On this post, ways to add color to your home and outfits, my favorite white bean soup, a hike and more…
It’s time for our weekend meander with Elizabeth and Juliet. How are we all doing? I think this past week has been rough for many people. For me, it felt dark. To everyone who felt the same, I am with you and understand.
I have tried my best to stay busy. I’ve been keeping busy with home things. Max and I have been in the garden. He bought me a potting table for Christmas. He built it and I now have a spot for all my garden things and pots I’ve had for ages, many were my grandmothers. I am excited to finally have a place to work on plants!
Max is rebuilding our garden beds. They were here when we bought the house and were rotting, so he is using redwood and making them a bit taller which will be nice! We’ve been harvesting lemons like crazy too.
This week we are going to visit Jackson and Kristin in San Diego! They have lots planned for us, so I hope I’ll share next week. Kristin is doing her rotations for med school there and Jackson works there remotely when he can and stays with her, so it should be fun. Griffin, took his test to get his private pilot license Friday. He sends me pictures like this occasionally! He passed ! Next he applies for commercial pilot license school and will probably do it in Utah also… I try not to stress, but just be proud.
Last weekend Max and I took a few walks. One was at our local John Nicholas Trail off highway 17. It’s a beautiful a peaceful flat trail through old growth redwoods. We do the walk to the reservoir, which is about 4 miles round trip, or you can go up to ten miles as it connects Sanborn County Park
Another day we walked on the Jones trail off College Ave in Los Gatos and saw all the pretty homes on the walk up and had lunch at the bottom at my favorite spot, Purple Onion Cafe. Getting outside on this hard week has been good.
On My Radar- more primary colors
If you read last week’s blog you may have watched the Homeworth tour with Swedish designer Cathy Nördstrom. She’s one of my design crushes right now and she lives life with a lot of color in her spaces and in her wardrobe. It’s not outrageous, but she wears piles of colorful bracelets with her watch, pops of bright sneakers, and fun jewelry. I find interior designers have some of the bet personal style don’t you? Her Instagram is filled with inspiration and if you are going to Sweden her travel guide to Stockholm, (also on my wish list) is on Cabana.
We can get the same feeling of happy brights from small things -perhaps a colorful lampshade, like this from Anthro, more options here. Try a bright pillow, a pile of colorful books, a throw on your table –like below, or even a red geranium in your window.
Max bought me a floral Liberty pillow for Christmas and I have to say, he did so well picking it out. I don’t know how he knew they had pillows you could buy, buy he knows I LOVE that store more than any on the planet, so hard for him to go wrong. Liberty has many beautiful options here and they come with a high quality insert. I have my eye on this one that is marked down. I love the color on my chair (no longer made by Serena & Lily- but this is similar), and I moved some of my ‘art’ around to brighten this space.
I am also craving those primary colors in my clothes and I love the fresh look of colorful bracelets for a change! I especially love yellows, reds and greens of all variations. I ordered a few of these bracelets (below) to add to my mix. I also love these pebble ones. Check your local charity shop for vintage versions of these resin bracelets and earrings too.
Fun options to make a stack- ala Cathy style, are from Etsy and linked in photos.
These necklaces ( photo linked) are also fun …and the earrings! They look much like ones I just bought from Sezane.
An easy winter soup I’m loving
This is my variation on a chicken soup. You could add chicken, but I add white beans. They add a creaminess and a taste that is missing from regular noodle soup, plus they are good for you! I know a lot of people like to add a bullion or better than bullion to their soups, but I cannot have anything with MSG which they all contain. Instead I add flavor with the herbs, parmesan rind, and a topping with a sprinkle of grated parmesan. It’s so comforting and I will serve it with crusty bread or sandwiches for dinner and a big green salad.
Ingredients
Method
- Saute the onion with the carrot and celery in olive oil until starting to soften. Add the drained beans and cook for a few minutes more. Add the broth, salt, and noodles. Cook at a low boil for about ten minutes and then add parsley, and any other herbs ( add a little dry oregano or thyme if you have )or a bit of the rind of a parmesan reggiano hunk and cook low for another ten to fifteen. Top with grated parmesan to serve.
