On this post, see our new wallpaper, tour the Provence home of an artist, and learn about an amazing American woman we should all know.
Welcome to the weekend post. Elizabeth, Juliet, and I have lots to share with you!
How has your week been? Hot there? We are warming up here, but on the bright side, our tomato garden has finally started popping. We also had our wallpaper installed over three days this week, so I’m a little frazzled, but happy. I also shared August’s Signature Style on Thursday, so this will be a bit shorter than the usual weekend blog.
The Wallpaper is in!
It is here and I love it. You know I had a night of restless sleep the day before they came. I have shared before how long it took me to pull the trigger on choosing a pattern. It is a commitment. That said, I’ve had a lifelong affinity for wallpaper. I just knew I’d love it. All the wallpaper choices I shared are on this post.
The worry was it would be ‘too busy’ or dark. If anything, it made the rooms feel cozier and brighter. The bedroom was my biggest worry as it’s a smaller space and the darkest room of the house.
Before photos
You can see there was a lot of white in this house. I was ready for a change. I still like white walls, but I needed some warmth and texture.
I was lucky to have Linda who has been doing wallpaper for decades and does the Serena & Lily showrooms. They divulged their amazing craftswoman to me, so if you live locally reach out and I’ll share her contact. It is a family business with her son Robert who also has decades of experience.
They do a beautiful job with this painstakingly detailed work. The grasscloth alone takes a strong person as the paper is heavy and wide and it’s a balancing act to get it up and smooth it. The bedroom wallpaper, Kimbe, has a tiny coral detail that Linda spent hours cutting perfectly and matching each tiny coral. When it was on the wall, you were unable to even see the seams! Below are the papers I chose and Linda cutting the paper…
After
I have yet to put the room back together, but I did remove our sports bar size tv (Max addition) in the bedroom, and I already love the difference. Eventually I might get a LG Gallery TV with a light wood frame that can display art. My son Jackson works for Youtube TV and says that is better as the Frame brand one now has built-in ads? I am clueless about this stuff. Maybe I’ll skip a TV in the bedroom altogether. It’s a sometimes use thing as I mostly read at night.
This paper is called Kimbe (of course!) by Serena & Lily. I just threw a few things on my built-in below, to take a photo. Sorry this was at night. I will look for a round mirror above the vanity desk here as we need some softness with all the angles in this room.
I love the grasscloth in the main room! The long white wall was hard to fill and this wallpaper really does make a difference. It feels cozier and warmer right away and not so big and stark. Now I’m worried about what to put on it. I’m going to take my time finding some kind of art. We will relocate my gallery wall to a long wall near my office.
This is right after Linda left, but you get how it is looking. This is Stone color Grasscloth by Serena & Lily.
A few other snaps of the stone grasscloth on the hallway and by the window seat. The color is a neutral, but with the sun coming in looks warmer in the left photo.
I think it even works with my pillows. The nice thing is I’ve liked the same tones forever so I have a few things that work. The zebra pillows were made by a talented friend Anne years ago and they are still my favorite. The blue pillow was a nice linen find from Homegoods.
I am focusing first on finishing up my bedroom.. It’s been a years-long process. Besides the round mirror, and I need two side table lamps for reading, and a light for over the bed. I would love to have a full length mirror. For the main room, I need a rug for the entry and art for the hallway.
Next week I’ll share the pieces I’ve been considering. I’m taking my time to try and find things I really love that will be here for the long haul!
Design books for your collection- Jenny Rose Innes
South African designer Jenny Rose Innes’ latest book, The Nature of Decorating: Interiors Inspired by the Natural World, has some gorgeous homes and gardens. Love the interviews in them with people like the brilliant Sue Bond. I bought her 2020 book, British Designers At Home, at our local store, thinking it was the new one and it’s also fantastic. If you love homes and gardens, and the stories behind them, (my favorite kind of design book), both will be treasured additions to your library!
An American artist in Provence
I was just charmed by this couple. This may be one of the most fun Homeworthy tours yet. After 62 years of marriage and 14 moves across the globe, artist Alice Williams and her husband, Don, found their forever home in Provence. Don is a math quantum guy and she is an artist, and together they’re adorable. I thought this was uplifting as they are both in their 80’s and still busy and living their best lives. You can follow Alice on Instagram too.
