Today I am joining a talented group to share some ideas for styling your kitchen space. Most of us have had a LOT of time at home and the new year is a great time to change things up. Have you had the same things on the counter for the last month, ... Read More
Valentine’s Gift Ideas
Valentine's seems to be getting bigger every year and many retailers make some charming gifts just for the holiday. I just love red, pink and the heart motif in general, so I thought I'd share some of the cuter things that have popped up on my ... Read More
Valentine’s Day Craft Fun
I love Valentine's Day!. It's just what we need for this darker time of year, and a chance to have a little fun.. and don't we need it now more than ever. My mom made Valentines always special for us as kids. Waiting for us at our breakfast table ... Read More
Winter Essentials
How to get through these colder and darker days? I usually try and clean things out, brighten up the house and try cooking healthier things to get me motivated. A few items have gotten me over the hump from the holidays until now and I thought I'd ... Read More
On Wintering
Today we had actual real weather in California. We had a night and morning of raging winds so strong even my usual Tuesday tennis was cancelled. The courts were covered with detritus and the air howled when the gusts hit. I headed home and the ... Read More
Winter White Jeans for an Uplift
Have we all now spent about a million hours in our leggings and sweats? I'm not saying to totally abandon them, but just about now we may need a sea change in the clothing department. I have been cleaning out the closet as I always do about this ... Read More
Happy New Year
Happy 2021. Sorry for the lapse in blogging. Not sure what happened in December...Thankfully we are done with this car crash of a year. I know the calendar changing isn't going to fix everything, but it sure feels like it might help. Remember back in ... Read More
Californians at Home- Santa Cruz Artist Heidi Woodmansee
When I began this series, Heidi was one of the first people I thought of as she is a local artist who lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We met through my friend Elizabeth (aka Contessa), and we really hit it off. She's a bubbly and fun person to be ... Read More
My Black Friday Picks and Holiday Gift Ideas
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We had a small one with my dad in the yard and though it was small, it was still nice. I know this year is an exceptional one. Most people will try to do as much shopping for the holidays this pandemic year ... Read More
Thanksgiving Thankful
How is your Thanksgiving going today? I saw this pillow above and I had to get it for my entry as this is our year in a nutshell isn't it? Making the best of it right? I didn't know what to write about at the beginning of this pandemic. I never ... Read More
Four Winter Coats to Love!
We are having a cozy week here in Northern California and finally getting some real weather! I love coats, jackets and any kind of outerwear and always manage to add a few more each year. I have some good finds to share with you for today's coat ... Read More
Why This Election Means Everything to Me
My life before these last four, was fairly unpolitical. If it wasn't an election year, my focus was rarely, if ever on the White House. If it was, it was because Obama did something funny, or Michelle planted a garden, or Malia and Sacha were part of ... Read More
October Goodness
Just a little post to share some October goodness with you all. With the tension of this election it's nice to take a break for some happy things right now. I hope you are enjoying some of the beauty that October brings with all it's amazing fall ... Read More
Serena & Lily Fall Sale Alert
Hello lovely friends. How have you all been? We are starting another warm week here in Northern Cal, but I've been thinking about sprucing up the house now that cooler days are coming. Since so many of you have commented on my Serena & Lily ... Read More
Fall Tablescape Inspiration
Today I'm honored to join a talented group of bloggers on a fall table inspiration collaboration! We all came up with fun tablescapes to give you new ideas for autumn decorating and dinners. With the cooler weather upon us I've started ... Read More
Californians At Home- Designer Cindy Hattersley
Today is just the second of my new series about how Californians live at home. Cindy Hattersley, a dear friend and super successful designer and blogger, has been at the top of my list to get for this series. She's had a lot going on lately, but she ... Read More
Friday Fun Things
Well hello. I know it's been too long. Got a little preoccupied the past month with things like looking out the window and complaining about the air quality, stuck indoors while getting little done. My youngest went to college and already came back ... Read More
Summer on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore – My Favorite Spots
