On this post, Sezane pieces to extend your wardrobe, a cute Valentine craft, a Galentine table and menu, and actions we can take now in our country.
How are we all holding up? I don’t know about you, but as much as I am trying to not get sucked into the news -I am worn down. Some ideas for us to hold it together at the bottom of this post..
Valentine’s or Galentine’s Table and Menu Idea…
Two years ago I had a little Galentine’s themed gathering for a few friends who had their birthdays around this time. I had forgotten and the photos came up. I had potted pansies in glass pots bought at Ace Hardware for the centerpiece and they were favors to take home after…
I love this tablecloth so much I decided to do the table again this year for my friends, but add heart napkins I had bought on my UK trip ( nearly same here), tied with some vintage ric rac that was my grandmother’s to add bit of red. This year I got tulips at Trader Joe’s and used the same pots I had my mini trees in at Christmas. I was lucky to have these pink coupe glasses from my dear friend Ani and my plates are from Anthro too.
I added a chocolate heart from See’s at each place and used a felt heart garland and draped it on the light fixture. This year I served had a charcuterie board and warm appetizers…and a lovely cake brought by one of my friends.
Two years ago I did a pasta salad to make it more of a dinner and served it with a green salad and a charcuterie board. I like you can make all this it ahead and not fuss when guests arrive! I did not use feta on my version of the pasta, but added fresh dill to this easily adapted recipe. For a fast dessert I made brownies and cut them in heart shapes with a cookie cutter and topped with Valentine M&Ms and they look cute on a small pink cake stand.
Placemat/chargers here, a few similar Liberty tablecloths here.
An easy Valentine gift or fun craft idea
When we were in San Diego a few weeks ago, Kristin and Jackson found so many good shells on Coronado, she decided to make a heart with them in a shadow box. They had a great time working on it and she finally settled on a good look and hot glued them on. So cute and she has in on her kitchen counter… A memento of their beachwalk and time there.
I’ve been trying to do more art and crafts and thought this would be a way to better appreciate some of the shells Max and I collected over the years. They reside in a big jar in the bath, but we can’t really see them. I am not the most crafty person, but I was inspired to try. Michaels has these nice shadow box frames on sale right now and they come in white and different wood tones.
I began by laying out all the shells and then putting them by types like Kristin diid to create some symmetry with hers. After many variations, and help from Griffin who was home, we choose this look and carefully hot glued them on. Shells, being oddly shaped, can be tricky. I had the best luck tilting them to one side and laying a strip of glue under and then holding them down.
I burned a few fingers, but I’m pretty happy with how it looks and I am going to give it to Max for Valentines. I tried it out here before I wrapped it.
It is a nice way to remember some of our trips when we were young to Fiji, Grand Cayman, and Hawaii. You could do this with collected stones, vintage buttons, or jewelry (like my grandmother’s xmas tree.) It would be a good group or family Valentine’s Day project.
On My Radar…My Sezane pieces arrived
My things I ordered from French retailer Sezane came and I love them! I told you I’d share… I loved how they were sent in beautiful wrap and it all came as fast as anything from the states. My closet goal this year was to add more accessories, to make more of what I already own. These three pieces are just what I had in mind…
I was thrilled with the vest ! I have had fun styling it with blouses and also long sleeve t-shirts right now. It’s very soft and runs a bit large. I have a small and it’s perfect for layering.
The beaded necklace I have been wearing with tans, browns, blue and using it with other chains. Love these colors. They have so many good necklaces, I am tempted to get one more.
The leopard slingbacks are lovely, comfy, and true to size. I was able to wear them on our one nice day this week and tried them out with white denim too. I am excited to wear these with more as they are my kind of medium heel and give an outfit that little French flair.
Sezane will be opening a location in Santana Row near the end of the month. They have a boutique in LA, and in San Francisco on Fillmore Street..
Current events…and actions to take now
Some days this week after even just listening to NPR, I felt myself almost unable to breathe. I had been getting outside and exercising when things felt heavy, but this week was dark and rainy. I did a craft to get my mind off all of it, and tried planning a trip.
Still, as someone said in last week’s comments, we need concrete ideas now. What can I do as a citizen to let my voice be heard? I called my Congress people and senators. It’s easy and the good news is the capital switchboard has been getting 1600 calls a minute versus the usual 40 this week, so they know people are raging.
