On this post, some beautiful table top options now at Sur la Table and Pottery Barn, sofa talk and changing up my main room, a bag on my radar, Cal Academy plant digitizing contest, and more…
I’ve had a week. Finished up the flu, had my appointment for my new Invisalign braces. I am in my first day and they are a LOT. I know I’ll hopefully get used to them, but right now I hate myself and want to rip them off and run down the street screaming. They aren’t painful, but just like having a heavy hold on my mouth. How will I make it through 18 months of this? I know this is a first world problem and I am lucky to have insurance to cover them and the means to pay the rest. I know future Kim will thank me, but present day Kim is having a bit of a panic attack today.
Being on the couch last week, I was pretty sick of everything in that room, and wanted to freshen things up. I made a small trek to drop some things at donation, and made a stop at Homegoods to get pot for a tree. It ended up being too small for my ficus, but I stuck one of my asparagus plants in it, and I love the pop of green. I also spied these zebra pillows made in California, so I snapped them up, and headed out.
I think it looks a little brighter. I also moved my bird picture. I plan to change this wall up soon and wallpaper and replace this couch with two sofas opposite each other. Reason being the Cloud couch no longer has any support and require SO much fluffing, and work. I had to do major work just to take this photo. As Max and I are getting older, we need a couch that doesn’t require the jaws of life to get us out of it, and also need some kind of back support.
I also want a place for the kids and company to sit when we are all together. I really like the idea of two sofas across from each other and two chairs at the end of the table. This sort of arrangement from Kate Marker interiors:
This gives us all a place to sit when the kids are here. With a sectional, and big kids (aka adults), it is not easy to all fit and be comfy. I actually want a Chesterfield type of tufted sofa with no cushions and more support.
I’ve been considering the ones at Arhaus, and Pottery Barn…
There is also this by Pottery Barn Edgewood Sofa and this Chatham sofa by Serena and Lily..
I am still looking.. Anyone have a similar sofa they love?
Lately in the home space…
I’ve been up for distraction lately, and there is much in the home sector. Lots of pretty things at Sur La Table. I stopped by there last weekend in Palo Alto and there is a lot of spring table inspo.
Sur La Table has created some beautiful color stories, pretty dishes, and table linens.. I thought these napkins were extra pretty. ( Linked in photos.)
I also adore these Floret dishes. I was thinking of even one or two on our wall would be charming, maybe mixed with a vintage dish or two?
Pottery Barn in spring has much to love and this table caught my eye, especially love the table throw! These are versatile and give a little personality and color to your table. PB has a nice collection of them here.
I love these hand painted candlesticks and hand painted bowl- and these Kravet napkins...
On my radar..
I haven’t been shopping much, but have thought about adding a bag for spring….
This bag from Demellier London caught my eye. I love the unique shape, colors (this green especially), and the long strap of a more compact bag. It looks very much like an Alaia Teckel bag, cutely modeled after a dachshund, but this costs thousands less, and benefits children. Demellier funds vaccines and children’s health in the third world and has provided over a million vaccines and lifesaving medicines. They also provide a lifetime repair service, so you can love your bag for a long time! We need more of that.
By the way, my J. Crew Factory pieces from last week’s radar came and I love the white jeans and jacket. This is right out of the box, so I have to steam them, but I think they are keepers. The front pocket jeans are good too. I could have sized down maybe in the jacket, but the small does give me room to layer a sweater.
Plant to Pixels!
Have you heard that the Cal Academy of Sciences is running a community science project. They are asking the public to help them digitize their more than 2.3 million specimens in their botany collection. It is the largest in the Western U.S. and if you help transcribe at least one image, you will be entered in a contest to win one of their posters, plus it sounds pretty cool.
Find out more here.
This week in Democracy
DO we even still have a democracy? This week the lie that Ukraine stared the war, may be the most dangerous and scary lie that a president has ever told. It was Russia propaganda and Putin’s talking points. Right now we need to remind our friends, and family this is not the truth and their leader is not a dictator.
