Fredericksburg, TX
This week we celebrated our 42nd Wedding Anniversary! A day trip to Fredericksburg sounded like fun. The sun was shining so off we went.
Our stomachs were rumbling by the time we arrived! We received so many recommendations for restaurants. (The food and wine scene in Fredericksburg is awesome) After calling several places to see how crowded they were, we decided to try Emma and Ollie. (Thanks Amanda!) Pay attention because you might just drive right past it.
The portions are huge!!!! We probably should have split a sandwich. I give Emma and Ollie a 5 star review. We sat on the outside back deck and enjoyed the beautiful day, friendly service and outstanding food. Seriously, do try this place. They have the best bakery too. You will love every delicious, homemade bite!
Next we decided to walk a bit. We needed to burn off some of those calories! So we parked and went exploring.
First stop was Carol Hicks Bolton’s shop and WOW! She has been featured in many magazines for good reason! If you are looking for unique and exquisite things do come here. The smell of the French candles wafts through the air. Much to my delight there are very fine antiques, exquisite bedding, religious artifacts and more. My imagination was going into overdrive! The warehouse setting adds to the shopping ambiance too. I could have stayed all day. Hopefully I will be going back for some bedding ASAP!
Next up was Loft. It’s also set in the warehouse district. I was lured in by the garden pieces outside wanted to see it all.
Loft had mirrored old doors, gorgeous rugs, lots of modern pieces mixed with repurposed things along with great urns and garden decor. What a delight to see. I was now inspired to go home and try to mix up a few things I may have stashed away! I love when that happens, don’t you?
Main Street was next. It is the hot spot for all the tourists. The Dooley’s 5-10 &25cStore is a throw back in time. We love going in every time we visit Fredericksburg. So much to see that takes you down memory lane. If you remember a five and dime store that’s what this is and more! Down from Dooley’s is Pritzer Sweet Shop. If you just want to grab a drink, a treat and people watch on the sidewalk bench, this is your spot. There are LOT’S of shops to explore on Main Street! Just go and have fun.
We have taken Fredericksburg wine tours before and they are FUN! This time it was just the two of us and since the day was sunny and cool, we drove down the road to Signor Vineyards.
This winery is stunning. It may be just down the road from downtown but I felt like we were in Napa (With a good stretch of the imagination, Italy! Hey, after a year and half in quarantine it’s allowed!) Sitting under a gorgeous canopy of trees sipping wine I was a bit overcome with gratitude. How lucky are we to be together to enjoy today. This 200 acre estate is growing and I was so impressed with the friendly service, manicured grounds and fun gift shop (buy some cheese to go with your wine at the gift shop or order a charcuterie board or box)
Before we knew it is was time to head home.
I had saved our highly recommended Lemon Cookie for the ride back to San Antonio! It was OUTSTANDING! We had the nicest time celebrating in Fredericksburg. The pace felt slow and relaxing! Ed and I can’t wait to get back soon. Always check hours of business for the places you wish to visit because many are closed Monday & Tuesday. There are also lot’s of places to stay to make it a vacation. From San Antonio it’s just a one hour drive. We took the back roads and the views had us in awe. It really does your soul good to just take it all in.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Let me know your favorite Texas spots. I’m ready to find new and exciting places to explore and y’all have the best recommendations.
XOXO, Kim
New York City at Christmas
New York at Christmas has been something I have wanted to experience for a long time. My two daughters and I decided to meet up and have a girls weekend right after Thanksgiving. It did not disappoint!
We stayed at the Luma Hotel New York. The location was so convenient and we were able to get around by walking most of the time. I had Thursday to myself and I walked over to Bryant Park to shop, eat and watch the skaters.
The next day, my youngest daughter, Liza and I had a dream come true and visited the showroom of Julie Vos. If you have been following me for a while, you know I am a Julie Girl. I love this jewelry so much. We actually got to meet and visit with Julie herself. Being treated to some very special and treasured pieces was unbelievable! Just seeing EVERYTHING was amazing! We are so grateful to the team and Julie for this experience!
