On this weekend’s post- thoughts on starting 2023, adding citrus tones to the home, stylish jeans and white shirts, inspiration from Sylvie of Emily in Paris, and more..
Well here we are 2023! I hope you had a good break. This is my favorite time of year-being done with all the holiday expectations and starting fresh. I love the idea of a new beginning and new ideas for the house, the year and myself! I’m ready for a palette cleanser about now, are you?
During the break, we were lucky to spend a few days in Hawaii. My husband’s friend has a place in Waikoloa and they kindly offered it to us to use over the new year. It was a treat to be in the sun for a bit after this particularly cold and dark winter! We loveThe Big Island and had not stayed at Waikoloa before and it was lovely. I will do another post about it and share the details for anyone wanting to plan a getaway there and the rental. You can find the exact unit here.
Most of all, I loved having the chance to spend quality time with my guys.
We made it to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, which was amazing..
We flew back late on Jan 2nd, and the plane had some tech issues ( just what you want to hear before a late takeoff.) We didn’t get into San Jose until almost 2 a.m. and then we had problems getting an Uber. We finally all crammed into a Prius, suitcases on our laps and made it back at 3:30 a.m. I was never so happy to be in my bed. Oh the joys of travel!
The next morning we got up and took the Christmas things and house lights down as the big storm was about to hit California, or as they referred to it – Bomb Cyclone! They said California had never had such a powerful storm before.
Jackson had to get back to his job and Griffin needed to hit the road for U of Utah before the blizzards hit the Sierras. I was a nervous wreck about that and thankfully he made it back driving to Salt Lake City by Wednesday afternoon.
We have had internet off and on this week, so I wrote most of this post in a crammed coffee shop with others in the same predicament, but thankful not to have any flooding or damage like so many.
Brightening the House
Back to the palette cleanser.. Taking down all the holiday things can make the house feel a bit stark. In California, our citrus is going nuts right now which makes for great January decor! Our cold winter must have been to their liking.. I ran out between rains to cut a some lemons and scatter them them in bowls about the house. It smells fresh and feels happy for this darker time of year. Give it a try and bring out citrus tones to go with it, like this book I had…
I also got this cute cutting board from my pal Aimee for Christmas. It has a Hawaiian feel and green plants are another way to make things feel fresh now.
I love this kitchen towel at Anthro which also is sort of Hawaiian and has all the citrus tones..
Isn’t it interesting how citrus, which is loaded with vitamin C, naturally comes ripe in the winter when we need it most? I love following the guidance of nature! I saw a post by a native American who says his tribe takes cues from nature and animals who are hibernating during this dark time, to rest and strengthen for the coming year. So we don’t need to hurry ourselves into the new year. We should take the time to reflect on what we want for ourselves, enjoy now, and get extra rest and comfort. I love that!
White shirts and jeans
I used to do a January post on what to spend your holiday money on… This year I am all about refreshing my basics. That is where I am putting my gift money!
I did a mini purge of the closet when I got home and noticed there are a few things that I wear all the time- that are needing refreshing. I need jeans that are comfy and flattering and that I can wear all day without a stomachache! I have one high waisted pair that looks great with a fancy top and heels for an evening out. The rest are my daily go-tos are mostly mid-rise.
That begs the question, how may of you are wearing jeans day-to day or has everyone transitioned to leggings and sweats? I personally don’t find leggings to be comfy for all day. I have this pair of track pants from Tory Sport that looks good with sweaters. These are best sellers and mine are four years old and look brand new. If you want a pair of sporty pants that a flatter, these are fantastic. Love the ankle zips too. They don’t wrinkle and I get compliments on them all the time.
Otherwise, I’m into jeans most days. I still find them to look the most flattering and to me comfy. If you don’t feel that way, you may need some jeans that aren’t skinny. I love mid-rise and straight or boot crop leg.
I love this mid-rise pair from AGOLDE, and this straight leg version… also mid-rise by them. There is also this cute version of a mid-rise bootcut in a black denim.
I also just spotted these at The Rack and for $35 they are very nice. I plan to cut them myself.
I also want a few new basic white button-ups as mine are looking a bit worn and I love a fresh white shirt. I just ordered this by Alex Mill and this from Anthro.
I’m also loving this striped number and this same shirt also comes in a cool green, a pink stripe, and a tan.. All so good.
I also bought new underwear ( these are my faves), and bras and pitched the greying and ragged. ( I also got some new pjs and loungewear, which I will share coming up this Tuesday, for our first Signature Style of 2023.)
It’s so good to begin the year with quality basics you can build on. Treat yourself to some better pieces and you won’t regret it.
Sylvie from Emily in Paris
I’ve enjoyed Emily in Paris so much during this break. It is excellent this season, and I think it’s thanks to more focus on Sylvie, the stylish owner of the agency. She’s become a much more endearing character with each season, and it’s hard not to enjoy her storyline, being a successful and chic woman at 60. Sylvie is played by 59 year old French actress Philippine Leroy-Bealieu.
I adore how they dress her and am inspired by the olives, neutrals and monochromatic looks, often with cool cuffs and accessories and always elegantly on point. In real life, she’s a down to earth and lovely person and you can follow her on Instagram here. I love her style!
Other Shows and Books
Another fun escape is Derry Girls on Netflix. This comedy is about teens growing up in Ireland in the 90’s and it’s a blast. You may need closed captions for a bit of it, but honestly we can’t stop laughing and we are only on Season 1..
I also am finishing a book I’ve been meaning to read for a while. This Time Next Year We’ll Be Laughing, is a true story of writer Jacqueline Winspear’s childhood growing up in a post-war English countryside. Her parents and grandparents, scarred by two wars, share their stories and hardships. It has some dark parts, but the spirit of young Jackie, who dreams of being a writer made me keep reading this. Much of it reminded me of my grandmother’s life during the depression as her family worked packing fruit along the West Coast to make ends meet. My grandmother, like Jackie, never resented any of it and appreciated all she ever had..
That is my first post for 2023! Thank you so much for being here and I hope to have much more ideas and inspiration this year for you.
I’d love to hear what you want to read more of this year.. Do you like style and fashion, outfits, home ideas, travel- or a little of it all? Please share below!
If you missed the last weekend post….including a great outfit for Tahoe – read it here.
Happy New Year!
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s lovely blogs..
Make Mine a Spritzer
Pinecones and Acorns
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Derry Girls is hilarious. I discovered at the start or maybe just before the pandemic and have watched all seasons 3x. The soundtrack, timeframe, bad hair, cursing and nuns speak to me lol. I typically wear jeans or a casual pant like a chino or army style pants during the week. Weekends can be sweats if doing housework or anytime after a freezing 🥶 outdoor run or bike ride when you just can’t warm up. For jeans the Levi Wedgie and 501s are favs. The rest of my rotation is primarily citizen of humanity and all comfortable: Corey, Liya, Campbell, Charlotte. Really want to try Mother but they seem very tight whenever I see them in the wild.
Jackie, yes the music makes it for me and you’re so right about the hair! The mom’s hair is a crack up. The nun is my favorite. Great to know about the pants. I forget about chinos and army pants, so good to have in the closet. I have to check the Levi Wedgie.. I have a pair of Mother’s and love them.
After I commented I looked down and realized what I’ve been wearing at home lately and confession it’s the Outdoor Voices RecTrek pant. I don’t know how I failed to mention…when they are clean they’ve bumped my beloved jeans. They are so easy and versatile. My psa for the day.
Thank you Jackie!! I will be looking for them! xo
More of the same please! Love a bit o’ this and a bit o’ that. Happy New Year Kim!
Thanks so much Barb! Good to know. Happy New Year!
Just finished Derry girls, and was so sad to have it end. We laughed like crazy watching this show, and could have used the subtitles- between the accents and the rapid fire delivery. In spite of that, we loved it
Hi Catherine, I’m glad to hear you loved it too! It’s short seasons isn’t it? I think I’m learning Irish lingo. LOL.
That’s why I’ve watched 3x you pick up something new and funny every time.
I agree!!!
Our citrus is going crazy too. Unfortunately, we have to take them out due to the pool but there are a couple of places in the front yard where we can plant a couple. We love Derry Girls too. And white shirts…but I hate ironing so they go to the cleaners…which makes me not wear them as freely as I’d like.
