On this weekend meander.. some new things I’ve added to the house this season, folding screens, puffy purses, a gorgeous book on home, and a way to help more people vote.
It’s our Saturday round-up of good things with Juliet and Elizabeth! Thanks for being here with us. I’m super excited because my college son, Griffin has a week off and is coming home this weekend. I’ve already made a batch of cookies!
Fall Home Additions
So since a week ago, I’ve added a few little pumpkins to my table along with my rattan one and my new candlesticks. I kind of like this low-key look ..
By the way, my Alamere Rug and the Malibu chandelier are 20% off right now at Serena & Lily’s Fall Home Event- use code HOMELOVE until 10/18.
I may add some gourds and mini pumpkins to my wooden bowl on the island like I did last year..
I love looking back and seeing what I did last year.. That is one nice thing about blogging.
In 2021, this was the front porch look for October.. I will change it this year..hopefully this weekend. Max is determined to put his HUGE spider out hanging from the roof! I try and get him to hold off until we are closer to Halloween. I prefer less out there..
Room dividers/screens
Have you ever used a room divider or folding screen? I think they can be so beautiful and some are stunning. It reminds me of the story Anderson Cooper told in his Vanderbilt book about his mom Gloria asking him to buy her a $50,000 folding screen for her when he got his first paycheck at CNN! I can’t even imagine. Anyhow, this isn’t that kind of screen.
I bought a simple cane and rattan screen for the front entrance, which I’m pretty excited about. I love having an all glass front door and the light from it-and we live on a small court that is pretty private. Occasionally when we are away, I would still love to have a little screen over the opening…So I thought I’d give this a try.
I found ours on Wayfair and I am digging the look, the texture and color it’s adding to the space, even pushed aside it adds a little something…
These screens are also good for a big room if you want a bit more definition or privacy to an area.
I also loved this screen from West Elm and may order it to use it in another space like my office… These just give a nice architectural feel and fill up a blank wall space nicely..
Urban Outfitters has this cute offering..
Other options for glass door people are to have a panel curtain to one side that you can pull over. So far, we haven’t needed anything like that. In Texas where a lot of people have gone to all glass front doors, many do this.
I’ve been loving all the browns in fashion and in home decor and was excited when my dear friends gifted me these beautiful tortoiseshell glasses. I’ve always been a big fan of this tortoise look and love the pop of brown in the bar as it adds some richness to the mix for autumn.
They are from Hudson Grace and they also have similar ones here.
I also got this darling rattan ice bucket that Juliet had first. I had wanted a very expensive one from OKA, but them Juliet told me hers was from Amazon. Love the quality for the price.
I shared on Instagram that I changed out my wire utensil holder for a planter from Anthropologie.
I love the texture and look of it on the counter. I got the idea from my friend Bari who has a huge collection of cooking spoons and tools in a very large planter on her counter. That was the only thing she could find to hold them all and it looks so cool. Consider using a planter for your kitchen spoons and things for a unique look!
The Mood book
I always read Canadian House & Home and designer Anne Hepfer was their designer of the year 2021.. When I saw she had a book out, I ordered it right away..
Mood is such a fun book. Anne grew up in Connecticut, but is now a Canadian who has traveled the world and it informs her design.
This book is a kind of mood board with recipes, playlists, and a wide selection of design styles in her beautiful spaces. If you’re a design lover, this book is for you.
A kitchen by Anne and a few pages from her book …
Puffy Purse Show Season 2
Puffy purse 2.0 is here. Well yay for that because I bought one last season and still love it. Now it seems to be even a bigger trend. So for those who waited, there are cute pieces to be had, and more options and price points.
I like these bags for their zero weight, and also the feel..They are soft and nice to hold. A sort of therapy purse if you will…
My friend Jeanne, who notices everything cool, said Gap had nice ones. I stopped by my local, but none were left. Looks like they are online here..in five colors, but the black and cream look the best to me.
I love an easy chic bag like this that you can take for travel, a day out and not worry about it- and it still has some serious style cred. You can tie a scarf on it, or a pin and make it unique, without breaking the bank. I will always love Gap. They still do style for the masses well with the occasional piece you’ll hold onto for 20 years!
Looks like my tote from last year is no longer at Bloomies, but there is this adorable shoulder bag from AllSaints.. and this bucket bag version too.
