• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

#mothers

Ode to My Mother

May 8, 2020 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

This Mother’s Day will be unlike any we’ve had before. Moms will be either spending a LOT of quality time with the fam or sadly their loved ones are far or unable to be near them now. The 2020 Mother’s Day may be the least commercial with limited shopping and that’s maybe good. Old school coupon books and breakfasts in bed will be enough for many and a treat. My own wish for is for time to chill, maybe a glass of wine in the yard or with a favorite show, and a break from the everyday grind of cooking, cleaning, food and toilet paper procurement, etc. Many of us are very familiar with the grind right now, thanks to family togetherness in the era of Covid 19!

It’s been five years since my own lovely mom has been gone, and each year I miss her more. There are so many milestones I wish I could talk over with mom. In the past year I could have asked her opinion about the house remodel, raising sons and college choices. We could have talked over shows and ice skating on television. Mom would have loved The Crown and so many good books I have discovered. I know she would be so proud to see my boy’s graduate and what all the grandkids have become. I would like to ask of her own experience with menopause and when hers started and when did she stop having extreme hot-flashes. I would tell her now I totally get how she got burnt out on cooking at age 65 and left it to my dad. I also now sympathize with her increasing anxiety about driving and many other things previously second nature. In some ways it’s better she’s not here to see that Hilary lost and what has become of our nation. She cared so much about women’s rights, animals and those who have the least among us. She also was a self-professed germaphobe and this virus would have put her over the edge.

My mom avoided taking photos so I have very few of her. My favorite is this 1967 photo dad snapped of her ready to board a train to her hometown of Milwaukee, leaving me with grandma, which I look none too happy about. I love her chic suit and Sassoon kind of haircut. In the back was her sharp black and white 65 Buick Skylark, which she drove for all our childhood.

This weekend I’ll think of the cool things about Suzanne Marek Fleming, that continue to bubble to the surface of my own conscience and become part of me. I can attribute so much to mom like my visceral love of yellow, anything by Carly Simon, Gladys Knight and Helen Reddy, Audrey Hepburn, all things tennis, cats, biographies, white t-shirts and neat blue jeans, enjoying the yard, puttering about the home, and a perfect cocktail on Friday night, mom’s being a Manhattan. Those are the little things that bring happiness. That is probably the best gift I have received from my mom- find joy in the everyday, make your home your nest and have a happy routine. It’s simple, slow living and it is a good way to live life. My dad is very much the same. I hope my boys will find small things that bring them joy in the everyday too.

Do many of you feel the same? Do you now live like your mother, even inadvertently? Maybe it’s partly in our DNA what we like and what we do. I believe that may have more to do with it than we know.

I am excited to share will be back Monday with my new series, Californians at Home, where I interview stylish Californians about how they live, entertain and decorate. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog- here or on the right sidebar to get emails when I publish a post. You can also follow on Instagram, where I post more regularly, and Pinterest.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend and find a little bit of what fills your basket and brings joy. Take time out for you, even if it’s sitting alone for a bit with your feet up and listening to some great music or watching the clouds. For the moms -chores don’t exist this weekend so don’t touch anything until Monday. I’m giving you permission starting now!

Hugs,

Kim

Mom’s original Breakfast at Tiffany’s album we still play.

Photos property of Northern California Style and may not be used without permission.

Filed Under: My mom, Uncategorized Tagged With: #californiakid, #mothers, #mothersday, #odetomothers, #rememberingmom, #vintagecalifornia

Mom’s Gifts

February 28, 2018 By kimwheeler 18 Comments

Today is my mom Suzanne’s birthday, well actually it is the 29th, Leap Year. She always insisted it was the last day of February, not the first of March if we didn’t have a Leap Year, so I will celebrate her today with a Manhattan, her favorite cocktail.

It has been three years since we lost my sweet mom and though the pain is a little less, I seem to miss her more each passing year. There are so many things I wish we could chat about…so many things she is missing, especially with my boys she loved so much and her other grandkids. On this day and many others I can only cope by being grateful for all she has given me and passed on to me. Some I didn’t even realize were her doing until lately.

