On this post, walking the length of Golden Gate Park, a stop at the Conservatory of Flowers, a perfect California blue button-up and straight leg jeans, a home with the prettiest colors, Counter Beauty serums, and more.
It’s time for the Weekend Meander with Elizabeth and Juliet where we share our finds and other cool happenings.
I am ready for spring! I’ve added some azaleas to the front porch- and our Ukraine flag is back up. We are marking the four years anniversary of this awful war, and we won’t forget about those fighting there. I’m also thinking of the those young Iranian girls and Americans who lost their lives in this Iran War, but more on that at the end.
The kittens are thriving and the latest favorite thing is chasing ice cubes in the tub. Griffin let them play with an ice cube he dropped out of the refrigerator- on the wood floor. I stopped that, but every time one of us came to the ice maker, Rico our orange boy would run over and meow for more cubes. We figured out they can bat them around in the tub without doing much damage. I wish I could share a video of when I grab a handful of ice as they go running like wild to the bathroom in anticipation!
Golden Gate Park and the Conservatory of Flowers- tulips and windmills!
Two weekends ago, we did a long walk through Golden Gate Park with the kids and friends, starting at The Conservatory, which we hadn’t been to in a long while. It is always a treat and I loved seeing all the gorgeous plants and flowers. Right now a small part is closed for renovation, but we didn’t even notice. The Conservatory of Flowers was completed in 1879 and is the oldest building in the park and quite beautiful. We had a lovely day, much better than a typical SF cool summer.
Afterwards we did a small walk over to Tartine Bakery which is on 9th, (the Inner Sunset) for sandwiches, coffee, and treats to take home. This is my all time favorite bakery and every sandwich is amazing. The treats and coffee are top notch too. You may have to wait a bit to grab a table, but we had a group of 8 and found one after about ten minutes. There are some cute shops nearby. I always like going into the small home store next to it, PepperJack.
We wanted to show Kristin the windmills and the tulips in spring, so we decided to trek to the other end of the park near the ocean. The good news is JFK Drive is now permanantly shut to traffic and a wonderful walk. The bad news is it’s 3.5 miles! I had no idea it was so long.
Golden Gate Park is one of the largest city parks in the world, and most of the 1,000+ acres was built on reclaimed sand dunes. The Conservatory is on the east end of the park, and you can meander through the middle on JFK to the west end where the windmills sit near the ocean. You can saunter through all the pretty areas of the park and even catch a stream they built that flows towards the ocean, and the new dragon sculpture installation (there for 2 years), that lights up at night and makes bubbles!
On the closed road, you’ll see joggers, kids on trikes, families on bikes, and roller skaters. There are small coffee trucks, ice cream kiosks and more. Right by the coffee truck, a man was playing a beautiful tune on a middle of the street piano. A local marching band was practicing. It all contributes to the most happy and lovely place anyone would like to be on a nice day!
If you decide to walk the full length of the park, bring water and good shoes- and sunscreen- you forget that in usually foggy SF! We made it to the tulips, sat and ate our treats from Tartine, and then and Ubered the 4 miles back to our car. There is so much to see in the park and spring is the time to go with all the flowers. We parked in a neighborhood off the east side and had no issues with our car, nor did anyone else.
On my radar- AYR and Alice Lane Home
What to wear when it feels like summer, but is only March…
Have you been enjoying warm weather? I think this is our faux spring, but now I hear we will get 90 degrees next week and it will be even warmer in LA area, so that is worrying. I am not ready for it, but it was warm enough to wear a vintage skirt I had with a new Oxford blue cloth button up (sized down to XS) from LA company AYR. Have you heard of AYR? They make a small collection of ‘old soul clothes for a new era.’ They have beautiful classics, all made in California.
I love it paired with a skirt, untucked with these square toe burgundy TKEES flip flops. (Bonus -they match my bag and scarf from Juliet!) This shirt stays looking so nice as Oxford cloth barely wrinkles and holds its shape.
I later wore it with these AYR Legend straight leg jeans, cuffed at the beach, (I sized up to a 29S) and with camo pants another day. I feel like this soft iris blue is a neutral and very flattering. I hate ironing, but love a good button-up and am considering a white one now.The cost per wear will warrant it. How many button-ups do you have that sit unworn because you need to iron them? It won’t happen with this shirt.
