On this week’s meander, tips for shopping Homegoods, an easy one pot dinner for weeknights, white jeans, a great moisturizer, a book and more..
It’s time for our weekend meander with Elizabeth and Juliet..Can you believe it’s spring already? The weather felt like Tahoe this week, and it’s still raining with more to come, but let’s see what we can do inside to make it feel like springtime.
When I am sick of looking at things, the first thing I do is mix up my throw pillows. For spring, I take out the wool or fleece pillows and put out my cotton florals and brighter cotton throws stuffed in the closet.
I will put a green plant on the coffee table or island and maybe change up the books I have around.
In the bedroom change up your duvet cover and maybe the throw? Can you add pretty pillowcases or use brighter ones in your closet? Add a throw and a small posey next to your bed.
When it’s time, I put a new plant by the front door and add a pillow by the bench at the entry. I had done this a month or so ago, but the storms were too much for them and I will try again soon.
I was really craving some color in my neutral main space so I added these blue pillows from Homegoods I found this week.
Tips for Shopping Homegoods/TJMaxx
When we are sick of looking at the same thing indoors for so long, it feels good to add a few new things. You can move stuff from other rooms around and try them in different spots. When I just need something fresh to inspire me, I will occasionally hit Homegoods at this time of year. During seasonal changes they get big shipments and it can be the best time to peruse their offerings.
I found the Vogue book and the box for a spring update for my rattan tray. ( On sale 20% now.) Someone told me the box looks like one of the Aerin pieces!
Why go to Homegoods? Sometimes the answer is simply, it’s not at the mall, and it’s nearby. No other place has so many home related items plus clothes. You can find some good things and I did a small PSA on it on my Instagram this week, but you need to be smart about how you shop there. Mixed in with some real finds is also a lot of junk, to be frank. At times it can look like a cyclone hit it. Other times it’s a treasure trove.
A few tips:
- Go with a mission. Know what you need or it can be overwhelming and you’ll bring home stuff you don’t need. Last week I went for pillows and a box for the coffee table remotes.
- Look for name brands and nicer looking pieces. Homegoods buys a lot of one-offs and that is something I like. It’s a bit of a hunt and if you are into that kind of thing, you can have luck here. You need patience. Often you will need to make a few passes on an aisle to see something, often under other stuff.
- Search out pieces that bring your certain look to your home. Could this be found at a nicer boutique? Does it feel special and something you will like for a long time? These are the questions I ask myself before buying.
- Certain times of year they have promotions like Treasures of Asia, World Traveler, Made in Europe and such. These are times to get some quality pieces that they have small amounts of. Right now the Provence promotion is on. I also look for items made in America.
- When shopping for throw pillows, find cotton or linen pieces sewn nicely with zippers that allow you to replace the inserts. I found some beautiful block print pillows this time for $20 each. I keep my eye open for them everytime I go, and I snagged them. They haven’t had them since last summer. If you replace with your own inserts, (I love these and I buy 22 x22 for the 20 x 20 pillows), they look custom. Avoid synthetic materials. Beach towels from Turkey are amazing, so are the decorator and coffee table books.. and the rugs- many good ones. Look for wool and name brand rugs.
- What to avoid… I have learned the hard way the furniture is not a good purchase. Two outdoor wicker sets failed me within a year, an indoor bench lost its leg and broke. Sheets seem to be hit and miss and often not sized right or poor quality. Seasonal things – i.e bunnies and hearts, signs with sayings, fake florals and wreaths – just say no to all those. Stick with nice accessories and try not to overbuy. Your goal is to not change up the whole house with new stuff, but find one to two things that inspire and freshen things up with what you already have! Remember quality not quantity.
- Locations can vary hugely. Right now the Almaden location is loaded with things, but a day later I stopped by the Cupertino location and they had none of the items I shared. Some may get their shipments later, or a completely different mix.
You can also buy online and they update their site daily. Right now some quality offerings that caught my eye..
This Fortessa (great brand) hobnail glass set, Floral Goods cotton pillow, this pretty blue ceramic vase, , grey ginger jar, this yellow hand block cotton pillow, and and this Kinfolk Travel book I want.