If you have not called your representative before, this site – 5 Calls is also super helpful in giving you the prompts, the issues to call about, and even a dialog if you need it, along with the names and numbers. Highly recommend it.
Right now: STAY VOCAL
My lovely artist friend Heidi and I talked about what we could do when you feel powerless and she said the most important thing now is to stay vocal and I agree. Share how you feel if you feel safe doing so. Share if you have a platform. Share and talk about it with your family, friends, local peeps, and neighbors.
Look to opportunities to have your voice heard and meet with others who feel the same. Create a group of resistance. If there are protests, join in if you can. The more we vocalize that the dismantling of our Democracy and its protections, is not okay, others will join in and it becomes a movement.
Let’s not be quiet!
Have you found a local group or a national group that is helping you get through and feel like you are doing something? Please share if so.
One group that is doing good work is INDIVISIBLE, a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting fascism. You can sign up to get with a local group, or just follow along and read what actions we can all be taking. Pressure and people in the streets is working. Let’s keep it up. More info about them here.
A book that has been highly lauded now is You’re More Powerful Than You Think, A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen. I haven’t yet started it, but am inspired by this quote and others from it…
Luther: Never Too Much
On a happier note, have you seen the bio of the Luther Vandross? I have to admit I was a late to the Luther train, but I love the guy. I have this on my watch list for the weekend. It is now playing in Balboa Theatre in San Francisco, and streaming. He was a beautiful human and a brilliant artist…
If you missed last week’s post, I shared our weekend in San Diego, what I wore from Frank and Eileen, Paul Smith, a great book and more.
Coming this week, we have a white jean post for Signature Style with some fun friends! Are you ready to add in a white jean to the winter darks? I love the pop of bright right now.
Thank you friends for being here.
Many hugs,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more weekend things…
Make Mine a Spritzer
Pinecones and Acorns
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Kim, you are an amazing person and an inspiration. Thank you for being a shining light.
Jenny Amy, agreed. I listened this week to a utube video by AOC, and I was inspired by her to both call and leave messages, and to send email messages every day to my two senators (both Republicans, ugh). When I called to leave a message this morning for John Cornyn’s Austin office, the email box was full. I will continue to do this indefinitely. Sadly, I missed a protest this past Wednesday at our state capitol, but I’ll be looking out for additional protests.
One thing AOC said that struck me was to not be docile and just accept what is happening. She says not to “Consent In Advance,” so I’m keeping this in mind. Additionally, I’m waiting with bated breath to know what Trump and the Republicans plan to do to lower food and other costs for American consumers. My heart is breaking for all of the federal employees affected by this mess, especially because my brother in Montana has received the infamous “Fork in the Road” email. I’m likening Trump/Elon Musk to Uriah Heep in my favorite book of all time, David Copperfield, and I take heart in the fact that Uriah was eventually defeated.
Jenny, You are so kind. Just sharing what I can. xo
Jenny you are so kind. xo
January 20th and every day since is like a Christmas gift to the US. There is a return to greatness, boldness, strength and unity. Humanity and faith in God is restored. We are a nation set apart on a hill with our bright light shining. High energy is contagious. Loving every minute!
Hi Elizabeth, What tenant of Jesus is being followed here?
Removing affordable insulin, food for poor kids and families, deporting those who have the least in this world and work themselves to the bone for us and better lives sure doesn’t sound like Jesus’s work, unless your God is for the wealthy and whitest. Maybe you worship a false idol named Trump?
Since you are about Jesus and his teachings, I recommend you follow Pastor James Talerico, an 8th generation Texan and someone who talks every day about what god and Jesus really represent, and it’s not more for the wealthiest among us.
I agree there is high energy, but I don’t think it’s the way you think it is going.
https://www.instagram.com/jamestalarico/
Kim,
Thank you for speaking up and using your platform as a voice of reason and reminders on how we can stand against all that is happening. You’re much kinder in your reply to this reader than I could ever be, and your answer was on point. Please keep it up.
Thank you Janet. x
Elizabeth, I welcome your comment here in peace. It would be so helpful to understand more about your perspective, if you would care to share. I think there are many who would like to understand how your faith connects to the current administrations ideas and policies. I have always been a follower of Jesus, and I want to know how your “faith in God has been restored”.
Karen thank you. I think all of us are wondering the same.
Thanks for your post! I live outside of Philadelphia and am active in my local democrats group. We worked liked crazy to carry Pennsylvania for Kamala, and were devastated that our efforts fell short, but we know that there is more work we can do. We are focused now on electing Dems locally: judges, school board, sheriff, DA. We need the right people in place locally to insulate our vulnerable populations from trumps ugliest plans. I would encourage anyone to do the same. We need to elect local Dems in every municipality!
Love the Sezane items, especially that vest!
Hi Kathy! SO awesome you are active in your local Dem group. We need more of that kind of thing now. I think so many good people were on the ground helping Kamala. Thank you for all you did. You are absolutely spot on that having local Dems in all these offices protects us from some of these orders and enables communities to push back on things. Great reminder so very needed, that we still have power.
xo
Oh thanks love my vest!
Love the shell idea. That Kirsten is so creative. Yours looks great too, and I am going to attempt one of my own because it is a much needed distraction from the horrific news cycle. I feel like I am living in a constant fight or flight mode. Stressed to the max, but doing what I can to affect change that is so desperately needed.
Catherine she is! Yes a great thing to try now, and get away from it all. Take care of yourself and thank you for caring. xo
Kim, thanks for being proactive and sharing information that helps others to be on the same path.
Kathy
Thank you, Kim, for your commitment to keeping us inspired to fight with you for what we believe. Honestly, it all feels a bit overwhelming and where does one start but with people such as yourself, there is a chance. Love the Sezanne things. Last time I was in Paris, I was walking down a street (rue du Bac?) with lots of tempting shops and there it was, a Sezanne store! Please try to come join Cindy next Sunday for her pop-up and I will plan to be there. Would love to meet you!
Hi Wren, I believe that is their goal, to overwhelm us so we stop pushing back. We can take breaks, but keep up the resistance!
Oh so neat you have gotten to the Sezane store in Paris! I wish I could go to Cindy’s pop-up. I will see as we have family visiting. I would love to see you both. xo
Kathy thank you ! x
Thank you so much Kathy.
I just love reading your blog and seeing your recommendations. The Valentine’s Day table settings are so cute! And the shell shadow box is something I would like to try! I do want to ask if you got the turtle neck sweater from Sezanne as well? It is such a great cut and look. Thank you!
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much. You have to try a shell shadow box!
The sweater is by Halston and I found it at Marshalls! I wish it was online, as it is so nice. Bought it a few weeks ago. I would go check there if you have a nearby one. End of season, as I am sure they will be clearing them out soon and it’s a good time to grab one. xo
Even though I have exact opposite political views from you I respect your right to believe whatever you feel is right. I would love to know why you are so upset about the things this current administration is doing. I see a president that is truly putting America first by cutting big government, sending aid to Americans before sending money to foreign entities, getting the criminals under control and out of America. I doubt I will agree with 100% of what government does but I believe we will be a better America in the next 4 years. I welcome your feedback and specifics on why you are so passionate about your political stance. BTW, I think you are a very talented influencer. Your style is beautiful!
Hi Beth, First of all, thank you for taking the time to share how you feel.
Trump seems capable only of pronouncements and rage to me. So far with all I read and watch, I have yet to see Trump have any promises except WORDS that things will be greater. No plans for spending that money saved on our nation or its people. Yes he has promised a new tax cut for the richest and for corporations who already pay next to nothing- or nothing. (Tesla paid zero last year.) If you make over $740 K you will save money on top of the permanent tax cut got in 2017. The middle and bottom rung classes (below $320k a year) will get an average of $400.
The middle and lower class will not be the beneficiary of the extra saved money in any way. Have you heard differently? They are trying to take away funds for higher education and let charter and religious schools (and those who already have the means), use taxpayer dollars for their schools. They want poor families who rely on food help to have less. As someone who has helped make lunches for those in need, this is perhaps the most unkind, giving more to the wealthy- while being okay with some of this nation go hungry.
Sadly there is no evidence that the money they are saving by ripping the structure out of our nation that has kept us safe will go to anything except the wealthiest. The agencies that protect our water, food, air, fair schooling for all -(including disabled), safe air travel, and science for medical advances -are now being shut down. Particularly horrific is the putting in of people to heads of agencies that do not have any expertise, but rather loyalty to a man and his agenda. RFK jr is the most terrifying with his goal to sow doubt on vaccines that have kept us and our children alive these past century. He also is a snake oil salesman who has hurt others with his lies and ZERO medical expertise, but will be choosing for us what our kids and babies can have? The science funding for cancer, alzheimers and other terrible diseases we are working to combat has stopped. How heartbreaking if a loved one was hoping to be on a trial, or to survive longer?
As far as sending money to foreign entities, sure I do believe we can look at that and make sure we do better. Trump says they want to develop a resort in Gaza paid for us by our work and people, once they (in his words, clean people out.) That was unbelievable. He looks on what is a humanitarian crisis and sees a real estate development proposal -to enrich his own family (Jared and Ivanka were there last year looking at it.) Pretty awful. So it seems he is okay with that kind of aid, to make money, but not to help prevent and eradicate disease in the third world before it hits here, and also improve conditions for the poorest on the planet.
I also oppose the richest man on the planet, who has not been appointed or elected, meddling in our government, especially when that man has conflicts of interest as he has many government contracts, and also a axe to grind with USAID who was investigating his starlink use in Russia, which he did not want.
Thank you for listening. I know this is a lot.. and thanks for your kind words about the blog. Kim
Beth, perhaps if you were one of the dedicated career, non-partisan federal employees who are threatened with losing their livelihood quite suddenly and abruptly, you would feel more empathy. This affects a family member of mine, so yes, I’m very angry about it.
I was a state employee of Texas for most of my career, most of the time during Republication administrations, and I can tell you, we were not political in our jobs. By far, most of the people I worked with were very competent, and wanted to do a good job. We provided very good customer service. What Trump/Musk has done is stupid from an economic standpoint, this could cause some terrible implications for us the citizens, and also terrible from a national security standpoint. This needed to have been done by the agencies themselves, or by a competent committee in a reasoned manner. This is not really even a partisan issue, I would’ve been just as angry if Democrats had done this. This is just willful ignorance. I also would love to know what you mean by them “sending money to Americans….” What are you even referring to? Do you even know?
Hi, Kim –
My husband and I drove an hour south to appear at our state capitol this week for the 50 States, 50 Protests event. It was a weekday, but our capitol is close to a university so it was good to see and hear the thousands of mostly students and retired people turning up and speaking out! Passing cars honked and waved their support. Some say “what good does it do?”, but I believe we need to keep showing up! I need to make some protest signs!
Also, I ordered my book club’s current selection from Thrift Books, at a $10 savings over other options! It took some time to receive from Atlanta, but I think I can finish it before Monday’s meeting. Haha. However, I was in my local Goodwill this week and saw a sign for goodwillbooks.com!! Who knew? The book club selection is also available there for about the same price, but with FREE SHIPPING! As far as I can ascertain, Goodwill is a worthy organization, with 82 cents on the dollar going to programs and services for people in need. I am a heavy public library user, but often have to purchase the book for book club. I hope this info is helpful to those of us looking for Amazon alternatives!
Keep up the good fight, Kim! I appreciate you, and look forward to your posts. xo
Julia, That is so great you two did that. Max and I would love to do that if we get the chance to. It must have felt great and powerful to be out there and loud about what is happening. I am in total agreement that the more people see the dissent, the rebellion, they will also feel inspired and more powerful. Let’s keep it up. Thank you guys!!
Thrift Books.. Thank you for the reminder to check them first! WOw Goodwill finally getting smart about marketing all their books too- amd free shipping! I am going to share that. I do think Goodwill is a much better place to support than Amazon or Target. 82 cents is actually a lot for a charity.
You are awesome! xx
Hi Kim, well, I am furious each time I read about the next violation of your Constitution and citizens’ rights, so I can only imagine what it feels like to you. I’ve also been reading about what is happening to USAID. The work of that organization is so important, and to see it just smashed to pieces is so sad, both for the millions of people who are now losing vital food and medical care, to the amzing soft power and diplomacy that your president is throwing away.
I think I can safely say that the vast majority of Canadians are also taking action – in the supermarket! We are so mad! We have an election coming up this year and hopefully we won’t go down the same route as the US – the leader of our conservative party is a Trump fan.
BUT – thank you for using your voice and shining a light on things that people can do. It’s important work. Also – those shoes are fab!!
Patricia, I know and thank you. The USAID is doing so much good work and you are right, that Americans don’t realize what soft power is. Our goodwill and help throughout the world sows the love and loyalty of so many – as well as keeps us safe. They can only see things in terms of an 8 year old – more bombs and the money for weapons is never refuted. The active social campaign to destroy USAID- so many articles this week of how they are using propaganda to make it look bad, is scary. USAID was in an active investigation against Musk and his use of satellites in Russia and that is why he wants them gone.
I love and appreciate Canadians so much and all their support for good and sanity. You guys are keeping me hopeful knowing most all of the world is sides with what is good and just. x
Did you know those were called sailor’s valentines back in the day. Sailors would make them for their loved one while at sea. I love what you did, such a great idea!! I have my shells in a great big jar as well. That sounds like a fun project to do with Summer!!
Cindy, I guess I knew about those, but didn’t realize this is sort of one too! I remember your jar and how pretty it was! I bet you guys would have fun with that. x
Kim,
Love the cute shoes from Sezane and the fab galentines table. I love a pretty table. Keep the faith. I have put our two senators and my congresswoman in my contacts… trying to call everyday (because everyday there is something!).
Leila, Thanks! Love my shoes.
You are awesome. I need to also do this. Great idea to do this everyday until we get real change.
Agree every day is like some fresh hell…
Another fantastic post! I look forward to it every week, more than you know.
My husband and I went to the book talk this week with Chris Hayes, for his new book A Siren’s Call, and the energy in the room in Palo Alto was off the charts. We are not alone! Also, I’m grateful for our Bay Area intellectual bubble, I’ll make no apologies for educated, empathetic people. We are on the front lines against Trump+Elon’s brand of American nihilism.
Podcast to recommend today: The Political Scene from the New Yorker with Dr. Atul Gawande, most recent head of USAID Health division.
Valetta thank you! I love hearing that people are fired up! Agree we are so lucky to be living in the Bay Area. Education and empathy are what has made us a better world. Thank you also for the podcast! I will listen to this on my walk. USAID was being investigated by Musk for his Starlink useage and that is why he is wants it gone. That isn’t being talked about as much.
Chris was here in San Diego last week but I was not able to attend his book talk. Glad to hear there was good energy at yours, we need it!
I always enjoy reading your blog for so many reasons. Check out the Designing Women Julia Sugarbaker rant on the Candidate episode. Sorry don’t know how to link it. So timely for now.
Carole you are awesome..I found it. WOW how ahead of her time was that? I feel like this wouldn’t even be played on a mainstream sitcom now.
Let’s share this far and wide.
We need more Julia Sugarbakers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnMn-ObT0r8
Love those leopard shoes. Now I’m coveting them!! ❤️
Thank you, Kim, for standing up! And thank you for the phone number and website. Continue to be yourself; we need you! On the craft topic, I always have a bowl of ice water next to my hot glue gun. And I always wear latex gloves. Saves those burned fingers!
Liz, Thank you ! I need that bowl of ice water.. What a great idea and the gloves Shows what a crafting amatuer I am!!
Hi Kim,
I remember what you did for your friends a few years ago with the theme being Galentine’s. The vintage ric rac brings back such great memories. I used to sew with it. Grandmother is smiling down on you in a big way. EVERYTHING you did to create a gorgeous Galentine’s table is just full of love and the See’s hearts and heart shaped brownies. YOU are just the best.
LOVE Kristin and Jackson’s heart shadow box they created a fabulous ❤️ and the one you and Griffin did is great too. That is not easy with all the unusual shapes hearts come in.
I can’t handle what the 34 Felon and Musk are doing. They make an ugly pair, up to “bad trouble”. They both sicken me. My concerns turn to all the people that are going to be affected by these policies. Super mega rich people do not care about anyone except themselves. Enough said.
HI Katherine! I think of my grandma so often, especially when I use her things. Thank you. It was good making the hearts right now.. Was a challenge and a bit of a good distraction.
Gosh I hear you so scary what two awful men who are bent on destruction rather than goodness are doing to our nation. I need to hear more from the super rich. Where is the pushback about this?
