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 the college kid is coming home too- for how long, we are not sure.
Today Max and I went to the store and bought a few weeks worth of food for the freezer and the pantry. We delivered some things to my 80 year old dad also- left on his door. We don’t want him exposed to us or going out now.
All we truly know right now is that we have one sure defense and that is to keep isolated with our families to prevent this thing from growing. That can only really be done by staying in. If we can all just do this for a few weeks we can change the outcome. Even if you aren’t afraid of catching this thing, you need to do this for others. Like vaccines, this only works if we all do it. When we all do it, we lessen the chance of carrying it and we will protect the most vulnerable among us by slowing the spread and not overwhelming the hospitals.
My biggest challenge right now is trying to help my 18 year old son understand he needs to stay in the house, not fun. We are having a real struggle and I’ve tried to explain that we, his parents and grandpa, are vulnerable as we are older, and we are scared. At this age they are very self-centered and I am sure right now, this also is such a disappointment to him. This is his last part of his senior year, which is supposed to be fun after all the hard work he has done. He has Hawaii and ski trips planned, grad night and proms coming..all that unsure now. The college kid is another thing. He worries about nothing and thinks we are all hysterical.
To save our sanity, Max and I have been walking every day in the immediate neighborhood, away from people, but taking in all the lovely blossoming trees and flowers. I’ve been sharing many photos of our walks on my Instagram. What has struck me on these walks is the unusual quiet in the air. I hear almost no traffic noise now and a whole lot more birds. It’s amazing and wonderful.
We also have been planning out our meals and making some nice dinners in- tonight lasagna. It’s not been all bad having a sous chef and willing dishwasher around. We are trying to enjoy the slower pace that has suddenly happened on us all, lighting candles, playing some music, turning off the news for a while.
So how about you all? Are you hunkering down like us? If so, what things have you done to get ready to self-isolate? Are you also concerned for your older family members? Are you having challenges working from home or figuring how to deal with kids at home too? I’d like to hear from you guys.. Also advice or tips you want to share would be great. I want to make this a space to help and support one another. Can everyone leave a note below also with one great book, show or even a project they recommend to everyone else while we are all stuck in? I would so appreciate it and others will also.
A few things to distract you right now, if you need ideas on what to do with yourself- read my previous post,What to do When You are Staying in Because of the Coronavirus.
This is the time to get into a few good books. We all spend so much time online and we forget how great it can be to get consumed by a good book. One of the most awaited new books, you may have already heard about, that I just ordered is Untamed by Glennon Doyle. It’s about self-love and how we need to start listening to the voice within us and stop trying to live up to the expectations of the world. I can’t wait to read this.
We all may be looking at a lot more nights of cooking in. I know I am always searching for recipes that are new, using mostly fresh ingredients and simple. For that reason I love anything from the Half-Baked Harvest blog. Everything Tieghan does has a different twist on the usual and is pretty as it is delicious. Her new book, Super Simple, is for those looking for uncomplicated and yummy meals that get you out of a cooking rut.
I will share more about the remodel and what we’ve done lately, soon, but I wanted to let you all know that my dear Serena & Lily is having their Spring Design Event and everything is 20% off until March 16 if you use code, FreshMix. So if you have been considering any of their beautiful things, this is the time to get them. My favorite latest home additions were these darling Edgewater Lounge Chairs, seen here in my main room. We love the look and comfort of them! They give the room some California feel.
My other recommendation would be their beautifully luxe bath towels- especially these Healdsburg towels with the darling fringe. Love them! They kind of make my bath area. Their new outdoor collection is super pretty too.
With all the uncertainty right now for retailers, there are a lot of sales happening and a few that caught my eye..
The new J. Crew California Dreaming Collection. Fresh colors I really love and it’s now an extra 30% off many of the items until the 16th with code GOSHOP.
I’m also crazy for this darling floral silk dress from their special collection series. This looks like something my mom once wore.
Cropped white jeans that are not tight on the leg, are on my list for spring and these Vintage Straight Jeans really look cute. I don’t think they are part of the sale, but just what I am looking for.
Banana Republic is also having a Friends and Family 50% off sale. My picks for the sale would be these leather sneakers with the pink sole, ( I have them in black super comfy), and this polka dot pleated skirt ( so fun for spring and summer-worn so many ways).
Other distractions that I can share here are the series Outlander, which I have gotten almost all my friends hooked on. I may have talked about it here before, but mentioning again because it’s a lot of hours and would be a good one to get into right about now! Thanks to the wonderful strong characters- a WWII nurse and a hot Scottish highlander from the 1700’s that have amazing chemistry it’s very transporting. I’ve also learned a ton of history from it. (Warning also steamy- not for family viewing.) My husband and I also really enjoyed The Kominsky Method about the struggles, funny and real with Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. It features many of my favorites like Jane Seymour and other greats making cameos. I got my dad hooked on it too.
