Hello everyone, how are you all doing? It’s been a crazy last few days and I think we as a nation are realizing how the serious the threat of this corona virus is. Yesterday we heard my high school senior will be home now for at least three weeks and the college kid is coming home too- for how long, we are not sure.
Today Max and I went to the store and bought a few weeks worth of food for the freezer and the pantry. We delivered some things to my 80 year old dad also- left on his door. We don’t want him exposed to us or going out now.
All we truly know right now is that we have one sure defense and that is to keep isolated with our families to prevent this thing from growing. That can only really be done by staying in. If we can all just do this for a few weeks we can change the outcome. Even if you aren’t afraid of catching this thing, you need to do this for others. Like vaccines, this only works if we all do it. When we all do it, we lessen the chance of carrying it and we will protect the most vulnerable among us by slowing the spread and not overwhelming the hospitals.
My biggest challenge right now is trying to help my 18 year old son understand he needs to stay in the house, not fun. We are having a real struggle and I’ve tried to explain that we, his parents and grandpa, are vulnerable as we are older, and we are scared. At this age they are very self-centered and I am sure right now, this also is such a disappointment to him. This is his last part of his senior year, which is supposed to be fun after all the hard work he has done. He has Hawaii and ski trips planned, grad night and proms coming..all that unsure now. The college kid is another thing. He worries about nothing and thinks we are all hysterical.
To save our sanity, Max and I have been walking every day in the immediate neighborhood, away from people, but taking in all the lovely blossoming trees and flowers. I’ve been sharing many photos of our walks on my Instagram. What has struck me on these walks is the unusual quiet in the air. I hear almost no traffic noise now and a whole lot more birds. It’s amazing and wonderful.
We also have been planning out our meals and making some nice dinners in- tonight lasagna. It’s not been all bad having a sous chef and willing dishwasher around. We are trying to enjoy the slower pace that has suddenly happened on us all, lighting candles, playing some music, turning off the news for a while.
So how about you all? Are you hunkering down like us? If so, what things have you done to get ready to self-isolate? Are you also concerned for your older family members? Are you having challenges working from home or figuring how to deal with kids at home too? I’d like to hear from you guys.. Also advice or tips you want to share would be great. I want to make this a space to help and support one another. Can everyone leave a note below also with one great book, show or even a project they recommend to everyone else while we are all stuck in? I would so appreciate it and others will also.
A few things to distract you right now, if you need ideas on what to do with yourself- read my previous post,What to do When You are Staying in Because of the Coronavirus.
This is the time to get into a few good books. We all spend so much time online and we forget how great it can be to get consumed by a good book. One of the most awaited new books, you may have already heard about, that I just ordered is Untamed by Glennon Doyle. It’s about self-love and how we need to start listening to the voice within us and stop trying to live up to the expectations of the world. I can’t wait to read this.
We all may be looking at a lot more nights of cooking in. I know I am always searching for recipes that are new, using mostly fresh ingredients and simple. For that reason I love anything from the Half-Baked Harvest blog. Everything Tieghan does has a different twist on the usual and is pretty as it is delicious. Her new book, Super Simple, is for those looking for uncomplicated and yummy meals that get you out of a cooking rut.
I will share more about the remodel and what we’ve done lately, soon, but I wanted to let you all know that my dear Serena & Lily is having their Spring Design Event and everything is 20% off until March 16 if you use code, FreshMix. So if you have been considering any of their beautiful things, this is the time to get them. My favorite latest home additions were these darling Edgewater Lounge Chairs, seen here in my main room. We love the look and comfort of them! They give the room some California feel.
My other recommendation would be their beautifully luxe bath towels- especially these Healdsburg towels with the darling fringe. Love them! They kind of make my bath area. Their new outdoor collection is super pretty too.
With all the uncertainty right now for retailers, there are a lot of sales happening and a few that caught my eye..
The new J. Crew California Dreaming Collection. Fresh colors I really love and it’s now an extra 30% off many of the items until the 16th with code GOSHOP.
I’m also crazy for this darling floral silk dress from their special collection series. This looks like something my mom once wore.
Cropped white jeans that are not tight on the leg, are on my list for spring and these Vintage Straight Jeans really look cute. I don’t think they are part of the sale, but just what I am looking for.
Banana Republic is also having a Friends and Family 50% off sale. My picks for the sale would be these leather sneakers with the pink sole, ( I have them in black super comfy), and this polka dot pleated skirt ( so fun for spring and summer-worn so many ways).
Other distractions that I can share here are the series Outlander, which I have gotten almost all my friends hooked on. I may have talked about it here before, but mentioning again because it’s a lot of hours and would be a good one to get into right about now! Thanks to the wonderful strong characters- a WWII nurse and a hot Scottish highlander from the 1700’s that have amazing chemistry it’s very transporting. I’ve also learned a ton of history from it. (Warning also steamy- not for family viewing.) My husband and I also really enjoyed The Kominsky Method about the struggles, funny and real with Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. It features many of my favorites like Jane Seymour and other greats making cameos. I got my dad hooked on it too.
I also am rereading my old books still in my library like The Shell Seekers and September from Rosamund Pilcher ( who knew we’d have time), and am enjoying this fun book, Ze French Do it Better, a lifestyle guide. I am also working through Gail Collin’s book, No Stopping Us Now, The Adventures Of Older Women In American History.
Another rabbit hole to jump into is the huge amount of Beauty Secret Videos posted by Vogue. There are 145 videos to learn from! This one is Cindy Crawford’s morning routine. So many here to watch and a few tricks to learn on each one.
That’s all for today, but let’s stay in touch here on my little page. I want you all to know this is a space you can come to for support and to vent and share through this whole crisis. I am here for you friends and I’ll try and keep updating things here and please follow on my NorthernCalStyle Instagram and subscribe on the sidebar if you want to get my posts in your email. If we have to be stuck inside, so let’s hear from each other here and share what is helping.
Hugs to you all,
Kim
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