Hi Kim — Great post! I loved your table setting so much, I clicked right through your link and purchased one of the blue floral Liberty tablecloths. Never knew that J Crew had this line of home goods! Your shell heart came out great! One of the last gifts my mom gave me was a shell heart from Nantucket. It hangs above my bed now with my sailors valentines. I am obsessed with Sezane clothing — new brand to me last fall. As a retired federal employee and former intelligence community member, you can imagine how I feel about all that is happening. And of course it all just hurts as a human being. Take good care and hugs right back!
Molly, I have been thinking about you so much with this federal employee thing. I hope you and those who have worked for us will be protected. I don’t trust for a second they will pay people for 6 months? For no work? Seems illogical and suspect. Also what about the millions who worked in all these places? How will our nation do with so very many unemployed? I sure haven’t heard that talked about at all…
I’m so glad you found a tablecloth! I an going to keep checking the preloved ones. They are very nice from Liberty and J. Crew! I love your sailor’s Valentine’s collection. I have to share that post with Kristin and link to it here.
I think Sezane has lovely things!
Take care.
xo
All the good stuff in one blog post. Appreciate every post Kim! Enjoy the sunny weekend.
Fi x
Thanks so much Fiona. Wishing you the same! xo
I continue to agree and applaud your very articulate views of what is
happening in our country and the response to those who feel
trump is doing good things. Keep it up I find it helps me get re engaged
after such a dark time. I love the animal print shoes! I will check them out.
Not crafty at all but loved the shell art!!! Great post!! Keep it up!
Oh Char thank you. I appreciate this note. We are all feeling the darkness too. Knowing there are more who feel like we do, really helps.
xo
I so appreciate that you stand up eloquently for what you( and I) believe and that you share some good resources as well as wonderful design inspiration. I realize you do this at some cost. Thank you. I read this week that Anthropologie is one of the companies that supports #47 and rapidly dismantled DEI so they are off my radar. I am trying to mostly shop local these days. Also there is a general strike ( meaning no purchasing of any kind) scheduled for February 28 th. I will be participating for sure.
Again, thank you.
Thank you Penelope,for this.
It does make me feel good doing something with my small platform that might help.
Well thank you about Antropologie. We need to know this. What a disappointment.
I did not know about the general strike. I will get out the details and share!
I found this website that can help us track companies and their political affiliations. (Thank you to Robert Reich):
https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
Thank you Jenny! So awesome I just downloaded this.
I love the shell idea! I too, have jars of them collected but it’s hard to see them that way. I’ll try to create something pretty from them.
Thank you for fearlessly encouraging us during these dark times.
xo
Jenny, So nice you already have a collection! Love the idea of using them in a creative way.
Thanks so much. I am trying! xo
Hi Kim,
Well you hit the perfect note with this post, great info regarding where and who to call, how to stay engaged, and fun distractions from the whole mess with crafts and shopping. I am so upset and angry and scared for the future of our country I can’t see straight. That criminal has basically destroyed the goodwill of the USA in less than 3 weeks. Elon is a whole other concern. He thinks he can do whatever he wants because he has money and money spells power. The man is psychotic and has been unleashed to create havoc on our country, and WE DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM. How could this happen??? They are a pair – both of them racist, egotistic, misogynistic, and hate filled men.
Ok enough. Thanks for the bright moment you provided me this morning, and the place to share my thoughts! I’m wearing red lipstick everyday, (like the women during WWll) to show my solidarity with disempowered people everywhere.
Love to you,
Heidi
💯 🫶 Totally agree!
Heidi you just laid out all my concerns so well. I have zero respect for men that are hell bent on destruction and chaos and lead with hate.
Thank you for your thoughts yesterday about staying VOCAL! It was like a lightbulb that went off in my brain and so simple, but really is everything right?
Let’s keep being loud, and push back on all we hold dear being destroyed.
Wow love the red lipstick idea!!
Love you too! x
Kim,
I am convinced that the women who state that the current administration is making America better have never read a history book. Do they know that Hitler only needed 53 days to create the Third Reich? I have been around since Eisenhower was president, and I know a fascist when I smell one. God help America.
Susan, I agree. I don’t get it Everything that is being done is paralleling that time and Hitler’s playbook and to think otherwise, one might need a refresher on what was done and why.
Kim,
When I read comments such as Beth’s I am nearly overwhelmed with the magnitude of what people fail to see about Trump and his cronies. Beth was respectful and curious about your POV, which in my experience is very often not the case. It’s nearly impossible to fully wrap my brain around the damage being done and to try to explain it calmly and logically to people who disagree, including people from my own family. Let’s look at just a few examples, such as Trump’s near-instantaneous leap to blaming DEI for the CA fires or the recent tragic midair collision, as if women and minorities and the disabled are presumed incapable and the default first choice for any occupation is a white male. If he truly believes in a solely meritorious system, how can Trump justify the people he has placed in key positions in his administration with little or no relevant experience, qualified only by their loyalty and refusal to admit that Trump lost the election in 2020? What about trying to make aid to CA fire victims conditional on Gavin Newsom taking certain actions? (Can you imagine the response had Biden done that to the people of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene?) Or releasing 2 billion gallons of water for pure show, water that geographically could NEVER reach So. Cal. and in fact will adversely affect farmers when they need it later in the year for irrigation? Or giving Elon Musk and his band of engineers (who at 19-24 don’t have fully formed brains) free rein to rifle through the data of Americans (who did not elect him) and to terrify thousands of non-partisan civil servants about their futures? Or cutting off USAID (comprising 1% of the federal budget) whose work includes prevention of the spread of AIDS (which yes, involves providing condoms, but not to Hamas) and containing diseases like Ebola so that they don’t reach our shores? Where is the evidence that the money saved will go to Americans in need, rather than to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy? I recently tuned in to Fox News, just to see what they were talking about in the midst of this chaos. THEIR discussion was about CBS turning over the unedited film of Kamala Harris’s long ago 60 Minutes interview–and–after playing a segment of both the unedited and the edited versions–ridiculing her “word salad.” (Seriously, do they LISTEN to Trump when he speaks?) VERRRRY important topic these days, considering the fact that it cost Trump the election–OH WAIT, HE WON! Time to put on your big boy pants and move on to a relevant topic, Hannity.
Sarah, Totally agree and I am beyond sad about all this nonsense blaming DEI on everything from LA fires to the plane crashes. It’s not only wrong it is also so heartbreaking to those involved. He makes me ill. Gosh your comment is so spot on about USAID and all of it.
What the heck was the deal with that interview? She looked smart and brilliant and I get sick thinking she could have been our president.
We have to keep expecting better and push back on this.
Take care!
Good evening Kim,
First, you look fabulous, as always in your Sezanne pieces. I love the vest and the shoes, and the necklace!
Second, the shell heart is such a wonderful gift, I think I am going to try to make one!
Your Valentine’s Day lunch/dinner is beautiful! So many great ideas to use for Valentine’s or Valentine’s Day.
I think no matter what side of the aisle you are on you must be involved in politics, and the issues that are important to you. I have a friend that recently decided to run for school board because she feels it is her calling. Another ran last year for village counsel, sadly she received threats to her family and ultimately decided to drop out. But as she said, she is still a “squeaky wheel” but turning up at every meeting and sharing notes, highlights and tips on social media to get others in the community energized.
Take care of yourself Kim, xoxo
Elizabeth
Aw thanks so much ELizabeth. Love Sezane!
Kudos to your friend is doing this. I am sad for your other friend that those threats stopped her. She sounds brave for still turning up.
What has become of us that threats are a way to get people you don’t agree with out of a race? It’s sad.
Hi, I love the sweaters that you have on and I also love the leopard shoes. I am trying so hard not to buy anything after seeing that movie “Buy now “ on Netflix. It’s really crazy what’s happening with all the extra clothes and electronics in this world. So now I’m gonna have to hold myself back from buying those.!! Love the Valentine’s with the shells I have shells. I’m gonna have to try to do that as well.!!
Thanks, martha
Martha, Good for you. I will share that next week as it’s very powerful, and I think all of us want to change our habits. I know I do.
I bet you have some great shells living in SD! xo
Love all your posts, always so many great things to absorb! Your table setting is so cute, I admit I am not the best at creating a beautiful table but I try. You did a great job on the shadowbox, I’m sure Max will love it. Years ago I made a large shell mirror and then later a wreath for the front door. They both took forever between sourcing the shells and gluing. But I was really happy with the results. Of course the only thing that broke in the move for our remodel was a clam shell on the mirror’s bottom edge because my husband or son-in-law picked it up by that end or ran into something. 😢I still haven’t gotten around to fixing it but it will take a bit of work since I have to remove some of the shells around it.
