Bernardus Lodge & Spa: Part 1

Spring break is finally here and the weather is really starting to warm up!  We decided to pack our bags and take a quick trip south to the Carmel/Monterey area.  We stayed at the beautiful and luxurious Bernardus Lodge & Spa located in sunny Carmel Valley.  It's one of my top pick hotels in the area and a place that we revisit every single year!  

Bernardus Lodge is one of my favorite places to stay primarily because of the location and fabulous accommodations.  Nestled in warm and sunny Carmel Valley and surrounded by the picturesque Santa Lucia mountains, you're  within close proximity to the many of the valley's wineries and just a short drive to Carmel by the Sea where you can shop, stroll art galleries, grab a bite to eat, or take a stroll on the beach to watch the sunset.  After we unpacked our bags, we quickly threw on our swimsuits for a dip in the infinity pool jacuzzi.   

It was absolutely gorgeous outside.  Carmel Valley's climate is somewhat protected from the wind and fog out by the coast so the temperatures are much warmer inland.  I actually picked up this rainbow and ruffles bikini at Asos last year I've always loved rainbows and when I saw this colorful and bright swimsuit I immediately knew I wanted it!  I love the ruffled off the shoulder top and the bikini bottom gives this 40+ year old mama just the right amount of mid rise moderate coverage 😊.  Unfortunately, this one is currently sold out but I searched more online and found a few more rainbow inspired favorites!  

Whenever I pack for a sunny weather vacation I always bring a few staple accessories in my suitcase: a straw hat to keep the sun off my face and throw on after swimming and a few pair of sunglasses to coordinate with different outfits.  I love picking out brightly colored sunnies or edgy styles to have a little fun!  Here are a few of my current favorites including some rainbow inspiration too!

  

   

  

The fire pit next to the jacuzzi was lit towards dusk so we grabbed a bottle of Bernardus wine and enjoyed the views of the Santa Lucia mountains while the fog rolled in.  The scent of fresh lavender filled the air from the nearby culinary gardens and the steamy jacuzzi beckoned us in again!  It was the perfect way to end a relaxing day as we contemplated our plans for the next day! 

I'm looking forward to sharing more from our stay at the Bernardus Lodge and Spa in my next blog post.  Until then, for more things to see and do in and around Monterey and Carmel, check out the posts below or visit my Travel page. Also, if you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Happy Spring Break!

🌞🌞🌞

Hayley

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Folktale Winery

On our recent visit to Carmel, we had some time to waste waiting for our hotel room to be ready for check in.  We decided to leave our luggage with the bell hop and jump in the car to go exploring.  Within the first few minutes of our drive, we stumbled across Folktale Winery which is located 5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean along the Carmel River in beautiful Carmel Valley.  

As you drive up to the entrance, you immediately notice a beautiful old-world French Chateau.  Folktale Winery & Vineyards was originally founded in 1982 by Bob and Patty Brower, as Chateau Julien Wine Estate. Inspired by their trips to the Bordeaux region of France, the winery was the realization of their dream to bring that experience of wine and hospitality to Carmel.

In 1996, the property was expanded.  In addition to building a new estate residence and expanding the vineyard, a 10,000 sq. ft. barrel hall was built to to house over 2000 wine barrels. In 2015, the property was acquired by local winemaker, Gregory Ahn, and renamed Folktale Winery & Vineyards. The name is inspired by the thrill of discovery, the joy of gathering, and the idea that every great bottle of wine holds a story.

We were happily greeted at the entrance with a complimentary glass of NV Folktale Brut which was perfect for the sunny spring weather we were having and a great way to kick off our mini vacation!  The regular tasting hours at Folktale are 11am - 8pm daily but may fluctuate depending on winery events and activities.  We were pretty hungry when we arrived and I was pleasantly relieved when we learned there was a kitchen at Folktale!  

They offer a variety of light bite selections on their menu including Artisan Cheese and  Charcuterie boards, salads, seasonally inspired small plate appetizers, and a variety of shared plates to accommodate all tastes.  In addition, there are a few yummy desserts to choose from if you have a sweet tooth and all of the food listed on their menu comes with a recommended wine pairing!  We nibbled on the Artisan cheese board which went really well with the NV Brut followed by the the Niman Ranch Beef, Veal, and Pork Meatballs which are gluten free and so delicious!  We also ordered a Folktale flight which included tastings of their signature wines!  Here are a few pictures from the enclosed patio area which provided a cool and relaxing atmosphere to sit and enjoy our food and wine and enjoy each others company!    

Cheers!  

Here are a few of the wines we tasted with our flight and here is the full list of wines for your reference.  

After filling up on food and wine, we took a walk to explore the beautiful grounds.  The picture above is a view of the 10,000 sq. ft. barrel hall that was built to to house over 2000 wine barrels.   

