On this post, reconnecting with your people now that summer is over, a great trench for California, and more..
I am excited it is September. It’s my favorite month.. maybe because it’s my birth month, but I just love the start of fall -in my opinion, the best season! I’m ready for long pants, sweaters, jackets ( my favorite!) and real shoes.. But let’s be honest, here in California the flip flops are never really gone, just at the both of the shoe basket… Are you ready too?
La Rentrée
I think I’ve written about this before, but in France this time of year is called ‘la rentrée’, and it heralds the start of the new school year, when people make social plans, reconnect with friends and celebrate the return to ‘normal’ life after summer holidays. It’s an exciting time in France and we can make it the same here by planning little impromptu gatherings with friends – dinners or casual cocktails, etc.
I keep hearing from the Blue Zone guy Dan and others that social connections are what keeps us young. A lot of us got out of our habit of being with others during the pandemic, and for good reason, but it’s time to start tippy toeing back to getting together with people.
One of my Insta friends Dani says she plans a regular get together with friends with just drinks and bowl of chips and nuts. Everyone is going home to dinner and whatever, but it takes the stress out and also lets people know this is a relaxed happy hour and a nice chance to connect!
Last weekend in Tahoe, we we found crumpled flyer at our door for a neighborhood ‘gin fizz’ get together for Saturday morning 9:30-11:30. Later that Friday evening, a cute couple, Leslie and Tim- came by the door to make sure we got their flyer and to come by to meet and hang with other neighbors. We figured we should as they were so kind to make sure we included.
Saturday morning we walked over to their cute home that was at the end of a street facing the forest. Leslie had laid out a table of baked pumpkin bread, pound cake, and egg bites and a lady named Julie was making Gin Fizz’s in a blender – from an old neighborhood recipe! At first I declined one as we were going on a hike, but then Max and I shared one. Wow are they good (could be the powdered sugar and half and half!)
We chatted on their driveway with other neighbors we had never met and what an easy way to connect and better know the other neighbors. We left on our hike feeling giddy with the laughs and stomachs full of pumpkin bread and fizzes.
We talked the whole hike about how this small gesture, was a huge gift to our neighborhood and all of us. The kindness of this couple -and those made time to come and chat was everything! I love my little old neighborhood up there even more now… and this absolutely makes me want to do the same here at home.
‘Only Connect’
Connections with each other is what can sustain us in this ever more polarized and fraught times. If we make and effort to know our neighbors, work peeps, and acquaintances we will better understand and appreciate everyone. It’s so easy to stay inside, stream another show, doom scroll on your couch and never know those living around us..but we are missing so much!
I loved this article last weekend in the NYTimes about how a French man Patrick Bernard is creating micro-neighborhoods, or as he calls them, ‘Republic of Super Neighbors.’ He says, “Conviviality is a richness that is sleeping. When we awaken the sense of place and community, the citizens and urban fabric are transformed.”
He believes our neighborhoods are where we can help tackle many of our issues like ‘loneliness, food insecurity, extreme heat and social unrest linked to inequality.’ So far Paris has 1200 of these little communities and they communicate about things on WhatsApp groups and in weekly brunches, post-work drinks and other gatherings.. many involving cheese (of course!)
Barcelona and other European cities are doing similar things related to creating smaller feeling communities that look out for one another.. So many great ideas packed in the article.
Maybe one of the best things you can do for yourself this fall is host or initiate a little gathering? If your not comfortable having people inside, meet on the street, driveway or at a local coffee place or wine bar?
Tahoe
Last weekend we were at out teeny cabin for a few days and it was not your usual Labor Day! We were freezing with 49 degrees in the day and cold winds and rain. It felt like November and I loved it. Very cozy. We had a brief break in the weather and took a hike on the original 1960 Olympics cross country ski race trail at Sugar Pine Point State Park.
It’s a fairly easy path that loops back through the forest that is above the mansion and waterfront area at the park. This part is across Highway 89 and adjacent to the beautiful campground there. At the campground they have some wonderful programs if you are up in Tahoe… You can take a guided kayak trip where they provide boats and life jackets -for free, you just have to book ahead, they also have owl night hikes, and much more all here.
On My Radar
I shared this Chicken and Rice soup probably ten years ago on the blog and still make it! I just replace the parsnips with carrots, celery for celery root, and shredded chicken and veg stock instead of turkey.. It’s easy and comfort food for cool fall days that are coming soon I hope.
I took a quick turn through a J. Crew Factory on the way back from Tahoe and I found this trench and I love it. This is a piece I will wear a ton and such a great price. Sometimes you want something not heavy that doesn’t add bulk and this is perfect for California! I am seriously considering the black one as well.. I bought a 6 regular and I am 135 and 5’4.
