On this weekend’s post, the best blueberry muffins ever, Tahoe, cabin updating, some new J. Crew gems, and Brooke Shields’ new documentary.
How has your week been? We had a lovely Easter last weekend with my dad and Jackson comin ag by for brunch. Afterwards we played tennis at the public courts which were empty and enjoyed the beautiful day! I hope yours was good too.
Dad and Jackson.. and our low key brunch with French toast, fruit, and muffins. We were all missing Griffin who was away at school.
For the table I used the new Pottery Barn Ikat runner and napkins, my woven placemats (similar here)and my mom’s vintage pink spode dishes.
The Jordan Marsh Blueberry Recipe
I don’t know if you caught it on Instagram, but my oldest Jackson and I did a little cooking story making a blueberry muffin recipe I saw on Catherine Pla’s Chouquette Kitchen Instagram. It’s the Jordan Marsh department store recipe from the NYTimes. It involves smashing a portion of the blueberries with a fork- something about this makes them extra good.
This recipe is not too sweet, which we liked and of course I made my own changes to it by adding about a cup of sliced almonds and we topped each muffin with a teeny bit of raw sugar. I love cooking with my sons and I try hard to and encourage them to cook for themselves more- and not Door Dash and fast food, but you know kids and telling them what to do.. I try!
You can find the recipe on Catherine’s Instagram post. You will enjoy following her. She is a cool Californian chef and mom and she just cracks me up. She is married to a Frenchman and cooks with him and his mother occasionally, which is fun too. She’s very relatable.
Tahoe
My tiny cabin…
Well finally after almost four months, got to our tiny Tahoe cabin! When we left before Christmas, I was sure we’d be back in January and February..I even left the Christmas decor up! Well that didn’t work out as we had the incredible barrage of storms that hit us until just a few weeks ago.
Normally the front looks like this in winter…
We have so much snow, it’s hard to describe. The street height is about 20 feet right now. We had our cabin roof cleared and dug out by the door, but still there is no where to put all the snow. My neighbor’s small cabin is invisible…So what am I doing this weekend? Putting away the Christmas decor, and swatting away cobwebs and all that- and killing a few spiders. Max is trying to dig out the propane tank as we are just about empty and they won’t deliver. We have leaks from ice dams that have to be fixed as soon as the ice on the roof melts..Cabin life things…It’s not glamorous.
I am excited that my new doors are in. There are two- the new front door and one in the kitchen which replaced dark solid old doors. Both have windows and are bringing in a lot of light! We need all we can in a small cabin. They weren’t quite finished when I came in fall, and now they are done, well one still has plastic on the outside- as the snows came early in fall, it didn’t get varnished. These windows make a huge impact on the light in such a small space!
I was slightly nervous about having windowed doors up here in the snow, but the builder said almost all new doors they put in now have windows- even up here in Tahoe. It took over a year from ordering these to getting them in… I hope to do more, but things move slow up here. I want to paint some of the walls white and leave the natural ceilings and and all that.. Sort of like these photos, but keeping the log cabin feel still..
I feel badly that I don’t know where I got these images. I’ve had them a while so if anyone knows, I will credit them! (NO animal heads for me, maybe a faux one.) This below from The Cottage Market.
Two more options below from Pinterest..
Below photos of a project from designer Jen Stouffer and are very pretty.. The white ceiling could be an option.
So far Max is not a fan of this look. You know I am all about bright and light and in small spaces especially. That said once you paint a log cabin inside, there is probably no going back. It would have to start in a small area. Follow my Tahoe Cabin board where I am collecting images and ideas as I go through this journey trying to keep the charm and update this little bolt hole.
Our favorite things to do up here..
When just Max and I get up to the cabin we have a little routine. Usually we leave the Bay Area around 6 a.m. and get up here, which is just past Tahoe City toward Homewood, by 10:30. We get settled and both work a little and then have lunch at our nearby favorite Swiss bakery, Tahoe House. They make the best sandwiches with their homemade breads. My favorite is the rye levain which we also buy a loaf of to take home to toast and get a pound of the coffee too. We might get an almond marzipan cookie . We eat our lunch in the cozy room with the fire, or if it’s summer out on their patio.
