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 anxieties than the actual being in with each other. We got away to a quiet beach not too far away on Sunday so the guys could get a hike in and we could all get some fresh air.
It was good for all of us. We had a car picnic after.
We drove past Santa Cruz and West Cliff Drive, a big promenade and people were NOT social distancing. It was worrying.
I’m a homebody at heart, so I can do this shelter thing no problem. I am always my happiest when everyone is in the nest. Knowing though that some of us should be out and about doing other things, life, school, etc makes me sad for them. I also miss seeing my dad in person. We talk twice a day, but it’s not the same. We exchanged Swiss Chard from his garden and some groceries this week- via the porch drop thanks to the youngest who needed to bust out for a bit, if even just for a drive.
I am enjoying the cooking with the fam. We were telling the boys at dinner that three meals a day at home is how we grew up. People weren’t running to Starbucks, or Taco Bell when they felt like it. We are eating all the leftovers and using up all we have now. So good for us and my kids to learn too. To be frank though, this kind of life is taking up a LOT of my day in the kitchen. My routine is cook, clean, rinse and repeat. Anyone else feeling the same?
French toast with seeded bread. It’s what we had on hand though everyone grumbled about the seeded bread at first, it was yummy especially with pears and walnuts.
I am pretty optimistic, but yesterday morning someone sent me this Pooh and Piglet thing and for some reason I just started crying.
Not sure why. It’s the uncertainty I guess and the night before I was feeling more despair after watching the White House news conference. I decided to stop watching the news at dinner time. Last night I started playing all my vinyl albums on the turntable while cooking instead. The mood was decidedly happier and upbeat at dinner and I think my kids appreciated it. I am relying on the local newspaper and PBS Newshour which I record and can watch later in the evening if I choose.
Making Marcella Hazan’s famous three ingredient sauce- one stick of butter, one can of stewed whole tomatoes ( DiNapoli is my new favorite) and one onion sliced in half. Cook for 30 minutes or so covered on low and use an immersion blender and you have the best sauce ever. No salt or other additions are needed. So good!
I said I’d share more of my favorite blogs with you and three of my dear friends, Mary Ann, Cindy and Annie did a wonderful roundups this week sharing cool Instagram accounts. This is the perfect time to visit their blogs which have links many cool accounts to follow…
Mary Ann, writes Classic Casual Home, from her hilltop apartment in San Francisco, but has lived all over the world. She always has the best tips for entertaining and is a very busy and in demand interior designer. I enjoy her recipes and great finds for the home she generously shares.
Cindy writes Rough Luxe Lifestyle, is also a designer who lives in the countryside near Carmel and shares her amazing eye for home styling, remodeling and beautiful tablescapes. She writes the best posts about travel packing, wardrobe shopping and I especially love her monthly posts with Elizabeth, the Antique Goddess featuring Q&A with people with personal style.
Annie writes Most Lovely Things, lives in a small New England town near the water and defines how one can live simply yet beautifully, creating many of the cool objects in her home. I have learned so much from Annie- great recipes, amazing gift ideas and styling tips. Annie created one of the most popular pins ever on Pinterest with her home made advent calendar with darling brown bags.
More fun blogs to dive into while you have time..
Design Indulgence Decorating, remodeling and chic design
The Gardener’s Cottage Living simply and beautifully with less and vegan cooking
Sincerely Loree Slow living on the island of Malta with great books, writing and lovely photography
Cote De Texas Deep dives into the history of cool homes, royalty and more
Le Catch Always fantastic fashion trends and finds
The Mom Mystique Living mom life with style and inspiration
Life Around My Table Cooking, life and beautiful photography
Are you getting out for walks like I am? I missed one as it was hailing and another day I spent doing some house cleaning, but I’m trying to at least do a 20 minute workout or so. Here’s another to try..
Tracy Anderson’s 15 minute Cardio Dance. This is who trains Gwenyth. Looks like fun which motivates me.
If you read my last post with the original Jane Fonda workout, the link had a few issues, but I think it’s fixed and the complete workout is now on there. If you need a good one- that’s amazing.
Another little distraction for you with cute Alexa Chung and French gal Caroline De Maigret, who chat about how French woman age and skincare tips..
On the French theme, I just found Dinner in French, and from what I can see on the Amazon preview, it hits all the notes with delicious classic recipes and gorgeous photographs of France sprinkled in as well.
I’m going to need more dinner ideas as I’m cooking everything I know with what I can find… and how many times can you make the same stuff?