More Amazon Alternatives…
Don’t forget Whole Foods is also owned by Amazon, and I have to admit that has been the hardest for me to break, as they are around the corner from my home. However, I am glad to say I have been managing shopping a mix of Trader Joe’s and a locally owned grocery.
Good Eggs was mentioned by Dawn and they deliver high quality produce, baked goods and groceries in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. I am excited to check them out.
Ebay is a fantastic place to get small maker things, preloved things, and so much more. Don’t forget about them!
Etsy is the marketplace for small makers the from the entire globe and you should go there first before buying anything online. You may find it cheaper and by the actual maker!
Other ideas are your local Ace Hardware! These are usually locally owned and have so many good home goods besides garden and hardware things. I literally see the same home decor items there as some small boutiques, so give them a try.
Things you find on Amazon, you may be able to find from the original vendor – sometimes for less. Before you buy from Amazon, google the name or brand and see if they have their own website! I was surprised how often I found the item from the original company- with no middle man.
Can we start sharing small businesses in the Bay Area?
I’m going to keep sharing online alternatives, but today I would like to also start sharing small businesses. In Los Gatos, we have lost so many of our small retailers, many I still dream about like The Porch and others. Does anyone remember that dreamy home store?
Happily there are still some hanging in there and one is Cotton Works, which is a home store run by Sara who curates a lovely mix of art, furniture, tables, home accessories, plants ( she has a lovely back patio), French patio furniture, and custom upholstery. I love popping by and talking to Sara, who is always in house. Last Wednesday I bought a tiny ceramic vase. In summer time she sells tomatoe plants and they are so good! Follow Sara and her shop on Instagram and she is located at 58 North Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos.
Please share small businesses in the Bay Area you think we need to know about and keep in business!!
More Good Things
This article in Bay Nature is on where to find old growth redwoods in the Bay Area. I love the idea of trying to get to these this year.
Elizabeth did her monthly sweet treat post and her No Bake Chocolate Date Bark, that went viral on TikTok, is a healthy treat that looks delicious. I may make some of these for Max. I adore dates.
If you were inspired by the sermon and the bravery of the Bishop of the National Cathedral last week, you can send her a postcard with a message of support, as she is being criticized for her message of love. She also has a best selling book on her own journey of becoming brave that I have added to my list.
Her sermon has gained appreciation the world over. The address is below for the postcards. I plan on sending one.
If you missed last week’s blog, I shared ideas for changing up things in 2025, Amazon alternatives, Sezane pieces, and more ways on how to help Los Angeles.
Happy weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more weekend things…
Make Mine a Spritzer
Pinecones and Acorns
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Great read in the early morning. Thanks for starting my weekend right❤️
Thank you Linda. xo
Hurray for Bishop Budde! Finally, a public figure of authority who refuses to turn a blind eye to the evil in Washington. So proud of her.
Keep telling us about small businesses, especially those with websites we can order from even at a distance.
Susan I will try! I am dedicated to this.
As a reader who doesn’t share your political opinions I respectfully say for many of us it has been an inspiring week. A week filled with the promise of change and a return to the values we cherish.
I continue to read you and appreciate your blog for so many reasons outside your political comments.
Thank you for acknowledging that this has been a difficult week for so many of us who fear the impending changes. I appreciate your candor and your recognition of Bishop Budde.
I will be making your soup this week.
Carol, I hope you enjoy the soup! I know the Bishop was the bright light in a weary world.
I read though the collection of comments to this week’s blog. I was encouraged by Leanne Gillespie’s entry and echo her sentiments. For many of us, we do not share the dominance of comments here, and we respectfully say that we hope our country will return to the values our country’s founders so skillfully crafted…knowing full well the challenges we would encounter decades later. I considered “unsubscribing” to this blog today, but that is not an attitude that will bring our country to a point of unity again. I look forward to the promise of change.
Hi Carol,
I am just wondering if you want to get back to the country our founders have crafted, how do you feel about them removing the Constitution from the White House website this week? I found that to be frightening. So you find it hard to support Trump after his news conference after the heartbreaking crash?
The man gave no fig about the victims and ONLY took the opportunity to lie and say DEI was the culprit when none of us know what happened? He was asked if he would go to the crash site and he said, and I quote, ‘Do you want me to go swimming?’ Knowing that bodies were still being recovered there, that broke my heart again.
I can’t respect a man who will never in his lifetime take accountability for anything he has ever done. A leader has compassion for other humans and takes responsibility. It is also a terrible model for young people in this nation. I also believe diversity, (the inclusion of more women, disabled people, LGTBQ and people of color), into a world that is very much still dominated and run by white straight men, can only strengthen us. So if you want unity, you are going to need to embrace those people as part of our nation, and with a leader who wants to blame that policy, and those already maligned groups, for all failures, where are we?
Leanne Gillespie, I respectfully respond to you that hate isn’t a value that should be cherished, and it is what Donald J. Trump personifies. I firmly believe that his legacy will not reflect well in history. Also, decent morals and ethics are not “political comments.” All that being said, I’m sure you believe what you say and most likely are a lovely person otherwise. As they say, “we will agree to disagree.”
Kim, thank you for what you do. I’m firmly behind you here in Austin, Texas. We will overcome.
Perfectly said. The disdain is directed at one man (not the party) who is a convicted felon, adjudicated rapist, conman, hateful and vindictive person only looking for power. Not “values” that I admire. Former Republican here, for me Jan. 6th was the last straw as it should have been for many. But here we are.
Linda, I am in agreement. I do take issue with the party that had a chance to push back on him after Jan 6, but they once again told lies about it, and again supported his nomination. They alone could have said our nation deserves better, but they fell in line and are sadly just as complicit. Only Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney had any moral courage to push back on him.
Thank you so much Lisa. You are saying what I feel, especially this week. Hate is all that came out of that man, who should have led with love and consoled us. So glad to hear you are out there in Austin. Sending hugs.
Leanne, I understand and appreciate you sharing that. I am sorry it’s hard for a lot of us to be hopeful when so many are scared. I hope you understand that.
Good morning and thank you for sharing what so many of us are feeling this week. I have also been pursuing where to spend my dollars. I believe Ace Hardware donated both to the campaign and project 2025, they are locally operated and are franchises of the mother company (like McDonalds). It has to be hard to be a franchise operator if you have opposite beliefs from the main company. I’m conflicted as we have an Ace Hardware in my town and they feel so local but I know they pay a % of sales and fees to the company. Wow, none of this is easy. Thanks again for keeping the conversation going and wishing you a peaceful week ahead.
Darn. Thank you. So hard to know where to spend. Thanks Marianne for bringing this to our attention. I will continue to investigate. x
Thank you for not ignoring the disaster that is happening to our country. I still appreciate your normal blog topics but we all need to recognize the peril we are in. I’m trying not to support the businesses that are in on the takedown of our democracy but it’s a challenge. Just this week Target caved and rejected DEI policy.
Please keep up the effort.
Susi It’s so hard isn’t it? The thing is these are human rights we are talking about, not politics. Target! What a disappointment. They are going to regret that. I’m trying to keep on finding more alternatives. xo
It has been a very dark week indeed. The pardoning of those who committed crimes on January 6th was especially upsetting to me as a daughter of a state trooper. I don’t understand how a political party that claims to “back the blue” can pardon those who assaulted and killed police officers. It also flies in the face of the efforts of the FBI agents and prosecutors who did the work to convict these people. Trump knows he was responsible for this violence and I believe he pardoned them as a way to pardon himself. Such a sad time for this country. Thank you for speaking your truth and highlighting those like Bishop Budde who exhibit bravery during these dark days.
Well said. Thanks.
Well said, Carol.
Carol, I agree that made me sick to see people go after they beat police officers on video. How was that okay? It’s all so wrong. So thankful for the Bishop. x
I continue to appreciate your acknowledgment of what’s happening to our nation. This week has been horrible. A group of people who claim to be “Christians” are happy with doing things designed to hurt others. It’s incomprehensible to me. And to think they have more planned. It’s also ironic that the people who say DEI and programs of that nature are bad, but they are putting people in government positions who are highly incompetent and are only being placed in those jobs because of their loyalty to that man. There is no sense to any of this. I guess cruelty is the point.
Michelle. Thanks. It’s just been worse than we thought. I feel the same that the hurting of others seems to be an intention of this administration. Yes the DEI complaints are a joke, as we know anyone he places is just there because of loyalty not competence. Hang in there. So many of us feel the same. xo
As a former Los Gatos/Santa Cruz native now living in snowy DC, I am so happy to have discovered your sunny and uplifting blog. This will get me through the next four years… I especially appreciate the shout out to Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde mixed in with the inspiring decor and bean soup recipe. Boy do I miss California. xo
Sierra, Thank you for that kind note! I know we have to stick together the next few years to get through. Hugs from California.x
Kim, thank you for your blog and for sharing your concerns with your readers. I heartily agree with your views and am so sad (an understatement) that our new president/administration is working at record speed to dismantle our government and move toward one that is authoritarian-in-nature. As a Christian, I am appalled at the cruelty of this “man,” who claims to be of God. Bishop Budde is someone who truly represents the Christian witness and she demonstrated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Fruits of the Spirit) in her inaugural prayer service this week. I hope more people will demonstrate these actions toward our fellow man.
On a lighter note, I agree we should promote our local small businesses. As San Joseans, my husband and I frequently enjoy shopping in downtown Los Gatos, and we both continue to miss the Los Gatos Porch, as well as other shops that have moved or closed. The Cotton Works is fun, as you say, and we have purchased art work there. From upholstery to knickknacks, there’s something for everyone! Again, thanks for your blog and for the community that you have here!
Maureen, Thank you. This week we really saw his cruelty in action after that tragic flight. He’s got no heart.
I’m glad someone else remembers the Porch! That place was a gem. I’m so glad to hear you like Los Gatos. Aw I’m happy you found the blog. xo
Keep on with Amazon alternatives. Trying over here.. it is sooooo hard.
Thanks Leila, I will keep looking for ways to make the change! x
Hi Kim — Happy to join you again today — I have missed a few of your posts. Sorry! I am all for the addition of some color to our homes and wardrobes! I wrote a couple weeks about the trend I am seeing of adding brightly colors socks to a neutral outfit. I am wearing red today with navy blue and gray. 🙂 Love a good bean soup, especially this time of year. And I so admire how you always fight the good fight. Hang in there, friend!
Hi Molly, I love the colorful socks too! Aw thanks for the support. xo
Hi Kim,
I applaud your thoughtful intentions to support small business. I am completely aligned with you on the political front. I’m really struggling with deep concern over what has occurred and what is coming. For me it’s deeply personal. I lived in West Berlin as a nanny many decades ago. I crossed Check Point Charlie too many times to count. Once I was held at gunpoint. I was 21 years old! I saw, breathed, took in the visceral reality of the politics that allowed that to occur. I can’t just “hope for the best”. I’m looking at opportunities to share my heart and help when the need arises. I needed to control something so I set an intention to not wear anything red for the next 4 years. I LOVE red! I removed all clothing, shoes, bags, etc from my closet. Carefully packed away. It’s HARD ! And we’re only a week in. But it’s a very small thing I can do and hopefully it will allow me to be open to moments as they arise to reach out a hand in kindness and support. Thank you for your bravery and continued wise words.
Wow Katie, Thank you so much for this. You have seen what it is like on the ‘other side’ so to speak. I love that you chose red to stop wearing. I hear you. I just cannot do a red hat or anything like that.
Take care of yourself too and thank you for being one of the caring people. We are going to need them. xo
Hello Kim,
Awful week l concur. I sent a message out to dear friends of my daughter’s age who are non binary, transsexual, sending love and support worried about their mental health.
Thank you Kim for the post l really look forward to it every week.
Fantastic news about your son getting his pilot license congratulations!!
Francesca, My heart goes out to these kids. I worry for them with Trump and his plans. We have to stand up for all these folks now. Aw thank oyou about Griffin.
Hi Kim!
Always so refreshing to hear your political views as we are exactly aligned with each other. I also took a Michelle Monday which bled into the rest of the week which was very calming. My husband and I have also been practicing meditation with the Sam Harris app “Waking Up” and it has been very positive plus I am an avid home cook and cannot get enough of looking up online recipes, perusing cookbooks and trying new things. I so love the Mediterranean Diet but God there are so many good bread recipes to try….
