#serenaandlilysale

Weekend Meanderings- Nancy Meyer’s Remodel, Wimbledon, a Day Out in Danville & More

July 2, 2022 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

It’s time for our Weekend Meanderings with Elizabeth and Juliet ! It’s been a week so this extra holiday weekend is much needed by all here in America I think.. We are heading to Tahoe for a few days and I hope we will to get some quality nature and family time in and if I’m lucky some reading by the lake..

A few good things this week..

Nancy Meyer’s Home Remodel in AD

I was very excited to hear Nancy Meyer’s own Provençal style Los Angeles home was going to be featured in Architectural Digest this month after my Instagram friend in the Netherlands alerted me. Thanks Sally!

This article delivered with many beautiful photos of the home and Nancy herself. In the article Nancy tells how once she was an empty nester in the house where she raised her daughters, she felt it was too large, so began building a smaller replica of her home next door. In the interim two years while it was being built, she had fun changing up the original with paint and little tweaks, and fell back in love with it, stayed and sold the new build. The California classicist, Mark D. Sikes did the design with her and there is more about how they worked together in the July issue of the magazine.

You could say her style is California elegant- lots of white, punctuated natural elements like rattan, a little black here and there, stacks of books, pretty pillows, lovely pieces of art, and fresh flowers. This is good living at it’s best and her interiors always look comfortable and inviting! I’m all for this kind of style that’s homey more than showy.

Are you a Nancy Meyer’s fan? If so I am interested to know what’s your favorite film or interior? My favorite is It’s Complicated, and the Santa Barbara home of the baker heroine played by Meryl Streep. The whole article and all the photos online here or in the July issue of AD.

Wimbledon Chat

Are you glued to the television like we are during Wimbledon? I have been trying to limit myself to one match a day, sometimes I record it and watch in the evening. I’m rooting for all the young players who are making it up the ranks. Emma Raducanu who won the French Open is one of my favorites.. How do you like her $37,000 worth of pearls and diamonds she is wearing? Apparently she is sponsored by Tiffany! I just wonder how much sun and sweat those kind of pearls can take?

Also loving Coco Gaufe and I am a fan of Tsitsipas only because he looks like my teen crush Bjorn Borg who adorned my teenager walls.

Vogue has a fun piece with the best on court looks at Wimbledon over the years. You know they are very strict still and you are supposed to wear white and only white, no exceptions, and no accents! They still ask people to change clothes. Some of my favorites from the article.

Lunch date in Danville

Last Friday I met Juliet for a working lunch and a little shopping. I hadn’t been to Danville in about twenty years and it has changed a lot. The little downtown is very charming and there are many sweet shops and restaurants. We stopped in two of them, Eye for Pretty a wonderful home shop, and Flaunt, that has home and beautiful clothing. Flaunt is owned by Ashley, who writes the fun blog, Modern Glam Home. Both are great shops and Juliet and I were dying over so many things..

Juliet at Eye for Pretty, above

Flaunt below .. I loved this dress on Juliet in the blue stripe with little lemons. It was made for our Ms Spritzer..and she looks good in everything !

Juliet made us reservations at the cutest restaurant, Locando Ravello, where I had caprese salad and she had a chicken parmigiana.. I highly recommend the very authentic and delicious Italian food here. Normally you’d want to sit outdoors in the cute patio, but that day was nearly 100, so we opted for inside.I plan on coming back here with Max some summer evening.

I loved the blue decor, which reminded me of Sorrento. The caprese dish was so delicious, it inspired me to recreate it in a small version on our Travel Inspired Appetizers, earlier this week, in case you missed it.

Serena & Lily Sale

I know I have mentioned Serena & Lily sales before, but I get a lot of inquiries about my house things like my Montara Mirror below, and I like to let people know when their things go on sale. Right now the entire site is 20% off – use code SPLASH.

It’s also a great time to get their towels which I love, and I am seriously considering three of these Headlands Pendants for above my kitchen island. My current ones are no longer functioning, and these have a pretty look and decent price too..

From the S&L website.. I kind of love this look..

The Serena & Lily sale ends on July 5th.

Our rights…

Thanks to all who read and left messages, many very personal about the overturning of Roe last week. I was so moved by the comments and some private messages, which I will share on stories. I am collecting them all. Women amaze me, what we go through in our lives with pregnancies, births, and also those living with the trauma of sexual assault..

