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#enjoyingtheholiday #itsthelittlethings

How to Be Present this Holiday Season

December 19, 2019 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

Today I went downtown to meet two friends for a quick Christmas coffee and bit of cheer. We met for 30 minutes and though I had a ton to do, it was worth every minute. Yesterday I drove all the way to Berkeley just to have a birthday lunch for a dear friend. It was so fun I am still thinking about it and wish it lasted longer.

Everyone has somewhere to be right now and a million things to do before the big man comes. I personally freak out about now. That is ensuing. My Christmas cards just came today -(I ordered late), and I realized I have yet to select/send the gifts for our relatives and friends that are far away. A holiday open house is coming on the weekend and tonight a bunco holiday party and an exchange with the nicest girls. Gifts and stockings for fam are not done. Baking should happen today as soon as I get up the motivation to brave the grocery store. I have piles of laundry stacked on the machine, dishes and other chores and yet I went today and yesterday.

Are you feeling the same? Breathe in now if you are in this same situation. Cue the holiday tunes. That makes me feel good. Fall back on the no gift just good tidings when you can. Nobody needs more things. Getting together can be enough. You don’t HAVE to bake for the neighbors. It’s okay NOT to write in the holiday cards. Maybe you’ll even skip the baking or the cards? Some gifts and cards will arrive late.. This is not the end of the world.

This week something tragic brought all this stuff to a halt in my mind. A man was struck and killed right around the corner from my home. He was going to his car and helping someone with their Christmas lights. It was a freak accident we still don’t know how happened, but it happened right at our elementary school and just when Kindergarten was getting out. A horrible tragedy and maybe or not caused by people rushing about during this time. We still do not know all the facts. What we do know is that we are all so lucky to be here and this man is not. I cannot stop thinking about him and his family this week. How very fortunate we are to be in the world right now.

Find the things that make the holiday time happy for you and make them a priority. Is it baking? Watching a holiday film? My kids have to have an Elf movie night and I have to see It’s a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Carol with George C. Scott. I have to crack open my dear mother’s Betty Crocker Christmas Cooky Book (Yes that is the spelling), and make Ethel’s Sugar Cookies. We will have a drive through Willow Glen and see all the homes dressed up with lights. That is Christmas to me. Those things make my heart happy.

Let things go. Take time to sit on the couch, put your feet up and have some tea. Meet friends for a cappuccino even if you have things to do. If you have to not cook dinner some nights them do it. Do what brings you joy and you’ll find the charm of this season. It’s okay to buy less and also not to make everyone dreams come true gift wise. I already told my boys they are getting clothes they need, gift cards and a little cash. Not anything else.

When I really think about it, I put the expectations on myself more than anyone else does. I want things to be just so. I want everything to be amazing for my family, but truthfully my family would enjoy me more if I was just present and happy. Maybe you are doing the same to yourself. Ask yourself this if you are getting that panicked feeling.

I feel like each year I get a little wiser. Time and being present seems more precious and valuable than anything else. Maybe you all have already figured this out.

Wishing you a little of that magic feeling in your heart right now.

Kim

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #beingpresent, #enjoyingtheholiday #itsthelittlethings, #holidaytraditions

Simplify This Season and Find More Joy

December 11, 2018 By kimwheeler 10 Comments

How did we get here already? December seems to have crept up so fast this year!

On the bright side we have an extra week this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of you are already celebrated Hanukkah and I hope you are enjoyed the festival of light with your families. Some of you are full speed ahead on all this holiday stuff and some of us are like, how and when am I going to do it all? Does this seem fitting?

Gah I can so relate!

I’m really trying to change and do less. Worry less too and honestly say screw a lot of stuff I used to kill myself doing each Christmas. I thought I’d touch on a few things here that we can do to make the holidays easier. Sometimes we just have to change things up and think out of the box to take the stress off. Change can be good and so can saying no. Maybe you’ve already thought about doing this. Good for you. Here’s a few things to think on and hopefully give you more time for what matters this season and less stress.