I had to also say that your mention of the Purple Onion Cafe made me very sentimental as around 9 years ago we took a trip with our vintage trailer up to Oregon (my husband and our Boxer dog Mike) and stopped in Los Gatos and just happened onto the Purple Onion. We loved it so much and always speak about it even now and get choked up because Mike has since passed on…you never quite get over a beloved dog.
Thanks again for the great posts.
Hooray for this post! Loving your blog more every week! Thank you for sending support for this dark week. Hugs and love right back.
Hi Kim, it’s been a really hard week, and this is only week one. Trump said he would release the hostages and he didn’t waste any time doing it. It’s disgusting that he even let the worst of the worst out and now they are plotting their revenge. It’s such a slap in the face to the law enforcement that were injured and the families of the ones that died. I agree with the other commenter that it was his way of pardoning himself, but he is also trying to rewrite history. He is such a vile human being and I loved it when the Bishop pleaded with him to show mercy and compassion, but his rant about it on social media showed none of it sunk in. Which was expected.
How fun you are taking a trip down to San Diego. Will be curious to hear about what Jackson and Kristin have planned for you. I hope they get this border fire out soon before you arrive. It’s been very smoky today and I am staying inside because the air quality is very bad. It even smells in the house and my eyes are burning. We are supposed to get rain later so fingers crossed.
You must be very proud of Griffin. Does he want to work for a commercial airline?
Have a safe trip!
Linda
Good morning, Kim! I envy you waking up in beautiful San Diego. One of my favorite places of all. Congrats to Griffin for making such amazing progress on his journey to become a commercial pilot. As a mom it must be hard, and it bring new meaning to watching your chick fly from the nest. It was certainly a week where comforting soup was called for in more ways than one … cold weather, of course, and the overall gloom cast by what feels like the rapid disintegration of our country’s values and ideals. And stability. Violent felons let out on the streets, the presidency sold for profit … how much lower can we go? I’m afraid to ask that. Anyhoo, Bishop Buddy was a light in the midst of darkness. Such courage and grace … and the true spirit of Christianity. I didn’t know she authored a book, I’m going to order it. Thanks as always for your beautifully expressed insights. xo
Juliet, It’s been stressful, and I have had to train myself to stop because it is his life and my worries get transferred to him, as did mine from my mother. Trying to break that cycle. GAH with all this, let’s focus on the message and strength of the wonderful Bishop. She is a model for all of us, to be accepting, kinder and more loving to one another.
Juliet, I need to go back it was so pretty and so much to do and see. Thanks about Grif. I know I want her book too. Thank you Juliet. xo
so weird….. I just told my husband that, for this rainy day (Yay…), I think I will make minestrone soup …. and then I read your blog! Love soup especially with lots of stuff in it! The Bishop is brilliant, respectful, honest and brave. She has been the only highlight of this whole political fiasco. Your walks/hikes look gorgeous! Feels good and healing to walk outside, reflect, plan or just meditate. I am off in a bit to do the same.
Great blog…thanks
Hi Dianne! I hope you like the soup. The Bishop is a light in this dark world right now and I freaking love her.
Yay meditate and nature. xo
Kim—I am new to your blog but I like what I’ve read so far!! Thank you and thanks to your commenters as well, even this community with strangers is GOOD. Costco is continuing DEI initiatives— heard that on Weekend Edition Sat this morning (fast forwarded through all things political). AND they are getting Coke at the snack bar. We find the wins where we can!
Hi Deb and welcome! I hope you feel a community here! Good for Costco. AT least we can rely on them. Someone has to have a list of companies that are still doing good. Yes you are so right and we can keep our dollars for those companies who care about ALL of us, not just the privileged. xo
Oh, bugger. I felt very low on Monday despite telling myself to focus on other things and then heavy in these days to follow. It is going to be a test of my will to rise above the nasty aspects of this whole thing, but I am determined to keep my eye on my mental and physical health and not just bake and eat brownies weekly to cope! That is a nice gardening table! I was inspired by this article recently: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250121-how-scandinavian-dressing-can-make-us-happier
It reminded me of how much I do love color and a graphic print and would often be drawn to that sort of thing when I was younger, but decided to look more “grown up” I should choose less bold prints and more neutral colors. BLAH! This is what I mean about the gut! I think I can do a grown up version and the above article showcased some beautiful examples!