All of the walking, shopping and cold weather made us very hungry! We stopped in a little deli for some hot soup and sandwiches. It hit the spot. Then we headed to the hotel for a rest and waited for my other daughter, Sarah, to arrive.
Off to Bryant Park the three of us went. There we enjoyed the skaters, had some great hot chocolate and Sarah tried “street meat”! She loved it! We had a reservation for dinner at Eataly and enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Manzo restaurant.
The next day was Soho shopping and the girls and I had a ball. We saw street singers, beautiful windows and more but it was very very crowded.
We decided to see the Saks windows Saturday night! This was one of my favorite things of the trip!
But inside of Saks Fifth Avenue was pretty outstanding too! This store brought back the grander times of retail giants for me. The selection was incredible. And talk about inspiring!!!! WOWZA!
Before we knew it it was Sunday and it was time to pack up and we had one more stop, Nordstrom.
Again so much inspo and brunch was great too. I was off to the airport before I knew it. Tears in my eyes after saying goodbye to my girls and this amazing city.
There were lessons learned. I would go during the week and not on the weekend. I would stay for at least 4 days. So much to see and do. I would love to hear all your favorites in New York. Hoping to go back again and maybe catch a show or two!
Happy Holidays to you and yours,
XOXO,
Kim
Dior: From Paris to the World Tour
The “Dior: From Paris to the World” tour in Dallas was magnificent. There were over 200 pieces of couture to see along with sketches, photographs and accessories. Most notably, we saw over 70 years of House of Dior couture. The collection included pieces from Dior, Yves St. Laurent, John Galliano and others.
The Dallas Museum of Art paired the clothing with their own pieces of art in a series of rooms creating a magical mix. The DMA director Agustin Arteago compared the retrospective to “walking into a cathedral of fashion”. I could not agree more. I was moved, enlightened and even overcome at times from the pure perfection at seeing Dior: From Paris to the World Tour at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Here are a few of my favorites!
Do you see yourself in any of these creations? I see myself in the kaftan and maybe that gorgeous coat. A girl can dream, right? It was so wonderful to see it all.
XOXO, Kim
HILL COUNTRY MILE, BOERNE TEXAS
Have you heard of the Hill Country Mile? Nestled in the quaint town of Boerne, Texas, the strip on Main street has been named Hill Country Mile. This modern and historic city is not to be missed when visiting the Texas Hill Country. Boerne has seen such a transformation in the past few years and I for one am loving it! AMAZING boutiques, fantastic restaurants, wine bars, art galleries, coffee shops, hotels and all the small town charm anyone could ask for are waiting to welcome you! Not a chain store in sight. I love love love the originality of this place. This city embraces its history and yet is somehow very fresh and so very charming.
Main Street Boerne
Last week Erin from Cathedrals & Cafes and I explored the Hill Country Mile together and we had the most delightful time! Erin is a lifestyle and travel blogger from San Antonio. Once you see her work you will know she is a must follow on her blog here and here on instagram.
So here is a look at what we saw on our day visiting Hill Country Mile
Bechants
Let me introduce you to Bechants. This store is the most unexpected treasure right on the Hill Country Mile. Erin and I lucked out and received a private tour of this modern department store from Craig Brewer of Bechants. Craig described this store as retail heaven and I completely agree. Bechants has many “rooms” and each has its own specialty merchandise.
A few things you will find at Bechants are home decor, kitchen items, high end fine jewelry, fun jewelry, clothing, health and wellness products, MacKenzie Childs, stationery, fragrance for you and your home, children’s clothing, gifts and SOOO much more! The people who work at Bechants are a family. Everyone in every department will do their best to help you find just the right thing. If you appreciate great customer service you have come to the right place. The way they wrap up your selections with beautiful bags and tissue is that old time customer care that I find lacking in most places today. I was smiling ear to ear with all the attention to detail and to me!!!!!
And just to be clear you can find something at EVERY budget here. Let’s just say I might know this as a fact! Several very affordable and very special gifts will be awaiting my family and friends under our tree this year!