  1. Have a ‘house’ wrapping paper and ribbon. You’ve seen specialty stores do this, why not us? If you find a lovely paper you can use all year, and a ribbon or cord, make it your brand and use it and special enclosure card all year long. Takes the waste out of holiday wrap and everything has a pretty uniform look to it.  I personally have a Kate Spade green speckled wrap I love and also a faux bois wood print. I use these two with black string I bought on a big ball from Switzerland that has lasted 2 years now and cost 6 Euros! It makes everything look good and I don’t need drawers full of paper and ribbons.             When it comes to our own kids I try to use different kinds of wrap like the comics, newspaper and even maps, fabric and magazine pages. It’s fun to see what you can use and last year we decided to use Sharpies to creatively write “to and from” on the gift boxes when we ran out of tags and liked it better. Less waste too. Try it. I also used left over letter stickers and put their names initial on some boxes.
  2. Maybe forgo gifts for friends, family, and instead do something together. I love special holiday gatherings with friends and groups, but who really needs another candle, ornament, etc? We simply buy too much at the holiday season and a lot of it ends up in donation bags. This year, make a pact to not purchase anything with your group that gathers. Instead treat yourselves to a meal out, cocktails night or baking cookies or a spa together during this hectic season. How about a brunch or lunch where everyone brings something to share and also gives $20 or more to go to a charity that you pool together?  (One I really like and that can use so much help this year is NextDoor Solutions. Gift cards are hugely appreciated there.)
  3. If you have to shop, buy gifts in multiples. Find a great gift and buy it for all the women/men on your list. A few years back my friend Jen bought all her girlfriends the coolest book-Frederick Fekkai’s Year of Beauty. It was filled with recipes and beauty tips and seasonal ideas to use throughout the year. I loved it.  Last year I bought Ugg slippers for all the men- dad, sons and husband. It was super appreciated and easy. Make your life simpler.  For many years I got all the teenagers pjs and a gift card. That seemed to be a hit. Last year I did sweats and a gift card. Just as easy and I didn’t ask for lists. Seems like most teens appreciate spending money and sweats. Older folks always appreciate food and things that bring warmth. Blankets and See’s Candy were always a hit with my grandma.
  4.  I’m still enjoying sending cards. I feel like you either do or not. I love getting them too so I keep sending. However there are card options…Some people do online cards and that is easier and greener. Others send them in the New Year, Valentine’s Day and even at Easter. That can take the pressure off. Do your own thing I say. All is appreciated nowadays!  I have now used the same company- San Francisco’s Minted for 6 years and still happy. Nice part is they have my addresses on file, and do the addressing for free! That has saved me a LOT of time. I appreciate that each year they send me a generous discount for being a loyal customer. If you are tired of cards, don’t feel the obligation. It’s about what brings you joy this time of year.
  5. Instead of gifting someone who has everything another gift, or another gift for the kids, think of those who would appreciate a little love and attention at this time of year. Charities are great but also, think closer to home. Who lives in your neighborhood? Are there elderly folks or a single mom or dad, or someone who is ill? I am always super aware of those living alone in my neighborhood.   How about your loyal mail person or UPS guy, your kid’s tutor, your cleaning people? It is nice to brighten someone’s holiday who doesn’t expect it. Bake multiples of  holiday bread (or buy it), grab a bunch of Starbuck’s cards, bottles of local wine, cookies, a warm throws, etc. Have these on hand and make little bundles for those who might need a little holiday cheer, or who you appreciate.  If it’s a neighbor, stop by and say hi, or leave it on the door. The best part of this season is bringing unexpected joy.
  6. Simplify your decor. Just because you have 16 boxes of holiday decor doesn’t mean you need to use them all. In the last few years, we have slowly used less and less each year and I like it better. Right now we are in a temporary rental and I am using even less. A nice wreath on the door, my favorite ornaments, a few sprigs of green plus our stockings seems simple and lovely. Going with a few branches clipped from your juniper bushes or from the bottom of your tree feels very Californian and fresh.  I have to say I like fresh better than glitzy. I also like pomegranates, and anything collected outdoors like pinecones.
  7. Forgo the whole thing and go on vacation or a special trip. I know a family that goes to Hawaii and doesn’t put up a tree and just does one present for each.
  8. Give up a day of shopping and volunteer to work or help instead at a nearby shelter or food pantry and you’ll find a lot more meaning in the holiday. If you cannot find a place to volunteer, take your family or go yourself and shop for others and then deliver it. Sacred Heart Charities is one of the very best locally and it’s easy to drop off things in their drive through drop-off. Check their website to see what they are needing for the holidays.
  9. Don’t let big holiday meals stress you out. It doesn’t have to alwasy be the same. Order out for everyone or meet up in a local restaurant that has a special holiday menu. Some families have the tradition to go to a particular place, like Chinese food. One family I know brings a picnic to the beach with sandwiches. There are also so many places to order your Christmas dinner now like Whole Foods and most groceries as well as restaurants, if you prefer to be at home.
  10. Invite friends over, but reduce expectations. Instead of a holiday dinner have an ‘Open House’ with heavy appetizers and  wine only. Another cute invite is to come for ‘Cookies and Cocktails.’ The idea is to have a spot to gather and connect, with friends, neighbors or family. The greatest gift you can give is opening your home to others for a festive gathering. Who doesn’t love a night out?
  11. Find time each day during this season to just enjoy and be in the moment. Whether it is just putting your feet up with a cup of tea by the tree, watching a holiday classic by the fire, listening to holiday tunes while you wrap, meeting a friend for a little cappuccino and a winter walk, or taking a drive to see the holiday lights, make it happen. It’s the little things that make the holiday time special.

