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Anthroplogie

This Last Week of Summer & Other Chat

August 11, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

Happy Monday friends. Just checking in with you all… How’s your summer? Still savoring?

Well, we have officially a week left if you go by the school calendar! That’s not much. What the heck happened to starting after Labor Day?

We did a little day trip to Carmel yesterday. My boys spent some time building sand sculptures.

I spent some time holding the blanket down, and reading. Twas so nice.

We had lunch at my favorite restaurant, Casanova.

I highly recommend a stop there for the Soup de Jour and homemade bread and butter. It’s especially cozy and warming after a foggy beach walk.

Yesterday cream of artichoke with spinach was the soup. That with fresh olive bread was AAAMAZING!!

Did I ever mention they make the soup in small batches and bring a copper pot out and ladle it into your bowl??? Where else do you get that? I know I’ve gushed about this place before.

Loads of charm at Casanova.

Don’t be intimidated by it’s small size from the front. It’s a veritable maze of quaint rooms and patios behind the front cottage. It’s easy to pop in for lunch. Dinner may need a reservation.

We also have been trying to enjoy as many dinners at home alfresco.

Eating outside always feels like a special night.

 The boys love it too and stay a little longer at the table which we like. We just discovered a new favorite wine, Cuvee Los Gatos, from our hometown winery, Testarossa. The 2011 Chardonnay is wonderful and try it if you can. It can be bought at the winery, but our local Lunardi’s store has it currently. It’s around $24. We are so spoiled by good wines that we rarely pay that much, but this is worth it.

The tomatoes have liked the unusually hot summer we have been having.

I can’t say the same!! I miss our 80s and high 70s with cool nights.

We did get some summer rain which was so nice and unusual.
I’m really hoping for some real weather this fall and winter.  We barely had any last year.
On the bright side we swam so much this summer. Not a day went by that my kids didn’t use the pool.
They will kill me for using this, but I am anyway. 😀
My oldest Jackson is going to be a junior next week. Unbelievable. Hard to comprehend.
Seems like just the other day I put this photo in a frame from a trip to Pt Reyes.

Looking at the sizes of them I guess it was a few years ago actually.
How is it they grow so much in that 12-15 year old span? Your not noticing it and then you see a photo, and your baby has become Lurch!
Argh!!

On a lighter note, still trying to keep the Hawaii vibe from vacation alive in the home.

Hawaii has a lot of these vintage postcards. I tuck them in mirrors and on pinboards.

I’m going to try to have my guide to my Big Island favorites out this Thursday. I don’t know what happened to my blogging time this summer, but it’s been weekly at best and once school starts I’ll have more time for more posts.

Keeping it real though, a lot just didn’t happen this summer.

You know all those plans to clean out closets, pantries, and garages? It never got done and it sure isn’t this last week.  I have however threatened my 12 year old hoarder with no new school supplies until he purges his room and desk!!

The pets and the man cave..aka le garage, have gotten some quality time though. Don’t look at this disaster with workbench projects, (we are building a robot apparently), gaming devices and everything else.

I just close my eyes when I walk through!

 When I get aggravated at the slacktitude, (my husband’s word), I try to remind myself they’ll be cranking out school work soon enough. (I hope!)

Yes, back to school, it’s not all BAD! I’ll have a bit more time for myself. I’m looking forward to fall and fall clothes. I can’t wait to clean out the closet and look at what I can do with the old wardrobe.

Just popped into Anthropologie in our town and fell in love with this…

This Bloomfield Tee is so easy and I love the front pockets and colors.

Florals are still having their moment and apparently pastels are going to be happening for fall and winter as well. We are talking Easter colors, according to Vogue and others!! Should be interesting…

So maybe this could be a cute transitional piece?

One more fashion note, I did buy a tote already for fall. It’s easy for running around. I love having a bag to throw my shopping in as I go about the day. It’s light and perfect for travel too. I don’t know why, but light totes are my new favorite and I just don’t see the appeal in the heavy and structured bags anymore. It’s either these or a wristlet. Okay sometimes a clutch. I’m enjoying streamlining right now.

What do you think of totes?

