Talking Mental Health Struggles, Upcoming Travel Plans, and Kitchen Reno | Saturday Vlog

[@BlairLamb]

Our autumn apparel is available TODAY on Blair Lamb Design! Use code AUTUMN for 20% off your entire order + free US shipping with orders $75+!: blairlambdesign.com/discount/AUTUMN 🎉🍁✨

[@baileyurick]

love these chill vlogs, its like chatting with a friend! can't wait for reno vlogs!

[@BlairLamb]

I'm so glad! Thank you for being here :)

[@michelleluvbeachsunsets4529]

These are my favorite vlogs you do. Excited to see your future kitchen update. I think it will make a big impact and not really break the bank nor inconvenience you all being without a kitchen for so long if you were to do a kitchen tear out.

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you, Michelle! I always feel like I'm shortchanging y'all with super simple vlogs like this but I enjoy filming them, so maybe I should do them more often? Thank you for your comment and for being here!

[@carriecobb1235]

I think that is super smart to paint the cabinets and make other changes verses an expensive overhaul. You always pick great colors. Can’t wait to see it! So excited!😊

[@BlairLamb]

Thanks so much! We look forward to it!

[@jessicasievers3213]

“It’s such a cozy obgyn office” 😂😂😂😂 dying

[@BlairLamb]

The way it looks exactly like my OBGYN's office 💀

[@kimmacdonald4280]

I appreciate you opening up about your mental health journey. I have been on the same journey and some days are harder than others. Looking forward to seeing the kitchen come together! ❤

[@BlairLamb]

Solidarity. ❤ Thank you for being here.

[@LisainCalifornia]

We live in the Bay Area and go to Carmel every year for our Anniversary. Our favorite place to stay is called Carriage House Inn in Carmel. It is a very small inn with separate rooms (it isn't an inn where you stay all in the same house). It is adults (couples) only and has the best beds and bathrooms. You never need your car because you can walk to the beach and wonderful restaurants and quaint stores. Carmel is like a storybook village in europe and the stores a lovely to browse through. Monterey is good to drive too and the aquarium is great, but isn't as picturesque as Carmel. The first time I went to Carmel I was forever changed. The landscape, the storybook cottages, the amazing restaurants, and the lovely shops make it the perfect couples getaway. I hope you go, Blair!

[@BlairLamb]

We can't wait for our trip! It's about a month away now and we're counting down the days! Thanks for sharing how special it is to you.

[@annakeetch5914]

I maybe can’t tell from the videos, but it kinda seems like the cabinets are already the color of wood in a lot of the rest of your home. Maybe just replacing the knobs, and backsplash/countertops would be enough! Can’t wait to see it all come together!!

[@BlairLamb]

It's a little bit of a different tone, but you're right, it's not all that different. I wonder if we could get away with not painting!!

[@patihoelsch8487]

Just trust me! You guys gotta stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & walk over to dinner at the Chart House. Get an ocean view room-you will not regret it! Stroll up to the rooftop hot tub for sunset overlooking the ocean/seal/sea otter spotting, & book a dinner reservation after at the Chart House. The food/views there are spectacular! We do this every valentines & it’s always one of my highlights of the year! Also checkout the aquarium, take that jeep on the 17 mile drive & go all the way down to Big Sur, stopping at all the pretty beaches/lookouts that catch your eye!

[@BlairLamb]

Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing, Pati!!!

[@SeaMistLights]

My hubs and I went to Carmel/Monterey for our anniversary in 2022 and we loved it! From Scratch in Carmel had amazing brunch options, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve had amazing trails/hikes you can do along the coast. It’s breathtaking! I hope it’s as refreshing to you as it was for us. 😊

[@BlairLamb]

Oooh that sounds lovely. Thank you!

[@carocutt83]

@@BlairLambyes, Point Lobos! Go out to the cypress grove, so peaceful.

[@sierraschmidt1647]

Congrats on your fall launch, potential kitchen renovation, and an adult vacay! So fun to see how your life and family have grown over the many years. ❤

[@MadisonMcNichols]

I can’t exactly tell the tone of wood of your cabinets, but I am loving wood cabinets un-painted lately. It could look really pretty to keep the wood look, do white countertops of some kind and a backsplash that’s a similar white to the counters, with gold hardware. Idk what it is but I just think kitchens that design around the wood cabinets are so homey and welcoming! I’m glad you’re doing a minimal upgrade to the kitchen. I’ve thought you could manage one nicely from the beginning! You’ll be so happy with it whatever you do!