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Filed Under: holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: #enjoyingtheholiday #itsthelittlethings, #stresslessholidays

Savoring the Little Joys of Christmas

December 19, 2017 By kimwheeler 5 Comments


How are you all coping with this season and all the shopping, gatherings and to-dos? I love Christmas, but to be honest each day feels like I’m running a mad race to get everything checked off my list so I can finally enjoy. I do this every year and I realize I often don’t savor the little things of the season rushing about like that.

The other night I had a few hours with the men gone at the Star Wars movie. My mind was telling me all the things I should use the evening  to catch up on -wrapping or writing Christmas Cards. That is my usual mode, trying to hack away at things here and there, not so successfully. Then I thought no way, I’m going to put on my pjs and watch a Christmas movie. Somehow I ended up watching Valley Girl, which I caught on some odd channel and is not a holiday film at all.  That film held up!  It was pretty enjoyable, especially with the young Nicholas Cage and the great music from 1983.  I digress, but it was one of those moments this season I have really appreciated by the fire, a great old movie that had me reminiscing. It was pure enjoyment even though I ‘should’ have been doing otherwise. In a season of so many shoulds what we really should do is take more time such little joys.

Other things that I have been meaningful-

  • Playing all our old holiday CDs from Frank Sinatra to Peanuts and The Carpenters, while writing out cards with a cup of Christmas tea.
  • Making little bags of cookies with homemade tags for the neighbors.
  • Creating a tree on the wall with all the Christmas cards we are getting and washi tape.
  • Driving with my kids to look at the holiday lights in town.
  • Coffee with friends.
  • Looking through my mom’s Betty Crocker Cooky Book from 1963 with all her precious handwritten notes.
  • Chatting with my grandma about Christmas’s past and all her tree ornaments I still remember from childhood!
  • Reading a very long handwritten Christmas letter from my 93 year old great Aunt Pat from Iowa and sending a reply.
  • Festooning a $6 Noble Fir wreath from Trader Joes with succulents and found yard bits to make it a little different and funky.

I know I’m still behind on cards, shopping and wrapping, but as my mom used to tell me -it will all get done. Anyhow, this mad rush to get things done earlier and earlier is crazy. People used to decorate their trees and shop on Christmas Eve, not so long ago! Now it’s become an all-encompassing months long lead-up.

