On this weekend, an inspiring Montecito home in AD, pretty spring yellows, an easy and delicious tortilla soup, and how to take action on gun violence near you.
How are you all coping this week? It has been another heartbreaking week in America again with gun violence. I feel at a loss and want to lose it especially when small children lives are gone. I know we all feel the same and want change now. I am going to a meeting about it this weekend for Mom’s Demand and I will share more in case you want to help too, at the end of this post.
California Dreamy
I got my AD in the mail and it was filled with pretty home ideas. This Montecito home of Jamie Mizrahi, a fashion stylist is dreamy and has all the California feels with the prettiest details. She had help with the decor from designer Mike Moser, photos by Billal Taright. All the details here and more ideas on how to get the look, in this month’s AD magazine.
The bench seating and table are so adorable in this kitchen and I love the brown floral couch in the tv room.
How gorgeous is the kitchen backsplash tile? The pool house above with Jamie and sons.
I also adore the bottle green bar, the caning backsplash and this entry table and light fixture.
What a yard! They are living the Montecito dream.. Love the blue chairs and all the pots.
On My Radar …
I love following Nonna Pia on Instagram and her home cooking, so I was intrigued to hear of the book, Pasta Grannies. This looks so good with stories and recipes from all sorts of lovely Italian Nonnas.
It’s tulip season and Trader Joe’s has these $8.99 peony tulips and I am obsessed with them. This greenish yellow is so perfect for spring tables!
These Ikat Napkins from PB are beautiful and much more expensive looking than they are. How pretty for a brunch or dinner. I love the yellow, green and blue. For $40, for a set they look luxe.
I love this oversized linen blazer in soft yellow from Madewell. I can see this with white pants or a floaty skirt or shorts and a tank for spring through summer, and these fisherman sandals in a buttered scone ( they had me at that), color are pretty and versatile for your warm weather wardrobe!
Good writing..
Katrina Kenison, is an author I love to follow. Her books ‘Mitten Strings for God’ and ‘The Gift of an Ordinary Day.’ were very centering and calming books for me when raising my boys and reminders not to hurry through life. She periodically blogs and just wrote entry about her past year and as always, her writing touches on the joy and beauty of life and the struggles.
An Easy and Super Good Tortilla Soup
This week I sat in the grocery store parking lot waiting for a huge deluge of rain to stop and at a loss for what to cook for dinner, I Googled tortilla soup and happened upon a decent sounding recipe. They had me at easy! Shows you what kind of cook I am. This was a lucky find because this soup is one of the best I have made. Both Max and I loved it.
Besides coming together fairly fast, a bonus was it had enough spice for Max, and not too much for me. I thought it was perfect. It could have something to do with the fact that I did not add the jalepeno. What really makes this soup is the homemade tortilla strips and the fresh cilantro and lime. I added avocado chunks and sour cream and a little sprinkle of cheese on it too.. Full recipe here.
Mom’s Demand Meetings
If you watched my LIVE this week with Juliet, we addressed the continuing problem of gun violence in America ( and only America). I also shared my thoughts on this Instagram post that had over 100 comments.. We need change and one way is getting involved with the powerful organization Moms Demand Action, which is non-partisan, has chapters in every state and is 10 million supporters strong. Over 300 Moms Demand volunteers ran for office last year and 140 won.
This weekend they will hold a meeting at the local Jack Fisher Park in Campbell on Sunday and I and will attend with Max. They also have a monthly meeting at the Bean Scene in Sunnyvale. You can find your local chapter and also online gatherings too. Find more details here about how to donate, get involved and what they do. By the way, these meetings are for everyone who wants to end gun violence in this country, not only moms.
On Friday it was Max’s birthday, so we are going up to SF on Saturday to have a little hike and lunch out while the sun shines! I hope to visit a new area and will share next week.
If you missed last weekend’s meander, I shared tips for shopping Homegoods, an easy one pot dinner for weeknights, white jeans, a great moisturizer, a book and more..
Wishing you a sunny weekend,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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OH MONTECIO!I THINK THAT IS MY FAVORITE CALIFORNIA TOWN!