More of us than not, have had struggles with all of these things and yet we are stoic. So many move through life and others don’t even know what scars we are carrying. It blows me away the bravery and toughness of women and the selflessness. That’s one reason why taking the right to decide what happens to our own bodies and consequently, our lives, for half the nation is beyond cruel.

This article about the participants of a years long landmark study was a shocking and sad comparison of what the lives were like in later years for the women who were denied abortion, compared to those who were not.

Amy Odell’s Back Row ( an excellent blog) this week, exposed the hypocrisy by some companies who say they’ll support women needing abortion help, and yet have money going to PACs that support lawmakers who have be vocally opposed to Roe.

An article we all need to read on Global Citizen- ‘What happens in nations where abortion is banned? Lessons from around the world.’

This page has all the abortion funds in the United States by area, so you can choose to help a fund near to your home, or perhaps one that needs more support.

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

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here.

Kim

If you missed last weeks meanderings, living like an Italian, California casual dresses, a day trip in Aptos, a cite Santa Cruz cottage for sale and more here.

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, Thrift Finds, Outdoor Pillows, Lemon Shortbread & More

May 7, 2022 By kimwheeler 42 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share some cool things that have come to our attention this week. It has been a week hasn’t it?

Thursday night we went out to grab Mexican food at one of our local favorites in Los Gatos, Zona Rosa. We couldn’t believe how many people were on the streets, beautiful weather and Californians seem to be so ready to be out and about again. Max and I said it was the most people we have ever seen out since the pandemic around here! Things felt almost normal again.

What do you grab if you have to evacuate?

Anyhow, we went home and at 2:45 a.m. I was woken by popping sounds and bright lights. I thought we had lightening, which is pretty rare, and then got up and noticed the electric wires above my neighbor’s home that runs along our backyards, looked like a firework display and after huge sparks and noise, was on fire!

Actual photo by my neighbor’s husband Ben of the power line.

This is the second time this has happened in a year. Anyhow fire came immediately and PG&E a half hour later, but we were out on the street, in our pjs with the neighbors until 3:30 in the morning. My poor friend whose home it was behind, took shelter in her car with her young kids. We just didn’t know if this was one of those power line fires that would move rapidly through our neighborhood or not.

There was no weather to speak of that day and they later determined it was rats or squirrels gnawing on the line that caused this! I’m a big proponent of getting the lines buried We have less than 18% in California.

Anyhow, if something like this occurs again, I need to think fast and I need to grab my photo albums and family heirlooms.. I was thinking I need to have all the albums in bags that I can just grab and go. They need to be more accessible, like very easy to reach, not in the gallows of the house.. I am committed to having what really matters easy to go at a moment’s notice. As Californians with the wildfires and things, we all need a backup plan. Max has emergency water, flashlights and other supplies in a spot in the garage, but I haven’t figured out the valuable stuff yet, but I am and will share. Do you all think of that? Do you have precious albums and things easy to grab and if so how?

Outdoor Pillows

It’s getting the lovely time of year and I have been working on getting my garden started and my yard spruced up. The one thing that didn’t do so well over the winter was outdoor throw pillows. I’m in the market for new ones that will clean easily and won’t fade. I figured you might be too about now, so I rounded up a few that caught my eye..

This Etsy Shop, CalifornialivinHome seems to have the coolest selection of outdoor pillows and they are custom made in California!

An idea for thrifted finds..

I’ve been determined to buy more things for the home that are upcycled, vintage and unique and so when I am downtown in my town of Los Gatos, I will pop into the American Cancer Discovery Shop if I have a few extra minutes. I try to do this whenever I’m near any thrift or antique store. The last two times I saw nothing and then today, I popped in there again and right away I spied two very heavy and beautiful glass urns. I knew I could use them in so many ways and they were just beautiful and for $20 each a good price.

When I came home I washed and shined them and played around with using them to hold a candle, utensil holder, even limes at the bar. Then I remembered I had two faux ferns (you can get them here) and some moss, that would make a fresh little spring look that I wouldn’t need to water. Just add some moss, drop in your fern and top with more moss.

You could do this with a large vintage goblet, glass or any kind of old urn or vessel that isn’t huge. When you are out thrifting, look for silver, heavy glass and other objects with shine to give a bar a bit of elegance. That’s where I put these two for now, but they would be pretty on a spring table with masses of white votives, white plates and pretty glasses or crystal and green napkins of some kind don’t you think?

