Good morning, Everyone! I hope your week is going great so far! I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few of my favorite Summer activities and hangout spots. You see, when Emil and I met 8 years ago, our love of travel was one of the first things that brought us together. Over the years, we have taken countless trips exploring new destinations, because for us, there really isn't anything quite like discovering a new place together, yet there are a few of those magical spots which will forever hold our hearts and keep us coming back over and over again. With time, traveling to these places became an annual tradition and a road trip to Carmel is definitely something we have done every Summer for the past few years. Now, I can probably write a book telling you why I love these road trips so much but I figured a better idea was to do a blog post documenting our adventures. So, I hope you enjoy this journey with me!
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| This post was brought to you in collaboration with David Yurman, all opinions are my own. |
This time around, before going to Carmel we decided to stop in San Francisco. Though we've been there before, our last visit was too brief to really explore the city. So this time, we were really dedicated to getting to know San Francisco a little better. Our absolutely favorites were the beautiful downtown area, the Lombard street and of course the Golden Gate park. We also couldn't resist taking another look at the Golden Gate bridge, and I have to tell you, seeing the sun set over it never seizes to amaze us! Since Emil and I are complete and total foodies, we never pass up on an opportunity to explore local cafes and restaurants. The one place we found particularly charming was the Tartine Bakery, which was recommended to me by a reader during my last visit. And I have to say, I am truly thankful for her recommendation. The coffee and pastries were absolutely outstanding, so if you have fondness for either, I definitely recommend stopping by.
After spending a few days in San Francisco, we headed to Carmel. We've stayed at a number of different places in Carmel before, but this time around we decided to look for something a little different. You see, lavender happens to be a particular favorite of mine, and I have always dreamt of seeing the beautiful lavender fields. We arrived to our hotel early in the morning, and from the moment we got to Carmel Valley Ranch, it felt like we were in a fairy tale. Extending from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Lucia mountains, the ranch is covered in vineyards and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. We spend the next few days wondering around the organic gardens, the vineyards and lavender fields and relaxing by the pool.
I can't help but to re-live the memories of our adventures as I am writing this post, which of course inevitably results in planning yet another trip to Carmel. And since it's been a few weeks since our visit, I think it's definitely time to do it again!:)
P.S. If you love David Yurman jewelry as much as I do, please CLICK HERE to check out some of my personal favorites on davidyurman.com
Look 1: Reed Krakoff Boxer tote { also love this very pretty version in soft blue on SALE here } | Torn by Ronny Kobo Rivi pants | Dolce & Gabbana Kate patent leather pumps | Finders Keepers Star Eyes check grid print top | Look 2: Truth & Pride silk blazer { similar option here & here } | Schutz Fiorenza heels | Nanette Lepore strip flirty skort | Loeffler Randall Agenda cross body bag { also love this color option } | Look 3: J CREW Panama hat & top { similar here & here } | Chanel Boy flap bag | Theory Veneza Ganelle dress | Look 4: Finders Keepers Call Me dress| Saint Laurent Jane leather ankle strap sandals
David Yurman jewelry throughout:
Bracelets: The Cable Wrap Collection bracelet with blue topaz & diamonds, The Willow Collection open five-row bracelet with diamonds, The Waverly Collection bracelet with diamonds, The Cable Classics Collection bracelet with rose quartz and diamonds | Earrings: The Cable Wrap Collection double-drop earrings with blue topaz and diamonds, The Cable Wrap Collection earrings with rose quartz and diamonds | Rings: The Willow Collection open four-row ring with diamonds, The Labyrinth Collection triple-loop ring with diamonds | Timepieces: Women's classic 38mm quartz watch, Classic 34mm lavender ceramic quartz watch
Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle