On this post a few Halloween things, my skincare I am loving, cute winter handbags, and how to help those affected by the SNAP program cut.
How was your week? Our tennis team had its last match of the season and I played a very hot almost two and a half hour match on Wednesday. My doubles partner and I lost in a tie break, but we lost to friends and nice ladies, so it was still a fun day. I had no idea late October could be one of the hottest days I have ever played.
Meanwhile November is here and I am ready for it. We have our leaves turning in our street! I am ready for jackets and coats.
Jackson has been over to spend some time with the kittens. Everybody loves the window seats.
The kittens have been enjoying the fire and also the joys of sunbeams and heated bathroom floors!
Thursday Jackson and Kristin were here as she got a 4 days off of a rotation at UC Davis. She LOVES Halloween! They carved pumpkins and Rico, our orange kitten was fascinated. He was hilarious. Apparently cats can eat pumpkin too, so he had a few snacks off the ground!
I love how cute the carved pumpkins look on our porch!
Tonight we will do the usual chili and piles of quesadillas. I think the kids will answer the door, but each year we get less and less of our neighbor kids as they all want to go to two street that thousands of kids go to. The other street is like Disneyland- you can’t even walk. What happened to trick or treating in your own neighborhood? It sure was a nice way to get to know your neighbors and let them see who has kids too. It encourages community and we are losing that.
I got the sweetest surprise this week from Cindy, my friend Signature Style partner.. She sent me a Diane Keaton ornament from Hudson Grace with this sweet note. I will treasure it. HG has a beautiful Diane home collection she designed and this was part of it.
My friend Susie lived in a beautiful ranch home in Saratoga and this week gave me a HUGE bag of persimmons from her wonderful tree. She said this was the best year ever and her persimmons taste incredible. I am going to serve them in slices tonight on a plate with cheese and nuts. If you missed my autumn persimmon salad it is on this post. We are so lucky here in California to have these trees!
Helping those on SNAP
In America 41.7 million or 12% of us are on SNAP. Approximately 168,000 people in the Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties count on SNAP to get by. According to Second Harvest Food Bank.
‘In Silicon Valley, one of the wealthiest regions in the country, food insecurity is higher than the national average. Second Harvest serves a staggering 1 in 6 neighbors in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties every month, and we don’t see a future where this number will decline.’
It’s also important to note that 70% of people on SNAP work and still need assistance. In this number 22,000 are active duty military, 213,000 are National Guard. Also 1.2 million are vets. Seniors and the disabled also make a large amount. Max and I are looking to places ourselves to donate this week, and these are some organizations to consider if you can help too.
Second Harvest Food Bank is the top place in the South Bay and they are already set up to help in this crisis and can use donations and money.
St Francis Center Redwood City
Feeding America has a link to find your local food bank or donate directly to them.
Meals on Wheels is a huge lifeline to seniors and you can find how to donate to a local.
US Hunger is another agency working across the country.
If you have a good place to donate and help, please share! I hope this gets resolved, but even if it does, it has been an eye opener to a lot of us about how many use this program in our country and at or less than the poverty line.
Fall Skincare Update and Upgrade
My skin changes in fall and I’ve needed to add some more moisturizers to my skincare routine. I bought a new cream I am loving and I was sent some things from Elemis and all are so good I thought I’d share a few of them
Skinceuticals
First of all, I was suffering with dry and almost irritated skin. I have rosacea and can still break out, so I am always suspicious of heavy moisturizers. I was really feeling like it was time for me to upgrade to a better night creme. I was shown two creams by Skinceuticals. The one that felt amazing on, but not heavy was the Triple Lipid Restore Cream at $130, more than I would normally spend. After talking to the sales women, they said people came back over and over for this creme, so I gave it a go. Hopefully it lasts 3-4 months. (Linked at Dermstore = fast shipping, good samples, frequent gifts & sales.)
ELEMIS
A week later, I received a box of Elemis Skincare for me to try, specifically their Healthy Skin Heroes, which included a Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a large jar of Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, and Pro-Collagen Marine Creme with SPF30. The kit is $199, normally $280 if you bought them separately. It was great as I had already bought a creme for night, so with these three I was set.
A week in, my skin is feeling good, and the cleanser and pads are improving the texture of my skin and pores. This is not harsh skincare and the balm feel like a spa treatment in the evenings. I massage it in and then remove with a warm washcloth. You follow with the pads which feel good. I use those morning and night. The day creme with SPF 30 is not heavy, and perfect as I needed the sunscreen. It is good under my foundation too.
By the way, Elemis, is a British brand -also made in Britain. They have been on the forefront of a lot of natural skincare innovations and have won awards.They are a B Corp and work hard on sustainability changing most of their packaging to recyclable glass and other earth friendly things. More about them here. The set is a good deal if you are thinking of a new program and the sizes are generous, not travel size.
I also use an eye creme for day with an SPF and a bronzing tint, and brightening eye creme too. All these things are in my MY SHOP beauty page.
Antoine’s Cookie’s
Antoine’s Cookie Shop is a small Bay Area cookie business that just opened in Los Gatos! We discovered Antoine’s in Palo Alto at the Town & Country shopping center, and Jackson soon found one by him in San Mateo too. I like Antoine’s because the cookies taste like you made them at home. They aren’t overly sweet and they have the perfect mix of crunchy and gooey. They have some great flavors and our favorite is semi-sweet macadamia, chocolate and walnut, and oatmeal pecan. They also sell take and bake bags.
They took over a great corner shop right near Los Gatos Roasting Company where you can grab what is still the best cappuccino anywhere. I especially love the Cafe Borgia, a mocha with orange flavoring and a little peel. Both places are worth a little visit to downtown. We also got a new small Barnes & Noble. I appreciate the new B&N move to small local stores again.
On My Radar -Fuzzy Bags!
I’ve gone through the closet and rolled up most of my spring and summer things into duffle bags to give my clothes more space to breathe. I can now see my fall and winter things easily. Since Griffin is coming home to live again in a week, his closet is no longer an option! I was surprised how many dresses and things I can get in a duffle by rolling things.
I do love letting my winter bags get their moment in the sun for a while. I have some nice suede and leather bags, and a tweed one, but I have yet to get a shearling sort of bag. I visualize myself on a winter day with a puffy coat or big sweater and one of these fun bags. I have a few on my radar I thought I’d share.
Number one is this Gap cutie now half off (also in brown), a bucket from Coach and a cool design by ALLSAINTS
This by Radley London is chic as is this Barbour Marnie tote and the Tory Burch is a classic.
I adore the sweet Emma bag by Claire V. and this gorgeous Demellier Tote . I also found these Sherpa Birkenstocks that are cute on my search!
Shopping for the holidays. My Black Friday and beyond plan…
Have you heard of the Black Friday BLACKOUT this year? The drive is to not shop at corporations that are contributing and aiding this administration, like Target, Walmart, Apple, and others and instead shop small and local only. I like the idea of trying our best to spend at only small businesses. Corporate America has not reinvested in Americans with better wages, and yet given millions to this administration. Let’s use our dollars to send a message that we are sick of corporate subsidies and putting the American people’s needs last. This is an inspiring article, There’s Never Been a Better Year to Blackout Black Friday.
I have already been looking at the local shops for cool things that are made locally this year. I just found these California made patchwork pouches By Chino based Yuki Buttons, at local pop- up boutique called Olive + Finn. I am actively looking at our small boutiques which usually buy more from local artisans. Keep your eye open for craft fairs too. If you see something nice, and affordable, like I did, made locally, maybe buy a few for gifts. Thinking ahead you won’t feel like you need to buy from the usual big box retailers, Target or Amazon, or be tempted by Black Friday Sales.
Anyway we can uplift small and local businesses, and locally made, it is a win for the world and our communities.
Shirley Temple
I was lucky to meet Shirley Temple a few times when I was working at Nordstrom Palo Alto after college. She would come into the beauty area and bought things from Borghese from me. I knew who she was- though her credit card said Mrs Charles Black on it. You could not see her without recognizing her cute face and she was very nice! She lived locally and I knew she had been a U.S. ambassador a few times, but did not know she was also an interior designer. This AD article has some fun photos of her in her homes.
On last week’s post, all the pretty things from the Ba&sh fashion event at Bloomingdales, the perfect button-up that does not gape, and other good things.
I am off to make chili and dig my witch hat out of the closet!
Have a great weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs for more good things…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
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Dear Kim Thank you for this posting! There is an organization here in San Diego called Mama’s Kitchen that prepares food and delivers it to those who are ill, have HIV, or other illnesses and need help..also seniors in need. We should help food banks and groups distributing food all year round but this time is exceptional! I am glad that the local elementary school provides breakfast and lunch and snacks for the students. During COVID this school gave small bags with milk and fresh fruit weekly to their students. I love Elemis but have only used the cleansing balm which is very special and is it like being in a spa when you use it! I also like the cleansing clothes the jars come with. Appreciate your reviews of clothing and accessories!! Your kitties are so cute but my last cat roamed around at night and became ill so I am taking a break from pets at present..
Donnie thank you. Wow I am going to look up Mama’s Kitchen! I know we are very lucky California provides free school lunches now. I used to substitute teach and I cannot tell you how many times kids had no lunch and no money. I was shocked how hungry kids can be. Yes you are right we could all help more all year.
Elemis is so good! Love that spa feeling and smell from the balm. Oh I am so sorry about your cat.
Hugs to you.
Hi Kim,
Gorgeous pictures of the pumpkin decorators! And the kittens!! Magical times. I did not know how large the numbers were for food shortage and insecurity.Something to work on. Have a peaceful weekend KIm.
Aw thanks Francesca. I feel like we are on the last years of this so I am savoring the Halloweens when they can still be here.
Hope you have a great weekend too.
Kim
Such a great idea to post about ways to help those that are having to do without. I have been a bit obsessed about the furry bags as well. I found an olive green one that I have been coveting. Thanks for the shoutout about Diane. I think I need to order one for myself!! Ohhhh and those kittens adorable!
Cindy I love furry bags! I think you should get the olive green.
I hope you get a Diane ornament too. I love mine so much.
xo
I really enjoyed the article on Shirley Temple. My Mother would tell me of having a Shirley Temple dress as a child and being so proud of it. Thanks for sharing.
Linda, I know she was so popular! Everyone loved her. x
Kim! A couple of years ago you sent me down the puffy bag rabbit hole and here I go down the furry bag route! Who can resist?! Amazing that you met the wonderful Shirley Temple Black. I wonder if you ever encountered Peggy Fleming. Didn’t she live in LG? Anyway, I want to hop in my car and drive however far to grab one of those cookies. My sweet tooth knows no bounds. It was certainly distressing to learn how many people in our wealthy nation depend on SNAP benefits, including two many members of the military. What a disgrace and embarrassment we don’t even pay them a living wage. It’s gratifying to see so many people and organizations stepping up where our government is failing. On a happier note, your carved pumpkins make me smile … and a little nostalgic. And your kitties look happy and relaxed … a moment of calm amidst their cute kitten rein of terror. xo
Juliet, Ha! I loved my puffy bag too.
Well funny thing about Peggy Fleming, my mother worked for a pediatrician and Peggy brought her sons to their office. She was so nice to my mom and even gave her an autographed photo I still have. Fleming is my maiden name too.
Yes sad about how many military folks need SNAP! xo
Good evening Kim,
Happy November. How fun to have Jackson and Kristin home for 4 days, it sounds like a great evening of pumpkin carving and chili.
I agree with you about the trick or treaters, there are less and less every year. We do not have trick or treating in our whole neighborhood, as we have no streetlights. They have 2 cup de sacs and streets where all of the kids go and it is lit up and decorated. And safer.
I have been looking for persimmons ever since you shared your salad, I have yet to find one. I will have to try the Fresh Market.
Cindy is a gem! I love the ornament!