I hope you are finding a few moments of joy and peace too. I’d love to hear what small things have made this season special for you too.

Next up I’m going to share some California Christmas ideas and a new cookie recipe I tweaked that I am loving this season.

Enjoy all the little bits of the season.

Kim

Filed Under: Christmas Traditions Tagged With: #christmasmoments, #christmastraditions, #enjoyingtheholiday #itsthelittlethings

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The weekend post is up with chat about the trendin The weekend post is up with chat about the trending colors for 2023 in home decor and fashion.. Did you love the 80’s? If so this is perhaps a more sophisticated version with sherbet tones and bits of magenta, greens and navy.  Here I added a bit of these Easter tones to the coffee table with a grass cloth box, one of my books and a candle. I think the best way to update things is to add touches to the home and closet that appeal to you and mix them in with neutrals.. 
What do you think of these colors? I think they’re fun. Some clothing pieces bring me back to my Esprit loving days. It could be fun to add a shirt, shoe or bag in these tones and I selected a handful to consider..

Also on the blog, a few good white jeans, skin cleansers you may need and more! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns
 Happy Sunday!

#color2023 #springcolors #trending #serenaandlily #coffeetablestyling
A January PSA- get in your closet and get those wh A January PSA- get in your closet and get those white jeans out! I found mine at the bottom of my closet today in a basket and thought -yes! I love the look of a classic white jean, paired with a chunky sweater or turtleneck in black, beige, tan, creams-  neutral colors always look fantastic. Today it was warm enough that I could go sockless and wear my Madewell loafers with them and a little jacket I have from Anthro. Get your white jeans out. it will give your winter wardrobe have a little kick. White jeans can be worn all year and they even look great with winter boots and coats. 

This is also a great time to look at your white Jean inventory. 🤍If you don’t have a pair that’s comfortable and straight leg, in a thicker material…this might be a good time to look. I’ll share some on the weekend blog as well.

if you missed our LIVE this morning, you can watch it on Juliet’s @makemineaspritzer Instagram and I’ll link to it on my stories ! Thank you everyone for tuning in in for the fun questions and comments. We love doing this with you all weekly! Let us know in comments if there are any other topics you want to hear about. Today we talked trending colors, exercise classes .. finding art and pillows and more..

#whitejeanseason #januaryclosetremix #winterwardrobehacks
I love the sunshine in the morning streaming throu I love the sunshine in the morning streaming through the kitchen.. My baby daffodils are blooming to make it even happier. This is one of my favorite things about the new year, the bulbs and daffodils and California poppies that hint spring it on the way.💛 If you don’t have a few blooms in the kitchen, maybe you can add a few?

Hope your having a beautiful week!

#kitchensun #californialife #januaryincalifornia
I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to I love this of Liz Taylor at her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1965. She’s wearing a empire, knee length dress and orange blossoms in her hair, which must have smelled heavenly. I want yellow in my closet this spring!

This is the center of my spring vision board! 💛 Link to all Elizabeth’s wedding dresses on the weekend post -and a few yellow things I added to the house if you missed it! 

#yellow #yellowaesthetic #liztaylor #thebrideworeyellow #springfashion #spring2023 #vogue
Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to c Sunday beach trip… We made it to Santa Cruz to check out the coast after these rough last weeks. Aptos looks pretty good and poor Seacliff is terribly battered. So sad to see what people have lost. My heart goes out to them.

We had the beach to ourselves and the weather was winter perfect. ☀️Cold and sunny. We had a picnic of sandwiches from Zoccolis deli and took in the sun and sea air while watching surfers and birds.

This song just seemed to fit -and relatable as I could not sleep last night! No idea why. Isn’t it maddening? 

Hope you get a chance to take a winter beach walk.. They are the best. 