I SIGNED UP FOR AD SINCE YOU TOLD ME IT HAS GOTTEN BETTER OVER THE YEARS AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY ISSUES!I NEED TO CHECK ON THAT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!!!
XXX
I would live there in a heartbeat if I could! I need a trip down there. You should be getting your issues! Call them maybe? AD is very good and creative and has a lot of cool things. Thanks about Max xo
Kim,
I feel much like you do, sad and defeated. I simply cannot understand how one minute there is so much outrage and then…crickets, until the next shooting. There has to be something we can do to make a change. I am looking forward to hearing about your meeting.
Katerina is such a beautiful writer, I’ve red mitten strings and really enjoyed it.
AD is always a treat, and that house is a feast for the eyes. I love the modern and tradition mix of colors and accessories.
Cannot wait to try your soup!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Elizabeth, I agree. We have to keep up the pressure and not fail these kids. I know if we all come together we can get rid of politicians that refuse to change.. and also educate our fellow Americans on how other nations live with mental health issues and yet almost .01% of our gun violence thanks to smart laws that regulate guns.
Let me know about the soup! xo
Hi Kim,
I so enjoy your posts. A Nor Cal native, I’ve recently moved to Coastal NC with my husband. Our kids are grown and we are living a new adventure, but it’s so nice to read posts from “home”. Also- I’ve been following Pasta Grannies on Instagram for years and have loved it immensely- I’ve just purchased the cookbook on your recommendation. I look forward to each post of Northern California Style so much. Thank you!
Hi Lara! I know quite a few people who have moved to Coastal NC! It sounds beautiful. Aw I am glad you get a bit of Nor Cal from the blog! I adore Pasta Grannies too. Thank you for this sweet comment!
Montecito, I too would live there too if I was independently wealthy! Hahaha We fell in love with area when our daughter went to UCSB. So charming, no wonder so many celebrities live there. Enjoyed your post and have a good weekend Kim.
Jane isn’t it a charming town? Of so cool your daughter went to UCSB! Have a good weekend too.
Hi Kim — It is always a pleasure to spend a little weekend time with you! I declared earlier this week that I think floral sofas and chairs are back! I just got some fun floral fabric for a project. I can’t wait for it to be done! Here is hoping next week is better than this one in our country. Change must come.
Love this post, like all of your posts. I appreciate you tackling the important issues! Look forward to meeting you at a future MDA meeting 🤙
Molly, I love the new florals on sofas and chairs too! Oh I am excited to see your project! Thank you hoping change is happening and we are all part of it.
I so agree with your stance on this violence. There is no need nor place for automatic weapons in this country. This simply has to stop. Also, I really feel that there are so many very violent video games out there that are feeding these young minds and desensitizing them to violence and death. I also think that there is some culpability in this as well.
I have been watching pasta grannies on Instagram for years. They are so good.!! I didn’t know they had a cookbook. Your tortilla soup looks great. If you want another wonderful recipe for a quick chicken soup, Smitten Kitchen’s , Ginger Garlic chicken noodle soup is wonderful! It only took about 35 minutes to make and my husband loved it! In fact, I ordered the cookbook.
Love the peonies-we are headed to Denver for Easter, so I’m just using my camellias for color in the kitchen until we come back then I’ll buy a bunch to enjoy in person! Thanks Kim -great blog❤️
Martha thank you. I agree no automatic weapons need to be here. I agree about video games – and violent films! I hate the violence and it seems they add it gratuitously to everything. I believe it’s almost fueled by the gun lobby. Seems like every movie option is violent. The violent Night Christmas movie was the lowest thing ever made…I do think they are not helping things at all. That said, other nations have these films and games, and not the mass shootings and gun deaths, the difference is all the guns here and our laws.
I love pasta grannies too and didn’t know about the cookbook. Ooh thank you for the Ginger Garlic Soup! I will put that on my list to try next! I love Smitten Kitchen. Oh have fun in Denver and Happy Easter! xo
Hi Kim: I love reading your blog. I have an unusual request. I am an interior designer in Newport Beach and am working on a home in Palo Alto. I need to find a good house cleaner – preferable not a crew – to take care of the home. Do you have someone you or your friends like that would be willing to go to Palo Alto? Have fun in San Francisco today.
