Exploring historic downtown Truckee in the Tahoe area

Last weekend we went up to Tahoe for a quick trip after my daughter’s graduation. We thought it would be fun to have some outdoor fun, and further explore the area. We have been to downtown Truckee millions of times, but we never took the touristy historical walking tour before; I’m not sure why we waited!

If you are heading up to the Tahoe area and want to explore more then just the water and trees, I highly recommend taking the historic downtown Truckee walking tour! It’s really interesting to see the history behind the buildings which line the area. Many of the buildings are well over a century old and hold interesting historical tidbits about the local area. It’s incredible to see wooden structures that have been able to survive for so long; and are so well-kept!

wearing: golden drop hoop earrings c/o BaubleBar / lipstick / black top (under $20!) / turquoise and gold coin necklace worn as a bracelet c/o BaubleBar / Chanel summer nail polish / Chloe bag / side stripe jeans / black wedge espadrilles /

Since I knew we would be walking, I wore my comfortable jeans and espadrilles. Espadrilles are seriously like pillows under your feet. I am so addicted! I wore my handbag cross body which made walking around town a lot easier.

In addition to historic structures, downtown Truckee is flush with amazing restaurants. My kids were in a pizza mood, so we ate lunch at  “Best Pies Pizzaria” where I opted out of pizza, and into meatball sliders. They were so good!

If are downtown and not in the mood for pizza, I recommend “Moody’s Bistro” in the Truckee Hotel, it’s soooo good!

One of our favorite things to do in downtown Truckee is buy fudge! At “Sweets Handmade Candies” in downtown Truckee you can find so many delicious fudges! They make it all in-house, and it literally melts in your mouth. Our favorite flavor is Cookies & Cream. Yum!!

You can also watch them make fudge! It’s fun to see how they make it, plus it reminds you how fresh it is!! Double YUM!

So, if you are heading up to the Tahoe area for a vacation, and want a little break from hiking and water sports during the summer months, I highly recommend taking the walking tour in downtown historic Truckee. It’s a fun way to learn more about the local history, get some exercise, and explore all the cute boutiques Truckee has to offer. Be sure to pick up some fudge! It’s literally the best fudge you will ever eat! YUM YUM YUM!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote review

summer 2018 tote bag

pictured: Summer tote bag c/o Brahmin /

Raise your hand if you are constantly on the quest for the perfect tote. My hand is waaaay up! A few weeks ago I attended a dinner in San Francisco hosted by handbag brand Brahmin. The event showcased their new summer collection. After the event, they gifted us with this beautiful Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag. To say I was thrilled, was an understatement.

This tote bag is perfect for both the office and playtime. Keep reading for my full review!

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This Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag is a beautiful yet sturdy tote which can be worn for a variety of activities. It is roomy enough to carry a DSLR camera or a laptop, yet compact enough to not feel like a large beach tote. It’s perfect for the summer. I can fit a water-bottle, a wrap for when the fog sneaks in, my camera, and more. This tote is already getting a lot of use by me, it will definitely be getting a ton of use this summer season!

brahmin julian melbourne tote bag interior

The interior of the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag has just the right amount of pockets. There is a roomy zipper pocket, a key fob so your keys can easily be found, two slip pockets which are great for lipsticks, a phone, or receipts, and a slim pocket which is just right for your favorite pen.

This isn’t a tote you will have to worry about allowing it’s contents to spill out. The bag offers a chic magnetic closure which is easy to open and close. Love that!

brahmin julian melbourne tote bag review brahmin julian melbourne tote bag exterior

The exterior of the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag offers a roomy pocket on the backside which is great for a phone or anything you need to reach for quickly; such as a passport, plane tickets, theater tickets, and more. The underneath of the tote features four brass feet which help the bag stand up straight and keep the leather clean if you need to put the bag down. There is also an understated label plate and chic hanging logo; which is understated as well. The stamped croc pattern looks real and gives the bag a fabulous richness. Love!

The exterior of the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag also offers side snaps which alter the silhouette of the bag, and can make interior larger or smaller depending on how much stuff you need to put inside.

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With the side snaps closed, the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag offers a smaller interior capacity which is great if you aren’t carrying a ton of items. It also slims down the bag, making it really easy to wear over the shoulder. This is also a great way to help keep items inside from slipping out if the bag tips over.

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It almost looks like two different tote bag styles doesn’t it! With the snaps left open, the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag offers a more traditional, rectangular design which is wide open and roomy. This is ideal for carrying a laptop, folders, and other items you may need for the office. Love that!

All in all the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote is a fabulous workhorse tote which can easily be used for the office and other, more enjoyable summer activities. 😉 It’s priced under $300 and comes in several  beautiful colors. It’s amazing how affordable it is considering all of the luxurious features this tote bag offers. Plus, the construction is exceptionally strong and high quality. Love!

You can find the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote online here.

Shop the Brahmin Julian Melbourne tote bag around the web:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

*thank you Brahmin for gifting me this handbag. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

brahmin summer 2018 totes

Pastel stripes and mixed metals

pastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018 pastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018 pastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018 summer 2018 it bags totespastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018pastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018

wearing: double circle gold-tone earrings (under $15!!) / Chanel lipstick / white and pastel stripe top / mixed metal bracelet set / Chanel summer nail polish / summer tote bag c/o Brahmin (under $300!) / vintage Prada belt (love this black belt) / black leather and silver watch / side stripe jeans / silver mules (on major sale-avl in five colors!)

During the summer months, I love casual clothing that breathes. While denim doesn’t exactly breathe, this top sure does! haha, so does that help??

I love this breezy top for the summer season. It has soft, pastel stripes and laid-back, lace-up design. The fabric is loosely woven, so it allows airflow through the fabric. This is fantastic on hot summer days.

This is the outfit I wore last Sunday afternoon when it was ninety-three degrees outside. I am not sure why I wore jeans. This top was perfect, but the jeans were a little too heavy for the weather. I should have worn my denim shorts with this top. That will be my go-to outfit on hot days this summer.

Do you ever reach for jeans without thinking about the weather? I feel like this is something I do often. I just love jeans! What would I have done if Levi hadn’t invented denim pants? I would be living in a sartorial nightmare-that’s what! haha

Shop my casual summer look:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

pastel stripes mixed metal summer 2018