Adjacent to the enclosed patio area is large atrium with sky high ceilings and a gorgeous view to the outside through the majestic dome shaped windows and french doors you see pictured below.  This space includes a smattering of cafe styled seating options for intimate occasions.  There's also a long bar with colorful cocktail bar chairs and a living room area with cozy couches and a fireplace for friendly gatherings.   

In addition to the indoor gathering areas, there is plenty of space to spread outside as well.  We spent some time soaking up the spring sunshine on these wooden benches pictured below.  They are centered around a cozy fire pit which would be ideal at sunset when the air gets a little chilly or on a cooler crisp autumn or winter day when the central coast fog gets a little cold!  

I should also mention that Folktale is a family and pet friendly winery.  Although not pictured, Jack and Collin (who are 11 years old) came with us for the visit and were happily occupied playing with the giant domino set, corn hole boards and a giant Jenga set located in the outdoor courtyard!  It's always nice to find family and pet friendly wineries because our kids go with us everywhere and dogs make everyone happy!

  

Folktale Winery is surrounded by vineyards and rests on a total of 16 acres with views of oak trees and mountains in beautiful Carmel Valley.  The vineyards on the property at Folktale cover 5 acres and are 100% organically farmed.  Committed to sustainable farming practices for all of their wines, they naturally manage pests like ground squirrels and gophers with the installation of owl boxes and raptor perches around the property.  Focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Folktale wines express beautiful acid and minerality of Monterey’s cool climate and rocky soils. 

We really enjoyed our wine tasting and visit to Folktale Winery and plan to go back this June!  If you are planning a visit, it's conveniently accessible from the Monterey Airport and the Monterey Peninsula, and an easy drive from Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. The winery offers daily tours and wine tastings , live music every weekend, and concerts and special events each month including Yoga in the Vines!  

For more things to see and do in and around Monterey and Carmel, check out the posts below or visit my Travel page. Also, if you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Happy Spring Break!

🍷🍷🍷

Hayley

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Sea Turtle Shift Dress

We are very fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area where within a short road trip we can spend the day at some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the world.  One of my favorite things to do is pack a picnic lunch and hop in the car with my family to take a leisurely drive down the coast to Big Sur via Highway 1.  

One of our favorite beaches that we recently discovered is Monastery Beach in Carmel.  My niece, Brianna, was married on this beach last August and it was one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies we have ever attended.  Here's our family photo that we took on the beach following the ceremony.  If you'd like to see more pictures of her beach wedding ceremony, check out her blog post here on www.lifeofsawdey.com.  

We actually took many of these photos last spring when my niece was scouting beach locations and potential reception halls.  She always dreamed of a beach wedding and Monastery Beach in Carmel was the perfect backdrop to a beautiful day.        

This "All For Color" dress is one of my favorites for spring and summer!  I immediately fell in love with the sea turtle print which reminds me of our family vacations in Maui.  It's the perfect dress to pack away for a warm weather vacation, in fact I also wore it on our Caribbean cruise last summer and received so many compliments!  This print has been so popular that it's s currently out of stock in this sleeveless style.  However, I found it in this tunic dress style which I absolutely adore!  Check it out here and see the picture below to view it in this style.

   

This dress is ultra flattering and easy to slip on. It has a comfort stretch fabric that is is wrinkle resistant, which makes it perfect for packing on vacation!  When it's hot and humid out it feels cool on the skin and also offers UPF 50+ excellent sun protection!  Just add flip flops, sunglasses, a sun hat and you will be ready to go!  

If you happen to love the high neck shift dress style I have on then you'll love the variety of fun spring/summer prints to choose from.  The names alone will have you dreaming of summer vacation!  

Here are a few of my favorite prints:

Shellicious - a pretty pink and light blue shell print perfect for Palm Beach!

Dancing Palms - a gorgeous palm print for your next tropical island vacay!

Lime-a-Rita - a vibrant yellow and mint green print for a trip south of the border!

Pink Prep - a bright pink geometric pattern for a girls trip to Palm Springs!

Birds of a Feather - a beautiful blue print to wear to your Hawaiian luau!

Sand Dollar - a pretty blue sand dollar print for your Carmel beach getaway!

Blue Lagoon - remember the movie with Brooke Shields?

  

If you ever get the chance to drive down the coast of California from the San Francisco Bay Area, you don't want to miss a stop in Carmel.  There is so much to see and do including the beautiful beaches, incredible vineyards in the valley, art, shopping, and darling bed and breakfasts and quaint inns to stay at.

Monastery Beach is known for it's natural beauty, blue waters, sandy beach, and rugged landscape.  However, please be aware it is not a swimming beach and may be unsafe for children.  There is a severe undertow and rip current that is extremely dangerous. My advice is to enjoy the natural beauty and views from afar and follow the warning signs posted.  You can catch beautiful sunsets and may even see some sea life close to the shore including dolphins, sea lions, and humpback whales!

If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

#allforcolor
#enjoylifeincolor

xoxoxo,
🌴🌴🌴

Hayley

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