I love the brown and black combo and the polka dot lining. It’s called the Kerrington Shopper and it’s from Tory Buch Fall 2014 line. I was in the store the other day there are too many cute things to count. Love the whole fall clothing line and it coordinates with these bags.  
I want to buy the small coin wallet in polka dot to match when I can.

I’m wearing the tote with my white outfit for Adrienne of The Rich Life’s How I Wear My White post.  Some chic styling ideas for wearing white. She’s also got a fun series started with videos of makeup tips with a very talented makeup artist, Veronica. Something to check out if you want to freshen up your look and get a new visage for fall.

I’m done meandering here and if you are still with me I’ll be back later this week to share my fun visit to California designer Trina Turk’s digs in Burlingame and the fabulous things she has for fall wardrobe and also for the home.

Happy week!

Kim

Filed Under: Anthroplogie, Carmel, Casanova, family, Northern California, Summer decorating, Summer time, Tory Burch

Fun Spring Things

April 3, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

A fast post today friends! I just wanted to share a little news and some fun finds with you!

 Have you an Anthropologie? I love popping in our town one for inspiration.

The kitchen section is my favorite.

I get excited for all kinds of Spring parties when I see glasses like these.

This cookbook looks fabulous! Just transport me there, now!!

Look at these lovelies. So many gorgeous things blooming on my morning walks.

Many of you are getting ready for Spring Break or are already enjoying one. Ours is next week and I think a couple of us are already checked out if you know what I mean.

Boys can be like that, this time of year. Everything tends to fall away… I get that myself. Probably hereditary. I’ve got to keep reeling these guys back in until we hit June. It ain’t easy and frankly being the mother of boys is a daily struggle as well as a joy. I just keep telling myself to keep fighting the good fight (because that is what it is many days.)

That is why I am excited to also share a little fun news. I am going to be able to get away for my own Spring Break in Napa with some blogger pals for 2 nights in a couple weeks!! It hardly seems true. We are being hosted by the beautiful Andaz Napa and also Napa Valley Tours & Transportation. I’ll get to hang out with fun friends and have my very own lovely room.  (The room to myself part is almost enough! ) I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now.

I am excited to share with you all the beauty of the wine country and the special places we will go.
Joining me will be Adrienne of The Rich Life on a Budget, and Heather of StyleMindChic, my two pals from my San Francisco Getaway to the Hotel Monaco. This time joining us on this adventure, will be more lovely California gals, the jewelry designer and blogger Tamera Beardsley, and the chic Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life. It will be nice to meet them both in person. I feel like I know them already from their wonderful blogs.

I’ve been doing a ton of (over)thinking about what to bring! These kind of things don’t happen all the time, so I want to make sure I pack the right pieces. Can’t wait to share when I get it all sorted out. I’m doing that in tandem with my Spring wardrobe and closet sorting out.

As I mentioned in my florals post, one thing missing from the my closet was a decent skirt. I really wanted one to wear for the How I Wear My …Skirt Edition on Jill of Everything Just So and Adrienne of The Rich Life blogs today! It was inspiring to see many pretty versions of how to wear a skirt and all the creative participants. Pop over to their blogs to see it.

Grainy photo, but was raining cats and dogs outside and I had to send a pic in.

 What I found was this pencil skirt at my local J Crew . It’s on sale plus additional 30%! It was a surprise when I checked out, as it just got marked it down Monday, so move fast if you want one. ( I was really there shopping for the hub’s birthday, but it caught my eye.)  If you want to add a pretty skirt I also found this Ann Taylor one for Spring date nights in my search and this gorgeous skirt, which a bit more of a splurge.  Skirts make it so easy to look polished and I like that you can dress one up or make it easy for day with a sweater or a T and flats.  I added this lightweight blue merino sweater I’m wearing also on sale, and it made for a look that is more California casual me!

While we are on the subject of Spring and freshening up, I loved this month’s Allure.

I’m not a huge magazine girl anymore and frankly, half go unread as I seem to have less time, and also less interest in them. However, Allure still is one of my favorites. Linda Wells, the editor does a great job of making that publication smart with really relevant articles on health, latest science and beauty breakthroughs, and fashion spreads that often center around travel.

