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 for a week and is now off again. I don’t know what has been taking up my time, but I blinked and it’s been weeks since I posted so apologies..So much strife going on I thought let’s talk fun things today…
Fall clothes shopping is always my favorite, but with all the home time, I have begun thinking about what I truly need this year. I need very little with this pandemic, but these Sanctuary camo cargo pants popped into my radar on a quick Anthropologie visit. These work for home and for going out. The elastic drawstring waist which makes them a comfy alternative to sweats and leggings and everyone is dressing them up now too. Every wardrobe needs a little camo/khaki it’s a wonderful neutral and transcends the seasons.
I also have these satin cuff jeans in my cart as they are just so pretty and different.. I can see them with sweaters and loafers.
Speaking of sweaters, I am a sucker for ruffles and I bought this cutie at Madewell this week. I wandered down there after a lunch with my dear blogger pals took me out for a birthday lunch at Santana Row. I have not shopped there since the pandemic, but Mary Ann and I popped in there and this sweater just spoke to me. I will wear this with a moto jacket and a long floral skirt or those camo pants. I like the little feminine/ little rocker mix. Madewell is having a 20% off if you’re an insider or sign up. I bought a medium in this in the off white color. The red is also cute and the neckline is a bit more ruffly than shown. It’s very comfy on.
Here are my sweet friends. I could not be more grateful for them in this year of Covid. I have been fortunate to do a couple birthday things with friends this month and after not being together much this year it made me feel so happy. LOVE them so much and I have to show their cute outfits. I think right now any chance to dress up is exciting. Mary Ann and Cindy matched in the cutest black skirt from CP Shades and pretty white tops. Those CP Shades cotton silk skirts are gorgeous- made in Sausalito. CP Shades is a 40 year old California company and the quality of things are so nice. Cindy wears a lot of their cool things.
Elizabeth, aka Contessa wore one of her signature caftans and this stunning one was from Provence and she gave it the Elizabeth treatment with a paper flower, one of her woven bags, arms of bone colored bracelets and a big ring and gold espadrilles.
Her Instagram account was hacked and she is recovering it. Her dress is from Luxe Provence. More about that dress and the woman behind the company on Elizabeth’s post about her. She also just wrote about her new closet her husband built her that has space for all her caftans and woven bags. It is gorgeous!
If you follow my Instagram, I shared photos from an anniversary getaway to Carmel Valley. We stayed at my favorite spot, Bernardus Lodge. We had not the greatest air quality, but we still enjoyed being away and found their amazing gardens we hadn’t seen before. We also had some great meals at their Lucia restaurant.
We were so crazy about their potato leek soup we decided to try to replicate it at home. The best recipe I found is here from a cute blog, Once Upon a Chef with many yummy fall recipes. It is written by Jenn Segal, a former chef. The soup is easy and delicious. Did you know leeks are a super food with so many benefits? The French also believe they help you lose weight! Photo below from Jenn’s blog…
On the health subject, my friend Aimee recommended a great show Max and I have been watching every night, Down To Earth With Zac Efron. He travels the world with wellness expert Darin Olien. I have already learned what kind of water to drink, and what those who live the longest eat, and some other intriguing things. Each episode explores a country and the changes they are making to better on earth. The Iceland episode is stunning and the Paris episode- how they make the best drinking water and dispense it for free all over- is just amazing. Really fun show and motivating to do better things for your body and the planet!
On the way home from our Carmel trip we finally stopped at the new David Kinch restaurant in Aptos, Mentone . They are operating in their parking lot now, but it’s cute and the food is SO GOOD! They have pizzas, spritzes and salads – my kind of food. We split a radicchio Caesar salad that was incredible.. Very cute with a Euro vibe. A fun weekend lunch spot.
One other great discovery I have to share with you all is Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner. One of my best friends gave me these U.K. gems as a birthday gift! I have always been curious about these products that have a patent and are supposed to repair the bonds of your hair and keep working even days after your shampoo. So far after a week of using both, I am totally a convert. My long fine hair feels thick and soft and I also think it looks a lot healthier. I didn’t have time to blow dry the other day, and ran out which would normally look really bad. I didn’t do a thing and had a few compliments on my hair which is crazy. You are supposed to use it each time you shampoo. You can find them at the Nordstrom link above and also at Sephora.
Lastly, this week has been a rough one. Losing RBG was like gut punch at this point in the election year.. The contentious atmosphere could not be worse. I loved this new post on Cup of Joe that shares a lot of ways we can still help in the upcoming election if we are feeling hopeless. We are not powerless. We still have a vote and our voices…
Hope you all have a lovely weekend and more coming soon on fall fashion and home.
xx Kim
BOY YOU HAVE ANNIVERSARY and BIRTHDAY all in the same MONTH?!!SO DO I!!!!!!!
I LOVED SEEING EVERYONE AND THOUGHT THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS AT THE OUTDOOR RESTAURANT.I had never been to Santana Row before but had heard about it for YEARS……….LIKE 20 years!!I WANT TO GO BACK!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YEAR KIM………………..YOU still look like a KID TO ME!
