Hello it’s our Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet. Our Juliet is ill this week, so please wish her well if you can.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
I’m a big anglophile and I guess you could say I’m a royalist. I think this celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne is so special. I would love to have been there and be in the thick of it. I am watching all of it and really enjoyed reports of those on the ground there like the blogger/ HRH book author, Elizabeth Holmes. It’s been a blast to follow along on her Instagram as she found a spot along the route and met up with another famous English Instagrammer, All That’s Pretty. Both ladies are enjoyable to follow if you love England and the monarchy!
On that note…
I was a lucky girl this week as a gift box appeared on my porch from the fabulous Fortum & Mason in London. It was a surprise Jubilee box from my son’s girlfriend Kristin, who is English. It included a special tea crafted to commemorate Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, a darling cookie tin that plays God Save the Queen, and a pretty tote with a beautiful design incorporating the Queen’s corgis.
I was thrilled!! It was the kindest gift and made watching the Jubilee festivities even more fun with my cup of tea and biscuits. Next best thing to being there! I made a small video of the package on my Instagram.
If you aren’t familiar with it, Fortum’s has been providing tea and goods to the monarchy for over 300 years, so they are a wonderful spot to visit in London. If you are unable to visit this six story dream of a store, you can also find their treasures online and see their wonderful selection of commemorative Jubilee goods here.
You know what’s fun? The English have a wonderful tradition of street parties with their neighbors during these jubilees and royal weddings. It’s a very nice idea to gather your neighbors and have a street party. We grew up doing this for fourth of July in my neighborhood and we all could use more of it. I love seeing how the English do this! I hope to have at least one this summer. Have you done this? We all need more coming together with our neighbors after the last few years…
Back to Jubilee chat, Liberty of London is my other favorite spot in London and another quintessential English gem. They have a few special scarves that are pretty and mark this very special 70th year of the queen. So of course I am tempted by these beautiful designs like this jubilee scarf …
and this Queen’s Hat’s scarf with one hat she’s worn for each year she’s been on the throne! What a great idea! The scarves are more the neckerchief size and would be cute tied around a bag !
The Queen looked lovely and I liked both her outfits. I am glad she choose to rest the second day and skip the service. Can you imagine being 96 and still working? A few photos from the day from The Royal Family Official Instagram…
I love the Queen’ turquoise suit especially! This was my grandmother’s favorite color. She adored the queen and we watched her many times on television together and I gave her many HELLO magazines with photos of her events in years past. I wish she was here to see it all. When I look back at my grandmother’s long life I see how her style paralleled that of the queen, the suits, the hair and all that. They were of the same era, though grandma was born in 1917.
When we cleaned grandma’s place out, she had a coronation tin from 1953, that I am fortunate to have.
The Coronation of Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London, but Elizabeth actually acceded to the throne after the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952, and that’s why we are celebrating this year. I have no idea how grandma came to have it. A little research shows it was a toffee tin made by Horner confectionery company in England. She didn’t travel, but she may have gotten it stateside where they were sold widely. I treasure this. I’ve cleaned it, but it’s nearly 70 years old and I have to be careful not to scrub the images off..
And one more Jubilee gem.. I thought this was a fascinating read on the history of Jubilees and who has had them! The queen has had several.
Enjoy the festivities. This may be our last Jubilee for many years. I hope the queen lives a long time like her mum did.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
I’ve got some ideas for Father’s Day which is in just two weeks! These are a few things I would choose for my own husband or dad….Max is an outdoor guy (hopefully not reading), and I thought he’d love this cool Cuisinart Grill with a built in cutting board. I think it would be great for camping or beach trips. Love how you can have it monogrammed and has a little handle.
These Laptop Zipper Cases by Mark & Graham are so good looking. I like both the tan or pebbled leather. A monogram will make it even more special. It’s so nice to have one of these throw in a bag or for travel to protect your laptop.
My husband loves gadgets and this Hatch Restore Reading Light and Sound Machine and Sunrise Alarm is a reading light, sound machine and time-to-rise indicator all in one, this ingenious device helps you customize your sleep environment.