So many things my mom instilled in us and also made us passionate for.  She was lovely, kind to everyone and yet sadly a terrible worrier. I got that too. She was always taking the side of the underdog and injustice- whether it was a kid at school or prejudice at the supermarket, my mom called it out, sometimes embarrassingly so for us at the time. Now I think back with pride at my mom’s bravery.

My mom laughing with my kids as she always was.

My mom was a mini philanthropist in her own way. She gave to little charities, especially animal ones regularly. Later when she had more money, always had a little wad of bills in her hand for the busboy, the waiters and waitresses, the man on the street and so many others. My mom would go out of her way to find the girl with the kind smile and make sure she got the money, sometimes to our exasperation. Now I see it was her way of spreading love and being grateful for what she had.

My mom was the first person to speak out about women’s rights that I knew of. I remember her passion during the Billie Jean King- Bobbie Riggs tennis match which we watched in earnest and cheered when a WOMAN beat a man! My mom said we were Woman Libbers and woman deserved equality and the same rights was any man, and I believed it. I was eight at the time. My mom would have loved that Battle of the Sexes film and would be thrilled about the Women’s Marches that have taken place in the past two years.

Last week watching the Olympics, I missed her more than ever. My mom was a huge Olympic fan and thanks to her, I have watched every one since 1972 when Olga Korbet of the U.S.S.R. was a little gymnastic darling and wowed us. My mom’s biggest sport love was ice skating, much to my dad’s dismay as she watched every ice competition ever.  Mom grew up in Wisconsin and loved ice skating on ponds and would bike long ways just to skate with her friends. We scrutinized many a ice performance together and she loved the really artistic skaters, as do I now too. She would have loved Adam Rippon and the commentary by Johnny and Tara of this Olympics. After I saw the film I Tonya, all I could think of was what my mom would have thought and how fun it would have been to dish about that whole Tonya Harding thing again…

Thanks to my mom I love Wimbledon and playing tennis. She got me started at an early age as she loved it herself and we had a tiny club, Dunnets around the corner from our house. Mom liked that I could ride my bike there and she bought me one of the first Prince aluminum racquets in high school when everyone else still had wooden ones. We watched many a Wimbledon together and always loved Chris Evert’s feminine style best of all the players. She has missed many a good match and would be thrilled Serena just had her first baby.

Thanks to my mom I love cats, buttered noodles, Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffanys, little children, old folks, Hollywood gossip, Doris Day, Carly Simon, beautiful clothes, people dressed neat as a pin ( her words), being at home, sitting in the sun, and yellow roses and flowers.

I plan to bring my mom some today.

Kim

With my parents in 2014. One of the last and best photo we have of us.

My mom’s original Breakfast at Tiffany’s album which I still play and love.

 

 

SaveSave

Filed Under: My mom Tagged With: #leapyearbabies, #mothers, #rememberingmom

Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Signature Style- Summer Wish List

The Beautiful Mauna Kea Hotel, My New Bed and Nightstand Options

Tips to Give Your Home a Summer Vibe

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Signature Style- Summer Sandal Edit

Weekend- The Cutest Beach Bags

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • What I packed for the UK, Edinburgh Part 2, and a Pretty Tahoe Remodel
  • Planning My Holiday Home Part 2 | Pillows, Throws, and Table Setting
  • Planning My Holiday Home Part 1 | Greenery and Decor
  • Signature Style – The Coolest Coats
  • At home and work with the interior designer behind one of London's best-loved pubs | House & Garden
  • At home and work with the interior designer behind one of London's best-loved pubs | House & Garden
  • At home and work with the interior designer behind one of London's best-loved pubs | House & Garden
  • At home and work with the interior designer behind one of London's best-loved pubs | House & Garden
It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth..

I am finally sharing my packing list from the UK trip. The last part of our Edinburgh stop is also on the post along with a lovely Tahoe remodel.

If you need the post messaged to you comment links!

Pop in by our blogs for more good things..links in bios:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattopackuk #whattopackscotland #uktravel #edinburghpacking
If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doin If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doing a virtual holiday sparkle party !✨ 

Tomorrow is December and we would love to see your beautiful holiday pins and brooches. If you have some lovelies that you’d like to wear, we’d love if you’d tag us and also use the tag with #ShowUsYourBling or #christmaspin and  we will share your pretties on our stories.

