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Fun Things -Plus The Serena & Lily Summer Sale

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Serena & Lily

Just a quick post with a few fun things.. First, I wanted to let everyone know starting today, Serena & Lily has 20% off everything at The Summer Event. This will be the biggest sale of the season. Use code DIVEIN for 20% off from 5/27 – 6/1. I know a few of you sent me notes about ordering things I have in my house like the barstools and rug, and also my outdoor furniture. This is a great time to pick an item up on sale! A few of the fun summer things..I am going to order this bookcase I have been thinking about.

  1. The La Jolla Basket is one of my favorite S&L things and is cute in a bath for towels and laundry or to hold kid’s toys. I have mine in my new closet and I love how it looks and hides the laundry.
  2. The Palm Pillow Cover for outdoors is in four colors and is water and UV resistant to last many seasons. I love the navy and light blue in this, but the green and sand colors look very Palm Beachy and chic.
  3. I have this Pacifica Lounger in and the matching sofa (8.) in the unbleached Driftwood color and love them. They are made of a resin that looks like wicker and is so strong. After almost two years, mine still look like new.
  4. The Mallorca Beach Towels remind me of my trip to Sorrento where the hotels all have lovely striped beach towels! These come in a Turkish Cotton and 6 colors with a pretty fringe. I’d love to have a stack on my deck!
  5. The Sunbrella Lido Pillow comes in three sizes and many colors. Love the colored piping and button detail..
  6. Campagna Beach Towels come in round or rectangle and so lovely!
  7. The Teak Beach Chair comes in three adorable fabrics and is a backpack style for easy toting around. For little adventures or even on your deck

Everything on the sale you can view at Serena & Lily. Sale ends June 1st.

Speaking of Sorrento..

Are you missing travel? After a more than a year of home time, I’ve really got the travel bug. We are planning a family summer trip, but not abroad. Pictures of our summer trip to Positano and Sorrento recently came up on my photos and I was feeling wistful for all the beauty there. I thought maybe others would enjoy the pretty hotel in Sorrento and its blue aesthetic and get ideas for future travel plans..I shared it on my Instagram this week and saved it on the highlights if you want to see more and get the particulars. Here’s hoping we will all travel more soon…

If France is on your list, Conde Nast Traveller just published its Prettiest Towns in Provence . I’ve been to a few on this list, like Eze, L’Isle Sur La Sorgue and Aix, but there are a lot on this list I had never heard of. Definitely one to bookmark and use to plan future adventures.

They also have a great guide- A Road Trip Through Provence’s Lavender Fields. Just wonderful to see, even if you have no trip planned.

All these Provence photos Conde Nast.

One thing we can all use for travel is a sun hat that folds. I just bought this canvas hat at Anthropologie and it is flattering too.. Frances Valentine has the identical hat for a lot more. This is a good price -$38.

Anthro also has the CUTEST fringe tote which I am still thinking of..Love the braided straps. What a fun travel tote and also beach/pool bag when you arrive!

Because I haven’t been doing my usual tennis and walking due to my toe injury, I am obviously feeling a bit heavier, so started to eat cleaner. I’m on my third day of no sugar and it’s been fine. I’m trying to stay away from refined carbs and bread too. I was stuck for what to make for dinners and remembered these grain bowls with hummus we did last summer…

I start with dollop of hummus in each, and add chickpeas, walnuts, avocado slices, romaine spears, tomatoes, sliced bell peppers and quinoa- ( I use Whole Foods frozen). The guys like shredded chicken added to theirs too. I give each a few turns of fresh pepper and some crunchy sea salt and drizzle with some olive oil. Pretty easy and filling too.

I’m looking for more clean recipes so I’ll share any good ones I get. I also made this PF Chang’s Lettuce Cups from Damn Delicious on Monday and that one is definitely going on the rotation- so good and pretty healthy too. ( I forgot to take photos- next time!) Please share any great sites or recipes you love for clean eating if you care to in comments! I find it so helpful to hear what others are doing too.

Well, that’s it friends. Wishing you some fun for the long weekend

Kim

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My Black Friday Picks and Holiday Gift Ideas

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I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We had a small one with my dad in the yard and though it was small, it was still nice. I know this year is an exceptional one. Most people will try to do as much shopping for the holidays this pandemic year online from their homes. I also encourage everyone to shop small in your own town, instead of the mall, so these small businesses can survive. Many have curbside pickup and personal shopping hours. I will share some more of them on my Instagram stories during this next month.