Many of you followed along on Instagram our recent four day getaway to Lake Tahoe, and liked the photos, so I thought I'd post about our first real family getaway in the time of COVID. It was wonderful to finally leave the house for a few days after ... Read More
My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks
I'm away in Utah moving my son in to college, but I wanted to share some of my own picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which begins for the general public today. This is a once a year event and the best time to get some great pieces to add to ... Read More
The Dog Days of August
Well hello. Sorry I've been absent from the blog and social media in general. I'll blame it on the dog days of August or just lethargy. It's not even the pandemic so much as I usually get this feeling about this time of year. I start to recognize ... Read More
Weekend Finds
Hello! Just a quick post to share some goodies I found this week! Max and I started the weekend by venturing out to a small restaurant in town we love. It was the first time we have gone to outside dinner in our busy town of Los Gatos. The ... Read More
My California Room- Before & After
This is a story of an unformed and anonymous space, that I dreamed could be a cool room... It was once my old kitchen and was left behind in the remodel and reconfiguration of the house. Initially, we imagined it as a space that could have sliding ... Read More
The Guy’s Bath Remodel- Before & After
Well friends can you believe it has already been a year since we moved back into the house? I realized I still hadn't gotten out some renovation posts for the different spaces. When we moved in last July and there were a lot of things getting ... Read More
Summer Things
Just a short post to say hello! Hope your July is going well. With all the home time, I've been obsessing on trying to get my den/media room together to show you all. It's taking more than usual time trying to shop and decorate from mostly home and ... Read More
My Summer Essentials
Does it seem crazy we are almost to July? Summer doesn't feel like summer without the usual things that mean summer to me like travel, camping and watching Wimbledon! Nevertheless, it's warming up here and though I've shopped the closet and cleaned ... Read More
Outdoor Living With Style – 9 Bloggers Share Their Spaces
Today I'm joining eight other bloggers and sharing my outdoor space with you. In the past few months, I've felt very fortunate to have it as it has become an extension of the house during the pandemic with both adult boys home and my husband working ... Read More
America, This is Us
This was to be a post about summer dresses, but I just feel like I would be writing from within a bubble if I did not address what is going on in our country now. I am heartbroken by what happened this week to George Floyd , then the death of Ahmaud ... Read More
A Few Things…
How is your week going? After the Mother's Day chill, it was back to the routine for me. I had a few errands and one was Whole Foods for a few family must haves. I dread the line, the shopping and I do my best to fly through and avoid aisles where ... Read More
Californians at Home- Meet the Creator of The Mom Mystique
Today I am excited to share with you the beginning of my new series, Californians at Home. I'll feature stylish Californians and how they decorate, entertain and what they love. I am fortunate to have met many cool people in the Bay Area and farther ... Read More
Ode to My Mother
This Mother's Day will be unlike any we've had before. Moms will be either spending a LOT of quality time with the fam or sadly their loved ones are far or unable to be near them now. The 2020 Mother's Day may be the least commercial with limited ... Read More
Weekend Update- My New Garden and Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Hello I wanted to check in with you all and see how you faring. We made it through April and it looks like May could mean some loosening slowly of restrictions here in California. There is a little feeling of hope in everyone it seems and even tennis ... Read More
Earth Day Inspiration
Today is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day . Jane Goodall says it's the decisions we make every day that will save the planet. Small things, done by all of us, can change the the future. I love some of these images from the first celebration ... Read More
Caring for Yourself Now
Thank you everyone for the kind notes and messages about the last post. I've added a six more ideas on how to help at the bottom of that post. Everyone has been so great brainstorming and thinking of more ways to do good in our communities for each ... Read More
What We Can Do Here at Home
The last week flew by. Easter was just not like Easter, but my tulips are still holding up from brunch. I want to write about the usual things and I have to tell you all I feel torn. I get up and read what so many are dealing with in our ... Read More
Tops & More for Video Calls and Working From Home