Happy New Year, Kim!
I was wondering if it was the same in Florida! Aren’t they great to have? I always love stepping out to get a lime when cooking.. Glad you liked Derry Girls too. I know the maintenance.. I try to wear them a few times between ironing and I like the slightly wrinkled look, not pristine. Happy New Year Mary Ann! xo
Sylvie does a good job in her roll but you know what drove me crazy!
Of course I know its very FRENCH but they took it to an EXTREME in this show and maybe that is the trend now!I wouldn’t know have not been to FRANCE in a decade!Seems to be THE FASHION TREND and I happen to think it did not enhance her LOOK.The younger set wore it too which works but with the #METOO MOVEMENT it definitely is saying F— M-!
THE BOOTS WERE FABULOUS THE DIFFERENT COLORS……………
THE SCENERY ALWAYS A GOOD ESCAPE.
THE STORY AND THE ENDING!!!!
JUST WOW!!!
WORTH WATCHING FOR SURE!
NO VIOLENCE AND NO GUNS………………….what a change!!!
YOU crammed in A LOT during the HOLIDAYS!
TIME TO RE-FRESH!
XOXO
I know you don’t like the breasts with no support and braless.. I think they showed that a bit, but it is very French and Sylvie..I agree a show with no violence, no guns! Love all the men in this show too..It’s a joy to watch. xoxo
Oh, I love Sylvie! She’s why I watch Emily in Paris. Well, her and the views of Paris. Thanks for the connection to her IG account. As to citrus, my lemon tree is INSANE this year. I harvest and leave baskets full of them curbside for neighbors. One, in particular, makes a Lemon Drop cocktail to sip while walking his dog! Ha! I love living in a 55+ community. Full of characters! Happy New Year Kim and all the best to you and your family!
Isn’t she fun? I agree always dreaming of Paris. Funny about the citrus isn’t it? Your neighborhood sounds fun. It’s so nice to share. Happy New Year Holly! xo
Please tell the source for the palm frond cutting board thanks!
Hi, Kim —
I like your mix of this and that and always find it interesting.
Have you watched Bad Sisters on AppleTV? My daughter recommended and I really enjoyed it.
I am working from home still, thankfully, and really could purge my closet of a bunch of office wear I now haven’t worn in years. I hope I won’t have to go back to the office enough to need it again. Mostly I wear jeans, currently some nice brown cords that had just been hanging in the closet. Midday, I change to go to the gym to do weights, or to the garage treadmill for a run, and/or into loose joggers to do a Yoga with Adriene video in my office. I sure don’t miss coming up with a corporate outfit every day, or commuting!
My husband and I are talking about going to Hawaii soon, as it’s been too long. Finding care for the spoiled dog is what holds us back!!
HNY!
We loved Derry Girls and were so sad to finish it!! There’s also a Great British Baking Show holiday episode with the primary cast members that’s lots of fun. Definitely turn on the subtitles. Another series that we found LOL funny is Mindy Kaling’s show The Mindy Project. We often used subtitles there, too, because she talks so fast! 🙂 That led us to another Mindy Kaling production, Never Have I Ever. It’s always best to start the New Year laughing!
Happy New Year, Kim! I agree, keep up a little of this, a little of that as per usual. Glad you got a bit of Big Island aloha in. We are off for our fix on Monday, weather gods permitting.
Maybe it is my age showing but I find jeans, heavy, stiff and tight so I prefer leggings and joggers for every day but I always cover the tush.
Love the citrus and the viewing recommendations!
Aloha!
Happy New Year Kim 🎊. How wonderful you were able to be gifted with the Hawaii trip. You missed the Big Atmospheric River that hit in on New Years Eve. Sadly, several fatalities for our next door community of Wilton that was flooded. Those poor folks cars and lives could not be rescued. We are bracing for another storm to hit on Monday. All the best to you in 2023. Your posts are so good! Karen xx
Oh gosh I am so sorry to hear that! It’s been really hard on some areas here and people have lost everything. I did not hear about poor Wilton. I just hope the next storm isn’t too bad. I felt lucky about Hawaii. Just crazy that one place could be so nice and another suffering this crazy storm. Thank you So much Karen wishing you a lovely New 2023. xo
Just the palette cleaner I needed, Kim! I’m adding Derry girls, jeans and a white shirt to my January list. We have lemons all over the house too. Isn’t this the best time of year?! Happy New Year! xoxo
Thanks Juliet. We are so lucky to be Californians. xo
Happy New Year Kim!
