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Early Spring Outfit, Sargent at The Legion, and More SF Stairs

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The John Singer Sargent in Spain show at The Legion of Honor, more San Francisco Stairs to discover, early spring outfits and more

How was your Valentines week? For Valentine’s I made Max dinner using our bounty of lemons. He loves this Martha Stewart Chicken Piccata recipe, I have made forever. I also made the Nigella Madeira cake I have shared before here.. ( SO easy and fantastic.) I would have taken pics, but I was flustered making three courses and the dessert all at once.. This is my pic from summer time..

Max brought me these tulips and I’ve been enjoying the color with all my citrus..

Sargent in Spain at the Legion of Honor

For our Valentine date, Max for my took me to the Legion of Honor in San Francisco last Sunday to see Sargent in Spain. It documented American artist John Singer Sargent’s many visits to Spain over thirty years and his love for the art, architecture and culture.

Beside his works done in and inspired by Spain, it had mementos he collected and works of great Spanish artists he studied and emulated, beside his own. Two of those were El Greco, and Goya. The museum shared how this was part of Sargent’s ‘dynamic visual practice’ in which he expanded his repertoire to include so many diverse styles and mediums of art.

Sargent’s paintings of his sister and friend.. The two of them under mosquito nets they invented themselves.

We bought tickets to the exhibition ahead of time, and arrived around 11:30. We had an early lunch in the cafe, and wandered the Sargent rooms for an hour and a half. I thought it was a wonderful exhibition.

I loved this woman’s green coat and matching bag..so beautiful with her hair. Museums always seem to have the most stylish people! Her little bag is from the Super Mini Slouch bag from Anthro. My stylish pal Jeanne just bought it in orange. It includes a tiny zip pouch and comes in many colors and is a pop of color for your spring look for $46.

The Bowles Porcelains

Afterwards, I walked through the amazing Bowles porcelain collection. The collection was donated by Mrs Constance Bowles Peabody, who amassed a unique collection that spans countries and centuries. There are some exquisite pieces and the natural light of the beautiful all glass room really shows them to their advantage.

The story of Mrs Constance Bowles is interesting. She was a California native whose Irish immigrant father who worked the SF docks as a child and founded what became a huge global shipping enterprise. She married Henry Miller whose great-grandfather owned the largest amount of American land ever held. He was a rancher who once bragged he could drive his cattle from Mexico to the Oregon border without leaving his own property! Mrs Bowles family also donated two islands off the coast of Marin to the government that are now bird sanctuaries. More about Constance and these two California pioneer families in her obituary from 2016 here.

…. Those were just the two exhibits we took in that day. There is much more to see at the Legion. We also walked the grounds of lovely Lincoln Park and took in the sea views. The museum is perched over the ocean and though it was sunny, the fog was hugging the edge of the cliffs and the fog horns were sounding.

If you pay for entry to the exhibit, you can use the cost ($56 for two of us), toward a membership. I did that when I bought a few souvenir posts cards. The yearly membership is $119, so that shaves some cost off and you can revisit with a guest as much as you like to both The Legion and the De Young and also get invited to special previews and events etc..

The John Singer Sargent exhibition ends May 14, 2023, and moves on. This is it’s first stop !

More San Francisco Stairs

Afterwards, we found another of San Francisco’s famous stairs nearby. These are the Lincoln Park Steps and they are particularly pretty, and adjacent to Lincoln park, which leads to the museum.

At the museum bookshop I spotted this book which would be a good one for those who wish to explore more of San Francisco, Stairway Walks in San Francisco: The Joy of Urban Exploring. I just ordered one for Max. This staircase was on the cover!

New Jeans for Spring

While I was at the museum two people asked about my jeans. They are by Mother! I was shopping last weekend with my pal Jeanne at Stanford and saw them..I loved this new shape and that they have less stretch, but are very comfy.

They sold out of them already at Anthro, but they still have them here.. I also loved these Mother Jeans below right. Both slightly different. The one at the right has a bit more stretch and runs smaller.. I think both have an updated feel.. The wider pant being fresh and modern and the straight leg great for an everyday jean that will only get better over time. I try and buy these domestic made jeans. Mothers are made in California and though I do have inexpensive jeans too, these better made ones always seem to last me years and feel so good on.

After I bought the first pair, I went back and got the other. Since I am going for less in the closet and better, and had some money from selling clothes I had purged…I justifed both as a good 2023 wardrobe investment. Two pairs of jeans in different styles that fit and feel great will pay for themselves in amount of wears over time!

Closet Stories

Last week Max moved to Jackson’s old closet where he also has his office. It was his idea as he gets up at 5:30 many mornings to bike and it is hard to not turn on the lights, etc.

I was thrilled to have the whole remodeled closet to myself and instead of spreading out and taking up all the space, I decided this was a great time to truly purge and create a smaller wardrobe I have always wanted. I just want less and to make life simpler.

With more space I can really see what I have now. I have talked about closet cleanup many times before, so y’all probably don’t want another run down on that.. However, one thing that struck me as a good way to clean out is not to try on everything, but instead ask yourself this one question, ‘Will I choose this?’ I know with so many items in my closet the answer is ‘no.’

Let’s be honest, we all have things that we bought that still look great, were expensive, or still in style, but if you are bypassing them every time you get dressed, you should say goodbye to them. They are taking up space in you closet and your life! I think that has helped me this time more than ever.

We all have a lot of clothes and choices, and if we know we are going to choose something else, don’t hang into things just to have them. The less you have the better you dress. You also buy less. It’s quite freeing and I purged a lot.

What to do with those clothes? On my Instagram I shared my experience taking the clothes to the Crossroads Trading Company, which buys back your clothes and gives an immediate payout, unless you have something quite pricier, then they send you money when it’s sold. All the steps to do this are saved in my Closet Stories story highlights..You can also try The Real Real for selling designer items.

Early Spring Styling Ideas

After cleaning out the closet I have been thinking about what was missing and that was jeans that have a current look and straight leg and some long sleeve light tops for spring. I did a little collage with my two new pairs of jeans I linked to above..

I love this gauze cotton blouse from J. Crew which comes in pretty colors, but I like the black and white especially. The COS top has a super cute modern shape and bell sleeves I want it in white, black, but this blue would be fun with the tiny Anthro bag in green. The Chanel look sandals in a tweed and the leather slides from Madewell are great additions to update my shoe wardrobe for spring… and the small COS black shoulder bag is coolest shape to tuck under the arm or carry by its strap.

Houses of the Week- Pacific Grove

This week I wanted to highlight the charming and under the radar small town of Pacific Grove. Pacific Grove is located between Monterey and Carmel and famous for its Monarch butterflies. Steinbeck lived here for some time and most of its homes are walking distance to the rocky beaches and coast. It has a tiny downtown and homes feel more old Cape Cod than glam beach house.

The two homes I picked to share went on the market this week and darn it, both are already contingent, but I am keeping them on here anyway..

