On this post, early fall fashion pieces to consider, a twist on strawberry shortcake, a cool Kamala shirt, and more.
It’s time for the Weekend Meander with Elizabeth and Juliet where we share what is on our minds and what is new and upcoming.
How are you all? I missed you in August, but it was nice to have some time off the blog. September is always my favorite month. I love the whole starting fresh back to school mindset.
I don’t know how it has been by you, but here we had one of the hottest summers on record. I’m pretty over the heat, but I am not anxious for fall decor. I like to take it slow. It still feels like late summer here.
I found a cute sweater pumpkin that suckered me in at the Homegoods checkout. I swear I don’t go there very often, but when I do, I always find quirky things. I was there for some organizers which they have a lot of in September. (Is it just me, or is everyone at Homegoods having a speaker phone conversation while shopping? Maddening.) Anyway, I tiptoed into fall a bit with this cute pumpkin and some mums from the grocery.
I did find the pumpkin online here in UK.
So speaking of late summer, I wanted to share this family recipe that is SO good. I guess you could have used this a few months ago, but better late than never. Give it a try. (I took the photos at night, so they aren’t the best.)
My Great-Grandmother’s Strawberry Shortcake
I grew up eating this delicious twist on strawberry shortcake. My grandma (dad’s mom) used to make this for us and it’s so good. I may be biased, but I think it’s better than the classic. The cute story is my grandma made the usual version with small cakes for my Papa when they were first married. He said it was good, but not like his mother made. (Oh brother right?) From then on, my grandma Jody made it like his mama.
To make it for 4-5 people, I do flat pie crust on two cookie sheets and then break it up and layer it with home made whip cream and the best strawberries you can find. I used frozen pie crusts from Whole Foods rolled out with a little flour and transferred to the parchment covered cookie sheets. I then pricked them with a fork, and sprinkled with a little sugar and cinnamon.
I made these the day of, but they can be made a day in advance, and stored in an airtight container. This is pretty for a dinner party. I had it all prepped and it goes together easily.
Fall Transitional Pieces
I have just started thinking about changing up my closet. Below, are some good transitional pieces I have my eye on.
LOVE this leopard cashmere shell, and these 1984 longer jeans with a cool cuff detail, (I would buy petite at 5’4), a cute Mango bag that can be a hand held or crossbody, and these comfy slides with croc embossed leather. If you want to dress it up, these suede kitten slingbacks would be darling with the jeans and so much else. This looks like something I wore in the 90’s, and has that ladylike look that is back this fall. To go casual add in a baseball hat .I picked this one up at the Carmel Anthropologie. I’m trying to protect my skin more and this is the perfect hat to wear with so much. I’ve been looking for a chunkier retro necklace and this comes in gold or silver. The red jacket is a pop of color and I like the red and leopard mix, but they could be worn separately. I’ve had a red piece on my fall wardrobe wish list.
House Love
Have you seen retailer Ann Mashburn’s Atlanta colonial house on Frederic Magazine? I love everything about it. The front is absolutely gorgeous, but the inside is fresh feeling, filled with brightness and a mix of modern and casual with the traditional. Adore it! More photos on the article. Photos by Paul Costello.
Other Cool things..
I bought this book last week in Carmel… California Golden is about two sisters being raised in 1960’s California by a legendary surfer mother. The struggles the two sisters experience while being raised in an unconventional family and the connection that keeps them bonded. Sounded like a good one and I will start it this weekend.
I was lucky to have a little birthday lunch in Palo Alto last week with my dear pal Jeanne. We ate at the new RH rooftop cafe and it was pretty and the food excellent. I had the Chinese Chicken Salad and I am still thinking about it! This is a great spot to take someone for a special birthday, or just a fun girl lunch spot. Getting a reservation is the tricky part. Book ahead a few weeks if you can.
While you are in Palo Alto, get over to Neiman Marcus and check out their Fall Beauty Event! If you spend $150, you get a cute bag and a bunch of samples. I bought my usual things like this Chantecaille Tinted Moisturizer, this blush, and this Armani mascara. It’s a good time to get your favorite skin and makeup products. If you spend more, like $350 you get another striped zipper pouch with more samples. I chose the olive bag and I’m using mine for tennis as it has a wipeable lining. Jeanne got the cute yellow one! The promo ends 9/18.
Jones Road
I love Jones Road and have written about them before. I have bought many of their products at Credo clean beauty store in San Francisco. Have you tried their Miracle Balm? Juliet and I were both gifted some. I was sent the Dusty Rose and the Flushed colors. It took me a bit to figure out the right way to use them. You are supposed to use them over your base and powder and tap them in. I used the Dusty Rose tapped around my face, over the bridge of my nose and even on my eyelids for a nice natural color with a bit of glow. The brighter color, Flushed, I tapped in with their luxe everything brush on the tops of my cheekbones for a pop of color, and even on my lips which looks great. It sort of gives you that bit of bright you get from a day in the sun. I love a little glow. Tapping them in, not rubbing is the key.
Our Election
Since I last posted, the election has ramped up. If you read this blog, you know I am very much for gun reform as a member of Moms Demand Action. I am absolutely supporting Kamala. Trump has never been an option for me, but with the gun epidemic in this nation, his bragging that he never tightened a gun law, and that Americans should ‘Get used to it’ about mass shootings, is reprehensible.