December gives us a chance to fly our sparkle flags and get those special pieces you may have inherited out and wear them. 

I have more ideas on my blog on how to style them and also some pretty vintage pieces  and others if you need to start your own little collection!! They are little pieces of art. 

Tag us and #showusyourbling  #christmaspin 

More on our blogs .. Links in bio
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#broochthesubject #holidaysparkle #vintagebling #vintagechristmas #weissbrooch
I’m super excited because today Juliet and Eliza I’m super excited because today Juliet and Elizabeth and I are starting a virtual brooch/holiday pin party for December and we want you to join us! ✨

I know many of you probably have some lovely little sparkles that are sitting in a drawer or box from your mom or grandma, or perhaps just ones that you haven’t worn for a long time.  Get those lovelies out and let’s see them. 

During the month of December, tag us with #showusyourbling or #christmaspin  and we will share your pretty pins on our stories.

This is another way to get creative with your outfits during this festive month ! It also sparks so many nice comments and conversations. I’ve been chatted up by so many people wearing my mom or grandma’s brooches and I  enjoyed hearing about theirs as well. 

It’s a way to keep those who we inherited them from, close to our hearts at this time of the year . 🥰 I always think my mom or grandma would be so thrilled to know I’m wearing their special brooches. 

Men are wearing brooches now too! So we’d love for the guys to join in as well.

Stop by our blogs today for more ways to wear your pins and links to some good ones if you’re wanting to start your own little collection like I have!

Use the hashtags #showusyourbling #christmaspin 

Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@pineconesandacorns 
@makemineaspritzer 

#broochthesubject #christmaspin #vintagechristmaspin #vintagechristmas #holidaydressing #holidaysparkle
I just had to put this out as I’ve already had s I just had to put this out as I’ve already had several friends saying they are stressed about not doing anything for the holidays yet -and  it’s not even December!!

Then yesterday my dad said he felt some anxiety because all his neighbors had their Christmas lights up and he hasn’t done his. 
That really made me upset. My 84 year old dad! 

This is not a race. 

The person with the most things done is not the winner in fact, that person may not be enjoying the season as much as somebody else who’s taking it slowly and going at their own pace, and doing less.

Remind yourself to enjoy the little things this season that matter to you. Also say no to things . You don’t need to do all you think you do. Let things go that aren’t bringing you joy. 

This holiday season shouldn’t be about stress! 

That’s the end of this PSA from a person who has bought two gifts and still has Thanksgiving decor up! 

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

Tell me below, have you made the season better by doing less?  Are you a late shopper or card writer? That is okay. 

Do you know people used to shop and decorate the tree in the days before Christmas just a few decades ago?? 

#holidaymadness #simplechristmas #holidayzen
Hope you’ve had a great long weekend! If you mi Hope you’ve had a great long weekend!  If you missed the Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Elizabeth pop on by for some good holiday ideas!
On my weekend post…
-A Thanksgiving table hack
-Pretty wrap from California
-Beauty gift ideas on sale
- J. Crew silver holiday looks
-Part I of my Edinburgh trip 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Including Holyrood Palace and @thebalmoral hotel, in Edinburgh.

It’s all on the our blogs -links in bio:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#weekend #edinburgh #edinburghtravel #holyroodpalace #balmoralhotel #roccofortehotels #scotland_insta #scotland
Finally got my table together ! I added some flowe Finally got my table together ! I added some flowers from Trader Joe’s after picking up Griffin from SFO this afternoon. I found these green napkins at @worldmarket and added some velvet ribbon I had with our @anthropologie dishes… and my favorite candlesticks from my pal Juliet! 

I have my mom’s tureen and my grandma’s platter out and the recipe binder is open to my mom’s beautifully written instructions on how to cook a turkey made for me and other tips. 💛

It will be me and all my guys including dad, but I’ll be thinking of mom and grandma and all the Thanksgivings they did. I am missing them especially at this time of year. I know a lot of you feel the same. 

I’m thankful to all of you sweet friends here on Instagram too.  It’s been a joy to connect with so many kind people. 