Holiday shopping is not what it used to be. This year I am with you about shopping small. I think when you shop small the service is better, the selection is smaller and unique. That way the gifts that you purchase are things that everyone will not have!
I love bags! Although I do not have room for another one your “fuzzy” picks are beautiful. I love them all!
Have a wonderful weekend with your family and your kitties.
xo
HI Elizabeth! Gosh I wish I could ship you some persimmons!
Yes let’s shop small this year.
Hope you have a great week, x
Kim!
Right after the ’24 election, I gathered a small group of progressive women in our CCRC who were experiencing the same angst over the results. We call ourselves the “Sad Sisters”, meet twice a month, created a Lament Walk once a month (our campus doesn’t allow political signs or expressions), and have participated in “No Kings” off campus.
We meet this Tuesday and I will bring your information on “Meals on Wheels” and “Block out Black Friday”. These resources will add to the list of ways we can “make a difference”.
Thank you for your continued compassion and openness to ways to counter the uncompassionate.
Hugs, Diney on Mercer Island.
Hi Diney!
I love that you did this with a like minded group. I think we need more of this. How nice that you meet twice a month too. I would love to do this.
Thank you for sharing the info about SNAP. I cannot believe this is still not happening a week on… People have to eat… and the Block Out Friday too!
You are inspiring me to start a group now. I truly believe small groups of concerned and caring people can change the world!
xo
Hi Kim, like with Juliet, you sent me down a rabbit hole – a Shirley Temple shaped one! I remember seeing some of her film on tv when I was small. She certainly had a wonderfully fulfilling life after acting.
The other day I saw a video on Facebook that I thought you might find interesting – it was on a post by Rick Steves and it’s a sermon by his girlfriend Shelley, who is a Lutheran minister. It’s very stirring and I would hope would give courage to anyone watching it who has lost hope at this time. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bf21pWbAG/
I wanted to send the link to our Tennessee friends that we met on a cruise a few years ago, it seems likely that they voted for Trump, and that’s when I found out that they’ve blocked us on email. Never mind, I can still send them a Christmas card with the link!
I’m so sorry for all those who are losing SNAP and health care at this time; thank you for using your post to encourage people to help. xx P.S. I love Cindy’s gift to you, that’s so thoughtful.
Patricia, Wasn’t Shirley great?
Thank you for this sermon! I adore Rick Steves too and all he does.
Wow so sad about your friends. Yes they can’t block snail mail.
Truly their loss Patricia. xo
Kim, looks like fun times at your house with kids carving pumpkins! Your porch looks very festive!
I adore YUKI BUTTONS! Those little patchwork pouces are adorable, and the coasters too! Of course, I would love a jacket.
xx
Annie Love the jackets too! SO cute right?
Hi Kim,
I read your blog early on Saturday with interest…always a great read. Then I got so involved in so many things that I never got back to responding to you. Love your fur babies. They are cuties. Rico managing the Pumpkin 🎃 carving is sweet.
The cookie shop looks so good. You are blessed with having the best bakeries and coffee shops in your community not too far away.
The pumpkins that Kristin and Jackson carved
turned out great.
The SNAP program being taken away now is upsetting to so many has been a huge eye opener to me too. The numbers are HUGE in AZ too. We have done our part to help.
This will be a short response. I’m pretty late to the party. I always open up your blog and look forward to reading it in between interruptions.
I’m sure you know how that goes.
Oh, and how excitingly your cute son, Griffin is moving back home. You are going to have to stop buying clothes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a huge room be your closet? Now that I donated most of my clothes, I can see what I have. I need to get new jeans. I gave away most of the. No longer a size 2. When you stop exercising, hiking, walking, running, and Yoga and sit too much everything moves around. Something I hope you don’t face to experience.
Katherine, One bright spot about this whole shutdown and SNAP is that a lot of us now know more about who is getting SNAP. Americans are finding out it is working folks, military, and vets needing it.I had no idea. Maybe people will be more sympathetic.
I know I have to be better about what I buy and probably cull a bit more. I wish I could have a whole room!
Aw you are perfect Katherine. Hugs. x