Hi Marguerite, I wish I did know a cleaner! Sorry I don’t. Maybe someone else here can comment? I can also ask around..Thank you about SF! xo
I do appreciate that you address the gun violence in our nation. We are all heartbroken and very helpless. I believe much could and should be done, but coupled with fighting against assault weapons we should be protecting our borders. Anything can and does get through these unprotected areas (including weapons) that are so dangerous to our youth. This is an easy place to start and yet we sit and watch this be tolerated and then go into outrage over gun laws, and granted much is needed there. It’s frustrating to watch our government allowing so many dangers to permeate this country. We are all frustrated, and helpless without the protections we deserve. I hope your information can help .
Hi Leanne, Thank you. The gun violence is absolutely the biggest threat to all of us and what we most need to fix. The border system needs improvement, but the gun violence, like the Americans who were just killed there, was done with guns bought and made in America. In fact America is manufacturing most of the guns we use, and this chart shows the huge increase in guns made. In 2020 alone America manufactured 11 million new guns. This tells more:
https://theconversation.com/6-charts-show-key-role-firearms-makers-play-in-americas-gun-culture-183900
I would like to think we can improve the border system, let people from Mexico have work permits here as they once did. We so need the labor and we need to help fix the system for people to migrate here lawfully. I don’t however believe they are the reason for any of the gun violence which is sadly being perpetrated by our own citizens who are too easily getting weapons when they have a grievance or a mental health breakdown. This isn’t the case in other nations that have the same struggles with mental health. The number of guns here and guns easily gotten makes these problems deadly for Americans.
Oh Kim, that Montecito house is dreamy. And I dream of living in Montecito. Tortilla soup recipe is printing right now. And Pinned. Yesterday Jim and I were out to lunch and he ordered tortilla soup. I mentioned that you had just made a good one and he said ‘I bet Kim adds avocado to hers’ and sure enough! I’m not a fan of avocado … a minority position, I know. Still, Jim is welcome to dice one up and add to his soup … but I will not be doing the dicing! I’m glad we had the discussion about gun violence this week … but sad that it was necessary. I appreciate all the information you share and your passion for getting and staying involved in this issue that is critical to the health of our country. And the safety of our children and everyone who wishes to go about their lives without fear of being gunned down with an automatic assault weapon. Sigh. On a happier note … wishing Max a very Happy Birthday. Hope you both have the best time in the City! xo
Thank you for highlighting the gun violence. Your influential blog reaches many and using it as a platform is significant. May we women make a difference!
A blessed Easter,
Diney on Mercer Island
Thank you so much Dianey. I so believe women will make a difference in this fight and already are! Have a lovely Easter on Mercer Island!
Juliet I think Montecito is so magical! Funny about the avocados.. My dad hates them too. He grew up with my grandmother giving them to him all the time. Somehow he developed an aversion. Not the norm for a Californian! let me know if Jim likes it. I did take out the jalapeño.
Thanks for doing this discussion and for caring about using your platform to keep the conversation going, the momentum and not giving up in changing the gun violence problems we are grappling with!
Happy weekend to you and Max as you enjoy celebrating his BDay! As you know from my comment on your Instagram, I am in total agreement with you regarding speaking up about banning assault weapons in our country. It is beyond understanding as to why these laws have not been passed. There are so many ways to get involved, but the thing that will make the most impact is who we vote for in our elections. I look forward to your updates next week. Btw, is there a particular day and time that you and Juliet go live on Instagram? I would love to know as I don’t check my instagram daily. Xo Karen
Hi Karen, Thank you and yes for your comment on Insta too. You are absolutely right voting is going to make the biggest impact and all these people who say nothing can be done, and kids have to live this way, need to lose their jobs. We need representatives who want to fix this!