Other soft options are this tote, this crossbody, and this pretty chocolate one at Anthro , this iridescent version and this tote that reverses to sherpa on the other side…which is the best of both trends…
Getting out the vote
I’m sure all of you all agree this upcoming November election is more important than ever. We need every American who is able to vote to do so! The 2020 election had the highest voter turnout ever and hopefully that is a trend. A friend shared a great organization begun in 2017 in Alabama called Vote Forward. Their mission is to empower grassroots volunteers to encourage their fellow citizens in underrepresented communities to vote.
They’ve got studies that back up the evidence that these handwritten letters work. On their last big push in 2020, 200,000 volunteers sent over 17 million letters to voters across 21 states. This time I believe they are aiming even higher.
It’s easy to write a few sentences on the partially filled forms they provide and you stay anonymous except for your first name. You can also make the envelopes personal and fun.. The notes stay non-partisan and are not political at all…
Max and I are going to write five a night and see how many we can get out before the end of October deadline.. More about this great organization and how to participate here... and follow along with everyone else doing it on their Vote Forward Instagram.
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Other Stuff
A reader reached out to me to ask for the link to my sheet and bedding post.. I wrote this pre-pandemic and recently updated it if you’re in the market for new bedding essentials or need a refresh.. All my favorites are there!
If you missed it, Cindy, Sarah and I shared our fall wishlists for our monthly Signature Style this week and I shared some fall looks I would love to recreate…
And Juliet shared a sneak peak of HGTV’s Urban Oasis in Nashville, which is really fun…
Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
Thank you for being here and I hope your weekend is great!
Kim
If you missed last weekend’s post I share my day out in San Francisco’s cute Hayes Valley, cleaning cosmetics drawers up, Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road makeup, the fun California brand Claire V., and an easy pasta to try with your last tomatoes of summer!
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Kim,
Good morning and happy weekend to you! Love all of your Fall home additions! The screen looks beautiful, what a great idea for privacy, sun protection and a practical piece that you can move around.
I am actually thinking of curtains over/around my front door. I love the look and have seen it in may homes in the UK, to keep the drafts out but here more for ascetics.
Your vase for kitchen tools is genius, I loved the texture and earth it added to the kitchen when you first posted it and I love it even more now. I use vintage ironstone pitchers for my extensive collection of wooden spoons and utensils.
Quilted purses are so versatile, it is a great look no matter your style. I am off to check out your choices and to follow the links you shared.
Oh, forgot to mention…GET OUT AND VOTE!
Have a wonderful weekend.
xoElizabeth
Elizabeth yes screens are much more prevalent in the UK..Vintage ironstone looks fantastic for utensils. Let me know your feedback of the puffy bags..Happy Weekend. xo
I checked all of the bags, my favorite is the cross body bag, with the black chain. I love the totes but I have to be honest I prefer totes with structured bottoms. Which did you order?
Love this post! Those tortoiseshell glasses are gorgeous. They would be perfect on a Thanksgiving table. This fall I treated myself to the Quilted MZ Wallace Madison shopper. Can not say enough good things about it. Their bags are so well made and don’t break the bank. The smaller one is the perfect everyday size.
Laura, thanks for the reminder, I need to add them! The MZ Wallaces have always been on my radar! Love them and they last I know. A friend spotted one new with tags at our local Crossroads resale a few years ago and I told her to grab it. It’s still her go-to travel tote that has been all over the world and looks great.
Thanks for the sheets and bedding link. I need new sheets for my new bed and the ones I used to get from Sferra are now $750 on Ebay!!!! 😳
Also thanks for the idea of the blazer over my jumpsuit. Love it.
I always vote, in person. My husband has done his absentee vote. And I always drive my 90 year old parents to vote. √
Oh yay so glad it was helpful Gray! Yikes that is a lot for sheets. I have a few I really like..
Isn’t that a cute look with the jumpsuit? I need to try one on.
Thanks so much for voting and helping get your parents to vote. You’re so lucky to have them! WE do all absentee here and we just got the ballots and are getting them out this week. xo
Hi Kim, another great blog post. I love the idea of using a screen to make the front door more private! I love tortoiseshell glasses. I found a set years ago at pier one. Then I bought a set from OKA , with a matching pitcher. They look beautiful on a Thanksgiving table.