This home is surrounded by oaks and faces a pretty park..Beautifully updated.

The other is a cottage and I love the charm of this home and especially the Dutch door, the kitchen and the shelves in the only bedroom. It also faces a park…How clever is the wineglasses stored in the chandelier? The kitchen is darling!

You can peruse more Pacific Grove listings here.

If you missed last weekend’s post I shared a San Francisco brunch spot and hike, some new books, cute khaki pants, my new porch flowers and more..

Wishing you a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Dining Room Refresh Ideas, San Francisco Homes, and Cosmetics I’m Loving Now

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On this weekend post, San Francisco houses, skincare I am loving, ideas for a dining room refresh and more..

How’s your week been? We finally ended this week with sun and I feel so upbeat and happy!

While it was dreary, I found these yellow pillows on a Homegoods run and added them to my little office to give it some brightness. A little yellow seems to be the thing just now.

Found these pillows online there that are nearly exact as mine, but with matching piping instead of the dark on mine.

I also took my dear dad for an eye surgery this week. He’s 84 and his primary recommended he get Blepharoplasty where they lift excess skin from your eye so you can see better. His insurance covers it as it affects his vision. . He’s a very active person and having his peripheral sight diminished is not great.

Many older folks just get used to it, but did you know any impairment of your vision or hearing can contribute to cognitive decline and even dementia? I just wanted to share as many of us have this hereditary issue or our parents do, and this procedure can help keep vision clearer and in turn, you can stay more active.

I will do it if I need it when the time comes and thank my dad for being a good example of taking care of yourself! He still drives everywhere, cooks a ton and gardens and I am so proud of him. It’s been almost 8 years since my mom passed and it hasn’t been easy for him, but he inspires me so much to stay busy and interested in life!

A little Dining Room refresh

Starting the new year always gets me focusing on what changes I would like to make and I’m so not excited by my dining room. I need a change in there and I think it begins with new chairs..

I fell in love with this Mesa chair and thinking of getting two for the ends at my black dining table and if I like, switch them all out.. They will make it a it more airy than my skirted chairs, which have put in their time, and I will likely sell.

Other ideas on my inspiration board…

Love these two rugs, both on huge sale plus additional now…. The Larkin Rug has warmer tones and would be pretty with these accent pillows. The Glenwood rug I love mixed with the stripe pillow– a little casual with the floral. The blue and gold pillow is a beauty from OKA.

I’ve also been eyeing black cabinets for extra dishes, cookbooks and pretty things and the silhouette on this solid wood cabinet with the oak wood interior is beautiful. Of course I had to add two vases. The chambray vase comes in two sizes and is so springy- and the clear and lovely shape of the clear Pilar vase is a classic.

The cabinet is something I can really use and have thought about…Other options are the same cabinet is also in ‘drifted oak‘ below, this iron cabinet with drawers, and this large wood one.

If you are thinking of changing things up, Serena & Lily is having a fantastic sale, with 20-25% off depending what you spend and additional on many items already reduced, so if you had your eye on something, like a chair or rug, ( especially the rugs!) this is a good time to get it.

Skincare and cosmetics I am loving right now..

I’ve been loving this Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer which was suggested at Blue Mercury and I can’t tell you how good this feels on -in this cold winter it truly helps with my redness.

My Blue Mercury SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer has been excellent and leaves a lovely look on the skin.

The Clarins Total Eye Lift I buy about once every 9 months to a year..My eyes can’t tolerate much else and this always feels so good and makes my eyes look less tired.

I’m crazy for Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara and gave it as a gift to a few friends. Once you try it, you will love it. Makes my fine straight lashes look lush. Dior Lip Addict Glow Balm in Mahogany is all I wear in winter. Love the moisture and color, which looks natural, but gives color that stays.

I was given this lovely Necessarie plant based body wash for Christmas which leaves my skin feeling clean and moist. I also now adore the lotion that has a creamy richness I so want in the winter months.

San Francisco Homes

I had to share this San Francisco home in AD this month.. very different and built for two tech execs and their family… More pics online.

Architect was John Maniscalco and design by The Archers. The gorgeous hand painted tiles are by artist Bruno Grizzo.

A San Francisco Story…

When we walked through San Francisco’s Presidio Heights last week, I came across this amazing home being renovated…On the photos I shared, a friend Linda remarked on the Maybeck Houses there. That intrigued me, so I did a deep dive on Bernard Maybeck, architect of many San Francisco homes and the Palace of Fine Arts. Maybeck was an instructor at UC Berkeley after studying at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He was a mentor to Julia Morgan and most of his projects were in San Francisco.

This home we snapped was his most famous SF home, The Roos House, which was a sold in 2018 for 11 million.. It was built in 1909 for the nineteen year old daughter of an Orpheum Theatre partner as a wedding gift. Elizabeth Meyerfield choose Maybeck for his theatrical style, and the architect had free rein while she and Leon Roos, of the Roos clothiers empire, (later Roos-Atkins) took a European honeymoon. How very Downton Abbey!

The home is constructed of redwood and has twenty foot ceilings in the back portion.

At 9,000 sq feet, with little changes over the years, and in the same family until the recent sale, it’s an architectural gem. I couldn’t help fawning over the 2018 real estate photos and wondering what renovations the new owners are making. The home has views over the Presidio and to Marin and the Golden Gate.

If you want to know more about Maybeck’s homes this book looks like a good one. More interesting SF history on this article about the Roos family, immigrants, who who began as clothing suppliers in Virginia City during the Gold Rush and later set up shop in San Francisco and ‘carried the largest inventory of ready-made clothing in the world, employing 70 men, including six tailors’ at the peak of their success..More about the Roos House here and real estate photos here.

Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding gowns

I loved this revisit of Elizabeth’s eight weddings and unique gowns. How gorgeous is this yellow she wore to her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1964? I think I’m yellow obsessed right now.

Images Getty via Vogue

My grandfather actually attended her first wedding to Conrad Hilton, above. My dad’s father worked in the frozen food industry, and was the head of American sales for Minute Maid when frozen orange juice was first invented in the early 50’s when they lived in Fullerton. He was a friend of Conrad Hilton Sr., who was an investor in the business and was invited! More of Elizabeth’s beautiful gowns on Vogue here.

Yoga With Adriene

I started back on yoga this week with Yoga With Adriene’s 30 Day Start and I think anyone could do it. She begins slowly and with 20 + minute daily videos, you gain some basic skills, strength and flexibility. Even by day three, I can feel a difference.. It’s free and so why not give it a go?

If you missed it, Juliet and I did our first Live of 2023 on Thursday. We chatted about couches, popovers, the Prince Harry book and more and you can still watch it here. We plan on trying to do this each Thursday at 9 am Pacific time, if you want to catch the next one! Thanks everyone who left comments and chimed in!

If you missed last weekend’s post I shared a California spin on the chocolate chip cookie, day trip to SF’s Laurel Village and Presidio Heights, the winter coat you may be missing and more..

