Beautiful Rooms, a Collected Outfit, Good Food, and the Women Worth Knowing
There are weeks when everything seems to come together, right? You know…when a room stops you in your tracks, an outfit falls into place , something delicious lands on the table, and you find yourself surrounded, even if only on a screen, by women who are doing remarkable things. This is one of those weeks. I’ve been drooling over Mark Sikes’ gorgeous Santa Monica project, which has everything I love. It is collected, layered, and deeply personal. It got me thinking about the thread that runs through so much of what I share here beautiful spaces, a wardrobe built with intention, good food made without much fuss, and women who remind me that the most interesting lives are the ones being lived fully and without apology. It is time for the Sunday Fab Five with Annie and Mary Ann. Let’s chat about beautiful rooms, a collected outfit, good good, and the women worth knowing (that’s you).
Mark Sikes Beautiful Rooms
If there is one project stopping me in my tracks right now, it’s Mark Sikes’ Santa Monica Spanish Colonial Revival.He teamed up with architect Paul Brant Williger, and restored a historic 1924 home originally designed by legendary Los Angeles architect John Byers.The result is everything I love, layered, collected, and in keeping with the homes history. Terra-cotta floors, dark wooden beams, and a mix of antiques and Moorish accents give the rooms a sense of having always been exactly this beautiful. This is what timeless looks like.
I love the combination of red white and blue.
Wouldn’t you love to curl up with a book in this charming bedroom?
You can follow Mark Sikes on Instagram here. You can check out his latest projects on his website here. You can find all of his books on Amazon here. By the way which is your fave? And….did you know he is building a house in Ojai? You can follow the progress on that project on Instagram here.
Food and Wine’s 20 New Recipes to Make in April
I was at a conference with my content creator buddies in San Francisco (more on that Thursday) so I wasn’t doing any cooking to speak of. Food and Wine is always one of my go to’s when searching for recipes. I am planning to make several of these this month before we head to France.
Outfits of the Week-Cheap Chic from Zara
I try to offer less expensive options from time to time, and Zara often has less expensive options that are often good quality. I never recommend inexpensive footwear because most women our age need supportive footwear.
I think this Zara dress is darling (love the stitching detail). I really can’t wear sleeveless but I would wear this dress with the beautiful embroidered shawl. I own the beek sandals. If you wear a 9 or 10 you can purchase at Nordstrom Rack, or here on sale. I own a very similar straw bag, hat, earrings, and the Warby Parker sunnies.
I own a shirt very similar to this. I ordered these fabulous pants with the beautiful embroidery.
You can find all of my Zara Spring/Summer faves here.
Recommendations for your Favorite Places in France
Believe it or not, I am finally dragging Steve to France. Those of you who know me know I am a bit of an obsessive travel planner. I research, over-research, and then research some more. The irony is that because it took so long to get Steve on board, that is not happening, which is maybe a good thing.
We’re spending a few days in Paris, then on to Burgundy, and finishing in Provence. Hotels are booked and a few excursions are lined up, but I would love your help with the rest. If you’ve traveled to any of these regions, I’m all ears. Where did you eat that you still think about? What shops and antique markets are worth seeking out? Are there any wineries in Burgundy or Provence worth a visit?
The Women Behind the Blog
I have been thinking a lot about this lately. What makes this blog interesting has nothing to do with me really. It is (you) the community that has gathered around it. You guys, quite frankly, are way more interesting than me. You have lived richly and fully. You are authors, farmers, gardeners and adventurers, women who cold-water swim, come to modeling in your 60’s, and reinvent yourselves in your sixties and way beyond with more intention than most people manage in their thirties. You bring your own stories, your own perspectives, your own collected lives. What I’ve discovered, the longer I write this blog, is that the conversation goes both ways. I share what little I know about style, design, and aging the best I can, and you give back something far more valuable. You are proof that the most interesting chapter is often the one we are living right now. I just want to thank you for that. You simply rock. I am so proud that you have gathered around me.
As I end this blog every week, thank you for being here and reading Beautiful Rooms, a Collected Outfit, Good Food, and the Women Worth Knowing. I don’t know how many more years I will be penning this blog, but currently I am enjoying every minute of it.