So many of us are now doing video conferencing - often multiple times a day. It is nice to have something pretty and polished up on top for the camera, and something comfortable and soft on the bottom half. One idea is go through the closet and ... Read More
Uplifting Spring Tables
Today I'm joining a group of bloggers to share uplifting tables for springtime. Though we may be sheltering at home, people will still be having Easter, Passover, birthdays and anniversaries while inside. Why not try and make the time we have at ... Read More
Spring Dresses for a Mood Boost
Hello my lovely friends. I thought I'd veer off the usual topic today and go a little crazy with some spring dresses. This week I made a decision to thoroughly shut down the news and did a deep dive into books, good shows and it's been somewhat ... Read More
Meanwhile Here at Home…
Well here we are on almost the third week of quarantine in California. How are you all faring?? We've settled into a routine pretty well and are not feeling angry about it, just a little uncertain. The future and what will happen is causing more ... Read More
Checking In & Some Silver Linings
Good morning dear friends. How are you coping? I hope you'll start thinking of this blog as a good space. What I am going to share with you all regularly will be some things to get your minds off what we cannot control right now. I don't know how ... Read More
About Now.. and a Few Things to Distract
Hello everyone, how are you all doing? It's been a crazy last few days and I think we as a nation are realizing how the serious the threat of this corona virus is. Yesterday we heard my high school senior will be home now for at least three weeks and ... Read More
What to Do When You’re Staying in Because of the Coronavirus
Maybe this post will only resonate with Californians, but we are entering our fourth week or so of this alert about this virus and a lot of people are making the choice to stay in. In some cases this is wise as we really don't know that much about ... Read More
What To Pack for a San Francisco Conference
Every year there are multiple conferences for bloggers and design people. One of the best, the Design Influencer's Conference was held in San Francisco this year so I took the chance to go and meet up with my pals- Annie, Cindy and Mary Ann and learn ... Read More
Leanne Ford’s Collection and Spring Standouts at Crate & Barrel
I just returned home after three packed days at the Design Influencer Conference in San Francisco. I'll be sharing more about all the deets later this week. I met my blogging friends, Cindy, Mary Ann and Annie there which made it even more fun. ... Read More
Red Fashion -Not Just for Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine's Day! Do you have fun plans today? Tonight we are cooking a family dinner with the sons and doing our chocolate fondue tradition. When my boys were small we would do Valentine's night dinner as a picnic on the floor by the fire with ... Read More
Oscar 2020 Chat
It's that time again friends. Grab a latte and let's dish on all things Oscar!! I have to say I wasn't so excited about this Oscars because the film selections seem less exciting every year. That said I did love Judy, Little Women, 1917, and Ford vs. ... Read More
Staying Cozy With Serena & Lily Pajamas
January felt long, however a heap of cleaning and purging got done here. I feel like I am beginning the year with less which feels great. In 2020 I am committed to choosing better quality things when I bring stuff into the house. In purging, I ... Read More
Pantry Perfection – 10 Bloggers Show You How
Isn't this a timely post? When I was asked back in December to join this great group I was excited as I knew it would force me to organize in the new year. Nothing gets you to pull things together like others seeing your space, so I spent the last ... Read More
Wallpaper Dreams
I just got my February issue of AD and am in love with this cover home, a gorgeous California gem in Altadena, California. The whole thing is stunning- the yard and every detail ( cat included.) It renewed my interest in wallpaper and choosing it for ... Read More
The Collected Look -Style Tips From 8 Bloggers
When I think about the collected look I think of people with style. What gives someone style? It's not designer handbags or the latest cute booties. It's not the newest clothes or haircut. The people who show up looking like Deborah Harry in the ... Read More
Start Your Weekend Here
This is my weekend go-to outfit. I think everyone has something like this. It's been pretty chilly so yesterday I was on the new front patio trying to grab some sun. This look is some flattering black Zara jeans, a white sweater, (a few sizes left ... Read More
My 2019 Favorites
Wow the holidays flew by! I hope you are enjoying a break before the new year. Hard to believe it's a new decade. I love this time of year and the downtime to clean up, put away and reassess before the new year starts. Of course there are always many ... Read More
How to Be Present this Holiday Season