I didn’t know puffy purses were a trend, however last year I started seeing people carrying them on the plane.( That’s where I get a lot of my fashion trend knowledge!) And I bought one. They are so fabulous for traveling as they are so light. I bought one for my daughter too and she loves it!!
Thanks again,
Martha
Martha thanks!! I know of the Pier 1 glasses and I had a few. I don’t know why they stopped carrying them! OKA has some gorgeous things!
How great your can see the trends being on the plane..and from all corners right? Love that. As for the bags, I take your word for it about the travel, as your the expert! Good to hear. I took mine on a few trips last year too. xo
Hi Kim,
Thank you for yet another enjoyable weekend meandering! You have such a good eye for finding diamonds amongst the masses of similar competing products…. it’s almost a full time job trawling through the net to find those diamonds. I did laugh when you wrote “Anyhow, this is not that type of screen”. I can’t imagine there are many of us on the hunt for a $50,000 screen. I bought a couple of mango wood screens with patterns carved through them during the pandemic. They were very useful to carve out a work area for my husband.
I noticed you used a tall basket for your fall decorations by your front door last year. I bought a similar umbrella basket from Target… how did you manage to display the pumpkins on top… did you fill container with something?
I’m looking forward to your next meandering !:)
Hi Fiona! Aw thanks I know it’s a jungle navigating choices out there. It can really be overwhelming. Ha the screen! Maybe someday I can upgrade to a Vanderbilt model…:D
The mango wood ones sound pretty and what a good idea for the workspace.
My baskets in the front are the umbrella baskets from Target! Mine came with a tray in them for holding pots or plants up. I just drag it up a bit and had the pumpkins on top. On one of them, I stuffed some torn grocery bags under to give support.. I hope that helps! Thanks so much for reading the weekend posts! xo
Kim! So many beautiful additions to your home for fall. Excited to see the real pumpkins have been let in! I adore those tortoise glasses. And I agree about the beautiful browns … in fashion and home accessories. Glad you got the rattan ice bucket … it’s a treasure and you’ll get so many compliments on it. Plus it really comes in handy. Room screens are so elegant. My aunt had an Asian inspired screen and I thought she was the chicest. I remember the story about Gloria Vanderbilt. She lived in a different stratosphere. Love Anderson’s remisinces. I just ordered the Mood book … look like one I’ll enjoy and I never met a decor book I didn’t see, like and want. Hurrah for puffy purses part deux. I’m still loving mine that you inspired me to buy last year. This bucket bag style is really nice. Thanks for the heads up about Vote Forward. I signed up and want to do my part. Thanks for mention my house review post … you’re the best. Have a fun weekend with your son … if he doesn’t eat all the cookies, call me. xo
Love my ice bucket! Your aunt sounds like a cool person. Anderson Cooper I adore! He was a good son..I hope you’ll like the Mood book. I know they’re my weakness too. Yay about the voting!Hope your weekend is lovely!~~ xx
Hi Kim,
As usual you have me thinking I need to buy just one more thing, or maybe two!
I’m starting to accept the puffy purse. I think lightweight is the way to go nowadays, I hate carrying a heavy bag.
I’ve been using a bright green cache pot with a ruffled edge to hold my kitchen utensils for many years! I laugh when i see the tiny little containers sold for that purpose. I have a ton of wooden spoons, spatulas, whisks etc etc, I like to have them out and handy when I’m cooking or baking. The pot was the only thing big enough. Plus it’s fun and I love the color!
Your new screen is great, adds so much texture, and the filtered light coming through it is so nice! Enjoy your weekend!
Xo Heidi
Heidi I agree lightweight is so nice isn’t it? I remember your cute cachepot! That was a brilliant idea too. Thanks about the screen1 Hoping you have a great weekend too! xo
One of my favorite posts so far! I am curious about the woven tote in the first 2 pics about the screens… where I might find this?
Hi Dawn, Thanks so much!
The tote is an Ugg rope tote and I bought it about a year ago at Homegoods. I’ve seen a few lately, here and there, but they go fast. I cannot find any online at all. If you have a Homegoods or TJ Max nearby, I’d check frequently! They are very heavy, but great for shoes and things.
Kim! I love everything in this post. Where do I even start? First, you and Max (who loves his giant spider) are writing five letters each every night this month…think if everyone we knew did that! So powerful and important right now!!