A woman you should know- Hazel Scott
I had a night to myself this week. I usually end up on PBS and geek out on whatever documentaries they have. I was lucky to catch two American Masters. The first was about The Disappearance of Miss Scott, about the life of Hazel Scott, an incredible talent most of us have never heard of.
Hazel was a child prodigy at the piano and became a huge star as an American jazz and classical pianist and singer. She was blacklisted during the McCarthy era as she advocated against segregated audiences and bravely refused to play to them. She was unafraid, outspoken and an unsung legend. If you cannot find it on your local PBS you can watch it at the link above if you donate. If you can, record American Masters, it is always so good. I loved the episode on Roberta Flack as well.
I need to rage a bit…
So much is happening and a heck of a lot is flying under the radar. This is a big one so, if you don’t mind, I need to scream about this.
Women’s lives are especially being affected by this administration and it’s about to get worse. In July the Trump administration rescinded funds and revised the Title X Family Planning Program to now de-emphasize traditional contraceptives and encourage natural family planning instead. Title X is the only federal program devoted to funding care like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, largely for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income women.
Trump has canceled grants to teach teens about contraception, arguing they are “normalizing sexual activity for minors.” This may be one of the most harmful and backwards things done yet by the administration, and will have the biggest impact on young women with the least funds and education. The Trump administration canceled 53 teen pregnancy prevention grants totaling $67 million. Read more here.
The HHS also shared a nearly 70-page document about family planning that included no mention of contraception other than an assertion that it is “overprescribed, and has negative side effects”. It also asserts that a key goal of the program is to “strengthen family formation and assist clients in achieving healthy pregnancies.” A WH spokesperson said administration would soon be “realigning” the program to further “the President’s pro-life and pro-family agenda.”
Sure. Once the babies are here you know the same people want zero to do with giving them a healthy start, full bellies, healthcare, or a better education. This is part of a bigger goal of this administration to get women back in the home having babies, and out of colleges and the workforce. This article details more of their nefarious plans like dismantling DEI (hurts women in the workforce) and removing funding or placing limits on loans for many traditionally female held degrees.
My mother and grandmother would be outraged to hear this. I just cannot anymore. I refuse to be quiet about this BS. Thanks for listening.
If you want to help, donate to Planned Parenthood who is fighting this and can use all the help they can get. Max and I donate to the Mar Monte PP which has 30 clinics in California and Nevada. The national link to donate to Planned Parenthood can be found here.
Other Good Things
I’m loving these pink shorts (flat front styles flatters) and these shorts in my cart at BR – and this silver bracelet!
I am using two new hair products, this mousse and polishing Milk Hair Serum from Los Angeles’s Roz Haircare (sent to me) and loving them. My hair has more fullness and the polishing milk protects it and really does make it shine! I am using both and letting my hair air dry right now in summer and I think it actually looks better. Right now both are bundled as a promo. Yes, the packaging is pretty too.
Cindy had a great post last week on How to shop TJMaxx and Marshalls and I think her tips were spot on about finding the gems.
For August’s Signature Style, Cindy and I both found chic linen things and many are on sale as it’s near midsummer! My post is here and Cindy’s here.
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared a beer garden, and a great home shop, peanut chickpea protein bowls, decorating with orchids, and more. I’ll be back with a great hike near Santa Cruz that I ran out of time to share this week!
I have a request: what summer books are you loving? I need a good read for summertime and a bit of an escape. Do you all have a favorite book or one you just read and loved? Thank you!
Have a lovely weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more good things.
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Always love your posts! Thank you for speaking out about the damage this administration is doing.
Thank you Toni. Appreciate you. x
Agree 💯!
Thanks for the information on the latest horrible plans coming from D.C. It is so upsetting. Hard times. I appreciate your candor. I look forward to the Homeworthy Tour. What did your kitties think of the new wall paper and upheaval?
Thanks Linda! Sorry I occasionally have to put some of these things out there. SO much is happening and we have no idea how bad it is.
The cats were in another room. So far they haven’t gone near the wallpaper…. I hope that is the case.
I grew up with grasscloth and our cat never touched it, but we’ll see. Fingers crossed!
That home tour is so fun.
xo
Your wallpaper is fantastic, reminds me of the grass cloth and patterns my mother used, she has great style, too!
