On this weekend post, San Francisco houses, skincare I am loving, ideas for a dining room refresh and more..
How’s your week been? We finally ended this week with sun and I feel so upbeat and happy!
While it was dreary, I found these yellow pillows on a Homegoods run and added them to my little office to give it some brightness. A little yellow seems to be the thing just now.
I also took my dear dad for an eye surgery this week. He’s 84 and his primary recommended he get Blepharoplasty where they lift excess skin from your eye so you can see better. His insurance covers it as it affects his vision. . He’s a very active person and having his peripheral sight diminished is not great.
Many older folks just get used to it, but did you know any impairment of your vision or hearing can contribute to cognitive decline and even dementia? I just wanted to share as many of us have this hereditary issue or our parents do, and this procedure can help keep vision clearer and in turn, you can stay more active.
I will do it if I need it when the time comes and thank my dad for being a good example of taking care of yourself! He still drives everywhere, cooks a ton and gardens and I am so proud of him. It’s been almost 8 years since my mom passed and it hasn’t been easy for him, but he inspires me so much to stay busy and interested in life!
A little Dining Room refresh
Starting the new year always gets me focusing on what changes I would like to make and I’m so not excited by my dining room. I need a change in there and I think it begins with new chairs..
I fell in love with this Mesa chair and thinking of getting two for the ends at my black dining table and if I like, switch them all out.. They will make it a it more airy than my skirted chairs, which have put in their time, and I will likely sell.
Other ideas on my inspiration board…
Love these two rugs, both on huge sale plus additional now…. The Larkin Rug has warmer tones and would be pretty with these accent pillows. The Glenwood rug I love mixed with the stripe pillow– a little casual with the floral.
I’ve also been eyeing black cabinets for extra dishes, cookbooks and pretty things and the silhouette on this solid wood cabinet with the oak wood interior is beautiful. Of course I had to add two vases. The chambray vase comes in two sizes and is so springy- and the clear and lovely shape of the clear Pilar vase is a classic.
The cabinet is something I can really use and have thought about…Other options are the same cabinet is also in ‘drifted oak‘ below, this iron cabinet with drawers, and this large wood one.
If you are thinking of changing things up, Serena & Lily is having a fantastic sale, with 20-25% off depending what you spend and additional on many items already reduced, so if you had your eye on something, like a chair or rug, ( especially the rugs!) this is a good time to get it.
Skincare and cosmetics I am loving right now..
I’ve been loving this Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer which was suggested at Blue Mercury and I can’t tell you how good this feels on -in this cold winter it truly helps with my redness.
My Blue Mercury SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer has been excellent and leaves a lovely look on the skin.
The Clarins Total Eye Lift I buy about once every 9 months to a year..My eyes can’t tolerate much else and this always feels so good and makes my eyes look less tired.
I’m crazy for Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara and gave it as a gift to a few friends. Once you try it, you will love it. Makes my fine straight lashes look lush. Dior Lip Addict Glow Balm in Mahogany is all I wear in winter. Love the moisture and color, which looks natural, but gives color that stays.
I was given this lovely Necessarie plant based body wash for Christmas which leaves my skin feeling clean and moist. I also now adore the lotion that has a creamy richness I so want in the winter months.
San Francisco Homes
I had to share this San Francisco home in AD this month.. very different and built for two tech execs and their family… More pics online.
Architect was John Maniscalco and design by The Archers. The gorgeous hand painted tiles are by artist Bruno Grizzo.
A San Francisco Story…
When we walked through San Francisco’s Presidio Heights last week, I came across this amazing home being renovated…On the photos I shared, a friend Linda remarked on the Maybeck Houses there. That intrigued me, so I did a deep dive on Bernard Maybeck, architect of many San Francisco homes and the Palace of Fine Arts. Maybeck was an instructor at UC Berkeley after studying at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He was a mentor to Julia Morgan and most of his projects were in San Francisco.
This home we snapped was his most famous SF home, The Roos House, which was a sold in 2018 for 11 million.. It was built in 1909 for the nineteen year old daughter of an Orpheum Theatre partner as a wedding gift. Elizabeth Meyerfield choose Maybeck for his theatrical style, and the architect had free rein while she and Leon Roos, of the Roos clothiers empire, (later Roos-Atkins) took a European honeymoon. How very Downton Abbey!