#santacruz #aptos #california #northerncalifornia #winterbeachwalks #seacliff #norcal #seascapebeach
Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sha Happy Sunday! The weekend post is up and I’m sharing a few good ideas for a dining room refresh, pops of yellow, my favorite winter skin care essentials right now, a beautiful and unique San Francisco house in @archdigest, online yoga, and the story behind a historic San Francisco home I came upon last week.. Head to the blog for all the deets! 

I hope its a wonderful weekend.☀️

Don’t forget to visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs ..links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#northerncalifornia #weekendpost #yellow #diningroomdecor #bernardmaybeck #sanfranciscohomes #architecturaldigest #potterybarn #serenaandlily #californiastyle
Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has Our dear friend Contessa @contessa_and_her_pig has been seriously sick and fortunately is back home now, but still struggling with pneumonia. If anyone wants to send her a snail mail note please dm me and I will share her address. She loves unique cards and pretty postcards you’ve saved from travel, so she would be thrilled to get a little note!

It seems like just yesterday we were in her gorgeous yard taking photos for my Californians at Home series. It’s still one of my favorite photo shoots and if you want to read it again -or missed it I will link to it in my bio today. She’s one of a kind, so let’s get her well soon and bolster her spirits!!💛💛

#californiacontessa #californiansathome
I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisd I have to share a snippet of just some of the wisdom that was Martin Luther King. He will always be one of my biggest heroes and ten years ago I wrote a small post highlighting some of his very meaningful words and quotes that we could all use as a life guide. Link to the post in my bio and more on my stories. 

Do you know he is the only American to have a holiday for him that hasn’t been a president? He also had a low approval rating when he died. That has changed. Now people around the world use his teachings of living in peace and the fight for justice as a model we can strive for. I find his words so very needed in a world that is polarized more than ever. ❤️

#mlkday #mlkquotes #whatareyoudoingforothers
It’s still raining here! In an effort to use som It’s still raining here! In an effort to use some beautiful citrus and boost morale, I made these chocolate chips with a California twist. They have orange and walnuts -and for fun I added macadamias from my Hawaii trip and coconut flakes. I also switched out brown sugar for moscavado which is less refined and had more depth and flavor. So far response has been thumbs up from the home crew! 
The recipe and all the weekend fun- along with some cozy coats for this weather, and a recap of our SF meander are on the weekend blog. Juliet and Elizabeth also have great ideas this weekend.. links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 
Have a great weekend !

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Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Fra Just a little peek at some of the homes in San Francisco’s Laurel Heights and a little walk through the Presidio to the Lyon Street Steps. We had an unbelievably beautiful day after so much rain and darkness. I highly recommend walking through this neighborhood, through The Presidio and grabbing lunch and checking out the lovely shops like the new Emily Joubert! The views are amazing all the way to the Golden Gate, and I am in love with all the beautiful homes of San Francisco. ❤️

#sanfranciscolove #presidioheights #lyonstreetsteps #sanfranciscowalks #housesofsf #visitcalifornia #ourgoldenstate #sanfranciscomansions #citybythebay #prettycity
Unearthed my Hunter’s and dusted them up! Bring Unearthed my Hunter’s and dusted them up! Bring it on, I am ready. I’m getting used to the rain, but this California girl is struggling with the gloom. How do people do it in the Pacific Northwest? Getting out for rainy day walks seems to help. Anyone else feel the same? I feel guilty for even mentioning it, with all the flooding and struggles so many are dealing with. 
Today is good -as we have power, internet and for now, just drizzles. 

#northerncalgal #californiastorm #hunterbootslove
It’s time for our first Signature Style of 2023 It’s time for our first Signature Style of 2023 and Cindy and I are talking cozy clothes, workout outfits and athleisure! And actually what else are we wearing right now?  If you’re not trying to workout, you’re likely staying cozy so we have all kinds of good things for you. 
Hope you’re staying dry and safe if you’re in California. 💛We had the craziest night yet with wind and rain last evening. We began with no power and internet so I was a bit slow getting this out..Sending good thoughts to everyone.

Stop on by our blogs..
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#athleisurestyle #workoutstyle #cozycore #pajamastyle #signaturestyle

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