We have to do better for our nation and for our children. Common sense gun reform, like background checks, red flag laws, and assault weapon bans are what keep other nations from living the way we do. I know we can do the same here if we change hearts and minds. Women I believe, can and will be at the forefront of this. We need to use our collective voices and vote!
If you or a family member hasn’t registered to vote, it takes a few seconds to register at VOTE.gov. no matter what state you live in. This election we need more young people to vote. This is the time to get them registered. If they are away at college, you can get them an absentee ballot, or they can vote where they are living. Every vote matters!
I just got this Kamala shirt off Etsy and this particular one is soft and has a cool design. I bought medium and I may buying a black version too. I wore it out after the debate to get ice cream. It’s also cute with a skirt.
Max and I have lawn signs. Our neighbors have some pretty cute ones too. The pink sign, ‘We must be a nation that trusts women,’ is the creation of Michigan OB Nurse Nikki Vinckier.
Interesting note the ‘We must be a nation ..’ quote came from Kamala Harris’s visit to a Planned Parenthood. She was the first sitting VP ever to visit one back in March. Vikki who created the signs wanted to share the backstory with me…
‘The reason I ordered this quote specifically is that Dr George Tiller was an abortion doctor who was murdered in 2009 for providing essential care. He wore a pin on his white coat every day that said ‘ Trust Women.’ Kamala was quoted saying this when she left the clinic on her visit. This quote is so relevant to everything we need to do now.’
Nikki Vinckier
You can follow Nikki here on Instagram, and also donate to help her spread more signs. I bought her pink sign here and the cat sign here and there are more signs here.
I’ll try next week to link to more ways you can help with the election.
Did you know it is California Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21? You can go to their site to find a creek, beach or lake near you to come together and clean up. I am hoping to do it this year. You can also clean up a nearby creek ! Find a local site near you here. ( Thank you Pia for that.)
I did get one post out in August, about our long weekend up to the North Coast to my Max’s little beach town of Trinidad, California. If you missed it, catch it and my travel guide to Trinidad!
Coming on the next weekend meander, a few things that we did that were new to us on our trip to Carmel last week… And make sure you are subscribed (below), so you don’t miss Thursday’s Signature Style Post where Cindy and I will share our fall wish lists.
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more weekend fun..
Make Mine a Spritzer
Pinecones and Acorns
If you missed the last weekend post catch it here.
Thanks for reading. I have missed you guys!
Kim
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Welcome back Kim! Your posts always have wonderful info, recommendations & merch in them.
Thank you for using your platform to get out the vote. This is such a critical election with so many significant freedoms on the line. Down the ballot is very important too. Our state & local positions help ensure that our communities remain great places to live and work.
“When we vote, we win!!!”
Hi Sue! Thank you.
You are so right, down the ballot is really important as well. We can’t make change without support from congress and also local people!
Thanks for the reminder. xo
Kim,
Thanks so much for using your platform to both entertain and educate us! I hope many of your readers will know what a critical election this is and follow your lead.
Yes!! When we vote we win. So important to get your friends, family and neighbors to vote. P.S. Thanks for the tee shirt and yard sign info!
Agree let’s get our neighbors and friends on board!
So good to see you back Kim! Thank you for continuing to use your platform to support Kamala Harris & speak out against the other guy. Love the shirt you got & the signs. Our front yard yard sign says “Harris…obviously.” I’m still trying to decide on a t-shirt but will do that soon.
Hi Michelle! Thank you!
That sign you have may be the best one of all! Our Tahoe neighbors are the coolest and have it too.
There are so many fun shirts. People are so creative!
So much great stuff in your newsletters! I love those yard signs and really wish I could put one on my lawn, but our neighborhood association prohibits them. I took part in the California coastal cleanup one year when I lived in Laguna Beach and found it so rewarding. I didn’t want to leave when my three hours was up, there was still so much more trash to pick up. California is such a beautiful state, you are lucky to live there.
Hi Sandy, Totally understand about the yard signs.
That is awesome you did the coastal cleanup in Laguna Beach! I want to get back there someday.
We are fortunate. Glad we have these cleanups. xo
Thank you for another wonderful post. I really look forward to reading what you have to say each week. (I can’t wait to try your strawberry shortcake recipe — it seems lighter and more to my taste than the traditional version.) You put a lot of work into your posts so having time off from the regular routines and obligations is critical. I am glad you did that! I think it is especially important that people are vocal about voting and who they are voting for. Issues like reproductive freedom, gun control (which in my mind is a public safety issue), affordable housing and voting rights are the reasons that I am support Harris/Walz. I am writing postcards to swing states, which encourages people to vote. We lived for 13 years in the Philadelphia suburbs and it will no doubt be another close election — especially in states like PA.
Hi Carol! Hope you like the strawberry shortcake. I think it is lighter than the usual.
I completely agree that gun control is a public safety thing! Housing and voting rights are also HUGE reasons to vote for Harris. Thank you for the postcard writing. So many people are doing their small part and I am so grateful. It’s the grassroots on the ground that makes a huge difference.
I’m always so surprised about PA! Rooting for them to turn blue. xo
I am actually very disappointed that you used your blog for political endorsements. You are entitled to your opinion and I, mine. But who you endorse is not why I subscribe to your blog. I am hoping this is a one time thing, but if not I guess it will be time for me to say good bye.
Hi Susan,
News flash. I will periodically use my blog for things that affect us all, like human rights. I think it’s warranted and should be just as important to us women as a cute outfit and a good recipe.
We women have huge power together, and when I see we can make a difference and create a better world, I will advocate for it.
Kamala Harris supports reinstating Roe and supporting women’s right to maternal healthcare. 25 million women in red states are no longer able to access care with a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or even a fetal abnormality that could be fatal- thanks to politician’s decisions, not medical doctors.
We know Republicans have plans to take more rights away as well.
Sorry this is a disappointment. I’m sort of disappointed too that you don’t think this matters.
Right on, Kim, thank you for saying this and including such important matters on your blog. You’re one of the few people I follow who does and I appreciate it!
Gratefully,
Kim in Michigan
Well said Kim.
Pretty clothes and styled homes are irrelevant when the threat of women’s rights are being eroded to this unimaginable extent in the US.
I appreciate you taking an informed political stance and sharing it on your blog.
Thank you Kim, for being a brave supporter of gun control, women’s sovereignty over their own bodies, and strengthening the middle class. Kamala’s people focused agenda. This is your blog, you get to write what you believe.
Thank you so much Marilyn! Yes to all of those. xo
You must be a new subscriber. Go Kamala. And I’m not even American, however, I want women to have rights to their own bodies. What happens in America affects the whole world… Good on you Kim for using YOUR platform for what you believe in. I admire you very much.
Rita, You are so right. Our elections will affect so many across the globe in many ways.
Thank you so much. x
Susan, you must not be a long-time reader of Kim’s blog!😊
Thanks for this post. Especially the political Harris/Walz yard signs. Finally a little chuckle in politics, the WEIRD sign.
Janet that was such a great one!
My Tahoe friends have the ‘Harris Walz- Obviously’ which is great and my next door neighbor has a cat with cool glasses that says, ‘Mind Your Own Damn Business.’
I enjoy your site for fashion, decorating and other ideas. However, using your platform to endorse politicians completely turns me off.
You are entitled to your opinions but we are so inundated with the media pushing different candidates it would be nice to have a site we can enjoy without politics.
Hi Sherrill. Yes sorry for the turn off, but occasionally I am going to use my platform for things that really matter to me, and right now in an election year I am very passionate about not having Trump get elected again.
I want women’s healthcare rights restored,and I want change with the gun violence that is off the charts in this nation. I don’t want to keep living this way, with my kids and family in peril from guns, unlike other first world nations.
Republicans say ‘get used to it’ of the gun violence. I say to them, ‘get another job’ and heck yes I’ll use this blog to share that.
I think having a better nation is worth advocating for in between the fluff.
I truly believe that in this season, not talking about the dangers that another ˇrump presidency hold is irresponsible. This is not just any election, it will determine our countries future for decades. How anyone can even consider voting for someone who supported an insurrection is beyond my realm of belief. This is not a R or D situation where there can be polite disagreement. Thank you Kim for being willing to lose a few followers to stand up for the future of our country!
Hi Sandy! I really feel the same. We all have to speak out as much as we feel comfortable. Our collective voices are strong and together we can move this nation.
I know one of the things that has really bugged me is the man being treated like a regular candidate with poll numbers after what he did to us on January 6. How and why are we even here again?? The rest of the world thinks we have lost our minds.
Sure! This is our future and I can lose followers, but I don’t want to lose my human rights. x
Great selections this month—-especially the signs and the sentiment. Vote blue top to bottom.
(Truly I love your taste in clothing, home goods, and food!)
Thank you so much. I could not agree more! x
Welcome back. I relate and appreciate your ideas and topics. I also agree with your politics.
Thank you Nancy so much! x
Hi Kim, we missed you! Nice to have you back, and to read your newsy blog. I thoroughly enjoyed your Trinidad post last month. Your grandma’s strawberry shortcake looks yummy…it’s sort of a deconstructed strawberry pie. Love all the Harris signs, and thank you for using your platform to spread the importance of voting. Xo
Hi Karen thank you! Yes that is a great way to put it..deconstructed pie! Almost an Eton Mess without the meringues.
Go Harris! xo
I love the idea of pie crust as shortcake! I’ll be making that the next time we have shortcake! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so hoping voters will check the facts before voting. The office of President (especially since the Supreme Court foolishly decided to exempt all presidents from illegal actions they could take while acting as President) is too important to allow someone who is so focused on himself and not the best interests of the people of this country to hold that power.
Diane, We don’t have enough pie crust in our lives !!
You are spot on the office of President is the most important job and we should absolutely want someone who is an upstanding and selfless person who puts Americans first. That is what I feel Harris will do. We need to expect the best and positive changes to make this nation even better. x
Love the fun yard signs… and please don’t stop with the politics. It is who you are and that is what you are sharing… I am writing letters for Vote Forward and hope to canvass in Reno in October. This election is so very important.
Leila, Thank you! So awesome you are writing letters… and canvassing in Reno! That’s a great place to do it. I am going to write some postcards too.
Here in coastal BC , Canada, many of us are very keen to follow what is going on below the 49 th parallel. It affects us a lot. “ If America sneezes, Canada catches a cold”…
I think the saying goes. I watched the recent debate and will be following the election.
I am somewhat disappointed seeing negative comments from some readers regarding you choosing to share your beliefs. Perhaps what they seek is simply fashion, and there’s certainly many options out there. You are honest and follow your heart, which is a big one❤️, Kim, and you share dialogue. Do not be deterred from encouraging your readers to consider the seriousness of voting… it is an important part of a healthy democracy, and more and more being lost to many other world citizens.
Looking forward to reading more as the seasons change, and definitely your trip to Carmel, as I would love to return sometime.
Currently , I am still packing last few things here, as I prepare for my dramatic downsizing that comes with this 74 year old’s grey divorce. The moving van comes Monday morning , and I will sadly say goodbye to our lovely home near the Salish Sea, It already looks so empty and without the charm I added these past 8 years. Once I am settled into an older and much smaller patio row house nearby, and begin to sprinkle my inexpensive “ fairy dust” , I know I will begin to bloom and flourish on my own . I have decided to break the move into parts…after knowing how much I can handle at one time…so everything out on Monday morning. With no bed, I am paying for the van to be stored overnight and enjoy the latter part of that day at a local beachside hotel ( hopefully outdoor pool still open for a relaxing swim) . Then unloading begins early Tuesday, and the chaos that goes with it, so later back for a second much needed decompressing and ‘self care’ night at the hotel, before arriving to begin to tackle 📦📦📦and reality . I believe that decision will be worth the money spent.
I am feeling very much on my own with this, as a couple of local friends I depended on these past few months for encouragement ( texts or a call) or just the relief of fun conversations over a meal or walk, have not been in touch for the past month. Disappointing and confusing, especially when I could certainly use it now, but I will have to assess how to move on with those relationships later on. But must get on with the last 48 hours of leaving one life and beginning another. Much to be done!
Cath, Thank you. Appreciate the support from up there in Canada! I feel like you all are rooting for us down here to keep democracy on track…It must look like we are nuts having Trump as a candidate again after he refused to leave and the coup!
I have been thinking about you! Sounds like a good move taking it slowly and creating time at the hotel for self care. Moves can be hugely stressing even without a divorce, so do more of that! I know you will land on your feet and find good people. Hopefully you will love your new place and make it cozy and special. Be kind to yourself and keep me updated. I know good things are on your horizon. Big hugs.
Hi Cath, fellow Canadian here. I wish you all the best as you move forward, take care!
How very kind of you, Patricia🇨🇦. Thank you! The moving van unloaded my belongings, which seemed endless and no doubt comical to anyone watching. I am pleasantly surprised how much I am enjoying my new home…chaos aside… since there are masses of cartons to unpack, and more definitely editing to do ( local Marketplace site ), but I know I will manage and there’s no schedule. I have been welcomed by a few neighbours, which is heartwarming. Now I begin…
Hi Kim,
I hope you had a beautiful relaxing summer! Love the strawberry recipe thank you for that,l will make it for our good friends when they come over for supper next week.
Love the yard signs too. Such an important election.
Happy week!
Hi Francesca, Thank you! I hope you had a nice summer too. Hope you enjoy the strawberry recipe! Have a good one. x
Kim, I was so excited to receive your post in my inbox this morning! I too am so over the heat and am ready for the beautiful fall season! Thanks for mentioning the CA Coastal Cleanup Day. If locals don’t want to drive too far, they can go to CleanACreek.org to find one of many sites in Santa Clara County, including Los Gatos and Campbell. It’s an impactful volunteer opportunity!
Hi Pia!! Thank you will add the Cleanacreek link above and here! I was thinking of doing our local creek too.
You are awesome. x
https://cleanacreek.org/
Kim—it’s so nice to hear from you again. I was in Carmel this past week as well and watched the debate from my hotel room. I always appreciate your writing and admire your aesthetic choices. But it’s your willingness to use this space to touch on important issues—the coming election, gun control, women’s rights, acceptance of difference—that keep bringing me back to your column. The personal is the political—especially this year. Please, please keep doing this.
Deborah thank you! Really appreciate that and I feel the same..Hope you enjoyed beautiful Carmel! x
Trying hard to hold my tongue but others didn’t so why not let go. I get a kick out of Californians who support the unelected democrat candidate. You all living in the mess and troubled areas created by the democrat run state. The appointed candidate is such a weak example of what a woman leader should be. Platitudes and slogans do not a leader make however Make America Great Again rings true to me. She has such trouble expressing any ideas for reform that she has taken Trump’s plans as her own. As a woman voter I’m ashamed that women are showing such blind following just because a woman of color was again, appointed not voted on, to be on a ticket. It doesn’t show strength to me to rally around a candidate just because of her sex and no merit to back her up. And as I cast my vote for Donald Trump once again, I will pray that women unite to bring real change to our country to secure it and bring back what was working under Trump by voting for him.
By the way I love your thoughtful and beautiful posts when you are not talking politics.
Leanne,
Thanks for your comment. First let me be clear, Kamala has absolutely been elected. She was elected to San Francisco DA position, She was elected to Attorney General of California, and she was elected to the Senate to replace Barbara Boxer. She was also elected as VP with Biden for her current position. SO please tell me how she is ‘unelected’?
I am not voting Kamala because she is a woman – or woman of color, though it’s pretty awesome she is both! However, women are more empathetic, and she has shown to be. I do think that is a pro, not a con for a leader. The reason I am voting for her is she has committed to things that matter to me, and so many other Americans. Kamala also might have one of the best resumes for a president ever. She’s been attorney general, a Senator, and VP. All jobs she’s had a great record at. She’s a leader people can respect, who has a plan to improve this nation even more, with emphasis on families, not corporations. I didn’t see anything from Trump except for ‘concepts’ he claims to be thinking of, and some talk about sharks and electrocution, and Project 2025.
As a Senator, Kamala advocated for stricter gun laws, and she dealt with border crime and drug trafficking. Her experience is quite impressive.
As far as the ‘mess of California.’ we are a large state. Like all big states we have crime and homeless, but not as Fox News would like you to think. In fact, California ranks 17th in violent crimes, and has 5 of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. Facts are we are a huge state and have 10 million people in Los Angeles alone, so we are going to have bigger numbers than places with less, but they conveniently take those facts and skew them! San Francisco was just ranked one of the safest big cities and the crime rate is at a 6 year low, but you won’t hear that! I feel much safer here than in red states where gun deaths are off the charts. in fact, a new study published contradicts the common belief that Democratic blue areas have higher incidence of gun deaths. In fact red state gun deaths are soaring every year.
The reasons to vote for Kamala are myriad, but suffice to say, she is committed to returning women the right to make their choice about their healthcare. That is number one. After the fall of Roe, more than 25 million women live in states where they are banned or limited to have full access to maternal healthcare. That means help with miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and unviable pregnancies. ALL of these things can be deadly to the mother, and can also leave her infertile.. Doctors are unable to even do their job for fear of prison and ALL of this was created by primarily male politicians, who know NOTHING about healthcare, yet women are living this hell. Trump proudly brags about being the source of this hellscape women are navigating. I’d be scared to death to be pregnant in a red state.
Trump and his party are THE reason guns are the biggest killer of children in the United States. The Republican party has refused to make any changes with gun laws, even simple ones like background checks. Yet somehow these lives don’t rate with Trump and his party, only the unborn matter to them.
Thanks for listening. This is why I advocate on my blog for Kamala and her policies.
Kim
Great response!
Best response to someone who is ignorant of facts or doesn’t want them! Indicative
of the huge divide in this election. All voters need to be aware of the real truth
not one fed to them by someone who isn’t citing data. Keep being your
informed self who doesn’t just sit back
Thank you so much Char. xo
Kim, your response is a well- articulated rebuttal to the previous comment made by someone who is unaware of the truth and facts going on in CA and our country. I applaud you for taking the time to educate others regarding this matter.
Thank you so much Karen. xo
Such a great response Kim! I Appreciate you speaking up about your support of Kamala Harris and I wish other influencers would also! This is probably the most important presidential election our country has ever faced. The difference in the two candidates is so drastic, Kamala is clear speaking, calm and empathetic. Trump on the other hand lies constantly, attacks when he speaks and makes absolutely no sense! Leanne, do not say things about our beloved State of California that are not true. Do you live here? Have you ever lived here? I suggest you stop watching Fox News and Newsmax, because what they are feeding you are lies! Yes, we are the biggest state population wise at 39 million people and there is crime and homelessness, which is common with large states. Still, we have the strictest gun laws in the nation and some of the lowest gun deaths because of it, you can’t say that about a red state. Also, we contribute more money than any other state to the federal government. I cannot for the life of me can understand how any woman can vote for Trump, a man who has been found guilty of sexual assault, brags about grabbing women by their private parts, has had numerous adulterous affairs and is proud of the fact that he ended healthcare for so many women. The list goes on and on! What are you teaching your daughters, granddaughters? That is not ok! I am proudly casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz!
Cynthia thank you! So appreciate your comment. Spot on about California! Gun violence numbers are low here for such a large state. We sponsor and feed the rest of the nation.. Don’t come at us! We are leading the future in so many ways. This strong and brilliant candidate is a Californian, and that doesn’t jive with the garbage they have been fed about our state on their biased news feeds.
Agree my son and I just had this conversation about women voters. I find it hard to grasp the thought process of a woman voting for Trump. Tell me how a sexual assaulter, misogynist, liar, and someone who brags about taking our rights away, and also refuses gun reform appeals to a woman?
Most of the women in this nation are coming together in this election we are saying no more! We don’t need a man like that leading us!
Hi Kim, belated Happy Birthday!
We’re still having some pretty hot days here, but it should cool down soon. However, in about 10 days’ time we are off to Tokyo for a cruise from Tokyo to Seoul, and temperatures are still very high in both places! Makes packing difficult – I’m looking at the 14 day forecasts every day, hoping for a dip!
I love reading your blog for both the style AND the politics. I think I’ve said this before in a comment, but I need to be reminded that there are Americans who are clear-headed, are able to look at the facts, and work hard to keep their democracy. (I also didn’t know that abortion wasn’t legal in Canada until 1988 – as someone here said, ‘When the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold’; I wouldn’t want us to go back either!)
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much! Wow that sounds like a cool cruise. I hope it’s wonderful. I can imagine you have to pack for cool and warm weather. I always find that difficult. You’ll have to let us know how you did.
I appreciate your thoughts here. I so agree. hard to believe women have only gotten rights in our mother’s generation in some places!
We have to stay strong and band together!
Your early August Trinidad post was very timely. I have friends who live in Paris who were headed to the West Coast for a couple of weeks in late August (I live on the East Coast, so wasn’t going to see them this trip). I knew they were going to drive up from SF/Monterey and up through to Oregon and Washington–following the coastline where possible, so I sent them a link to your post on Trinidad. Happily, they were able to include it on their itinerary. I received a message from them with a photo of the Trinidad shoreline in the mist expressing their thanks for the chance to visit this lovely spot. So thank you for sharing info about this charming place.
Hi Mary! So good to know the Trinidad post was helpful. Yay! I’m so glad someone from abroad was able to discover this sweet town. I also got photos from another couple who made it there in August. Looked gorgeous. Fall is a super time also. Thank you for letting me know. xo
Hi Kim,
Glad you took a summer break, and I hope it refreshed you! Thank you for sharing your political views, and including some style and fun with it! I appreciate your putting your values ahead of potential income. I have long been a Planned Parenthood supporter. My father, who would be 105, shared a story around our family table when we were teens that has long stayed with me: when he was a grad student at Columbia U. in the latter 1940’s, a female classmate, thinking he was kind and trustworthy, asked him to accompany her to have an illegal abortion, which he did. For the rest of his life, my father was a PP supporter… I’m heading home to Palo Alto this week, and will get to “The City” and Carmel over my visit, so I look forward to your Carmel post!
Hi Joan, Wow. Thank you for sharing your dad’s story. Your dad must have been a kind guy. I can imagine how that impacted him and led to his support of PP. How wonderful he shared it with all of you too.
My mom also knew of friends who had to do this, and my grandmother too. They were both staunch supporters of abortion rights, as they knew the dire consequences of women not having choice. Both are no longer with us, and they would never believe that ROE has been overturned.
I hope you have a great trip back. I adore Palo Alto. Have fun in SF! Fall is the best time there and in Carmel! Working on the post now!
xo
Thanks, Kim.
“… the dire consequences of women not having choice.” — that says it all.
Welcome back Kim! Love your sense of style and fashion picks each week, but sooooo glad to see you address the most important issue facing us this year, the election! There’s a mixture of signs in my neighborhood and I plan to add a few “ears and whiskers”signs to my yard. Enjoy the wonderful weather here in Northern California. Cheers, Brenda
Welcome back, Kim! You always find the best tings at Home Goods … love that pumpkin! And your great-grandmother’s strawberry shortcake is right up my alley. I could eat the cinnamon sugared sprinkled pie crust on it own and be happy. Let this be a lesson to us to never, ever try to create a new version of mama’s favorites. 😉 Really love your fall transition pieces, especially those jeans. Everything is taking me back to the 90’s which is a good thing as far as clothes are concerned. Ann Mashburns house … AMAZING! As for the Jones Road Miracle Balm, I appreciate the idea to try it as a lip balm. I’m going to do that with the Flushed shade which was an absolute zero on my face. I need to step outside the box to experiment more so thanks for the nudge. I admired your Kamala shirt when you posted it in your stories, thanks for providing the source link. I’ve been looking for the Harris / Walz Obviously lawn sign. Because … obviously there is no other choice if one values their freedom to choose how they lives their lives, read their books, the size of their families and on and on. Have the best weekend. xo
Keep on speaking your mind and why. I appreciate your candor
and commitment . I to am with you all the way. Our choices
and freedoms are on the line. More need to speak up.
It still 100 here in Scottsdale, its been a record setting heat
and I am so tired of it, even 90 will be nice. I hit Home Goods
myself and got some great pumpkins and fall stuff Too early
to put around my house but I did anyway because I am
desperate to feel like Fall is coming!!🎃
Glad you had some good time off but glad your back!
I always enjoy your posts and especially your fashion sense. Thank you for taking a public stand on your political positions. I appreciate your bravery and intention to help others understand the seriousness of this election. Our democracy is on the line. I am 67 and I never thought in my lifetime I would see women’s rights taken away after all these years. We can’t accept that school shooting are “a fact of life”. Supporting the differences in all, makes this country a better place for our children and grandchildren.
Women must unite and talk about the issues!
I truly enjoyed reading about your trip to Trinidad. On my radar now. Your Kamala shirt is great 👍.
Kim, it is nice to see you back. I have missed your posts, insights, humor, fashion, recipes and all of the rest.
HAPPY Be-lated birthday! I hope it was a fabulous celebration of YOU! Your birthday lunch looks delicious. Did you eat at another RH rooftop in the past? The next time you go to the UK you need to make a detour to the one in the Cotswolds, it looks amazing.
I’ve never had shortcake like this! What a great idea. Love piecrust, it was one of my favorite things to make with my grandmother. She would take the scraps, after making the pie, and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, bake them and they we would get to eat them. This brings back so many memories.
As I mentioned on Juliets post, I’ve thought about buying Jones Road but have never closed the deal. Thank you and Juliet for your honest opinions. Honestly, makeup is not my thing, I wear eyeliner and lip gloss most days and mascara and bronzer if heading out. I’ve never been very good at application and have very sensitive skin.
This is a very important election, I am happy that you stand by your convictions and use your platform to share your thoughts.
Love your Fall outfit! I think leopard is a great addition to Fall and winter outfits and that shell is perfect under a cardigan or jacket.
The weather here is still hot, but I am looking forward to slowing down, cooler days and cozy season.
Welcome back my friend! xo
Hi Kim, Maybe it will seem like Saturday morning again with your posts in my in-box! You deserved a break as you must put a lot of time and thought into your blog each week. The strawberry shortcake looks like something fun to try but the most important take away for me from this week is your political stance. Thank you for speaking up and standing up to the people who criticize you for doing it. Linking the topics of guns with yard signs and tees, I’m almost afraid anymore to show my affiliation for fear of retribution. One never knows if there is some kook who takes offense and can be violent so be careful. Keep up the good work…you write using facts and being educated about your topics.
Hi Wren, Thank you so much. I also understand the reluctance to have a sign or t-shirt. No judgement! You have to feel comfortable.
I am just so glad you feel the same way. Really appreciate the support. xo
You can tell how important but sensitive this issue is. You got more comments than at any other time, maybe!!
I think so Wren. Women are fed up in this nation. We aren’t going to sit back while our rights are slowly taken away.
Hi Kim,
Welcome back, my “in box” was feeling lonely without you.
It’s sweet and touching that you are using your Great Grandmother’s Strawberry Shortcake recipe. What Papa said, Jody of course took to heart and went for it. Determination, that is a women for you.
Jeanne sounds like a special friend to have fun with, shopping, and going to special restaurants that serve good food. The chicken salad looks yummy. WOW, the bags look nice.
Your KA MA LA tee is great on you, extra special after such an outstanding debate, yes please, this calls for an ice cream cone. Kamala has excellent coping skills, to be able to tolerate 90 minutes with an individual like Trump speaks volumes of who she is. He is over the top exhausting. It’s nice to see someone get under his skin, she rattled him, and he lost it. Please please please we can’t go back,
I did not know the backstory of Dr. George Tiller. A tragic unthinkable story. Gee to think such a thing would ever happen.,🤷♀️
Good for California to do a September 21st clean up, I bet they collect lots of trash. What a great way to give back.
We were involved in Oak Creek Canyon/Sedona litter pick up. The city slickers would come onto our gorgeous canyon and litter so badly. It was a big eye opener the huge mounds of litter we collected. It always felt so good, plus it helped with fires.
I look forward to hearing about your birthday get away to Carmel. Carmel is a gorgeous, cozy, community that you never tire of. Max treats you like a Princess, I love that. It’s so important to never stop dating.
Have a lovely joyful week ahead. Gee wiz middle of September.
Hi Katherine!
Isn’t that a funny story? My grandma and their generation were incredible women. I am lucky Jeanne is dear friend. The debate! I know she did so well.
Wonderful you guys did one of those clean ups before too. I think they really help. I just love Carmel.. You are very sweet.
I know this month is flying by!
xo
Really enjoyed your blog, so many great topics covered, with a bit of humor included…and thank you for bringing awareness to the importance of the upcoming election! Let’s get the word out so hopefully we can make a difference in our future, and our children’s lives!
Cheryl, Thank you so much! That is what motivates me.. a better future for young people..and all of us.
Hi Kim, great to see you in this space again. There aren’t very many quality blogs around anymore, and certainly few with the quality of your blog. You cover a diverse number of topics, and as most of the other commenters have stated, we so appreciate your intelligent, well-thought out comments regarding the sad state of our country right now. My sister-in-law, who lives in Montana, has posted on FaceBook about Heather Cox Richardson, an American historian, who posts very intelligent updates about what is happening in the US, as well as the backstory. It is riveting, and also at the same time absolutely horrifying. We have to win this fight, we can’t go back. Keep doing what you’re doing, please.
In re-reading my comment, I wanted to clarify—I feel that our country has been in great shape under the Biden/Harris team. The “sad state” mentioned has to do with the ugliness surrounding this election, and what I have been seeing on FB. According to Trump supporters, the country is in horrible condition, and will not survive without Trump. That hyperbole is the “sad” part.
Lisa, Of course! Totally know what you mean. That ugliness right now has to stop and it’s coming from the Trump Vance people. They have one plan to target people and use divisiveness and scare tactics. Just like the lies about the pets – it is to distract from the fact they have zero plans. Yup everything you said. Sad how people can’t see they use the same tactics Hitler used to gain power. Very sad.
Hi Lisa! Oh wow what a kind thing to say. Thank you..
Oh I subscribe to Heather’s newsletter! Isn’t she great? I should share that link here….
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/
I know we won’t go back. Women I believe will be the reason we win this election.
xo
Hi, Kim —
I too certainly missed hearing from you and am glad you are back! I appreciate receiving your carefully curated, interesting and informative blog post each week.
Thank you for standing up for what is most important to Americans right now — electing Kamala Harris! It is difficult to imagine that anyone could doubt her intelligence, suitability and passion for the job. And don’t forget the JOY! Meanwhile, the convicted felon and sex offender is all doom and gloom, world war 3, worst-case-scenario. I don’t understand how he has any supporters! Many Republicans support Kamala, including Dick and Liz Cheney! I am proud to have the yard sign, wear the t-shirt, send the donation, and sport a bumper sticker on my Leaf! I have also signed up to mail 300 postcards in October. I don’t really feel comfortable making phone calls, but am willing to do so if that’s what it takes to keep whatshisname out of the White House!