IMPORTANT: This coming Friday is an Economic Black Out Day. It is mainly targeted at bigger retailers, credit card companies, and chains. If you have to shop, shop small and use cash. This is a way to send a message to the White House and companies that we aren’t happy with the state of things, and also the roll back of DEI initiatives. So it’s a great day to stay in, cook and not spend money. Let’s see what an impact we can have. Don’t forget -consumer spending is the bedrock of the U.S. economy, contributing almost 70% of GDP!
I have read and watched a lot the past week, but one thing I believe helps galvanize us is seeing others protest and participating in it ourselves. Acts of resistance are what motivates us and seeing others do it gives us a sense of purpose and belonging – and that is what has made all successful grassroots movements. So, if you get an opportunity, join a protest, a march, or do any small resistance you can right now.
One person who is out there daily, giving briefings, making videos, and warning Americans is Bernie Sanders. I actually gave him some of our money this week, as he is tirelessly fighting for our nation and us. You can watch his video from Friday (last night) and donate too here.
Actions you can be a part in are listed here Action Together Bay Area Calendar, including another peaceful protest in front of Tesla Sunnyvale this Saturday.
It is easy to get sucked into the daily awful with all the slash and burn that Musk is being allowed to do to so much of our federal agencies. This week, funding for our beautiful San Francisco Presidio Trust was rescinded. It’s money that was previously allocated and already in use. Trump is trying to recoup funds and going after California, is one way he can do that and direct his hate towards our beautiful state.
The best thing we can maybe do right now, is visit the wonderful Presidio, and the amazing new spaces. Share about them, and push back vocally. We need to be loud as we can right now about our national parks, our NIH funding, and so much else. If you haven’t checked out the new Presidio Tunnel Tops, I have a guide to it here from last May.
OPEN SECRETS
Are you still avoiding Amazon, Target, and others? I am doing great on that front, and have considered renewing my Costco membership. I wanted to give you another source to check retailers and businesses – Open Secrets. They may have more up to date information that Goods Unite Us. They have the 2024 presidential donations, and more details than Goods does, so before you decide to shop or choose a company, check their database.
A gorgeous Toronto home tour!
Right now, Canadians, are some of my favorite people. They are bringing the energy and pushing back on the insults from the Trump administration. So in that spirit, I noticed this glam, but fun home tour that inspires from interior designer Sharon Mimran.
I hope to get to SF this weekend and take a walk through Golden Gate Park and have lunch. Spring is the best time in California, so get out there and explore. We need nature right now.
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared a little lunch to celebrate Lunar New Year at Bloomingdales, things I am loving at J. Crew Factory right now, and more..
Hugs to you. Stay strong my friends,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more weekend things…
Make Mine a Spritzer
Pinecones and Acorns
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Hi, Kim! You’re a trouper. Down with the flu and still decorating. I would probably just pull up the comforter and wallow! Yes, Bernie is great. Here in Maine, our Governor just stood up to Trump face-to-face, as you’ve probably seen. Vive la Resistance!
Love the zebra pillows! It’s so expensive to buy new sofas but you will enjoy them everyday.
Thanks Mary Ann. I love how you re did yours! If ours had a better frame, we would try that. Our bad for buying a couch with poor support and not a hard frame to begin with.
Susan, I love your governor! She is amazing and what she stood up for. Trump can’t deal with a women speaking back and telling him see you in court. He’s a whiny baby. We need to keep up the pushback to his lies.
Viva your governor!!! And Viva Main!
Hi Susan. As a woman, I was so energized to see how your Governor stood up to Trump. She does us all proud.
Bravo to your Governor!! Right on!
I loved your Governor’s reply.
Hi Kim, your blog is a ray of sunshine for me. I love Bernie Sanders and I wish we had many more of him in our government. The news is so depressing. Hopefully Trump and Musk do something so horrible to make magas turn against them. Especially the young men that have been sucked in. That’s the only way his supporters will see him for what he is. Thank you for being brave enough to publish your feelings.
Valeri thank you. I feel this too. I keep waiting for them to go a bridge too far. I already think they are on the way. This week Republican consituents have been raging against the Rep congressmen in their home town halls. Things are tipping and it’s good!
