On this post, a little lunch to celebrate Lunar New Year at Bloomingdales, things I am loving at J. Crew Factory right now, and more..
How are things? I came down with what I think is the flu on Monday night and haven’t left the house since. I am on the mend I believe. The worst part for me was an extreme sharp feeling throat at night.. and aches. Juliet also has it and maybe even a worse case so she is taking this week off. I am a little light headed, so this post will be short.
I’ve been living on the couch, drinking so much tea, soup, and water, and binge watching Younger, a Netflix fluff series that has seven seasons and is perfect if you want to just not think hard and be distracted. I do love not having to do anything, be anywhere, put on makeup, grocery shop, or cook all week. I need more days where I give myself permission not to feel obligated to do anything. Why does it take being sick for us to do this??
Here in the Bay Area we have the Chinese New Year Parade this weekend, and it’s a huge deal and so fun to see. It is the biggest parade of it’s kind outside of China. More info about it here. Joan Chen is the Grand Marshall this year! You can also catch it on television if you are in the Bay Area.
I hope you are doing something fun this Valentine weekend, even if it is by yourself. We need to be good to ourselves and if that means giving yourself permission to read all day, or binge a show, get yourself a latte and a nature walk, or treat yourself in some way, this is the time to do it. We need to be our own Valentines.
If you are so inclined, I love the idea of giving a little gift to pals or sweet neighbors. This year I haven’t as I have been sick, but Annie has a darling idea here to make little store bought roses extra cute I want to try..
I am thinking about my mom on this weekend too, who always made sure we had a card, a chocolate, and a pair of cute socks or something, and a little cash for us at the breakfast table on Valentines. It always made it extra special. I am missing her so much.
I will be laying low this weekend, but Max brought me some pretty orange roses! I am hoping he doesn’t get this bug. I spent the prior week taking care of my Griffin, who came for a visit and them promptly got sick a day later, so I think it was from him. Each day I feel a little better, but then I start to feel cruddy again. I had the flu shot, so maybe that will help the duration.
I moved a few things about in the house before I got sick….like these books and a hoya plant. This is the best plant and I have had it 5 years at least. If you ever see them, grab it. They are the most durable and undemanding house plants! Some flower, but mine never has. I still love it.
Lunar New Year Lunch at Bloomingdale’s
Last weekend, I was invited to attend Bloomies Lunar New Year Lunch at their fun AnQi – Shaken and Stirred, their Vietnamese noodle bar and cocktail restaurant in Valley Fair. I was allowed to bring a guest, and Juliet joined me! We had the yummiest lunch of orange chicken and garlic noodles, and a bit of champagne and nice chat with a lot of lovely women who were there. It is always fun with her.
Afterwards we went upstairs and visited my friend Leslie, who runs the Ba&sh department, (and who asked me to the lunch. I must have skidded in under the radar because I am not a top client!) She showed us what was new for spring and Juliet bought one of their beautiful Meredith jackets in tan ( I have the light blue). It looked great on her and it is a gorgeous wardrobe piece. I did not get to snap a photo of Juliet in it. I am sure she will share soon on her blog.
I wore my knitted Ba&sh cardi jacket with a black skirt and my new Sezane Paula slingbacks, which I found were so comfy all day to shop too.
I had a love at first sight with a new Ba&sh embroidered blouse that was so beautiful. It has cross-stitch like details and the style reminded me of the tops my mom wore back in the 1970’s with flared jeans. It could be great with khakis and skirts and so much. Photos don’t do it enough justice.
I also loved this Ba&sh Plume white dress – possibly for summer travel. It is a swiss dotted sort of light material that is soft and gorgeous. I’m thinking ahead and I have always wanted a flowy white dress for summer dinners out!
All the pretty Ba&sh things here and don’t forget to visit Bloomies at Valley Fair and see Leslie, who runs this great outpost of the French brand if you want to see it all in person. These clothes are beautifully made and worth investing in. I like the idea of slowly adding a nice piece or two each season. Right now many of last season’s things are marked down too.
How do you wear white jeans in the winter and why?
That was the question we tackled in this month’s Signature Style. Cindy and I were joined by Juliet, Mary Ann, and Annie. It was a way to see how white denim gives your winter wardrobe a sort of booster shot, which we could all use about now. I found some great white denim options and a few are last seasons and bargain prices.
More tips and the links to everyone’s styling ideas on my post.
On My Radar- J. Crew Factory
I’ve always had a soft spot for J. Crew Factory as they occasionally have a gem or two each season and some great basics. Doing the white jean post, I discovered my favorite white J. Crew jeans have migrated over there and are on sale now. While I was buying a pair, I noticed these adorable sailor jeans, and this chic trench jacket, which I added to my order. I also spied these cute Mary Janes, loafers- and leopard belt. I thought I’d make a couple of looks here with all they have.
You can shop them all in the slides beneath the outfits and things are an additional off this weekend.
My garden update!
The guys finished building me a new planter box for the garden. After Max finished it in the garage, Jack helped assembled it . Max was going to fix the three small boxes I had, but they were rotting at the base. Now we have one tall one…
He bought heart redwood, so it will hopefully last a long time. I now have one big box, and slowly we will fill in with dirt. I’m excited to have good soil and the ability to grow kale and things along with tomatoes and peppers and more! I will keep you guys updated about when to start your gardens, per my dad. I want more flowers also to pretty it up around the beds and camouflage the AC unit out here.
I really can’t wait for this winter to be over. Maybe it’s me, but it has seemed especially dark and cold this year.
This week in Democracy
So much insanity has been happening it was hard to keep up. Being sick, I had a hard time coping with it all.
There is so much wrong with what is happening, I don’t even have the bandwidth for it right now, but RFK jr being confirmed was just one of the worst developments. The dismantling of our agencies by Musk is disturbing. I am all for better government efficiencies, but the way to do it is not with a wrecking ball, and not by a person who was being investigated by the agencies he is destroying.
I know I mentioned Indivisible last week, but have any of you checked it out? It’s grassroots level pushback in our own communities. We need this hugely. I plan to join a local chapter. Just go to this page to find local groups and events. There are two events this weekend in the South Bay to peacefully protest Musk at Tesla showrooms. If I wasn’t sick I would be there..
Goods Unite US
Also a few of you shared GOODS UNITE US- a great app (and website), where you can check retailers and businesses to see who they donated to.
Since the Supreme Court passed Citizens United, they have said anyone can contribute to a politician, with no transparency, so let’s show our power with our wallets. Remember women make 80% of the spending decisions in a household. Use this tool to let companies know how we feel about their choices. It’s not just retailers, but all sorts of companies you choose.
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared Sezane pieces, Valentine’s table and craft and more here
Wishing a lovely Valentine’s weekend for you all!
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth’s blog for more weekend things… Juliet is taking time to rest and get better.
Pinecones and Acorns
If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and Saturdays for Weekend Meanderings.
Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support.
I am sorry that you have whatever is going around, Kim. Lots of fluids, rest and Vitamin C , and maybe a little fresh air, should help . (I am older than you, so please forgive me if I “Mom” you a bit!)
Lovely post as always.
Jenny Thank you! I will take it. All men in in my immediate family, and rare to have anyone mom me, so I appreciate it! I miss that.
My mom and grandma believed in all those things and sunshine for sure.
I plan on sitting in the sun today if I can and thanks for the reminder to drink liquids and rest.
I can still hear my mom’s voice telling me to ‘get on the couch’ and stay there with a pillow.
xo
Hi Kim,
So sorry you are sick please take good care of yourself. I have been watching Younger too just what l am in the mood for. Last Tango in Halifax on Netflix is lovely too and many seasons!Beautiful planter boxes your men made. Hope you feel better soon xo
Francesca, it’s so good right now isn’t it? I love the more innocent pre-Trump era of it all and the women empowering each other.
Last Tango is on my list thank you! Aw thank you. xo
Kim A new subscriber here and thank you for your posts! I am always up for tweaks in my minimalist wardrobe. When I worked it was scrubs and lab coats with deep pockets for nursing care essentials. Another part of my life was a Navy uniform as a reservist. Left over and in between was every day wear and that was neglected! Now retired I love jeans, J Crew basics , loafers, Mary Janes, comfy sweaters and light dresses for summer. After years with no perfume, very light or no makeup, and no jewelry this is all so nice. I hope you are better and this year the flu vaccine didn’t hit the mark..hope next year’s mix is more accurate. Donnie
Hi Donnie! Wow thank you for your service- a nurse and in the navy. I love the sound of your wardrobe which sound like cute classics. I can imagine it is freeing after having to wear a mandated uniform. Yes hope the vaccine works better next year! I always get it with the Covid one.
Thanks for subscribing. Have a great weekend! xo
Hi Kim — Hope you are feeling all better soon! Sometimes it is actually kind of nice to be sick so you can just take time off. You are right, it is silly that we don’t do this sometimes when we aren’t sick. I watched Younger recently. It was definitely a guilty pleasure, but there was also a real message about ageism in the workplace. I know I felt it, and it was one of the reasons I retired kind of early. (So glad I am out now, with all that is going on!) Loving my Liberty fabric tablecloth. I shared your post on my blog today! Also ordered some off-white J Crew Factory jeans as a result of your white jeans post. Take good care!
Molly, So true we need to get off the obligation wheel more. I agree as much as Younger is a fluff watch, it had important messages about ageism and also good characters for young women to learn from. Phew you did escape just in time. I feel sick thinking about all these people who have dedicated years to making our nation the best it can be, just flushed and their contributions, not even examined. We will regret all of it.
I am so glad you got the Liberty tablecloth! Heading to your post now and thank you.
Oh the off white jeans are so cute.
xo
Hi Kim, I guess the fact that you’re still “under the weather” means you won’t be coming to Cindy’s pop-up tomorrow. Sorry that you’ll miss it! I also have been watching Younger for the pure, unchallenging entertainment. It’s a relief after the news, especially RFK being nominated just as bird flu is really ramping up. Frank Bruni has a good article this week about how the Republicans are capitulating. The animal print shoes from Sezanne make the outfit you wore to the Bloomie’s luncheon. I hope you feel better soon and that Max dodges whatever it is. I have a Galentine’s party to look forward to tonight!
Wren, I was so sad to miss Cindy’s event too and meet you. I am hoping I can get down there soon and we can have a lunch. Enjoy the Galentine’s Day party tonight! SO fun, I love that.
Aw thanks love my new shoes! xoxo
P.s. Will look for the article. This morning two states shut down all poultry and yet we have not heard from governemnt about this or any direction. Feels like early Covid which is scary.
Hi, Kim –
Sending more wishes that you will feel better soon! Thanks for making the effort to prepare your blog as your readers would really miss you otherwise!
Did you know you can start a hoya plant from rooting just one leaf in water until tiny roots appear? My large plant is from one leaf of my sister’s plant started this way 20+ years ago, and my daughter has a plant that is an offspring of mine.
We had 4-5″ of snow this week, which is a good excuse to stay home and be lazy, I mean, cozy… Nothing wrong with naps in front of the tv!
Take care of yourself – xo
Julia, I was hoping someone who knew more about hoyas would comment here! Thank you. Wow that is amazing your plant is from your sister that long ago… and that your daughter has one! I am going to try it this weekend on my kitchen windowsill.
Stay cozy with the snow! xo
Hi Kim,
I sure hope today you are feeling a little better. The flu vaccine missed the mark this year from what I understand. It’s not easy getting it right.
The Hoys plant looks like one that survives nicely and without too much light?
Great seeing you and Juliette at the Bloomies luncheon. Your cardi jacket looks so good on you.
I always smile seeing you and Juliet together, “gal pal” time is the best. I bet the Lunar New Year is a big deal and festive in a big way. The embroidered blouse with the cross-stitch brings back memories. A vintage look. The blouse is something that you would keep forever. The white swiss dotted long white dress is beautiful with great detail. I love maxi and old world looking dresses, skirts. So comfortable. I like anything old world looking .
Annie’s extra added love to the rose pot is a great idea.
It touched my heart in a big way what your loving
Mother did for you and your brother. Your mom was the best. I totally appreciate how your heart felt in a big way. It’s interesting, I too was missing my mom, my dad of course, and all my loved ones that have passed this week.
The RFK being confirmed is bizarre, but no surprise. Like minded people attract one another. He is a total joke, and not fit for this position. Don’t get me started on Musk. I’m trying not to get upset, and have what’s happening disturb my peace of mind. I’m concerned is an understatement.
No, I have not checked out Indivisible yet, but I will soon.
So sweet and thoughtful for Max to bring you home some roses. Leaving the best to the last. The planter box is a labor of love. He created a fabulous planter box. Redwood is so pretty. I especially like that Max and Jackson assembled it together. Wow, it’s going to take LOTS of soul. Will you guys buy those huge bags from Home Depot or have a soil company deliver it?
Once all your veggies and side little flowers are planted the fun will begin watching in all grow as you well know. In our Scottsdale home we were on a third of an acre (coming from SF, Marin County, and Larkspur, and Sausalito) that was a large plot of land. Bear did what Max did, a huge above ground veggie garden. What a great gift.
Tell Max and Jackson I think they are spectacular.
You are a very lucky lady to have such talented and loving men in your life.
Hope you are feeling better! An amazing post! I always enjoy your writing.
Kim, hope you begin feeling better soon.
I am reading my Saturday GLOBE and MAIL , and thought I’d share an article with you… by journalist and author LARRY TYE …
“Donald Trump has restored McCarthyism to America” … a chilling short history lesson from the early 50’s. He wrote ‘Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy’.
See if you can find it… worth a good look… and the parallels with Donald Trump are revealing.
A ‘tumble from favour’ is coming… as history has a tendency to repeat itself. Take good care of yourself…I think you were likely getting a bit run down over these past weeks.
Kim, hope you are feeling better soon! I hope you’re taking good care of yourself. I just heard that Sheryl Crow sold her Tesla and donated it to PBS! Love that. I have the app for Goods Unite Us, and checking all the brands. Are you aware of the boycott and blackout on Feb 28th and March 15th. NO BUY DAY. Something else we can do to make a difference. Take care. Xo
Hi Kim, I hope that you were just sick enough to take to your bed, but not so sick that you couldn’t enjoy luxuriating in it!
Gosh, it just doesn’t stop, does it? Every day brings something horrendous – one of the latest being the horrible way that Trump’s minions are treating Ukraine and the Europeans. I think we’re all going to have PTSD pretty soon. It’s so nice to read your blog and see all the pretty things – thanks for the respite. And please pass on all good wishes to Juliet for her recovery. Stay well!
Sorry to hear you have been under the weather! I came down with a virus on Tuesday although I wasn’t as sick as you were, but I definitely took it easy for a few days. Finally felt good enough today to go to the store and go for a walk with my husband. Interesting what you said about feeling better one day and then not so good the next. I have that happen to me a lot when I have been sick. I think I am recovered and then not so much. So we will see how I feel tomorrow lol.
I still need to read your post on the white jeans. I have three pairs but would like some with flared bottoms.
Nice that Max redid your planter boxes! I am hoping when my husband retires we can build some raised beds. It would be fun for the grandkids too. We definitely have the room for some. I was thinking of trying to grow kale in a large pot for now. We have a lot of rabbits around here so I would have to figure a way to keep them away. My neighbor has an enclosed tall fence around her beds to keep the critters out. She has a major green thumb.
I’m trying to stay positive but some days it’s hard. Thank goodness my husband doesn’t worry like I do about the state of things, but it seems like every day is like a 5 alarm fire with this administration. It will be interesting to see how many people turn out on Monday for the 50 states protest.
Hope you are on the mend!
Linda
I do hope you are on the mend and feeling better Kim. It is impressive that you were able to get this interesting blog post out!
Awaiting my first white jeans to be delivered from J Crew outlet… thanks so much for the recommendations as I wouldn’t have known where to start looking!
Take care,
Fi xo
Please take good care of yourself and get to the doctor if you don’t recuperate. Two people I know with this flu, one got brochitis and the other a sinus infection. The post flu infections are a real PITA!
Thank you for being political on your blog. You do a great job balancing respite with concern for our country. It just feels weird reading blogs that ignore what is happening right now and I find it comforting to see kindred spirits who appreciate the comforts of home but don’t take it for granted. We are so lucky just to have roofs over our heads and to have the means to speak up.
Hi Kim,
I hope you and Juliet are feeling better soon. The flu has been bad, it’s possible the vaccine may have missed the mark this season. I don’t know how you were able to get your blog out, but it was a good one.
The luncheon at Bloomies looked like so much fun, and the pretty white dress was especially cute on you. I enjoyed your article on wearing white jeans now, and going back about a year ago when you researched lots of jean styles for your readers. I forgot to mention I read it recently, so much good info there – and thank you for doing all the trying on!
Lots of great sales right now, I’ve been slowing curating my closet after weight loss and it’s a good distraction from the current events happening in our country. I’m ready for some warmer temps as well, this season has been a cold one in the Central Valley too. Your new garden planter is a beauty….the guys did a terrific job. Feel better! 💗
Hope you feel 100% soon. The garden box looks great.