Have a good weekend and I hope you enjoy some sunshine!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Signature Style- Does Your Personal Style Reflect Your Home?

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Hi friends. It’s time for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. On this Signature Style, we ask- does your wardrobe reflect your home, and does your home looks like your favorites clothes?

The home and your closet are more similar than you realize, and thinking about what your ‘style’ is can help you make better choices for both of them!

Only just in the past years have come to realize I have a casual California style and the home does too. Doing our remodel helped me better focus on what I really like and what my own style is.

When we were remodeling this home three years ago, my wish list had open spaces, big windows, natural materials, and skylights. Colorwise, I wanted shades of white and beiges, neutrals and soft grey and blues with black accents.

I opted for things with texture to warm it all up and make this open home feel inviting and cozy. I dreamed of beautiful wood floors, soft wool rugs, big couches, cozy throws and pillows in nubby fabrics. So it would not look too bland, I wanted to add touches of black and different woods, brass, and stone, which are slightly masculine elements.

I also like graphic art. I love plants and trees, rattan and bamboo and baskets. Other elements in the mix are my vintage glasses and dishes found and handed down, my books, a black steel table, vintage textiles and throws.

I made this all work by keeping the color palette to neutrals with black accents and a little blues and soft greys to keep it cohesive and calm, with so many different elements.

My wardrobe, begins with jeans and many white shirts, and in the house- my white couch and wood floors are the same sort of base

I wear mostly neutral colors with blue shirts, and black, but mostly solids. I wear silver jewelry most of the time.

Does my wardrobe and my house seem alike? I think so..

A few photos that illustrate the point that I am sort of wearing my house!

Think about your home and your closet in relation. This can help you see what your style is and- maybe you’d love your home more, if it felt like your closet?

This can also help you can choose clothes that feel more you, if they reflect your home style.

(My Headlands pendants are on sale now.. Mine are size small).

My friend Jen and I always say we are either home or wardrobe focused at the moment.. Do you go through periods like that?
chunky pillows in creams
casual home look track pants and sweater
mirrored backsplash bar
quilted black purse

The bar is probably my most glitzy part of the house with it’s mirrored backsplash. It’s sort of my silver jewelry.

The rest could be called casual Californian I suppose, and the same for my clothes..

Going back to our thought process…If you have a classic house that’s preppy and east coast traditional, you will probably appreciate the classics like Ralph Lauren and plaid jackets. If you adore monograms and anything navy, green, cable knits and stripes, you will like the same look in your home. People who are in the art world dress very creatively..and their homes always look the part. Try and think of your home as another extension of you, and it can be much more fun and an outlet for your personal passions.

Recognizing your style will help you solidify your vision of how you want to live and dress.

It can give you a lot more confidence in what you choose as you know if something is you when you shop or isn’t. You know what is your look or your vibe, if you will.

Once you recognize your home and personal style…

  • Think about things in your house and wardrobe you can discard, as they don’t or never have felt like you.
  • Consider making a wish list of what kind of feel you want for your home and what things you might do like paint, wallpaper, add plants, move furniture around, or items to buy or save for get to that look.
  • Make an inspiration board for your own enjoyment and to keep yourself on track when shopping and building the home and closet that is perfect for you.

A few things from my California home and closet and similar styles.. Links on photos or description below..

straight jeans
alamere rug serena and lily
herringbone throw in camel color
marble lamp
wool cream zip up jacket
chunky knit throw in soft blue
rustic ceramic pot for utensils
black rattan charger/ placemat
white pop over cotton blouse
willow wall art
nubby pillow cover in cream
coral branch silver bangle
cable knit cotton sweater

Headlands Pendant Light, Alamere rug -on sale now, Beaufort tray, jeans, cream jacket, herringbone throw, marble lamp, chunky throw, beachcomber placemats, textured pot/utinsel holder (in my case), white cotton shirt, willow wall art, silver branch bangle, cobble hill pillow (on sale), cable knit sweater.

Do you think your home and wardrobe are similar in style? Do you love one more than the other or think one needs more attention? Let me know your thoughts..

…And don’t forget to pop over to see what Cindy and Sarah have today about our homes and wardrobes reflecting each other..

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here! 

Kim

October’s Signature Style was our new season wishlists and if you missed it read it here.

If you want to save this post you can pin this graphic below on Pinterest, where you can follow me for more ideas.

Signature style do your home and wardrobe match?

Weekend Meanderings- Queen Elizabeth, Juliet’s Pretty Lunch Party, a Luxe Lip Balm & More

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On this Weekend Meanderings.. Queen Elizabeth, a lunch at Juliet’s pretty house, some uber soft pajamas for hot nights, a luxe lipstick balm, and an inspiring Australian home book..

It’s time for some chat and and fun things you might want to know about -with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet. And I must start with the passing of the Queen..

The Queen

Oh my goodness.. I woke Thursday to the news the queen was maybe gravely ill and I knew that wasn’t good. I think we all knew it might happen- someday, but that she actually passed right after welcoming the new PM, a day earlier, wow. It’s like she got all the unfinished business done before going. So her wasn’t it?

If you are near to my age, she has been on the throne our whole lives. The Washington Post said 9 in 10 living humans were born after she became Queen. That is mind blowing. I truly believe that she led a period that we will look back on as a New Elizabethan Age of sorts – a period of respect for institutions and honor and doing ‘the right thing.’ It feels like that has crumbled the last few years…

The Queen had what they called ‘soft power’ which was a magnifying presence and the ability to inspire the best in us. In her later years we were lucky to see more of that softer side and her humor. I loved her for ‘parachuting’ into the Olympics with Daniel Craig and the fun with Paddington for the Jubilee. She felt like our grandmother… at least that was how it was for me.

coronation tin from 1953

My grandmother had a little Coronation tin souvenir that I treasure and have now. I would bring grandma Hello Magazines from England when I got them and she loved to see what the Queen wore and what she was doing. They came up in the same time, the depression, the war, the 50’s and through all the incredible changes and advances of the 20th Century. They were of an age that was selfless, and put doing the right thing, above personal pleasure. There are few of their generation left, and it feels strange without her.

Washington Post Septmeber 9, 2022, on the Queen's death

Image: The Guardian

I think Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister said so fittingly in her tribute to the Queen. ‘She was the rock on which modern Britain was built.‘

Emanuel Macron said how so many of us all over the world feel, ‘To you, she was your queen, to us she was The Queen.’

Newsweek Cover of the queens passing September 2022

What do you think of King Charles? ( Seems funny to say that.) His speech was very moving. As much as I despise what happened to Diana, I think he is a good human and has evolved I hope. I think he cares about so many things that matter, he’s extremely progressive and it’s exciting to think how he may modernize the monarchy. We need to give him a chance. He may be a very good King. Can you imagine starting this job in your 70’s? Who know how long we will have him, but as someone said to me, looks like no queens for a long time, as after William there is George… so we were lucky to have this queen, who meant so much to so many. So very many articles and shows in tribute to her long life of service, but these pieces are kind of different..