The fact is, the less we are in crowds and with people, the safer we all stay right now. I have already told my family that we are doing less which helps. Expectations have to be lowered this year. Focus on better made items and buy fewer. It’s better for the planet and all of us. How are you all approaching this holiday season with the pandemic? Have you also been thinking smaller this year? I think in 2020 we can all give ourselves a pass on going all out as we might usually right? It’s the one upside maybe of this whole year!

In the better and less, and shopping from home theme, I have a few Black Friday shopping deals for you to check out and some gift ideas too. Sorry this is coming late on Friday, but many of these last through the weekend. Check to be sure.

Of course I have to share my favorite Serena & Lily which is having their best sale of the year, 20% off everything- INCLUDING SALE ITEMS! This never happens so check it out if you have been needing a nice item for the home… something I consider a gift for myself. I would often prefer that over a lot of smaller gifts, and something like a lovely lamp or throw lasts years and decades. Use the code TOGETHER to get 20% off – plus FREE SHIPPING!

My favorite S&L items: -The Porto Linen Pajamas are stylish and cool in summer and very warm in winter too. – I love the look of these Wood and Marble coasters, the Dot Baskets, the Tahoma Pillow Cover, and the Blantyre Alpaca Throw are just a few on my own wishlist. It’s also a great time to pick up one of their beautiful rugs or lamps for your home that will last years or a chair like my Edgewater Lounge Chair so many of you have asked about! Free shipping ends on 11/30 and the sale goes until December 2.

Tory Burch is having a 30% off this weekend (use code THANKS), on selected items some of her classics which always look chic or dated including her Simone Cardigan wool cardigan which comes in the prettiest colors. I love this layered for winter, worn backwards for evening or even over the shoulders with a sundress when warm days are here again. This will last you and upgrade your whole outfit.

Also on this sale is these marked down Brooke Ankle Boots in black leather and a pretty suede.

Some cute heeled boots on sale too, but lately all I buy is comfort shoes and flats. Another great buy is the tall Miller Lug Sole Boot– darling with leggings and big sweaters! Markdowns have the an additional 30% off reflected when you check out. These things go fast so don’t wait too long. Ends on 11/30.

Anthropologie has so much to love and is offering 30% off everything this weekend only with free shipping on items over $50. Standouts are this Nancy Eyelash Cardigan made in California, the Eleanor Velvet Tunic Dress, the Love Textured Sweater, this Sundry Vera Lounger Set (comes with matching scrunchie!) also made in California, these Florence Balducci Flannel PJ top and pants, these darling Elephant Pjs and these Sorel Mail Run Slippers.

For the guys in my life, Nordstrom is my go to for the hubs, my dad, and sons. A few ideas for the men in your life.. marked down right now are the Nordstrom Brand Quarter Zip on sale now $44 dollars, this green cotton/cashmere version in 6 colors, the Marc New York puffer for the cold (I’m thinking my Univ of Utah kid will need this), and this water-resistant puffer in oxblood and in black, these Adidas Soccer pants my younger guys love, and a hoodie in three colors for the younger men, and the Faherty Baja Beach Hoodie, which is a great quality brand.

Also good gift ideas that aren’t on sale, but go fast this time of year, are the men’s UGG robes (my husband loves his), and these Barefoot Dream’s full-length zip up robes for women. I have that on my own list!

Trina Turk has 25% off full price, 45% off certain styles, and 35% off sale. Love this cheeky champagne sweater, the Palm Springs Merino Crew Neck, this coat, and their Birkenstocks are an extra 25% off -something you never see.

Other sales to check out this weekend…

Bloomingdales– 25% off most things this weekend (exclusions apply) and an extra 50% off clearance. Uggs Short Zip Booties are the Deal of the Day at $109.

J.Crew is having 50% off all styles and 60% off sale items. Use code FRIDAY.

Madewell is having 50% off selected styles.

Athleta is having $20 off tights and also 20% off your purchase until 11/29.

Lou & Grey has 50% off everything plus free shipping. Use code BESTWEEK. I love their sweats and soft clothing!

Loft- the parent company of Lou & Grey has the same 50% off offer and free shipping with BESTWEEK.

Banana Republic has 50% off everything no code needed. I especially love this cute fuzzy beanie that’s 50% off now. Sale ends 11/28.

Williams-Sonoma is having 50% off many items and other great specials throughout the weekend. They aren’t on sale, but their gorgeous frames are always a great gift for a special anniversary, house warming, marriage or birthday. Some of their pretty rugs are marked down and I just spotted this amazing Breville/nespresso Espresso machine half off- a fantastic deal.

I’ll add more shopping ideas as I see them this weekend and in the next few weeks.

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and use the extra days for some quality time- whether it be a walk, reading a book, time with family or dear friends, or just a few moments of zen.