Cute clogs. How do you feel about clogs? I’ve been thinking about getting a pair for fall and then I got an email from Tory Burch and these sure look darling for fall.. They also come in a more paired down suede version without studs in a baby blue or tan.
When I bought the Evereve sweatshirt I shared last weekend, I added this little green heart necklace to my purchase. I like collecting little necklaces to layer and something about this one is so charming.
US Open Fun!
For my birthday my two dearest pals Elaine and Bari ( also tennis fans), bought me a pretty bar basket from Hudson Grace, and the makings for the US Open’s Honey Deuce Cocktail! I brought that cute basket right home and got it set up and tonight watched the matches and invited them over to try the cocktail!
This is my beautiful new basket on the bar..
I’ve so been enjoying the matches every night and will really miss when it’s over… One thing I do think they need to change is finally let the men play the same amount of sets as women, as some of the best guys were struggling and did not look well.
If you think about it, even a marathon can be less, but a men’s Grand Slam match can go for five hours of high intensity hitting and running and that is extreme with heat and humidity. I know many of the players are for it, and at one point Daniel Medvedev said what is it going to take? Does someone need to collapse? I could not agree more watching them struggle through the extreme humidity and high temps.
I am sad Ben Shelton did not make it to the final, nor Alcaraz. Hoping Coco will do great today!
Juliet also featured the drink on her blog last week! it’s very good- a little on the sweet side..
If you missed last week’s post, I shared some cool happening at the US Open, pretty things on sale, Michelle Obama’s style at the Open -and her stylist and more good things…
I’ll be back on Tuesday with Cindy for September’s Signature Style…where we share our Fall Wish Lists!
Here’s to a beautiful September weekend wherever you are!
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Hi, Kim —
Love your blog. You do a great job keeping things interesting and varied. I would love to get to Tahoe again sometime. And you have me thinking about inviting some neighbors over for a happy hour!
I’m a runner and just have to say that my best HALF marathon time (at age 55) was 2:03. The record marathon time for a woman is 2:14 run by Brigid Kosgei in 2019 in Chicago. Most regular folks take closer to twice that to complete 26.2 miles. But I get what you’re saying about limiting the time of the tennis matches. It does seem inhumane.
Have a great weekend!
xo
Julia
Julia thank you so much! I hope you get to Tahoe someday soon!
I did not know that about marathons..Clearly I was not uninformed. Thank you.. Wow. You all are amazing that do it! I’m not sure why I thought it was only two hours.
Yes I think the high intensity of the tennis makes it super hard to susustain for five hours in the heat especially.
x
Hi, I’ve been so frustrated and disappointed that I haven’t been able to watch the US Open this year – it’s blacked out for us on ESPN. Can I ask how you’ve been able to watch? Maybe I’ll be able to tune into the finals at least. Thanks! I watched Breakpoint on Netflix (which is excellent) earlier this summer and it made me so excited to watch the US Open this year.
Caroline I am so sorry. I have been watching on ESPN here in California. I have friends on the east coast who are watching it through Hulu I think.. They may be paying something extra. I am thinking this weekend the finals must be on a main network like ABC!
I hope you catch it! I started Breakpoint too and have to finish! It’s so good.
Thanks so much will check Hulu!
Yes, Kim- I have seen all around me the untold aftermath of the pandemic. Alot of peculiar behavior with people that I think is all rooted in the isolation, fear, division, and loss during the pandemic. The only way back is to focus on the things that unite.
The house we have now has a couple beautiful, but run down outdoor spaces. We are working on sprucing them up for now and fully repairing them with time. One area especially has been our main focus and we hope to have it ready in time for cooler weather so we can host exactly the type of gatherings you have described. Cooler weather finds us later where we live, but hopefully it will be here soon!
I love your bar basket and you can never go wrong with a trench- they look great on everyone and instantly elevate any look! We had to skip our Reno/Tahoe stop over and annual trip to NoCal this year because we had other obligations, but hopefully we’ll be back next summer and every summer after!
I too appreciate the variation in posts and as always enjoy the quick Saturday escape!
Best,
Nicole
Oh and I like this French thing you shared- I find that yearly transition to sometimes be a little chaotic and potentially a bit stressful some years, but this French idea certainly helps reframe it and make it feel more special! I suppose it helps if they start in Sept. when the seasons are truly changing. Here many of the public schools have opted to go year round or with only a 1 month break post COVID. It helps working families who struggle to find/afford childcare and *might* help with getting kids caught up academically after virtual schooling, but honestly I hate it!