I’ve also been meaning to share this pretty bubble candle dish I was sent from Alice Lane Home. I had not heard of them or their beautiful collection. I put my candle from Juliet in this dish and it looks elegant on my bedroom console table. This also is nice for rings and things on the nightstand. Check out this brand for lovely home things. They also run the number one design podcast called Dear Alice!
Beauty Counter is now Counter
Many of us used Beauty Counter started by former beauty industry vet Gregg Renfrew. I was excited when her new revamped version, Counter reached out and asked me to try three products of my choosing. I have always loved their serums, so I chose a C serum, night retinol serum, and because I always need moisture, a creme. I’ve now been using them for almost three weeks and happy to report I really like them- and my skin does too.
Being someone with rosacea I often can’t do retinols, but the RETINATURAL serum felt soothing on and never stung. I use it every night and pat a little layer of the creme on top. The result is I wake up with baby smooth skin that feels exfoliated. I love it. The All Bright C Serum has two forms of stable C, and prevents darkness and feels so good as a daily base. I use the fluffy Hyaluronic Cushion Creme in the morning and night.
Of note, the packaging is glass which is so much better for us and the earth. Counter is a clean beauty brand that prides itself on being ingredient nerds who obsessively test based on the latest science and err on the side of safety. They’ve a page dedicated to the usual ingredients in most cosmetics and why they refuse to use them. It is a California based company too!
Right now until March 17th you can get a free full size cleanser if you buy a serum and moisture duo, so it’s a good time to try these products.
A bright New York home with lovely colors.
I am mad about the colors of this home in Frederic Magazine designed by Ashley Whittaker and Alexander Wilson -photos by Max Kim-Bee. Love the lavenders and blues and the mix of modern artwork with feminine textiles and wallpaper.
The blue door is such a happy moment in this house and I was excited to see it is Boca Raton Blue, by Benjamin Moore- same as my front door. This door however looks like it was done in a high gloss and is so pretty. More of this home on the website. I subscribe to Frederic and always love getting this magazine. It’s a little splurge, but a real treat and something I collect.
I think the modern shapes and art with traditional elements looks very fresh and current.
America
This war and the stream of bad that is our reality is getting me down and sometime hopeless.
Besides the Iran bombings and now full evidence we killed 175 schoolgirls, (have we even heard an apology or any remorse), Pete Hegseth is now invoking biblical armegedden theories on the troops saying Trump is the divine and demanding end times language be used among his commanders.
If that doesn’t upset you, maybe Pete using $94 BILLION in September on things like grand pianos, lobster and crab will. We are used to government waste and abuse, but in a year where we have removed 2.4 million people a month from the SNAP supplemental food program, claiming to save money while harming those in need, the abuse makes me extra sick.
A woman who is confined to a wheelchair called into CSPAN last week saying she now has just $12 a month from SNAP to help her eat. That was part of the Trump cuts and she used to get by on $80 which she said was a huge help. Trump brags about that. Is the removal of healthcare and medicare thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill, is a way for them to ‘reduce the surplus population’ as Dickens wrote? Sure seems like we are headed that way while billionaires and corporations get more and more breaks.
I plan on attending the No King’s protest on March 28th. If you haven’t joined a protest yet, they can be uplifting and empowering. Ask friends to join you. Let your voice be heard. You can find the nearest one here.
Other cool things
My favorite readers ever, Caddis has a 30% off sale use code HAPPYEYES. I am thinking of getting a second pair of the Myklos in Heritage Green or this Duck Blue color.
The 2026 San Francisco Designer Showcase House is announced it is a Queen Anne-style Victorian residence in Pacific Heights. Built in 1897 and designed by architect Moses J. Lyon, the historic home spans nearly 10,000 square feet. The dates are April 25- May 25, 2026. I am excited to see this! There are so many great ideas always.