Now I am off to trim Brussels sprouts!😅

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingtablescape #thanksgivingtableideas  #californiathanksgiving
It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the fourth part of our travel to the UK with our visits to Chatsworth House, Bakewell and the medieval walled city of York! I loved this area and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you know 500 year old Chatsworth was her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley and in many of the films. It’s amazing it’s been in the same family for 16 generations and you can have the best day there walking the house and grounds and lunch..

October was a magical time to visit these places with foggy days and fall weather! We absolutely loved it and York has to be one of my favorite cities now. The walls were so fun to walk and we stayed at the most charming hotel..@grayscourtyork 

More on the blog ! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs too! 
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#uktravel #visitbritain #york #chatsworthhouse #bakewell #falltravel #prideandprejudice #pemberley #grayscourtyork
It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I are sharing great coats and outerwear!  We’ve got fun ideas on how to wear your coats and jackets and the coolest options out there!

I snapped a few pictures of people in the UK in their coats, and I’m sharing a little inspiration from the trip..

Stop on by our blogs if you need a fresh look or maybe a new coat for this year! We are finally getting some real weather, and I love it! 

You can comment LINKS to be sent the post by DM or find the posts in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#winterstyle #coatinspo #coatseason
Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’ Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’m absolutely in love with this part of England that includes Oxford University where we began, Stow on the Wold, and Stratford-Upon-Avon! 

All three are places of incredible history and charm! We even did a little side trip to the teeny village of Lower Slaughter.. More about all of it, and the sweet shops and restaurants and our cute hotel on the weekend post..

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds save this reel..
On this clip-
@oxford_uni 
@thesheepstow 
@cutterbrooksshop 
@lucystearoomstow 

Link to my full blog on this in bio
@northerncalstyle 

#stowonthewold #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #oxforduniversity #stratforduponavon #uktravel 

@lambsrestaurant
Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy b Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy bedroom ideas and inspiration for the season. 

Do you have a  bedroom that could use some cozy?  Mine needed help.. I used fuzzy rugs, plaid throws, velvet pillows, plus a touch of black to give my own room some depth and warmth during these darker months!  I added a faux wreath above the bed for a festive feel. ✨It feels like a little retreat now and I’ve been reading and having my tea here.

All of us have unique bedroom ideas for this collaboration, so stop on by our blogs!

@northerncalstyle 
@classiccasualhome 
@cindyhattersley 
@most_lovely_things 
@mysweetsavannah 

#cozybedroom #cozyroom #wintervibes #holidayhouse
If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet a If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared my favorite things to do in London in fall and winter! 

I’m breaking my UK/Scotland trip into regions, and this week is all about London, where we stayed, some good spots to eat, my favorite museums, and shops. I also shared a few good things I bought, and the boots I wore everywhere that were fairly inexpensive and very comfortable .

The link to this post is in my bio or you can comment below for it and I’ll DM you. 

On this Reel:
-Our beautiful hotel @hamyard_hotel in Soho
- My favorite museum the @vamuseum which is having the Chanel exhibit until Feb. and don’t miss the gift shop totes! 
- The best place for tea and beautiful tins of it to take home @fortnums 
- The historic and coolest department store in the world, @libertylondon. Must do!
- Max’s favorite museum @thebritishmuseum 
- I always find something at @hmhome 
- Two Italian spots we love @circolopopolare and @_boccadilupo &gelato @gelupogelato 
MORE on the blog!

Save this post if you’re planning a trip.

More on the blog! 
@northerncalstyle 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun too:
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#london #londontips #londontravel #londoninthefall #prettycitylondon
I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in th I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in the UK! 🇬🇧❤️ 

I’ve been trying to share everything on my stories, and saving some of them in my highlights in case any of you are planning a trip! 

I’ve been so overwhelmed with the pictures,  I actually let Instagram make this Reel from the highlights of London and Oxford.. 

I just did a little postcard post on the weekend blog with a few fun pics and details, especially about our stop to visit my friend Rosie who lives in Stratford Upon Avon,  which was so lovely.

You can follow along on my stories, or if you’ve missed any, look at the highlights ! I’m trying to categorize by area.

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs too. I know they had a great weekend posts!!

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#uktravel #uktraveltips #londontravel #oxfordtravel #visitbritain

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer