a neighbor asked me to join a tennis clinic one day a week. At that point I think I hadn’t played tennis for almost 20 years! I started taking a weekly lesson and met so many nice women.
If you are considering tennis and never have, start with a weekly clinic at your local park or tennis club. They are surprisingly affordable and when you are there, you will run, twist, hit, laugh and make new friends who are also just starting!
It’s always surprising to me how very much I check out when playing. I forget about everything else and it’s good for the brain. I know it’s also strengthens my back, my legs, builds muscles and flexibility. Just the few weeks tennis was rained out and cancelled during the holidays, my back and flexibility, not to mention my sleep suffered.
According to the USTA, tennis reduces stress and anxiety, leads to increased self-esteem, helps with cognitive function, social interaction, better sleep, reduces depression, increases your resilience, improves mood, brain function, and mindfulness.
Studies of life expectancy show tennis and the racket sports like badminton ( probably pickle ball too) add the most years to a life, 9.7 to be exact. The social interactions of tennis are also thought to be part of it as, being with others lowers the stress level!
I’m curious how many of you have tried pickle ball? I just did for the first time with tennis pals and had fun.
So get out there and try some tennis or pickleball! Next week, Cindy and I are sharing workout and athletic clothes for the new year’s Signature Style and I’ll have some for racquet sports too.
Great wool rugs at a good price.
Are you floors feeling cold? One thing I did is add some soft wool rugs in December when the floors were the coldest. I found these well-made nubby rugs on Amazon and I have a 2.3 x 8 runner in the hallway and a 4 x 6 size in my main bathroom. They feel great underfoot, almost like a foot massage as they are bumpy. I love the look, and that they are 100% wool, made by Safavieh and came in a few days. The quality is excellent for the price. They come in other colors too. If you need a rug pad, they have options here. I used one of those you can cut to size .
On My Radar – Resort Pieces
Are you going to the islands this year? These are some cute things I spotted while on my holiday…They will be great for spring and summer and are at good prices now too!
I loved these UPF 50 rash guard shirts by Roxy and bought this one which is longer in the back and not tight. I bought a medium and wore so much over my suits last week.
These Sedona Hats by Wyeth are so good for travel. They are soft and can be packed. I bought mine I am wearing in pic a while back, but they still have two colors.
So many women had on the bucket bag style hat and this one from J. Crew in raffia is a cute option for that trend and on sale. I am getting one!
I also spied the cutest gal wearing a beach sweater over her swimsuit and I think this is it. It’s a bit longer than shown and really darling! You could put this over a slip dress as well or with a tank and shorts.
I never leave Hawaii without a trip to my favorite place SOHA Living. They have the coolest island themed decor and souvenirs. They design darling pillow covers and bags and now have their own pretty cocktail napkins and I brought home a variety of them for gifts.
I will add a few more this weekend, but ran out of time doing this on the flight home!
The Lost Kitchen
I read two books during the trip and one was Finding Freedom by the Lost Kitchen’s Erin French. I may be late to this party, but I really was pulled into the story of her life, her struggles in an abusive marriage, pill addiction, and humble and rough upbringing in rural Maine.
You may have watched the show on Magnolia, which I haven’t yet, but I found her writing is so descriptive and transporting. It reminded me the best kind of food, isn’t something from a Michelin Starred restaurant, but rather the meals made with love the best ingredients you can find..The setting and the atmosphere are all part of what makes the magic. Finding Freedom here and her latest cookbook.
On the other end of the spectrum, I read Anderson Cooper’s latest book, Astor. I was compelled as I enjoyed his Vanderbilt book so much. I appreciate his perspective as a kid who grew up in one of these families and it’s not a pretty portrait of either one, but well written and eye opening about this nation and how the wealthiest came to be.
I’ll be back Tuesday with the first Signature Style of the year with Cindy. We will be talking athletic and leisure wear so subscribe below if you don’t want to miss those monthly posts.
Happy Weekend!
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Hi Kim! I enjoy everything your write about and share on your blog and on instagram. Travel, fashion, home, garden and California living. I appreciate your warm, gentle, positive and creative approach to living.