[@BlairLamb]

This!!! I'm super into the cozy/homey wood cabinet kitchens, too. I'd like to have ours restrained because they pull sort of green in person (maybe the wood species?), but I agree with you completely.

[@gracewillrestore]

Thank you so much for being vulnerable again about your mental health, Blair 🩷 I have just made an appointment to make some adjustments with my doctor too. What you said about being worth being taken care of spoke to my heart. I'm so glad you're on a good path now. Breathe and soak in that feeling and let your body rest x

[@BlairLamb]

Sending you a hug!

[@mynameismclovin345]

I am from the area, highly recommended 17 Mile Drive Road in Monterey County, California and Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County, California, both are so beautiful! Hearst Castle has a lot of history 😊

[@mylasantos4358]

Carmel is my favorite! And we live close by! Here are my recs… Breakfast: -Carmel Bakery (Coffee, Pastries and their famous Pretzels) Shopping: -Secret Garden (Bookstore) -Carmel Bay Company -Coast Carmel -Olivier (Fun jams, hot fudge, olive oil and tapenades) Carmel Plaza Mall -The Cheese Shop (hundreds of cheeses and samples are very generous!) Food: -La Bicyclette (Gnocchi) -Roy’s Pebble Beach Activity: 17 mile drive!

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much, really helpful!!!

[@yvettethompson4289]

I am from the Bay Area and my husband and I visit Carmel all the time. We have spent the last 5 anniversaries there but in general we head there whenever we can. The 17mile drive is where my husband proposed to me and is a wonderful activity to do. Lots of sights to see and beauty to take in. Some of our favorite places to eat in Carmel By the Sea are -Demetra Cafe -Mediterranean -Little Napoli-Italian -Village Corner Bistro Coffee: -Carmel Valley Coffee Roasters is a must. Super nice to sit and sip coffee -Carmel Bakery is a great place for coffee and Treats In Monterey- one of my favorite treats to get are Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls

[@BlairLamb]

Amazing ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@DanielleWarren]

Girl, I totally get the “feel like I’ve been hit by a truck” feeling when the fight or flight subsides and you’re trying to recover. It’s so real. What a great place to be when you realize it and can reach for help when needed without shame! 🫶

[@BlairLamb]

Aww, thank you for your empathy. Sending love!

[@kelliekwall]

Hi Blair! I live in Monterey, and I know you’ll love visiting! Down in Big Sur I absolutely recommend the River Inn for lunch. You can have lunch out on the deck of the restaurant and then go down and sit in an Adirondack chair with your feet in the river. It’s a magical little spot. If you’re feeling fancy, I also recommend Ventana in Big Sur. I love just getting a drink there around sunset time. The views of the ocean are incredible! In Carmel my husband and I love Forge in the Forest and La Balena. There is also a little rooftop lounge on top of Vesuvios that is a fun/chill vibe for the evening. For breakfast we love The Grill at Point Pinos in pacific grove, and First Awakenings in Monterey (this is a super popular one though since it’s super close to the aquarium, so get there early or be prepared for a bit of a wait). We also have guest passes for the aquarium if you’d like to borrow them while you’re here! Hope you guys have a great time! ❤

[@BlairLamb]

All of this sounds super incredible, thank you so much for taking the time to share!!

[@HannahTrondle]

Eeeek!! We did that California Coast trip almost every year when I was growing up! So many great childhood memories :') So excited for you to experience it!!

[@BlairLamb]

Awww I cannot wait!!!

[@suehoffman4707]

Hi Blair! My one grandson and I did the Land/Sea trip 4 years ago. It was so awesome - 3 days in Disney and 6 or 7 days on the Disney Dream. This was his HS graduation gift, he is a big Star Wars fan so the 3 days in Disney World was perfect.

[@BlairLamb]

That is awesome!