James Farmer’s Homeworthy episode was a highlight of this week. He is a true Southern gentleman and just adorable. I’d like to go to coffee with this guy. His home is not my style, but I learned so much from this video. He really knows how to make a house a home, and even cares about how the garden sounds and smells too. I think you’ll really enjoy this tour and sort of class on creating meaningful spaces.
If you missed last weekend’s blog, I shared a few days in the desert at the Indian Wells Tennis tournament, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Sunnylands and more.
Have a beautiful 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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Hi Kim,
Looks like you had a nice day at Golden Gate Park. I think I mentioned before that we took my daughter to San Francisco for her 8th birthday 30 years ago. She was not particularly happy about the long walk through the park but I wanted to see the tulips. Your photos by the windmill reminded me of the ones I took. It’s the perfect time of year to visit, we were there the 3rd week of March.
I wore a denim shirt with jeans one day and the cashier at Trader Joe’s complimented me. I don’t mind ironing too much, I watch Homeworthy videos while I am doing it! I loved James Farmer home tour too, although his style isn’t exactly mine I still purchased his recent book. Have you seen the home tours by Ballard Designs? I enjoy those too. The recent issue of Frederic has to be one of my favorites and that home in particular by Ashley Whittaker. Yikes every time I buy an issue
lately it has gone up. But it is more like a book so that’s how I justify the purchase lol. I have thought of subscribing because I would prefer the patterned cover but I worry about it being jammed into my mailbox. My mail girl has a tendency to do that with packages. Love the Alice Lane dish… it looks a lot like a vintage ashtray that I purchased years ago to sell on eBay. I have purchased a few things from AL, including the fruit bowl in my kitchen and a crystal candle dish. Haven’t listened to the podcast in a while.
My husband and I are planning on attending the No Kings rally, for once we do not have the grandkids that day. I just hope it isn’t too warm. I need to wear a hat for sure. This weather is driving me nuts. Too hot to work in the yard and I am having to water constantly. I have a couple Encore Azaleas which can take some sun. I feed them but they do not look like yours. I am thinking maybe they are getting too much sun so I may have to move them. I have very limited shade in my yard.
Have a great weekend!
Linda
Hi Linda! Aw what a great birthday idea! I bet she loves those photos now. March is a great month to be there.
Watching videos while ironing is a great idea. Yes isn’t James fun to listen to? I agree magazines are going up and the subscription helps a bit, but like you I treat them like a book and keep them. I had no idea about Alice Lane and the nice things they have.
So glad you are dong No Kings! x
That parks looks so lovely. If I ever get back to San Francisco, I definitely want to visit. That bakery sounds delicious too! One of must-do’s on any trip I take is to find good bakeries. It’s such a treat while traveling. On a serious note, what’s happening in our country continues to be horrible. I’ll be at the upcoming No King’s March for sure.
Have a good week Kim!
Michelle, it’s so wonderful! I hope you get to go! Yes I am always on the hunt for a good bakery in everyplace I go.
Thank you for caring and going to the No King’s March. Hope you have a good week too. x
Thank you for having the courage to name all the horrible things happening.
Carole, It breaks my heart. I want better for our country. xo
Hi Kim,
This will be my third No Kings March coming up. I cannot listen to the President or Pete Hegseth and the appalling rhetoric about this ongoing event; my son and daughter in law are in the armed forces and like many parents I am worried sick where this war is going. On a much happier note, I loved your post on the park and family time. I have that AYR oxford blue shirt and it is one of my best purchases this year, such a gorgeous color and you are so right about the non ironing. Have a lovely weekend Kim and Max.
Francesca, So glad you are going ! I know you son and daughter are in the forces and sending them my gratitude and hopes they stay safe.
Isn’t that shirt great?
Take care of yourself! xo
Loved reading about your fur babies chasing ice cubes around a bathtub. That’s a new one! When our cat (one of two) hears us filling the kettle for afternoon tea, she runs to the kitchen for her daily treat. Creatures of habit, much like us.
Thank you for always speaking out about the demoralizing state of our country. Former WH counsel Ty Cobb used a very old but very apt word for this time in history – kakistocracy – which means government by the least qualified.