Everyone love Vuori sweats and they also have trunks! These Cruise Hybrid Board Shorts are highly rated and have pockets and four-way stretch so they are good for a day out as well as the beach. A nice choice if his trunks are looking a little tired.. ( According to Max, that never happens to his clothes… Insert eye roll emoji!)
Give that camper with some toasty love with this Kelty Galactic themed blanket stuffed with 550-fill-power down. Perfect for a cold beach day or just to have in the car for those bonfires..
Max loves these shirts and shorts. I don’t buy him a lot, but these Lululemon Linerless Shorts are look so good and made to last. They are designed so perfectly and lightweight, they feel great on he says. They come in 11 colors and two lengths. These are the 9 inch and there is also 7.
This is his favorite shirt from them that he wears a ton for working out, weekends, daily and layering. They wash well and travel great and are in 18 colors!
Last Christmas Jackson surprised Max with this Ooni pizza oven. We weren’t sure we even needed it as he always made pizzas on our Trager Grill, but this little guy was a game changer. You truly get pizza just like the wood fired places, black crusty bits and chewy delicious pizza. We love this thing and make pizzas at least once a week with it! It’s like being in Italy! This is one gift that exceeded expectations.
I kind of loved these Peanuts Joe Cool shirts By SEAESTA SURF at Nordys too..
These men’s Eberjay super soft modal pajamas are made for warmer months and nice to wear around the home and travel with.
I’ll keep adding more gift ideas to my Father’s Day Squares at the end of this post, as I see them.. Nordstrom actually has curated an adventure/outdoor gifts for him section, which is very cool.
My husband really loves a day out, or an adventure. The last thing I did was planning the Golden Gate Bridge walk and lunch ( on this post )which he always wanted to do. Sometimes it’s just a walk, or a special dinner, or a day out somewhere totally new that’s fun! Sometimes those are the best gifts. Please share any great ideas you have for Father’s Day too.
My Favorite New Outdoor Lantern & Candle
I am trying to create a prettier yard environment and have been adding some lanterns to the mix. I love when those little automatic flameless candles come on at night and make the yard look so nice.
Now I think I’ve found something even better, a solar version of the flameless candle that goes on and needs no battery replacing! World Market sells them. I was dubious, so just bought one, left it in a sunny spot, and there it was at night shining. I also got this cute lantern there that looks like a more expensive RH one I have seen. There were a lot of these candles at my World Market, but not online. Target sells a pack of two of them here, which look similar.
Lovely Summer Blouses
I’m in love right now with Emerson Fry’s India Collection pieces which are hand blocked cottons in the prettiest prints. They are all made of organic cotton in Rajasthan, India. I particularly love light blouses in the summer now. They hide my arms from the sun and are still cool and pretty and not tight. They are much more flattering than a t-shirt to me.
I paired their Mandarin collar blouse with my white Anthro Colette Pants and a J.Crew Beach Sweater which I tie on with higher waist pants, so I don’t look like I’m all legs, short top. ( My straw bag here.)
This pretty blouse which is one size, is wide and billowy, but works well with shorts and higher waisted pants and jeans. They have this easy style in rosy color left, or this blue stripe. Looks like my yellow is out currently. I’m considering this blue one also.. It’s such an easy shirt to throw on.
Other great options from Emerson Fry to wear all summer in place of t’s and come in multiple sizes -are this Basalie top in blue and white stripes, or yellow..
..and this Dahlia Top left, (same fabric as my top), or this Olympia Top with a longer sleeve you can roll..
The Frances Blouse is also lovely..
I also adore the dresses of the collection. The Isla Dress is on my wishlist in Cleo color and blue too.. Can’t decide, but I want to add at least one easy dress this year to my closet mix and this could double as a coverup/tunic too.
You may want to peruse the whole India Collection by Emerson Fry. I think the prices are good for things that are hand done in small batches with organic cotton, and eco conscious practices and dyes. They strive for zero waste. Items are made in Brooklyn or with a small group in India.
More Thoughts on Gun Violence
Thank you for the wonderful notes last week about our nation’s scourge of gun violence. It means so much to know so many of you are feeling the same, and are done with how we are living in this country. The big lie, that we need guns to stay safe, has really been cracked open for all of us to see when those children died with 19 police nearby, and not one saving them. Then this week, (just one of more shootings), two doctors, a hospital receptionist and a patient were blown away by an unhappy back surgery patient who bought his gun literally an hour before. And will they next say doctors and nurses need guns? Will we need more and more … When will the madness of it stop?