[@davidmessersmith786]

I can heartily recommend the land and sea combination. We like the land then sea, since it gives a nice relaxing finish to the trip. The transfer between the park and cruise is so easy. We just did one for our daughter’s family this past May for our granddaughter’s 6th birthday. It was over a year in the works and turned out great. 4 days in the park and 5 on the cruise (the Wish!). That was the third time we did the combination.

[@mylasantos4358]

Monterey recs! Food: -Schooner's (Seafood pasta and Cioppino) -Ghirardelli (hot fudge sundae) Shopping -Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar (spices, olive oil and home gifts) -Troya (Turkish candies) -Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (caramel Apples)

[@BlairLamb]

Amazing!! Thank you. Now I'm hungry lol

[@1acyjayn3]

Carmel is beautiful! Casanova is a cute restaurant with great food and a tree growing through the courtyard! So charming. I love just walking up and down Carmel and seeing all the doors to the bungalows. Be sure to catch a sunset at the beach too! There’s not a bad place to watch. Monterey is fun too. You can rent Sea Cars (like little motorbikes that seat two) that you can do loops and get out to view places like Lover’s point. Domenico’s on the warf for some sea food. You will have a lovely time no matter what you do.

[@BlairLamb]

Great suggestions. You're making me so excited! Thank you!

[@drueschesrruesche8442]

Dear Mrs. Lamb, Another wonderful video. Thank you. The knife you were using for slicing tomatoes and onions looks so easy to use. Can you please share what kind it is? Thank you. Wish I were young again. Your plans for a get away makes me remember all the fun my husband and I had when we were younger. Don't waste a second of love between you and your wonderful family. Be well and happy.

[@BlairLamb]

Hi!! That knife is from the brand Cutco. It's my fave!

[@kelseyle3626]

Oh my I cannot wait for your trip! Look at all trials for some hiking that would be best for speed in Big Sur! Cannery row is fun spot to visit as well. Yay make sure to bring layers, I know you experienced some cold in Disneyland at night, on the coast is even windier so just be prepared for that early morning/evening chill. And enjoy 😍 they have some amazing coffee shops all over that you both will enjoy! Also for the hutch perhaps you can remove it to open up the space and a lower cabinet or shelf area to the bottom where the desk is and extend the counter top slightly that direction, then you still get some storage and extra counter space for the time being. Can’t wait to see how you transform the space. You guys have already done such a change to home as a whole, love it!

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you Kelsey! Love your idea for the hutch!!

[@breezylane5901]

Definitely recommend the Monterrey Aquarium! It’s a MUST! Capitola/Santa Cruz is also great to check out. Marvel Cake & Bay Harbor are bomb!

[@brandichapman151]

Pavel's Bacherei in Pacific Grove is a MUST! So yummy. Also, if you have time drive down the coast about 2 hours and check out Hearst Castle. Super pretty. Enjoy.

[@Liezjeuh]

Thank you for being so open about your mental health! I try to do that as much as I can too on my socials...I'm no influencer whatsoever, but if it at least helps 1 person, I'm happy.... it is so so so important! Love the idea for the kitchen! Sometimes a little bit can go a long way and I'm pretty sure a new light, new color and new hardware is going to be a whole difference for your kitchen already! The countertops and backsplash will give it a nice finish and you are good to go for a few more years, so I can not wait to see all of that :-) That watermelon though..... I haven't found any good ones here in Belgium so far this summer... they are all so small, so green and so not ripe or good...and on top of that: so expensive... no thank you! Mangoes too, they are so sour and so hard this year... even stupid apples are almost tasteless this year, I don't know what is going on here, but I am craving some decent, ripe, full of flavor fruit!!! 😭 If I could, I'd move to like Hawai'i or something just to be able to have mangoes and all that good stuff just straight from my own garden. Come on, lottery! LOL Hope you are all doing well, sending you lots of love from Belgium Annelies xoxo

[@BlairLamb]

Hi Annelies! This is the best watermelon we've had all summer!! The others have been more like what you described, so sad every time!!! Thanks for being here :)

[@joannewilliams41]

Thank you for sharing as always, I am always so grateful for you as it makes me feel I am not the only one with mental health challenges from time to time 🥰🥰 love hearing about your travel plans and your California trip could be just the break/rest you both need🥰🥰xx

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you Joanne!!