Madewell Sandals

I’ve been loving my new Charley Slides from Madewell. I had them on the blog last week on the casual outfit look. They come in black, cream and I went with the tan with the contrasting black sole. These were comfortable right out of the box. They are 20% off now with code WARMUP.

Update: A few inquiries about my little Longchamp bag I am wearing above.. It’s the best and can hold a full wallet, phone and tons more. this bag was on my mind after Juliet shared she had one on this post.. Mine is the nylon version and it was found at The Rack, I can’t seem to find the same one online, but the leather version here and more options in comments below. (Also a nearly exact same J. Crew blazer as mine is now at J.Crew factory here in camel and navy. )

Lemon Glazed Cookies

My friend Jeanne is an amazing baker and she made me the most wonderful light shortbread lemon glazed cookies. I have been eating mostly healthy ( trying :/) , but these tiny shortbreads were small and so fresh and delicious with the addition of the glaze from yard lemons! Since we all have so much citrus now, I thought you could use another great lemon recipe. Original Source here.

American Viscountess

Are you an anglophile? A fan of Downton? Well you may enjoy American Viscountess Julie Montagu and her Youtube channel. Julie is an American girl from outside Chicago who married the Earl of Sandwich. They are in the process of renovating their Mapperton Country estate, which she raises money for, but she also visits other stately homes and meets interesting aristocracy. She’s a likable gal, also a yoga instructor and narrates specials on CNN like the latest one on Princess Diana. It’s a fun escape and you can find her channel and many episodes to binge here..and also follow her on Instagram here and here.

Serena & Lily 20% Off

This Serena & Lily sale is a great time to get things and I have to mention the 20% off when it happens as it’s the best time to buy. Use the code GOFORIT to get the discount. One of the best things on this sale is their Seaview Runner for hallways, bath and kitchen that I have here.. Mine is grey.

More of the Serena & Lily things I love and have in my house on this post.

Well that’s my meanderings for this week now please pop over and see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you…I really enjoy what they share every week.

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 post with healthy eating ideas, a plant based pasta dinner, the perfect black dress and more you can find it here.

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 may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Weekend Meanderings, Gallery Walls, A Pretty Tote & More..

March 18, 2022 By kimwheeler 18 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share some cool things that have crossed our radars this week! Thank you for being here. I feel like I blink and we are here again and this week with the time change..WHY? But on to business..

Today I’m sharing a few tips on creating a gallery wall. When we did our home remodel, right before the pandemic, we removed the big interior wall to let more light flow from the front to the back of the house. Doing that left us with a long wall in the main living space. I wasn’t really sure how to deal with it, and for a good year or so, we left it blank. The idea of a gallery wall seemed to be a way to fill the long space with some personal pictures and art. My worry was how to make it look good?

Let me say I am slightly shy to share this as I am still tweaking it and filling the blank spaces, but I do think the overall tones and idea work for my white and earth toned house with black accents.

How to Create A Gallery Wall

-Find a statement piece for your center. I had a black and white art piece that was my focal point that I worked around.

-Gather other art or objects that can work with the main piece. For me, that was a San Francisco print of the Golden Gate, an ink drawing of a Victorian House, and a modern art print- all black and white and one with some tan.

-Choose 2-3 colors to go with to pull it all together. I kept it all black, white and tan or a light wood tones to unify these pieces.

-Add in family photos made to look arty. I had a cool vintage black and white photograph of my husband Max as a teen, taken by his mom for a photo class. Going with that cue, I used a photo of my boys as teens in a kind of surly (truly), pic from a vacation in France. It sort of looked like an album cover. I used the IPhone filter and changed it to black and white and did the same with photos of their faces. I cropped the pics to half their faces, and printed them all out on our regular printer. This is an easy trick and can make your photos look vintage and your wall will be unique and personal, but still look like ‘art.’

-Choose frames that pull it all together. Since all the photos were black and white, I went with a few in black, but mostly light wood frames from Target, to add an earthy, warmer feel and stay in our 3 color scheme.

-Collect your art and objects and lay them on the floor to find a harmonic look. I still felt the need for objects that were softer, so I added in a few woven discs . You could do this with round mirrors or anything that adds more texture and another shape to your grouping.