This article in Vogue U.K. tells of all the jewelry that Prince Phillip had designed for the queen over the years..

queen with baby

The Washington Post has a story about the Queen’s corgis. She had over 30 in her lifetime and did leave some behind. She even had a breeding program at one point and they were how she calmed herself..

queen walking her corgis at train station

This is a great collection of photos of the Queen and Prince Phillip..

The queen with prince Phillip at polo 1950's

The heat!

Well we have had one heck of a week here in Nor Cal.. We have had over 100 degree days -and hot nights that don’t cool down. On Thursday when it was supposed to be cooler, it was still 109 here after dinner time. I just even more appreciate our normal California weather where A/C is an optional thing we use a few hours during a summer and never in the morning or night..

A super soft pj set for hot nights

My friend Ani has amazing taste and always sends me the best gifts and a box arrived this week with the softest pajamas. This was so timely as I’ve been dying at night with the heat…Not only do they feel good -almost cool, but they are very well made just for Nordstrom and have the prettiest piping and matching buttons. They look like a pair I had previously that were made in Italy. These are of Model which is a sustainably produced fiber. This cute set comes in Plus sizes too and in six different patterns/color, but I love the baby blue and brown in zebra..

zebra baby blue and brown short pajamas

They also come in full length and this cute green pattern.

Spaces for Living Book

Spaces for Living by Tamsin Johnson book on coffee table

I came across this gorgeous book, Spaces for Living by Tamsin Johnson, an Australian designer- and I am crazy for her style. This book is loaded with inspiring homes and interiors that are punctuated with textures, colors and objects…Think things that draw the eye in and still feel organic and inviting. I love this kind of decorating.

Tamsin Johnson entry table
Tams sin Johnson kitchen with black bar stools

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Crystal Balm

I haven’t had an Estee Lauder product for a while, and had forgotten how nice they are.. My dear friend Elizabeth ( there Contessa),gave me this wonderful Revitalizing Crystal Balm for the lips that has a little sparkle and makes them feel amazing! I so loved this, especially on this very hot week. This balm comes in five colors and I have the Cosmic Crystal which can be layered over colors too. The case is beautiful with a magnetic click that is so satisfying! If you’ve never had this balm, it is a treat and great for those with dry lips.

Estee lauder Crystal balm lipstick

A fun lunch at Juliet’s pretty home

Thursday Juliet kindly had a little birthday lunch for me at her lovely home and it was the highlight of this hellish weather week. I have been lucky to have been a guest at her place a few times, but it is so inviting and bright and even more stunning in person. I adore her decor, her garden and admire how she sets a table, and is a wonderful cook too. All the usual suspects were there and I am a little shy to share pics as it seems we just did this, but everyone was so sweet… and Cindy, my Signature Style pal drove all the way from Paso Robles.. Jim, Juliet’s patient husband snapped our pictures in the 100+ heat.

wearing blue dresses for a ladies lunch

Juliet made delicious green salad with chicken and apples -perfect for fall – recipe on her last blog. I love her kitchen so much..

chicken apple harvest green salad
soft green kitchen
Entry console with mirror and orchid
A ladies lunch in Orinda

We stayed in Juliet’s pretty yard for a bit until and then moved indoors where it was cool..

blue sundresses- ladies lunch

Elizabeth made yummy parfait with yogurt and fresh berries and gluten free brownies! Elizabeth also brought a surprise guest our Instagram friend Linda that we both know- and she told Elizabeth about my blog years ago- so I have Linda to thank for connecting us! It was fun to meet in person. We all wore blue and Heidi brought orange flowers for us to wear.

That morning we heard about the Queen and my friend Elizabeth, (aka Contessa) had brought for me a incredibly special basket of commemorative Jubilee things.. and we couldn’t believe that coincidence..what timing..

Green lunch table with hydrangeas

Isn’t Juliet’s soft green table lovely? Just love the hydrangeas too..

Green lunch table

Juliet has the best sense of humor.. love her bathroom guest napkins..and her cute menagerie..these guys have the life!

Cute guest bath paper towels

Juliet at her darling Dutch door..

Soft Blue Dutch front door

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful- and cooler!

Kim

Last Weekend’s Meanderings I shared an overnight getaway to San Francisco at Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, mirrored backslashes for light and sparkle, my newly recovered patio set, tennis bracelets, and more.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Outdoor Throws, Makeup Tips and a Chanel Inspired Cardigan

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On this Weekend Meanderings..Some outdoor updates with a solar sail, the perfect outdoor throws to cozy up with, a beautiful book on creating a memorable table, the best makeup tips, and a transitional summer to fall cardigan I am obsessed with…

It’s that time again for all the good things that popped up on our radars this week with Elizabeth and Juliet.

Hard to believe it’s already August and kids are starting back to school in a few weeks. Where did the summer go? Time to go out and grab those fleeting summer pleasures before fall sneaks up on us. Have you been to the beach lately? Have you had an evening ice cream cone or taken a picnic to the woods? Have you set out a chair and watched the stars at night with your family or enjoyed a summer gathering with neighbors? If not, get to it!

Backyard Update

Well before summer is over, we are finally getting a few things in the yard done.. Better late than winter right? That is so us!

We have an oddly shaped yard with a pool with a lap lane, that wraps around the house. Our patio, right off our main space, is almost like an island, surrounded by water. It’s an Ipe wood deck and while I love it, it can be hard to get all the furniture on it and also have a space for an umbrella…and with multiple ones it’s lame and crowded..

L-shaped in ground pool

Earlier this year, I looked into a cantilevered umbrella, so we wouldn’t have the umbrella underfoot, but the walkway where it would go, isn’t wide enough. Max came up with the idea of a solar sail. I wasn’t sure, as it has to be stretched across the pool and anchored on a fence..

It came Saturday, and he put it up on Sunday! I am pleasantly surprised how much we love it. My only complaint is I would have preferred white, but he though neutral was a good color and ordered it without spousal approval.. Ahem.

We may order another in white. These sails are from Amazon and make the patio feel like an outdoor room, and gives us much more space, without the umbrellas underfoot.

We are enjoying it in the mornings more now out here as things don’t get so dewy. Max on his lunch hour…

outdoor Solar sail from Amazon on Patio

I’ll try to get a whole yard photo, but you can kind of see how it’s working…

Amazon solar sail on over patio in beige

Throws and folding table at TJMaxx’s /Homegoods

Each year I seem to want to change up the throws outside. They get pretty beat. That said I also don’t want them to be too pricey. I think I may have found the best compromise at Homegoods (aka TJ Max), with these 100% cotton throws from Portugal…

Serena & Lily Pacifica Sofa and outdoor pillow

I love the slightly nubby weave on them, and the variety of designs in soft grey and blues. I have a few on the backs of the couch and more in a basket. Everyone likes wrapping themselves up them in the morning sipping coffee or at night. I like that they are from Portugal, where they have a lot of high quality textiles.