We usually go back and work and Friday night we love to go to our new local tavern and pizza place, Dog & Bear in Tahoma. It has a very neighborly vibe, great bar to grab a beer and the food is fantastic. We get one of the salads and pizzas which are super. Sometimes in summer they have love music in the adjoining park on Saturday nights. Also just up the road, is Palisades with its charming ski village with so many great eating spots and shops.
Saturdays we do something like ski or take a hike or a drive. We often go to Truckee to have lunch outside and check out the shops. Other times we take a drive to one of the trails over by the Sand Harbor or grab lunch at the charming Garwoods on the lake.
Sometimes we just take walks in our neighborhood as we are next to a place called Ward Creek which is a sort of preserve and has a nice trail through it. We also walk to our beach or bike in warmer weather. we have had picnics on the beach in 40 degree weather.. It’s pretty low key and I always think a day here feels like three.
Do you have favorite places in Tahoe you love? Winter is different than summer, but can be just as fun and the shoulder seasons even better!
On My Radar
J.Crew is doing a collaboration with Saint James and I have always loved their classic French stripe shirts. The navy shirt is a classic that would be so good with white denim ! There is also a pretty apple green and a blue, white and red combo.
J. Crew also has the most flattering designed stretch chino short and you can choose your length. The colors choices are fantastic. I love the tan and khaki, white and stone.. I personally think the 7 inch is the most current looking with the longer shorts and jackets trending and it’s versatile. You can always cuff them up if you want.They are on sale for a limited time for $39.! The khaki would look great with this shirt!
And as long as we are on J. Crew I am considering these Menorca ring toe sandals! These would look darling with everything and come in a fab jungle green and black, but I think I am torn between the tan or silver.
I finally put out my outdoor cushions and noticed I need a few pillows. I should do an updated post on outdoor cushions, but these caught my eye in this pretty dark blue.
Brooke Shields
Have you had a chance to watch the Brooke Shield’s documentary, Pretty Baby? I keep hearing great things about it. I feel a real connection with Brooke as we are the same age and I sort of feel like I grew up with her. She’s funny, bright and super talented, but she grew up being only valued for her outside appearance. I think this story will resonate with any of us who grew up in the same era and how women were and- still very much judged by their appearances more than almost anything. This is next up on my watch list..
This week was this month’s Signature Style, and if you missed it, I did casual go-to dresses that are the workhorses of my closet. Cindy shared some fantastic wedding looks that are so good if you have one coming up!
Juliet shared a perfect spring luncheon salad and pretty table!
On the last weekend post , I shared a walk through Golden Gate Park, a few items to consider for your warm wardrobe update, Pottery Barn things and more.
I hope you all have a great weekend,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Good morning Kim,
I love seeing your little mountain cabin! Happy to hear that it survived the snow, rain and bad weather these last few months. The doors look beautiful! I can see painting some of the walls to be bright and light. My husband would be the same as Max, not a fan. He loves the rustic charm of old cabins.
Easter brunch looks delicious. I will have to try the blueberry muffin recipe. I did catch the video of your baking with your son, so sweet. You are a wonderful mom!
I’ve not watched the Brooke Shields documentary, but have heard a lot about it. What a strange life she had with her mom. I often wonder what goes on behind the scenes of these child stars and now we can see a glimpse.
Enjoy your weekend and time at the cabin! Off to check out the JCREW links you shared.
xElizabeth
Elizabeth, I know this little cabin is a tough nut. I guesss it’s almost 80 years old, so it’s been through a lot. We defiantly have a few leaks.. Ice dams that have to be fixed, etc. I know I was thinking I could start small with the white paint and see how it goes.. I don’t think there is any going back after you paint a log cabin interior.. There are people up here who claim to know what to do.
That recipe is great! I am going to make it again.
Something about Brooke its just likable. I’m not a huge fan of celebs, but I am of her.
Have a great weekend! xx
Tahoe House is one of my favorite stops during every Tahoe visit…so good! We love the raspberry bars….give them a try! Have you tried Spoon? It is near Firesign Cafe – we usually get takeout (there is a small seating area) and walk over to the lake to enjoy our meal with a lovely sunset. Enjoy!
Andrea, I haven’t tried the raspberry bars! Thanks for the tip. We keep meaning to get to Spoon and it’s been closed a few times. Hopefully next time we are up here! Thank you.