-Begin to replicate it on the wall starting with the largest object and work out from there. I used Command Strips for some things, but small nails for most, with my husband helping. Yes there were a few holes and pencil marks left, much trial and error to be honest.

-Remember this is a gallery look, so it doesn’t need to look perfect. Free form and and off-center is okay.. Perfectionists, this may not be the thing for you. It’s an organic look.

-Add to your gallery and change it up over time as your find new things. Just this past month I changed the main picture to this big black sea fan print. I also added in a new basket from World Market and removed another. I’m also going to enlarge some of the frames with the photos. Before the new pieces..

If you’re looking for wall baskets, Pottery Barn has this lovely collection, below.

I hope this helps! Have fun and give it a try.

My First Spring Dress Purchase

One thing I could use more for the warmer months is dresses that are easy and pretty. This FarmRio dress came in my email this week and I ordered it for a little getaway coming up. I loved the print and fortunately being 5’4 it didn’t swamp me and hit at ankle length in size small. It’s comfy and roomy and I think it will be a piece to wear for years to so much. The quality and fabric and pretty ties with beading, make it even more lovely in person.

A Pretty Tote

More pretty blues! I love the idea of a lightweight tote to take on vacation that can double as your day bag as well as at the beach. This H&M Jacquard tote fills the requirements, has a fun holiday vibe and isn’t some expensive bag that you need to worry about while you’re swimming, at the beach, or at the park with your kids. (It does kinda has the Dior vibe though!) I love the palm trees. I can see using this all spring and summer with sundresses and sandals and well everything.

OKA

Are you familiar with this wonderful British home decor site OKA? They have some beautiful things that would give your home some of that eclectic English vibe. I’m in love with this pouf, or floor cushion as they call it, in the prettiest pattern and lapis color. I just think it would be wonderful by the fire or just about anywhere you want to be able to put your feet up…

EXTRA STUFF..

I just bought this beautiful book, San Francisco Cocktails for the husband’s upcoming birthday. This is a beauty packed with history! Did you know San Francisco has a big connection with Lima, Peru, where most ships stopped coming through from the east around Cape Horn? The Ghiaradellis and others started there, and brought some traditions with them. This book has great photos and craft cocktails from the coolest SF restaurants and all the way down to the San Jose (yes you heard that right), and even Los Gatos. Definitely one for your bar or for that person who loves the Bay Area, San Francisco and it’s history.

I know a lot of you are Serena & Lilly fans and they just notified me that they extend their Spring Sale Event until next Tuesday, 3/22. You can get 20% off everything except sale. My friend just ordered this beautiful pendant for above her dining table.

I also have this version in my entry. A great time to get beautiful quality lighting or rugs.

If you’re in the market for pendants, Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home, wrote a great post this week,

13 Great Pendants to Update Your Kitchen. All of them are gorgeous, and she has some good advice as always!

Ukraine is on the top of my mind everyday and in Juliet’s post today she mentioned and linked to a Frontline documentary, Putin’s Road to War. I saw it this week and I can’t recommend it enough about the madman and how we got here. Please take the time to watch it. I also follow many Ukraine Accounts like Eyes on Ukraine with daily news on the situation from the ground, and the official account of Ukraine on Instagram, and NATO. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a 9 minute plea to Russians this week which we can only hope gets out to them, and I thought it was so good.

Thanks for being here. Please pop over and see what ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you this week..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend, and thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed the last Weekend Meanderings, on tennis clothes, entry rugs, a pretty home and more, you can read it here.

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

Friday Finds

October 1, 2021 By kimwheeler 25 Comments

Happy October! Today just a quick post to share a few good finds I’ve had on my radar and mentioned on the gram in the past week. I haven’t done one of these for a while, so I thought I’d cull everything together in one crazy post!

So far I’ve only filled my Centerpiece Bowl from Crate & Barrel with gourds and little pumpkins on the island. Last year I had these guys in another wooden bowl.. I guess I sort of go with a similar theme, wooden containers always!

I’m getting excited for fall clothes and just bought this shirtdress at J.Crew. It’s now on sale which I missed. I love how they styled it here.. ( hard to see, but it has pin tucks.) I’ll report back when I receive it… I also bought this necklace…

In the interim, these corduroy shorts by Carve have been my go-to. Love them for fall days with sweaters and sweatshirts. I like the mid-rise and 4 inch inseam. They have a retro vibe and comfort I really love. I bought mine at REI, but I don’t see them there anymore, but they can also be found here at Amazon.

