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#travel

Weekend Meanderings- Travel Edition!

July 22, 2022 By kimwheeler 25 Comments

It’s time for our Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope your week has been good. This weekend I am away at the Haven Conference , so I thought this would be a good time to share all my best travel themed posts..

First I want to share a beautiful book Resort Fashion, that was a gift from my friend Erin who loves travel too. It’s vintage from 2007, but a wonderful book filled with gorgeous photography from Toni Frissel, Louise Dahl-Wolfe and others. There are sections on stripes, all white and color, and other themes and it’s probably one of the loveliest photography books I’ve ever had… You can still find it on this link and here.

This is my most popular post ever, What to pack for Carmel and Monterey. I try and update it every few months.

This was the last Signature Style on Travel, and what to pack and how to do it.

This edition of weekend Meanderings had what I pack for Hawaii..

This post was How to Bring a Hawaiian Vibe to Your Home..

This was one of my all time favorite posts –Traveling Abroad With Children .. I think it’s a wonderful idea. We did it and loved it. Some of my tips and photos of the trips we have done over the years with my sons in Europe are on this and I’m so glad we started them out traveling young. Grif below in London!

This was my post on our 25th Wedding Anniversary trip to Bora Bora …

And lastly, written right before the pandemic, A Week in London. London is my most favorite city in the world!

I’ll be back to my usual weekend posts next week… Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs and see what’s on their minds this week..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I shared a white dresses and decor pieces, my new kitchen pendants, a San Francisco townhouse that is a beauty, my favorite sunscreen and summer foundation.. read the post here.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Filed Under: travel, weekend meanderings Tagged With: #boraboratravel, #hawaiitravel, #London, #londontravel, #resortfashion, #travel, #travelingabroadwithkids, #tripplanning, #vintagetravel, #weekendmeanderings

Signature Style- Travel!

July 8, 2022 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah.  This month we are talking about travel and packing and what to wear. We are finally getting back to nearly normal travel and it feels like the whole world is going somewhere. This pic above right was the last time I was in Europe, Fall 2019 at Heathrow in London. I’d love to go back right now! Right now I have two trips on the horizon, a conference in Atlanta in July ( should be a challange to choose the right things with high temps and A/C), and a fall trip to France with Max if all goes well. That’s still in the planning stages.

I love travel more than almost anything, so just thinking about what to pack gets me excited. We have traveled a fair amount and I’ve gotten better at this art of packing. I really enjoy having my travel essential all ready to go. I have a system down and it takes the stress out of it!

Travel essentials are my TUMI case I’ve had now almost ten years. It never fails me and though has some exterior wear, works like a dream and I can really overload it if I have to with its expandable sides. This suitcase and my carry-on are probably some of the best investments I have made. Neither aren’t cheap, but they have paid for themselves many times over. I can’t tell you how many cheaper cases and carry ons I have gone through before I bought these. I can’t see needing to change them ever! Good investment pieces.

My bags for the last conference I attended prior to the pandemic..

My carry-on is a Longchamp large Le Pliage Tote that that I bought at Heathrow in Harrod’s duty free and I wouldn’t go anywhere without it. It’s tough, lightweight and I can get tons in it. If I’m limited to a carry-on and the suitcase, I’ll take it as my one personal piece and tuck a crossbody purse in it.

If I can check a bag, I take the Longchamp and a tote purse. If it’s a beachy destination, I’ll bring a basket bag as the tote with a crossbody in it. For travel involving trains, transit and multiple hotels, a small carry-on is less slogging and so worth packing efficiently in two pieces.

I stack everything vertically in this tote, so I can see it.

In this I fit a crossbody bag, my makeup bag, two to three pouches, an extra pair of shoes, a book and magazine, a cashmere wrap and a hat upside down with another scarf. I do the same with any handbag tote I may bring.