You might try getting a few of the “stick on” plastic panels (Amazon has them but I’m sure you can search and find another place) to prevent the kitties from scratching (anything). They deter them in the beginning and then eventually you can remove them, in my experience. I’ve used them with great success on new furniture, headboards, etc. You can’t even see them, they are clear. Good luck! 😻
Valetta isn’t it funny so many of us had mothers who had grasscloth too? Hey thank you about those panels. I may need to get those if I see any monkey business with these guys. Good to know. Brilliant for cat owners. Why do they love corners so much?
xo
Kim, Love the wallpaper. It looks terrific. I love Roz too, great for managing summer hair. I do appreciate your outrage it all becomes so much! I wonder if there are programs at Planned Parenthood specially for teens and low income women we can support?
Leila thank you!
Isn’t Roz good? Love all their products and that they are healthy too.
Planned Parenthood is taking the brunt of these cuts and they are suing the Trump administration. They can use all the help now they can get. Max and I usually give every year to the Mar Monte PP that has 30 clinics in California and Nevada.
I will add a link to donate to them! Great idea and thank you. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. xo
Your wallpaper looks great. I am jealous that you get to banish a TV in the bedroom! Your rant is timely and necessary. I used to work and then volunteer for Planned Parenthood back in the day and I always thought that subsequent generations of women did not appreciate how hard won those battles were and how precarious their rights are. Vote, people! Don’t take that for granted either at this rate.
As for books, I have recently enjoyed Whistler, The Correspondent and an older one, The Last Apothecary!
August 1st already! Thanks for all you bring to us.
Hi Penelope! Thank you so much. I’ve been hating that tv forever…
So awesome you worked and volunteered for PP! I think you are absolutely right, so many of us grew up just assuming we could get contraception and information that was based in facts. Now with this administration trying to cloud that, and remove women’s choice, chipping all our mother’s fought for, some might wake up. I think in California we are in a bubble, but they are working hard to remove that money from this state in so many ways.
You are so right voting is a life changing thing at this juncture. God we need a big turnout.
Thank you for these great books! I am starting my summer list! xo
I agree, Penelope: subsequent generations, unless their grandmothers shared it, don’t know how hard won many battles were, but perhaps their precariousness is becoming known in the last couple of years…
I’ve checked out stack of books from the library this summer, and these two have been my favorites so far.
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett A rollicking and long book that takes place during the Great Depression. Told from several female points of view, in a time when women didn’t have many options.
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson. This is simply about a longtime group of friends – some who are couples, working through life’s ups and downs. It’s a beach read on the surface, but goes deeper in a quiet way.
If you haven’t read The Women by Kristen Hannah. I would recommend that. It’s a year or two old. It takes place during and after the Vietnam War. It’s a time when our country was also deeply divided. Very much relevant to today, especially with Pete Hegseth’s toxic masculinity on full display.
I remember my parents wallpapering our foyer in grass cloth. It was so stylish!
We got a young kitten shortly afterward. The kitty discovered that it could climb up the wall. My Mom was so mad! I still can picture her making repairs with a bottle of Elmer’s glue. Your kitties are much more grown though. I’m sure your wallpaper is safe!
Lisa wow these all sound so good! The Women was on my radar too. Sounds like a must read for now.
Ha! We had a loving room with that old school grasscloth. Our cat loved it in the 70s. My dad worked so hard getting it up there and my mom was always fussing when we messed a corner of it. Your mom sounds like mine! I hope my guys behave! xo
Kim, another great post today. Thanks for talking about the horrible things this administration continues to do. I live in a rural Southern state that is extremely “red” and we have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the US, while also having one of the highest mortality rates for new mothers in the US. It’s suffocating to be in such a place for many reasons, and it’s terrible that this administration puts out such dangerous propaganda.
On a lighter note, your wallpaper looks beautiful! I enjoyed your post on linen clothing the other day! I just returned from a trip to the UK, where the weather was a wee bit warm. My linen pants were some of the best things I packed!
For some good books, here are a few I’ve read over the last few months and enjoyed: Good People by Patmeena Sabit; Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutano; Culpability by Bruce Holsinger; Five by Ilona Banister; The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh; It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell (I’m a fan of all of her books). Most of these lean towards mysteries or thrillers but I thought they were all good.