On My Radar..
This week I had a facial.. I try and do that at least quarterly and it’s a nice re-set for the new season. The aesthetician recommended Epicurean Hydro Plus Moisturizer... I am sensitive and dry and yet can’t do heavy. I am so happy with it and my skin loves it too.
I caught an NPR talk this week about self care and setting boundaries, and many people praised this book by Bay Area writer Mia Birdsong. They call, How We Show Up the most inspiring and uplifting book they have read in a long time. Another person said their book club was obsessed with it. With that endorsement, it’s my next read.
I have been getting many compliments on this Essie nail color, Sheers To You, which is pinky with a bit of reflection and makes your nails look fresh. The Treat and Color is also good for your nails.
These Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Leg White Jeans are highly rated and come in Petite and Tall sizes and 25% off now. I love the look. Comparable, but with mid-rise are these by Rag & Bone (also on sale now!)
A friend sent me this link to the darling Flower Magazine and this article about using vintage brooches on handbags, clutches, headbands and other ways. I found it inspiring and am digging out my colorful brooches to see what I can play around with.
An easy weeknight dinner
Max and I often buy boxes of dark baby greens and use them in sandwiches and meals all week long. One easy dinner I often do is tortellini cooked and then drained. I sauté mushrooms, (sometimes zucchini too), and then add the cooked tortellini, and add a bit more olive oil and grated fresh parmesan and a bit of salt and pepper. I serve it on a big bed of the greens and top with toasted walnuts. The night I took this pic I added some leftover tomatoes and sliced almonds. This is a good end of the week meal to make with the veg left over in your refrigerator and some frozen tortellini. A one dish meal with all your greens.
If you missed them, Juliet did a great spring table idea post, and Elizabeth shared 13 Self-Care Ideas for Spring.
On last weekend’s post, I checked out the first Evereve store in Northern Cal, and a vegan restaurant, toile pieces for spring, some beautiful woven bags, a book on J.Crew’s history, and more..
Thanks for stopping by and have a happy weekend – with some sunshine I hope!
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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This is like “Spring in a post Kim” 😊 Your new pillows are gorgeous and look great in your home … It was love at first sight when you showed them on IG. Wish we had a Homegoods. ( or maybe I don’t, more temptation lol ) Like you I always look for linen and cotton especially at this time of year.
I’m definitely going to try your tortellini salad … such a great way to use greens. Also to have the flavour of the pasta in a lighter, healthy meal. Love the addition of nuts in a salad too especially walnuts. My mum used to top a cottage cheese and orange, pineapple salad with walnuts. None of my friends had salads like that at the time lol Looking back I think she was ahead of her time with her choice of meals.
Such strange weather in many places at the moment but certainly with you! I set off for a walk this morning with the weather dull overcast and rainy but for most of my walk the sun came out and was beautiful! Super windy and chilly though, so still glad of my puffa coat. Looking forward to white jeans weather!
Thanks for details on your Essie nail polish. I’d seen it in a picture and liked it. Dior also do a lovely nail treatment/ polish that looks like natural, healthy nails … I’ll have to check the name.
Have a lovely weekend Kim … I hope the sun shines into your lovely home!
Rosemary xx
Rosemary, I love that your mum was so ahead with your salad. She sounds like my grandma who also had us eating nuts and cottage cheese and all sorts of healthy stuff early on. I think you all have had more sunshine this year than we have had! I had a hard time taking photos even inside. So nice to be out in spring even with the cold right? Stay cozy Rosemary! I appreciate the good thoughts for sunshine! Happy weekend.xo
The Dior polish I was thinking about is called “Nail Glow” it’s really lovely.
Oh I’m going to look for it… Sounds similar. Thank you!
Chock full of good stuff, Kim! I am going to try the nail polish as my nails seem to be going through a peeling stage! 🙁 I love the look of polish, but am also a gardener so that’s a challenge. Your pasta/salad dish looks delicious and I’ll have to share that my husband, the cook! Still waiting to wear my white jeans here — we are getting rain in Portland as usual but thankfully not as much as you in California. However, yesterday I stepped out of the car and filled my chunk soled boots with mud. Ugh!