One of the best crossbody bags I have ever had is this Bombe bag by Tory Burch. IT is ultra light, has two zip pockets that can hold a good amount. . It now comes in many colors, but the black I’ve had for years and it is still so easy to pack and take..

I love zip pouches and packing cubes. Have you gotten on the packing cube bandwagon? Some people love to pack with full outfits in the larger ones. So far this is what I do..

My zip pouches hold-

1) Cords, chargers, plugs and convertors.

2) Kleenex, face/hand wipes, hand sanitizer, Tide wipes, masks, sunglass readers, extra earbuds with cords for movies, and an eye mask for sleeping.

3) A pair of black leggings, a black tank, and a long sleeve t-shirt, a pair of underwear, and a pair of socks. Love this from Target (orange pouch ) that fits those easily. (I like having an extra outfit or emergency pieces in case of a bag being lost or spilling on the flight.)

4) Jewelry roll. I try and keep to basics and just an extra necklace or ring and a pair of dangly earrings. I have a few jewelry cases. The box ones seem to be more popular now and I love this one by Cuyana and this by Mark & Graham.

5) Cosmetic/skincare bag. I love this Everlane bag that was a gift from a friend. It has many side pockets that hold products vertical and is well designed.

My suitcase packing method.

I have done the pants flat out on opposite sides forever and it works to prevent wrinkles- ( demonstrating below). I then fold shirts and dresses stacked together placed on the center, and then pant bottoms folded over all that.

On the zippered side of the suitcase, I use my packing cubes (love these eiffel tower travel bags ). I use one for underwear, another for pajamas and swim, and another for shoes or workout clothes. Everything else on that side is rolled.

Packing cubes are hugely helpful and I want more. I also just ordered these from Mark & Graham which come in three shades and can be monogrammed..

A less pricier option, Target has this nice smaller set online.

What to wear on the plane..

For the plane, I have a formula which is cotton tank, jacket, jeans, and a sweater. That makes me feel polished and gives me a jacket to wear when there. Once I sit on the plane I fold my jacket and store above in the overhead and wear my sweater. I wear slides usually and take my heaviest shoes in the carry on. If it’s winter, visa versa.

The jacket will vary.. This is one look with a navy jacket I own and a map scarf. I’ll wear a white tank and jeans or camo pants.

I have this heavier black Veronica Beard blazer for cooler times and the sweater gives me options and warmth on the plane. My new Mother jeans are the right length, leg width and comfort for this kind of trip.

The Cinq a Sept black top above is a light silk top with grosgrain trim and is perfect for all year layering. It feels great on and goes well under a blazer and pairs with pants and skirts.

A few different ways I wear a jacket traveling.. Always with a sweater for options. Right now in summer I love this linen Tommy Bahama jacket I bought in Hawaii. Going to Hawaii, I’ll bring the linen one or a black windbreaker from Lululemon (similar here.)

These jeans are Veronica Beard with elastic waist which are super for flying. I also have my eye on these Kinsey Cropped Boyfriend Stretch Comfort Jeans by AG that are the right pant width and look and sound good for travel. I also bring a pair of black pants or jeans in my bag.

Pack outfits, not items.

I pack outfits for each day, and not just pieces. In my head I make a mental plan of what I will wear each day to avoid overpacking and if it’s a longer trip, I will try all my outfits on in a mirror and take photos to remember what I’m wearing. To those outfits, I will add sleep clothes, a swimsuit, something to workout in (just in case), undergarments, a cozy cashmere wrap, a small robe ( I just got this) and socks. I also try and stay to 4 pairs of shoes.

A few pieces to consider

I love a good summer sweater for such trips and Banana Republic Factory has this light stripe in navy,(like I’m holding above) or tan. J.Crew has this beach sweater I have in antique white -on sale now. It’s a good option to wear on the plane and on chilly nights.