There are so many pretty colors I may get another pair. I like the thyme and tan and cinnamon shades. You can also buy them here at Title Nine where they also come in a longer 10 inch inseam.

I wore the shorts for day all over Tahoe last weekend. It was so nice to be back there again after two months of scary fires and smoky weather. It’s a beautiful time to go to Tahoe and they need the tourists badly. We did some bike rides and picnics and just enjoyed fall walks.

I wore the shorts with my Frame scalloped black sweatshirt – one of my favorite things.

Frame has a beautiful fall collection this year. Everything is chic, casual, and modern. The whole collection here. I want to add a few more pieces to my wardrobe. They are a bit more pricey, but beautifully made and classics with a twist.

While I was in Tahoe, I found these cute mugs for the cabin. I adore the Swiss Cross pattern for mountain homes and these mugs were at a shop in Truckee and , but can also be bought here.

Looking for them online, I found this cozy Swiss Cross throw I will get for the bottom of the guy’s beds at the cabin.. or maybe here at home. They are highly rated and come in a grey too. It’s a great look folded on a the end of a bed or on the arm of a couch.

Amazon does SOMETIMES have good things and occasionally I find stuff. Two other things I’ve loved from there lately..

One is these wooden beads that popped up when I was buying some floor cleaner! They looked nice and so I figured why not? They are surprisingly even cuter in person and I have them on a book stack in the media room..

My other new obsession from Amazon is this soap called Hand Ritual. Made in the CALIFORNIA! The bottles look great, smells light and lovely and my hands feel soft. My designer Debbie who did the space planning for the home brought the soap over when she took photos of the house and I was hooked. It’s also vegan, plant based and cruelty free. Looks cool in the guy’s bathroom..

I finally bought this book – Danielle Rollin’s A Home for All Seasons. I was looking for a book to inspire me with the holidays coming and this is a great one. Clearly most of us don’t have the funds she does to entertain, but I am finding the way she lives- the beautiful organization of the pantry and linen closet, along with the beautiful desk and stationery and pens something we could all do in our own way. Why not make every space lovely? This gets me motivated to make my house just as organized and pretty.

Don’t forget if you have been waiting on any Serena & Lily purchases they are having their big fall sale now, until October 5th. They are having 20% off most everything. I am buying a few more of their gorgeous towels. I have loved the softness, and quality so much! Two years later they are still soft and not fraying one bit. Use the code NEWSEASON until October 5th.

Have you all been watching more shows? Max and I have been getting into more since fall has come. We broke down and got Apple TV and it’s been worth it for Ted Lasso alone. That show has to be the most uplifting program I’ve ever watched – and who doesn’t need that now? I’m just trying to figure out how to get my dad to be able to watch it also. The Morning Show we have started and while not as upbeat, it’s full of good acting and fab homes and the wardrobes of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon which I’m loving.

Remember this sweater from my jean posts? Well Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home just bought it in petite and she looks great in it with boots. I think it’s appealing with the flowers. It’s rare to see a nice cashmere sweater with a good print. A few other friends have bought it too. I just wanted to share cute Mary Ann’s way of wearing it. She bought it in a petite and it comes in plus and regular too.

I am sorry I’ve been slow posting the last month. I have been easing into fall, but have two posts coming in the next weeks- a cozy home collaboration and talking about leather- or faux leather, for Signature Style so stay tuned.

Have a beautiful autumn weekend !

Kim

Some links on this post may generate a small commission. Thanks for supporting the blog.

Fun Things -Plus The Serena & Lily Summer Sale

May 27, 2021 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

Just a quick post with a few fun things.. First, I wanted to let everyone know starting today, Serena & Lily has 20% off everything at The Summer Event. This will be the biggest sale of the season. Use code DIVEIN for 20% off from 5/27 – 6/1. I know a few of you sent me notes about ordering things I have in my house like the barstools and rug, and also my outdoor furniture. This is a great time to pick an item up on sale! A few of the fun summer things..I am going to order this bookcase I have been thinking about.

