Design, Dough & Deals

Temperatures may be soaring, but summer is still one of my favorite times to explore the Valley, discover new places, and revisit old favorites. This month, I’m sharing five things I’ve been loving lately—from a stunning new design gallery (pictured above) and fresh sourdough to live music, local savings, and one Instagram account that’s guaranteed to make you smile.

XO, Lindsay

A BAKERY

Being diabetic, I don’t typically eat many carbs, but the offerings from this new organic bakery in Palm Desert were worth the extra insulin. My mom and I made a date to check the place out one recent Saturday and were thoroughly tempted by everything on display. While the morning buns looked especially divine, we opted for the savory quiche special made with broccoli, tomato, mushrooms, and white cheddar—which was every bit as tasty as it sounds. I also brought home a Country Sourdough Loaf for my husband, which he polished off in record time. With something different on the menu each day—from croissants to cinnamon rolls to buttermilk biscuits (all made fresh on the premises)—you never quite know what’s in store, but one thing is certain: whatever they’re baking, it’s going to be delicious.

LOVE LOCAL GIFT CARDS

I’m all about shopping local, and the City of Palm Springs is currently making it even more rewarding to do just that with its Love Local summer promotion. For those not familiar, Love Local offers digital gift cards that can be used at more than 130 area businesses, including restaurants, hotels, boutiques, bars, and coffee shops. And right now, the city is sweetening the deal by including bonus cards with every purchase, giving you even more spending power. A friend recently gifted me one, and I used it to grab lunch at The Sandwich Spot after hearing recommendation upon recommendation from friends. Spoiler alert: it lived up to the hype. (That Dutch Crunch bread…am I right?) Better yet, using the card couldn’t have been easier—I simply added it to my Apple Wallet and then tapped to pay. Bonus: The City of La Quinta is running a similar promotion through September, so there are even more opportunities to support local businesses during these slower summer months while also treating yourself.

DUELING PIANOS AT KITCHEN 86

Come for the Boom Boom Chicken, stay for the entertainment! Every Friday and Saturday night, Kitchen 86 (one of my local faves) comes alive with dueling pianos as Mario Rossi and Kristofer Do take audience requests and turn them into energetic singalongs spanning everything from classic rock to today’s hits. I recently met up with some of my Leadership Coachella Valley classmates there, and our conversations were regularly interrupted—not because we wanted them to be, but because we couldn’t resist singing along! (I mean, when “Sweet Caroline” starts playing, how can you not?) I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun over dinner.

RH PALM DESERT

It’s long been a running joke among family and friends that I’m married to the Grim Cheaper because my husband hates spending money. Even a SHEIN package arriving on our doorstep is enough to make him sweat. Needless to say, I’m not in the market for any high-end décor or luxury design services. But when the new RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) gallery opened on El Paseo, I had to check it out. Located in storefronts formerly occupied by Chico’s and Soma, the completely reimagined 10,000-square-foot gallery is genuinely stunning! Anchored by a dramatic glass ceiling that stretches the length of the main showroom, it’s as much a design destination as it is a furniture store. While I don’t expect to be outfitting my home with RH anytime soon, it’s a beautiful spot to wander, window shop, and dream up ideas for your own home.

DESERT WILDLIFE WATERHOLE

One of my favorite new Instagram follows isn’t a person at all, but a watering hole in Twentynine Palms. Located outside the Kit Fox Cabinvacation rental, which sits on four quiet acres about 15 miles from Joshua Tree, the waterhole draws a regular parade of thirsty desert wildlife. So much so that the owners installed a camera to capture the action, and the resulting videos are equal parts adorable and fascinating. From cottontail rabbits and round-tailed ground squirrels to ravens, coyotes, doves, and iguanas, you never know who will wander into frame next. Checking in on Desert Wildlife Waterhole has become a happy daily ritual that never fails to spark a little joy.

Thanks for reading…

Here’s to finding joy in the little things, supporting local, and discovering all the wonderful places that make this desert so special.