[@cindygraham1357]

Hurray!!! I love remodeling videos! I think you are making a wise choice. Like you said, lol!! You probably could pay for the whole remodel with what you would spend at Disney 😅 You guts had a wonderful trip to Disneyland, and if you have the Disney cruise on the table, waiting might make that even more exciting!

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you, Cindy!!

[@shelbyhill4011]

i ordered shirts from your shop for my family’s upcoming Disney trip!! they are so cute!! 💗

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you for your business!!!

[@AutumnWojnarek]

Hi Blair! I love love love all your videos! I wanted to give you some ideas for your adults only fall trip coming up. I am a travel agent so I travel all over and these are places that I would recommend to my clients: Carmel-by-the-Sea Top 5 Things to Do: 1. Wine Tasting at Carmel Valley: Visit local wineries and tasting rooms like Bernardus Winery for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting. 2. Gallery Hopping on Ocean Avenue: Explore the numerous art galleries featuring local and international artists. 3. Sunset at Carmel Beach: A quiet, romantic spot for watching the sunset with a glass of wine. 4. Carmel Mission Basilica: Explore this historic site’s serene beauty, perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts. 5. Scenic Drive Along 17-Mile Drive: Enjoy the iconic coastal views and stop at Pebble Beach for a round of golf or a cocktail at The Lodge. Food & Coffee: - Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co.: A cozy spot perfect for starting the day with a quality brew. - Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel: An intimate, Michelin-starred dining experience with a focus on French cuisine. - La Bicyclette: A quaint, European-style bistro offering rustic, farm-to-table dishes. - Il Tegamino: A hidden gem offering authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. Shopping: - Ocean Avenue: Luxury boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. - The Barnyard Shopping Village: Unique stores in a garden-like setting, great for leisurely browsing. Monterey Top 5 Things to Do: 1. Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley: Explore local wineries and tasting rooms, such as Folktale Winery, known for its beautiful setting and wines. 2. Historic Cannery Row: Walk along the historic street, stopping in boutique shops, galleries, and tasting rooms. 3. Monterey Bay Aquarium - Evening Hours: Visit during the quieter, adult-friendly evening hours to explore without the crowds. 4. Sunset Sailing Tour: Take a private or group sailing tour of Monterey Bay for a romantic and scenic experience. 5. Monterey Jazz Festival: If visiting in September, this is a must for jazz lovers, featuring world-class musicians in a relaxed outdoor setting. Food & Coffee: - Bright Coffee: A trendy spot known for its minimalist design and top-notch coffee. - Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar: Located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. - Restaurant 1833: A stylish venue with a historical ambiance, serving modern American cuisine. - Estéban Restaurant: A cozy spot offering Spanish-inspired tapas and a great wine list. Shopping: - Cannery Row: Boutique shops with local crafts, art, and gourmet treats. - Carmel Plaza: Upscale shopping center with high-end brands and stylish boutiques. Big Sur Top 5 Things to Do: 1. Hiking in Garrapata State Park: A less crowded alternative with stunning coastal views and challenging trails. 2. Bixby Creek Bridge at Sunset: A classic photo spot, but even better when enjoyed with a glass of wine as the sun sets. 3. Post Ranch Inn Spa: Treat yourself to a luxury spa day with views of the Pacific Ocean. 4. Henry Miller Memorial Library: A cultural center and bookshop perfect for literature lovers, offering a quiet retreat in the redwoods. 5. Dinner at Nepenthe: Dine with incredible ocean views; arrive early to enjoy a drink on the terrace. Food & Coffee: - Big Sur Bakery: Known for its cozy atmosphere, excellent pastries, and wood-fired pizza. - Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn: Offers an upscale dining experience with panoramic ocean views, perfect for a special evening out. - Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant: A rustic, charming spot for hearty breakfasts and dinners. - The Sur House: Offers a farm-to-table menu with stunning views of the rugged coastline. Shopping: - Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe: Browse unique, locally made crafts, jewelry, and books. - Big Sur River Inn General Store: A small but well-curated selection of local products and souvenirs. If you need any other ideas feel free to message me and I will surely try my best to come up with other things, but I hope this helps you out a bit! Have the best time!!