Bechants
Joli Boutique
Joli means pretty in french, and this store curates merchandise that is so pretty and unique. Most of the lines carried here are made in the USA or Canada! I really appreciate that the owner, Barbara, choses her apparel and jewelry to appeal to all ages and shapes. Her philosophy is that every lady should be uniquely beautiful. Joli boutique also carries special things for men and children. Joli has such wonderful selections and the best friendly service.
Joli Boutiqe
Joli Boutique
Joli Boutique
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd is a long time favorite shopping destination for me in Boerne. When Laurie took the old antique store location in Boerne, she waved her fairy decorating wand of renovation and poof this store is STUNNING! I knew I would be visiting on the regular!
With a sharp eye for detail and an amazing team that is so kind and helpful, Laurie’s shop deserves your time when you visit Boerne. It takes a very special hand to put things together they way the team does at this shop. I absolutely love visiting and getting inspiration. My heart is set on several pieces from here. (I hope Santa thinks I have been a very good girl.) Besides home furnishings, there is so much to see and shop at Laurie Saunders Ltd. Gorgeous antiques, Mexican dresses in the summer, outerwear of vests and light jackets for winter, candles, kitchen towels, stunning pillows, blue and white china, coffee table books, statuary, lighting, hostess gifts, holiday treasures, art, anything you can imagine to set a perfect table are all here along with LOTS more. Do not miss going in and saying hello.
Right now is an especially great time to shop with the Cure Cancer Card. If you donate $50 to Cure Cancer Partners Card, you will receive 20% off from October 18th to October 27th. Laurie Saunders Ltd and Joli are accepting the card as are many other merchants and restuarants. For more information click here.
Cypress Grille
All of this shopping really worked up my appetite and the Cypress Grille was just the place for a lovely lunch and a chilled glass of wine.
The food and the service are so wonderful at the Cypress Grille. I highly recommend it.
Before we knew it our day had flown by and it was time to head back to San Antonio. I hope you will take some time and go visit Boerne’s Hill Country Mile. I will be back to check out all the holiday trimmings and fun. This town will wrap you up in the holiday spirit!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Let me know your favorite place in Boerne!
XOXO, Kim
The Arbors at Round Top
The next stop was The Arbors at Round Top. This is a very different venue from Marburger Farm. Here you will find many artisans displaying new or repurposed items. It is a must stop and shop in my book. There is no admission fee here (the more money to spend shopping) and there are some air conditioned tents. That my friends felt so incredibly good on that hot Texas day!
Ayca Design was a favorite vendor of our trip. From gorgeous textiles, art, furniture, rugs, kimono’s, purses, shoes and more her pieces were outstanding. I hope she returns in the spring! I am starting to save up NOW!
The Arbors at Round Top
Then there is Pandora’s tent. The dreamiest tent of the show that I have seen so far! If you have not seen the bedding and textiles from Pandora de Balthazar check her out immediately. One day I have promised myself to do over our bedroom with nothing but the best from Pandora! Her tent is always a favorite to visit (and not because it is air conditioned)!!!!!
At The Arbors at Round Top
I found Pandora through the uber talented floral designer, Amanda Barkley Floral. Amanda and I met last year and she did a wreath for my front door for Fiesta. Amanda lives here in San Antonio and decorates the White House for Christmas every year! Now that’s impressive don’t you think? This is what she did for Pandora’s tent this year:
At The Arbors at Round Top
at The Arbors at Round Top
We found lots of things at The Arbor’s at Round Top which we will be giving as holiday gifts from Prairie Linen Company and some linen clothing at her daughter’s shop Bella Italia Linen Boutique.
All in all what a wonderful day. My dream is to go and stay for several days and shop and see so much more. You simply can’t see everything is one day. I hope you will visit Texas during The Round Top Antique Show. I know I will be ready for the Spring show and hopefully will meet YOU there.
As always, thank you for stopping by. Let me know what is happening in your neck of the woods.
XOXO, Kim
Round Top Texas Antique Show
Round Top Texas Antique Show is one of the best antique shows anywhere. Twice a year over 100,000 people descend upon rural Texas to shop antiques, decor, fashion, jewelry, furniture, art, salvage, guns and so much more. One never knows what treasures will be found.