We have to speak out! xo
Ooh, yep! I love the two couch look. Did you see the Ontario commercial during the Super Bowl? It really cracked us up. We don’t normally watch, but we were curious this year. I have considered invisalign, but your comments confirm my idea of waiting until the kids are a bit older. Take care!
Nicole, I saw it! So loved that.Reminding us how important Canada is to us, and how dare we treat them like they are lucky to be in our proximity. Really ticks me off how our allies are treated by Trump right now.
I’m on the third day of the Invisalign and it’s getting better. I hope I haven’t scared you away. xo
No, I figure it will not be “fun”, but should maybe wait until our youngest is at least out of toddler days! My dad says he feels like burning bridges with foreign allies will be the biggest mistake America makes in the long run, even beyond the debateable stuff on the homefront! I read that America might remain economically robust globally, but our power and influence will shrink tremendously which is a threat to so many things esp. if the world is left in the hands of people who consider invasion and war as feasible options along with the threat of global warming making people and countries desperate for liveable and profitable territory. We shall see what happens.
Hello. You mentioned Costco…my friend, a single woman, went to a local Costco to get a membership for the first time. She told them that she was joining in support of their stance on DEI. She was then introduced to the store manager ( a woman, btw) and a smiling photo of them was taken.
Susan, That is so awesome! Love that. Thank you for sharing. We need to hear these things now.
Hi Kim, glad to hear you are feeling better! Thank you for continuing to talk about the horrible things happening with President Musk & his sidekick Trump. Are you aware of the Economic Blackout of 2025? It’s happening this upcoming Friday, February 28th. I’ll try to send an email to your blog account with a graphic. Wardrobe Oxygen blog has a graphic up today on her Weekend Reads & she is fine with people sharing it. I’ve seen it on various social media platforms and especially from sites focusing on Black History Month.
The details: Do not make any purchases on February 28th. Do not shop online or in-store. No Amazon, no Target, no Walmart, etc. Do not spend money on fast food, gas, major retailers. Do not use credit or debit cards. If you must buy something essential that day, use cash only and only spend at a small, local business (And don’t spend a lot of $ the day before either).
Sorry this was so long—hope it’s ok to share. I think we can make a major difference if lots of people participate.
Michelle this is great you are sharing! I also was aware of this and forgot to mention it! I will add to the blog and also spread the word on Instagram. We need to show our displeasure with the way things are going and with our wallets is one of the strongest ways- especially with big businesses! I will check out the Wardrobe Oxygen blog.
Thank you!!! x
Hi Kim, love your new little jacket!
Yes, it has been so nice to see the various protests that have sprung up. A good Canadian to follow is Charlie Angus on Facebook – he is a Canadian MP (although he won’t be running again, I wish he would) and has been very outspoken about everything. He just put a post up about attending the Munich security conference last week. He has been featured on the Meidas podast too. Fun fact – I think I’m being ‘silenced’ on Facebook! We can’t share news items, but I have been posting and sharing a lot about this whole situation, most of it not at all flattering to your ‘great leader’. First of all, they stopped letting me post, so I just stared sharing other people’s posts. Today, however, I can’t even do that. How about that?
Update – just tested and I can share posts again, just not do my own.
Okay great!
Kim, so glad you have recovered and up off the couch. Speaking of couches, I finally made the decision a few years ago to purchase a sofa that is firm, structured and supportive. It is not the soft cushy kind that most people prefer, but we like it. I think your plan for two sofas will look great. Love your gallery wall with the bird pictures! We are continuing to stay involved with the no buy challenge, and only supporting stores that share our values. Bernie tells the truth, and he seems to be one of the few that is speaking out about how to gain back our “democracy”. We have stayed at the Presidio recently, and had a wonderful time, enjoying the nearby restaurants as well as the Tunnel Tops. Don’t worry about the Presidio getting the ax as it is self-supporting. Hope you have a quick adjustment to the braces. xx Karen
Great post Kim. I just noticed that Home Goods is on the app Goods Unite Us as one you might want to think about not shopping at. Sorry to be a buzz kill.
