California Travel, Decorating Plans, Summer Dressing & More – Morning Musings 13

Welcome to Morning Musings once again, a personal post that I share from time to time with a little bit of this and that! The format may change slightly, depending upon what I have to talk about. This week it’s about vacation, decorating plans, summer fashion and more…so let’s get right into it friends!

LET’S GET PERSONAL

We went out to San Francisco to visit our daughter for a week and it was the first time that we’ve flown since pre-pandemic. After our flight was cancelled last minute, the airline automatically rebooking us on different flights the next day, and then I rebooked us…we finally made it! Traveling is not what it used to be for sure and then we had more delays on the return 🙄 We enjoyed our time though and did lots of walking and exploring outside of the city. I’ll post a handful of photos below, but they were taken with my iPhone that is in need of an upgrade by now.

We stayed with my daughter and son-in-law, who recently moved into a “new to them” home. This is my favorite room, which is an atrium in the middle of the house. Interesting to learn that it was somewhat common to build this way in San Francisco back in the day with the atrium providing a breeze with an open skylight (it’s since been glassed in) and windows. I’m in love with these cement tile floors!

garden room

The view out of one of their windows and it’s equally as impressive at night!

san francisco view

A RARE rainstorm showed up on the day that we planned on going to the Alameda Flea Market. It did not deter and although I didn’t purchase anything for us, my daughter snagged a MCM chair and ottoman for their new place.

Alameda market

On another day we walked almost 9 miles around the San Francisco Botanical Gardens to the Ocean Beach area to grab some lunch.

San Francisco Botanical Gardens

One evening we had an amazing vegan dinner with lots of shared dishes and courses. Such a beautiful salad!

A 1/2 day trip exploring around the windswept Marin Headlands which is part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Marin Headlands

From there we drove the winding roads to charming Stinson Beach.

Stinson Beach, CA

I hope that you enjoyed those shots…I tried to mostly be in the moment and stay off social media and my phone!

WHAT I’M LOVING IN DECOR

We have been concentrating on our big complete kitchen remodel and hope to share more soon. I’ve been visiting showrooms, picking out and ordering appliances, working with a kitchen designer and planning on some DIY projects in the renovation as well. We won’t start demo until the cabinets are a few weeks out and I’ll update quite a bit over on my Instagram feed, so follow me there! Here’s a shot from the showroom at Ferguson/Build of some lighting I was crushing on.

In the rest of the house I’ve been rearranging for summer and adding just a few coastal touches to reflect where we live. In our beach home we have vintage glass fishing floats and I just ordered this set for the Miami house living room. It’s been awhile since I have had a sisal rug, since they tend to bother my allergies. With the coastal feel in the house I ordered this faux sisal rug and it should be here in a few days. With so many great reviews and a budget friendly price point I am excited!

If you’re a fan of palm leaves (and don’t have a yard like mine;-) these faux palm leaves are on sale for 25% at my favorite source. I have worked with that brand several times over the years and the quality on their faux flowers is always amazing! Speaking of faux flowers, this wicker vase (as pictured below) has been a reader’s favorite since I first posted it and it’s just $30! The orchids and the leaves are linked in my AMAZON STOREFRONT and are quite realistic! Look around when you’re there, as I update the storefront daily and have some incredible finds!

Heads up…I have shopped Ballard Designs for years now and their products hold up so well. There is 25% off on one item only until midnight (some exclusions apply)…so hurry on over and take a look here! I ordered this set of darling melamine plates for my summer table and will use them with these bamboo flatware that I already have. I’m loving this affordable Chinoiserie bird & roses outdoor rug that is soft enough for indoor use too!

WHAT I’M WEARING

I live in three things in the summer…yoga pants & tees, bathing suits and summer dresses! This super cute flirty floral dress is my current favorite (I own it) and it’s a wrap dress, so the living is easy! Here’s another super cute summer dress and I adore this one as well!

I believe in investing in a quality bathing suit or two every summer. Whether you’re at the beach or poolside they take a beating, and I like them to last! This Miracle Suit was added to my stash for summer 2022 and it’s quite flattering, hiding what I don’t really want accented ;-). A good tankini is something that I always have because not only are they stylish, but make it easier when you need to use the ladies room! I have had this one for about 5 years now and it still looks new (pair it with any bottom).

BEAUTY PRODUCTS I’M USING

My hair stylist Tracy recommended this shampoo to me several years ago and it’s really changed the texture of my hair for the better! Since I color my hair I use it exclusively and this coordinating conditioner as well from the same brand. You get what you pay for with hair products, I am firmly convinced.

WHAT I’M COOKING & EATING

Before I went vegetarian several years ago I used to love eating sweet and sour chicken from our favorite Chinese restaurant. Now I make a version of it that has no meat and is completely vegan and easy to prep! See the video for this recipe here.

sweet and sour vegan Chinese chicken recipe

WHAT I’M WATCHING

Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a love affair with not only antiques, but watch mostly period pieces as well. I just finished up the two seasons of Gentleman Jack on HBO and it was a good escape. Set in Yorkshire, 1834…it’s quite unconventional and captivating.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

This post went somewhat viral, so if you haven’t read it yet…please do! It’s about the Coastal Grandmother decorating trend and full of interesting ideas for all who love the coast. You might also enjoy Brighten Up Your Home For Summer and 80+ Summer Decorating Tips & Ideas!

Until next time…

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3 Comments

  1. Ann Drayton says:

    Glad to hear you had an enjoyable trip to SF. I always enjoy your musings 🙂
    And I am totally following Gentleman Jack too.
    Everything Suranne Jones does seems to be good. Have you seen Doctor Foster? That’s brilliant also.

  2. Looks like you had a wonderful trip to SF – I love your pictures! I’ll have to try some of your walks next time I’m down there. Welcome home, and Happy Decorating!

  3. Great pics, it looks like you had plenty of adventures. That dress is super cute. This year I’m loving dresses. They seem to be everywhere.