Those shoes are adorable…were they true to size? I have been wanting a pair of leopard pumps. I tried a pair of slingbacks a while back but they were too stiff in the toe box.
I usually delete most polictal emails but I received one today from Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. She explained in detail as to why what has been happening with DOGE was an attempted coup but also the things that are in place that will prevent some of the damage they are trying to inflict. Made me feel a little better. I am finding it very difficult to stay focused and like you mentioned it’s hard not to get sucked in to all the news. Your blog is a bright spot during these dark times!
Linda, thank you for the mention of Congresswoman Sara Jacob’s. I’ll look into what she is saying, as any kind of hopeful news at this point is good.
I hope you can locate the info. If you can’t you can email me at LRS4AMANDA@aol.com and I would be more than happy to forward it to you. It did help ease my anxiety a little.
Thank you!
Linda, That is so cool you made a mirror and a wreath. I was looking at them before I did this and they really take some labor and talent! I hope you can fix.
The shoes were true to size for me. I am an 8 and they were comfy right off.
Thank you for the note about Sara Jacobson. I didn’t know about her.. and will look this up!
I can’t tell you what notes from you and all those here in comments mean right now. It’s helping me to cope.
Thanks Linda hugs to you!
This is my first time reading this blog and I am happy I stumbled upon this gem. Thank you so much of all your creative design and fashion ideas, but I am so pleased that you are willing to voice your concerns over our current government fiasco. Thank you for posting resources to help make sure our voices are heard and the encouragement to continue the fight.
Hi Mary Jane and welcome! Thank you and I am glad you like it here. I will try and keep sharing ways to stay strong and make change!
Hi Kim
Thanks for taking the time to address the comments from people who do not agree with your views. Maybe it will help change at least a few minds.
I attended my local (East Bay) INDIVISIBLSE meeting yesterday. There was a standing room only crowd, which was over quadruple from the previous meeting. This is very much a grassroots organization and not run by professional organizers. There are committees for democracy (supporting bills, communication with local and state government, etc), healthcare, immigration, economic justice and climate. A woman in the audience shared how her tax bill would rise over $5,000 if the head of household tax standard deduction is repealed (she is a single Mom). This is one of an avalanche of changes that is being proposed that has real implications. I just don’t think people understand how much their lives will be impacted by what is happening.
There is a website called GOODS UNITE US where you can look up businesses to see who they support. I am trying to find a way to send a message through more thoughtful spending. Take care and stay engaged!
Susan, So awesome you went to an Indivisible meeting! I love hearing that so many are attending! I need to sign up. Wow that is crazy about the tax changing so much for a single mom. They don’t even know, nor care of the repercussions to so many for these sweeping changes. Only the rich are considered. It is not okay! I think you are right, we have no idea, nor does the average American about what is coming.
I now have Good Unite US! I will share that next week too. We so need this. Thank you so much for sharing! xo
I enjoy your decorating, recipe, and fashion posts, but at the moment I’m especially appreciating your reflections on the state of our crumbling government and the resources you offer. I have plenty of like-minded friends (of course, since half the country did NOT vote for the current office holder), but it is reassuring to know that we are absolutely not alone. Thank you.
Carolyn, Thank you so much! I hear you and it feels good to know so many of us are feeling the same way.
I will try and keep sharing more ideas and ways to stay hopeful! Sending hugs.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE Luther Vandross and need to watch this ASAP! Swoon. Love your Sezane pieces – especially those leather sling-backs – and can’t wait for them to open their brick and mortar’s in the Bay Area … even if I have to drive. I appreciate the care they take in creating pretty packaging which makes opening their packages even more exciting. What a great idea Kristen had for her collection of shells and I love yours too . You’re a craft one, and Max is going to really love and appreciate it. Always enjoy and appreciate your suggestions for staying active, and in the game in terms of fighting back against the chaos that’s happening around us. Making our voices heard has never been so crucial. xo
Juliet, I love Luther too. Excited for Sezane to open at the end of February in Santana Row. They have one in SF now! Love how beautifully things come!
We need to go together. xo