Hasn’t the weather in the Bay been something this holiday season! Glad to see you escaped some over it. Enjoyable blog post as usual… I really enjoy that you mix it up and give us a bit of style, home, book and movie suggestions etc. Hmm, after reading about your palette cleanse I’m going to contemplate bring the Christmas decorations down!
Hi Fiona! Happy New Year! It’s been unbelievable this weather. Never seen anything like this in my lifetime of living here. Thank you so much for your feedback.. Taking the decor down is always so much work isn’t it? xo
Love the hints of citrus! As for what I’d like to see on your blog, more of the same, please! I enjoy the outfit inspiration, travel and decor. I am about your age and size so the style info is so helpful! Best wishes for 2023!
Thanks Kim. Okay good to hear! Those are all the things I love. Happy New Year to you too.
Really resonated with this post! Such a good one and full of interesting details! Love your citrus idea to cheer up winter! I can never resist the smell or look of lemons! Have you ever used L’Occitane’s Lemon Verbena bath gel? So so good! Happy New Year!
Thanks Carol! We have so much citrus, it’s especially going crazy this year. I love L’Occitane, but have never have tried the bath gel. I will look for it. Happy New Year. xo
Hi Kim,
So nice you got away for a few days to Waikoloa.
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve Garden looked so beautiful. What a peaceful place to walk and explore with your guys.
Oh my goodness the return flight being late then tech issues, getting in so late and no Uber driver available and cramming into a Prius with the luggage on top of you not a great way to end a short holiday. Hopefully you feel restored and well rested by now.
Glad Griffin had no challenges getting back to Utah. I get feeling anxious until he arrived back to his home.
❤️ what the Native American said about the tribe and the cues from nature and animals.
I heard about the “bomb cyclone,” through my forever friend Tina Martin, she lives right in the city.
The citrus is so nice looking pretty colors and adds warmth to rooms.
Hugs xox
HI Katherine! Happy New Year. I know that Bioreserve was so amazing. Ha well I can’t complain after getting to get away. I know so may have been suffering with all this rain. Isn’t that good taking cues from nature? Hope things are nicer down there in Arizona. Sending hugs.
Hi Kim, your Hawaiian sojourn sounds absolutely wonderful! As for the blog, I like a bit of everything, but I must confess to liking your fashion and style posts the most.
I find that I don’t wear jeans that often any more – in winter I wear cords and in summer linen or cotton pants. To me denim is cold in winter and way too hot in summer! I suppose I’m more likely to wear jeans in spring or autumn.
Derry Girls forever! If I need a laugh I often look on YouTube for compilations of the various characters’ ‘best of’ scenes – especially Sister Michael! The headmistress at the first school I ever went to was called Sister Mary Michael, but she just wasn’t as funny!
We’ve discovered another hilarious British show – “Cunk on …” – it is/was on YouTube and now it’s on Netflix Canada. The character is called Philomena Cunk and she presents a show about various things in history. She interviews experts (and they are real experts) and she gets absolutely everything wrong! It’s a mockumentary, of course – my favourite kind of TV show!
P.S. Happy New Year!!
You too!
Hi Patricia! Good to hear about the fashion.. That is my favorite too.
Cords are so good and I need more in my life.. and linen pants always look so relaxed chic to me.
Isn’t Derry Girls so fun? Sister Michael is so good. Funny my son showed me somme Philomena clips on vacation. I have to watch the whole show!!\Happy New Year! xo
Kim,
Happy New Year! So nice to be back with you on Saturday mornings!
Your trip to Hawaii looks like a lot of fun, sorry the trip home was a bit of a pain.
I’ve been watching the storm in your area, I do not think I have ever seen you get so much rain. Thank goodness you did not suffer any damage. And the silver lining was time at the library, which by the way is beautiful!
