So now some fluff..
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Right now Union Square is a total mess. They are currently extending the underground path of the Muni and it seems they will never finish…
However we persevered and made it to Neimans for lunch, bought some shoes, and later ventured to the Last Call store on Market.
Do I have fun friends or what? Barb and Jeanne test driving some over-sized glasses!
Last Call is the Neiman’s outlet and it was worth the walk a bit away from the square. I bought some Joe’s jeans, a chambray shirt, a wonderful warm winter scarf that is super soft.. Love them. Funny all of them were a wine or grey tone and went together beautifully. I didn’t even plan it.
Nothing beats a trip to Gumps for lifting the spirits and inspiring your imagination. They have the most wonderful distinctive items.
How about a Chinoiserie pumpkin??
Love the San Francisco scenes in these original oils.
I found a few perfect gifts in their holiday area already wrapped and ready for giving. Love that. I also nosed around the apothecary area which has some fabulous lines I’ve never seen. You can buy Santa Maria Novella products from the famous Florence perfumery here too.
Check out these Christmas trees. This one was made entirely of Mickey Mouse watches and for $2,500 could be the perfect gift for a lucky Mickey fan. (Yes that’s the right price!)
Gumps had some of the best ornaments…
They brought a disco ball for me and some awesome disco music!
Jeanne and I in the lobby in front of one of the art installations currently on show.
Our hotel had a cute little board in the lobby where you could post velcro backed wooden hearts with where you left your heart on this SF trip. Sweet idea I thought.
It was gorgeous! I had no idea what to expect. You sat on low couches and had many courses of the most delicious food.
The belly-dancer was fun and yikes they made me dance! Let’s hope all evidence of this is destroyed. 😮 The evening ended with yummy deep fried bananas and fragrant mint tea. I loved the hand washing and the rose water they sprinkled on our hands at the end. The smell stayed with me the whole night and I was enchanted! I highly recommend El Mansour if you are looking for a special place to celebrate with friends. Great service too. I loved it and will never forget it.
I’m not hosting Thanksgiving this year as I always do. I’m planning to go away for a few days, so I haven’t brainstormed any new table ideas. I just can’t host this year with my mom gone. I don’t have the heart. Maybe next year I’ll feel like doing it again. If you want a few ideas, here’s my last year’s menu and table, and my 2013 table. I will post more ideas later this week for those who are hosting.
Gimps is on my list of stores to visit! I agree about Paris. Only love can drive out hate and there is much we can do about terrorism besides bombing the heck out of it. Beautiful post!
My heart breaks for Paris and all of the other cities affected on 11/13.
Looks like you had a great weekend. I love SF and except for college have never lived more than a 20 minute drive from my favorite place on earth. I lived in the City for about 10 years and if money were no object I'd buy a condo in Mission Bay and retire there.
I have to get a City day planned. Gumps is a must and I think that clock is just what I need for our family room. Hubs and I will be braving the crowds Thanksgiving weekend as we're seeing a matinee of If/Then and planning a leisurely lunch somewhere on the square.
'Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that' – such an important reminder in this sad time.
Sounds & looks like you had a fun time in the city! I'll have to make it to the city in the next few weeks! I've missed several years during the holiday season now… And I'll be sure to check out Gumps!
Dear Kim,
Thank you for your positive thoughts. In these difficult hours, in France but also in the world, we hope for better days …
PS : I love Downtown Abbey's ornament.
Have a lovely week
Lisa from Privilege sent me a decoration from Gumps and I treasure it xxx
Kim
Love those vintage watch and jewelry trees! Saw the same ones (I think they must be) at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. AND I just saw one for $1800 on One King's Lane tonight! (a bargain, right?!) They are super cool – and I have to say, if you are crafty, would not be difficult to make. I might have to try!
Good for you going away for Thanksgiving. Give yourself the time to heal. I am hosting this year though, so I'm excited to go look at your tables from years past.
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Happy,Happy, belated birthday. Fun time in San Francisco
I agree Kim, we have to trust in the goodness in people's hearts to win out.
And I love Gumps and Wilkes Bashford, two wonderful examples of San Francisco high style from days gone by.
Yes! I LOVE the idea that you still have it!