The LIVEs are always Thursdays at 9 and we need to set dates. It has been a bit off the past month. We try for every other Thursday! xo
Got it! Thanks Kim
Hi Kim, it’s just so sad and frustrating that you have to deal with this issue AGAIN! I could hardly believe it when I saw a congressman (or state rep?) being interviewed and he said there was nothing that could be done! I think we can take a guess why he thinks that …
I can’t believe I missed your live with Juliet again! I caught the one before and thought perhaps you do it once a month, but maybe they are just random? To be fair, I haven’t been looking at Instagram so much this past week. Anyway, I will watch it soon. I wish you good luck with your activism, Mom’s Demand sounds like a great initiative.
Patricia it really is unbelievable and you are always reading and supporting! I hope one day we will see change here. Yes that congressman made me ill and I hope he is out of a job soon. We need to set the dates for the LIVE, but they are always on Thursdays at 9! We should be better about getting that out. I will give a report on the Moms Demand meeting! xo
I want to make that soup as soon as we get home.
As for gun violence…it’s CRAZY that there is not more control. Breaks my heart. It will just get worse if we don’t do something.
No wonder Oprah lives in Montecito…so charming.
It’s so yummy Mary Ann! I agree we have to do more because what we are doing is not enough!
That soup does look delicious! I have loved all your home goods content. I look forward to your report about MDA. They seem to be very thoughtfully trying to bring actual change.
Thanks Elizabeth so much. And I will report back on my Moms Demand meeting! x
Hi Kim,
Thank you for raising this critically important issue of gun violence and the horrific effects upon our children. The organization you mentioned is a good place to start. May I also recommend that we vote like our children’s lives depend on it. Because they do. We must vote for people that will stand up to the gun lobby. God help these families in Nashville. I am heartbroken for all six families.
Hi Annie, Thank you and I so agree probably the biggest difference we will ever make is with our votes and you are sure spot on kid’s lives and ours depend on it. I was just crushed about these kids. It hurts my heart like all these shootings do.
Hi Kim,
Starting off on the happy good stuff first.
Happy belated birthday to Max. I’m sure you had a special memorial time in SF.
Yes, last week was a heart wrenching week. The selling of guns and the lack of managing and controlling the sales are completely out of control and to whom should be allowed to own one. It’s a sad stats of affairs. To think beautiful children and adults are being killed because of it is terribly wrong. I’m on the same page of you
the way you see things. Too many tears were shed last week.
Sending you some of our sunshine and warm weather. We have hundreds of rose 🌹 buds on our bushes and about three roses already thanks to “the Master Gardener.” I hope the sun will be shining down on your community soon so you can start planting some pretty things too.
Have a good and uplifting week.
Thanks so much dear Katherine we had fun in SF!
Yes we have so much work to do in this country. I know it’s not my job as a blogger, but we have reached the point where it’s all of our jobs to speak out – or it’s our lives and those of our kids too. It’s good to hear you feel the same.
Oh enjoy those lovely roses! We are getting milder weather this week and no rain in the forecast! I can hardly believe it. So excited.
Have a beautiful week! xo
Ahhhhh kim, I too loved that house in AD. Talk about California Dreamy! I loved the banquette with the thick comfy cushion and the 1970s looking rug hanging on the wall…and the brown and white patterned fabric on the sofa….love it all so much!
The Ikat napkins you found are perfect for the above mentioned home and yours! I love how you add bursts of color in your kitchen to mix things up and makes things special! You have such a good eye kim!
xx
Yes the banquette is so my thing! Love that and the so many other little details! Aren’t the Irate napkins awesome? I want them in all the colors ! Thanks so much Annie! xx
Your post ticks all the boxes. Katrina Kineson is such a great writer and so glad to see her posting again. Tortilla Soup? Yes, please! Always looking for a good recipe and this one being a quick cook makes it better. Most importantly, thank you for the link to Moms Demand Action. Time to step up and defend ourselves through our combined voices and deeds.
Thanks for posting so many interesting features!
Thank you so much Holly for the note. Really appreciated. Isn’t Katrina good? I will report back more about the Mom’s Demand meeting. xo