I love your new white shirts! A crisp white shirt looks beautiful with everything. As for jeans, I wear them but I really don’t like them if I can be honest. Perhaps I haven’t found the right pair yet.
I just ordered this book, it sounds so interesting. Your comment about your grandmother is so interesting because my father in law and mother-in law lived through the depression and they talk about their family hardships and what they did to survive but they never complained about it. They were happy that they had food on the table and a roof over their head.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim! xo
Hi Elizabeth!! So nice to be back with you and Juliet! I have been so lucky to have the library.
So interesting those who loved through the depression have nothing, but gratitude for everything. Such an amazing generation. We can learn so much fro them all. xo
Derry Girls is the best. You definitely need to have closed captioning on. Their Irish accent is so strong… loved the show and I’ve watched at least 3 times. Each character is so good!!
I have gotten into throwing on workout pants as a default ( mostly because I really do plan to go the gym,,) but I think that’s because all my jeans seem to be ankle length— and it’s been so cold and I can’t wear socks with short jeans… I know I could wear boots- but I have feet issues so I need comfy shoes. I’m headed to Anartica in February and I will definitely have to wear socks there!!!!
I love all your blog posts! I like a little of everything. I’ve bought several of your recommendations!!
We haven’t had as much rain – down here- as Northern Calif., but it has been pretty rainy for over a week. Our old town, Danville, was on ABC news because Sycamore creek overflowed near our old neighborhood.
Happy New Years- enjoy your lemons!
Martha so true abut the closed captions!
I agree socks are problematic and I default to booties or short socks and it’s too cold for that now. Antartica will be fun! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I thought of you when I heard about poor Danville. Honestly Martha, it’s been madness with the weather.
Enjoy AZ!
xo
Another great post! Which sweater and what shoes are you wearing with the AGolde jeans? (beige t neck sweater and black shoes)
I think I have to stick with the jeans I have right now (so many!) although I would love to try a pair of Mother ‘dazzlers’. In the meantime I hope you and your family are doing ok in this rain. We seem to be doing pretty well so far in Petaluma but our planned nights at Indian Springs in Calistoga might not happen (?) if the roads are still flooded! Stay safe and cozy!
Hi Sally! The sweater is this one by Rails here:
https://rstyle.me/+dxM0YpqBT_4XF8CIUqiSAw
It’s on sale now and so soft! Love it.
The shoes are many years old loafers.
Oh no I am sorry I hope you get to do the Indian Springs again that is such a cute place. I see you have had a lot of rain too. Take care! xo
Kim I love the palette cleanser theme so true! I know I need to get into Emily in Paris. Am I too old? Is that the problem? You always have such an incredible fashion sense. So fun to have a getaway to the Big Island. I think you are the Hawaiian Island Expert! Love your Saturday favorites!
Cindy, You would love Emily in Paris!! I love the Big Island. Wish I was going back. xo
Hi Kim! Happy New Year! So glad you have fared well so far with the storms. It sounds like it has been really bad out there. Stay safe! We are totally on the same wavelength with the citrus. I was all about orange and oranges for Christmas and I am carrying it through into January, because it still feels fresh! I hope you are planning on wearing your new white blouses like the models, with just one button done up and your belly button showing, haha! I am still a jeans gal for day wear, but I do like joggers for relaxing at home in the evening. I also love Emily in Paris! It is like taking a vacation to Paris without leaving my home! Speaking of which, your trip to Hawaii looked fabulous! Always enjoy your meanderings!
Molly, Just loved your oranges all over with your blue! A beautiful combo.. Yeah you won’t be seeing any midriff baring here.. That ship has sailed. Funny how they are trying to sell the shirts like this? Maybe if they were buttoned to the waist and worn out.. Trying to make something that is already cool more current to the younger peeps I guess. Isn’t Emily like a trip to Paris? I think I am going to watch again. xo
Kim! So many good recommendations. I LOVE Emily in Paris and agree that I loved Sylvie’s role this season! I cannot wait to see what happens with the next season and if they go deeper into the #metoo movement.
I’m going to download that memoir too!
Annie wouldn’t that be good? Sylvie’s role issue great and she also seems to be evolving! x