[@kmullaney89]

Hearst castle is amazing and drive down the coast

[@bluejenny26]

@blairlamb I was born & raised in San Jose and the airport is nice! Watch out for traffic too, since it’s packed with people all over the city. Plus the drive down to Monterey & Carmel is sooo good too. In Carmel, you’ll want to eat the fresh pretzels 🥨 at the Carmel Bakery and the Monterey Aquarium is the best!!

[@BlairLamb]

Fresh pretzels is making my mouth water!! Thank you for sharing

[@terifabulous1206]

I just ordered the black sweatshirt with the Halloween Mickey balloons. I’ve ordered from you many times before and am always so happy with my items. Love this video Blair!

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much, Teri! I appreciate your support more than you know!!

[@acb-]

Maybe do the upgrades you mentioned, but wait on painting the cabinets. With new hardware, countertops, & backsplash the wood cabinets might not actually bother you as much (& that could save you some money for the future remodel). 😊

[@BlairLamb]

That's actually a really good thought. Hmm!! Thanks for sharing

[@onstagedancer1]

We stayed in a town called Half Moon Bay when we went to the area and it was adorable!

[@BlairLamb]

Just the name is precious!

[@kaleighjs]

The San Jose airport is so easy to deal with! If you end up on the wrong end you can walk to the other side and dont necessarily need to go outside and take the bus. Renting a car there is also easy! One time we had to swap out the car a day later because something was wrong with it and it was very easy to do!

[@mckenziehanna13]

Been watching for so many years and was finally able to place my first order with your shop! Can’t wait to wear it! ☺️

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much for your first order! That means so much!

[@thriftytashi429]

I love how spacious y’all’s kitchen is and love the original layout! What color cabinets you have in mind? I remember you mentioned warm wood tones instead of white cabinets, but that’s was the original idea I think ?… Cool relaxing vlog! 😊

[@BlairLamb]

Hi Tashi! Right now we're looking at like a warm mushroom-y/taupe-y color. I think that could be pretty and fresh but not stark!

[@mountainchipmunk8530]

I always enjoy your videos!

[@BlairLamb]

I appreciate that!

[@elizabethalvarez5823]

It might be to south for your trip but if you have a chance to go to Cambria! Trust me it’s a beautiful place to visit. Get walks on the beach it’s a great little town over looking the water.

[@BlairLamb]

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth!

[@wickedfox20]

You should go to Santa Cruz and do the boardwalk in the evening. It's a small amusement boardwalk and it's a great little city to get lost in. My dad lived in Santa Cruz, the drive is amazing! There is also a great little town north called Half Moon Bay there are great sea food restaurants.

[@BlairLamb]

That sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@jenniferdelahoya5634]

If you like clam chowder, The Fish Hopper restaurant in Monterey is wonderful! Our favorite clam chowder ever! The sourdough bread bowl with the clam chowder in it is a meal in itself.

[@BlairLamb]

Ooooh that sounds amazingly good!!!

[@caitandrews533]

Stopping at that Dutch inspired town was nice, stopping to see the elephant seals was an unexpected highlight, we liked the tour of Hearst castle. Stop at Nepenthe for a snack and drink when going thru big Sur for just the absolute best view

[@marisadawndesigns5458]

Solvang! Yes! So cute!

[@BlairLamb]

This all sounds amazing. Thank you!! ❤

[@shaunamcguire2214]

Love the idea of the kitchen refresh. We have mostly had open kitchens and while I love that there are some pros to have a kitchen a little closed off. I would tear out the hutch and do something fun there. Like a coffee bar/drink station. I know how much you both love coffee and you always other fun drinks. Maybe some open shelving above to put decor your style to help tie the refresh together with the rest of your home.

[@BlairLamb]

Love your ideas in the hutch area. We could do something really fun!

[@nhudsonforever]

The desk/ hutch looks very functional. Especially with littles. I do think from a design standpoint taking it out would look more like a kitchen and far more tidy (thinking your old house nightly resets) if you took it out you could put a piece of furniture there that could be smaller and hold sum of the kiddo must haves. It would let in more light. All the best.

[@BlairLamb]

I agree. Maybe a cool antique hutch or something? Love that idea, thanks for sharing

[@katielanier1192]

It will be so fun to see the kitchen reno! My vote would be to take out the hutch and do some open shelving there!