Hi Michelle, Good golly with the high teen pregnancy rate, it’s absolutely criminal to do this. I hear so much about the mortality rates for new moms, especially in the black community, and it breaks my heart. It doesn’t need to be this way.
I just watched a piece on PBS about native American young women who had no clue about contraception. Imagine telling them natural methods work. Why do you think so many of our grandmother’s struggled with large families. Yes you are right, it’s propaganda.
I heard about the UK heat wave. Glad you had your linen. It can be oppressive in Europe with less AC.
I am writing all these books down. Thank you! All new to me and sound great. xo
Enjoyed your post. You open my eyes to so much that otherwise is unknown. I’m learning!
Love your wallpaper.
Hi Janet! Aw thanks for putting up with my rants here. It’s just such a crazy time.
Thank you about the wallpaper.
Have a good weekend! x
“Strengthen family formation” = “keep women (and girls!) barefoot and pregnant.” It’s appalling what they are doing. I have to wonder, if they truly believe the fifties were so bloody great, why do they think the turbulence of the sixties happened?And if the only purpose of a woman is to procreate, why don’t we all drop dead at menopause, as with other species?
Thanks, Kim, and please keep screaming!!!
Hi Sarah, Bingo. Exactly as you said. How the heck did we get backwards so fast?
You are so right the 60’s revolutions happened because of the oppression and expectations on women, that they overlook.
Ha didn’t you hear JD Vance needs grandmas to step it up?! He thinks that’s what we are still alive for. He says we don’t need childcare, and grandparents just need to do more.
Another troglodyte in this group of what may be the nastiest men ever assembled. I’d like to give him a shoe in the head.
xo
Here’s to that shoe!!
They also conveniently forget that the first time women went out into the work force in great numbers was AT THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUEST, to keep this country running during WWII, and to produce the machines and ammunition required to conduct a war that was (as usual) started by power-mad men. Those women were the mothers who sent THEIR daughters out into the world knowing they were capable of anything.
Thanks for speaking out about the horrible mess we are in with this administration. Disgusting. Loved the Homeworthy Tour. Always look forward to your posts.
Thank you so much Judy. x
Good morning Kim,
Love the wallpaper it looks great!! Glad you finally took the plunge. I would love to get grasscloth or wallpaper but most of our walls are textured except for the entry and dining room. I know there was wallpaper in our dining room at one time…we found layers under paint in some areas we were patching mainly on the bottom of the chair rail. That room would make the most sense because it has the least amount of traffic.
I have not watched that Homeworthy episode yet…there are so many now! Will have to go back and check it out. Soon we will see your home featured! 😊
Ugh same BS every day with this administration. Do you watch Heather Cox Richardson? Her episode the other day was how they are trying to make all Medicare plans Medicare Advantage. We just signed up for Medicare and we are choosing a MediGap supplement NOT Medicare Advantage. I realize not everyone can afford a Medigap plan but if one has a choice it’s definitely the way to go. I am so hoping the midterms will bring about some major changes.
Have a nice weekend!
Linda
Linda I am glad I went for it too!
I think you can have your walls papered, but they may do some sort of liner first. Also heavy wallpapers work better I think!
You are so nice. Gosh I would need to get my home in gear to do something like that. I fear I’m not as talented as all those on there.
Oh gosh no I missed that with Heather. Please no because I just got my dad off Medicare Advantage and it was a scam. He’s now on regular medicare and cannot believe how much cheaper everything is, and it’s all covered. Everyone needs to know it is how private insurance gets the government to hand over your Medicare funds and they decide if you can qualify for anything, while rejecting so much and pocketing billions.
Also I heard part D is going up and that the Trump administration took the extra part they helped with that away. Everyone’s cost will go up conveniently right after the midterms.
We need everyone voting! Make sure all the women and young people you know are registered. We need a massive turnout.