Also I found this Panama Jack brand folding wicker/wood outdoor table and I love it. It’s not online, but I noticed there are still a lot of them left in stores and they are $49!

Serena & Lily Pacifica Sofa in Driftwood
Our sofa is the Pacifica Sofa in Driftwood from Serena & Lily. It’s actually $1100 off now.. It’s a good time to get any outdoor items!

In the throws, I have this denim blue one , below and this stripe and this chevron one. They have some great ones in store that are similar with a small stripe. It’s a great time to grab these cotton ones as I see they are beginning to make way for the heavier fall and winter throws already!

outdoor cotton throw
Cotton throw from Portugal
TJMaxx Throw from Portugal

Recovering Outdoor Furniture Pieces

I’ve had a furniture set for many years outside my office door that needs new cushions. I decided to recover them in new Sunbrella fabric and have the stuffing redone as well. It’s one of those things I’ve been meaning to do for two years. Isn’t that terrible?

Do you ever have a project like that and it just sits and for some reason you never do it? Well this week I did it! I’m so happy and I will have a nice little sitting area just for me, outside my office doors..

This is the sad state currently..

I found a local shop, Krupps Upholstery in Campbell, a family owned business with father and his son, a veteran that just did 8 years in Iraq, and is now studying business at San Francisco State. Super knowledgeable and kind people.

I loved their service and help with my set and I choose this Sunbrella Sailcloth Salt fabric, below left, for my three pieces- two chairs and an ottoman…

Sunbrella Fabric in Sailcloth Salt
Sunbrella Fabric in Fretwork Pewter.

I also have them making two, 24 x 24 pillows in this Sunbrella fabric, above right , called Fretwork in Pewter.

Stay tuned and I will share the results. I just wanted to mention them in case anyone is thinking of reupholstering, especially older outdoor cushions.

A Loving Table book for entertaining inspo..

A Loving Table book

I’ve been meaning to share A Loving Table: Creating Memorable Gatherings , a gorgeous book I bought myself a month for so ago. It’s all about entertaining and creating a beautiful table. There’s a a wide range of styles in here and all are a feast for the eyes..

Rust and white table setting.

The book includes fantastic looking recipes as well. This is a great gift for a friend or anyone who enjoys entertaining and living well.

I keep meaning to take a cup of tea and grab a corner to indulge in every story and plan a few special meals.

pink and blue table with fish plate
black marble table and black candles

My Mersea bag

I know summer is almost over, but I finally ordered one more woven bag for myself that was on my radar. I also spied a very chic blogger at our conference, carrying one, so I finally clicked and bought the medium Medina Market basket with the off white handles…

Mersea medina Market Basket Tote

I love it and of course put my tassel on it. I mentioned this on the linen post too, but someone just asked so I’m sharing it again.

Mersea medina Market Basket white
Mersea medina Market Basket

The small size is darling for a dinner date, the medium for an everyday tote, and the large for a travel bag or the beach or some people use it as a file holder on their desk. I love the saffron color and there is also a jade, indigo and black handle versions.

Mersea medina Market Basket

By the way, if you still want one of these cute tassels, they have them in fall colors as well. I am thinking of getting a new color for my fall bags..

Wool purse tassels on Etsy.

Instagram Makeup Pointers ..

My new obsession on Instagram is Kate Albert, who has the best makeup tutorials that are simple for a pretty, not heavy makeup look.

Did you know you are supposed to press your foundation into your skin, not rub it or sponge it? Already using her tips, my skin looks so much more natural..

Kate Albert Makeup tips Instagram

A Summer to Fall Piece to consider..

This hoodie/Chanel inspired sweater has made it’s way onto my radar and I’m thinking it could be my first purchase for my fall wardrobe edit. Could this be the sweater Coco would create had she lived in California today? I’m loving it. It would be pretty now over a black tank dress, and later on with white jeans, and come fall with black denim…

Anthropologie Maeve zip up Chanel inspired Cardigan

This week was also time for our monthly Signature Style -and if you missed it, it was all about linen clothes and chic pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

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Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I did a recap of my jaunt to Georgia, shared a great summer dress, my favorite new vase that looks like an art piece for $39, and my favorite kind of day out in Palo Alto for consignment shopping and lunch!

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meaderings- Summer Whites, Kitchen Pendants, a Sunscreen You’ll Love & More

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It’s time for our Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope your week has been good. Mine flew by, but there’s a few new things around here so let’s get to it..

My New Pendants!

I wrote the week before last about finally making a decision for new kitchen pendants and these Serena & Lily small Headlands Bell Pendants seemed like a fun choice and the price was great (still on sale for $278). They came quickly and Max was able to put them up for me one night this week! I wasn’t sure if they would be too beachy, but I actually LOVE them. I’m very happy with the look and they kind of soften up the kitchen which has a lot of sharp angles. At night they give off a pretty look to the ceiling too.

If you’re looking for pendants or a light for a room, they come in a few different sizes and shapes also in a black and the quality is very nice for the price!

Summer bath refresh..

I recently added a few new things to our main bath and one was this little ladder towel bar and a vase from Target.

Serena & Lily has one of these ladders, but they can also be found here at Anthro, here and here. Mine was a Homegoods find.

They no longer have this vase (or not online that I can find), but this is a similar one I also have from Target and I love the texture. Since this is under a skylight, and get a lot of sun, I added a dried faux eucalyptus branch in the little vase..

Easy summer white dresses

I am getting ready to go to a conference in Atlanta next week with blogging pals, Juliet, Annie and Mary Ann and was trying to find light dresses to take. I know it’s going to be very warm and humid..I was forced to do the mall thing and actually fell in love with two dresses, this unique shirt dress by Club Monaco with pretty stitching, a unique gather in the back and cool pockets.

I also found this Rail’s Jasmine dress. I am normally not a fan of these elasticized waists, but this dress has a relaxed fit and the prettiest details and a built in slip on the bottom.

Below, I’m in the Rails dress…and a bit sweaty and wrinkled..I had just gotten back from an outdoor lunch when Max snapped this, but you can see the length. It’s a nice run about dress and to take for travel. The skirt has a built in slip. I bought a small. but I’m usually a medium. I’m 5’3 and 135. I’m wearing my favorite Tory Burch espadrille slides I bought a year ago. They no longer have them, but I am considering these which are this year’s version of her espadrille slides..so cute!

White accent for the home

This shorter version of a garden stool popped up on Amazon and reminded me of my grandma’s 1960’s home. I like the shorter look and how nice to pop a plant on, or have two flanking an entry door, or to hold a pile of towels in a bathroom, or maybe two under a console table? Just a few ideas for this cutie.

A pretty San Francisco Townhouse in Frederic magazine

I love Frederic magazine by Schumacher and they always have inspiring homes. This 1920’s San Francisco townhouse in the Presidio Heights neighborhood by SF designer Allison Caccoma  and updated by architect Andrew Skurman is one of them!