XOXO
Well fun isn’t it? We can celebrate all month long..The food was delicious and you were so kind organizing this. I had the best time. You all are too kind. Let’s go back soon. You have to see more of the stores and investigate. Hugs. xoxo
Hurray for fun things. We all need them this year. So happy to hear you had a wonderful birthday with great friends. Missing Contessa’s Instagram. I wish she’s able to get it back. I do love those sweaters.
Lorna thanks so much. I know I hope Elizabeth gets to get back soon. It’s not the same without her on Instagram. Hope you have a good weekend.xx
Hi Kim,
Well it was worth the wait, what a fun post full of interesting things!
That sweater is really cute, I can see it on you. I love my camo pants and wear them a lot in the fall. Looking forward to some cooler weather so I can pull out the sweaters and long pants again!
I’m going to have to try that shampoo. My hair looks like it hasn’t’ had anything done to it in months. Oh, right, it hasn’t! Just my feeble attempts at home color, and a few quick snips with the scissors by myself over the sink, Maybe the shampoo will work some miracle?
My b-day and anniversary are also only a few weeks apart, too Both went by quietly this year. Bernardus Lodge looks like the place to celebrate. A little(a lot!) out of my price range unfortunately! Who knows, maybe next year.
I’m glad you had a fun time celebrating your birthday with the ladies! Bet there was a lot of laughing and chatting.
Hope to see you for coffee again soon!
Heidi, You are so sweet.. I think the camo pants are such a good staple right? You know I do think the shampoo helped my hair! It’s funny we all have birthdays and anniversaries so close.. My husband calls it the Birthaversary. LOL. I was lucky I booked the Bernardus a while back and got a lot cheaper rate than they are charging now. I usually don’t think that far ahead. It can be pricey this time of year.I look forward to coffee with you- we need to catch up! xoxo
Great to have you back!!! Fun post. I’ve always shied away from camo but maybe at nearly 66 it’s time for me to dive in! 🤔
Hi Sarah! I think it’s a good neutral! I can understand the hesitation.. Some items in it can feel like hunting gear. I think if it’s one piece it can look cool with the right accents. Have fun with it. xo
Another fun blog with great content!! All you birthday ladies look beautiful… and 55 never looked so good😁
Linda
Linda you are so nice. Have a great weekend! xo
That sure was a fun birthday lunch, Kim!! So nice to be together. Happy birthday again! Howard and I would like that Netflix show…thanks for the recommendation!
Mary Ann thank you for organizing this. I feel so lucky to have such great friends. I had the best day with you girls and can’t wait to celebrate yours. Let me know what you think of the show! xoxo
Hi Kim – Have you used Oribe shampoo? I’m wondering how the Olaplex compares. I like Oribe but it’s so expensive!
Hi Marisa, Yes I have the Oribe shampoo and also like how it makes my hair shine and feel. So far the thickening and full feeling is a lot different from the Olaplex. I feel like it has already done more, but I guess everyone has to judge for themselves. The Olaplex says use every time you shampoo, so it’s a repair system. This is also more affordable than Oribe! Hope that helps. xx
Loved your cheery post Kim! I really enjoyed seeing pictures of your birthday and anniversary outings on Instagram. Looks like well deserved fun times! The sweater you found is adorable and if the temps here in Florida allowed I would buy one too! Good to know about the Olaplex products; Ive been thinking about trying them as my fine, and now thinning, hair really needs some help!
Hi Ginger, Thanks so fun being with the ladies. I am so lucky to have such good friends. Olaplex is great and I would describe my hair as – fine, brittle aging -thinning!!! Yours looks beautiful. I need all the help I can get at this point! xoxo
Happy Belated Birthday AND Anniversary!! Your lunch with Cindy, Mary Ann and Elizabeth looks like so much fun. I was a little worried, as everyone had their lunch, but not the Birthday Girl!! So happy you get together, and share with the rest of us.
Thanks so much Robin. I an so lucky they are the sweetest friends! It was a lovely time.xoxo
Belated Happy Birthday and Anniversary Kim! Your friends looked stunning. I love that long leather and pearl necklace that you’re wearing in one of the photos, so chic yet casual.
Ever since RBG died I haven’t been able to watch much US news – I feel sick at the thought of what’s to come, what with the Supreme Court and the election. I truly hope that those voting for Biden turn out in droves so that there’s no mistaking the result.
I always love posts where you recommend things – the mentions of fine, thinning and aging hair make me think that Olaplex should be on my next Sephora order!
All the best to you, stay safe!
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much. It’s been a crazy time here and more contentious than ever now with losing RBG! We can only hope the election is a total landslide so there is no question. I hope the debate this week will be good for Biden! Yes try the Olaplex.. I do think it’s working for me. Hugs
What a wonderful post kim! So much fun and beautiful stuff here to browse. And can we talk about the Contessas closet???
I too have been MIA, lots of personal stuff on top of everything happening around us. You gave me a kick in the butt to get to writing again!
Happy Belated Birthday!