The home is constructed of redwood and has twenty foot ceilings in the back portion.
At 9,000 sq feet, with little changes over the years, and in the same family until the recent sale, it’s an architectural gem. I couldn’t help fawning over the 2018 real estate photos and wondering what renovations the new owners are making. The home has views over the Presidio and to Marin and the Golden Gate.
If you want to know more about Maybeck’s homes this book looks like a good one. More interesting SF history on this article about the Roos family, immigrants, who who began as clothing suppliers in Virginia City during the Gold Rush and later set up shop in San Francisco and ‘carried the largest inventory of ready-made clothing in the world, employing 70 men, including six tailors’ at the peak of their success..More about the Roos House here and real estate photos here.
Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding gowns
I loved this revisit of Elizabeth’s eight weddings and unique gowns. How gorgeous is this yellow she wore to her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1964? I think I’m yellow obsessed right now.
My grandfather actually attended her first wedding to Conrad Hilton, above. My dad’s father worked in the frozen food industry, and was the head of American sales for Minute Maid when it was first invented in the early 50’s when they lived in Fullerton. He was a friend of Conrad Hilton Sr., who was an investor in the business and was invited! More of Elizabeth’s beautiful gowns on Vogue here.
Yoga With Adriene
I started back on yoga this week with Yoga With Adriene’s 30 Day Start and I think anyone could do it. She begins slowly and with 20 + minute daily videos, you gain some basic skills, strength and flexibility. Even by day three, I can feel a difference.. It’s free and so why not give it a go?
If you missed it, Juliet and I did our first Live of 2023 on Thursday. We chatted about couches, popovers, the Prince Harry book and more and you can still watch it here. We plan on trying to do this each Thursday at 9 am Pacific time, if you want to catch the next one! Thanks everyone who left comments and chimed in!
If you missed last weekend’s post I shared a California spin on the chocolate chip cookie, day trip to SF’s Laurel Village and Presidio Heights, the winter coat you may be missing and more..
Have a good weekend and I hope you enjoy some sunshine!
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Kim, fabulous post! Where to start…love your ideas for your dining room. The chairs are beautiful. Love the cabinet too!
Yoga with Adriene… I’m going I check that out! Sweet story about you dad, kIm. It’s been 8 years, kim since your mom passed away? I’m sorry! I always think of you on the last day of February! Thinking how cool that your mom’s birthday was on leap year!
Xx
Annie I can’t believe you remember my mom’s birthday. You are amazing.Hard to believe it’s been 8 years.
I know I love the cabinet!
xoxo
Great ideas, Kim. And that SF house…wow! Your dad is awesome….hope he recovers quickly!
Thanks so much Mary Ann! xx
What a fantastic post! Adding yoga back this week…thank you! I love the historical journey of old homes. So interesting! My husband had that surgery! Helped alot! Your dad is such an inspiration! Tell him for me! Thanks for sharing so much great info in one post and keeping us wanting more!
Thanks Kim! So glad to hear it helped your hubs too. It seems to be easier and easier to get this and life altering in such a good way! Aw thanks about dad. xo
This post had it all! Wishing your father success with his surgery. Yellow pillows in your office are perfect. Looking forward to dining room refresh photos. Really like the chairs so hope they work for you.
Thanks so much Carolina! He’s doing well. I just adore this chairs too. xx
Hi Kim, hope your dad has an easy recovery from his eye op. And speaking of your dad – what an interesting nugget of your family history!
I listened to you and Juliet the other day – I really enjoyed your chat and I will try to catch you live on Thursday. And that California house has an interesting history, I’m going to read the article you linked to .
Good luck with the yoga – Adriene is so lovely and her videos are so calming. Sadly, I haven’t ever managed to finish one of her January sessions! Right now I’m focussing on walking and also training on our new spin bike – we are going on a group biking holiday in Germany in June. Must make sure we don’t embarrass ourselves!
Hi Patricia, Isn’t that funny? I saw that wedding dress post and was remembering dad saying something about that wedding and rang him up to confirm.. I thought the frozen food industry thing so interesting.. another rabbit hole for another day!
Love that house. It is super sized when you see it up close, the details are huge, which makes it look smaller than it’s 9,000 sq feet.
