On this post, a floral inspired Piedmont home, flower pins to add to your looks, a Quince jacket I love, the best lemon pound cake, and more non Estée Lauder company cosmetic options to consider.
Lemons are coming out of my ears, and robins are flying into my window drunk on pyracantha berries, and the sun has finally started showing itself after a very dark month.
I had to harvest my small, but mighty Meyer lemon bush this week. This is about 1/3 of it. I still have to get to my old Eureka lemon trees. I am going to put some on the curb for neighbors and probably make my favorite lemon bread for my dad and Max who love it.
This was just half of my three year old Meyer lemon bush. Isn’t this Frederic Magazine pretty? I like using the lemons for decor and they smell good too.
If you haven’t tried Nigella’s Madeira Cake, it’s exquisitely simple, my kind of baked goods. I am not one who likes drizzles or glazes, which are too sweet for me. This bright lemon cake is perfect for winter with its little bit of sugar crust. I like it with a cup of tea. It could not be easier and makes a sweet gift for lemon lovers too. I usually reshare this every other year or so. It’s from her Domestic Goddess book, and a winner.
A floral inspired Piedmont home
I noticed Helena Simon’s Northern California home pop up as it was on Homeworthy a few weeks ago, and I must have missed it. I love this 1920’s era house in a charming neighborhood. Her home has great architecture, and she has a love of flowers, and particularly floral art. It all comes together beautifully in her colorful space. I like how there is so much personal history in all her finds and pieces….
Helena is the founder of Helena Simon Floral Brooches.
These are exquisite floral brooches crafted by hand in New York. They come on a beautiful velvet pillow in a luxe box. She also sells travel cases for them. You can see in the video of her closet how pretty they are. They would be a very special gift or wonderful for a big occasion outfit. Men wear them on their lapels too. I adore this white rose. The whole collection is here on one of the prettiest websites I’ve ever seen! She also has a journal on there and her Instagram. I used to have a few flower pins and loved them. I am glad to see they are back. I think they look great on a dress or a jacket.
On My Radar…
A few things this week to share.
First, this wrap jacket by Quince. My friend Jane met me for coffee this week wearing this chic jacket and I was obsessed. It really looks like a million bucks as my mom would say. So luxe, soft and flattering! She let me try it on and it was soft, luxe and flattering. It also comes in a coco brown, grey, and black. Jane wore the Oat color with these jeans, Mary Janes (similar here), and it was the cutest California winter look!
My sweet friend Rosie from England sent me one of the Trinny London eyeshadows. I’ve always wanted to try her makeup and I am loving this shadow in a cream called Wisdom. It stays beautiful all day. There are many colors and you can explore her whole line here.
I was at Pottery Barn last week and saw these Malibu X benches which are SO good! I like how they had two at the end of this bed, but even one would be cute at the end of a hallway with books, or by an entrance for your handbag. They even make a cute side table you can move about. I love versatile pieces like this and these are nicely made.
Beauty brands I forgot to mention…
I really was so glad to see everyone care so much on last week’s post about the Estee Lauder family and Ronald Lauder’s part in trying to takeover Greenland. I had 100,000 people share the post on Instagram! I couldn’t believe it, but I am happy to see women are getting the word out. I know a lot of you are now looking for replacements and new brands. I shared 11 clean brands and two places to shop for them on last week’s post.
I had forgotten about a few other good ones to consider that I use. I thought I’d mention them here as we need as many options as we can to replace those 23 brands! Many of the commenters on the last post shared brands they like too and I welcome it on this one too.
Hourglass has some fantastic makeup. I love their brow shaper, this blush, and their primer which is award winning.
Trish McEvoy is another quality brand I am slowly discovering. I have loved this mascara that stays and doesn’t not flake, and this bronze eye shadow stick. I also like this gloss and this foundation is full coverage and pretty on. A good replacement for those who used Lauder’s Double Wear foundation. I still want one of their makeup planners with cute zip pouches.
Kiehls is an apothecary brand. I use and love their Midnight Recovery Face Serum and it helps when my skin is dry. I have also used their basic and good Ultra Facial Moisturizer.
Caudalie is a great French brand. I started using their Vinoperfect serum I was recommended by a pharmacist in Paris. It is a gentler sort of skin perfecter and is very popular in France which brightens and helps with dark spots. I also like their facial mist and eye creme.
Jones Road is Bobbi Brown’s new clean brand she created after selling her brand to Lauder. I have the cool gloss in pink /gold, brown eye pencil, the Dusty Rose Miracle Balm which is like a blush with a bit of gleam, so you look glowy.
Clarins is a French brand with a legacy of healthy plant and natural products. I adore their Total Eye Lift creme which lasts me ages, this lip gloss, and the Double Serum. I also started using Eau Dynamisante, their energizing fragrance, ages ago and occasionally still get it! The body oil I adore too and used when I was pregnant to prevent stretch marks.