A month or so ago, before this pandemic happened, I was invited to a girlfriend lunch at a friend’s home and was so excited to find this lovely blouse at Target of all places, to wear. It is from their Prologue line, which is kind of cool and modern shapes and the fabric feels like a raw silk . I love the puff sleeve and the slightly curved longer back which gathers. I paired it with my old Zara skirt, but it would be sweet with denim cropped flares in its pretty ice blue color. I never shared it and I thought I’d pop it in here. Not sure how many people are even thinking about spring clothes right now.
I’m hoping you are all taking care and being safe. Stay inside so we can beat this. It’s the best we can do now for all of us.
I’ll be back with a little more of my house updates- the bathrooms specifically, and also a spring dress post if you are in the mood… I hope that won’t be tone deaf, but a little distraction right now. Let me know what you think.
Hugs,
Kim
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Hi Kimi …
I’m so glad to hear you all are doing fine. We’re good over here too and you know I’m a bit of a homebody too, so I like being at home. Our school will be on an online schedule next week, so that will be interesting! It’s probably good for all of us to have a bit of schedule. A teacher at our school is in the hospital with COVID so we’re all keeping her in our thoughts too. The news makes me sad and mad, so I’m only checking in a couple of times a day. And hey, how does your hair look so good on lockdown? No fair! I had an appointment scheduled for this weekend. I’m growing out the natural color but I sure could use a good trim. Think Shannon could do it?! 😂
Okay take care of there guys!
Much love
Dawn
Dawn, I am going to introduce you on the next post. I was wondering how you were doing. I do hope your teacher friend will be alright. How scary. My hair! Yikes well, I had it done luckily right before all this and god knows what I will look like when I cannot go. I have funky hair that does not take highlights unless someone else does it.. It turns a weird gold. Maybe I’ll just let the grey grow in.. Should be interesting! :0 Is Shannon good with color?? I don’t know – no way would Max be able to do mine!! Hugs and take care Dawn. xo
I always love your newsy, helpful posts, Kim…and what a nice surprise that you mentioned me! You are such a doll and look amazing in that Target top. Hang it there. Hope we can talk by phone soon!! Or FaceTime!
Mary Ann
Mary Ann I am fortunate to be friends with you. People will love you and the blog. Yes we need a FaceTime soon. Take care. xoxo
Kim,
I absolutely loved this post! You are always so thoughtful with your words. Your posts have me thinking about what you said well into the day and throughout the week. I loved the video, How to Grow Older the French Way. So charming! My takeaways…I need a great coat and I need to start ironing my clothes. When this is all over, let’s all meet and shop for that one great French coat together! How fun would that be??
Thank you for the mention and your kind words! Love you, Kim! So lucky to know you!
xo
Annie
Annie it’s all true and I adore you and am lucky to be friends with you. I really loved that video and too funny about the ironing. I guess I better iron also.. Wouldn’t it be fun to shop for coats together?? Goals for when this is all done with. Hugs Annie and be well.
Swiss chard……….YOU GOT THAT!
A PASTA SAUCE with CHARD you will need RICOTTA CHEESE and chard.
Cook chard and cut up in to small bites. DRAIN.
Toss Ricotta a TUB into a bowl add ONE EGG and some PARMESAN Cheese.MIX with a fork.
ADD CHARD to BOWL.
SAUCE DONE.
Now cook pasta according to directions and a short PASTA is BEST like a PENNE or RIGATONI.
Drain pasta water but keep half a cup of the salted water in reserve in case YOUR mixture is a bit dry ADD WATER as you mix SAUCE and PASTA together……YOU probably don’t need ALL the WATER.START slowly until it is a smooth and good TEXTURE!YOU will KNOW!
THEN SIT DOWN AND TOAST TO LA CONTESSA AND HER ITALIAN!!!
XX
Thank you!! Swiss chard season is upon us so this is perfect. I just dropped some off at a friends as my dad has a lot of it! I will do this tomorrow night and report back. You are awesome.
I had forgotten about THAT PASTA SAUCE I LOVE Marcella Hazan’s !
I have another one that is similar from my friend KATHERINE who lives in FLORENCE NOW!
I will dig that OUT and be BACK!
I think I have shared the tuna pasta sauce with you!???
Open a can or TWO in your case with THE MEN IN CASA and add capers, olives,Italian parsley, some lemon juice and a can of CRUSHED TOMATOES pour olive oil to cover ALL ingredients.Let sit on kitchen counter NOT IN SUN ALL DAY LONG!