Over & out!
Nicole I agree! Makes it seem not dreadful doesn’t it after summer? Fun things to look forward to? I just don’t know howe people do year round school. It sounds terrible..Like a job!
Love your blog!
I think I am the only person in the world who hates fall 😂 So I find I have to throw myself into it, decorate, travel, cook, hike in nature.
We live in Willow Glen which is known for its, ahem, socializing. We have block parties, progressives and just front porch happy hours on the regular. During pandemic high season at least 5 of my neighbors put in front yard fire pits and conversation chairs so on any given night you can just walk down the street and “hang out”. It’s great. No obligation to invite people inside or the backyard and then have to “end the party” with the alarm clock (like my dad used to do the pool parties that went on too long!)
Thanks for all the effort you put into the blog I find so many things I really love every week!
Valetta you are so nice! Thank you. Oh how great to live in WG! My dear friend E does also and there is just such a great neighbor network there! Love that your neighbors put in front yard fire pits. That really makes it so welcoming and easy to hang out I bet.
I love your dad had the alarm clock for the pool parties! He sounds like my dad. I lot of people wish they had an alarm for ending the evening!
xo
Nicole, I agree.. I think it’s messed up getting together sadly. Yay for you guys working on your spaces.. We are trying to do that a little too. Hopefully nice fall weather will get everyone more motivated to get together! I’m sorry you missed Tahoe, but it has been a hot year up there..
I am excited for trench weather! Thank you for the kind note. Means a lot!
I love la Rentrée in France. Preparing for the return to work and school after Les Grandes Vacances. Though it’s expensive for some parents, they have huge lists of stationary, pens/pencils and text books for their children to take to school, even the little ones. In the UK all primary school children have these things supplied at school.
You are right, there is such a delight to return to routines and I love hearing local children chattering in the mornings on their way to school.
Your birthday sounds fun, Happy Belated Birthday from a rather hot London
Jude x
Jude it’s such a nice way to start a new part of the year! It makes summer ending less sad and gives excitement for fall! I love seeing kids back on the way to school too!
Aw thank you so much!
Enjoy your weekend and hope it’s not too warm.
xo
Hi Kim,
Happy belated birthday to you!
Can you share where your bar basket was purchased?
Thank you,
Sherrill
Hi Sherrill! Thank you so much. My friend’s bought it at Hudson Grace and looks like it’s on sale now too.. You can find it here:
https://hudsongracesf.com/products/large-cebu-bar-tray-with-dividers?_pos=1&_psq=ba&_ss=e&_v=1.0
I love reading your posts and the creativity you spark. My neighborhood started “Driveway Drinks” a few years ago. Someone chooses a date, we get the word out to the neighbors and everyone shows up with drinks and appetizers to share. We even bring our own chairs. It is an easy way to catch up with everyone and the host has minimal prep and cleanup. We love our get togethers. But, I like the brunch idea too.
Harriett what a great idea! I think I will try this in our neighborhood! I like that there is less stress and just fun being with each other! We need more of that.. Connection and laughing and no pressure to be a perfect host! Brunch is a good idea also!
Thanks so much for sharing and your sweet words about the blog! x
Another terrific blog! So many great topics
Thanks so much Pam!
Hi Kim,
What a nice neighborly gesture, and how fun for you to be able to spend time with the folks you might not otherwise bump into up there. We rarely. See the people who love around here, except maybe when bringing in the trash cans!
Tahoe is gorgeous this time of year.
That trench has been on my radar. It’s just the right length. I have a longer one that just hangs there in my closet. I mean I never wear it. And it’s a good one, too. But I find that when it’s raining I prefer something with a hood that is not as long, far easier for me to jump in and out of the car etc. The shorter trench would be fun to wear anytime!
I know you love your tennis! Glad your able to have fun watching. And I’m happy your friends celebrated you on your birthday!
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi, Agree this is how it’s been since the pandemic and at the cabin even worse, so it’s been great to know the people up there and really makes me feel more connected with everyone and protective of their cabins too. I hope to have something here soon.
Isn’t that a great little basic piece? I love that trench! So many are too heavy to be honest and bulky. I wear these with sweaters and stuff so I don’t really want heavy! They can feel oppressive. Yes you need a hooded jacket too.. xo
Hi Kim! Enjoying reading your blog post with my coffee this Saturday as usual… I love the variety of topics you write about.
I miss not having a birthday in my favorite season as well..autumn/fall now that I’ve moved to the Northern Hemisphere… still not use to a spring birthday and to be honest a winter Christmas!!! Happy September birthday!