This fall we decided to go to opening morning at Marburger Farm. The fee on opening day morning is $25 a person, later that day and for the duration of the show it is $10 a person. Big word of warning, it is HOT! A hat, sunscreen, water, cash and credit card are all musts.
It was so packed. Designers from EVERYWHERE were there including Bravos Million Dollar Decorators, Martyn Laurence Bullard and Mary McDonald as well as Texas favorites, Chip and Joanna Gaines! We were in good company!
Here are some favorites from Marburger:
After hunting and gathering for about 4 hours, we decided to head on down the road to The Arbors. I’ll share more of that tomorrow! As always, thank you for following along.
Kim
My Texas Road Trip With Chico’s
Summer is the perfect time for a Texas Road Trip and packing was so easy with pieces from Chico’s, who sponsored this post. Let’s be clear, by now you know me and I hope trust me to share only what I really really love. This is why I am happy to share my favorites for summer travel from Chico’s with you! With all the mix and match pieces and accessories packing was a breeze! Everything fit in one small suitcase and I had room for some souvenirs!
So many times today we think we have to plan the trip of a lifetime to get away from it all. Well friends, I am here to tell you that a day or two on a road trip can reset your entire mindset! And that is just what I did! I put the convertible top down, blared my favorite music and within minutes I remembered that fun girl I used to be. Remember when you didn’t care so much about every little thing? This is when I feel wild and free (don’t laugh, it’s true)! I did not worry about anything but feeling good and taking in the scenery and fresh air! These looks from Chico’s made feeling good easy! Even better, so many of these pieces are ON SALE!!!! You simply have to see for yourself HERE
I chose these pieces because of how comfortable and yet chic I wanted to be on this trip. Stain resistant white jeans had me at hello! Whether having a picnic by the side of the road or dinner in a charming town, with just a few pieces I could go ANYWHERE!
The moral of this travel tale is to let you know that it’s easy to have a summer adventure that doesn’t cost you a down payment on a car! Just pack up a picnic basket and drive! It’s also very easy to look pretty chic on the road! As the smart cookies I know you are, you will love saving with Chico’s too! Don’t miss these amazing pieces and prices!!!! Happy Summer Travels Babes!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Would love to hear where you are off to this summer! Leave me a comment below! XOXO
Summer Travel Tips Made EZ Peasy
Summer Travel made EZ Peasy is not a myth! I am sharing these Travel Tips to make your summer travel easy and fun. I have been to California, Chicago, Austin and Houston in the past month! Whew! Here are some ideas that have made all my planned and unplanned (being prepared really helps with last minute emergency travel) trips so much easier:
Having the right luggage is a must! This “Classico” carry-on from Andiamo Luggage is EVERYTHING! I packed everything I needed and skipped the baggage fees! (Can I get an AMEN!) Since receiving this luggage I have used NOTHING else because this bag has it all; style, function (hello usb charger and padded laptop case) AND it rolls like a dream. I also got so many compliments on it even from the flight crew! I don’t know about you, but I don’t hate compliments!
Roll your clothes! I know it seems unorthodox but I squeezed so much more in and everything was pretty wrinkle free when I arrived. Your accessories will stretch every look! I can wear a pair of jeans, a jacket and a cute tee on the plane and pack a swimsuit, skirt, shorts, dress, flat shoes, and lot’s of colorful accessories and I am good to go! Don’t forget sunglasses! They punctuate everything!
I also like to have a cosmetic bag at the ready so I am not pulling from all my stuff at the last minute. Cleanser, makeup, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, hair ties, sunscreen, everything you need in sample sizes that you refill makes throwing them in your bag so convenient. I also bring a flat iron and my shampoo in refillable bottles from the container store. Jewelry goes in my purse in felt bags.
I pack EVERYTHING that could possibly leak in ziplock bags too. I have had too many OMG incidents and never take a chance anymore!
I also pack some small snacks in my purse and buy water once through security. Delayed on a runway is never fun but made a little nicer with a book, a snack, water and a small blanket. AND don’t forget socks, seriously why why why is the plane so cold? My feet feel like icicles when I land.