[@BlairLamb]

Love this idea! 😍

[@lauriechavez1696]

Winchester Mystery house is fun to do while in the San Jose area. Enjoy your trip, it’s such a beautiful area. We’re remodeling our kitchen right now, we went Coastal. We painted the cabinets a pretty blue color, had white granite countertops added, extended the island and have butcher block on it. So excited it’s almost done.

[@BlairLamb]

Love love love the sound of your kitchen. Growing up on the East coast, anything coastal has my heart! Send me a pic on IG!

[@rubirangel4810]

Check out: Lovers point beach (at pacific grove) Hiking: point lobos (at Carmel -by-the-sea)( incredible views and there are short or long trails) Shopping /walking around : *Carmel plaza in Carmel by the sea ( also blocks away from the Carmel state beach ) *Cannery row in Monterey * Fisherman’s wharf in Monterey - eat at old fisherman’s grotto Big Sur be aware there will not be much internet service

[@rubirangel4810]

The aquarium is really nice but I would save my money and do something else it’s like any other aquarium in my opinion

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so so much!

[@Analyzeme80]

OMG Sooo excited for you to see that captivating stretch of the CA coast! ❤ NorCal was my chosen home for 20+ years (had to move to Asia for family); all of the places you mentioned are truly my favorite in the world. The aquarium is fun even without kiddos (who doesn’t love sea otters?), or there are a bunch of daytime whale watching tours to see wildlife from a boat (book ahead). Definitely walk or rent bikes along the oceanside path between the aquarium and Lover’s Point (or beyond, it goes all the way around Pacific Grove). Point Lobos has some beautiful flat short hikes. And I’m guessing you’re already planning to do 17-mile Drive in your Jeep - how fun! Cute coffee spots abound; classics include Paris Bakery Cafe in Monterey, Carmel Bakery, Bookworks Cafe (bookstore + cafe) in Pacific Grove (across the street from the cozy Red House Cafe for breakfast), and Coast Cafe & Gallery in Big Sur. There are too many good restaurants to recommend, but for gorgeous views, try eating at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch in Carmel, or Nepenthe / Kevah in Big Sur. Even if you do none of these things, you will inevitably have an amazing trip! The beauty of that part of the coast is just breathtaking.

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much for all of the suggestions!!!

[@DanielleisaMused]

Carmel used to be my happy place when I lived in San Jose! If I was feeling stressed I would get in my car and drive down there for the day. Food: Nepenthe in Big Sur (incredible views!) Portabella in Carmel, Big Sur River Inn for breakfast, If you have time before/after flights, Aqui Cal Mex in San Jose is yummy (the original location in the Willow Glen neighborhood is where I worked!) Carmel River State Beach is beautiful and tends to be a little quieter than the main Carmel Beach (my aunts got married there ❤) Clinton Walker House is a Frank Lloyd Wright if you’re into that kind of thing. Partington Cove in Big Sur is also nice, but it’s definitely a hike back up!

[@BlairLamb]

Wonderful recommendations thank you so much!!! 😊❤

[@bluejenny26]

I was born & raised in San Jose and Carmel & Monterey is my peaceful place too!! Your recommendations are spot on! I would add to go to the Carmel Bakery to eat the fresh pretzels 🥨 and the Winchester Mystery is semi-cool. Willow Glenn is nice as well.. a bit of a small town feel. As an option, you could drive to Santa Cruz on your way back up and take hwy 17 (a bit curvy), that’ll lead you back near the airport.

[@ShareeArmstrong]

Hey Blair, I have a great audiobook recommendation for you, before you travel to my neck of the woods, along the Central Coast of CA. I just finished listening to "Mother-Daughter Murder Night." Why this one? Well, it's set in a little area in Monterey County, along the Pacific Ocean called Elkhorn Slough (pronounced SLEW). It's a murder mystery, based in my neck of the woods! TONS of references to Salinas (my hometown), Monterey, Seaside, places in Northern CA, Southern CA and...............all parts in-between. It also made the NYTs best sellers list. I thoroughly enjoyed the 12+ hours of listening to it! If you try it, let us know what you think after finishing it. Another recommendation for where to visit is The Inn at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach). With Riley being a golfer, he'd love having a drink before sunset at the firepits. A formally clad bagpiper plays before sunset and the view is KILLER! Green fees are astronomical though (I'm not trying to get all up in your pockets)! 😜