The owner is a lifelong collector of unique pieces and had Pinterest boards of how she wanted every room. With the most gorgeous arched windows and pretty terraces, it’s a dream. I’m crazy for the terrace above, with its the brick laid on the side in a zig-zag pattern and the beautiful doors. The owner has a mix of things from all periods and styles, which is very modern and personal.

The cutest summer totes

If you aren’t familiar with Mersea and their Moroccan totes, they are worth checking out. They are beautifully made and come in three sizes and a few colors and designs.. I love the white versions of their Medina Market basket. The small is perfect for a little handbag, the medium for a tote to hold more for a day out or a trip and the large is great even for storage and many use it for files! Love the cute details on the leather tab too..

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation

In summer I really don’t want to much makeup on and I am also lazy. I found this light compact foundation that also has decent coverage and makes my skin look so nice. I just puff it on quickly with the sponge and use a fingertip for areas I want a bit more coverage. It’s a water-based foundation formula with smoothing and anti-pollution skincare ingredients that blur imperfections. It also comes with one refill for the compact. I have been using the Vanilla color. This is the perfect summer foundation! For each cushion compact or refill sold, a bottle of milk for a baby elephant is bought at the wildlife refuge Chantecaille supports -another lovely thing!

Supergoop family size pump

My friend Stacy who I play tennis with, always knows the latest and greatest and told me about this wonderful sunscreen by Goop Play Sunscreen SPF 50, which is so good and comes in a family size pump. It’s a fast-absorbing, non-greasy, water and sweat-resistant, and broad-spectrum SPF 50 lotion for the face and body.

I now have it in the pool bath/mudroom space where everyone uses it on the way out. I love how it feels on, not sticky or thick and is easy to rub in. It smells good, doesn’t leave a white residue, and everyone seems to like it. So important because I want us all to use more sunscreen here in California!

The Lady Di Look Book

This isn’t in the white theme, but I had to share this new release which looks very good..

This new release, The Lady Di Look Book: What Diana Was Trying To Tell Us Through Her Clothes, by Eloise Moran looks to be a really fun read.. and a must for any anglophile and Diana fan. It takes a deeper drive into Diana’s clothes and finds the meanings she was trying to convey, plus many interesting tidbits about her life we didn’t know before, added in with beautiful photos. There is a sample on the Amazon link and it looks great. I’ve already pre-ordered. It comes out next week!

Micro Weddings

Are you a fan of small weddings? The last pandemic years have encouraged so many to go small instead of the usual big overblown and pricey bashes. I personally love an intimate wedding and we had one too. This year especially a lot of people have chose to go small thanks to date and venue shortages, and they are just tired of waiting. I think you can have a stylish and smart wedding with all your dream details for a small group. Micro weddings are the latest things and Juliet is on it! Her niece just had a very chic and sweet ceremony and reception for twenty with so many good ideas that Juliet wrote about it this week. Cute Sophie and Chad, below..

Well that’s my meanderings. Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs and see what’s on their minds this week..

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Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed last week, I shared designer Ulla Johnson’s beautiful Montauk home and her fashions, Wimbledon spectator style, Tahoe hikes to try, and more!

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- a California Road Trip Cookbook, Dining Room Refresh & More

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Hi and welcome to my Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet. This month has been flying by. I have been loving our June weather and some of these cooler days. I can hardly believe it’s Father’s Day weekend already. Are you doing anything special? We are making Max a breakfast of French Toast per his request and then a BBQ with my dad and my boys.

On Sunday Max is meeting up with his guy friends to Circumnavigate Lake Tahoe for Science. This is a public kayak event and part of UCDavis TERC or Tahoe Environmental Research Center. The trip is a 7 day thing, but Max is just joining friends for one day of it. It’s meant to celebrate the beauty of the lake, raise awareness of threats to the lake, help do some research, and hear from scientists. Funds help raise money for Tahoe. You can read more about it here. Sounds really fun and if you can’t do this year, maybe next time? I love this organization dedicated to preserving Lake Tahoe. They also have an Instagram page to follow, so you can stay on top of events.

Nigella’s Madeira Cake

Both Max and my dad love this cake, so I will be making it for our barbecue. I am sure I shared it before, but it’s the easiest and one of the most delicious cakes. It is also spectacular served with fresh strawberries in summer.

This comes from one of my first and most favorite cookbooks, Nigella’s How To Be a Domestic Goddess. I don’t think it worked for me, but I did dutifully work through a lot of the recipes and the Madeira cake, which is basically a lemon pound cake, the first recipe in the book and a winner. The crust is amazing and this cake tastes even better the second day..if it lasts that long!

It’s an easy cake to lug to a gathering. It’s lovely for tea or a birthday and makes a sweet gift too. Go to Nigella’s site for her exact recipe that is printable, and make sure to toggle to US measurements if you need cups vs. grams. If that seems tricky, this is a screen shot of the recipe from my Cookery Bubble on my Instagram from the book.

I see on the comments someone has tried this cake with oranges as a stand in for lemons and I will try that next time! The Domestic Goddess Book is now 20 years old, but still ahead of others with its modern look and simple recipes accompanied by great stories. Still one of the best!

The Forest Feast Roadtrip Cookbook

Speaking of cookbooks, I also just bought the wonderful new Erin Gleeson Book, Forest Feast Roadtrip, chock full of recipes from all the best spots in our amazing state.

Erin lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but traveled the state during the pandemic with her young family and stayed in California’s most gorgeous places. Some of my favorite spots like Humboldt, Tahoe, Sea Ranch, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs and others are featured in her book. Yummy recipes reflecting the tastes of those areas and along with the stunning photos in cute Airbnbs make this a must have in your California cookbook collection!

This book has over 100 vegetarian (not vegan) recipes all I am excited to try! If you’re not familiar Erin has a whole collection of her Forest Feast cookbooks, which are a treat with her watercolors, photography and healthy recipes. You can follow Erin on Instagram too.

Erin’s Santa Cruz Mountain home and her fantastic cookbook library. #goals

We’ve been making the date shakes non-stop from this book this month and they are delicious!

Dining Room Refresh

I’m slowly working my way through the house things I’ve been putting off and I thought I’d share a small change I love in the dining space..

I had a light wool rug I moved to our living room and to replace it, I had bought a darker polypropylene rug, which was supposed to wear well, but hated it. The space just felt dark. I knew I wanted something lighter and prettier here with my iron and steel table.

I found the Alamere rug on Serena & Lily. I like this for three reasons, it is a jute/wool flat weaves, the price was not outrageous, and it is reversible. I’ve been stalking it for a while and I am really pleased with it. I think it improves the space and lends a luxe look the other just couldn’t thanks to the soft colors and a raised pattern.

I also was in need of window help here. We had light woven panels, but they gave little privacy and we needed more sun filtering on hot days. I just ordered custom linen Roman style shades for some other windows (more on that soon), but custom made drapes for this long expanse start above $2,500! As I just spent money on the shades, I had to save somewhere else. I was going to order some basic white panels from Pottery Barn, but then happened on these unique panels at the Cupertino Homegoods.

