Can you guys believe we have been in this pandemic for a whole year now? I remember the exact moment it sunk in that it might be a lot more than a few weeks at home. We were having one of our pantry dinners we so diligently turned out for weeks on end, and Max said, ‘You know it’s more likely we will still be in this until August or more.’ That seemed so scary to me and here we are a year later.. A year that has changed everyone in some way or another. I do feel hopeful though, especially this weekend I noticed so many seniors eating outdoors and doing things. It made me a bit emotional seeing so many of them having fun after this past year.
Anyway, without going on, I have a few things to share this week. I’ve come to realize now I am living in sweatshirts.. The ruffled ones specifically. Guess that’s my flair right now. It’s been chilly and wet and there are a few good ones from Target that are cuter than a lot more expensive ones out there. This is my most favorite..
There’s very few sizes left in my color, but there is other colors in most sizes and a few other colors..
(UPDATE: This sweatshirt already sold out online in most colors since I wrote this a day ago! Darn I hate when that happens…You may have luck finding it in the store as it is now a sale item. I did find other ruffled sweatshirts from Rebecca Minkoff, also this one at Nordys, this at The Loft, and this in black. )
I also own this one below, which one of my sons said looks like Moira from Schitt’s Creek, which I consider a compliment!
I usually wear it with jeans, and black tennis shoes, but the jogger pants with the ruffle pockets do make a cute look.
They also have this ruffled version..
I’m also crazy about J.Crew’s new sweats. I already own two of the Vintage Cotton Terry Sweatshirts and they are super soft. The matching pants are flattering and slim fitting, but run large so you need to size down one size to get that look.
They have a lot of tennis themed things, which I am nuts about and this new addition with little racquets.
I just saw a woman at the grocery in head to toe cream/beige sweats and these sneakers..
It just looked really cute all one tone and luxe for sweats.
Other odd stuff that’s been occupying my headspace is this chicken pot pie recipe we made last week that was seriously amazing. It was maybe the addition of cognac to it? We did one change omitting pearl onions, which we could not find. The recipe is from the website, Once Upon a Chef and Jenn Segel’s recipes are so far 10/10 for everything we have tried. (This recipe can also be made with mushrooms instead of chicken and oat milk. In the recipe comments many have done that. )
I also have her potato leek soup on my regular rotation. The pot pie recipe is just the thing for the cool and wet days we’ve been having.
We just baked ours in these cute stackable porcelain bowls from Crate & Barrel, because our ramekins were too small. These bowls are fantastic for storage as they stack and they can go in the oven up to 350 We did them at a bit above that though the recipe calls for 425 and it was perfect.
Lastly, I wanted to share with you that Serena & Lily is having their Spring Design Event with 20% off sitewide, using code NEWLEAF. If there is something you had your eye on, this is the time to get it as sales are just a few times a year. You know I love their things and already have one of their new Alamere Rug in runner size in my cart. I think it will be great in our hallway… I love the shades of this rug.
Other favorite rugs are the Porter Denim & Suede Rug, the South Shore Rug, I have in my bath, the Stella Rug in our dining room, the new Ashbury Moroccan Style Rug is also beautiful- and the new Valmere Rug – both so cool.
The Montana Mirror in my pool bath/powder room is gem and a few people have asked about it after seeing the bath on Cindy Hattersley’s blog last week, where she was so kind to feature my home.
It’s a beautifully made piece. I have the medium in natural, but it also comes in white or in natural with navy stripes, and more sizes.
You may need towels like I did and the Fouta Striped towels ( I have the hand towel above), are seriously the nicest quality and come in other tones as well.
The Healdsburg Towels are in my main bathroom and still feeling soft and looking great a year on..
Anyway, so much to love from them! The lamps are gorgeous too and there are beautiful pillows as always…and bedding! The Sale ends on 3/16.
My Mattituck Armchair and Avery Throw– also on the Serena sale.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve done a few updates to the old website. The blog turns 10 this year and I am working on changing up things a bit. You’ll notice I added a few pages at top, My California Closet which has things I wear and have in my beauty drawers and in my closet. The house link has a few drop-downs which I am still working on. The Shop My Home, will have things I have used in my home like rugs, lamps, dishes, etc – and also California inspired picks. Another, Our California Remodel, will be information about the remodel, as so many inquire about materials, flooring, paint and floors. The Lake Tahoe Cabin Style will be cabin inspired items I am using in my Tahoe place or that could work in a more rustic setting, and Books I Adore will be many my favorite books or new ones that are on my radar…So stay tuned and hopefully they will all be finished soon.
Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoy the weekend- even though we lost an hour!
Kim
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TEN YEARS A WHOLE DECADE!!CONGRATULATIONS!I am right behind you at 10 and a half years I think!
LOVE the sweatshirts with the ruffles…………….I have not been to a TARGET IN TWO YEARS!Ours in Walnut Creek the floors move and I hate that……….earthquake STUFF I believe.The building BOUNCES!
I use to LOVE going there for the BOYS and odds and ends………..