[@dawncampbell9385]

I am a designer and don’t want you to be disappointed- I did what you’re thinking, painted cabinets etc. please do the remodel Do what you dream of, you won’t regret it

[@BlairLamb]

We can’t afford what we really want 😂 it’s almost $100k. This will be a great intermediary upgrade ❤

[@shareea202]

OMG…..OMG….you’re coming to my neck of the woods! I don’t live in Monterey or Carmel, CA. I’m from Salinas (Steinbeck Country), and I’ve got a few recommendations for you and Riley on your upcoming couple trip. Bring binoculars and a smooth coastal driving playlist. Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just South of Carmel, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, an afternoon of sunbathing at Pacific Grove’s Lovers’s Point, catch a sunset at Carmel Beach and Partington Cove in Big Sure (hidden gem). Should you want to drive North on Hwy 1, check out Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and do some onshore whale watching at Pacifica (my daughter said they saw TONS of them yesterday-no boat tour needed). Cruise through San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bride and take in our family favorite Muir Woods (the giant redwoods are magical). That should get you started❣️ 😉 BRING A JACKET. When the sun sets….it’s a wrap! Gets quite chilly here and may be foggy in the AM.

[@BlairLamb]

So many incredible suggestions, THANK YOU!

[@kristenm1516]

Carmel is so beautiful! You definitely need to do the 17 mile drive. I also recommend visiting Pebble Beach. Even if you’re not into golf, the views from the course are absolutely stunning.

[@BlairLamb]

This is great to know. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@rach5516]

The kitchen cabinets look great quality, could they be sanded and stained rather than painted? Hope you feel better Blair xx

[@BlairLamb]

I would LOVE to have them sanded and stained over painted as I love a wood-look kitchen. So cozy. We'll have to look into it, thank you!

[@rach5516]

❤😘​@@BlairLamb

[@caitystrong4599]

I live in the Sacramento area and the coast is our go to getaway! Revival Ice Cream in Monterey is the best. Cannery Row is kitschy but worth a visit. The pier is more where you want to go in Monterey, the seals are hilarious. In Carmel, my dream day is Carmel Belle for breakfast, La Bicyclette for lunch, Treehouse Café for dinner. There are a million coffee shops all with wonderful coffee in all of the towns, local spots for cocktails, everything you could want.

[@BlairLamb]

So many great suggestions!!! Thank you! ❤🎉

[@staceyvansant7399]

Not sure if you would want to, but to save a LOT of money. It is so easy and inexpensive to paint the cabinets yourself. I did ours about 4 years ago and I did it all over a weekend, and they still look great! The savings could mean that you could add then land part onto your cruise. 😉

[@BlairLamb]

We have definitely considered painting them ourselves. We’re a little intimidated 😂 Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Jess_Bishop]

@@BlairLambI’ve also done it myself and would recommend. It’s a lot of work, but it’s not hard and if you are able to set aside a weekend, have the kids not be home and just focus on working on that.. totally doable and you’ll spend a fraction of what it would cost to pay someone to do it.

[@caitandrews533]

A really nice induction stove would be a huge improvement without needing a gas line

[@BlairLamb]

Oooh good thought!

[@veronicacoates8832]

Does your UV lanai (I think is what it's called) offer full protection from the sun? Do you still need to apply sunscreen at all?

[@BlairLamb]

We aren't sure the exact amount of protection it offers because we didn't put it in, but my guess would be it's on the higher end because we all have very fair skin and never get sunburned underneath it even when we swim for hours!

[@rebeccaclapper9388]

Hi there, I am wandering if Canadian customers are allowed to use the code AUTUMN for the 20% discount. Was trying to purchase a couple things in your shop and it is not allowing me to use the code.

[@BlairLamb]

Hi Rebecca! That code has already expired, but percentage-off coupon codes are always available internationally. KZbin15 is currently still live for 15% off!

[@teresabaltazar2130]

What a long fun day…🍔🌭🍉 🏊‍♂️🤿

[@BlairLamb]

It was so great! ❤