Julia, Thanks so much. Yes the polish seems to help strengthen too. I hope you like the pasta dish… Oh I am so ready for warmer weather- and dry. I feel like all my pretty tops and pants are waiting in the wings too. Oh I hear you about mud! Let’s hope we get some sunshine soon and can wear white jeans!
Good morning Kim!
I loved your video at Homegoods! You are right there are some great pieces and then some that are questionable. I think it is always good to stick to your style and not to be enticed to add pieces to your home or wardrobe that are a one hit wonder and never used or worn again.
The books are always beautiful and often less expensive than Amazon. Not to mention that they add a bit of color and seasonality to your rooms as well as a bit of your personality.
Your new box looks like Stingray? What material is it?
I have the same nail polish, it is so pretty.
This easy dinner looks delicious! More greens is always a good idea.
Off to check out the Self-care book.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
xo
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth! Yes definitely have to look for the unique pieces. The box is a faux shagreen material. Yes the books are the best thing! Have a wonderful weekend! xo
Lovely post. I’m going to try your Easy Greens and Tortellini Dish and the Hydro Plus Moisturizer. I’m currently looking for a new moisturizer, and this sounds like one to check out. I find HomeGoods to be a bit of hit or miss in our area. The pillows you found are a perfect touch for the spring we are awaiting here in the Midwest. Enjoy your weekend!
Deanna, thank you! Hope you like this dish. I find it comforting, but also pretty healthy.. The moisturizer is wonderful! Happy weekend.xo
Another great post and you are spot on with the Home Goods Dos and Donts. So easy to get overwhelmed there!
Thanks for the great dinner idea. Added it to this weeks menu…
Take care and enjoy the sunshine!
Thanks so much Holly! It really can be overwhelming and I think you have to be in the hunt mood. Hope the dinner is good.
Thanks happy weekend. xo
Hi Kim, I was never a Home Goods shopper since I thought it was just leftover junk that didn’t sell elsewhere. Last year, you showed some great pieces from Portugal that drew me in to my local HG store and I was able to score a couple of things. The Provencal collection sounds enticing also, being the Francophile I am. I’ve had those white jeans on my radar for a while but ordering jeans by mail sounds like a recipe for disaster so I haven’t made a move. I think your happy plant is a peperomia….easy to please! Enjoy our sun before the rain comes back.
Wren it can often look like that! I do think it’s worth the hunt for those nicer pieces if someone has time. We have a lot of the Provence things at our store and I hope yours will too.
I know about to order both pairs of jeans and see which works. I do appreciate the free returns when they have them. Takes the stress out it and sometimes there just aren’t a lot of options nearby! Thanks about the peperomia! I love it! They are sos easy to care for! Hope you’re getting some sun too.
Great post! On your Homegood Instagram can you please tell me the brand and style of the readers. You looked great!
I believe the plant in the first pic is a type of “Peperomia”. Lovely Post!
Thanks so much Deborah!
Thank you Cathy! Sure the readers are by Izipizi and I bought them at a small bookstore in Truckee. I have a few pairs and they are lightweight.You can find them here too
https://www.izipizi.com/ww_en/reading-glasses/reading-reading/rectangular-blue-lmslc03.html
xo
That was very kind, thank you! I know the brand – I had a pair but my dog got to them!:) Now I can get your’s! Thanks again.
Sure!
Happy weekend, Kim! Loved your HG tips this week and today. And those pillows you bought are such a great find. The Vogue book too. Not sure why I never thought to look for books at HG. Now I want to get over to our HG as soon as possible to see if they’re as well stocked as your store. This post is so timely … I’m looking for a new pair of white jeans. Your tortellini looks delish. Tortellini might be my favorite pasta. I’ve never served it over greens … what a great idea. Well, I hope you guys have a fun weekend and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Maybe you’ll be able get to your tiny cabin soon. xo
THE BABY BLUE PILLOWS ARE A SMASH!
KEEP MAKING THINGS LOOK GORGEOUS!
BY THE WAY ON A VIDEO YOU POSTED ON IG YOU LOOK ADORABLE IN YOUR LEGGINGS AND LAYERED LOOK!