The La Jolla Basket is one of my favorite S&L things and is cute in a bath for towels and laundry or to hold kid’s toys. I have mine in my new closet and I love how it looks and hides the laundry.
The Palm Pillow Cover for outdoors is in four colors and is water and UV resistant to last many seasons. I love the navy and light blue in this, but the green and sand colors look very Palm Beachy and chic.
I have this Pacifica Lounger in and the matching sofa (8.) in the unbleached Driftwood color and love them. They are made of a resin that looks like wicker and is so strong. After almost two years, mine still look like new.
The Mallorca Beach Towels remind me of my trip to Sorrento where the hotels all have lovely striped beach towels! These come in a Turkish Cotton and 6 colors with a pretty fringe. I’d love to have a stack on my deck!
The Sunbrella Lido Pillow comes in three sizes and many colors. Love the colored piping and button detail..
Campagna Beach Towels come in round or rectangle and so lovely!
The Teak Beach Chair comes in three adorable fabrics and is a backpack style for easy toting around. For little adventures or even on your deck

Everything on the sale you can view at Serena & Lily. Sale ends June 1st.

Speaking of Sorrento..

Are you missing travel? After a more than a year of home time, I’ve really got the travel bug. We are planning a family summer trip, but not abroad. Pictures of our summer trip to Positano and Sorrento recently came up on my photos and I was feeling wistful for all the beauty there. I thought maybe others would enjoy the pretty hotel in Sorrento and its blue aesthetic and get ideas for future travel plans..I shared it on my Instagram this week and saved it on the highlights if you want to see more and get the particulars. Here’s hoping we will all travel more soon…

If France is on your list, Conde Nast Traveller just published its Prettiest Towns in Provence . I’ve been to a few on this list, like Eze, L’Isle Sur La Sorgue and Aix, but there are a lot on this list I had never heard of. Definitely one to bookmark and use to plan future adventures.

They also have a great guide- A Road Trip Through Provence’s Lavender Fields. Just wonderful to see, even if you have no trip planned.

All these Provence photos Conde Nast.

One thing we can all use for travel is a sun hat that folds. I just bought this canvas hat at Anthropologie and it is flattering too.. Frances Valentine has the identical hat for a lot more. This is a good price -$38.

Anthro also has the CUTEST fringe tote which I am still thinking of..Love the braided straps. What a fun travel tote and also beach/pool bag when you arrive!

Because I haven’t been doing my usual tennis and walking due to my toe injury, I am obviously feeling a bit heavier, so started to eat cleaner. I’m on my third day of no sugar and it’s been fine. I’m trying to stay away from refined carbs and bread too. I was stuck for what to make for dinners and remembered these grain bowls with hummus we did last summer…

I start with dollop of hummus in each, and add chickpeas, walnuts, avocado slices, romaine spears, tomatoes, sliced bell peppers and quinoa- ( I use Whole Foods frozen). The guys like shredded chicken added to theirs too. I give each a few turns of fresh pepper and some crunchy sea salt and drizzle with some olive oil. Pretty easy and filling too.

I’m looking for more clean recipes so I’ll share any good ones I get. I also made this PF Chang’s Lettuce Cups from Damn Delicious on Monday and that one is definitely going on the rotation- so good and pretty healthy too. ( I forgot to take photos- next time!) Please share any great sites or recipes you love for clean eating if you care to in comments! I find it so helpful to hear what others are doing too.

Well, that’s it friends. Wishing you some fun for the long weekend

Kim

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

All photos property of Northern California Style unless stated.

Good Things This Weekend

March 13, 2021 By kimwheeler 13 Comments

Can you guys believe we have been in this pandemic for a whole year now? I remember the exact moment it sunk in that it might be a lot more than a few weeks at home. We were having one of our pantry dinners we so diligently turned out for weeks on end, and Max said, ‘You know it’s more likely we will still be in this until August or more.’ That seemed so scary to me and here we are a year later.. A year that has changed everyone in some way or another. I do feel hopeful though, especially this weekend I noticed so many seniors eating outdoors and doing things. It made me a bit emotional seeing so many of them having fun after this past year.

Anyway, without going on, I have a few things to share this week. I’ve come to realize now I am living in sweatshirts.. The ruffled ones specifically. Guess that’s my flair right now. It’s been chilly and wet and there are a few good ones from Target that are cuter than a lot more expensive ones out there. This is my most favorite..