When I was in high school in Vancouver, BC in the mid-70s, my friend had an ectopic pregnancy at 16. At that time, she had to go to Seattle to have her healthcare needs met. Abortion did not become legal in Canada until 1988.
We’re not going back!!
Keep up the good and noble work!
Julia, I swear I was just thinking of you! We need a meet up. Thank you so much for all you are doing. The postcards are wonderful. I am hoping to do some too.
I know whatever it takes. Imagine if everyone did a little bit to help.
Wow I did not know abortion was not legal in Canada for so long. Ectopic pregnancy is scary and women really need help fast with that. I just feel for those in red states who don’t have that. We can’t go backwards!
Thank you so much! xo
Holy COW! So many comments, Kim! Brava! It is your platform to share anything and everything that is important to you. Some may agree and some may not – that’s life. I am a California girl, too! We have the 5th largest economy in the world and it is an amazing state to be from and to live in still. I am a huge Kamala supporter, I believe in women and women making their own decisions about their bodies. I believe in taking care of others any way possible. I hate self absorbed politicians and people. Carmel is dear to my heart – for many reasons. In 1979 my mom used to retreat to our little cottage in Carmel by the Sea to recover from her brutal chemo treatments at Stanford. Carmel healed her body and soul. Carmel heals my body and soul. Going to the peninsula for my 50th high school reunion from M-A. I am looking forward to a short pit stop at Stanford Shopping Center. And to continue, I love Miracle Balm, too! Welcome back and thank you for the thoughtful and amazing post!
Dianne, Thank you ! I know love our state and feel very lucky to be born here and still living here.
I agree with you about women. Gosh caring about others is in our woman DNA I think don’t you? That is why Kamala will be a great president too.
Isn’t Carmel healing? I can see why your mom went there.
I hope you have fun at the reunion. Very cool you went to MA! Stanford is my favorite shopping center. I’m glad you like the Miracle Balm! xo
Welcome back, Kim! I just love your blog: the fashion, the beauty (I have been wanting to try more Jones Road but have reached the point where I need some professional help! So thank you for the Credo suggestion!), the home decor, the travel…and I love your political thoughts *almost* the most of all. You are so brave, knowlegeable and level headed in your responses.
One person responded that she wants to “Make America Great Again.” What part of make America Great Again do republicans want? The racism? The misogyny and lack of opportunity for anyone but white men? The wars in Korea/Vietnam/Aghanistan? The shortages and prices gas of the 70s? The Cold War? The shameless persecution of LGBT people? The Black Listing of the McCarthy era? A time when career choices for women were limited to a very few and lower paid? More Velveeta and Jello?? I could go on and on…people want an America that never existed and that Trump has certainly no intention of ever giving to Americans. That’s perhaps the most discouraging of all: Republicans have gaslit even their own Republicans to the point that the average Republican actually believes there is a good future with the Republican party. What did Trump actually do in his 4 years? Besides give massive tax breaks to the very rich? (Why is Trump so cozy with Elon Musk?) He allowed (hundreds of thousands of) innocent people to die from Covid mis-information, he has already taken away Women’s rights. How could life be better with him? The Republicans’ dirty little secret is that they have no intention of giving anything to the average American. Let us educate ourselves about truths, people. Not one non-news entertainment channel’s opinion.
Hi Jenny! Thank you for this great comment. I know isn’t Credo great- and Jones Road? We need a Credo store in the South Bay.
Ha! Okay you made me laugh. SO true. Nostalgia makes those times seem great, but they certainly were not for women! They can keep the Velveeta too! I always say the same to people saying the economy was great under Trump.. Not factual and the tax breaks for the wealthy were long term and the middle class ones have already expired. The mess up of Covid, denying of science, women’s healthcare, so much else. He did try and overturn Obamacare, but luckily John McCain was the deciding vote that prevented that. He wants to try and repeal the ACA again, but has no plan. God help us.
Hi Kim! Love your blog and appreciate the very thoughtful responses on the political comments (Kamala all the way!!!) You have far more patience than me and kudos to you for that! Total left turn/question, I went to order from the Neiman Marcus beauty event but the olive bag in your picture from the store and on their website appears to be more of a greenish-brown with a blush stripe and in your tennis pic it looks like a green with a navy and white stripe. Wondering if the photos on their website aren’t actually true to what you’d be getting, any intel is appreciated before I spend money I really probably don’t need to, haha!
Hi Jenny! Thank you so much. Yes the photos on the website, are not quite the same, but it is the same bag. Maybe because mine was in natural light?
I hope you can still get the bag and apologize for the delay!! x
Glad you are back!
Loved your post , especially the clothes!
And of course Kamala! I have decals on my car and I have received one happy comment from an elderly veteran who stopped me in the parking lot at my local Walmart.
I will be an alternate presiding election judge in early voting and Election Day in a Republican precinct. ( most precincts are Republican in Texas 🙁)
Go Kamala! Vote as if your daughter’s life depended on it!
Marcia, So nice to see veterans supporting Harris too. They have been some of the most vocal. I follow the VoteVEts account on Instagram. It’s a great one.
Yay for your car sticker.. and for you working the election. Wishing you the best and most grateful. I hugely admire election workers after seeing so many stories about them the last election. These people have such a dedication to their duty and the vote! I am hoping this is a clear landslide.
Yes you are so right- women’s lives are on the line!