Have a lovely weekend!x
Yes Heather mentioned that too about Part D. I feel so bad for those who already strapped. It took me forever to research the plans and finally decided on one. I probably won’t make the deductible in a year but I didn’t mind because the premium was so low. Heather discussed it on her Politics Chat last Thursday the 30th. I heard it is a hassle to get off Medicare Advantage but happy you were able to get your Dad off of it. I already started reading up on it a few years ago to educate myself. Luckily I have medical insurance background from my work a long time ago so it’s not as confusing as it is for some. I seriously think Trump wants us all to get sick or die. 😡
Thanks for the tip on the wallpaper! I forgot to mention we have a Frame TV in the kitchen and I bought some art off Etsy vs paying the monthly $5 fee to get it through Samsung. You get tons of art to choose from for super cheap. I also purchased a frame for it off Etsy.
Thank you for your rage. It’s only family first until a child is born. If there wasn’t an AFFORDABILITY issue, perhaps people would feel they could start or grow their families?
I learned a new word from Ty Cobb, a WH attorney during Trump’s first term. Kakistocracy.
Hi Barb! It’s the truth isn’t it? Imagine if we had funded childcare, and great preschool and affordable healthcare. What if rents and food were more affordable? They desperately think removing information and access to pregnancy prevention is going to start a baby boom. Not with these issues.
Kakistocracy = government by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous people.
Well that is the truth. x
Good morning Kim! Thank you for mentioning the appalling things coming from this administration. I will be voting in the midterms. It is overwhelming the corruption.
Love your wallpaper so beautiful. Books I have loved very recently is “Land” by Maggie Farrell and “Villa Coco” by Andrew Sean Greer and ‘Whistler”by Ann Patchett, all wonderful. Could not put any of these down! Happy reading!
Francesca thank you. Our vote is what we’ve got and I wish we had more table registering young people everywhere.
Thank you about the walls!
Oh thank you for these books. They sound great! x
Hi Kim,
The wallpaper looks awesome. I understand and appreciate the uncertainty you were going through. It’s a huge thing to go through and a big investment. So glad you are happy.
I more than understand your concern and what is happening with this administration. It’s deeply concerning. All the horrid cuts to help this war, that is killing people. These Republicans are getting worse by the day. They play big time dirty. What happened to our Dr. Fauci this week was a very sad day in our history. That Senator Ram Paul is a scum ball, below the belt. I think the world of Dr. Fauci. Our country is in a serious MESS. I hear you on the cuts for preventing pregnancy, so bad, what in the heck are these crazy insane people thinking???
On a much happier note have a nice week.
Thank you so much Katherine.
The Republicans have fully left the building. What happened to Fauci this week made me ill.
The man who served 7 presidents saved so many lives with his Pepfar program, and so much else in public health. His guiding us through the pandemic when we knew nothing was reassuring. A million Americans died and Trump was saying inject bleach or take horse meds. Now Fauci is the bad guy because they were navigating using science, not stupid declarations.
Well I hope you have a lovely week and thank you always for your notes. x
Kim! I love your wallpaper and grasscloth choices. It must be a huge relief to have it installed and see how beautifully it’s turned out. Wallpaper installation is a lost art and you’re lucky to find a skilled craftsperson who took her time and was so meticulous. It looks amazing and gives me confidence about our living room grass cloth decision. I have two months before our installation to wring my hands about it. I’m laughing about your sports bar sized TV. We decided to forgo a TV in the bedroom of the new house. The truth is I didn’t watch it much, and I’ve lived without one for the last year so I think it will be an easy transition. Stay tuned. Speaking of TV I’m intrigued by the story of Hazel Scott and will take a look. I don’t know what to say about the backwards-ass motivations of this administration. First of all it’s horrifying the number of children currently dependent on SNAP benefits and living in food insecure households (although there are less of them receiving those minimal and necessary benefits thanks to the draconian policies of Stephen Miller and Trump), and this push to produce more children people cannot afford to feed, cloth, and educate … it’s heartbreaking and heartless. We should be taking care of the children who are already here and if he wants to push a ‘pro-family’ which is really a pro-birth agenda, he support it with necessary resources for the mostly low-income families who fall victim to his deceptions. We all know the high-income families have access to proper birth control and abortion services (and will always avail themselves of these things regardless of their disingenuous public stance). I just can’t with Trump and his sycophants and I’m waiting without much hope for the Democrats to get it together and fight back effectively for the good of all and the majority of Americans who aren’t onboard the trump train. Oof. But back to pleasant stuff, congratulations of taking a major step forward in achieving your house goals. I know you’ll have a fun weekend puttering about with all your cool stuff. xoxo
I am way behind on my productivity this August 1! Just finished my trip to the Williams’ home in Provence.