This month I actually sat down and read it for what was going to be a few minutes, but ended up being cover to cover. It’s the best issue in a long while and had a ton of articles on aging well and keeping your look fresh as well as being healthy.

Super that they had many older models in this issue. This particular article was addressing greying hair and how to color it and cut as you age. Great stuff.

Amber Valetta was in this article about how she stays fit.

Also a terrific piece on the 25 best new anti-aging beauty products and most can be found at the local CVS. I plan on trying a few and will report back!
Lauren Conrad was also featured. Loved her honesty and especially her advice on how to look more like a California girl. Was very true…

This was a great issue that I plan on saving. So if you’ve got some downtime, find a chair and curl up for a bit with this. OR maybe you are on a holiday and can find a lounge chair, a floppy hat, and an ice tea. That’s my preferred method of magazine reading!

Back soon with our weekend excursion to Mt Tamalpais and the charming Mill Valley.

xKim

Filed Under: Allure April 2014, Anthroplogie, beauty, Spring skirts

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A quick chat about summer sandals and accessories. A quick chat about summer sandals and accessories. Yesterday I was at @toryburch and picked up a few pieces I’ve had my eye on for my summer capsule. All of them will be great for travel too. Tory does accessories so well and there were too many cute things. 😍

Since Cindy and I just did our Signature Style sandal posts, this clip has some tips for what to think about when choosing a sandal to your summertime closet mix.

If you haven’t checked out our posts, the link to my ‘Summer Sandal Edit’ is in my bio. And on Saturday’s weekend blog, I’ll share these pieces and some similar ones in different price points. 

#sandalseason #summeraccessories #toryburch #summersandaledit #sportsandals
On this month’s Signature Style, Cindy and I are On this month’s Signature Style, Cindy and I are talking all about sandals as it’s June… I know it doesn’t feel like it though!

I am sharing my summer sandal edit and I picked some of the best in strappy black sandals, which look so chic with white jeans or simple sundresses. I also found, some very comfortable and cute, modern slip ons as well as the new offerings in linen and other cool materials from Birkenstock. Of course, I couldn’t leave out espadrilles which are always a favorite and have that French holiday feel. 

Hop on over to our blogs and see what we’ve got for you. It’s a great time to add at anew sandal to your summer capsule and give everything an updated feel. 
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#summersandaledit #sandalseason #summerstyle #signaturestyle #madewell #birkenstock #californiastyle
A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Car A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Carmel Valley. We try and get here at least twice a year for a little weekend retreat. 

It’s in the perfect location as you can enjoy all the charms of Carmel -and soak up the sunshine while you’re at the resort just up the road from the coast. The rooms, pools, gorgeous gardens, and mountain views are soothing. It’s my happy place and if you are near Carmel, I can’t recommend it enough. 

#carmelvalley #carmel #carmeltravel #centralcoast #bernarduslodge #northerncalifornia #northerncalstyle
On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer gr On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer green salad. It’s the traditional with a few twists to make it have more flavor and crunch. A nice option for a Memorial Day barbecue if you’re having one today.. Link with details in bio.
@northerncalstyle 

We had houseguests and now a free day, but the weather has been dark and cool for this summer kick off.. 😕 Hoping you all get some time to enjoy this extra day off. 

I am thinking today of all those who gave their lives for our nation and democracy. ❤️ Their families are especially on my mind. 

#summersalad #californiatable
On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I b On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I brought some of these beautiful pieces with me on our weekend away in Carmel and loved how well they all work together!
More deets on the blog plus where we stayed and some pretty snaps of Carmel in bloom.

Don’t forget to visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet too.

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a beautiful weekend .
This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monter This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monterey Bay as everything is blooming and the magic carpet in Pacific Grove is at its peak beauty! 

The beautiful flowers in the charming towns and the on cottages make it such a treat to visit. We had a fun two days and I’ll do another little reel on our pretty hotel in Carmel Valley. 