Phew..that was a lot. I do not use these all at the same time, but sort of cycle through and grab things when I see them. I know all are good and work!
Alex Pretti
Saturday I was alone while the men folk were up in Tahoe snowshoeing. I went out to grab a bit of lunch and do errands and was listening to our local KQED, switched to Minneapolis Public Radio, which was talking about the shooting of nurse Alex Pretti, that I had yet to hear. People who worked with him at the VA hospital there, were calling in to talk about what a beautiful human he was, his kindness to all, and his huge reverence for the vets he served. Their love for him, and his story broke me. I sat in my car and cried. His parents shared this photo and say he cared deeply for others.
We have sent ICE into our cities with more weapons than those who served in Desert Storm. They have machine guns, silencers, tear gas, and tactical gear. It has to stop. It isn’t making any of us safer. Two Americans have been killed in neighborhoods by Trump’s own militia. We are paying billions and they are asking for billions more. I have been encouraged by all the protests and boycotts this week. So many young people getting involved, it is giving hope.
Keep up the boycott on Lauder (his son in law is now the nominee for Fed Chair). If you are still using Amazon, this week’s Melania film that Jeff Bezo’s paid $40 million to the Trump’s for, was an obvious payment for corporate favors. This is a film that costs a few million to make if that. The director Brett Ratnor has been in hiding since 2017 when multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Apple CEO Tim Cook went to the White House to see this and even took pictures with Ratner. Gross. Really makes me not want to buy Apple anymore. What has happened to morals and integrity? Where are the heroes?
One bright spot, Reid Hoffman wrote this piece yesterday, Silicon Valley Can’t Be Neutral Any Longer. Finally someone in tech is speaking out!
I leave you with a bit of levity from the talented IvyAlex…
Good Things
Valentines is just a week or so away and Elizabeth, a baker extraordinaire has shared the most delicious looking brownies to make to with kids or share and gift, or enjoy for a Valentine’s Day dessert.
Juliet did an intensive post last week on resale tips for your closet, and using places like Poshmark and the Real Real, and other options. This was a perfect post for January when a lot of us are cleaning our closets out and wanting to begin the year with less!
If you missed last week’s post, I shared beauty alternatives to the Estée Lauder Companies that are ethical, clean and doing good, the inspiring home of designer Wiggy Hindmarch, her clothing brand and more.
Happy weekend and thanks for being here,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs for more good things…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
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Hi Kim,
Wisdom is a fantastic eyeshadow. I like how you can keep it light for a natural look or build it up for a more dramatic one.
The Lemon cake looks delicious. I have a ton of lemons!
Like you, I’m horrified about what’s going on in our country. I’m going to share something that hopefully makes a difference.
https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/
Jill
Thank you, Jill, for this easy “unsubscribe”. #resist
Jill, Thank you! You are awesome for sharing Scott’s page and how to resist by unsubscribing! I’m going to add it to the bottom of this blog. Even if we all do this partially, we make a difference.
I adore wisdom! Never had a color like it before. Love that it is adjustable.
Try the lemon cake. It’s so easy and super good.
Have a great weekend. x
Good morning Kim,
The cake looks very easy! Our Meyer tree is loaded too this year, sometimes I make America’s Test Kitchen Lemon Bars or Ina’s Chicken Picatta. Love the jacket…it has been super warm here the last few weeks. Not much sweater or jacket wearing here. However, I shouldn’t complain because I am sure people dealing with snow and cold weather would love to trade places with me.
I think Helena’s home was in my top Homeworthy videos. Just beautiful.
I just found out yesterday about Ronald’s son-in-law being nominated Fed chair. Jane’s husband. I too was so down last week. All the stuff going on in this country, suddenly losing a lot of family members in a short time span, my sister’s husband cancer battle and my daughter’s impending divorce. Oh and my husband broke his arm on MLK day. I think Alex’s murder just really did for me too. One day this week the tears wouldn’t stop. I’d had it. My husband said I need to manage my stress more. I know he’s right but it’s not easy to do. He is so laid back.
I bet the grandkids would love those brownies. So would I!
Linda
Another great post – thank you! I have that Quince coat and it is lovely. On the lighter side, so it is kind of perfect for our Northern California winter. Now I need to buy one of those gorgeous brooches for it!
I added this to your IG, but wanted to write it here too: Trump’s nominee for the Fed Chair is Kevin Warsh, Ron Lauder’s son in law. Food for thought.
Hugs.
