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#quaratinecooking

Meanwhile Here at Home…

March 26, 2020 By kimwheeler 33 Comments

Well here we are on almost the third week of quarantine in California. How are you all faring?? We’ve settled into a routine pretty well and are not feeling angry about it, just a little uncertain. The future and what will happen is causing more anxieties than the actual being in with each other. We got away to a quiet beach not too far away on Sunday so the guys could get a hike in and we could all get some fresh air.

It was good for all of us. We had a car picnic after.

We drove past Santa Cruz and West Cliff Drive, a big promenade and people were NOT social distancing. It was worrying.

I’m a homebody at heart, so I can do this shelter thing no problem. I am always my happiest when everyone is in the nest. Knowing though that some of us should be out and about doing other things, life, school, etc makes me sad for them. I also miss seeing my dad in person. We talk twice a day, but it’s not the same. We exchanged Swiss Chard from his garden and some groceries this week- via the porch drop thanks to the youngest who needed to bust out for a bit, if even just for a drive.

I am enjoying the cooking with the fam. We were telling the boys at dinner that three meals a day at home is how we grew up. People weren’t running to Starbucks, or Taco Bell when they felt like it. We are eating all the leftovers and using up all we have now. So good for us and my kids to learn too. To be frank though, this kind of life is taking up a LOT of my day in the kitchen. My routine is cook, clean, rinse and repeat. Anyone else feeling the same?

French toast with seeded bread. It’s what we had on hand though everyone grumbled about the seeded bread at first, it was yummy especially with pears and walnuts.

I am pretty optimistic, but yesterday morning someone sent me this Pooh and Piglet thing and for some reason I just started crying.

Not sure why. It’s the uncertainty I guess and the night before I was feeling more despair after watching the White House news conference. I decided to stop watching the news at dinner time. Last night I started playing all my vinyl albums on the turntable while cooking instead. The mood was decidedly happier and upbeat at dinner and I think my kids appreciated it. I am relying on the local newspaper and PBS Newshour which I record and can watch later in the evening if I choose.

Making Marcella Hazan’s famous three ingredient sauce- one stick of butter, one can of stewed whole tomatoes ( DiNapoli is my new favorite) and one onion sliced in half. Cook for 30 minutes or so covered on low and use an immersion blender and you have the best sauce ever. No salt or other additions are needed. So good!

I said I’d share more of my favorite blogs with you and three of my dear friends, Mary Ann, Cindy and Annie did a wonderful roundups this week sharing cool Instagram accounts. This is the perfect time to visit their blogs which have links many cool accounts to follow…

Mary Ann, writes Classic Casual Home, from her hilltop apartment in San Francisco, but has lived all over the world. She always has the best tips for entertaining and is a very busy and in demand interior designer. I enjoy her recipes and great finds for the home she generously shares.

Cindy writes Rough Luxe Lifestyle, is also a designer who lives in the countryside near Carmel and shares her amazing eye for home styling, remodeling and beautiful tablescapes. She writes the best posts about travel packing, wardrobe shopping and I especially love her monthly posts with Elizabeth, the Antique Goddess featuring Q&A with people with personal style.

Annie writes Most Lovely Things, lives in a small New England town near the water and defines how one can live simply yet beautifully, creating many of the cool objects in her home. I have learned so much from Annie- great recipes, amazing gift ideas and styling tips. Annie created one of the most popular pins ever on Pinterest with her home made advent calendar with darling brown bags.

More fun blogs to dive into while you have time..

Design Indulgence Decorating, remodeling and chic design

The Gardener’s Cottage Living simply and beautifully with less and vegan cooking

Sincerely Loree Slow living on the island of Malta with great books, writing and lovely photography

Cote De Texas Deep dives into the history of cool homes, royalty and more

Le Catch Always fantastic fashion trends and finds

The Mom Mystique Living mom life with style and inspiration

Life Around My Table Cooking, life and beautiful photography

Are you getting out for walks like I am? I missed one as it was hailing and another day I spent doing some house cleaning, but I’m trying to at least do a 20 minute workout or so. Here’s another to try..

Tracy Anderson’s 15 minute Cardio Dance. This is who trains Gwenyth. Looks like fun which motivates me.

If you read my last post with the original Jane Fonda workout, the link had a few issues, but I think it’s fixed and the complete workout is now on there. If you need a good one- that’s amazing.

Another little distraction for you with cute Alexa Chung and French gal Caroline De Maigret, who chat about how French woman age and skincare tips..

On the French theme, I just found Dinner in French, and from what I can see on the Amazon preview, it hits all the notes with delicious classic recipes and gorgeous photographs of France sprinkled in as well.

Photo via Clarkson Potter.

I’m going to need more dinner ideas as I’m cooking everything I know with what I can find… and how many times can you make the same stuff?

A month or so ago, before this pandemic happened, I was invited to a girlfriend lunch at a friend’s home and was so excited to find this lovely blouse at Target of all places, to wear. It is from their Prologue line, which is kind of cool and modern shapes and the fabric feels like a raw silk . I love the puff sleeve and the slightly curved longer back which gathers. I paired it with my old Zara skirt, but it would be sweet with denim cropped flares in its pretty ice blue color. I never shared it and I thought I’d pop it in here. Not sure how many people are even thinking about spring clothes right now.

I’m hoping you are all taking care and being safe. Stay inside so we can beat this. It’s the best we can do now for all of us.

I’ll be back with a little more of my house updates- the bathrooms specifically, and also a spring dress post if you are in the mood… I hope that won’t be tone deaf, but a little distraction right now. Let me know what you think.

Hugs,

Kim

Links on this post may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #californiaquarantine, #lifeinthetimeofcovid19, #quarantined, #quaratinecooking, #shelteringin

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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
I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun sho I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun shopping event at the Stanford @rails store. I felt like the luckiest girl getting to try all these beautiful clothes on! 

Thank you to everyone who came.. A special thank you to my pal Jeanne who was a great sport and modeled for us.. The Rails team is so sweet too.

This fall collection is gorgeous and my style. My favorites were the jackets, knits and the new denim! Did you know Rails also has a great men’s line? I bought Max a shirt for our trip. 

I wanted one of everything! On the weekend post I’ll share what I picked to add to my fall capsule…One of them is a dress I’m taking with me on my UK trip. 

This California company makes standout pieces. If you get a chance visit the Stanford store or the Hayes Valley to see the whole collection up close and you’ll see why. 

#bayareashopping #rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #northerncaliforniastyle #californialook #falllooks
Join me for a special fall shopping event at the P Join me for a special fall shopping event at the Palo Alto @rails
store this Saturday! 
 
These are just a few of the gorgeous things they have in their fall collection. 

They also created a special pink Hunter shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will give $40 for every Hunter shirt sold. 🩷

The event will be 10-6 
Light bites & pink drinks too. 
 
I will be there 11-2 to help style looks and share the new collection! 

I really hope to meet some of you and also share more of what I love about this wonderful brand.

#rails #fallfashion #bayareashopping #paloalto #stanfordshoppingcenter

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