Then Republicans on Thursday rejected advancing ANY gun legislation for background checks. HOW do they sleep at night after knowing their loose laws and policies are enabling these massacres?
So in light of this, an article sent by a friend resonated with me. I think you may agree it’s time for a different approach and going off the rails right now seems like the right thing. Status quo isn’t working and I happen to like some of the ideas in this.. Warning there are some F bombs, but in my opinion, they are warranted. This is from a Humboldt newspaper, where my husband grew up. I love this author and I’m not sure they would have printed her opinion here locally, but I shared it and I wish you could too.
It Might Be Time... read her full article here.
We must at the very least ban assault rifles, expand federal background checks, and red flag laws. We need those who take the NRA money, who have put guns above children and lives, to be exposed for the heartless humans they are. Stay strong, get loud and let’s change this nation together.
Well that’s my meanderings for this week.
Juliet came down with a stomach bug, so she is sitting this week out. I’m keeping her in my thoughts. Please check her beautiful blog anyway, a treasure trove of good things. So is Elizabeth’s fantastic blog, which is published many times during the week! These ladies are busy blogging about everything cool and fun. I need more tea times to catch up with it all. They are my escape… Find them here:
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
Thank you for being here. Have a lovely weekend,
Kim
If you missed last week’s blog I shared picnic ideas, a garden spray, a some ways we can help end gun violence and more, find that post here.
p.s. A few more inquires into the straw bag I have above. it’s from Mango and comes with a tan strap or dark orange. I love this bag which has a interior pouch that zips for security and is also removable…
My wool tassel I attached made by Mexican artisans can be found here.…and also these colors.
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Great post! Men can be so hard to buy for sometimes. I have the Hatch alarm and love the Ocean white noise. Blocks out any “Urban chatter” and I sleep soundly.
Applauding your posts on gun violence. After two years of lockdown and now finally being able to be out and about/back to school, we are afraid of being shot! That is nuts! It is time for Republicans to put common sense and the greater good above their need for power. Politicians and party-followers. All of Them. There is the cry ringing out across the land: “Do Something!” Well, I plan to do something. I may be only one person, one vote and that may feel small. But I am a mighty piece in this puzzle and I plan to Vote for Something -> Change!
Holly so glad that Hatch alarm is a good thing! You never know, but it looked like a cool idea.
You make a very sad point…How sad is it that I think of getting shot many times a week? Now here we are finally enjoying life again and it crosses my mind, will I get gunned down in a theatre? Will I be safe at a crowded restaurant or mall? Like you said here are little kids finally back with their pals and school and now they add this fear in. Too horrible and yet Republican say we must live this way?? This is safe because we have the most guns in the world? A BIG LIE. I don’t buy it. My friends who live in nations with common sense gun control don’t live with these fears!
So happy you feel the same.
‘Do Something’ is our battle cry and I am so glad you are voting. Together we are powerful! xo
I loved the attached article. And I don’t think it’s too far off, either. Straight-up civility obviously isn’t working for us.
Thanks Lisa!! I am feeling it’s time for different tactics..Time to get ugly with these people and stop playing civil and nice.. It hasn’t gotten us a damn thing. We need all of us (90% apparently) who want the gun laws changed to get outraged and stay there. Taking some pages out of the Republican’s own hand book of outrage is a great idea we need to implement.
Another great post. I continue to applaud your
position as it mirrors mine. I write and respond with the
outrage that we need. I am writing on any
post that shows the heartless and gutless GOP.
One wonders if they would sacrifice their own
children for the sake of guns and NRA money.’Remember
the fear these Senators had on January 6th and were
demanding police helps to get them out of their
chambers? Perhaps they need to do the drills like
children are now doing in schools. I am so angry,
we must all stand up and do our part to stop this madness.
Great fathers day ideas too! Going to check out
those tops now!
Char, Thank you so much for the support and the outrage! We cannot accept this as the normal in our nation. xo
I sent the ARTICLE about FUCKING TIME around to a lot of People!She said it perfectly!And she was the daughter of. A Police officer in NYCity!!
Yes the Jublilee is a MUST!
Xxx
Yup it’s time to go off the rails as being civil did squat for our children. Love that her father was a NY Cop. Good to have her perspective and she says what we need to hear more of! xo
I’m a royalist too. I love the Queen. I got to see her once when she visited Malta for one of the Commonwealth summits. Most people here don’t care but my parents both have strong links to the UK and it was almost a given that I would follow in their footsteps, so to speak.
Lorna, I had no idea Malta was so closely aligned with Britain! I didn’t know you were a Commonwealth until I was watching all the history on the Queen. So do you feel that culture there and citizens identify as English in some percentage? it’s fascinating. And then are other Maltans are of Italian ancestry? I am interested to know more! Is there a lot of celebrating there? xo
Love your blog Kim and a wonderful post thank you. I am English and l remember the silver Jubilee when l was a kid and watching my small village transform into a celebration with a long table down the street and everyone gathering and eating together doing a pot luck. Bunting everywhere it was magical. Loving the celebrations too in England and like you horrified over the gun violence over here we are constantly subjected too why can nothing be done!! It is so mind destroying how little we value human life and human connections.
Thank you for the clothes suggestions l love Emerson Frye. Please can you make the font darker for these post replies as it is difficult to see what l am writing !, Happy weekend Kim be well xo
Hi Francesca, How wonderful you remember the silver Jubilee! I love seeing those long table and the streets festooned with bunting when the English do street parties. Thanks for the support on gun violence. We have to change things! Yes and thanks about the comment font. Working on that now! xo
I love your blog and I especially liked the article on the outrage most of us are feeling! It was just what I needed to read. I hope it goes viral!!
Rita thank you! I hope so too! I have shared this everywhere! I feel the same.
That article was AMAZING. I graduated from Humboldt State and lived in the area for several years after. They march to their own drummers up there, and we need that now more than ever. I guess many will be turned off by the profanity (or will use that as an excuse not to read it), but how obscene are the actions of our GOP legislators? Aren’t they the same people who repeatedly voted against the ACA, which made treatment for mental health issues (which Republicans claim is the “real” problem) equally as important as treatment for physical ailments?
Humboldt is a special place isn’t it? I appreciate the people up there and their way of viewing the world. Thanks the profanity is nothing compared to the actions that should offend the whole nation.. Putting guns above lives for money in their pockets… And coming against ACA and mental health care, which they claim to care about! Such hypocrisy. Thanks so much Sarah.
Way to go, Kim. Thank you for sharing the article.
Thank you so much Linda!
Kim,
What a wonderful post! I too am a m an anglophile and am glued to the Jubilee on tv and online. I cannot get enough of the Queen, she is an amazing woman. I hope that she lives a long and healthy life.
Your F&M gift is beautiful and special. How wonderful to have such a kind and generous young woman in your life and your sons.
I have not even thought about Father’s Day, I am going to have to get my butt in gear. I have the pizza oven, or should I say we, have the oven and love it! If you love pizza and making homemade pizza than you need this little oven.
You are ALWAY SO STYLISH. I love your casual, yet elegant style. This shirt, the linen pants and your slides look beautiful! I am off to check out the shirts.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend Kim. And I hope that next weekend Juliet is back and feeling fabulous! She is missed.
Hi Elizabeth! I really enjoyed your post so much! I love the scarf with the queen and the china with the corgis! The finger sandwiches- especially coronation chicken are always my favorite and Pimmms! So glad that you agree the oven is wonderful! I think you’ll love these tops! It’s not the same without Juliet is it? Have a good weekend! xx
Kim! I love that shirt! You look so chic!
And yes…I’m with you 1,000 percent on gun control! What is it going to take??
Thanks Annie, I do think we need to use our platforms to get us all together, to speak up and it takes citizens to not back down, because clearly nothing is getting done in Congress.
Hi Kim,
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your beliefs regarding where our country is at on guns. I’m with you all the way. I think exactly like you do, “will I be safe going into wherever I am going into.” What a way to have to think. I don’t like the direction we are heading into. You know who got this gun violence going? Yes the former and his way of thinking and being. Onto something much more pi’s I’ve and up lifting.
Your sons girlfriend sounds like a lovely lady to send you such a thoughtful and beautiful gift. I bet she made your day complete. Your son is fortunate to have such a kind lady in his life that shows his mother so much love. It’s the little things that mean so much in your life.
Sending you some joy today
Katherine, Isn’t it sad we must live this way? We don’t have to. I totally agree with all you said and Trump’s many judges have already enabled open carry and more .. Thank you Kristin is the sweetest girl and I am very lucky. Thank yoou for the kind note.Wishing you the same. xo
Kim you know I’m with you all the way. It’s not that nothing can be done, rather nothing is being done. Because: greed, ego, power. Sickening. Sadly, day one of those hypocrites’ own child or grandchild is gunned down in a senseless attack might be the day we finally see a change. But of course most of the privileged send their kids to private schools and may not think it could happen to them. I don’t know but it makes me sick.
Changing the subject, glad you’re getting your fill of all things royal! Such fun. I have a tea towel Chloe’ bought me when she lived in Ireland, when little Charlotte was born! Everything having to do with the royal family is celebrated by so many over there!
Love the cute blouses and your always very cool, casual, California chic look! Wish I had more places to go and a bigger clothing budget!
The pizza oven is a great idea! I might need to get one, for ME!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, You are so right. A lot of this is power and ego and they will let children die before they admit they enabled this nightmare oof guns everywhere we are now living…. How special too have a Charlotte tea towel. Isn’t she the cutest? I really enjoyed watching her at the Jubilee. I love these tops and looking for more in this style to share. xo
I’m not able to connect with the company on the wool tassels by Mexican artisans. I liked the look of the tassels you have on your straw handbag. Please advise.
Katherine are they just not getting back to You? Let me investigate. Thanks for the heads-up.
HI Katherine, she replied to me right away. Did you order something or just email them? She answered very quick. x
Happy Monday, Kim! So sorry to be late for the party. Weekend Meanderings and the Jubilee. Being under the weather was no fun but watching the Jubilee on and off made me happy. Like you, I’m a huge fan of ‘our’ queen … and that’s how I think of her as ‘ours.’ She’s been the Queen since we were born … a constant. And we both grew up with lots of exposure to the Royals and Royal traditions. I love it so much and I’m going to do a deeper dive on the Jubilee today. So thankful for social media and the ability to revisit the weekend this way. Thanks for the tip off to All That’s Pretty … I’m following her now. Do you follow From Berkshire to Buckingham? I had no idea your son’s girlfriend is British!!! Double bonus! And what a lovely gesture and gift. I adore her! Great Father’s Day suggestions. Jim would love that little grill. Also in love with your blouse choices … so many pretties. I feel the need to shop. On a sadder note, I appreciate your vigilance in the fight against gun violence and the urgent need to get a handle on this out of control tragedy shadowing our country. We can always count on you, Kim. xo
Thanks Juliet you had a tough weekend and it wasn’t the same without you! She is our queen isn’t she?? You’re so right, she has been our queen since we were born and I had never thought of it that way. Wow. Yes thanks to the world of social media we can see all the fab details, not just a one minute clip on the nightly news like we once got.
I know I am lucky Kristin is a wonderful girl and a bonus she’s a Brit! Anyway, some fun things.. Oh and the grill I ordered it too. Thank you for your support with the gun control. We have to end this violence. xo
Oh gosh, Kim! Yes- that article you linked is great. In brief letters I wrote to a few senators I asked, “What happens when those who feel they are being oppressed become the oppressors?” That is exactly what is happening right now… with the masks, the vaccines the guns, the racism, etc… Minorities, children and women are especially vulnerable. On a lighter note, I did not pay a ton of.attention to the Jubilee, but did hone in on the very relatable behavior of the royal children! That cracked me up. I loved Supernanny Jo Frost’s take on how the behavior was handled! Best!
Hi Nicole, Thank you for reading it. It says all I feel and she is so brave. Wow you are so right. They were so loud and screaming how their rights were infringed upon, but don’t give a damn about the rights of citizens and children to live free from being gunned down.
The Jubilee was fun and I have to say Louis stole the show!! Kate has her hands full with that one. I was having flashbacks as a boy mom. xx