There’s very few sizes left in my color, but there is other colors in most sizes and a few other colors..

(UPDATE: This sweatshirt already sold out online in most colors since I wrote this a day ago! Darn I hate when that happens…You may have luck finding it in the store as it is now a sale item. I did find other ruffled sweatshirts from Rebecca Minkoff, also this one at Nordys, this at The Loft, and this in black. )

I also own this one below, which one of my sons said looks like Moira from Schitt’s Creek, which I consider a compliment!

I usually wear it with jeans, and black tennis shoes, but the jogger pants with the ruffle pockets do make a cute look.

They also have this ruffled version..

I’m also crazy about J.Crew’s new sweats. I already own two of the Vintage Cotton Terry Sweatshirts and they are super soft. The matching pants are flattering and slim fitting, but run large so you need to size down one size to get that look.

They have a lot of tennis themed things, which I am nuts about and this new addition with little racquets.

I just saw a woman at the grocery in head to toe cream/beige sweats and these sneakers..

It just looked really cute all one tone and luxe for sweats.

Other odd stuff that’s been occupying my headspace is this chicken pot pie recipe we made last week that was seriously amazing. It was maybe the addition of cognac to it? We did one change omitting pearl onions, which we could not find. The recipe is from the website, Once Upon a Chef and Jenn Segel’s recipes are so far 10/10 for everything we have tried. (This recipe can also be made with mushrooms instead of chicken and oat milk. In the recipe comments many have done that. )

I also have her potato leek soup on my regular rotation. The pot pie recipe is just the thing for the cool and wet days we’ve been having.

We just baked ours in these cute stackable porcelain bowls from Crate & Barrel, because our ramekins were too small. These bowls are fantastic for storage as they stack and they can go in the oven up to 350 We did them at a bit above that though the recipe calls for 425 and it was perfect.

Lastly, I wanted to share with you that Serena & Lily is having their Spring Design Event with 20% off sitewide, using code NEWLEAF. If there is something you had your eye on, this is the time to get it as sales are just a few times a year. You know I love their things and already have one of their new Alamere Rug in runner size in my cart. I think it will be great in our hallway… I love the shades of this rug.

Other favorite rugs are the Porter Denim & Suede Rug, the South Shore Rug, I have in my bath, the Stella Rug in our dining room, the new Ashbury Moroccan Style Rug is also beautiful- and the new Valmere Rug – both so cool.

The Montana Mirror in my pool bath/powder room is gem and a few people have asked about it after seeing the bath on Cindy Hattersley’s blog last week, where she was so kind to feature my home.

It’s a beautifully made piece. I have the medium in natural, but it also comes in white or in natural with navy stripes, and more sizes.

You may need towels like I did and the Fouta Striped towels ( I have the hand towel above), are seriously the nicest quality and come in other tones as well.

The Healdsburg Towels are in my main bathroom and still feeling soft and looking great a year on..

Anyway, so much to love from them! The lamps are gorgeous too and there are beautiful pillows as always…and bedding! The Sale ends on 3/16.

My Mattituck Armchair and Avery Throw– also on the Serena sale.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve done a few updates to the old website. The blog turns 10 this year and I am working on changing up things a bit. You’ll notice I added a few pages at top, My California Closet which has things I wear and have in my beauty drawers and in my closet. The house link has a few drop-downs which I am still working on. The Shop My Home, will have things I have used in my home like rugs, lamps, dishes, etc – and also California inspired picks. Another, Our California Remodel, will be information about the remodel, as so many inquire about materials, flooring, paint and floors. The Lake Tahoe Cabin Style will be cabin inspired items I am using in my Tahoe place or that could work in a more rustic setting, and Books I Adore will be many my favorite books or new ones that are on my radar…So stay tuned and hopefully they will all be finished soon.

Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoy the weekend- even though we lost an hour!

Kim

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

Serena & Lily Favorites

October 19, 2020 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

Hello lovely friends. How have you all been? We are starting another warm week here in Northern Cal, but I’ve been thinking about sprucing up the house now that cooler days are coming.

Since so many of you have commented on my Serena & Lily pieces I have in the house, on Instagram, I wanted to share the source for some of them and more photos.

