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The Carneros Inn Napa Valley ... and What I Wore


Jeff and I ended our Napa Valley stay at the renowned luxury hotel

It is set amongst the gentle rolling hills between Napa and Sonoma.


The Carneros Inn offers casual sophistication
in the famed Carneros region.


For my stay I packed pieces that I could layer  depending on the days fluctuating weather.
I wanted an outfit that would be comfortable and pulled together
no matter the temperatures.

Whenever I go to any wine country
I always remember to wear shoes that are easy to walk in
so I am  able to navigate many a gravel and even dirt paths 
when in the actual vineyards.
I only had to make a wrong shoe  choice once
to remember this tip!


I packed my cream base pieces
of brocade ankle pants from Anthropologie
my slip tunic from Free People
and 
new platform sandals from Target.

It was adding pieces on top that kept me prepared for anything 
during our winery  visist.

always makes for a perfect traveling piece.

My shearling vest
layered wonderfully over my leather moto jacket
and
my macrame bag added just a touch of boho trend.





The staff at The Carneros Inn is top notch
all the way around.


We arrived early and were more than pleasantly surprised that our room
was already waiting  for us!

We checked in seated at a desk
and 
were immediately offered our choice
of their red or white wines.


We were then driven to our room! via their golf cart shuttles!


The Carneros Inn is definitely my new favorite
for the Napa Valley.
Although it's quite pricey
choosing to stay on a Sunday night
rather than a Friday or Saturday
drops the price by over 40 percent.

All in all for me
the stunning property
and 
amentities 
like these  complimentary bikes
made it worth the price.
So much so
I am hoping to return in September for our anniversary!


The property is meticulously maintained and designed.


The hilltop pool with it's vast views took my breathe away!




Cocktails in the heated spa
were a perfect way to watch the sun settle into the hillsides.


For me the biggest surprise was our private cottage!
I had seen pictures of these online
and
 hadn't even realized that's what all of the room were!



This was our adorable cottage!
Complete with a porch and two white rockers!


It was the lush and stylish landscaping
that got this gardeners heart racing!


All of the cottages look out to a common grassy area
with fruit trees lining the view.


We got a basic room
which was about 400  feet of indoor space
so the room itself was tight
but the bathroom was luxuriously spaced
with heated floors.



Our bed looked out onto my very favorite part of our cottage!


A private outdoor living space!
Complete with gardens
table and chairs and …


a wooden deck with two loungers
a table
and
 outdoor heaters above!


Each outdoor space even comes with an outdoor shower as well!


When the sky cleared in the afternoon 
this made for a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine
and 
take in beauty of this fabulous space!




Walking anywhere on the property is a joyful experience


with beautiful views of the rural countryside. 


The upscale general store has everything you could ever need 
to pack a memorable picnic.


There are three restaurants on the property as well.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Farm.


With plenty of spaces to enjoy afterwards.


Writing this post has me dreaming of a return trip to this gorgeous luxury hotel
where you can feel like you are so far away
but wrapped in luxurious comforts of home as well
and even have an opportunity to watch the moon rise into the sky!



As always my friends

I wish you love and joy
as you style your life











Another Magical Instagram Meet Up … Sonoma Style …and What I Wore


I realize only too well
that social media sometimes can be hard on all of us that participate
at one time or another
but 
what keeps me still joining in
are the magical moments, meet ups 
and
friendships
that can come from putting ourselves out here
with honest intent.


I met Abi of @ABISFARMHOUSEKITCHEN on instagram.


Abigail or Abi as she is known by friends
is a true artist
and
self taught Cook
living in an 1886 farmhouse and winery
while also growing some spectacular  old fashioned roses for 
the event markets in the San Francisco areas.


She quitNASA to make wine, eat and paint in Sonoma.
She defines herself
Part time winemaker
Full time Mamma.
She also shares  family recipes and stories on her blog


I have come to adore Abi for her beautiful lifestyle
balancing an artistic career with the obligations of raising 
two adorable littles.

It is her passion for life
as well as her heart
that have me joyfully following along her Instagram feed.


When my wonderful friend Adrienne of 
who I met years ago through blogging
asked me if I would be interested in visiting Abi at her home
(Adrienne and Abi also met on Instagram
and
 were happily surprised when they realized they lived 
only three miles from one another!)
I couldn't say yes fast enough!

When Jeff and I had decided to make going to the
a trip to Sonoma as well
it had been a secret hope of mine 
to get to see Abi's fabulous property.


So being at her home seemed rather surreal
like stepping onto a movie set you have watched so many times!


I was amazed with Abi's warmth and welcoming manner.


There were moments
that felt as if we had all 
known each other for so long!


Abi's home seems like living a dream.


She generously explained the history of the property
and
the love story of not only how she met her husband
but her romance with the historic home as well.


A property that can also be rented for events
has such beauty around every corner
including this barn
where they host many events.



I must admit I have had dreams of wearing my Anthropologie ball skirt 
to  a winery event for quite some time!
So this cool day and spectacular property
provide the perfect opportunity!

I paired the skirt with a grey J Crew scoop neck T
my cream leather jacket
a fur vest from Zara
and 
finished off the ensemble 
with my newest hat from 
Lack of Color in Australia.






Adrienne and I are lucky enough to have loving and supportive husbands
who  have become quite adept at photography!
My gorgeous husband is on the left
Adrienne's gorgeous husband is on the right.
A big thank you to them both 
for their expertise in capturing the magic of the afternoon!




Abi thank you ever so much for opening up your home to us 
that perfect Sunday afternoon!
It will always be a magical meeting to me …
and a reminder  when social media is used with honest intent
beautiful new relationships can be forged.






As always my friend

I wish you love and joy 
as your style your life