Ginger you are so kind! Thanks so much and Happy New Year!
I love everything you write about! Home decor, travel, clothes, accessories, books , recipes! You cover it all, lots of variety! Keep it coming!!! I also like how you are thoughtful and kind and civic minded. You mix in some good thoughts on the state of our world and what we can fo to help things!!!
Thanks so much Chris for that! I will be sharing more ideas this year too about how we can help during the election year..
xo
I’ve enjoyed ur travel wardrobes & how to pack minimally. I especially enjoyed your review of shoes for travel. So many of us need more flat shoe wear options to accommodate orthotic inserts or bunions, etc for long (fun!) days of walking.
Without that…. the shoe suggestions other influencers offer don’t work, which often means the whole outfit doesn’t really work! Your posts also are easily adapted for high waisted people (tuck in) or short waisted people (tuck out). Thank you for keeping these two things in mind!
Hi Mary! Thank you so understand. I am always looking for better shoes that feel as good as they look too.. Yes for sure you need the shoes to make an outfit.
I am a short-waisted person, so get that whole issue! I will remember both.
Happy New Year!
Good Saturday Morning Kim,
Welcome back, you have been missed. I totally embrace the new direction you are taking in 2024. Looking after yourself through self care is key to a better balanced life. It’s so easy to give yourself away to everyone around you except to yourself.
I enjoy your blog so much, just keep on what you do. You are gifted and bring so much warmth, care and time and thought into everything you
share. Love anything about your travels in your community, in the heart of SF and Marin County home town. Brings back such good memories of my past.
Love your book recommendations. I’m a big fan of Anderson Cooper . I heard about his new book Astor, he did not have an easy life, done of us did.
🌹😘🌹
Hi Katherine! Aw thank you so much! I really appreciate your notes and missed you guys.
I will keep on sharing about our beautiful Bay Area. I’m glad you enjoy that too.
I just adore Anderson too. He’s is one choose to change the world in a better way, and agree his life wasn’t easy.
Happy New Year! xo
Hi, Kim —
It’s so great to find your blog again this morning! I agree with what Ginger said above. Love your content regarding home, books, fashion, gardening, etc., and your style of writing. Keep up the great work!
My concern about frequent “unplugging” is that this is such an important year politically. My husband and I were lying in bed recently, staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night, trying to figure out what we can do starting NOW to make a difference while perhaps we still can. We are still working on that. I know you are also a person who feels that call to action.
Best wishes to you for the new year!
Julia, Thank you for this, and yes I almost added that at the end last night!
This being an election year is going to be a tough one. There will be a lot of toxic stuff out there, but we are all need to have to be super aware of what is out there- what is real news and not!
I am hugely worried about our democracy. It’s going to take all of us getting involved and and get everyone we know to vote.
Wishing you a good year 2024 too and let’s hope things go well. Thank you for this reminder not to be too unplugged.
Happy Saturday Kim!
I so enjoy all your posts around fashion, travel and home decor. My husband and I just started playing Pickle Ball and are enjoying it! We took a lesson while staying at the La Quinta resort over New Years and learned the rules and how to keep score. We are fortunate that we have a park near by with 10 pickle ball quarts we can use for free. Looking forward to more of your posts in 2024!
Jackie
Hi Jackie! Thank you.I have heard so many couples are playing and really enjoying the time together in the evening doing this. You guys are lucky to have a nearby park! That’s fantastic.
Happy New Year!
Hi Kim- I enjoy the variety in your blog but especially enjoy your travel and home decor posts. Oh, and your California posts! Someone mentioned your blog is “warm and gentle”. I do really enjoy the tone of your blog. Maybe that’s what a lot of us are looking for is a soothing comfortable place to settle in for a few minutes. This year especially I will be looking for safe spaces to get away from the election nastiness and histrionics. Thank you for all you do.
Hi Kathy, I need to get more California posts going! That is such a nice thing to say…You made my day.
You are right, we need more safe spaces this year. We have to take care and not getting sucked into a lot of the toxic stuff.
Hope this can be a good place!