THAT POT PIE LOOKS DELICIOUS!Wonder if we could make a BATCH and freeze them?Would be so nice to have on hand and just pull out!
YOU must come up to the Serna & Lily OUTLET STORE BY ME!I am certain WE COULD DO DAMAGE!
Love the sound of what you are doing to your BLOG for its “FACELIFT!”
I am waiting patiently for your NEXT INTERVIEW of a CALIFORNIA WOMAN!I DO ENJOY THOSE!
IT’s a LAZY SUNDAY………….my little vacay is OVER tonight I MUST COOK!!
XXX
Elizabeth, It’s hard to believe I have been at this that long. Wow we should both celebrate! I never thought I would, but I love all the community and fun of it. I know what you mean, the Nordstrom I once worked at when I was young had rollers on the second floor for earthquake prevention and it was like having one all the time. Not good if you get dizzy easily.. Yes I think you could freeze these. Jen says on her site to par bake, freeze, then let thaw a day in the frighted before eating and cook at 425 for 20 minutes watching the crust in case it needs to be covered.
Yes my California women who I had in line have been busy so I am working on a new couple.. and you too.Stay tuned. xoxo
I adore the things you have around your home. That bamboo mirror is really pretty. Serena & Lilly have some pretty things. We don’t have that store here. Well, hardly have any American stores here except Tommy Hilfiger and places like that.
I am a bit in the doldrums right now and can’t even seem to find anything interesting to write about. We’ve been cleaning out our garage and haven’t been anywhere in over 2 weeks – unless you count a drive to the KFC drive-through to get a bucket of chicken which my son has been asking for for weeks.
Oh Loree I am so sorry. This really is an odd time here too. People are out and about and yet it’s not safe here yet for too much. I still feel like it’s going to be time before we can plan something to look forward to. It seems like the uncertainty and being in the house a lot is what gets me down also. I hope things get better there. Spring must be on the way on your beautiful island? Hugs, Kim
In checking out your new blog changes, I popped over to Travel With Me and your story about Humboldt County. I went to Humboldt State and lived in both Arcata and Eureka. Stayed five years after I graduated before finally moving to Southern CA. My last year of school and beyond, I worked at a restaurant called Lazio’s, which was an institution in Eureka for many years. There used to be a movie theater in downtown Arcata, The Miner, that cost 99 cents. It was the perfect cheap entertainment for students, and people would smuggle in their own snacks and alcohol and (of course) pot! My housemate was in a master’s Psychology program with the guy who later started Restoration Hardware. Random memories inspired by your post on that beautiful country. My husband and I are now retired and had planned a long road trip up that way before Covid hit. Now that we’re fully vaccinated, I have hope that we can finally make that happen. Thanks for the reminder of how special Humboldt is, banana slugs and all!
Hi Sarah! Wow thank you for this great note. Isn’t it a unique spot in the world? How wonderful you had that Humboldt State experience! My husband Max grew up there and knows all those spots! The original Restoration Hardware up there in Eureka was always one of my favorite places to hit when we visited and I am sad it’s gone… and totally changed too. . We are hoping to do a road trip to all those special spots again this summer! I hear the Airbnbs are already all booked. Hope you get a chance to see it all again! x Kim
Happy 10th Blogiversary! What a milestone. I love the new additions … your blog as always been lovely and you’ve elevated it further. It’s difficult to comprehend that we’ve been dealing with the pandemic and various stages of lockdown for a year. Things seem to be looking up and fingers crossed we continue in a more positive direction. Ruffled sweatshirts?! How have I missed this … time for me to do a little shopping!!! xo
Thank you Juliet. Time has flown and things have changed. I am feeling lucky to have this little outlet and all the kind people who pop in here and tolerate my obsessions! It really has saved me the past year being in so much. I do hope we are on the way out of this! Yes the ruffles are so fun while you stay cozy and casual. xoxo
Isn’t Target the best.. those sweatshirts😍 Beige athletic shoes!!!! I always feel like my feet look huge in white… these are the perfect solution❤️ Another fun read!
Linda
Thanks Linda! I know I never thought of them all together.. It looks chic! xo
Hi Kim,
Well I finally got around to clearing out my email and I saved the best for last! First, let me congratulate you on 10 years blogging! That’s an achievement and shows dedication. I started my blog around 2010 but I couldn’t keep it up or I’d be celebrating anniversaries with you!
Anyway, our posts always have so many great ideas and things to lust over! I need to pace myself with the online shopping, sometimes I forget what I ordered and get surprised with multiple boxes arriving. Actually, most of the stuff I order gets returned. I’m looking forward to in person shopping again!
I’m looking forward to exploring more of your past posts, that will keep me occupied and happy for quite awhile!
XO Heidi
**YOUR posts!!
Hi Heidi! I fell like you have a blog, though it’s your Instagram.. That’s almost the same! I agree I have some returns too with the online shopping. It took me a while to embrace it. I still love in person the best! This pandemic has definitely made me less inclined to get out there. I hope soon with the vaccine I’ll feel safer. Hope all is going well in the art world! I am looking forward to my painting I bought from you! xo