If you're as a big of a fan of Nordstrom as I am then you probably know that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is going on! For those that are Nordstrom card holders, this means you get to shop the sale early before it opens to the public (score!). This sale is one of my favorites because unlike other sales where it the sale takes place at the end of the season, this one happens at the beginning. Some of the items I like to grab on sale for the season are timeless staples like coats, boots, bags and sweaters. I went back through the sale items I selected and made sure they were available in most sizes.
My husband and I spent two weeks in California this summer, traveling to major cities from south to north. Towards the end of our trip we decided to go to San Francisco spur of the moment and purchased plane tickets in the airport.
Our trip to San Francisco was quite an adventure! The first night, we decided to stay in Fisherman's Wharf area. When we got into our room, ear plugs were awaiting us as though they were chocolates on our pillows. We thought, man this is weird...in all of the hotels we have stayed in this is a first! We later found out why...the trash came through that evening making the most ear-shattering noises right outside of our window, making it impossible to stay asleep, despite our ear plugs.
Walking around the area our first evening, we decided to try out a restaurant in the area a friend had suggested to us called The Franciscan Crab. It was incredible! Neither one of us was very hungry that night so we split the 3 course dinner option. We decided on the crab alfredo and we were not disappointed. The restaurant was not only delicious, but almost every seat in the house has a gorgeous view of the water. Every night we were in San Francisco we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.
After having a not-so-great experience in Fisherman's Wharf at our hotel, we decided to switch accommodations and ended up at an Airbnb in Sausalito the second night. With crab seeming to be the go-to treat at most restaurants, we picked an outdoor, ocean-front restaurant called Fish for dinner that evening. The restaurant offers BYOB for a small corkage fee and the most amazing crab roll I've ever had!
Our hosts were only a ten minute drive away from the bridge! I found a beautiful spot that was not as crowded to watch the sunset and take pictures.
A good friend of mine that lives in San Fran now accompanied us that evening for dinner and sight-seeing that night. "The summer has some of the prettiest sunsets in San Francisco", he told us. He wasn't lying. I couldn't even believe my eyes. The sunset started with beautiful rainbow pastel tones and as the sun went down, got deeper and deeper in color.
If you are planning a trip to San Francisco in the summer, the sun doesn't usually set until about 9:00 pm, which gives you a full day to enjoy yourself. We loved staying a little outside of the city in Sausalito and having some peace and quiet. The only downside to staying in that area is the closing time of almost all of the restaurants and bars. Most close around 9:30-10:30 pm, leaving us with nothing to do but head back to the airbnb and relax there.
Our second night in San Francisco was a dream and I am so happy we brought along our camera to have a physical image to match our memories.
Growing up in Florida, my family always preferred to get out of our home state for vacations. My mother grew up in California, so once I turned 13 we started traveling to different parts of California each year until we stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado. Once we stayed at this classic hotel we started coming back annually and it quickly became our most anticipated vacations each year. Just minutes from San Diego, this hotel is an amazing travel destination, boasting of celebrity guests such as Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant.
My husband and I took a trip this summer to California and went all along the coast from SoCal to northern California. Our first stop was San Diego! We had talked about visiting there several times in the past but finally got the opportunity to go.
The Hotel Del is my favorite spot around because of how historic and well-preserved it is! It has beautiful wood ceilings, fun shops, great dining, an amazing poolside bar that overlooks the ocean and so much more. There are tons of great restaurants around the hotel just a small walking distance away. I would also highly suggest the hotel brunch if it is available during your stay. It is held in the crown room which features a wooden vaulted ceiling, chilled seafood bar, tons of delicious carving stations and fresh cheeses among many other foodie delights.
Outside of the hotel, some of my favorite places to dine near the del are: Miguel's for Mexican food, Maretalia Restorante, and Il Fornaio. There's also a great casual pizza place near the hotel called Village Pizzeria. I haven't been to that one in a few years but I remember liking it.
My enchilada from Miguel's...it was delicious!
If you go to Miguel's, ask for the spicy carrots. ;)
Aside from spending all day at the beach, you can rent bikes, walk around the cute island of Coronado and admire the beautiful homes, or take a day trip to San Diego.
The 4th of July is right around the corner. I love this time of year because summer is in full swing! It has been especially hot recently in Georgia which has me searching for anything breathable to wear. Since the 4th lies on a weekday this year, I wanted to do something simple for the holiday. We usually host an event or go visit my parents in Florida for the holiday, but this year we decided to stay local.
I rounded up some patriotic pieces that are nice and breezy to wear for this time of year. Rather than wearing all red, white and blue, I like to wear some variation of the color scheme and pair it with fun colorful earrings or shoes.
I'll be sharing my porch decorations and outfit Saturday that I plan to wear for the 4th!
Happy Monday! We got back from California on Friday and have been attempting to catch up on sleep ever since! We spent almost 2 full weeks on the west coast and we had the best time! When we travel and try to see a lot of one state, we like to hop around rather than staying put in one city for a week.
California was absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect! It was warm during the day and with a cool breeze at night. I kept laughing at the fact that I was able to wear jeans with a jacket in the middle of summer! In Atlanta, it gets so hot and unbearably humid it's hard going outside in just a tank top and shorts.
While in Sausalito, we stopped at a cute flower market called Nancy Ann's. They have everything. I built an arrangement to match my outfit, took it inside and had them wrap it for me. Even while traveling, I love to have fresh flowers around. It makes the hotel room feel more homey.
I've been buying some new pieces for the summer and have recently been swooning over the gingham trend. I just love all of the soft pastels and how easy they are to match with other items in my closet. My favorite things to wear in the summer are light and airy tops that are breathable. I found this particular top by Rebecca Minkoff at a Nordstrom Rack while we were in La Jolla.
This top is so lightweight, it almost feels like you're wearing nothing. It's tight around the chest so it doesn't gape open and breezy at the bottom so you can eat as much as you want in it. ;)
As for accessories this summer, I have been sticking to tropical/straw bags and using my new favorite purse by Kate Spade. It matches just about anything I put on and carries more than what I need.
I always love one solid pair of sunglasses as my staple and I tend to go for tortoise shell because they look good with my skin tone.
When we were in LA, we found the best little restaurant right outside Hollywood to stop off for a little bite and cocktails called Edendale. I am an absolute sucker for cheese, so when I saw a cheese board on the menu, I immediately ordered it.
Now THIS is what you call a cheese board. They did not skimp on the meat or other accouterments. They topped our board with dried figs, little pickles, various shaved meats, a few cheeses and fresh cut herbs.
This blue top is so versatile. It looks great tucked in or as I am wearing it here. I think it is a classic and can be worn for years to come because gingham, like a good cheese board, never truly goes out of style.