I hope you enjoy these easy tips and if you have some to share with me please leave them in the comments! And if you are looking for my favorite carry on luggage click HERE It comes in Red, Blue and black. The hardest thing was choosing a color! May your trips be fun and safe and I wish you all a happy travel experience!
And as always, thank you so much for stopping by!
ROME In A Day
After a bumpy boat ride from Capri to Naples, we got in a taxi that took us to the Naples train station. Once we figured out how to buy our tickets, we were off! We enjoyed a relaxing train ride into Rome. Traveling this way you do have to carry your own luggage and I have learned (the hard way) to pack much lighter next time! The streets of Rome were very crowded with Romans and tourists! After going to our hotel, which I will not mention due to a very bad experience, we dropped off our luggage and set out to enjoy every bit of Rome we could. Since we had both been before, we decided to take some side streets and explore. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and on every corner we saw beautiful architecture and breathtaking beauty. Rome is a city that is such a mix of old and new. It is a true melting pot of people too! The high end stores are there as well as darling little mom and pop shops. After having a delicious and much bigger lunch than normal we decided to skip dinner and go see the Trevi Fountain at night! Of course it began to pour, but just as we approached the fountain, the rain slowed down a bit and I have to say to see the fountain at night and in the rain was beyond magical. A couple got engaged and the entire crowd cheered. Just so much fun! It was a fabulous way to end our Italian holiday.
I hope you enjoyed coming along. As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Feel free to leave comments and questions. It is such a treat to hear from you.
XOXO,
Kim
Capri Travel Guide
Leaving Positano made me sad and excited too! After 4 days of no ferry’s running along the Almafi Coast due to weather and rough seas, we were finally in luck and hopped on one to take us to heaven on earth, Capri. We docked and left our luggage with the concierge that we had arranged to take up to our hotel for us. We then headed to buy tickets to the funicular for the inclined cable ride up to the beautiful city center of Capri. (arrange for your luggage to be taken up for you, it’s well worth it rather then dragging it up yourself! You can also take a taxi but we wanted to see all we could) The streets were very crowded but the beautiful high end shops (Armani, Chanel, Missoni, Moschino Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Brunelli Cucinelli, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Alberta Ferretti, Gucci Dior, Fendi, and so many more) and gated gardens made this walk to our hotel delightful. From the moment we arrived at Hotel Flora, it was as if I was living in a dream! We took the elevator to our room where Stefan opened the door and showed us everything and he then opened the balcony door to show us the view! I started to cry! The beauty just overcame me.
After unpacking, we decided to stay by the pool and have lunch which was delicious. The service we received was top notch. Thank you to everyone at Hotel Flora, especially Stefan and Bruno! We then decided that we would wait until the last ferry left at 5 and then venture out to the street to explore. This was a brilliant move if I do say so myself, lol! We strolled and ate and shopped in peace and it was perfect.
This sculpture by Carole Feuerman is in the center of Capri overlooking the beautiful sea. Isn’t she lovely? I love the sculptor’s view on water as a symbol of life, how water cleanses and purifies. “Water touches all people, animals and things. Water connects one land to another. Water moistens and revives.” That is what Capri did for me, it revived me!
The days passed by and we saw so much! There were gorgeous flowers coming in for a wedding, shop owners who were as stylish as any fashion model regardless of age, little grottos with fresh flowers honoring Mary, so many different views, the best people watching and we enjoyed all the food too! But the best was yet to come. We decided to splurge and take a small boat out just for us! This is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.
I was hoping to be invited on board for a drink, but no luck!
We decided to explore Ana Capri too. The weather had turned a bit chilly but off we went. I’m so glad to have seen this quaint town with beautiful grounds and views too!
And just like that it was time to go! I cannot wait to go back to the Almafi Coast. The people, the views, the food and the shopping make this a dream vacation for all ages! (Wear flat and supportive shoes!!!!).
Next week will be our stay in Rome! I hope you will come along! And as always, thank you so much for stopping by.
XOXO,
Kim
OBSESSED