Hi Kim, I just read last week’s post this morning and I’m disappointed that The Ordinary is now under Lauder, however, I recently started using some Inkey List products, and they are good. I don’t buy a lot of cosmetics, but for skincare I have been looking at Japanese and Korean brands, as well as some French – I use the Avène Milk Cleanser as well as the Nuxe oil and the lip balm in the pot.
I’m also been so sad this week at all that has happened, and what they have planned – I read quite a few political substacks (why I didn’t get to your post until today!) and the people and actions of this administration are just despicable. Thank you for your great advocacy work – we all have a lot of work to do!
Hi Kim — So many pretty things in this post! Love the Quince jacket and those Mary Janes, but they wouldn’t stand up to winter here in Maine, ha. That lemon cake sounds delicious. Might have to treat myself! Take care, and keep fighting the good fight!
Hi Molly! Hoping you are staying warm there in Maine!
I hope you try the cake. It gets better every day.
Thanks for caring too. I am trying. xx
Kim, I went straight to Quince after seeing that gorgeous wrap jacket, and finally see that they show in CAD and ship to Canada …previously Quince was not available, which was disappointing. I added your site to their questionnaire, so hopefully that’s good for you. Yes, lemons and limes are piled in my bowl ready for culinary inspiration… 5 for $4 recently … your Meyer lemons look yummy and how wonderful to have your own tree. Enjoyed the timely and creative song by Ivy Alex… certainly needing something light, but still on point. On Fridays, I watch ” Washington Week with the Atlantic “ on PBS… they cut through the *** pretty well. A relief to listen to people with functioning brains right now !
Cath, Isn’t it lovely?
I’m so glad you can get it in Canada now! Thank you for saying you came from my site. That was so nice.
Oh I bet your citrus looks cute! I love when they aren’t too expensive. This is going to be a good year for citrus from the West Coast at least.
I am glad you like Ivy too!
Washington Week is so good. I need to record it ..and yes like you said, cuts through the cr*p!
We have so few good news shows with a lot of facts now. If I turn on network news everything is soft framed. Not good right now. x
Hi Kim,
What is your secret to so many Meyer lemons? Most importantly, though…is it in a pot?
Ours has been in a pot for six years, we feed it, and at most we get four lemons per season!
We live in Benicia. Any suggestions?
Thanks you for all the great info in this post. Appreciate you!
Hi Cyndi! Well my Meyer is not in a pot! I’ve only had it three years and sadly have only fertilized it about once. How much sun does yours get? What about water? they do like both.
Mine faces south and backs up to a fence where it gets a far amount of sun. I think that really helps. Also there are newer varietals – so when you go to the nursery, they may say ‘improved’ Meyer and that might be a good choice. Honestly, it could be a bummer plant. My lemon I planted next to this one is doing awful. I’m planning on replacing it.
Good luck!
Aw thank you for being here and the kind note. xo
Another interesting post! Bobbi Brown made her fortune working under the Lauders and allowed her to start a new company.
Making the cake for Sunday brunch.
Gayle Bobbi started her own company in ’91 with a partner and launched just two lipsticks. She later added foundation. I was trained on the original line and met the people founding it. Four years later it was thriving and Lauder bought it. Bobbi signed a 25 year agreement not to work in the industry. She stayed and then left ten years ago. She began Jones Road the first year her non compete ended and used funds raised from her and her husband. From what she has said the Lauders didn’t give her much say in the company at all once they bought it.
I hope you enjoy the cake! x
Hi Kim, We are just 3+ hours south of Minneapolis and have good friends there, so the lawlessness of ICE is strongly felt. it is heartbreaking that two young people with strong moral compasses have been cut down FOR NOTHING (and young children are now motherless). At least, acting director Bovino was canned and creepy Secretary Noem is under significant pressure. I loved IvyAlex! Very talented! And I look forward to making Nigella’s MIL’s Madeira cake — a lovely ode to CA’s citrus-y winter crop!
Joan I cannot imagine how it is being in Minnesota right now. My heart goes out to everyone there. I cannot believe that the deaths of Alex and Renee have notresulhted in ANY arrests by this administration. It’s unacceptable and we have to protest until they are. I know I think of her children!
I hope you like the Madeira cake! xo
Thank you for your continued tips for resisting this regime—yes, that’s the word! I’ve unsubscribed from bloggers who are not speaking up and have sent thanks to those who have. If not now when, and at what price “then”. I was never a Lauder fan but will always switch when their donations show who they are. I still love Al, of your apolitical content, too—fashion, decor, food, wanderings. #doprettigood
Missi, I too would love if everyone was speaking out about what is happening. It breaks my heart and I am not able to be quiet about the injustices being done in the name of borders and so much else. Yes exactly, if not now, when?
Aw thank you. Love that hashtag.xo
Thank you Kim for another great post…I’m a California girl originally ( San Diego ) that married a sailor 55+ years ago..sure do miss my dad’s fresh citrus. Being retired now I can’t afford many of your beautiful listed items…but I do love Quince !