Take care!

Kim

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Serena & Lily Favorites

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Hello lovely friends. How have you all been? We are starting another warm week here in Northern Cal, but I’ve been thinking about sprucing up the house now that cooler days are coming.

Since so many of you have commented on my Serena & Lily pieces I have in the house, on Instagram, I wanted to share the source for some of them and more photos.

I have a a lamp and a rug for my family room on my list. I really am in love with my Serena & Lily rugs (so is the cat with our denim rug – similar one here), which make each space in the house stand out. You definitely get what you pay for with rugs. One rug I bought elsewhere when we moved in has already begun to fall apart. I truly am believing the better quality we can buy, we save money in the long run.

Here’s a few of my Serena & Lily picks that I think are lovely..

The runners are wonderful and I LOVE these three for the well wearing materials and look…

Ryder Denim Runner, Porter Denim Runner, Metallic Suede Runner.

Good lamps are something I am slowly adding to my home and S&L has many gorgeous ones to choose from.

I need a lamp for my bedside tables and I like that the new Freeport Bedside Lamp has a three-way switch and also a diffused shade. I like not having a bulb shining down at you when you read. It’s those little details and the quality of the materials that make their pieces stand out. The rattan and marble base of this lamp has a very California feel.

I also want a lamp for my entry table that would add a hit of style when you walk into the house. I think you can have some fun with lamps and consider them as pretty accessories that add chic to your decor as well as nice ambient light. These are a few standout pieces that will make a statement..

Artichoke Lamp, Hattie Lamp, Cove Table Lamp.

If you are defaulting to those canned lights for your primary lighting, lamps can change the look of your rooms, your own mood, and whole feel of your home. Those easy flip on overhead lights lights can make your home have all the intimacy of a surgery room! We use the overhead lights only when working on projects or we’ve lost something on the floor. I seriously feel like I am being interrogated with them on. Does anyone else agree? A home needs ambient lighting to give a cozy feel.

There is nothing as pretty or as cozy as a home with soft lamps throughout and some mix of hanging lighting. My grandparents had a beautiful home filled with soft glowing lamps. As a girl, I loved those lamps- some gold, some very mod and 60’s inspired, but each room had a warm and cozy vibe. Once you get your ambient lighting, the trick now is to find alternative bulbs that mimic the incandescent or use artsy Edison bulbs so you don’t get an overly lit feeling that comes from CFLs.

If you have no great lamps and need to start somewhere these are some beautiful basics that will look good for a few decades. Isn’t that how long we usually use them? Lamps are such a great bang for the buck.

Georgia Table Lamp, Hastings Table Lamp, Bari Table Lamp.

I know a few of you have asked about my rattan chairs that I have in the home. Recently we had a gas leak (all okay thankfully), and the PG&E guy asked the name of these chairs and how he could buy them. My husband said that’s a first!

My Edgewater Chairs I have moved to this space in front of the couch in the entry and it’s made a good spot for crashing, doing a bit of laptop work, or reading a book. I think they give a certain vibe when you walk into the house- it’s California and a little vintage casual.

I also have had a lot of people ask about these Mattituck Chairs. We love these in our little den/media area. I am thinking of moving one to the bedroom as they are so pretty with the brass trim. The throw is their Avery Alpaca Throw -so soft and cozy.

Serena & Lily has some new throws and they are beautiful. I love this Blantyre Alpaca Throw in Lavender. This would be gorgeous on a bed or in a room with grey. It also comes in a coastal blue and fog tones.

They also have some cool new bedding if you need a bedroom refresh. I like this Sutter Linen Quilt in Sky.

I am becoming a huge linen fan as I never get too hot or cold with the linen sheets and blanket that are my favorites now. I love these Cavallo Linen Sheets too. Each wash they get softer and more wonderful.

In the new and cute category is also the Stone Harbor Duvet and Shams..

The Driftwood Quilt is velvet on one side, linen on the other and also comes in a deep sapphire blue. Love this lavender color..

New for fall and beautiful is this Roxbury Velvet Pillow Cover (also in fog, lavender and coastal blue)…

This Hillview Pillow Cover (also in sand and fog)..

I am already dreaming of a new bed with all of this..but I didn’t show you the Tahoma Pillow Cover..

And lastly the Ridge Striped Cover – also in other pretty shades.

All the new lovely pillows here.

Other things that stand out are these Big Sur Baskets..

This new Gardenside Grasscloth wallpaper is gorgeous..

I could go on…There was just much to share and this is just a tiny bit of their excellent fall collection!

Hope you are inspired as I am by all the beauty they offer.