How lovely and what an inspiring couple…both so creative in their own ways. My wee home, post divorce, is my sanctuary, filled with beautiful pieces collected over time and with paintings and memorabilia on the walls. I stopped and looked up at what I have accomplished in 18 months as I watched the video. Thanks for attaching that for us to enjoy, Kim . My question…is that AI chat writing below while they are speaking …with all of the errors…? so useless and takes away from the piece. Is this supposed to be to be progress?
Keep speaking out…November is coming up…and from up here in Pacific Northwest Canada 🇨🇦 it is going to be extremely interesting watching what I truly hope will be a big shake up .
Your wedding excursion to BC was such a treat. I lived up the hill in New Westminster , above where you stayed on the Fraser River , many years ago as a novice teacher . So much has changed since 1971!
Cath I love how you talk about your home. It is a sanctuary for us and we should treat it that way.
Congrats on moving on and doing this. You clearly have a love of travel and life and I bet the home reflects, feels wonderful- and so you.
So the text below that generates on the home video, is likely from AI and is for the hearing impaired. They’ve had it for a while. Sometimes you can turn it off. It can be distracting, but many rely on it.
Cath I was thinking of you in BC! Loved the little cafes in New Westminster. I ended up chatting with a lovely women who was a college professor in one of the cute cafes. I bet you loved living there- and people are lovely.
Fingers crossed about out elections. xo
I love the change! Every time we visited my very stylish grandmother something about her home would be changed up a bit- my favorite era was black, white and pops of jewel tones.
I am so run down by all these politcal and cultural things lately. We need fresh ideas and approaches, not backwards thinking. My parents were very conservative in how they talked to me about sex and gender roles and all of it and let me tell you… it backfired! I choose honesty in my home and I think the brand of feminism I “grew up” with in my 20’s was liberating, but also restricting. I just want us all to be healthier and wiser and help each other and for people who want families to have more support regardless of how they choose to have one. If I had not had 12 years to live wild and free and pursue an education I would feel so incredibly crazy! I also don’t think women can do it all, but these men making policies and some women seem to believe that women can do it all while men continue to NOT have the bar raised as high- likenincremwntally they step.up to the plate, but they don’t u derstand care work only paid work. We need to *see each other* and work together. I worry the most about how kids can fare? We are telling people to do these asinine things that don’t benefit kids in the end and commodifying everything in the mean time. I hate it. I do LOVE your seagrass paper though and the bedroom print is a lovely accent.
Oh… and a book: “Wild Girls” by Tiya Miles.
“How the outdoors shaped the women who challenged a nation.”
Purchased at the totally woke, lefty propaganda filled Smithsonian! 😂
Thank you Nicole! Sounds wonderful… and even better it was bought at the Smithsonian! x
Thanks Nicole! I do love to change things up. I get bored. Your grandmother sounds like such a cool person.
Ugh I hear you and you are on point here. Raising women with choice, doesn’t create promiscuous individuals, just informed ones. If we railroad women towards early marriage and babies as the Proj 2025 and Trump folks want,it will backfire on them.
They want men only in all the places- like they aren’t already???
Yes and they are in the back rooms diverting all the money they rescind to their billionaire cronies for more grift. UGH
I am worried that we will create a perfect storm of policy proposals from both sides that seemingly serve to “fix” societal and economic problems, but will culminate in worse problems for families overall and make things worse especially for kids. I think women will be forced to be both barefoot and pregnant and in the workplace at the same time, which will feel less liberating than it has for the past several decades now that we have lived it and more like we are all at the mercy of the insane cost of living, our own outsized material expectations and worsened relationships between men and women and worse outcomes for children. The cost of living, decent and affordable healthcare, unity between the genders and paid leave and childcare that is actually worth its salt including adequate compensation for care workers is actually what is required.
https://abcnews.com/GMA/News/trumps-comment-wife-dishes-puts-spotlight-domestic-burden/story?id=70766958
This article sums up exactly what I mean about the double standards that will only be amplified if we don’t hold men accountable for care work or introduce policy that supports families. I would have been so much more proud if he did his own damn dishes while helping run the world like so many women are expected to do like those photos of Leavitt typing away while holding a baby like all of those awful unrealistic instagram accounts of the “do it all” women or the extreme trad wives that don’t show the actual hardships of all these extreme arrangements. We need these men to get real. The babies will come again when all that is resolved and never again until. Women are too “wised up” now and men have resorted to crazy ideas to explain it all away and our people in office are offering insane shortsighted or backward solutions! This is just what I think.