Love the cabin! Agree wholeheartedly with you, as far as lightening up the interior. Would love to try that blueberry muffin recipe, however, I’m not on instagram. Would it be possible for it to be in a format that could be printed out?
Jill, I took a copy of Catherine’s Instagram and could send you. I did not see it on her blog. I will email it to you!
Wow, the snow pack at your cabin is impressive! What a crazy winter here in CA. I lived near Lassen Park as a teenager (I worked there at a gas station the summer I graduated high school) and the pictures I’ve seen from this winter are unlike anything in memory!
We’ve watched one episode of the Brooke Shields documentary. It’s well done and rather heartbreaking. She is amazingly poised and “normal” for all she went through.
Sarah hard to believe isn’t it? How cool that must have been to live in Lassen Park! Glad to hear the Brooke documentary is good. I know after all she’s been through, she seems remarkably normal.
Love your little cabin. I have never been to Tahoe – Chip has been twice. He says its great. Good luck with digging out and enjoy the nicer weather. Wonder how long it will take for that to melt?
Thanks Gray! You have to get to Tahoe someday. It’s such a beautiful spot and the lake especially is something to see.
Gosh I know we need that snow to start melting. We had temps in the 50’s and it’s beginning, but we have snow coming next week!
The cabin post brings back so many good memories I’ve had there over the last 50 years. I’m with you on lightening up the walls and leaving the ceiling wood. Light feeds my soul, as it seems to do yours. I’m so impressed with all your energy to take care of things after such a series of storms. That snow is overwhelming! Brava!
Hi Sheila-Merle! So nice to hear from you. I agree light and some wood on the ceiling could work! Isn’t its true, light is everything in these little spaces. xo
Hi Kim
I just love your cabin and the simple changes you have made to make it your own. If I owned it I would probably paint some of the walls white too, I know a lot of people would have a heart attach with that thought. I am dying to watch the Brooke Shield doc…hope to soon. Always love your Saturday favorites.
Thanks Cindy! I know I will probably start small..! It’s darker than people think in here.. I know going to start watching the doc too.
xo
Hi Kim. Thank goodness you’ve had someone “dig out” your cabin over the last few months. Being in your bedrooms must feel like being in an igloo! I’d love it! 😂
I think I’d be in team Max with painting the cabin interior … sorry 🥹
I understand your perspective on how dark it is ( and especially I guess in contrast to your home, which is so light and bright ) but I really love the natural wood and the cosy authentic “ cabin look” I think I’d try to lighten up with furnishings etc
I like the Scandinavian style of whitening the floor but even then I think in your cabin the natural wood flooring looks great and is probably more practical.
Excited to see what you do and how it looks.
Enjoy your time there … your Tahoe routine seems pretty perfect.
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary, Can you believe the snow? Just crazy..and more to come this week. We need it to melt slowly I guess or it’s going to be some terrible flooding.
I know I think you are right this cabin would to be the same all white. I want to keep the cabin charm! I am intrigued by what others have done. I am thinking of trying it in the small bathroom and maybe, doing the ceiling..or the small kitchen if we like the bathroom.
xo
The snow is incredible! Such a cute cabin and the changes are great. I
am with Max on painting that gorgeous wood white.
I am from Colorado and Vail is my favorite place, although Tahoe is
stunning. You have a great style maybe there are other options to
lighten things up ? For sure go slow!😜You do have a good eye.
Love the blueberry muffins too, my favorite!
Char, Can you even believe it? Okay I think the wood needs to stay..maybe the ceilings. I do see a lot of white furnishings and accessories can work too.I have never been to Vail and sure would love to. Aw thanks good to hear from you. xo
Wow, can’t believe the snow at your Tahoe cabin! How long have you owned it? It looks and sounds like a wonderful retreat! I love the idea of brightening it up with some white paint. I will definitely give the blueberry muffins a try. I wrote a whole blog post on Maine wild blueberries, and I have a big bag of them in the freezer. Have you ever had Maine blueberries?? They are the best! Hope you have a great week!