Cook Penne pasta and pour sauce on TOP!
TRA………LA!!!!
XOXOX
Elizabeth, Yes! The tuna one sounded so good. Many people have already said they want to try. Thank you for it!! xx
Now that’s a recipe I haven’t seen in a long time! The last time I remember making this was with my mother-in-law, Marie. Her family was from Sicily and she adored cooking!
Kim, Loved this post lots of great info, so glad you and your family are doing well! We have had 6 + feet of snow the last few days with more to come this weekend!!! With the resort closed my hubby is going crazy but we are getting some snowshoeing in…it really is beautiful here now!! I am so ready for spring and would love a post about spring fashion. Where are your espadrilles from they are so cute?
Lisa thank you! I am sure it is really beautiful up there in Tahoe now. I would guess so peaceful too with none of the usual crowds right? Snowshoeing would be magical now to me. Spring fashion may be a little bit of an escape I guess about now maybe. So glad. Those espadrilles are older Tory Burch. I cannot find them on any sites now. I did find these tie wedge espadrilles https://rstyle.me/+8makQ3ZR9Zl-6j18Rv8hrg and also these https://rstyle.me/+21msD-6Zx3cq23PVo9VW-w Enjoy the snow and take care.
Thank you Kim! Those snake print espadrilles are exactly what I am looking for (wanted a shoe/sandal snake print last summer!). I found them online in my size at Nordstrom Rack/ Hautelook!! So happy you posted a pic of you wearing them. And yes it is peaceful here in Tahoe and we have a cold, 28*, sunny day today YAY! But more snow on its way. I am looking forward to a spring wardrobe post from you!
Yay awesome Lisa.. I did not think to look there. So happy you found them!! Okay working on the post today! xo
Kim you are such a sweetie. Thank you so much for the mention. This was such a lovely post. I too am a homebody at heart, and I love my home and garden. Gardening is my sanity right now and blogging. I am so thankful for the wonderful friends like you that I have found through blogging. I feel very lucky to call you my friend. Looking forward to the time we can all get together again.
Hi Kim
Love your blog, This is my first time leaving a reply,
but I’m loving your skirt as well as the blouse.
Where did you get the skirt? Love seeing pictures of your home,
Hi Ann! Thanks so much for the note. My skirt is an old one from Zara. I tried to find something similar and I found this one at H&M https://rstyle.me/+97Fl91u5eE1FnXbSRF4u9Q and also this that are similar. I will do more house pictures. Take care!
Hi Kim,
My son and I were both commenting yesterday that we aren’t finding it too difficult to be stuck at home. By nature, I am very much a homebody and I find the peace and tranquility of my home most comforting at this time. I really appreciate that you mentioned me in your blog post today. That was indeed, very kind. Thank You! I finally got out of my yoga clothes yesterday and decided that by the end of each day I need to be dressed and feeling pretty. For me, that meant simple leggings and a tank with a beautiful Kimono to top it all off! I adore Marcella Hazan and her approach to cooking. The way she presents recipes is so detailed and full of purpose! Keep well and many good thoughts are being sent your way in the coming days of isolation.
XOXO Diana
Diana, I like your idea of leggings with a kimono top.. Sounds nicer than sweats or the usual workout stuff all day! I have to try it. I need to research more Marcella recipes she is a gem. Thank you and please be well too. xo
Hello from SoCal. Always enjoy your posts. You’re doing such a great job at finding the right tone for our current situation so thank you for that. Please keep it up as best as you can because these little bright spots on the internet are everything I need.
Hi Paige, Thanks so much.. so happy they are giving a bit of joy. Take care!
Loved this blog post Kim thank you so much.
You seem to have a new routine settled with your boys, I would say we are also in a routine now, and I’m with you mine consists of cleaning and cooking ! With four of us here having three meals a day it’s a change for us too, my youngest was out so often before and my older daughter was living on her own in Toronto, it was often just the two of us for meals the last couple of years.
That has all changed!
That pasta sauce looks delicious. I’m going to try it! And the Contessa’s pasta ideas too! xxx
Dani, I guess we kind of are..Trying our best to keep it together..Isn’t it a lot cooking for four again after not for a while? I had forgotten the time involved! Let me know how the pasta sauce goes. I am heading to your blog today to see how you are up there! xo
Kim you just have this great, original, funky, elegant, casual California style and I love it.