I’m not a huge Homegoods fan, because I am always looking for quality, but sometimes they have just the thing. Something about these just spoke to me, and they were nice. They have a raised ogee shape that is a bit fringy. They are a dark smoky blue and are even marked down. They are Rachel Ashwell brand. Up close, this photo is making them look grey, but they’re more smoky blue.

I brought them home and four panels worked with my space. I also kept two of the woven panels for sheers in the center when I want just a little light diffusion. The panels are 96 inches and puddle a bit, which gives it even a more romantic feel and look….

So for a total of $80 I now have new drapes too. I guess you’d say this room is a little high, little low, but that’s kind of my favorite way of decorating! You can find the panels here. You can find more pretty curtain styles by Rachel Ashwell here. Her things seem to be of a nicer design and quality.

Flutter Sleeve Tops

On the hotter days I have been wearing a few flutter sleeve tops that feel pretty and feminine. I have found some here and there, and though I don’t have the most toned arms, I hope the pretty shoulder details make up for that. I just spotted this Flutter Blouse from Cloth & Stone, one of my favorite brands and it checks all the boxes for me with soft material, looser fit and well stripes..I love the fabric.

Persuasion

I was very excited to see a new film of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is out this July in theaters starring Dakota Johnson. Persuasion was the first Austen book I ever read. I remember the exact summer I read it, lounging in my parent’s yard as a college student… and it’s a wonderful book. I don’t know if the film does it justice as I see they’ve added some modern language to it.

Either way, it looks like a fun film and if you’re looking for a different summer read, this is a great time to read or reread the novel, before the film comes out.

Black Outdoor Pillows

I’ve been wanting to refresh the outdoor pillows and though I shared this post with many outdoor pillow choices, I still needed something with black to go with my yard. Annie Selke had these cute modern ones which will give my patio a graphic pop.

There is also this fun pattern on One King’s Lane, and this dotted one at Annie Selke which reverse to the opposite pattern.

The post a few weeks ago with more outdoor pillows here!

Juneteenth

Did you know this Sunday the 19th is also Juneteenth? This year will only be the second time we as a country celebrate it as a national holiday. Biden signed it into law last year, but people have been celebrating this date, marking the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in Texas for a long time.

I just found this great list of films to stream that better show the reality of being black in this nation. I think it’s a great time to take a few nights this summer to watch some of these..and share one of those films with family as well when kids are home.

Also on Instagram I follow the most eloquent woman Lynae Vanee, who does a weekly rant in her parking lot. She is funny and straight up. She’s a scholar in African American studies and I love her take on the state of the world and history and she is one to follow if you want to understand better the black experience in America. Love her and you can follow her here.

Well that’s my meanderings for this week. Please stop by my lovely pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs and see what’s happening in their spaces!

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MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here. Have a lovely weekend,

Kim

Last week’s post had my summer go-to’s in sunscreen, shorts, body lotion, the best warm weather jacket, a beautiful pink kitchen, easy summer dress and more.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Five Ways to Bring a Summer Feel to Your Home

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Today I’m joining a fun group of bloggers for Project Design.. and today’s subject is Summer Decor Refresh. Having a deadline to share ideas here got me into gear getting the house freshened up. There have been a few things laying around, piles of winter blankets, wool pillow and a lot of clutter we just don’t need.

Summer has come upon us so fast. I noticed our local schools are out and everyone seems to be breathing a sort of collective sigh. Kids are playing in sprinklers, people are taking late evening strolls and lining up for ice cream in the evenings. This time of year goes fast, so why not make our homes have that happy vacation vibe too? Have some fun with this and think of it as ‘staging’ your home, but for your enjoyment… some ideas I’ll share.

Ways to bring a summer vibe to your home..

Bring the outside in. Get some pretty woven baskets ( I like these from Target) and drop in a snake plants or a monstera which are low care and look fantastic. I just added both of those plants. Think beach house. On my coffee table where plants tend to die, I added a faux green branch and a driftwood stick we treasure in a modern glass vase. The natural stick with the faux looks richer and gives a fresh pop to the table.

I also just got this Beaufort Tray I’ve been coveting from Serena & Lily and it was just what I needed here to lighten it and give it a California feel. I added a coral on top of these books and have some of my favorite shells scattered about. Pottery Barn also has these lovely real shells that you can add to vases or bowls.

Lighten up. Clear the floors and put away extra rugs. I love the feel of bare floor underfoot in the summer and rolled my extra throw rugs away until colder months. My faux fur throws and wool blankets got stored and we now have our linen and cotton throws by the sectional and in our basket. I love this PB throw which is perfect for a summer chair or sofa.. My wool and heavy pillows are replaced with some lighter block print and linen ones.

In my dining room I changes out a darker rug with a light colored cotton/wool Kilim style rug I’ve been saving for… which just arrived! I love as it lightens the whole house. Nice that this is a two-sided rug that I hope will last a long time!

Soften your bedding. This is a nice time to change out your duvet or heavy comforter with a cotton matelasse quilt and crisp white sheets. I’ve just taken all my older white sets out of storage and washed them with oxyclean to brighten them up. I tie them with a ribbon and place lavender sachets with them. I love white sheets in the summer. This Celeste Cotton quilt is my summer bed cover and in the winter I layer it with my duvet. Love this and it feels like a cloud.

Declutter. Go through the house and see what items can be put away for the season. Too often we live with ‘stuff’ because it’s just always there. If you walk through your home and try and put away one or two things on each surface. Summer is all about breathing room. If you must have stuff out, try basketizing things. A pretty basket can help corral mail, papers, keys and things and and looks calmer. I also switch up my books and put any summer themed books front and center.

Add in natural materials. Think island living type of materials, which give a vacation vibe. This is a good time to pull out baskets, rattan pieces, cane anything, and things with a woven feel or natural wood. I have my market baskets and hats by the door with my linen pillows I have collected over the years from Patine in Santa Cruz. I find the coolest baskets can be found at thrift and second hand stores, so keep your eyes open for those unique pieces.

I moved a floral print and a rope basket by the door. I have a faux air plant here and a chunk of coral on my books here. If you style your home as you would a vacation getaway, it will have that feel!

Don’t forget the kitchen. I love my black dishes and things, but for summer they go in the drawer and I pull out my Italian pottery bowls from Positano. Also helping with the holiday home feel are my travel souvenir tea towels, summer themed cookbooks, and a couple new plants with trailing vines. Don’t discount the produce section for decor. I love big bowls of summer peaches and apricots and baskets of tomatoes and pots of basil. They also make the kitchen smell amazing.

Give a summer welcome. Add fresh plants to your porch or entry to set the tone for your home. An easy care geranium or asparagus fern needs almost no effort and feels summertime pretty. I like extra baskets for your delivery packages or flip flops. If you need a mat, I love the look of a braided grass coir mat. You might consider adding a lantern or two with an automatic candle for that evening flicker.