Button ups are good for coverups and to layer. This top from Anthro left, looks like a great material for travel and can dress up or down. This J. Crew one center, is a pretty option in chambray, white or navy and this button down can be layered with leggings or under a jacket or tied with a skirt. Speaking of leggings, my favorite Lululemon ones still look like new and I’ve had them five years and I take them on all my trips.

Another versatile travel piece recently bought is the pull on Savannah skirt with zip pockets from Athleta. It feel so light and would be perfect for city travel. Here I have it with the tank and the crossbody. You can pair it with a tank and jacket, or dress it up in the evenings, or down with sneakers and a sweatshirt.

A few more of the items mentioned in the post here..

I hope this has been helpful and I hope you have some travel in your future.

If you liked this post you can save it on Pinterest below.

Well, that’s my take on travel packing, now please see what Cindy and Sarah have for you in travel tips! I can’t wait to see their ideas. They always inspire me. Please share any travel tips- packing or style wise in the comments!

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here! 

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on lipsticks, with new favorites and ones I have loved forever.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Filed Under: Signature Style Tagged With: #packingtips, #signaturestyle, #signaturestyletravel, #travel, #traveloutfits, #travelpacking, #travelstyle

Appetizers Inspired by Travel!

June 27, 2022 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

Say summer and I think of travel! Even though we haven’t gone far this summer, I’ve so enjoyed seeing people’s travel posts again after the past two years of quarantine. They are bringing back wonderful memories of sweet places in the world I hope to get back to someday- like England, Italy and France, and the Netherlands- and others that are still on my bucket list!

Last Friday I met my ‘Weekend Meanderings’ pal Juliet for a working lunch up in adorable Danville and she made us reservations at the most authentic and charming restaurant for lunch, Locanda Ravello. They describe themselves as ‘a slice of the Amalfi Coast in the heart of Danville’. Are you already enchanted? I had the caprese salad and it came with heirloom tomatoes and a heavenly burrata topped with pesto. I don’t think I have enjoyed a meal so much ever and could not stop talking about it to my husband.

Then Saturday we went to the new Eataly Silicon Valley, a three story Italian food extravaganza which was mind blowing. Coincidentally at the same time, I’ve also been enjoying the fun, ‘How to be Italian,’ book that I wrote about on last weekend’s blog.

So when Annie asked me to join this group, you could say that Italy was top of mind. My first thought was how to recreate that fabulous lunch in an appetizer size?

Caprese Bites

For my mini version, simply slice a medium or smaller size baguette diagonally, rub each with the cut side of a garlic clove, layer in a baking tray, drizzle with a fair amount of olive oil, malden sea salt, and toss with your hands to coat the slices. Lay out flat and toast in the a 400 degree oven until slightly golden on edges, but still a bit chewy, about 8 minutes. The key is to take them out while they are a bit crunchy yet with a chewiness, not crisp hard.

When cooled, top each slice with a slice of tomato, (garden or farmer’s market variations are the best tasting), a slice of fresh mozzarella, and a small dollop of pesto. I used Trader Joe’s Kale, Cashew, Basil Vegan Pesto, which was a first and it’s pretty good. You could also make your own, or in a pinch just add a fresh basil leaf. I tucked basil leaves around the dish. To recreate the look from wonderful Locando Ravello, you could add green olives and arugula.

It would be beautiful on one of those hand-painted Italian platters. Since I don’t have that, I opted for this long oval Torino Platter I love from Hudson-Grace.

I just happened to take these out when Max finished work and Griffin’s friends came by. The feedback was positive, so that made me happy! Obviously the better your tomatoes are, so will these bites be. I have been loving the darker red/green Kumato tomatoes from Trader Joes and those seemed to make the best versions of the bites. Highly recommend them!

Some things you may need..

Now please go see what delicious appetizers my friends are sharing on these blogs…


Most Lovely Things

My Sweet Savannah

Sheri Silver

Thanks for being here!

