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Mother's Day gift Ideas

Bunny Mellon Style, Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, and a Fun Event at the new Rails

May 5, 2023 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Some May inspiration from Bunny Mellon, a special On My Radar with Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, and a Mother’s Day Event at Palo Alto Rails!

Bunny Mellon Style

Do you want to live like Bunny Mellon? She was a famous tastemaker and garden genius who helped design the White House Rose Garden for Jackie and JFK. She had her own gorgeous gardens and beautiful homes. She lived a life of exacting specifications, but with a certain kind of nonchalance, if that’s not too much of an oxymoron.. She collected wonderful antique garden pieces, baskets, and amassed a library of books- some very historic, dedicated to gardens and horticulture. Her home and garden style has been idolized and emulated by Tory Burch and so many others.

If you want the Bunny look, without billions, you need a dedicated spot for potting things, preferably filled with a collection of baskets hung from the ceiling and everywhere you can cram them in. She even had a basket house! You need stone pots, the older the better, geraniums and antique statuary bits here and there. Bunny loved topiary, terracotta potted flowers, trelliage ( lattice work), and toile. If you’re a fan of any or all of these things, look no further than the Tuckernuck website this month where they photographed lovely clothes in her home in Upperville, Virginia. In the layout they talk about her rooms and more and there is a lot of inspiration..

I love this garden themed dress with the fringe hem and the braided shift.. Both linked on pics..

For all the particulars she had about the way she lived, she also liked things natural, like lemons left on the ground where they fell… Perhaps we are soul sisters as my yard is littered with them currently!

Bunny also collected lettuce ware china and Tory Burch has a collection and Anthro has this new one here called Lilypad. So pretty!

Bunny also liked entrances to have a vantage point and rooms to feel comfortable and relaxed.. Fun Bunny fact- she served Lay’s Potato Chips (the unbroken ones), in pretty vessels for her guests.. She had me at Lay’s. More about this fascinating woman in the books- Bunny Mellon Style and Bunny Mellon Garden Secrets.

You can shop the whole Bunny Mellon inspired Tuckernuck collection here.

Maybe I need to start turning my laundry room into a basket room! Hmm..

I love a market basket with flowers in it! That would be a cute Mother’s Day idea…

On My Radar- Mother’s Day Edition

I love the idea of a market tote for a gift. For an extra pretty gift, add a bunch of flowers. The basic $58 one above is perfection, as are the long strap market version, a tote with floral embroidery, and the fun white accents… All linked on photos.

A cashmere wrap is the nicest luxury, but also something to use for years and years. It’s perfect for travel as your own personal blanket and then for cool nights out, and just as an everyday wrap over a shirt or as a scarf, as the French wear them. J Crew’s are very nice on sale now, and I personally love the camel and grey choices..

If you want a little color, these cashmere Luxy Wraps are beautiful and have a pretty edge to them. I just love this pink color..

For $29 these candles are beautiful and love the Summer Day candle with the little bag.

Another nice gift is the diffuser in Summer Day..I like these in the baths and laundry.

In the same summer theme, two lovely books to gift are- A Summer Place ,and Entertaining By the Sea...

I adore Lela Rose and her new book Fresh Air Affairs on themed parties is inspiring and fun.

How adorable is this Vietri Bud Vase for bedside garden roses?

Other luxuries…the modern version of Tory Burch flip flops, and the new fragrances by Tory. I love Electric Sky the best which is soft and sporty..

I am a fan of sterling silver pieces from Ippolita, which are all hand made. The all feel beautiful to touch. I have a few and they are my favorite jewelry. These drop earrings are beauties..

Lunch out or breakfast in bed..

The last few years for Mother’s Day, I’ve been asking to have a nice lunch out with my family at a pretty spot. I like to go on any day before or after -not the actual day, if possible. One of my favorites that is a treat is the charming Village Bakery in Woodside! Make sure you ask for an outside table if it’s nice, and go shop at Emily Joubert’s beautiful garden and home shop which is adjacent afterwards. Sometimes I’ll pick out a pretty plant or book there for my present…

When my boys were small they would all make me breakfast and bring it in bed. I still treasure their homemade cards more than any gifts in the world and have all of them! Those years went too fast.

Meet me at the Rails Mother’s Day Event at the Stanford Store next Saturday!

I love the California clothier Rails and I am excited they asked me to join them and share their special Mother’s Day Event at their gorgeous new store in Palo Alto. The store has much more of their beautiful California clothes and I will be there in the morning for a few hours if you want help putting together an outfit, buying a gift- or just find a Mother’s Day gift for yourself?

You will get 20% off your purchases that day.

This event runs all day with refreshments, light bites, and succulents as a Gift with Purchase.

I hope to see some of you there! I’ll be in store 11-12:30! Please come by if you are in the area to say hi and see the new store. It’s near Bloomingdales and Lululemon near the east entrance of lovely Stanford Shopping Center. Check out the Rails collection here.

The Coronation

Will you be watching this weekend? I have mixed feelings. The NYTimes has a coronation recipe section for this event with excellent versions all my favorite English foods – Coronation Chicken Sandwiches, crumpets, Strawberry Pavlova, Eton Mess, and Victoria Sponge, and many more- all by famous British chefs.