Your cabin is just the cutest and as for your bar… well you know it’s my dream bar… that basket is a beautiful addition.
On you radar is a green stone necklace… and a green stone necklace is what me and my kids… and a lot of New Zealanders wear. The designs all having meaning and the greenstone ( or pounamu as it’s called) can come from only one area in the South Island ( incidentally the Māori name for this island is Te Waipounamu.. meaning greenstone from the water). The pendant is hung on woven flax… and you don’t buy it yourself… never… it must be gifted to you. So maybe you need to drop a big hint that you love that green stone pendant but it has to be gifted….🤣.
Looking forward to your next post xx
Fiona aw thank you! Wow it must be different to have your seasons as you knew them turned upside down..That would be weird for me too. I know you all are used to a summery Christmas! Oh gosh thank you abut my bar. The basket will be fun to style.
I love knowing this about the green stone in New Zealand.. I had no idea. What a wonderful thing to have and receive! I still need to visit New Zealand.
Have a great weekend!
I’m so glad you like the bar tray and love how you went straight home and styled it perfectly! It is important to feel connected to friends, neighbors and our community so thank you for highlighting that in your post.
E I just love it. Thank you so much!
You guys sure do a great job off the neighborhood connections! It inspires me!
Hi Kim, I truly feel inspired after reading your blogs & look forward to them. I’m on the CA Central Coast and appreciate your topics that relate to my lifestyle.
Janet thank you! So nice of you. Glad the blog feels relevant I love the Central Coast! x
Happy Birthday! Love the neighbor ‘gin fizz’. We started ‘cocktail nights’ with the neighbors years ago (kids were young and we had drinks around the fire pit). We became friends like family over the years. Our kids are all grown now, some with kids of their own and we still continue ‘cocktail nights’ although less often. Love the bar basket- great idea. Soup season here too – yours sounds great. Your cabin is lovely – you must love it there in Tahoe! We visited Tahoe last summer with some friends and enjoyed every minute. (Actually, you gave me some tips for what to take and they were perfect!) Stayed in Heavenly Village and spent a day in Sugar Pine Point! The park is so accessible for all to enjoy (my husband has some mobility issues and uses a wheelchair). The paved paths are amazing and such a treat for us to get to the beach and enjoy the trails. Have a great week!
Hi Barb! Thanks so much. How great you began that when your kids were small and are still doing it!
Yay for soup season right? I’m so glad you likde Tahoe. Heavenly sure is gorgeous and Sugar Pine is really special.. and yes it’s good for accessibility too. I’m so glad to know your hubs was able to enjoy Sugar Pine. That path we were on was great for so much. People don’t realize how important this is and it’s often not easy for people to get around at these parks and beaches! We need more of them.
Have a good week too! x
Kim,
I hope that you celebrated yourself all week! Happy Birthday, best wishes to you for an amazing year.
I love your bar basket, that is such a thoughtful gift and it looks beautiful at the bar.
The cocktails look delicious, I am going to try them. Juliet makes the best cocktails.
The US open is always fun to watch. I have to admit, I do not know enough about tennis to know that the men play longer. That is interesting. I concur, they do not need to play for 5-5.5 hours in such extreme heat. There is nothing wrong with change.
I love the JCrew trench, I purchased the Barbour from the Nordy sale and it was too big. Then it sold out in my size. I am on the hunt for a new one.
I love clogs! I have 2 pairs of Stegemans wool clogs one for inside, one outside. They are so comfortable!
You cabin is so cute. It sounds like a wonderful area to explore, thank you for sharing the beauty of your adventures.
Love the idea of the little gatherings. I am an introvert so little gatherings for cocktails are my thing. I do not like to be at parties where I do not know anyone.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo Elizabeth
Thank so much Elizabeth! Yes the men play best of five in Grand Slam matches. Those are Wimbledon, USOpen, Australia, and French Open. It seems ridiculous and many have talked of changing it and I think it’s time with climate change and equality!
I also bought that Barbour trench and had to send it back. Sadly was a tent on me..and that was a smaller size as people said it ran large. I do think this J Crew Factory trench is a great basic.
Woo clogs are so cool. I need a pair! xo
Hi Kim,
I had a nice response ready to post to you and I must have hit something and I lost it all. 🤨 This had happened to me before.
I don’t have it in me to reinvent everything I said.
Nice gathering in Lake Tahoe with your neighbors.
Loved the hike you and Max went on. The photo is just beautiful.
Your tennis gal pals must know you super well. The bar basket is a thoughtful gift. Looks very nice. You will always think of them every time you look at it.