Kim

P.S. Okay last one..I wanted to add their new Balboa Bench. This is the same material as my barstools and I wish I had a place for this in my house. Isn’t this whole look wonderful? I love the fern too!

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My New Pillows and Things to Love from Serena & Lily’s Friends & Family Sale

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I know so many of you have asked more about Serena & Lily since I wrote my post about my new kitchen. I’m so glad you all also love their things! Serena & Lily is known for their high quality bedding and specially made lighting, furniture and unique home accents. They exude California coastal style and now you have a chance to get some of that California chic at a discount. Beginning today, October 2- 14, they are having their Friends & Family Sale with 20% off nearly everything if you use code BEOURGUEST at checkout.

This is a great time to get a few new items to refresh the house for the upcoming holiday season. I just added a new mix of Serena & Lily pillows and a beautiful alpaca throw to my white couch. In keeping with the neutrals in the house, I chose greys and beiges, but picked pillows with some texture and patterns. I have never had such beautifully made pillows before. Each one is like a little work of art, so lovely.

The tassels, fringe and woven bits are gorgeous. I now see the difference between high quality pillows like these and what you can find for $20. These lovelies give my white couch and the whole room a bit more luxe feel and upgraded look!

I’m having fun deciding how to best arrange my pillowscape! I might later use the white pillows in the bedroom and keep the grey tones on the couch. They all work well with the mist color of my new Balboa Counter Stools.

I brought the grey wool Amalie pillow out by the pool and used my pretty new Avery Alpaca throw to keep an early evening chill off. It’s made of baby alpaca, which is warmer than other wools and softer than cashmere. You have choices with this throw as one side has windowpane checks and the other a border stripe. I’ve been taking it with me all over the house since it turned cool in the evenings and mornings. I may make it my personal blankie and I don’t want to share!

Below are some of my favorites from the Serena & Lily sale and a few I have on my wish list..

Left to right and top to bottom:

I hope you find something to love here. This is a good opportunity to try Serena & Lily’s beautiful California style products during the sale. Don’t forget to use code BEOURGUEST when checking out to get the 20% off. Exclusions apply to final sale, art, gift certificates and bikes.

This post was a collaboration with Serena & Lily. Opinions, photos and writing are my own and some links may generate commission which helps support this blog. Thank you!

Kim

Serena & Lily Spring Event & Discount

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Hello friends! It has been a crazy last few weeks.. I was off in Indian Wells for the BNP Tennis tournament (more on that coming) and when I got home I hit the ground running trying to finish all the design decisions for the house. I’ve had my head down figuring this out and nary a second to blog. It’s been lights, mirrors, cabinets and more lights.. Just when I thought I was going to lose my mind, I found out Serena & Lily’s Spring Design Event starts today, March 19- 25 and everything is 20% off with code INSPO online and in store. That sealed the deal for me as I had a few items in my cart for the house that I am absolutely getting this week. I thought I’d share my picks and a few other gems for you to check out from this great Northern California (Saulsalito based!) Company.

I am crazy about this Capiz Honeycomb Chandelier. To me it has just the right mix of California with a bit of disco thrown in. I love the mix of gold and shells and I want this in our peaked entry of the house. I think it will set a fun mood right away when you enter!

One of my other favorite Serena & Lily items has to be their Malibu Chandelier. It has a beautiful look with hemp rope and the white and gold beads that have a look that makes them seem like glass.

There are large and small versions of this cute fixture and I think the large above my black table and with my grey linen chairs, will continue the California vibe. Our table is in front of an expansive French door and I think the chandelier will be nicely spotlighted there.

Also on my list is this smaller version of the Capiz light in scalloped version which would be super in a bedroom or bath.

Other great deals to check out..

These Balboa Counter Stools in the pretty Mist color..

This Carson Bench would be darling in an entry or at the foot of a bed!

Fun for spring and summer entertaining is this Cayman Round Tray..

I’d love to use these Brela napkins for a poolside dinner I hope I will be sometime soon.

Serena’s gorgeous Grasscloth Wallpaper is also something I want to do and the colors are lovely, especially this cactus which I could see in a bedroom or powder room or a hallway..

Other faves are the Ryder Denim Rug

And the Halsey Table Lamp..I love the Hawaiian feel of it.

I am also mad for the Blake Raffia Console Table, which comes in a pretty grey and a natural as well as this blue. Perfect for your entry with a mirror and I do love it as shown here as a bedside table.

The Positano Linen Pjs in Wild Rose are in my basket too.

More of everything lovely on the full Serena & Lily site here. Don’t forget to use the INSPO code and the sale goes until Monday the 25th.

Kim

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