❤️ Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Suzanne, I was wondering if you have been busy. This month just was a little crazy. Thanks so much and looking forward to your next post! xoxo
I enjoyed your post and first outfit. Thanks for the tip on the travel show, can’t wait to see it.
It’s been an unbelievable year and then to Lose RGB. Yes it has to be landslide for Biden this year. Haven’t been to Santana Row in years–will have to visit for lunch w friends. What a bummer for the Contessa and her blog,
Stay safe…
Hi Sheila how are you?? Thank you so much. The loss of RBG just compounds all the hurt and division right now! Biden has to win. I really try so hard to think positively! Santana Row is fun.. limited now, but they are doing a good job trying to keep it safe. I hope you check out the travel sho. You will enjoy! Hoping Contessa gets to the bottom of the Instagram! Hugs
Happy Birthday, Kim! Oh, and Happy Anniversary too! Just when we were getting used to the clear air, the smoke is back and our friends in the wine country are dealing with the horror again. I’m devastated for them and my former home. Ugh. Love your Sanctuary pants … and with a draw string. Yes! I’m really needing some give these days. And, speaking of that, I printed the potato leek soup recipe. It’s one of my favorite soups. I had to reread your description because at first glance I thought you said potatoes were the super food … but alas it was the leeks. Darn. And, RBG … what a year. I hadn’t read Cup of Joe’s post, but will do it right now. Did you read the Nina Totenburg article? xo
Juliet, Can you even believe it? I am wondering how it is up by you because tonight it got pretty bad air wise here. I feel badly complaining though with all the horrors up in wine country. The drawstring pants are everything now with this pandemic! LOL. Yes I wish potatoes were a superfood.. Sad we lost Ruth last week when we could least afford to.. Somehow I am hoping this is got to help us in some way with the election.. I don’t know why, but people are damn mad and maybe it will push people to get out there and be heard. Yes thank you read Nina’s article. I loved it. What an amazing human! xo
Great post Kim … so cheery and up lifting. Just what we need at the moment. Your birthday and Anniversary celebrations look and sound wonderful. So important to be able to get together with friends and just chat … and laugh! Sunshine always helps too!
Your new jumper/sweater is gorgeous. Love the style. Looking forward to seeing how you style it.
I’ve always loved leek and potato soup. … it’s really good made with milk instead of cream and vegetable stock too! Topped with chives or slivers of smokey bacon. Or poured over small pieces of smoked salmon, just before serving. So tasty and makes a good light lunch.
Hope you’re having a good week … hugs!
Rosemary xxx
Hi Rosemary thank you! It was just so nice to get out with friends…and yes the sunshine, without smoke! I do not take it for granted. Thank you for the ideas about the potato leek soup! I like the idea of using veg stock and milk to make it lighter. I think someone who is vegan could even try a cashew or oat milk with it also, as it’s a small amount. I have never thought of pouring it over smoked salmon, but it sounds so good! Great ideas! Have a good week too! xx
Hello lovely Kim. You and the ladies look great and I am so glad you are enjoying some girl togetherness in these crazy times. I am so sad about RBG. I have been watching past interviews with her and I love how she is so thoughtful. I love how when she is asked a question she often hesitates and considers what she is going to say before answering. I admire her greatly.
Hi Kelley! Thank you. Great to hear from you. I was broken hearted last week about RBG, but like you really enjoyed all the shoes about her. The way she really thought before she gave an answer made me think how little anyone does that! What a gem she was. We were SO lucky as a nation to have her fighting for all of us men and women. Hugs
KIm, what an interesting post. I always enjoy your fashion tips and it was fun seeing the girls –Cindy, MaryAnn and Elizabeth dressed for lunch.
I’m so sad about all the fires in Northern California, it hurts my heart just thinking about the people and animals that are being affected and everyone local too, with the terrible air quality. Sorry to hear your son had to come home. These Covid months have been such strange times–I’m just praying we get rid of this crazy President—and begin to restore our values as a country again. So much division–even with the damn masks, it’s terrible.
In the meantime stay healthy and safe during this fire season.
xo
Leslie
Hi Leslie, I know can you even believe the fires? It seems it is becoming the new way of life here and it’s awful. I feel so for those who have lost their homes and so many businesses too. I am with you Leslie, I feel like we have had so much chaos the last year, we need some calm and to come together to get this country back on track. I know..why would masks even be an issue? Thank you Leslie you take care also. xo
Hi Kim, I’m a little late but happy belated birthday! Looks like you had a nice time with the ladies. A positive post is what I needed, I’ve been a little grumpy too and I am ready for Fall. Those Anthro jeans are so cute…do I really need another pair?
So funny you mentioned Mentone…my good friend’s daughter and family moved to Los Gatos last Summer and just bought a house in Aptos a couple months ago. I will mention the restaurant to her as she goes to visit them quite often.
Linda
Hi Linda! Thank you just a little fluff here.. I know I always think the same about jeans. I need to let some go too, but I’m never good about that. Yes tell her to look up Mentone, but likely she’s been as it’s so small a town. How nice for them to have a house there. It’s the cutest place! Have a great weekend Linda.