XOXO
You are the sweetest. xx
Enjoyed your post Kim! I agree with everything you said about Home Goods. You did good on the pillows! There is definitely a lot of cheap crap there, but I have scored some really great items there as well, even in the clearance aisle. Sometime I walk out with nothing. Lucky find on the book too…I have been wanting that one. I always check the book section but lately the HG near me hasn’t had a great selection. What I really don’t like is when they bring in all the holiday stuff, which I typically have no interest in, and also because they move all the regular inventory around. I did get lucky last year with a couple white ceramic Italian pots that had lion heads on them that I put my boxwoods in. The second one I got at the end of Summer on clearance.
The tortellini look so good…might have to try that. I have Nick Stellino’s recipe for Ravioli in Wild Mushroom sauce. Not too difficult and so tasty.
All this rain has left our property with a TON of weeds. My husband and I spent a good part of the weekend pulling them and we barely made a dent. My husband did pay a neighbors worker to weed wack some of ours a few weeks ago. He got his phone number but hasn’t used him again yet. 😩
Linda
Linda, I am with you, and i have walked out with nothing so many times..But the few gems keep me going back. I definitely have to be in a mood though… or I have a mission.
The raviolis in mushroom sauce sounds so good! Thanks I am looking that up.
Gosh the rain has been awful for weeds. I can’t tell you how bad my front yard is.. and it’s almost no use to pull them until the rain stops.. UGH! I commiserate on that.. Hope we get sun soon.
Hi Kim,
I’m probably the only person that you know that has never been into a Home Goods store. It sounds like a store that it’s hit or miss and you need a decent amount of time to hunt for the specific items you have in mind. You know what you’re after so you just don’t wonder aimlessly.
The Essie polish that you shared is a pretty color. I will share with you a color I have worn by Essie called “Allure #423 for at least 25 years. It was discontinued a long time ago but I can still find it on good old Amazon. It’s kind of a cream, but not a white. I get compliments on the color. I have an olive tone to my old weathered hands. I say old because all the veins show through. They were like that even when I was much younger. Maybe it sounds nicer if I say they are hands with lots of character.
The tortellini and yummy greens that you serve looks delish. You are an excellent cook.
I hope the cold and rain goes away soon. Any up date on your sweet cabin?
We are heading into warmer weather here, no rain this week. So glad because my PT is getting married this coming weekend, the wedding will be outdoors.
Katherine, You are spot on about that! One needs some time so it isn’t for everyone. I will look for Allure! It sounds like my kind of color. I think creamy colors can be the most flattering. I love a woman who has hands with character and cool rings. A fantastic combo.
Thanks os much I try to get better at making fresher things.. The cabin is standing and we had the roof cleared..and I hope to get there as soon as there are no storms on the weekend!
I hope you have a fun time at the wedding. This looks like the time to be in Arizona! xo
Hi Kim,
Yes, I’m back. I got carried away with chatting with you about mail polish. I meant to mention the beautiful blue pillows you found at Home Hoods. I’ve decided you are the best professional shopper I know.
Thanks Katherine ! xx
Aw thanks Katherine! xo
Kim! When I heard you taking about home goods…I was thinking….really?? And then I saw and read about your finds and clearly I need to be more open minded!! I have heard that they have some of the same pieces as Serena & Lily …like the Shore Bench and the Montecito pillows. I’m going to check it out this week for fun, but that I need anything! Ha
That book, what a a title to draw you in! Adding it to my list!!
Xx
Annie, it’s like a rummage sale of sorts. You have to be in the mood for a hunt. I have seen an occasional S&L dupe! xo
Hi Kim! Another great post! Love those blue pillows and your tips for shopping at HomeGoods! I didn’t know you could shop HomeGoods online. Is that new? The yellow block print pillows are great! Your easy tortellini dinner sounds so yummy! I will have to give it a try! Have a great week!
Molly some of the online things are better and they sell out fast.. I loved those pillows too! xo
Annnnnd THANK YOU FOR FINDING ME SOME WHITE JEANS! I also like the ones from Lysse…they are wider….
I will add more ! I’m in research mode. xo