Leslie, I had also heard that, but it was not true. I just rechecked and we need to look at Open Secrets which has more up to date information based on the 2024 presidential race. It shows that the people who own Homegoods gave more in 2024 ($81,000) to Harris than anyone, along with the Democratic National Committee and The Lincoln Project.
I think GoodsUniteUs is helpful, but it needs to update some information.
Here is where I got that new info:
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/tjx-companies/summary?id=D000030442
xo
No words. Just Hugs❤️
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing Open Secrets. I recently joined our local Indivisible, for the ADK/Saratoga region of New York. We’ve already seen the harm that Trump’s outlandish behavior towards Canada is causing. There are usually a lot of Canadians, who into the Adirondack Region for hiking. While here, supporting the local businesses. Apparently, these businesses are already seeing the backlash. I intend to continue to resist, without (hopefully letting them steal my joy).
Jill that is awesome. I hope our Indivisible gets more active. Sad that Trump’s actions are already hurting tourism. I have no doubt more of that is coming.
Yes resist, but find joy and take care! x
Kim, so glad you’re feeling better!
Lots to process in the US these days. I guess my hope is that Trump/Musk are digging themselves into a deep hole that they won’t be able to climb back out of. They are running roughshod over so many things that Americans hold dear. Democracy for one!
Yes to no shopping on Friday! A protest of sorts.
My niece, who is a high school teacher invited me to a protest last week. I couldn’t attend that one, but will the next time around. I had been out to dinner with my niece, and talked out my uncertainty of exactly what, out of everything I would protest? Do I make a sign? What would it say? It would be my first protest! All stuff to put aside, and just be there.
A few thoughts on Invisalign. I’ve worn braces twice as an adult. Straightening teeth is not just cosmetic, but for oral health. Having a good bite matters. Having straight teeth makes them easier to clean. Keeping bacteria and inflammation under control in your mouth is important for healthy aging. Yes, it’s an irritation to have “stuff”in your mouth, but you get used to it!
We have the most comfortable sectional in the world! But every time anyone sits on it, all of the cushions need to be plumped and positioned. It is now in our family room, and we really only use that space when the kids and grandchildren are over.
For our living room, which is in everyday use, we bought our petite sectional from an independent local furniture store. They carry Rowe Furniture, which is extremely customizable. Every detail was carefully chosen, and we’re still enjoying it after 8 years!
https://rowefurniture.com/custom-sofas-couches#/pageSize=6&viewMode=grid&orderBy=5
Lisa, I keep thinking Trump and Musk will turn on each other and it’s just a matter of time…I hope.
That is awesome you are planning to go to a protest. Doing them has been some of the most rewarding things I have ever participated in.
Wow thanks about the braces. I know you are so right!
Thank you for sending your Rowe sofa. I have heard great things about them!xo
Dear Kim, I always look forward to your blog. I heard Bernie and thought he was great. I donated to his efforts. Thanks. Good luck with the dental work. You are a beautiful, inspiring person.
Linda thank you. Bernie is our hero now.
Aw thanks. xox
We finally got replaced our soft cushy couch, that I could no longer sit it, with 2 more supportive couches , and I am so happy we did!
Thanks for your information regarding the resistance, it is only the first month ! It will be a long slog, I do hope midterms bring about some change.
Elizabeth, I need to do this too. Life is too short for saggy couches. Thank you.
I know hang in there!!
Hi Kim, You find the best items at Home Goods! I love that little pot and the zebra pillows. It’s interesting to me how blue seems to be making a comeback after so many neutral colors.. I have lots of blue in my kitchen so those things look tempting but not that I NEED anything more. I’m waiting to get the stink eye from someone for driving a Tesla. I need a bumper sticker that says I’ve had it for 6 1/2 years, before Musk went off the rails. What’s with him and the shades indoors?! And our gorgeous Presidio. When my husband was a lowly intern at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, we used to drive over there and envy the lucky people in the Navy who got to live in base housing on some of the best real estate in the nation. Glad you’re feeling better (with the exception of your oral cavity).
Hi Wren! Thanks. I know those bumper stickers are popular here too.
Isn’t the Presidio a treasure? Wow that was cool place to live and still is.
Kim, as always, every single item you mention is inspiring and five stars! Love the homewares, outfits and political action items!
Just a note of encouragement: I am doing invisalign right now and remember the feeling you describe. But don’t worry: you’ll get used to it in no time and now I don’t even notice it really.
Hugs!
Jenny, You are so nice. Thank you for the pep talk on Invisalign. I am already feeling better about it.
xo
Hi Kim, glad you are feeling better. I have 2 leather Chesterfields and they are extremely comfortable. Have had ours for 25 years, as they are in our lounge (not our family room) and only been the last few years that we have sat on them daily, they are in great shape. We had ours custom made and would choose again if we needed to. I don’t know why I kept thinking this week the way the US is going it will become part of Russia.
Rita, Thank you. I am so glad you like yours. They seem supportive and sturdy.
Yes sadly, we are feeling like that here too.
Since we all love Canadians so much now I encourage you to do your couch shopping at Article. I got mine about a year ago and just love it, the whole experience was amazing
CJ thank you. Just checking them out and LOVE it. Did not know they are Canadian!
Hi Kim, just a note to ask you … did see my note last Saturday regarding an article in our Canadian 🇨🇦
Globe and Mail newspaper ? If you were able to access it…truly worth a read. Take care , and keep your spirits up. Got to say , I am so proud of our hockey team…we needed that win right now ! Both teams played so well. Trump can jolly well leave politics out of hockey … just let people enjoy the game and great camaraderie.
Cath, I am going to look for it again and so appreciate you sending it.
I loved your hockey team ! Agree with you. xo
Hi Kim,
I bet that horrible feeling at first with the Invisalign was disturbing, so glad it’s eased up. I have had so many mouth appliances made for me. Most of them are uncomfortable. The TMJ ones were the worst and very pricey. We have no dental insurance and TMJ is not covered with Medicare. Moving on ….to good stuff.
Love the Zebra pillows. Good luck with finding some great sofas that are comfortable yet offer excellent support. I wonder if the tight tufted would be uncomfortable on the back?
We will not be shopping on Friday.
I think the world of what Bernie Sanders is saying and speaking out. He is top notch, he is bright and a true professional.
So glad you are feeling better.
We have canceled our weekend and all next week. We are both very sick. Colds, plus I have some very bad sinus congestion. My primary wrote me two scrips, picked up a nasal irrigation thing even. Next CT Scan of my sinus if I don’t get better. Thank goodness we have a huge supply of Kleenex.
Have a WONDERFUL week.
Katherine, I know the mouth stuff!! Not cheap is it?
I adore Bernie and all he has done. The man plans to run for president too. I support him and appreciate him SO much.
Oh gosh hope you two take care and feel better. These colds are no joke now.
Hugs to you and Bear. xo
Hi Kim,
Thanks for a great post and I am so pleased you are feeling better. Happy sofa hunting!!
Francesca thank you so much. xo
Kim,
I know that in 18 months you will not even remember the pain and discomfort from the Invasile. In the meantime, rest, relax and maybe take a little pain relief.
I am happy that you are feeling better! Bill and I were down with the same and it felt like it took a month to get over it.
I love your vase and the pillows! So pretty.
The two couches are going to look fabulous! No suggestions for where to purchase them except to go and sit on all of them many times so that you do not end up with something that you do not like.
We are in the process of looking for occasional/accent chairs. My husband doe not like a “deep seat” and I do. So far were have tried about 20 chairs and still have’t found “the one.” I know it is out there and eventually we will find it, for now the hunt continues.
I love your new jeans and jacket! you always look amazing! The only thing I have purchased lately are a few dresses. Jeans are my least favorite thing to buy because I have a big butt and smaller waist. Not to mention we really only wear jeans here in the late, late fall and winter which is when I am holed up inside. Lol. The heat and humidity come early here in the south.
Have a wonderful week Kim!
xo
Thanks Elizabeth, I know you are right. Ha funny about the chairs. Nice you can each choose.