I will try the soup! Can’t do MSG either.
Take GOOD care!
Nicole, I always love your noted here! Thank you. I have been following a lot of Scandinavian accounts and if anyone know how to navigate through dark, they do. Maybe more color is the lift we need right now. It can be sort of a resistance too, if you think about it. Let’s be bright and loud and not be quiet! Love the idea of letting our gut make more decisions, not an algorithm sent to us! Hope you like the soup! x
Hi Kim ,love your blog as always. Remember when I would wear all my bracelets in high school? I should have kept them .😊
Best, Monica xo
Monica, You always had the best bracelet style!!! Wish we had some of those still! I also want my monogrammed and Fair Isle sweaters. xx
Kim your soup looks delicious. You must be so proud of “your baby” getting his pilot’s license. I agree we all need to feature more small business alternatives. Many are suffering due to the economy. You know I don’t like to discuss politics on my blog or yours, so I will refrain from that. Your blog is always filled with so many great ideas, and I am thankful we are friends!!
Thanks Cindy, Appreciate that about Griffin. I am thankful we are friends too.. xo
Yes, a very hard week. Very hard. My escapes have been trips to the Fitness Center, books, and movies at the theater. The soup recipe sounds good. Thanks for sharing. 😘
Linda, I hope it helps to know so many of us are with you. Sending you hugs.
Kim,
Good evening my friend. You are always a breath of fresh air. I love “arm chair” traveling with you. San Diego is one of my favorite places! We used to spend a lot of time there for my husbands work, not so much any more. I know that you are gong to have an amazing time. How nice that your son can work remote from there and be with Kristin.
As for Griffin, congratulations! I am sure in no time he will be flying you as well! My husband was a commercial pilot, then a private pilot for some time and loved it.
Max is a special man, first the garden bench then the Liberty pillow! Those are two great gifts. I love that the two of you are rebuilding your garden beds and using your grandmothers garden pots. Looking forward to seeing what you are going to make with everything you grow as well as all of your lemons!
Thank you for sharing my date bark, I just want to clarify that although I have been making it for years it wasn’t my bark that went viral, it was someone on Tik Tok( I gave her credit in the post but forget her name at this moment).
What a great idea to share small businesses in our respective areas! I think I will start to do the same. We live over an hour from “civilization” and mostly have small businesses to shop unless we shop online. I am happy to spread the love about their shops.
Have a wonderful week Kim! xo
Elizabeth, So cool your husband was a pilot! Did not know that. We will have to chat. I loved your date bark,a nd you were clear it was a viral thing! I had not heard of it though. So nice of you to share your local shops too! xo
Kim, I thought I was the only one having a hard time. Loved Bishop Budde’s speech. Reminded there are still good people out there. I must say I did not like the eye roll directed to her.
Congrats to Griffin getting his private pilots license! Long ago, my husband at the time , got his lisencd and took me up the 2 seater Cessna and let me fly it. No way I attempted to land it though. This was Hobby Airport in Houston in 1970.
I am on a soup kick. Mushroom , chicken and rice, tomato basil, and chicken and dumplings. Will be making yours next. Thank you.
What happened to January? A few sub teaching days and then I visit my daughter in Paris in March. ( I could live there but need to win the lottery)
Saw a scarf you would love. Clare V website. Vive la Resistance!
Love your blog! Anxiously awaiting the next one! Take care of yourself.
Marcia
Wow Marcia you were brave! Not sure I would, but maybe I will get the chance to do this with Griff in the future. I’m kind of a chicken. Agree the Bishop was so brave and she gave hope to so many who needed to hear her sermon that our nation is made up of so many diverse people that all need and deserve love.
Wow you are a super soup maker. I hope you like mine. Oh I hope Paris is wonderful!!
I have that scarf! It’s one of my favorite things. My friend Jeanne and I bought them together at the Clare V. store in SF a few years ago.
Aw thanks so much! x
Hi Kim,
What a great thing for you and Max to do, to try and create positive balance in your life by getting out into nature and going on some relaxing beautiful hikes. It’s one of the many things for us to do to bring a sense of calm. A BIG YES 🤨a very difficult week to handle. GASP 😱 but no surprise.