I find if your treat you home like a holiday house, your summer days can feel like a vacation!

Summer home things I love…

Please go hop on over to these fab blogs and see what spring refresh ideas they have for your home. All of these women have such great ideas and style…


CARLA ASTON DESIGNED

CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME

MOST LOVELY THINGS

Kim

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Weekend Meanderings -Designer Melissa Penfold, Woven Baskets for Plants, a Lunch Spot & More.

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It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share things that grabbed our attention this week.. Let’s get started!

Village Bakery and Cafe

I had a lovely lunch outdoors at the Village Bakery and Cafe in Woodside last weekend as part of my Mother’s Day weekend with my family. I had been asking to come back here when the weather is nice, and we were fortunate to have a beautiful day. The cafe has the prettiest outdoor space patio and delicious food…

If it’s a cooler day you can opt to dine indoors which has a cozy clubby vibe with little lamps on the bar and tables. It feels like you are transported to a fancy English pub. They also have a wonderful bakery (the brownies!) to grab a treat to go after, or a more casual to-go lunch. This spot is a great day out and the center has a cute tennis store and home and garden shop.

Just some of the amazing selections at the bakery!

Boxwood and hydrangeas in baskets

One thing I love about the Village Bakery is it reminds me of Belgium and France with their boxwoods in woven baskets.

I want that look in my yard and have been stuffing hydrangeas into baskets all over. I have found the best baskets at Target. ( By the way my outdoor chairs and all of Serena & Lily is 20% off including sale stuff, use code GOFORIT.)

This seagrass basket is $26 and a good size for a boxwood or hydrangea. I line it with a plastic tray so the basket will not rot, and also take it out occasionally for heavy watering.

These by Kooboo are also perfect and more expensive, but a heavy rattan that may be very durable.

And there is this also at Target by Studio McGee in a lighter rattan that might be nice.

You can find liners to protect the baskets and let the plants drain here.

By the way, my lovely Weekend Meanderings pal, Juliet also has pretty baskets on her front porch too, which I must share. Do you follow her Instagram? She’s so fun.

Emily Joubert

photo emily joubert

If you go Woodside, and even better have lunch at The Village Bakery, you must stop at my most favorite shop ever, Emily Joubert, which is adjacent. This is probably the best home store in the Bay Area and they also have a new location in San Francisco.

Emily Joubert has a wonderful garden area with unique plants, outdoor furniture and pretty pots. Indoors holds a brilliantly curated selection of design and cooking books, pillows, dishes, fragrances, pajamas and baby gifts. Cards and jewelry as well. You can find their shop online and also follow the pretty Instagram. I love the story about her shop, named after her grandmother, who like mine, was a big inspiration.

I bought myself this lovely book..

Melissa Penfold

Melissa Penfold is a bit under the radar as she’s an Australian, but also was the longtime design columnist for the Sydney Herald. I found her book on one of the magical piles of decor books I haven’t heard or seen before at Emily Joubert.

Photos Melissa Penfold Living Well By Design

The wonderful thing about Melissa’s book is it’s not your usual design tome filled with one designer’s projects. She begins by sharing some of the best in home design from across the globe. She shows spare, traditional and classical beauties all reimagined with fresh touches and a modern sensibility. Then she tells the story of her own stunning country home in the highlands outside of Sydney.

Photos Living Well By Design

Her book is a treasure trove of decorating advice and no nonsense approach to a quality life using found treasures and well made basics. Interspersed in this book are great guidelines and ideas I want to underline or highlight and go back to and revisit. I’ve never felt this way about a design book, but it’s a decor bible of sorts for those who want to build a beautiful home to last a lifetime, not full of the latest trends.

I love these two of many great gems in this book:

“Get rid of everything in your life that doesn’t measure up, whether it’s chipped cups or stained linens. Avoid matching sets of furniture, bath fittings, or bedroom suites;
the most effective and affordable approach is to mix beautiful basics with one-offs.

A sumptuous cushion elevates a plain sofa into the style stratosphere, a basic round metal
table looks brilliant with an antique French chair. The most successful rooms defy categorization
because they reflect their owner’s individuality and life experiences.”

“Home is the ongoing story of a person and should be decorated with things that please the eye, soothe the senses, and move us in some way. It takes a lifetime of collecting to finish a room.”

Melissa Penfold

You can buy her beautiful book here and get more inspiration on her Instagram.

The perfect pants for spring/summer and travel

I recently got these new light cream pants from Anthro. They totally different than any other pants I own, but I liked the shape and light fabric. When I put these on they just felt great right away. I like that I can pair it with a blazer for a modern look or a tank or with this striped tunic top for a daytime casual look. They are a great addition to the spring/summer closet, and so lightweight they feel like nothing on which is nice for travel and hotter days. I like the two pockets on the front and they hit at ankle length.

The pants are here, up to plus and tall sizing, also in a black, which I am considering, and a khaki and 12 other colors! People love these pants and they are highly rated so check them out and also look at your local Anthro for these!

* UPDATE I just noticed they are sold out of many sizes of the white/cream. Will try to share here if they get more in. I believe this is a newer pant, so maybe they will restock. Many sizes in other colors though..So frustrating so check in stores too.

Other options are these Theory white cropped pants (similar material), and these by Nic+Zoe, this pair at Madewell, and these at J. Crew.

The striped tunic is from Madewell and my straw tote is from Mango and I added my wool tassel from Tancredi & Morgan, another similar tassel here on Etsy (both are made by women artisans in Guatemala.)

Loads more straw totes on this post if you missed it!

Well that’s my meanderings for this week now please go see what fun finds and ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed last week’s blog with outdoor pillows, lemon shortbread cookies, a fun idea with thrifted finds and more that post is here. I also shared a great Asian noodle salad this week.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Last Minute Books and Other Good Things

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I know I am still sending a few last minute things that fell off my radar … I was surprised how many books can still be delivered before December 25 if you order today. I thought I’d do a roundup of my faves and a few new good ones that I want too!

Also, if you’ve got your head down and missed it, today is the last day for the additional 15% off the Sale items at Serena & Lily and two things I love are on it, this Tivoli Pillow Cover, just $79 plus the additional, and the Norfolk Bath Towels, which are beautiful quality and now $14-$29 and additional discount..Other good things to grab are the Cobble Hill Pillow and my Blake Console is too. Use the code CELEBRATE If you order by today you can get this FEDEX’ by the 24th, but I suspect most people would be buying for themselves.

Now onto the books.. I’m trying this boutique widget to make it easier for you to just click on the item. Let me know how this goes. And please below add any good book recommendations you have loved this year. I’ve added a lot of cookbooks as they are my favorites..

I hope things are going well this week. I’m running out to grab a few last things before rain begins here for a while.

I’ll be back soon with a Christmas or New Year’s dinner post idea for you!

Have a great day,

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

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