Last week, I posted about my
memorable California trip to see these
two dear friends of mine.
Kathysue of Good Life of Design,
and Jeanette. (of HGTV fame)
One of the many travel days we enjoyed
was a trip to Carmel by the Sea.
Look at my Part 1 post when we visited
Jan de Luc’s French shop.
I also wanted to share with you pics of
some of the other amazing shops we visited.
We were disappointed this charming
Tea Room was closed.
But, tucked just behind this was a cute
garden shop where we found these…
I “heart” these stepping stones. 🙂
You’ve heard of the now-popular Fairy Gardens…
How about a Rooster Garden.
One of my fave places was a French-style
Floral Shop…
I know, let the ooh’s and aah’s commence.
Buckets and buckets of flowers where you
could build your own bouquet…
– or simply choose one of these breathtaking
pre-made bouquets.
Sigh worthy.
Don’t you just love these French flower baskets?
Just outside, was a charming courtyard –
Filled with more “loverlyness.”
In fact, loverlyness overfloweth.
I am definitely copying this idea this Fall…
“Nests” of straw at the base of topiaries.
Look how the mini orange pumpkins just pop!
This is another topiary base, but even a plain
ole’ terra cotta pot would make a statement
when given this beautiful pumpkin
and straw treatment.
And I don’t know about you…
But I am going to be on the lookout
for a Rusty Roo.
🙂
After a day of shopping,
we just had to end our day with a sunset visit to
Carmel Beach. Its the “thing” to do.
So, after a yummy dinner, with to-go
lattes and cappucino’s in hand,
we headed out here…
I thought for sure we would see
Clint Eastwood lounging around.
(we didn’t see Doris Day, either) 🙁
But, we saw this…
– and I stepped into the cold Pacific ocean
for the very first time…
Jeanette and I needed no words to
say exactly what we were feeling…
After frolicking in the waves… we settled down
in our beach chairs to watch this –
and this…
and this…
Whaaaaat! Stop the truck!
Huh?
Introducing the one guy at Carmel
who thought it was ok to stand right in
front of us, a few feet away.
So I kicked sand on him.
No, no I didn’t.
But, this Carolina girl wanted to. 🙂
Eventually, he moved.
And we witnessed a few moments of
pure wonder.
These are moments when you thank God
for family, health, fortune and
good friends…
Life friends. Get your toes in the sand friends.
Thank you for letting me share my
trip to Carmel with you.
Soon, I will share our trip to Mill Valley
where we toured one my fave chef’s
beautiful shop, Tyler Florence, and also ate
at his restaurant, El Paseo.
xxoo
Sharing with Wow Us Wednesday with
Kim at Savvy Southern Style.
Kathysue says
Another very fun post to re-live your wonderful visit, makes me miss you and Jeanette!! Would love to do all over in a second!! xo Kathysue
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, this looks like a wonderful trip! That flower shop is amazing; and those topiaries with the ‘nests’ are awesome! So pretty! Great friends, great scenery…does it get any better?
View CommentNanaDiana says
I am so, so, so, so jealous! What a perfect time you had. The shops and ocean sunset-perfect. Gotta love the man that stood in front of you- typical clueless male…did I say that?;>/ xo Diana
View CommentJeanette says
Such sweet and wonderful memories of a very happy day. But, I had to laugh at the photo of that sunset blocking man. I had forgotten all about him. Just like a man! Thanks for putting this post together, Barb. I can’t believe it has been almost a year since we were all together in California. We really do need to start planning our next trip!
View Commentourlifeinaclick.blogspot.com says
One of my favorite places! Gorgeous photos!!
View Commentthistlewoodfarm says
Barb….you are so right! Friends and family and beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean are things to be thankful for!
blessings,
View Commentkarianne
Barbara F. says
What a fun trip. That beach is just gorgeous! xo
View CommentJane@Cottage at the Crossroads says
I’ve been to Carmel once, and it’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. We did see Clint Eastwood’s red truck while we were there. What wonderful memories you made with your friends.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Great fun, great friends..life could not be better.
View CommentBarbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
What?! You didn’t want to watch the sunset through that man’s back?! That’s one of the prettiest beaches anywhere and you were there at the perfect time! Nothing quite like girlfriend time!
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Isn’t California beautiful, I love taking trips their! Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time together! Great pics!!
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
ps– that floral shop is drool worthy!!
View CommentSuzy says
You’re so right. Great friends are a blessing indeed! Love the garden shop – I could spend hours in there. Love the hay and pumpkins at the base of the topiaries too!
View CommentCindy says
Ahhhh Carmel! Mr. Beaux and I were just there celebrating our 30th anniversary. So beautiful and charming! Looks like a fun trip.
View CommentShelia says
Hi Barb! Oh, what fun! I know these memories will always make you smile. Isn’t Carmel just the most darling place? By the way, I lived in Seaside, right next to Monterrey for about a year and while driving down the street peeked over at the cute convertible car beside and guess who was driving it? Clint Eastwood! I didn’t honk my horn or wave or anything – just stared! That was when he wass good looking! 🙂
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Christine @ Angel Stitch Embroidery and Jezebel says
Beautiful photos! I was in Carmel recently but we only stopped quickly for lunch while on our way south on Hwy 1. I really need to go back and so some serious window shopping 🙂
View CommentStyle Sisters says
Makes me want to jump into the photos and be there!! What a fun place and those shops look amazing!! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this with us and enter my giveaway.
View CommentKarin
The Vintage Chateau says
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip. My husband and I honeymooned there 35 years ago! Carmel is such fun!
View CommentKaree