Thanks Barb! Yes this is just what is happening. The definition is exactly America now:
Kakistocracy is a system of government led by the worst, least qualified, or most unprincipled citizens, representing the opposite of aristocracy. Coined from the Greek kakistos (worst) and kratos (rule), it describes a state governed by incompetence or corruption.
Love the story of your kitty with the kettle. xo
Pete Hegseth spent that money on fancy food to feed all of our troops one great meal before the headed off to war. Everyone is so quick to judge.
Ann, I did some research and steak and crab and lobster is a common treat for the troops, and I am sure no one would say they don’t deserve it. What is a problem is $93 billion being spent with no oversight, on pianos, hands made flutes, furniture, fruit baskets, and $226 million spent on ‘office furniture.’ Much of it cannot be verified and no doubt it is some sort of kick back to their cronies or money laundering because that is how this administration rolls- no transparency and they fired all the Inspector Generals.
What we all need to care about is this- Last week Gallup polled Americans and found 1/3 (82 million) are having to cut back on eating and food spending just to afford basic healthcare- or are going without. Many cut back on medications or stopped taking them. This from a nation that says we cannot afford universal healthcare like all other first world nations, and spends like there’s no tomorrow with military money. That the average American believes this military budget should go unchallenged is unbelievable. That is our money and I won’t be brainwashed to believe we aren’t supporting the troops by letting the military (that uses the majority of our tax dollars) use it any way they want.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/702596/one-third-americans-cut-back-cover-healthcare-expenses.aspx
That just is wrong.
Hi Kim, writing to you from sunny and fabulous Sydney! I feel fortunate to be ‘out of the fray’ for a while, although the war is certainly centre-front in the news – not least the worry about gas prices, as we start our Australian road trip soon. In the meantime, you and Max HAVE to consider a trip to New Zealand and/or Australia! NZ was utterly delightful- the scenery is astounding and the people are so nice. Sydney is fabulous- my husband has taken about 300 photos here in just 2 days, most of them of the Opera House it seems! The shops here are also great!
I’m glad to hear that you’re going to another No Kings protest, I truly hope that all this pressure from the people will make a difference. Surely the midterms will put a rein on some of this madness?
I second Kim and Max coming to Australia, come to Melbourne. We were just named best city in the world by Time Out. However, us Melbournians are all questioning who they surveyed. We know the true state of our once fabulous city and state.
I want to go! Thanks Rita. Your lovely place is on my list! xx
Hi Patricia! So wonderful you are on your trip and enjoying beautiful Sydney! Yes good to escape the mess here for a while. I cannot wait to hear about your road trip. I hope it is wonderful. I have both NZ and Australia on our list! Is this a good time of year to go? Is it fall now?
Cannot wait to hear more.
Yes, let’s hope a massive NO King’s march will be a a big blowback to this administration.. and fuel the midterms if they don’t mess with our election.
Have the most wonderful trip! x
Hi Kim, yes, I think this is a great time to visit! It’s the end of summer, so not so hot (although still a bit too warm for my Scottish blood!). It got cooler as we moved down the North Island of New Zealand, but then we flew to Sydney and it was mid to high-20s again. We timed our trip so it was term time in both New Zealand and Australia (specifically New South Wales and Queensland; we’ll end the trip in Brisbane). One thing I forgot to mention about New Zealand – so many different birds! I believe that Max is a birdwatcher? I’ll see if I can send you a little rundown via Instagram DM. We have just over a week before we head back home, can’t believe it’s almost over!
Hi Patricia, Thank you for letting me know! It sounds lovely. Max would go crazy seeing the birds! Yes he is a bird guy. We have to get to NZ.
Enjoy every moment ! Don’t worry you can share when you are back. I am so glad you are having fun. xo
Isn’t it galling that Trump describes it as “lifting” people off SNAP? He “lifted” them with a boot squarely in their behinds. This isn’t about complaining that troops don’t deserve a feast; it’s about establishing priorities when your citizens (likely including military families) can’t afford basic staples.
Yes, yes, yes on No Kings!!
Sarah that really was rich wasn’t it? Claiming to have ‘lifted them off SNAP’ when he kicked them further into poverty.