Have you been to Carmel in the springtime? It’s a bucket list item! 🌸

#carmelbythesea #carmel #pacificgrovemagiccarpet #pacificgrove #montereybay #ourgoldenstate #visitcalifornia #flowerstagram #californiadreaming
I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter f I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter for my favorite plant. This is from @beachwoodhome in Carmel which has beautiful things. It’s in the Carmel Plaza and I always love popping in there to see what’s new when I’m down there.

This plant is a peperomia plant which is so easy to keep alive! Yay. It loves to grow in cool shapes and needs just a few ice cubes here and there..

Hope you’re all having a good start to the week! 

#easyplants #houseplantsofinstagram #bluepottery #carmelbythesea #californialiving
Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just magic. These are a few snaps of my Tahoe look, but on the blog I have more ideas and great pieces for you to consider when planning a summertime getaway there. 

You will find it’s very relaxed with an old school charm. Chill is the vibe and it’s all about comfort and California casual. Tahoe is all about enjoying the incredible nature and beauty up there! 

Find it all on my what to pack post with six of my friends sharing their destinations too..
Link in bio @northerncalstyle 
More on stories also!

#tahoe #laketahoe #whattopack #californiatravel #californiatrip #westshorelaketahoe #lakelife #oldschoolsummer #ourgoldenstate #californiadreaming #visitcalifornia
Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you all ready for a vacation ?  I have the perfect blog for you today..a fun collaboration with six others, sharing their packing tips and outfits from their special spots in the country.. We’ve got Tahoe, Napa, Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz, Florida, New York City, and North Carolina! 

These packing lists and outfit ideas plus favorite spots not to miss, make these posts savers! 

My blog is what to pack and what to wear for summertime in Tahoe- which I can’t wait for. 💙

All our posts are linked in our bios.. 
me/Tahoe @northerncalstyle 

Annie/New York City @most_lovely_things 

Juliet/Napa Valley @makemineaspritzer 

Dawn/SantaCruz @fashionshouldbefun 

Cindy/PasoRobles @cindyhattersley 

Elizabeth/North Carolina @pineconesandacorns 

Mary Ann/Florida @classiccasualhome 

See what my friends recommend to pack and do for your summer getaways! 

#packingtips #whattopack #travel #traveltipsandtricks #tahoetravel #californiatravel #ourgoldenstate
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all t Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all those who mother and nuture! 💐I hope everyone is getting appreciated and spoiled today.. I spent some time at a lovely lunch with the family yesterday and am enjoying the garden today.. except for the hurricane winds! 

I can’t wait until my youngest Griffin is back home for a bit from college. My favorite days are the ones when we are all together as a family again.  I love being with Jackson and Griffin more than anything and they just make me laugh so much!  I feel so lucky to have very kind sons …except they make me feel so short 🤣..and I couldn’t be prouder. 💛
On the blog today.. How to style white denim!  I’m excited to partner with some lovely ladies today and we are all sharing our ways to wear the closet classic- white jeans! 

I am showing what I’ve been wearing lately and some of my favorite pairs as well as a few cool options that have come on my radar!  It’s all about finding what works for your body and choosing the right fabric etc.. 

Are you a white jean fan??

Please visit my friend’s blogs ..All our posts are linked on our bios..
@northerncalstyle - me!
@most_lovely_things - Annie
@classiccasualhome -Mary Ann
@cindyhattersley - Cindy
@sherryhdesigns - Sherry
@lavieongrand - Noelani

#whitedenim #whitejeans #whitejeansoutfit #whitejeanstyling #whitejeansforever #whitejeanseason #californiastyle
If you miss the weekend post and still need some M If you miss the weekend post and still need some Mother’s Day gifts I have some fun ideas for you.. I love market totes- especially with flowers in them, beautiful wraps, some inspiring books for summer living, and a few other little luxuries.. 

If you need some local fun, I will be a the Palo Alto @Rails store on Saturday where they are having a Mother’s Day event with 20% off and a gift with purchase! Stop by and say hi.

Pop on by my blog post for all the details and more gift ideas… 

Don’t forget to visit my friends, Juliet and Elizabeth if you miss their weekend posts too..
 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#mothersday #mothersdaygift #giftideasforher #californialiving #momsday

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