Lisa you made my day.. I never think of myself like that, but I would be thrilled to be even a little that. Hugs and take care. xx
I’m glad you are faring well. We are social-isolating so I just leave the house to walk the dog (I’m going to walk his poor legs off though!) or to get groceries (which I do as little, as early and as quickly as possible.) I do a lot of cooking, cleaning, disinfecting, and organizing, trying to make things as pleasant for the kids as I can. Now I know why Martha Stewart only got 4 hours of sleep for all those yeas before she could hire her huge team of helpers. I’m trying to be productive (I’m ordering a new BBQ and they can set it up and connect it to the gas without coming into contact with us!) so that when this is over, I won’t have a long to-do list. I like having the kids around and I’m a homebody too so it really does not feel like too much of a hardship. The anxiety is the worst part since I really have no sense of what this looks like on the other side, and my heart breaks for the healthcare workers and the sick. I can’t imagine this experience won’t change most of us in some way. Take care. Xx
Jen, I am doing much the same. My anxiety comes from thinking about what is happening outside of here- in the hospitals and for those who have to be put there. I am feeling for so many and for friends also who have lost their livelihoods in a flash and have to safety net! I hear you about the sleep too. I am trying to keep up with the blog because it is giving me some purpose now, but yes cooking and cleaning, etc fill a lot of the day now. I think we’ll know in a week whether our quarantine has helped in our area. I am hopeful.Be safe Jen and take care.
Thanks for mentioning my blog. It was totally unexpected.
I think we’re call doing the best we can, under the circumstances. I’ve been working from home for 2 weeks and I am finding it exhausting. I seem to be getting even more emails than usual and I miss my colleagues, even though they are all younger and I feel like a dinosaur sometimes. My husband is insulin dependent and has to go into lockdown from today. My son’s school rallied really quickly so they are still getting their tuition online.
The worst part of all this is that no one knows when it will end and I miss making travel plans. So I have an ‘armchair travel’s post up in the blog. Photos of past trips are keeping me sane.
I am sure I would enjoy valuable post about spring dresses. We need to keep our morale up with pretty things. Love your wedges.
Kim have never commented before but I so enjoy your posts! Seeing the marinara sauce you were making made us laugh as I did a search online this week for the “best” & “easiest” marinara & this recipe was wonderful & a little more “heart healthy” than using a stick of butter! One large can of San Marzano-style tomatoes with juice (any 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes will do), 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. dried oregano (I also added some dried basil), pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), 2 large cloves garlic, peeled but left whole, 1 med. yellow onion, peeled & halved, salt to taste (optional). Put all in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, placing the onion cut side down in the tomatoes. Once the sauce comes to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer for about 45 ins., stirring occasionally & mashing down the tomatoes with a fork after 15 mins. When done, remove the onion from the sauce. I used a potato masher to mash down the tomatoes & the garlic cloves; you can also use an immersion blender.You might also like leaving a few of the onion pieces in the sauce. Add salt to taste if desired & that’s it! Can easily be doubled which I did. So delicious & healthy. I used this over Angel Hair pasta & cheese ravioli & it’s wonderful. We also watched the Kaminsky Method after your recommendation & LOVED it! Take care & be well!! Katie
Hello Katie! Thank you so much for this variation on marinara sauce. I’m going to give it a go this week. I like the omission of butter to make it more healthy and possibly vegan right? Isn’t the Kaminsky Method so good? Love those guys. Thank you for being here and your note! Take care Katie.
Hi Kim,
Loving reading your posts! We tend to take walks in the evening when there are not many people out which works out well. We have been getting take out a couple of times a week to try to support our small restaurants here and have been walking to pick up. I really like your rug in the bedroom, can you tell me where you got it?
Kelley XOXO
We are holed up here in FLorida too. I try to get out early to do a bit of gardening (it’s already getting hot in the sun) or to walk around the neighborhood. Doing lots more cooking (and cleaning!) but it’s fun not to feel rushed about it. Usually I’m getting home from a very long school run and need to rush to get good food on the table. So I’m taking the time to try some recipes I’ve had tucked away on Pinterest or in cookbooks,etc. And since I’m not going to grocery store whenever I feel like it (only once per week and trying to stretch that out too) I’m being better at making a meal plan and shopping for that. Baking treats to keep the teens spirits up. He said he really wishes he had a sibling now so there would be someone at least close in age at home. Made me so sad I could never give him that. But even though he has a fairly full day with virtual school (half his classes are live via zoom and half are taped) he isn’t spending all night doing homework so we’ve been having movie nights often. You should feel lucky your beaches are open – ours were closed a couple of weeks ago. Too many vacationers were still coming down!