I love how you stated this… Exactly, lobster for troops, but families of the troops can’t afford basics. It’s upside down!
x
Hi Kim, completely in agreement about the war, along with all of the other evil being carried out by our government. I too will be attending a No Kings protest here, in the Albany/Saratoga area of NY. We have to keep voicing our opposition to their ill will. Not only to the world, but to us US citizens as well. I keep contacting my legislators (but of course, all of mine are Democrats), writing letters to the editor, and donating to worthwhile political opposition. I simply never thought that I’d be living through a time when our government is so incompetent, evil and self-serving. Hopefully that will change soon. I’ve gotten to a point, where I read and watch enough news in order to stay informed, but also just need to get outside, whether to garden or hike.
Hi Jill! Thank you. I am glad to know others are feeling the same way. Yay for being out there in NY!!
I agree we need us all to still be loud. It is working and making a difference and worrying them as we grow in numbers. People have had it and are not going to be quiet anymore.
Thank you for all you are doing too. Evil and self serving is what they are. So sad I do not trust them to be deciding ANYTHING that doesn’t enrich themselves. Nothing is being done anymore for the greater good. UGH.
Yes we have to get away from this as it can bring you down. Stay informed, but not obsessed.
xo
AYR= All Year Round! I have 2 pair of the The Secret Sauce jeans, one in distressed black, one in a light denim. They are old-school heavy and have weathered nicely! I love them. I’m 5’5″ and they look great in the shorter length!
Yes! I forgot that is what AYR stands for. Thank you for the recommendation! I found I need to size up on these jeans, but love them. xo
It is SO heartening to see so many people here ready to come to a No Kings protest, and feeling so strongly about where we want our beautiful country to go from here. Thank you, Kim.
Lisa thank you for your inspiration and post on the NO King’s protest! I am adding it to the blog! I agree I love my country and these protests give me hope when I see so many who feel the same.
xo
I am in love with the home in New York and as you wrote, a great juxtaposition between modern and traditional. Such a refreshing changing from beige/cream/white themes. As for the war, most people here in Australia are ‘WTF’? Iran is truly a rogue state which sponsors terrorism, but Trump’s plan seems more like a brain fart than a serious war plan and is Hesgeth really qualified for such an important position? I understand your grumbles about the Defence budget surplus spending, but here in Australia, if a department’s budget is not utilised, then it is cut and good luck trying to get it increased when needed. The above post about Sydney is true. It is really quite stunning and during March every year, the Handa Opera has a production on the harbour – we saw Turandot a couple of years ago.
Susan isn’t it a beautiful example of mod and trad? Very fresh I thought. Yes we are over all white, but I am not in on the deep interiors.
HA! Every day is a new brain fart we have to live with… along with the rest of the world.
I hear you about the budget, but if we had healthcare for all, I’d feel a bit different. We are told we cannot afford that or money for higher education, and food aid for the poor. That’s obviously false.
I want to get to Sydney- and see lovely Australia. Wow love to see an opera at the harbor. On my goals! xo
Hi Kim,
The Conservatory of Flowers looks so lovely. In fact, the whole park looks a delight. I particularly love the dragon! I have not tried Mabel with ice cubes yet but that has certainly given me the idea and looks like a lot of fun for the kitties!
Over here I can only say the war is causing great anxiety and I don’t really understand why it was started in the first place. I expect money will be at the root of it, like most things. It has such a knock on effect, even on someone like me in north east Scotland. I have oil fired central heating and since the first strike, the price of a gallon of home heating kerosene oil has almost tripled in cost putting a lot of folk in fear of what their next order will cost. So glad you have another No Kings protest to go to. I wish you, and everyone attending, well.
Just to say I also loved the James Farmer Homeworthy tour and love his style. I am now following him on Instagram! Good wishes for the week ahead….
Hi Lesley! It is a really special place in the park..
Yes see if Mabel likes ice cubes too!
I am so glad you shared how this war- and the decisions by our leader, have even affected you in Scotland. Trump is causing havoc the world over and pain. He is destroying so much that we had built together with the EU and our allies. It’s sickening to see as an American. I am so sorry.