Kim

If you still have travel on the brain, you may enjoy this post with my travel essentials..This is one of my most read posts, A Guide to Traveling Abroad with Kids and my most popular post, What to Pack for Carmel and Monterey, that I update frequently.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Filed Under: appetizers, Uncategorized Tagged With: #appetizers, #californialiving, #caprese, #hudsongrace, #italianfood, #italy, #travel, #travelinspired

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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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Today, on the blog, some Valentine fun. 💗I’m Today, on the blog, some Valentine fun. 💗I’m joining a group of talented women and we all have some Valentine ideas for you. My blog is about an easy Valentine or Galentine‘s dinner you can recreate. I tried to make this super simple because the whole point is gathering with your people and having a good time. 

I did make ahead dishes and used pink items already in my home for the table. I added primroses from the hardware store for extra prettiness and for take home favors. 💕

Stop on by the blog to get all the details. 
@northerncalstyle link in my bio.
And don’t forget to go to these lovely blogs:

@most_lovely_things 
@cindyhattersley 
@classiccasualhome 
@makemineaspritzer 
@sherisilver

#valentines #valentinestablescape #valentinesdinner #galentinesparty
Styling idea of the week…February dressing inspi Styling idea of the week…February dressing inspiration from Princess Diana.. Try a puffer vest or jacket paired with ruffles or florals and a skirt. A pretty transitional look with a romantic February vibe. 💗 Maybe you already have these items in the closet? See what you can create!

This pic is from the fun account, @lostinvintagefashion which is a wonderful rabbit hole to drop into should you need some sartorial inspiration.

Happy first of February friends!

#winterdressing #stylingideas #princessdianastyle #puffervest
The weekend post is up with chat about the trendin The weekend post is up with chat about the trending colors for 2023 in home decor and fashion.. Did you love the 80’s? If so this is perhaps a more sophisticated version with sherbet tones and bits of magenta, greens and navy.  Here I added a bit of these Easter tones to the coffee table with a grass cloth box, one of my books and a candle. I think the best way to update things is to add touches to the home and closet that appeal to you and mix them in with neutrals.. 
What do you think of these colors? I think they’re fun. Some clothing pieces bring me back to my Esprit loving days. It could be fun to add a shirt, shoe or bag in these tones and I selected a handful to consider..

Also on the blog, a few good white jeans, skin cleansers you may need and more! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns
 Happy Sunday!

#color2023 #springcolors #trending #serenaandlily #coffeetablestyling
A January PSA- get in your closet and get those wh A January PSA- get in your closet and get those white jeans out! I found mine at the bottom of my closet today in a basket and thought -yes! I love the look of a classic white jean, paired with a chunky sweater or turtleneck in black, beige, tan, creams-  neutral colors always look fantastic. Today it was warm enough that I could go sockless and wear my Madewell loafers with them and a little jacket I have from Anthro. Get your white jeans out. it will give your winter wardrobe have a little kick. White jeans can be worn all year and they even look great with winter boots and coats. 

This is also a great time to look at your white Jean inventory. 🤍If you don’t have a pair that’s comfortable and straight leg, in a thicker material…this might be a good time to look. I’ll share some on the weekend blog as well.

if you missed our LIVE this morning, you can watch it on Juliet’s @makemineaspritzer Instagram and I’ll link to it on my stories ! Thank you everyone for tuning in in for the fun questions and comments. We love doing this with you all weekly! Let us know in comments if there are any other topics you want to hear about. Today we talked trending colors, exercise classes .. finding art and pillows and more..

#whitejeanseason #januaryclosetremix #winterwardrobehacks
I love the sunshine in the morning streaming throu I love the sunshine in the morning streaming through the kitchen.. My baby daffodils are blooming to make it even happier. This is one of my favorite things about the new year, the bulbs and daffodils and California poppies that hint spring it on the way.💛 If you don’t have a few blooms in the kitchen, maybe you can add a few?

Hope your having a beautiful week!