The potting table is a practical and thoughtful gift. This will help you so much. How fabulous you have pots from your grandmother, what keepsake treasures you have. Rebuilding garden beds is a huge undertaking, a great project. Great pillow Max gifted you. What a sweetheart of a husband you have.
San Diego is a pretty place to do rotation for med school. Hope you had fun.
Yay for Griffin passing his private pilot license. I get your heart on this.
Bishop Buddy, I’m going to look into her book.
You had so much to share in this post, I’m sure I should have acknowledged so much more.
Take TLC, and keep up the hiking. Being out in nature somehow makes everything alright, brings a sense of calm and peace. I miss so much not being able to hike.
Thank you Katherine, It has been good and I’ve been looking for birds, and flowers and thinking about how amazing life and nature is and trying not to get mired in the awfulness. I know he did good on the pillow right?
San Diego was fun! She has really spread her wings and seen so much of it. I am not her mom, but super proud of her.
You are so right about nature. Take care of yourself too. xo
I am so excited about passing his flying exams. I have talked to our captains about trying to meet with him next time he’s in Utah. Also, the white bean soup is fantastic while I’ve been secure In Colorado. I’ve been really making a lot of soups.!! when it’s 10° outside. You really want a nice hot soup!
Thanks Martha! It was great to talk to you about it all. Hope the soup keeps you warm! So exciting about the baby. xo
Hi Kim,
As always, your well written blog is a nice distraction in this crazy world we’re living in. I appreciate your readers too, and value their opinions and recommendations. Most of them! Filling your home with color and spending time in your garden (the bench!) are the best ways to decompress, especially with your husband by your side. The hikes look beautiful! Congrats to your son on obtaining his pilot’s license, how exciting but as a mom, a bit stressful too. Enjoy your upcoming trip to SD – so fun to spend time with our adult children. I’m going to try the soup, perfect for our chilly, rainy weather. Thank you for a thoughtful collection of interesting topics, I enjoyed the read. 💗
Cheryl, Thank you. I am trying to hang in there with the muck that is happening! Aw thanks about my son! I know nature has been healing. I hope you enjoy the soup. So appreciate your note. x
Hi Kim,
I’m late reading this and don’t have time to read all the comments, but from what I skimmed I see that most are from like-minded people. This week has been rough. I’m trying to stay positive and not focus on the bad news, and decide how and where to best direct my energy. It’s not easy. I did cancel several subscription items with Amazon, found them elsewhere and feel good about that.
Supporting local business is vital. Several I can heartily recommend in Santa Cruz: Botanic and Luxe, for plants and really cool home goods (your vibe for sure Kim,) Also Lina & Co (home accessories, jewelry and clothing) and Patine (vintage European items, all of it wonderful!) in Capitola . All of these are women owned and so lovely. (Full disclosure I used to work at Botanic and Luxe, and now put in a day or two if they need me at Lina. ) I’m disappointed that Target caved under pressure (re diversity and inclusion). and wonder who and what will be next. This is troubling on so many levels.
Hope your trip to SD is really fun and I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back.
Keep up the good work Kim! I appreciate what you do here.
Xo Heidi
Heidi, Good for you. It feels good to be cancelling things we no longer want to support nor need. We also don’t need the extra noise now with emails and all.. Yay for getting your Amazon things elsewhere. Thank you for these wonderful independent shops in Santa Cruz! I love that it is mostly not chains there. I second your love for Patine, and love Lina!
I am also hugely disappointed in Target on so many levels. They really blew it as a company that collaborated with so many diverse people. They won’t be getting any of my dollars.
Thanks Heidi for your recommendations. xo
Love your blog as always! I noticed you are wearing a great black quilted jacket in the trail picture. Can you tell me what the brand is? I have been looking for one just like that!
Justine, Thank you so much!
I am wearing a light jacket from Uniglo..
This is it https://rstyle.me/+10nGClQkidJCAHUlU3qx-A
It’s a great layering piece and easy to pack!
I love that you are sharing the Amazon alternatives! This is a great idea and I appreciate the research that you put into it.
Thank You!
Thanks Susan! I’m trying to do my best finding better choices for us! x