Gosh that article! That was back when ABC and the media was still calling out Trump’s utter misogyny. Now it’s barely remarked on…You are so right, when things get equitable and women have options, maybe then we’ll have more babies. These old school ideas are a joke and if anything turning women off more to their trad wide push. UGH. Thank you Nicole.
Nicole I agree totally. If only we could get that, even that would be huge and a great improvement.
Happy Saturday Kim!
Your wallpaper looks beautiful! I am so excited that it turned out as you had hoped. It looks so cosy. Looking forward to seeing more of the progress and decor. It is a years long precess, I am “walking” along side you doing the same.
Do you have the create Chanel? It is s PBS Chanel and there are some great documentaries on there. A few years ago I watched one about the first African American Woman Surgeon, another one that was very interesting was about the Green Book, a book written for African Americans to trafle safe around the country, another fascinating documentary.
I will have to look up the Hazle Scott documentary.
I could not agree with you more, that couple on Homeworthy was so sweet! I really enjoyed their story.
I do not watch much tv but I will share the information with my husband about the LG, thanks for the tip!
Have a wonderful weekend. xo
Hi Elizabeth, It is worth taking time to do things slowly. I feel like I need to live with a space and when I rush, I regret it. Yay for you doing the same. I am looking forward to seeing your spaces!
I do not have that and I will look for it. I know about the Green Book. That was a great film too. Loved the Homeworthy. x
Kim thank you for your Saturday posts; love reading them. I really enjoyed the Homeworthy about Alice and Don, they are adorable! Also I agree about this administration; truly evil and depressing. You brighten my Saturday mornings, please keep writing!
Jane aren’t they sweet?
Aw thanks for being here and my rants too. x
When we were in our mid-teens, our dad (who would be 107) told us about how when he was a grad student at Columbia U. In the late 1940’s, a female classmate asked him to accompany her to an illegal abortion. That experience led him to be a lifelong supporter of PP, and then, me, as well. Re. A worthy summer read, I suggest “The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies” by Allison Goodman. It’s a lot of fun, and moving, as well. I’ve gotta say, your CS guy appears to be easier-going than mine re. interior design stuff! Your wallpaper choices are lovely, and I hope they are enjoyed longterm. I am always one who doesn’t like putting holes into tile and wallcoverings, so I’ve been using wallpaper as a feature wall, for example. Maybe that is silly.
Joan what a story. Thank you for this. So glad your dad shared his experience with you all and used it to help other women. His empathy made a difference. If only every man could feel this.
I like the sounds of that book! Thank you so much. Well Max is apathetic about this stuff, so I just do what I want- and I pay for it myself too so I get no blowback!
Wallpaper can be so good as a feature wall. I did that in our office too! xo
Hi Kim, I’m weighing in late since I just had a chance to watch the couple on YouTube. Being a total Francophile and having spent time in different areas of Provence, I very much appreciate what they have accomplished. The gardens are so beautiful and I love Alice’s paintings. Nice that you created a balance of that vs. politics and also the topic of wallpaper. I’m another person who grew up with wallpaper and some grass cloth in every room of the house. For me personally, the only place I have it is in my WC, a subtle animal print that I also used in my previous home so I’ve lived with it for 35 years and haven’t tired of it! Do you know anything about PP getting into doing Botox and other procedures to being in revenue? I used to support them but now I’m holding back because of some things I’ve heard. Thanks for educating us and I understand your need to rant!
Hi Wren,
Let me first address your question about PP. I am actually glad you brought this topic up. Planned Parenthood started offering that as a way to make more money. Botox appointments are strictly cash-pay ONLY offerings funded entirely out-of-pocket by individual patients, and not using any other funds at all. The cash collected from cosmetic procedures is instead intended to generate independent revenue to help support and keep clinic doors open, when they have lost so much government funding. We can feel good supporting them, knowing this is just another way for them to stay afloat. I don’t use Botox, but apparently many women want it and administered by a dr is better than at a mall.