Your advocacy for our troubled country is wonderful..I am a squeaky wheel! I will not cower to this rotten to the core President.. I attend every No Kings rally I can.. my adult children live in the Twin Cities and are experiencing the horror’s that keep them up and worried.. my oldest (military disabled) son goes to the VA hospital that Alex Petrie worked at.. it brings tears to my and my husbands( also a veteran) eyes every time we accompany him because it is so depressing. The staff and volunteers are to be commended !! This country has to change and the only way in site to do that is to VOTE 🇺🇸..and CONSTANTLY be poking these republicans in the eye !….I will never by Estee LAUDER OR Clinique again…thanks for the heads up !
Hi Peggy! I love that you are a OG Cal gal and married a sailor! I adore San Diego. Nothing like your dad’s produce right? I so don’t take it for granted.
I love Quince too. Good things.
Gosh thank you for this note. I am humbled to just share the things that are happening. So many others are right out there in the Twin Cities and other places in person. I am also thankful to your son. I am sure you know more than anyone about what has been sacrificed for this country!
Oh the VA…What Alex did at the VA is the best work. My dear friend is a VA physician and they care so much for these people.
Yes vote! let’s hope nothing gets changed with the midterms. Thanks for giving up the Lauder and Clinique.
Hugs to you. xo
Kim, fresh lemons keep for months in a plastic container in the fridge if you want them to last into the spring / summer.
Suz thank you! I need to store some in my garage frig for later. Great idea!
Kim, your lemons in your bag look amazing before they even reach your kitchen! I’m jealous!
Those floral brooches are simply gorgeous….I may have to wear one for Madeline’s wedding. I think the marigold brooch seems perfect!
xx
Oh my gosh Annie, wouldn’t that be beautiful for her wedding? Love the marigold. So excited for you. x
Good evening Kim! I hope that you had a lovely weekend and a little rest while home with just the kitties.
Your lemons are amazing! I have bookmarked this recipe and while I do not have my own lemon tree I do have a plethora of lemons in a bowl on the counter. Lemon cake is a favorite of mine, I think I will add the poppyseeds and serve it for the Super Bowl.
That Quince jacket is gorgeous! Will you be getting one?
I could spend all day on Homeworthy, there are so many amazing houses. I missed this tour and will watch when I am finished commenting.
Your post got 100, 000 shares because it was genuine and comprehensive. You are passionate about what you believe in and you put your “money where your mouth is.”
Have a beautiful, hopefully sunny week ahead.
xo
Oh Elizabeth, I think you will love this recipe. I wish I could send you some lemons to you. Adding the poppyseeds is a great idea- and Super Bowl!
I am ordering the jacket! I need to do it before they are sold out. Sometimes I share something and forget to buy one myself.
I know love Homeworthy too.
Aw thank you. I am just glad the word is getting out about where our money is going..
I hope you are having a good week and the warmer weather is coming! xo
Kim! I’m so sorry, I read your blog on Saturday and got interrupted before leaving a comment … and then you know how it goes. Anyway, I’m envious of your lemon harvest … always an optimistic sign for longer, warmer days ahead. Not to mention delicious winter recipes to be made. I adore that Quince jacket and wonder if I can squeeze it into my closet. I think so! As always I appreciate your thoughts on the terrible things happening in Minneapolis and around our country. You and I agree and most everything, so I won’t say more. Thanks for sharing my ramblings on consignment. And, sorry, again, to be so late to acknowledge your wonderful – as always – weekend post. xo
Hi Kim, Like Juliet I read this post last Saturday and didn’t get chance to comment. Unless I’m dashing out of the house, your post is the first thing I reach for with my morning coffee every Saturday 😊
Also in common with Juliet, I feel we agree on pretty much everything, from the frivolous to the serious… cosmetics and clothes to world events.
I’m so grateful for your friendship and for your well written, entertaining and most importantly, accurate and informative blog.
Your friend’s Quince jacket is beautiful … such a chic outfit! What colour jacket do you think you’ll order?
Loving the pictures of your lemons … they brought a much needed smile to my face!
I use so many of the cosmetics you mentioned, lots of Caudalie products and Jones Road, the dusty rose miracle balm most days. I bought the Hourglass eyebrow pencil at the airport a year or two ago when the Bobbi Brown one wasn’t available and honestly I’m so glad I did. It’s the best I’ve ever used, so natural and lasts for ages.
I also use a Clarins perfume but I use the Eau Ressourcante … it’s brings back memories of sunny, Summer days and holidays with Jess 💕
So glad you’re enjoying the Wisdom shade eyeshadow. 😂
Rosie xxx
Me again … oops the😂 should be a 😊