I have to get on my leggings and do Adriene this morning! How fun to have the bike, and have the Germany trip to look forward to. You have to report back. xo
I always look forward to your Saturday posts Kim! Your varied topics are so interesting. I want to affirm what you learned about vision loss and cognitive decline. My mom is now legally blind as she has bravely faced the loss of vision due to macular degeneration in both eyes. As her vision deteriorated, she began to show signs of dementia and we recently had to move her into a memory care facility. It’s hearbreaking to watch a woman with boundless energy and interest retreat into herself. Both my brother and I make sure to have thorough eye exams every year and I pray this is not one of those things I will inherit. We take so much for granted with our health. It has made me wake up every day with appreciation for the good health I have at this moment. I work hard at it, though.
Hi Monica, I am thinking of you. It must be so hard seeing this happen to your dear mom. Good for you and your brother for being proactive. We do take so much for granted! Sending good thoughts your way and thanks for the comment! I do think people need to watch out for our loved one’s vision. xp
I love that you are a companion, active and loving with your father. My youngest child, and only daughter, is that for me and we always enjoy our times together whether on a trip, or just going to the thrift stores and having lunch out. At 83 I also keep active with daily walks, and frequently cooking dinner…my husband and I both take turns with the cooking and shopping. There is much to do to keep up a house and yard, and 2 cats to care for, as well as laundry, but I know it contributes to my overall health.
That said, it is important to take care of ourselves over the years so we can live into a healthy old age, as your father certainly has done. I do yoga once a week on zoom and may subscribe to the yoga video you include, looks good. My husband too is active riding his bike every other day, and alternating with workouts on the treadmill. Thanks for all the lovely decorating ideas.
Thank you Joan. I do feel so lucky to have my dad near, and honestly could not move away as I am his only family nearby. The lady at the surgery center told me yesterday there is nothing like daughters! I know that is true. One of my sons I hope takes over that role for me someday!! So nice you and your daughter have fun. It was like that with my mom too.
You and your husband sound busy and active! Yay for you guys. My grandma, who lived to 101 used to once you stop it’s not good.
Hugs to you!
Give your dad a hug from me and tell him That being independent and living by yourself as long as you can keeps you young. My mom lived by herself to 102. Then she had someone live there just help out with meals for the next few years and really did not need much more help until she turned 108. Being independent, I think it’s so important for seniors. That and having friends and family to socialize with. I don’t know if you’re familiar with that blogger Maria killiam- She is great with analyzing colors for interiors. She too, feels that yellow is coming back in a big way this year!! The rug in my bedroom looks so much like the Glenwood rug. It’s an older Karastan, but looks so similar. It was fun catching you on your live Instagram the other day !! I wanted to get right in there and talk with the two of you!!!
Hi Martha! You won’t believe it, but while dad and I were waiting in the office for his surgery, I was telling him about your mom! He was so impressed with her story and we talked about how being active like she was an independent is so good. I bet you miss your mom so much. She was a huge inspiration for so many. I will look up Maria…thank you. I am a huge fan of yellow. It was my mom’s favorite color too, so that maybe it has sentimental connotations.. Love that rug, I bet it looks lovely in your bedroom. I was thinking that would be a good one for mine too, which I am also hoping to change. I would love to have you chat with us sometime! I think we need to invite guests once we get the hang of that! Thanks Martha so much. xo
Hi Kim!
Loved this post. Ordered my Popover pan the other day. Got one for my son in law too. He loves to bake. Where can I watch Yoga with Adrienne?
Xo
Vikki
So many good tidbits here! My Dad had that surgery in his 80’s and it served him well. He also looked quite a few years younger too.
I love that Maybeck house! Thanks for sharing it with us. Elizabeth was a lucky girl!
Also your home updates, the yellow splashes, the yoga reminder and Elizabeth Taylor photos( and the family connection) are all fabulous. Thanks for all you curate for Saturday mornings.
Hi Penelope! Glad your dad did well with it too…I know and some good side effects right?
Isn’t that house something?
Aw thank you .. Happy Weekend! xx
Hi Kim,
I’m familiar with the surgery Dear Dad had.
How wonderful that this eye lid surgery is available. You are a loving, caring, present daughter to your dad. Please let him know he is in my well wishes. I hope he’s not in too much discomfort. Any surgery but especially from the neck up has to be sensitive. The eyes especially. I’ve been dealing with chronic dry eye for so many years so I appreciate eye issues.