You look amazing in dresses! xo
Love that Kate Marker sofa arrangement and the colour of the sofa itself. We are in the market as our sofa was damaged in a recent move plus we have disliked it for a long time. Like yours, ours too needs too much fluffing and the depth doesn’t work. One thing important to us for our next purchase is adequate neck support.
Vicky I loved that too. Neck support is a important thing! You have to be able to recline and relax!
Sorry to hear you are having a tough time adjusting to the Invisalign. I only had regular braces as a teen, and they were tough getting used to. And those tightening appointments every 3 weeks or so. Ugh. Hopefully soon you will get adjusted to them.
You did great finding that planter from Home Goods, it looks more high end. They do have some diamonds in the rough.
I didn’t realize you had the cloud sofa. I have heard many a story of people getting rid of them because they are just too much work. I have been happy with our sofa from Pottery Barn it’s very supportive. I bought a slipcovered one because of the grandkids but I have not been able to get those pesky pleats in the corners to lay flat. I like the style you are looking at though!
I saw the list of retailers that support Democratic policies or DEI. Happy to say I frequent many of those on the list, including Banana Republic and Williams Sonoma. I just can’t handle our Costco with the people there, so if I really need something I ask my son-on-law to grab it for me when he goes. I did have my daughter get me a $200 gift card one time to use so I didn’t have to commit to a membership. I went one weekday morning to use up the balance and said never again.
I am really saddened by all that has happened to our country in a matter of weeks. It’s starting to give me digestive issues which I had under control for a long time. I wish I could not let this stuff bother me but how can you not? I wish I knew of a local protest, but it makes me happy to see all these people coming out and joining the fight, especially the town halls. Watched a couple of Bernie’s videos too. He is definitely out there fighting for Americans.
Have a nice weekend.
Linda
Linda, Thanks. I am getting used to the braces.. Much better than the old versions!
I loved my old Pottery Barn sofas and should have kept them! The Cloud is a LOT of work.
I hear you about the state of things and your stomach. I get the same issues.. Take care of yourself!
Bernie is so good isn’t he? I hear you on Costco. I hate crowds. xo
Thanks for your newsletters, Kim! I appreciate the knowledge that you share, there are so many things of high importance right now and everything you post is valuable information. We here in the Kansas City Metro area think like Californians, and it’s wonderful to see you support so many of the things that we also support. Sorry to hear you had a bout with the flu, but thanks for sharing–it will be crucial for us from coast to coast to SHARE what is going around so we will all be prepared. The “word on the street” will be our only way of knowing going forward…
Now on to decor, which has helped me keep my sanity over the years: why so much blue? I have it on my first level, but I am longing to transition away from it–but it’s hard when it is EVERYWHERE! I’ve been adding greens as an accent color, and I’m loving it. We have some great high-end consignment places in the KC METRO area, and some of them truly have some GEMS! I have found pillows, artwork, accent tables, pottery, and glassware–fantastic pieces at great prices!
Erica, So nice to connect with you out there in KC area! I agree word on the street may be what we have now.
Blue really does seem to be so prevalent in decor. I love green as an alternative and it’s uplifting.
Gosh so great you have found good consignment. We need more of that! xo
We have owned (and loved) our Quatrine sofas for 25+ years. They’ve been among our most sustainable purchases because of their longevity.
Though Quatrine doesn’t have any tufted designs, their London and Harlow styles have tight backs and the latter has raised arms like a Chesterfield.
Geraldine thank you! I looked them up and those are GORGEOUS sofas. Looking into where they are here. I love that you have had your that long. It says a lot..
i’m with you on all things political, Kim. Are there any of his actions that aren’t based on lies and cruelty?
I don’t think so. I feel the same about Invisalign! It’s been three weeks since I got mine, and they make me a little crazy. It will indeed be a long eighteen months. Just keeping my eye on the projected results!
Maggie, That is what it feels like. It is as if the things that inflict pain bring him joy.
You just got your Invisalign too? Well glad we are on this journey together. I have 18 month too.
Hopefully we’ll be glad later on! Sending hugs.