Thanks so much and Happy 2024
Kim,
I enjoy all aspects of your blog. We have a lot in common and similar interests.
I played tennis most of my life and even coached the varsity team at the high school I taught at. I tore my Achilles five years ago and now play Pickelball which is competitive and hard hitting. Love it! We traveled the U.S. for three months late this year and picked up Pickelball games all over the country. Those of you new to court sports please take lessons. Play with others near your level or you can get injured.
I suggest the book, Lessons in Chemistry. We just had a great discussion in my book group. My book choice for book group this year is Finding Freedom. Both books relate somewhat.
I need a new kitchen rug to go on a tile floor. Does the runner you suggested have a substantial non skid backing?
Thank you for your well rounded blog.
Hi Nancy ( or is it Greer?) Thank you for that! I’m so glad. Wow wonderful you transitioned to Picklball after the tear! I have done that too. I also have heard from friends traveling that they play pickle ball while on vacation! That is awesome. Good advice about the lessons!
Lessons in Chemistry is on my book list ! Thank you. Finding Freedom is wonderful.
The rug is not a no-skid, but I did cut a rug pad from one of those you can buy and cut to size and it works!
Happy New Year and thanks for your note!
You mentioned a new flower shop in LG but I can’t seem to find it. Where is it again? Thanks
Hi Chris, The flower shop where I bought my wreath is called Bunches. It’s wonderful. There is also a new flower studio that helps you make bouquets and also has some to go called Centerpiece. Wonderful ladies running it.
I hope that helps!
Happy New Year! I am headed to that part of the Big Island on Monday and can’t wait to plug into sun, sand, flowers, ocean swimming and the aloha spirit! I have been to the old Kona Village many times and have such fond memories. The reviews are mostly good from the old timers but I’m not sure about revisiting. Maybe for a drink at the Shipwreck bar. I sure could not afford to stay there these days.
As for your blog, I always look forward to it. Although I am a lot older than you, I share your interests in travel, design, fashion, cooking and interiors plus a dash of much needed social awareness and activism. Keep on doing you! You do it well and and are much appreciated.
Penelope, Have so much fun. I know you are a Big Island fan too! Best place in the world to unplug and smell those flowers, the music and the chill feeling! I love it.
Try and go to the Shipwreck Bar for a drink and a snack. That is what I would do if I go again. We cannot afford to stay there either.
Aw so appreciate the kind words. Happy New Year! xo
Hi Kim, My feedback is to say keep doing what you’re doing. I really enjoy sitting down to read you Saturday mornings with a cup of coffee. You cover such a wide variety of topics and I have appreciated that you’ve been willing to go out on a limb to bring up some touchy things. Keep having the will to do that please! Being another CA native, I enjoy your reporting about your local finds. Since I also owned a second home on Kona, enjoyed your visit there. We were there in Dec. and just missed the opening to the public of Kona Village but my BF had stayed there back in the day. During my visit to my son’s family, we went to a tennis court to play with the 9 y.o. I haven’t played in decades and I realized how weak my wrists are so there’s another part of the body that gets stronger. I’m off this week on a truly huge adventure and part of why I booked it is to shut out the world for 4 months. I don’t want to be in complete denial but sometimes I just want to yell “stop the world, I want to get off!” I hope you can find the down-time you need. Here’s to a more peaceful world in 2024 (a very big goal, indeed).
Hi Wren! Thank you and thanks for all your notes this year. Aw glad to hear I am with the morning coffee! My favorite time of day too.
I know thanks abut the politics. Some people don’t want any of it on a blog, but it’s been a scary few years and I feel like I should use my platform to help, especially with the gun issues. I wish more of us would speak out on scary stuff happening to our rights.
I know you are a Kona gal… and a California native too. Yay for trying to get out there and do tennis!
I agree let’s hope things get more peaceful in the world and boring… If only.
Happy New Year!
xoxo
Hi! Love your blog.. a nice mix of topics. Next year is going to be tough with the election. I am at a house on the Muana Kea now with my adult children .. I love seeing where you go on the big island! Now , as you suggest , I am unplugging!