Molly we bought it in 2020. I don’t think I have ever tried Maine blueberries and would love to. Have a good week too. xx
Happy Sunday, Kim! I love seeing your tiny cabin … and I’m so glad you made it back. Finally. All that snow, wow. It’s unbelievable. You’ll be skiing on 4th of July! Blueberry muffins are my favorite and smashing the blueberries it a great idea, I’m going to try. Love St. James stripes … and those toe ring sandals are so pretty. Pretty Baby is on my watch list. I feel the same way you do about Brooke … she’s younger than me (so are you!) but she’s such a touchstone for an era. Those Calvin Klein ads! I’m really looking forward to watching this and getting her true perspective about her mother and all that. Hope you guys have an easy drive home from Tahoe! xo
Thanks so much Juliet! I know LOVE the Saint James shirts.. and the sandals. Oh my gosh those Calvin ads! Really mind- blowing now. I don’t think it would be tolerated for such a young person in the age we are in. Hopefully we have evolved!
xx
Hi Kim,
You created such nice yummy eats for Easter brunch. Guess what I did? I doubled the recipe for the Jordan Marsh Blueberry muffins. I liked the family pictures. Dads eye lids look so good, hope he is happy with the results. I bake primarily for my Honey Bear. He had one with lunch and said it was good I had 2 cups of fresh blueberries and 2 cups of frozen. I use egg beaters instead of eggs because of the cholesterol. I am sure they are richer with real eggs. My honey can’t eat them, so I always substitute with the egg beaters.
So happy the cabin is okay. It’s a HUGE deal looking after a cabin, especially in weather like you have just experienced. I feel for you guys. The worries hopefully are better at least for now.
I totally get it wanting all the light you can possibly get in a small space. Going with a very small space experimenting with white is so wise.
I’m with Max. We had many white walls in our large retreat, wood walls in some places. Log siding on the exterior. We did not want the heavy feeling of logs on the inside. We had windows everywhere with lots of light. I understand where you are out with the cabin.
It’s so nice you mix pleasure by getting out when you are in Tahoe. It’s so easy to constantly work on the cabin, always something to do right?
Have a good week.
oh Katherine I am so glad you tried the muffins and good to know that frozen and the egg beaters can work too! Love that. You are right I should probably start small with the white if I try it. Your retreat sounds like it was perfect with the white and wood.. Yes totally true we could be spending all our time fixing things when up there. We try and have a good mix of fun and work.. That’s why it’s taking a while.
Have a great week too! xo
Kim! I must say I am obsessed with your cabin as it is now and the ideas you have for it! I kind of like the combination of some natural and some white…still very Scandinavian! It looks and sound like you guys appreciate it so much! I cannot get over all the snow…and I grew up in Colorado!
xx
Annie, I know you have been so nice about it. I am hoping this summer when I get more time up there I can really start doing some things to it! I did not know you grew up in Colorado! Yes the snow level this year is unbelievable… I mean someone said you could walk on top of your cabin if we didn’t have the snow shoveled away, and that was true. Hoping the melt is slow.
Love your getaway in Tahoe. I also have a wood cottage, logs and felt the same.
The perimeter walls are logs but the rooms built on the inside are sheetrock. I stained the overhead beams with a solid white stain and the unfinished wood between with a transparent white stain. Maybe this could be a compromise between you and Max? It sure helped lighten the room. The inside sheetrock walls are painted and in your case, could be white but we have not altered the natural wood logs. Will really look forward to watching it become your own.
Kim thank you for a very well written and thoughtful post, every week.
Hi Joyce! Thanks for the ideas. Would love to see how that looks. Seems like a good way to keep the heritage feel of the logs and yet brighten a bit!
Aw thanks so much Joyce really appreciate the kind words. xo
I love your posts about your cabin and Tahoe activities. My husband and I got married on the beach at GarWoods (which is only there during drought years!) and LOVE Tahoe House as well – they did our wedding cake way back when. (Everything there is so good!) We’ll have to check out Dog and Bear – that’s a new one for us. Also, I’m putting the Brooke Shields documentary on my “to watch” list now. The trailer you shared caught my interest. Have a great day!
Wendy how wonderful! That must have been magical. I think that beach has the best view on the lake! Tahoe House does wedding cakes? I bet they are amazing. Yes Dog and Bear is down in Tahoma and lovely people and great food, plus a neighborhood atmosphere!
I will discuss the Brooke doc more next week! Love to hear what everyone’s thoughts are! x