I also am rereading my old books still in my library like The Shell Seekers and September from Rosamund Pilcher ( who knew we’d have time), and am enjoying this fun book, Ze French Do it Better, a lifestyle guide. I am also working through Gail Collin’s book, No Stopping Us Now, The Adventures Of Older Women In American History.
Another rabbit hole to jump into is the huge amount of Beauty Secret Videos posted by Vogue. There are 145 videos to learn from! This one is Cindy Crawford’s morning routine. So many here to watch and a few tricks to learn on each one.
That’s all for today, but let’s stay in touch here on my little page. I want you all to know this is a space you can come to for support and to vent and share through this whole crisis. I am here for you friends and I’ll try and keep updating things here and please follow on my NorthernCalStyle Instagram and subscribe on the sidebar if you want to get my posts in your email. If we have to be stuck inside, so let’s hear from each other here and share what is helping.
Hugs to you all,
Kim
Links on posts may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.
I can’t imagine how much ,ore difficult it is to manage our current situation with teens and young adults at home. To them one weekend can feel like a lifetime and a couple of weeks – maybe longer – must seem an eternity. The good news for me and my now gounded-from-travel -and-shut-out-of-the-office husband is that we are surrounded by moving boxes and easily pass the time unpacking and organizing our new home. I had to hurry up and get the kitchen unpacked so we are able to eat in. Last week my visit to the local market felt a lot like the day before Thanksgiving times three. Madness. I recently read, and enjoyed ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.’ And, I’m watching the last season of a Homeland. Although it’s not a show that leaves one feeling good about the world. For feel good TV, I’m watching the Mary Berry seasons of The Great British Baking Show and my all time favorite feel good show; The Golden Girls. xo
Juliet, It has been a real issue and though I am trying to press on the youngest why this is so life altering important, he cannot understand it. I have threatened to not let him drive. Each day is going to be a challenge with him. We were going to let him go skiing, as that was outdoors, but now all the resorts are closed, and maybe that wasn’t smart anyway. I think it is almost fortunate that you have to be in and getting the new house settled. I know how long that takes to sort out the kitchen. The market yesterday was unlike anything I have experienced, and along with relief, I felt almost guilty to have a full cart, but part was for my dad. I just found Maybe You should Talk to Someone book, and it looks great THANK YOU!! I will check out Homeland and I love Mary Berry. Maybe I’ll go back and find the old seasons because I don’t care for the new show at all. Golden Girls is a feel good idea. Yes. Thanks Juliet and take care! xx
I was BAD YESTERDAY!WENT TO FOURTH STREET in BERKELEY to visit my BUDDY at BRYN WALKER……………….I knew NO ONE WOULD BE THERE as it was RAINING TOO!PARKING AVAILABLE EVERY WHERE ON 4th STREE THAT NEVER HAPPENS!I was there for two hours trying on and catching UP NOT A SOUL CAM IN!I WASHED MY HANDS FOR 20 seconds as soon as I GOT HOME!The ITALIAN ran to COSTCO and made dinner we had the neighbors………..SHE works for THE PORT of San Francisco so got the scoop on that.
AS for books I just finished one on ALEXANDER HAMILTONS WIFE which was full of HISTORY and interesting to me!Plus my GREAT GREAT GREAT GRAND FATHER and his wife were MENTIONED a few times SO that was a SURPRISE!I need a new FUN BOOK which I always find from the BLOG THE PREPPY EMPTY NESTER!ALL SHE DOES IS READ!AS her husband COOKS EVERY NIGHT!
YOUR CHAIRS LOOK FABULOUS…………..
AS for THE SON……………..OH GOOD GRIEF!I am happy NOT to be in YOUR SHOES!!!!!!!!!
IAM SO SORRY FOR HIM……..DO we know which college he is off too when this is all over?
I will be making EGGPLANT PARMESAN later today!!!
Remember my tuna pasta is quick in case your watching OUTLANDER just open a can of TUNA maybe TWO with the BOYS some capers and sliced olives a can of tomatoes CRUSHED dump in bowl with some lemon juice and cover with olive oil………Let sit on kitchen counter ALL DAY LONG OH and some ITALIAN PARSLEY TOO!
PENNE or RIGATONI PASTA will DO!
XOXO
Love this recipe- making this subito!!
Elizabeth, Good you got out when you did. I don’t think you should now! I worry. Love the tuna pasta recipe!! Thank you. Sadly no tuna fans here. Any other cool ideas? Alexander Hamilton’s wife book I will look for! What is going on at the port of SF?? Take care!! Hugs.