Elizabeth thank you ! I know we need to brace for this election and be smart.. and help everyone er know get registered to vote.
Wow enjoy Mauna Kea! It’s my favorite spot. Happy New Year!
Kim,
I so enjoy your blog and your posts on travel, home design, fashion etc. I particularly enjoy your point of view on politics, current events and family. Loved the posts on the various stairways in San Francisco. Looking forward to seeing your completed bedroom. Must admit that I am dreading all the presidential election drama yet I know how important it is. Frankly, I would love to see a young, vibrant, charismatic leader emerge but I doubt that will happen. I like your goal of unplugging more often.
Wishing you a peaceful and productive New Year!
Hi Catherine! I really appreciate that… Still chipping away on the bedroom. Hopefully soon!
I agree the presidential election scares me. I wish we could have new people and younger people.
Happy New Year to you too!
Hi Kim,
Happy New Year to you and yours!! We spent our first Christmas with both married children and their spouses which was gorgeous, in Alaska, which was very beautiful but nature dictated the day’s events and was quite an eye opener. I am not sure I could live there. Only three hours of daylight in the winter and often you would wake up and it was still dark outside, so very challenging and so very very cold. Love Hawaii and so pleased you all got away! I think that is next for us !
I love your blog so please don’t change anything.
Talking about world events I used to watch the news religiously every day (European channels for me like BBC World News, France 24) but I had to stop with the Gaza invasion and I don’t miss it. I think my mental health is so much better. And like wise the political storm that is coming. It is so very worrying.
I just read a beautiful book called “House of Doors” by Tan Twan Eng so good. And thanks for the heads up about Anderson Cooper that is next on my list.
Happy weekend:)
Hi Francesca, Happy New Year! That sounds really different and fun being in Alaska. I forgot about the few hours of light. Three hours! Wow that is challenging. My brother lived in Norway for a while with his family and I think they had even less light. He couldn’t do it. I hope you get to Hawaii!
So interesting you stopped with the news. I also watched PBS Newshour and ABC, but about two months ago, I just couldn’t barely do it with the Gaza photos daily of the families and moms. It was hard and I think unplugging from that is actually better for us… I still want to know what’s happening in the world and follow my news reader and the local paper, but not daily. I too worry about this election year and all the false news, the conspiracies and trolls out there who will try and mess with our elections. Who knew we would ever have to worry about all that? UGH.
Thank you for House of Doors! Looking for it now. I am just a few chapters into Andersons’s book. SO far very engrossing and eye opening.
Have a good week! xo
Happy New Year, Kim! Glad you got some good, quality time in Hawaii with your family. As far as your blog, I echo Ginger’s comments and the comments of others to stay the course and keep doing what you’re doing in all things fashion, home, garden, travel, and CA living. Thank you for all the work you do to enrich your readers lives.
Cheers to a 2024 filled with peace and contentment!
Thanks so much Julie! You are sweet. Let’s hope for a better and more peaceful 2024. xo
Welcome back my friend, I’ve missed you!
I took a well needed break at your suggestion and while I would like to say I am feeling refreshed but I am not yet. Maybe I need a month off?
I concur about the break from the internet, phone, social. I have decided to unplug this year as well…too much time spent on that and I have missed out on the things I love, like reading and family and just doing nothing without scrolling.
Your family trip looks wonderful! How nice to be with your boys and catch up for 6 days together. Making memories and spending time together is the best Christmas present of all.
I love your new rugs! They are a must down here in the winter when the temps drop and the floors get very cold. Our pups hate cold feet.
I played tennis when I was young and I will admit I was terrible. Maybe I will have more patience in my old age.
Have a wonderful time Kim, so nice to have you back.
Happy New Year! xo Elizabeth
H Elizabeth. I missed you both too. I think we all need more time off and a month is a good idea! We would still all be here.
I agree I think I pick up the phone before bed and that is it, my book does not get read, so I am trying never to look at it in the evening anymore and have read so much more.
Heck the rugs have been so good, My floors have been extra cold this year. My cat feels the same! I have a heated pad for her bed! If your dogs are older they may like that.