Such a beautiful post Kim! From your poignant sentiment regarding good overcoming evil … a lovely peak intros some San Francisco must sees … to your Thanksgiving words. You have been on my heart this holiday season. Big kudos for you for choosing a different path this year. I am sending you much love my friend. xoxo
Gorgeous post Kim. Your friends look so fun and also they have terrific ideas? I give them 5 stars for taking you to that wonderful restaurant!
I've been really busy buying gifts for clients and colleagues and I sure would have loved to shop at Gump's, what lovely merchandise. Their buyer has a great eye. As do you!
I'm happy to know you're doing something different this year, please take good care of yourself: lots of rest and good food, and most importantly enjoying your boys. Big Hug!
Kim, I am glad that you posted about Paris. I agree that we can't let these people make us afraid. I want to believe that the majority of humans have a good heart, although events such as these make it hard.
Your San Francisco trip looked fun and don't you look like a princess! I don't spend much time in San Francisco, except for sporting events, and have never been to Gumps, but will have to drag my husband out for a weekend one of these days! I know that you are missing your Mom and Thanksgiving will be hard, but I hope that you have a nice one and remember all of the wonderful memories that you had with her on this day that we remember what and who is important to us. I, myself, am thankful that I am able to see you through your blog and Facebook after all of these years. One of these days we will have to get together.
Kelley
Kelley, You are very sweet. I hope you get to do a weekend up there! It's fun especially in the holiday time. Gumps is especially cool! Thank you too about my mom. I do hope you and I get to get together soon! Have a great Thanksgiving. xo Kim
Dani, Yes they are good pals I am so lucky. Dani you would be a fan of Gumps. They have quality things and if you get down here we will have to make a meet up there! Thank you for all the kind words. You are a dear. xo Kim
Tamara thank you. You are very kind. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving with the family and I will keep your words in my heart. xo
Lisa totally! That is maybe why I love them so much. They are old school glam department stores. Reminds me of childhood and special trips out!
Lovely Leigh thank you! xo
Sheila, I swear I'm going to try to work on a tree like one of those.. Stay tuned. I'm not so crafty. I wish you a lovely Thanksgiving with the family! xo
Lisa is the best! What a great thing to send so far away!
Anne- Laure, Thank you! My heart goes out to you all in France and so many others. xo
Andrea, Thank you and don't miss Gumps. It's fun!
Julie, Wow that sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving weekend a show and a little holiday shopping. I hope it's wonderful. You are so lucky to be close to SF! I love Mission Bay too.
Wendy, Thank you. We are of like minds I know. I hope you will get done here one day and get to see Gumps too. We could do lunch!
I was in GUMPS a few weeks ago and noticed the clock TOO!SO< YOU DID HAVE A BIRTHDAY??
WHEN……….?I'm headed into town tomorrow meeting up with a GAL for lunch where you had coffee!WE ARE ON THE SAME PATH!XX
I agree Kim, we can't let the terrorists put fear in our hearts… I saw or read somewhere where one little Parisian boy said in regards to the attacks that "love always wins".
Glad you had a fun birthday trip! I usually visit Gumps when in S.F. but when we were there a couple years ago I forgot! They do have beautiful things.
I hope you have a peaceful Thanksgiving, I understand why you don't feel up to hosting this year. The first holiday season is always the hardest. My girlfriend hosted Thanksgiving the year she lost her mom and completely broke down while her whole family was there. You need to give yourself some time. Enjoy your getaway.
Linda
xx
Good morning Kim–Sorry I'm so late getting over to make a comment. It's finally Friday and I have a moment to breathe. Your statements on the terror attacks are so on-point. That MLK quote definitely resonates. I LOVE this post and I think the timing is perfect for some SF fluff/love. It looks like you and your friends had an amazing time. Your images give me a little glimpse of the city this season. I was laughing out loud (at destroying all the evidence of your belly dancing) and have a tear in my eye over your upcoming holidays plans. You have had a year of such loss, my dear friend. Your plans — to do something different this season –is the best thing to do in my opinion. The first Thanksgiving after my dad passed away we spent the holiday with family out of town. It helped to create some new memories and traditions. I will be thinking of you and yours on Thanksgiving.
Hugs today,
xx-Heather
I am so behind on reading posts I just read and relshed about four of yours in a row. Happy Belated Birthday it sounds like you had a blast. Happy Holidays. We have two parents in their 90's and the weakest and illist my mother at 87 tough times I know.