Also, I love the kitchen details that you are always mixing up. Like your utensil jar/planter! You have such a good eye! And a screen….I designed it, and Brent made one years ago that we used to hide some unsightly cords, etc. I can’t remember the details of why, but it worked, and it makes me wish we still had it. By now, it would have been painted black!
xx
Thanks Annie, going to try and make an impact…even in my small way. I bet your screen was wonderful. Thanks so much Annie. xo
Alie is using a puffy purse as Louisa’s diaper bag! LOVE your dining table decor! So creative. And I want those glasses…but it would mean letting go of others…no room in the cupboard.
Have a great week!
What a great idea! It’s so light… I know we only have so much room right?
The SCREEN!
For your office room TOO‼️
Xoxo
I know!!
Kim, your home looks so festive and I really love your porch…mine is about the same size as yours. My favorite thing is the Fall wreath for the front door I bought last year from Grandin Road. I have a Spring and Christmas one too and just love their quality. I have some purple mums in a flower bed near my front door (leftover from last Fall) but the one plant I forgot to cut back until a few weeks ago. It has buds but probably won’t bloom until the beginning of November.
Your new screen is really pretty, I wish I had room for one!
I recently googled “how to style a denim shirt” (I have a Banana Republic one from years ago) and I found on Pinterest photos of Miranda Kerr wearing different denim outfits. Some great ideas. Fall & Winter are definitely my favorite seasons for dressing. Bring on the sweaters and boots. Hopefully we won’t have a warm winter this year!
Linda
Linda your porch sounds lovely! Great idea looking for styling tips.. Miranda Kerr is so chic. She was at a blog conference I attended and could not be nicer. And yay I second the sweaters and boots!
Hi Kim,
So nice that your Griffin is home and Mama is baking cookies. You get to love on one another again in person, how sweet is that. 🙂
I really like your screen that you selected to give yourself a little privacy when you want it and an extra feeling of security. I love your front door it reminds of Frank Lloyd Wright look along with your front landscaping. I love that look to, and so environment wise with the water shortage.
Thank you so much for the bedding blog you posted some time ago. Serena & Lily has lovely things. I’m hoping I might be able to find my Jen a small marble tissue box to hold gloves in her kitchen to match up with the Williams Sonoma White Marble nickel soap dispenser. Her entire kitchen is white/silver marble. It’s elegant and classic. Hoping Serena & Lily just might have it.
Funny story about Gloria Vanderbilt asking Anderson Cooper for the pricey screen. I think highly of Anderson Cooper, we saw him last year at our Arizona Speaker Series, such a wonderful human being. He’s excellent on 60 Minutes.
Love your gourds and mini pumpkins in your wooden bowl.
The puffer handbag at The Gap do you happened to know the size? I have to have super light now. I have gorgeous handbags but some are too heavy to carry for very long.
Happy week.
Hi Katherine! Thank you was so nice having him home . Aww thanks about the door and the front. I hope you found yeh tissue box ! Have you tried Horchow? I feel like I saw them there. Her kitchen sounds lovely. How cool you saw Anderson! Adore him. As far as the bags from Gap, they appear to be a bit larger than a normal purse.. but not huge. I will see if they have dimensions …xoxo
Hi Kim,
I found the marble kitchen soap dispenser at Williams Sonoma, I ordered it on line and she received it a two days I believe. I directed my Jen to Etsy thinking they might have something that would work. Thanks for the suggestion, Horchow is a possibility, I don’t know about Gump’s, they carry or used to very specialized nice products.
Have you ever baked Barefoot Contessa’s Raisin Oatmeal Cookies? They are awesome, this is the only oatmeal cookie recipe I will use. If you have never tried this one, I suggest you add an extra cup of Oatmeal. You are an outstanding cook and baker, you will know by how the dough looks if you need to add more. Fifteen minutes baking seems to work well, otherwise when you put them in the freezer they dry out no matter how well you wrap them. My hubby puts the frozen back stock cookie in the micro wave for about ten seconds and he says they taste like they just came out of the oven.
Kim, I should not have bothered you about the size of the Target puffy bag. I can call customer service for that question.
Katherine, so glad you found the soap dispenser. I bet it’s lovely. Yes Gump’s is a good idea too! Thank you for the oatmeal cookie idea.I have to try them. I love all her recipes! Hey no bother at all about the purse. I will send you the dimensions. Have a lovely weekend! xo