The homes in SF Presidio Heights and Palsce of Fine Arts are stunning, the architecture is amazing. All the homes are perfectly manicured.
Please fill me in on Elizabeth-La Contessa. I know she was not feeling well in December. I will send a snail mail (happy mail) to her. Hopefully that will bring a happy moment.
Hi Katherine! I know aren’t we lucky that people can have this done now? Otherwise, my dad’s vision was closing in..and he is so active! Surprisingly, he said he has zero pain on day two, and he had a bit yesterday afterwards, but took some Tylenol and was okay. Sleeping, still a bit hard as you have to elevate a bit. I feel for you with the dry eyes! Has it improved at all? That can be so annoying.
Fortunately, our Contessa is slowly improving and hoping that continues. You are so kind. She has been loving the notes that are coming. xoxo
Kim! I love those yellow pillows … I think your current obsession with yellow has to do with the abundant lemon harvest. I’m with you on this. So happy your dad came through his surgery and will have better quality of life for it … I admire is zest for life and that reminds me. This year will you please let me know when he gives the go-ahead to plant tomatoes? I don’t want to jump the gun again. Anyway … these San Francisco houses are magnificent. And the Roos house in particular … look at the size of that drawing room. Reminds me of Downton Abbey. I really like the Mesa host chairs you have your eye on. And I’m partial to black furniture in a room to ground it. I really love the arched cabinet you show in your collage. Elegant. I think that body wash and lotion are going into my cart. Love that the lotion is fragrance free. I’ve been on a bit of a skin care exploration … so many options and a good recommendation is the best. Happy weekend! xo
p.s. I’m going to try yoga with Adrienne as a way to ease back in … thanks for the tip! xo
Let me know! She’s great and makes it simple. xx
Thanks Juliet! I bought them on the darkest darn day and thought let’s give these a try! I needed the bright.
I’m so lucky my dad is how he is… YES about the tomatoes! He’s already planning the garden this year and ordering seeds, so I will let you know!! xoxo
Kim, I love seeing you with your dad. Such a beautiful and loving relationship. I wish him a speedy recovery. You are so blessed to have him close by.
Your new pillows add a pop of sunshine to your office! The black cabinets are beautiful! I am sure that any one of them would look beautiful in your house.
Speaking of houses, I love this Bernard Maybeck house, stunning inside and out. I hope the new orders haven’t changed too much.
You have such an interesting family history, your grandfather attending Elizabeth Taylors wedding! So cool.
Enjoy your yoga, I have to get back to a studio, I really miss it.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
xoElizabeth
Thank you so much Elizabeth.I’m very lucky to have him close to me. I agree with you that I hope the new owners do not change much of this home! Isn’t that funny about my grandfather? Our family does not have any other claims to fame, but that was kind of a fluke. LOL.
Have a great weekend! xo
So my Father was in the frozen food business!!!!
Roos- Atkins’s I recall shopping in a lot with my Mother in Marin County at Northgate!
Yellow is a Grand Happy Color!
I knew about the hearing loss and the brain issue but DIDNOT know about the sight issue causing cognitive abilitiy decline!
I will be interested to know what your dad thinks!
Thanks for the SHOUT OUT on IG as the cards are arriving!
Xoxo
What? We must chat about that.. Yes Roos Atkins was bog back then and all over the place when we were young. Advertised a lot too.
Yellow is happy! Yes sight is also a contributor to decline. So far, dad doing well! Yay so glad you are getting the cards and improving.
Sending big hugs. xoxo
I know that house from San Fran days!
The history behind is fascinating!
Xoxo
I guess it stands out! The exterior oversized decorations make it look almost Disney-like in a sort of way.
Great post today! Glad your dad is having the surgery, he is amazing! Keeping busy and active is the key to longevity I think!
The pillows look great, I love pops of yellow too. I laughed when I saw your yellow vase. I bought the exact same one at Home Goods during the Summer. When I was in there the next time they had the same one but a Ginger Jar style. I bought that and ended up returning the vase lol. The two together didn’t look good next to each other because the yellows were not exactly the same and I didn’t really need both.
I just love those old homes in San Francisco. They have so much character.