#kitchensun #californialife #januaryincalifornia
I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1965. She’s wearing a empire, knee length dress and orange blossoms in her hair, which must have smelled heavenly. I want yellow in my closet this spring!

This is the center of my spring vision board! 💛 Link to all Elizabeth’s wedding dresses on the weekend post -and a few yellow things I added to the house if you missed it! 

#yellow #yellowaesthetic #liztaylor #thebrideworeyellow #springfashion #spring2023 #vogue
Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to c Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to check out the coast after these rough last weeks. Aptos looks pretty good and poor Seacliff is terribly battered. So sad to see what people have lost. My heart goes out to them.

We had the beach to ourselves and the weather was winter perfect. ☀️Cold and sunny. We had a picnic of sandwiches from Zoccolis deli and took in the sun and sea air while watching surfers and birds.

This song just seemed to fit -and relatable as I could not sleep last night! No idea why. Isn’t it maddening? 

Hope you get a chance to take a winter beach walk.. They are the best. 

#santacruz #aptos #california #northerncalifornia #winterbeachwalks #seacliff #norcal #seascapebeach
Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sha Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sharing a few good ideas for a dining room refresh, pops of yellow, my favorite winter skin care essentials right now, a beautiful and unique San Francisco house in @archdigest, online yoga, and the story behind a historic San Francisco home I came upon last week.. Head to the blog for all the deets! 

I hope its a wonderful weekend.☀️

Don’t forget to visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs ..links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#northerncalifornia #weekendpost #yellow #diningroomdecor #bernardmaybeck #sanfranciscohomes #architecturaldigest #potterybarn #serenaandlily #californiastyle
Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has been seriously sick and fortunately is back home now, but still struggling with pneumonia. If anyone wants to send her a snail mail note please dm me and I will share her address. She loves unique cards and pretty postcards you’ve saved from travel, so she would be thrilled to get a little note!

It seems like just yesterday we were in her gorgeous yard taking photos for my Californians at Home series. It’s still one of my favorite photo shoots and if you want to read it again -or missed it I will link to it in my bio today. She’s one of a kind, so let’s get her well soon and bolster her spirits!!💛💛

#californiacontessa #californiansathome
I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisd I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisdom that was Martin Luther King. He will always be one of my biggest heroes and ten years ago I wrote a small post highlighting some of his very meaningful words and quotes that we could all use as a life guide. Link to the post in my bio and more on my stories. 

Do you know he is the only American to have a holiday for him that hasn’t been a president? He also had a low approval rating when he died. That has changed. Now people around the world use his teachings of living in peace and the fight for justice as a model we can strive for. I find his words so very needed in a world that is polarized more than ever. ❤️

#mlkday #mlkquotes #whatareyoudoingforothers
It’s still raining here! In an effort to use som It’s still raining here! In an effort to use some beautiful citrus and boost morale, I made these chocolate chips with a California twist. They have orange and walnuts -and for fun I added macadamias from my Hawaii trip and coconut flakes. I also switched out brown sugar for moscavado which is less refined and had more depth and flavor. So far response has been thumbs up from the home crew! 
The recipe and all the weekend fun- along with some cozy coats for this weather, and a recap of our SF meander are on the weekend blog. Juliet and Elizabeth also have great ideas this weekend.. links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 
Have a great weekend !

#californiacookie #californialiving #californiachocolatechipcookie #weekendpost #chocolateandorange
Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Fra Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Francisco’s Laurel Heights and a little walk through the Presidio to the Lyon Street Steps. We had an unbelievably beautiful day after so much rain and darkness. I highly recommend walking through this neighborhood, through The Presidio and grabbing lunch and checking out the lovely shops like the new Emily Joubert! The views are amazing all the way to the Golden Gate, and I am in love with all the beautiful homes of San Francisco. ❤️

#sanfranciscolove #presidioheights #lyonstreetsteps #sanfranciscowalks #housesofsf #visitcalifornia #ourgoldenstate #sanfranciscomansions #citybythebay #prettycity

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