We’re up to 21 cases in one week. Not on lockdown yet but everyone is expecting it to be announced in the coming she. I can work from home and schools and colleges are all closed. My son is 14. He isn’t complaining much but he’s not very outdoorsy. We’re watching Outlander too and a series called Treadstone which is a kind of Jason Bourne type series. It’s ok but I think some of the fight scenes are too long.
I’ve just finished reading All The Light We Cannot See’ and enjoyed it. I’ve also really enjoyed reading the Chocolat series over the years. Just read the last book in the series: The Strawberry Thief’. I’ve been a huge fan of these books for a long time.
Unfortunately we’ve had to put all our travel plans on hold. Was hoping to go to Florence around Easter and to Ireland in summer but it looks like we’ll be staying here unless things improve drastically.
Lorna, Thanks for the Treadstone suggestion! My husband will love that too. Your 14 year old sounds like my 21 year old. Only issue is he wants to game all night. Today I am instituting house rules as we are all adults here and I can’t have people up at 4:30 a.m.!! Great idea to reread things. I will check out the Chocolat series..and All The Light book. I have heard good things about it. I hope you stay safe there. I feel bad for everyone with travel plans. Take care! xo
Thanks for your post Kim! I too have a college kid and a high school senior at home. I’m encouraging them to keep working, catch up on things and use the time wisely. Not a vacation! We’ll see how that goes:-) They are both naturally cautious and in the case of my college kid, a worrier — so I’m not having the same problem keeping them at home. If anything I am the one who needs to keep calm and stay encouraging so they don’t get too down. Inside I am of course worried and also mourning a bit the things my senior is losing like her last track season and possibly her prom, etc. It’s so nice that your dad is nearby and you can look out for him. Our parents, all in their 80’s are far away so that is another worry. To stay sane — lots of cooking! Walks in the park. Old movies. My daughter and I just watched Charade and I highly recommend a viewing or reviewing of this one! Audrey Hepburn is adorable in it and her 1963 wardrobe by Givenchy is just gorgeous. You would love it. I’m also into the British shows on Acorn and right now am enjoying re-watching Vera.
Also, thanks to The Contessa for that tuna pasta recipe — sounds delicious and I’ll definitely be trying it.
Hang in there everybody!
Susan, I feel for your daughter too. Gosh I just hope they don’t miss all their senior year things..I feel like you I have to keep busy..love the cooking and walks. We have to flatten this thing though. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I watched Charade so long ago with my mom. I have to find that. What a great idea to get lost in a few good Audrey Hepburn films! Vera keeps popping up as a suggestion for me and I should begin now- the perfect time. Acorn is the coolest thing. I may need to get it to get through this home stay thing.
one of your photos looks like you live in Menlo Park? is that right? or maybe Santa Rosa. I grew up in San Carlos and lived south from Palo Alto to mountain view in my 20s. I still miss it. I’ve been living in Florida for 40 plus years. Naples is divine. but my heart sings whenever I see a photo of what looks like I’ve been there. thanks for bring me “home.”
cherie
Cherie, Thank you I am glad the photos bring you some good memories! I live in Los Gatos, also similar area to Menlo and Santa Rosa! We are blesses to have to most beautiful springs. I am trying to focus on the beauty right now out the window! I bet Naples is beautiful. Take care. xx
We are well fed and healthy and feeling quite grateful we managed to cancel the Amsterdam trip. The kids are getting along well at this point and even the dog is behaving, so I’m counting my blessings. Stay safe. Xx
Kim thank you for this great post.
I feel for you with the teenager, as you know my youngest is the same age! It’s really difficult for them and for us!
I just wrote a post about our own experience staying in as a family. Boy these are real family times that’s for sure. I hope your Dad stays well and good idea to drop and run re the groceries.
I wonder what the next weeks hold for us all. Sending big hug your way! xox
Hi Kim, thank you for the lovely distractions! It’s just my husband and me here at home. He is also working from home, but we go on a 5k walk every afternoon. Our older son lives in the city and works at a supermarket, so he is kind of on the front lines. The restaurant where his fiancée works has closed for the duration. Our younger son lives across the country in Edmonton – he got sent home from work on Monday. He lives alone in a high rise building, just going out for groceries. We did discuss whether or not he should come home, but decided it was safer for him to stay put – he could so easily pick something up on the trip. We’re calling him every day for a chat. Older son is supposed to get married this June – it will probably have to be postponed.
I haven’t heard from my friend in Italy for a couple of days; the number of cases and deaths there just keeps on increasing, it’s very worrying.
Hey Kim! What a fun post – so full of great inspiration! I love those white jeans and banana republic sneakers. And thanks for the wonderful round up of books, shows and recipes. I just published a post about how we survived week one of Shelter in Home if you need some more ideas.
Stay safe and sane,
Hugs!
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com