Yay for James. He seems like the nicest guy. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Sending you hugs x
Kim If I knew the name of the person whose SNAP was reduced to $12/month I would start sending care packages. At a local elementary school I am donating weekly to a small food bank they have started as local school families have reached out asking for help despite food banks in the area they may not be near. There are many needs versus millions of $$ for office furniture for dolts like Hegseth. That is where our money is going, people!!! Truth be told troops eat MRE’s in the field….meals in packable boxes that have long expiration dates. In the old days they had gum, candy, toilet paper, and cigarettes in these also. You can try to heat things up or eat them cold..out of the can. There is a ton of waste and destructuiongoing on with this current regime and we can’t be in denial about this. I will try to attend the next NO KINGS; the last one I was volunteering at a school fundraiser.
Donnie, I know. She was in Wisconsin and I should look and see if anyone started a GoFUndME for her. What makes me mad is we need to resort to such in our nation.
I agree and it makes me sick we think someone in need can be helped with $12 a month.
Thanks for your feedback here. I agree we need to call this waste out. Those on Trump’s side would be flipping out if that happened on Biden’s watch. Now they are saying, don’t question the budget during war. What hypocrisy.
Yay I hope you get to go. xo
Good evening Kim,
It looks like you had a lovely adventure with your family and friends, what a beautiful park! I love all of the flowers and the photo of you and Max!
James Farmer is one of my favorite designers, love that home worthy tour! There are so many beautiful tours I could watch all day. And this house from Frederic magazine, I LOVE the art and the house, and the colors.
Kim, I need your expertise. It may be too late. Please recommend an eye cream for wrinkles.
Your kitties in the bathtub is so funny! I bet these two keep you on your toes.
Have a wonderful week! xo
Hi Elizabeth, It was a fun trip.
James is such an enjoyable person and I learned so much.
Ha! Same with my eyes. I have been using an eye creme since I worked in cosmetics at 19, so I do think they help.
I am sensitive and use this Clarin’s creme. I think it works great, but is not heavy, lately it has gone up in price, but lasts me about 6 months.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-48252274
I also like Counter Beauty and they have this excellent eye creme that has a lot of fans.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-48253190
xo
Hi Kim,
I’m so late in responding, my life over the weekend got in the way. I wanted to at least acknowledge your WONDERFUL blog.
The Kitties and the ice cubes is too funny-not so much making a water mess on the floor. The bathtub is a total different matter. Rico is a little curious rascal – love him.
The Conservatory and ALL the pics you shared are just so very SPECIAL. Great pic of you and Kristin. You sure got your exercise in for the day. The muffie looks like the ones I bake, in the same cupcake liner too. Tartine Bakery – yum. I did not know that Golden Gate Park is one of the largest city parks in the world, and that the 1,000+ acres was built on reclaimed sand dunes. The dragon sculpture looks so cool, a work of art. Great Windmill pics too.
The chaos in Iran and all the deaths, and the school children that lost their lives is just heart breaking. What is happening totally sickens me, our government and what and how they are spending money on is all self serving. The thing that I find so upsetting is no one should go without food, and taking away SNAP benefits is despicable. As they line the White House in gold and spend mega bucks on things that are meant to impress. Thanks to all the people that voted in the 34 Felon, this is what we get for it!
SF Designer Showcase Queen Ann-style Victorian residence in Pacific Heights built in 1987 and designed by architect Moses J. Lyon, this hostoric home looks so incredible. Hopefully you and Juliet get to go see it.
I purchased lots of new readers recently, a friend likes Caddis, are your Myklos heavy? I like the shape.
Wishing you a happy and safe week.
Dear Katherine, Thank you. You never need to worry about commenting. I just appreciate you reading and being here!
Rico is my orange machine… always into something. Oh I think that cupcake liner is so charming! I have to try it.
I feel the same- Trump brags about the curtains on the same chat about blowing people up. He’s a menace and destroying our nation.
I can’t wait to go to the house! Will report back with Juliet I hope.
Have a great week too and stay cool. xo
P.S. Yes the Myklos are a little heavier than my cheap readers, but not hugely and they difference in clarity and quality is huge. I feel like I was getting headaches with my cheap readers. Not with these ever. x