That is a good idea to try out a couple of the chairs first. I think they will look great.
I haven’t heard of that mascara, I am always on the hunt for something better. I think taking Vital Proteins Collagen has made my lashes longer but not thicker. I remember when I used to get asked if my lashes were real. Those days are gone! 😟
I’m sure you have heard of Miranda Esmonde-White. I have been doing her daughter Sahra’s videos for over 10 years. Happened to find them on YouTube. It’s just one part of my workout routine.
Hope the rest of your weekend is a great one.
Linda
Linda isn’t that the prettiest vase? I also bought mine there this summer. Wish I saw the Ginger Jar! Sounds pretty. I love the SF homes and the stories behind them! So far, everyone’s feedback on the mascara is great..so let me know! I love Miranda! I didn’t know her daughter had videos. I’m going to look for them. Thank you Linda! Happy weekend.
Reading the history of the Maybeck house was interesting. I was not aware of the background. Glad your dad is doing good. How important and beneficial the surgery is, so thanks for sharing your dad’s story. Kim, another interesting post. I’m also a fan of Adrienne’s yoga on utube.
Hi Sheila! Thank you about dad! Aw thanks ! I know Adriene is so great and wonderful we can access her classes for free! xx
Once again a great pot. Old San Francisco homes are like no other. Grand Dames of the Left Coast. Did you hear California is now the 4th largest economy in the world? We must be doing something right! I Love the dining room zhuzhing and the cosmetics tips. I can use all the help I can get! Ha! My daughter recommended Yoga by Adrienne at the start of the pandemic. Will have to revisit her and her 30-day restart.
You always post something interesting/informative/fun, Thanks for sharing…
Hi Kim
Just read your post and so much great stuff as always! Love the yellow pops – so cheerful and I love how the pillows tie in with your decor. That yellow vase is gorgeous too. I am missing having a home goods nearby. I think I need a weekly trek to civilization to get my shopping fixes 😂. You are so lucky to have your wonderful Dad – how great they cover that eye surgery – I think I will be needing it too at some point. I also use the Ilia mascara as my every day – love it. I used to use the Dior Show but I like the fact this is a more natural brand – the Dior mascara brush was pretty great however. Exploring these cool SF neighborhoods and fabulous houses is so fun. I love knowing the history and seeing the craftsmanship that just doesn’t exist today.
Getting ready for the football games today and so thankful for the sunny days we’re having – it is a mood booster for sure. Happy weekend and thanks for sharing your great blog with all of us!
Michele
A very informative post, as usual. I adore those yellow pillows and always love to visit Homegoods whenever we are in the US ( which is not that often 😕). Thankfully we have more stores selling items for the home these days and can get a lot of things online.
I just wrote a card to Elizabeth. I hope she’ll be back to her usual self soon.
It’s finally raining here and it’s much needed. It also got cold and I spent most of the afternoon lazing around and reading books today.
Hi Kim,
So glad to hear Dad is recovering well so far from his eye lid surgery.
You asked me if my dry eye is getting better?
As it turns out, it’s getting worse. I have the best eye doctor too. Dr. Michelle wants me to see a specialist now. Trying very hard to limit the big gun prescription medication. Dry eye comes with the territory when you have progressive RA.
Feel thankful for OTC drops and I find warm compresses help too.
I found out one of my forever friends is on Hospice tonight. Feeling blue this evening.
Hi Kim! What a great post this week! Love the blue/cream rug and the chairs! And the rounded shape of the cabinet is unique. The backsplash tiles in the house you shared are to-die-for! Right now I am loving pops of orange in my dining/kitche area, but I went through a yellow phase last spring. It will probably be back again this year! Glad the rain has stopped for you. Hope you have a great start to the week!
My mom had the eye surgery done about 10 years ago. It was very helpful. She looked so much better too. I know what you mean about the senses and cognitive decline. My dad has macular degeneration in one eye and a glass eye in the other, and now is losing his hearing. His dementia is getting worse and worse. He will not wear his hearing aids – it’s a struggle.
Also love yoga by adreinne – do it as much as possible, since I stopped going to the gym. As well as the Ilia mascara and Dior Addict lip!
Great post! xo
Hi Kim,
Love your site! Wondering if there is a link to the gold/blue pillow you show next to the striped one.
Thanks!
Tami