Today I went downtown to meet two friends for a quick Christmas coffee and bit of cheer. We met for 30 minutes and though I had a ton to do, it was worth every minute. Yesterday I drove all the way to Berkeley just to have a birthday lunch for a dear ... Read More
Katie Holmes Teddy Coat- Chic Piece of the Week
A quick fashion post to start your week. No doubt you are all running about shopping, and ticking off the holiday list. While you're out there shopping you might keep an eye out for a special piece to add to your own wardrobe. ( So hard not to shop ... Read More
Holiday Appetizers
Need festive food for a gathering or upcoming party? Ready to try something new? Well you came to the right spot! Today I am joining a talented group of bloggers in a holiday appetizer roundup. Everyone is sharing something they love for this time ... Read More
Cyber Monday Gift Ideas
It's been particularly wet and nasty here in California. The idea of getting to the mall sounds a lot less appealing than sitting by the fire with my cats and a cup of hot tea perusing the Cyber Monday deals on my laptop!! I hope you all had a ... Read More
Black Friday Picks
Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We have family visiting and it was so nice to host now that the remodel is done. The day after we always go for a family hike or walk and never shopping. I do like to peruse the deals on Black Friday online ... Read More
My Holiday Gift and Home Picks From Serena & Lily’s Thank You Event
Today starts The Thank You Event at Serena & Lily with 25% off and as a partner in design with them, I want to share my picks for holiday gifts and a few of my own things I've chosen to get the casa Christmas ready! This event runs November 26- ... Read More
Brocade Baby.. & Other Cool Holiday Fashions
I saw these J. Crew pants and memories came rushing to me of watching my mom getting dressed for dad's holiday work parties! It was always a big thing to my mother and I loved when she dressed up. I noticed there are many darling vintage looks out ... Read More
A Girlfriend’s Lunch-The Bloggers are Coming!
Last week I hosted my first real party or meal here since moving back. I don't know why it took me so long. I had that, 'I still haven't gotten to..' feeling about just about everything here, but heck it was time, especially since I've been the guest ... Read More
Holiday Fashion Edit- Join Me and 6 Others for Ideas
Today I'm excited to participate in a collaboration with six other bloggers on holiday looks. We're kicking it off to get you in the mindset for festive dressing. There is always some event you're going to want to get a bit more fancy for. Today I ... Read More
My New Serena & Lily Rug
It's that time of year when many of us are motivated to spruce up the house for guests with the upcoming holidays and a new rug is one of the easiest ways to do that. I just added a Serena & Lily rug to my dining room and I think it makes the ... Read More
Fall Style Inspiration from Katie Holmes
I am going to try for a weekly fashion post as you all seem to like them. Today I thought I'd kick it off with someone who has been killing it right now in the style department, Katie Holmes. The girl recently split from her longtime boyfriend Jamie ... Read More
Fall Beauty Favorites
I spent the first part of my working years, during college and after, as a beauty consultant at Nordstrom and later doing freelance makeup. I'm still a huge beauty junkie and love to keep up with what is new so I was excited to get to a beauty event ... Read More
Fall Transition Pieces You Need Now
It was almost 90 degrees in parts of Northern Cal today, and yet last week I had my fireplace on and wore jackets! Fall clothes are especially my thing. I cannot wait for sweaters, scarves and boots, and to prep I cleared out my closet last week. For ... Read More
Before & After -My Laundry/Mudroom Renovation
Hope you all had a good week. They sure go fast don't they? I am loving the cool weather this morning and the leaves on our pistache trees on our street just started to turn brilliant pink and red hues. It makes me think I may be able to wear a ... Read More
My New Pillows and Things to Love from Serena & Lily’s Friends & Family Sale
I know so many of you have asked more about Serena & Lily since I wrote my post about my new kitchen. I'm so glad you all also love their things! Serena & Lily is known for their high quality bedding and specially made lighting, furniture and ... Read More
Monday Musings – My New Yard, Pumpkins and Dining Room
How was your weekend? We got a little hint of the chill of fall and it was so nice. I even bought a cozy dark green sweater and got my boots out of the back of the closet! Thanks everyone for the lovely comments about the new kitchen. We are STILL ... Read More
Life at My New Kitchen Counter with Serena & Lily
I'm so excited to share our home remodel with you guys and I thought I'd begin with my favorite space, the kitchen. It's finally fall this week and I'm ready for baking and warm comfort foods! Do you all feel the same? It makes me so happy right now ... Read More
