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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