Editors Note: If you have been wanting to try the #1 Forbes rated hair growth treatment, Nutrafol, now is the time. You can get 25% off here. I have my son trying it as well. I will report back on that!!
Now let’s pop over and visit my pals Mary Ann and Annie. They too make Sundays fun. If you are a gardener you will love my interview on Tuesday that I am super excited about! On Thursday I will tell you all about the conference I attended with my blogging pals and what I wore. It’s going to be a fun week!
Another one I thought you would you might find helpful…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AZ7_yC_t_Q&t=243s
Enjoy!
bobbie
Thank you bobbie!!
Cindy! Mark D. Sykes never disappoints. And, neither do you. Love the Zara ‘cheap chic’ with emphasis on the chic. You’ve created an incredible community here and your blog is one I most look forward to arriving in my inbox. I haven’t been to France in at least 10 year, and there’s not one thing I don’t love about it. Excited to follow your adventures. xo
Oh Cindy, The one place in France you must visit is the garden at Giverney. It is Monet’s home and garden. I know that you and Steve love gardening. It is a must. I understand it is crowded these days. I don’t know the answer to help you there. But It is the memory of France that is aways in my head.
You will love France. Many of my faves things have already been mentioned, but here are a few more.
Le Bistro du Paradou near Saint Remy in Provence – famous roadside stop with local cuisine.
A guided Van Gogh tour in Arles.
Neighborhoods of Mont Martre and Saint Germain in Paris
Going to Le Passage(s) in Paris, also the Tuileries Garden, The Luxemburg Gardens
I second the cruise down the Seine and Sant Chapelle
In Provence – the towns of Aix, Arles, and Avignon, the market at Isle Sur La Sorge , and one or two villages in the Luberon ( Rousillion, Gordes, Lourmarin, Lacoste, Menerbes)
The Camargue is wonderful especially if the flamingos have migrated.
I second the Pommard Winery!
Hi Cindy,
How exciting a trip to France!! Two favorites is Musee Rodin which has a beautiful garden to sit in as well as the museum and take a boat down the Seine at night and Sante Chapelle for the stained glass but get there really early. Beautiful rooms thank you, I added Mark Sikes to my instagram! Lovely to see the gang in SF!!
Cindy, It sounds as though you done your research for France! Good for you. One of our favorite spots in St. Remy was Chateau des Apilles. Whether you are able to stay there or go for dinner it’s an incredibly special place! We. spent 5 magical days there touring many towns in Provence. We also love the market places of Arles, Sur La Sorgue and San Remy to name a few. Touring Cezanne’s studio in Aix en Provence was amazing. Have a wonderful journey!!
Cindy, we had a lovely get a-way in Paris and some of our favorite memories are the ones we didn’t plan. The food, just follow your nose, the views, bring your best walking shoes(and a change), and the smaller museums, totally worth it! It felt a bit child like not to have so much planned, and I think that is what made it so enjoyable!
Hi Laura
Annie said the same thing! Follow your nose! Love that!!
Cindy, Happy Easter! I was just in Paris with my daughter and there is the most unusual store. The first level is an upscale gardening/clothing store. But upstairs is the true surprise. Deyrolle is the famous, historic taxidermy store and “cabinet of curiosities” . Founded in 1831, it is located at 46 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris (near Saint-Germain-des-Prés) and operates as both a store selling stuffed animals, insects, and educational materials, and a museum-like experience. It is one of my favorite places in Paris because it is SO unique. It is not just a shop but a renowned institution for natural sciences and art. I could spend hours there and I bet Steve will LOVE it! Also, with the plethora of Michelin star restaurants, it’s always fun to have that meal experience! Enjoy!
I agree, taking your lead, it’s the readers and contributors who make this blog! Paris was many years ago, will go again. I can tell you that I’m jealous! Everything in France is elegant, cultured, beautiful. One memory is the Louve – the architecture, the masters, everything! I sat down to just breathe in a room showcasing Rembrandt. I was surrounded by Rembrandts! Enjoy your holiday!
the last time we were in Paris, I visited Musee de Montmartre and found it completely charming and lovely. it’s worth getting there right at opening time, to avoid crowds as it is a small-ish place. another thing we did for the first time was a tour of the Opera Garnier house — we did the late afternoon ‘Mysteries’ tour and it was lots of fun. it’s a nice way to see the opera house after hours.
as for eating, we had a terrific dinner at Petrelle, in the 9th….must book ahead it’s a really tiny spot. we also splashed out on a divine lunch at Alliance, in the 5th. and if you love steak, L’Aller Retour in the Marais won’t disappoint. owners are young and hip, you may hear lots of English, but you will have a fantastic steak and the wine list has some interesting choices.