I have a a lamp and a rug for my family room on my list. I really am in love with my Serena & Lily rugs (so is the cat with our denim rug – similar one here), which make each space in the house stand out. You definitely get what you pay for with rugs. One rug I bought elsewhere when we moved in has already begun to fall apart. I truly am believing the better quality we can buy, we save money in the long run.

Here’s a few of my Serena & Lily picks that I think are lovely..

The runners are wonderful and I LOVE these three for the well wearing materials and look…

Ryder Denim Runner, Porter Denim Runner, Metallic Suede Runner.

Good lamps are something I am slowly adding to my home and S&L has many gorgeous ones to choose from.

I need a lamp for my bedside tables and I like that the new Freeport Bedside Lamp has a three-way switch and also a diffused shade. I like not having a bulb shining down at you when you read. It’s those little details and the quality of the materials that make their pieces stand out. The rattan and marble base of this lamp has a very California feel.

I also want a lamp for my entry table that would add a hit of style when you walk into the house. I think you can have some fun with lamps and consider them as pretty accessories that add chic to your decor as well as nice ambient light. These are a few standout pieces that will make a statement..

Artichoke Lamp, Hattie Lamp, Cove Table Lamp.

If you are defaulting to those canned lights for your primary lighting, lamps can change the look of your rooms, your own mood, and whole feel of your home. Those easy flip on overhead lights lights can make your home have all the intimacy of a surgery room! We use the overhead lights only when working on projects or we’ve lost something on the floor. I seriously feel like I am being interrogated with them on. Does anyone else agree? A home needs ambient lighting to give a cozy feel.

There is nothing as pretty or as cozy as a home with soft lamps throughout and some mix of hanging lighting. My grandparents had a beautiful home filled with soft glowing lamps. As a girl, I loved those lamps- some gold, some very mod and 60’s inspired, but each room had a warm and cozy vibe. Once you get your ambient lighting, the trick now is to find alternative bulbs that mimic the incandescent or use artsy Edison bulbs so you don’t get an overly lit feeling that comes from CFLs.

If you have no great lamps and need to start somewhere these are some beautiful basics that will look good for a few decades. Isn’t that how long we usually use them? Lamps are such a great bang for the buck.

Georgia Table Lamp, Hastings Table Lamp, Bari Table Lamp.

I know a few of you have asked about my rattan chairs that I have in the home. Recently we had a gas leak (all okay thankfully), and the PG&E guy asked the name of these chairs and how he could buy them. My husband said that’s a first!

My Edgewater Chairs I have moved to this space in front of the couch in the entry and it’s made a good spot for crashing, doing a bit of laptop work, or reading a book. I think they give a certain vibe when you walk into the house- it’s California and a little vintage casual.

I also have had a lot of people ask about these Mattituck Chairs. We love these in our little den/media area. I am thinking of moving one to the bedroom as they are so pretty with the brass trim. The throw is their Avery Alpaca Throw -so soft and cozy.

Serena & Lily has some new throws and they are beautiful. I love this Blantyre Alpaca Throw in Lavender. This would be gorgeous on a bed or in a room with grey. It also comes in a coastal blue and fog tones.

They also have some cool new bedding if you need a bedroom refresh. I like this Sutter Linen Quilt in Sky.

I am becoming a huge linen fan as I never get too hot or cold with the linen sheets and blanket that are my favorites now. I love these Cavallo Linen Sheets too. Each wash they get softer and more wonderful.

In the new and cute category is also the Stone Harbor Duvet and Shams..

The Driftwood Quilt is velvet on one side, linen on the other and also comes in a deep sapphire blue. Love this lavender color..

New for fall and beautiful is this Roxbury Velvet Pillow Cover (also in fog, lavender and coastal blue)…

This Hillview Pillow Cover (also in sand and fog)..

I am already dreaming of a new bed with all of this..but I didn’t show you the Tahoma Pillow Cover..

And lastly the Ridge Striped Cover – also in other pretty shades.

All the new lovely pillows here.

Other things that stand out are these Big Sur Baskets..

This new Gardenside Grasscloth wallpaper is gorgeous..

I could go on…There was just much to share and this is just a tiny bit of their excellent fall collection!

Hope you are inspired as I am by all the beauty they offer.

Kim

P.S. Okay last one..I wanted to add their new Balboa Bench. This is the same material as my barstools and I wish I had a place for this in my house. Isn’t this whole look wonderful? I love the fern too!