I was never good at tennis, but love it..
Happy New Year! xx
Hi Kim – an annual trip to Hawaii sounds so nice! It is so important to unplug from technology. I remember my parents did a vacation for their anniversary in 1980 to Kona Village Resort. My mom loved it there, but my dad had a tough time without a television to watch sports! It looked quite rustic in a luxurious way from their photos. It was nice for my middle-class parents to have that time together. Your definition of it now makes me wonder if it is no longer an affordable destination for a couple like them. It’s been years since we had a vacation away that didn’t have the main goal of visiting family members.
Tennis is a great sport. I haven’t played in many years and don’t know if I could physically do it anymore. Pickleball sounds interesting, so many that’s a starting place.
So glad you are back from the holidays. I missed your posts.
Hi Janet! Wow that is neat your parents were original guests at Kona Village Resort! My dad wouldn’t last a day without the TV ! I don’t think this place is affordable for middle class people anymore, and that I think it sort of sad. It was a unique escape and now it seems mostly for those who have a lot of money.
Start with Pickleball! I know so many women who aren’t sporty who just recently picked it up and since you once played tennis you will probably do even better than average!
Thanks so much and happy 2024! xo
Kim,
Yes, I spent increasingly less time online last year and started insisting on face time or phone calls with more people over checking in on social media or via text. I also wanted to just get back to living more intuitively and I think that’s harder with the noise always in the background. I think it helped my mood quite a bit and I want to do even better in 2024. I will still always check in here though! 🤗😂 So, with that said- I do love a sweater with swimsuit look and an open knit would definitely make it feel more “swim”, so I liked your suggestion and got a Full Tilt version in a mauve! Have a good year!
Best,
Nicole
Hi Nicole! I love that you did more FaceTime and calls. I have a friend who is also doing that and a call to catch up is such a rare thing. You feel much more connected to people. Living intuitively.. with less noise. Lovely new year idea!
Your swim sweater sounds cute too! Happy New Year! Thank you for checking in! I always appreciate your notes. xo
Happy New Year, Kim!
Welcome back! A true “reset” always helps the creative juices to flow more freely; good for you.
I too, just finished “Finding Freedom….” I enjoyed her writing prose as well as her aesthetic in regard’s to dinning & food. It’s all about the quality and freshness of ingredients.
Happy New Year Deborah! I agree resets are so good for the soul. Isn’t this a great book? Agree Erin’s food and style is so appealing! Yes good food not fancy is what she’s all about right? I love that!
Hi Kim, Happy New Year! Like pretty much everyone else I love all your content, but my favourites would have to be style – you always look chic and put together – and home decor. Oh, and also travel! I was very interested in what you had to say about holiday rentals in Hawaii; my husband and I got a small taste of Hawaii during an Alaska-Hawaii repositioning cruise and would love to go back properly. However, we have many ideas for travel (this year Athens to Rome on a cruise, then 5 days in Puglia, and we also would love to go back to Asia, and maybe also visit Scandinavia) that we have no idea when that will be! Anyway, I’m glad you got the change to step back from the whirlwind and just relax.
Aw thanks Patricia! I love the style and fashion things too. I shared some of the rental sources I use when looking on The Big Island, but let me know if you need more help! I am happy to share the good areas and spots if you go back. Athens and Rome sound amazing too! Puglia is on my wish list.
Enjoy your travels. So love to hear more of where you end up!
xo
Happy New Year, Kim! A quarterly reset and week a month unplugged sound like great ideas to me. I always enjoy your travel posts. More than anyone I know you make the most of your adventures by immersing yourself in local culture and I always learn something. And always want to book a trip. We haven’t been to Hawaii for quite some time and it would be lovely to go back soon. Thanks for sharing how you go back into tennis. I know how you love it. I used to enjoy playing too but have been co fused as to how to get back involved without a friend wanting to do the same. You’ve pointed me in the right direction. Of course I’d have to get over my introverted nature to make I happen. We’ll see! You really hit it out of the park today, your first back weekend of the New Year. So much great stuff I’m going to go back to the top and read again. And please keep doing more of the same in 2024. xo