I want to wish you a very happy 🥳 birthday. Should I assume it’s past already? What is the day please? I’m sure you were loved on and remembered.
No worries ever.. those comments take time and darn if I haven’t lost some myself too. I get why people don’t take the time. It can be frustrating.
Thank you! I am lucky to have such sweet friends. My birthday is the 6th!
Thank you so much dear Katherine. xo
Great post once again. I just purchased a trench coat for my September trip to Paris. The idea of neighbors getting together is a good one with so many fruitful rewards. The French just know how to live.
I also have been enjoying the U S Open and sorry Alcaraz and Shelton didn’t succeed but they’ll be back. It was exciting to see Coco win.
Happy belated birthday and thanks for your blog —always enjoy it.
Sheila you’re going to be chic in your trench in Paris! Agree neighbors can add so much, but we just need to get to know them! I was sad about Ben Shelton not making it to the end too.. Love that kid.
Aw thanks so much- and have fun in Paris!
Kim,
Love seeing your getaway in Tahoe and I especially love the idea of neighborhood get-togethers.
Living in a university town, UF, our neighborhood used to be filled with game-watching parties on away game days. Sadly, Covid changed so many activities. But it’s time to get the parties started again. Life is too short to not be enjoyed❣️
Rosemary
Rosemary you sound like you have a fun town! I know I finally feel like we can get back together hopefully, post Covid. We need others for our health! xo
Hi Kim! Great post! Your weekend in Tahoe sounded perfect! Our small community here has a local watering hole that is open in the summer and where people gather on Thursday evenings. I have to force myself to go, but it is alway fun to be a part of the community when I do. I love love clogs — I have a pair of Birkenstocks that I have been living in at home this summer. I am finally feeling a little ready for fall, though I am always sad when our outdoor time ends. We have such a long winter here in Maine. I am ready for the men’s final today, though I am disappointed Alcarez didn’t make it. And yay for Coco. What a win that was! Have a great week!
Molly you sure have some cool little gathering places. The Birk clogs are so good aren’t they? I can understand how you feel as it seems like you waited a long time for summer! I was disappointed about Alcarez too..but so happy about Coco! xx
Kim! Happy Birthday, again! Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday week … to kick off a spectacular birth month. I love your Tahoe neighbors Gin Fizz gathering … what fun and we need to do more of this. We’ve lived in a couple neighborhoods that were very social and I miss it. The micro-neighborhoods idea is a fun one too … sounds like the intention for NextDoor done right. I admit to being terrible when it comes to socializing with neighbors … or friends. My introverted nature gets the best of me … but when I do go to things like that I always enjoy it and wonder why I don’t do it more. A BIG YES to clogs! And I totally agree about the mens matches being too long … and grueling. Your bar basket gift is fantastic … love love love it! Cheers. xo
Thanks Juliet! I knows so nice they did this and it inspires me. Ha Nextdoor… Don’t get me started. xo
Hi Kim,
La Rentree-this is such a very important concept, especially for kids post-Covid. I see my youngest teen son needing to connect, and he’s struggling. I will definitely read the article, and I love the ideas you introduced. I’m thinking how to incorporate them for my son. We don’t have teens in our neighborhood that I’ve seen, but I guess we can start with neighbors on our street and go from there. Maybe we’ll start with milkshakes (or hot cocoa if it’s cold). and see who we meet. Thank you for sharing this idea.
Your cabin weekend sounds absolutely lovely! I’m looking forward to curling up with a good book under a quilt in front of the fireplace. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons of the year. I always tell my mom that I wish she and my dad would have bought a cabin at Tahoe so that they could pass it on to me someday! Camping up there is nice, but just not as cozy as a cabin.
The Sugar Pine hike is not one I’ve done before – I’ll now be dragging my husband and sons on it the next time we go up there. And, yes, next summer, definitely go take a tour of ‘my’ house at Sugar Pine! 🙂 We always get there early and sit on the porch to watch the activity on the lake. That way, you feel like it really is your home!
Janet
Janet, I agree it’s so good for kids to get back to their classmates and be with others. Love the idea of milkshakes or cocoa! I was just talking to a neighbor last night and we were saying we may do first Fridays as a set date to gather on our street!
I love the cozy season too. We came up to Tahoe as a kid my parents would rent little cabins or we’d stay at a pplace called Granlibakken. We did a lot of camping too. I wish my dad would come stay, but he doesn’t like to leave the house much! He often says he wished he bought one when we were young and they were inexpensive!
Sugar Pine has a lot to do! I love that Ehrman Mansion. Can you imagine when that was a private residence and that was someone’s porch!?
x