Bon voyage!
Really appreciate your curated links , Zara especially is not a user friendly site. I couldn’t get your link of Favs to load though, it just took me to their general website, I’d love to see your Spring Summer favs.
Thanks,
Nanci
I’m adding a “me too” for your Zara picks.
Hi Susan
I fixed it. It was a lot of work. I could not get it to work in LTK but had to relink everything in ShopMy. It is impossible to shop in a Zara store I think, and if you see something online that you like you need to jump on it. The good stuff sells out!
Hi Nanci
I fixed it.You are right about Zara and their stores are even worse!!
What a happy Easter surprise~😊 that was a fun lunch!
I saw that recipe on Food andWine and I am definitely going to try in the next week or so! I love risotto and I love everything green!
France. Ah……France. France was an obsession of mine, for sure: the people, the food, the colors, the 3 hour lunches with wine and endless conversations, gardens, the architecture and people watching – everything. I have a few ideas, but it has been a while since we last visited. We did a number of unforgettable trips.
It sounds like you have wonderful plans so far…..bring an extra bag for Provencal fabrics, salt and other local dried herbs and soaps. Shopping in Paris is FUN!
Hi Dianne
I hope I can drag my husband into a few places!!
In Google, look for videos from Rick Steves… he is a travel vlogger who has spent a lot of time in France. I love his shows, and I know for sure he has done one on Provence. Have a great trip!
A former resident of Los Osos!
Hi Bobbie
I love Rick Steeves…I will check him out!!
Rick Steves just posted a tour on the canals in Burgundy! Lots of great tips on tours. Utube
Hi Lynn
Thank you I will check it out!!
In Burgundy, it’s wonderful to do a wine tasting in the Chateau de Vougeot, where it all began, set amidst miles of vines, and marvel at the ancient & monstrous wine press there. We stayed in the tiny village of Vougeot overlooking the chateau, but it is between and easily reached from Beaune or Dijon. The Saturday market in Beaune is a feast for the senses.
In Provence, especially the Luberon, just find any hilltop village at sunset( or anytime!) and enjoy a rose. Perfection!
Hi Janet
Sounds fabulous!!
For dinner in Paris I highly recommend L’Escargot Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondisement. We are having our fourth dinner there tomorrow & it is always wonderful! Enjoy Paris!!
I 2nd L’Escargot Montorgueil…it is beyond wonderful. We ate there 3 times on our last trip. Also, Cafe Varenne in the 6th (St. Germaine). Deyrolle is a must, I agree. The Marais is wonderful. Have a fabulous time!
Hi Karen
I am on it!!
Cindy! I love the rooms in red, white, and blue, but it’s so subtle that, until I read it, it wasn’t my first takeaway! They look beautiful, but it’s not so obvious, in a good way!
You and Steve are going to have a wonderful trip to France! Everything you have planned so far is perfect and leaves room for unexpected discoveries, which is so much fun!
Cannot wait to follow along if you share on Instagram!
xx
You need to visit/shop at the Cook’s Atelier in Beaune, maybe take a cooking class. Then head to Chateau de Pommard for wine.
Cindy It was so nice to see you in the SF pictures! The photos were so clear and I know most of those areas which brought back so many memories. I love Cafe de la Press and discovered their international magazine rack by accident when looking for a coffee stop years ago. Oh to be just wandering around in the city with stops here and there to admire the shop displays! This may require a visit after some years of being uncertain about what has happened to Union Square and the surrounding streets. Thank you!
Cindy, you will rock those embroidered pants! They look like summer. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your fellow blogger’s conference on Thursday. I travel vicariously with you, Annie and Mary Ann. We are in our 80s now and our travel was always to come out here to Colorado from Iowa to ski, or bike, camp and hike. Those days are memories now. We’ve never been to Europe. It will be fun to hear about your experiences. Happy Easter!
LOVE your new embroidered pant. And I want more red it my decor!
Great to see you this past week!