I’m also interested to see what Mrs. Biden will be wearing and so far she looks chic in pink meeting the Prime Minister’s wife Akshata Murty, who also has a lovely dress..I’m all about the fashion this weekend and who is attending.

My dad still remembers watching Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. They were one of the few families on the block that had a television and he was in grammar school and remembers friends and neighbors coming to watch it!

It’s a busy weekend with the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo too. It sure doesn’t feel like May here with more dark and rain. Let’s hope we get sun by next weekend! I am ready to put in my tomato garden and wear some springlike clothes and I bet you are too.

Cindy and I had May’s Signature Style this week, and the theme was ‘Summer Wish Lists.’ See what we are thinking of for summer days here if you missed it.

On last weekend’s post, I shared a book all about finding French Joie, a chic woven tote, rattan hurricanes and the cutest inexpensive sandals you need for summer.

Have a lovely weekend,

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

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Filed Under: Mother's Day gift Ideas Tagged With: #mothersday, #mothersdaygifts

Discovering Ben’s Garden and Pretty Trays

April 29, 2015 By kimwheeler No Comments

Hello! Today I want to share with you guys a sweet little company that has recently gotten on my radar and I am now obsessed with. It’s called Ben’s Garden and they specialize in beautiful glass decoupage trays that are beyond lovely and wonderful catchalls.

Ben’s Garden contacted me a few weeks back and as soon as I saw the word garden I was sucked in. I wanted to know more. Ben Busko began making decoupage trays at just 8 years old inspired by his garden. By time Ben was 11, (can you believe it?) his Ben’s Garden brand notecards were selling at Smith Hawkins and The New York Botanical Garden Shop. He ran his business out of his parents’ carriage house and then later completed the Master Gardener program at Cornell. Read this timeline about his childhood business- it’s charming!!
via Ben’s Garden
Today Ben has a huge online business of his trays, paperweights, notes and much more.  He also has two beautiful retail stores in Oyster Bay and Huntington, New York with two more opening this spring in Brooklyn and New York’s West Village. The retail stores sell unique plants, vintage furnishings, antique garden ornaments as well as his whole collection. That is so my kind of store and when I’m in New York this summer I’m making a point to check one out. 
Ben’s Garden asked me to choose a tray I’d love and style in in my house. How wonderful is that? Honestly it was tough to choose since I adore botanicals as well as little quotes and sayings. Well after much deliberation I chose this pretty yellow rose tray. I thought it would look nice with the turquoise and yellow accents in my house. That was also my dear mom’s favorite flower so it reminds me of her every time I look at it.
So where to enjoy it? At the top photo I have it on my blue desk and it’s fun there for my phone and little things.

 In our library it was cute next to our collection of bird and botanical books, but ultimately it ended up on our entry bureau where I leave my keys, sunglasses and shopping tote. There I can see it everyday and friends who pop in can too. By the way my lovely basket is from my friend Andrea, The French Basketeer and you can find them here.

Speaking of moms, Ben’s Garden has so many pretty trays for mothers so it’s a lovely Mother’s Day idea. I’d love to collect these. I think they not only add beauty to your home, but are useful little catchalls whether it’s bedside, in a library or in an entry they make a pretty statement and are chic!
Look how cute Ben’s Garden wraps things…

I love a pretty package…and ribbon!
Some of my favorites in Ben’s collection right now you may want to check out….
Especially love this one…SO true!
Pop over to look at the full shop. There’s a huge collection of glass trays, French paperweights, and more with maps, inspiring quotes and also beautiful botanical prints. Ben’s also makes custom decoupage so you can create your own with a photo or even a baby announcement or wedding invitation which would make wonderful keepsakes!
Ben’s products are carried online and also at 800 independent boutiques across the U.S. as well as at Nordstrom. 
Enjoy!
Kim
Images NorthernCalStyle and also via Ben’s Garden.

Filed Under: Ben's Garden, Botanicals, Garden, home decor, Mother's Day gift Ideas, shopping

Stuff I Like and Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

May 10, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Still shopping for Mother’s Day?  I had a chance to get out and browse  a bit this week and found lots to love. If you’re still needing ideas here’s a few things that would put a little pop into any mom’s wardrobe. I’d be thrilled with any of these.  Hint, hint. ;D
 I might think about a semi-regular post with good finds… This was so fun!

Here’s a few finds for mom in the mint and citrus tones that I’m loving for Spring and Summer..

From top left clockwise.. Click on names to get to the site..

1. I can’t say how much I love this little key fob/wallet in mint and tan from J.Crew. I want this for my beach bag.

2. This Stella McCartney scarf is a splurge, but the fabric is so gorgeous. I’d never take it off.

3. I’m thinking this J.Crew link bracelet would be chic with whites and has a luxe look to it.

4. Okay how clever is this Kate Spade popsicle coin purse? Perfect for a bike to the ice cream store!

5. I love Tory Burch flip flops and may finally replace my 3 year old ones with this new floral style. I think these are the best $50 upgrade to your Summer wardrobe.

6. The colors of this Cole Haan shopper tote are so pretty and would be super for Summer days at the beach or for travel.

Don’t forget all the special moms in your life! Sometimes just a call, a card or being together is the best gift of all.

Wishing all you moms out there a wonderful weekend!

xxKim

The Bride’s Cafe

Filed Under: Mother's Day gift Ideas, Spring clothes, Stuff I Like, summer style

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Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

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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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