I love wallpaper too. I bet your leopard WC is pretty. I know Alice’s home is incredible. xo
What a great house tour! Alice and Don are amazing and so charming. Alice is so talented.
For summer reading, I recommend “The Correspondent”, “Theo of Golden” and “ The Friends” by Frederick Backman.
Thanks for reminding us of current distressing political issues. It is all so upsetting I sometimes want to bury my head in the sand but we must speak up! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Catherine I thought they were sweet too.
Thank you for these books! I know a lot of people have said Theo was so good.
I feel badly I bring these things up. I don’t do it every time, but golly this was terrible and we women need to know what the heck is being done to younger generations.
xo
Love the wallpaper, Kim!! It’s beautiful.
Thanks for keeping us informed about how we are regressing. We need a major overhaul.
Mary Ann thank you.
Ugh it is scary what is happening and we all need to know and band together to call this out.
Hi Kim
I love all of Jenny Rose Innes books. I believe she lives in Australia but I could be wrong. I love your wallpaper choices!! I am a huge fan of grasscloth. I tire of pattern so easily I rarely use paper in my own home. I would love to add grasscloth to the back of our built in cupboard. Your home is wonderful!
Me too Cindy. She is a South African, but lives in Australia now. I know she spent years in the UK too.
I know I get sick of things too. Hopefully I’ll love both for a while! The back of the cupboard is a nice look too. xo
We had grass cloth for years, great touch of texture. I found it faded in sunlight, especially where artwork etc .had been hung. So be mindful of light on it. Hopefully newer products might be better. Your home is so peaceful and lovely.
Elaine thank you. I will be careful with the direct sun areas. Aw thank you, xo
Hi, Kim –
Thanks for another wonderful and varied post! Your wallpaper choices are great — subtle and timeless, yet interesting and cozy. Congrats for being brave and making it happen!
I look forward to watching the video you recommended. You had me at “gardens”!
I also enjoyed The Calamity Club and Whistler. Another not-new book I read recently and recommend is Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.
Please don’t apologize for your rants, or hesitate to speak out about the latest distractions and shenanigans orchestrated by this clown in the white house and his sycophants. I hadn’t heard about Title X, and it’s by sharing this information that we can all stay motivated to get out there and show up, speak out, and encourage everyone to vote! I’m hoping for some big change at the midterms, but I’m concerned that change won’t be easily accepted. We have to keep brining these things to the light. I hear people say they don’t watch the news these days, but it’s tremendously important for us all to stay informed and not look away!!
xo
Hi Julia! Aw thanks abut the house.
Those books I will add thank you!
Thank you for caring about these things. It’s so true there is so much we can’t catch it all.
I agree we have to stay informed! x
Hi Kim, another great post covering lots of topics. I love your wallpaper in all the rooms but especially the grasscloth. A few years ago I had my hallway wallpapered and panelled and have never looked back. I love wallpaper!
I so hope the mid-term elections give some hope for a light at the end of the tunnel for you all. The administration seems to be totally corrupt and the man in charge without a shred of shame or self-awareness. Every day it seems as though some other freedom/right/benefit is being undermined or abolished with no real reason behind the decision making other than to take your country backwards.
On a lighter note two books I have really enjoyed are The Home Bird by Elle Hervin for interiors inspiration and Lady Tremain by Rachel Hochhauser which tells the story of Cinderella’s ‘wicked’ stepmother from her own, very feminist point of view. I think it was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick and a great summer read! xo
Hi Lesley! Thank you so much. I love hallway wallpaper.
Thanks for commiserating about this nation..
Those books sound great! I am adding them to the list! x
It’s such a sad country we are in… so unbelievable how this president is getting away cutting so many programs while taking that money to fund his war, memorials to suit him, etc. I worry for our grandchildren’s future. Yes, we need to stay aware and vote blue.
Nice choice on your wallpaper.
I’ve read the following books this summer:
The Bohemians, Raising Hare and now Strangers—a Memoir of Marriage. I’m sure you enjoy them.
Selecting health insurance is so complicated , and sure expensive. We could use some relief here but doubt the administration cares at all .
Thanks for your interesting blog. Your comments so relevant.
Sheila I don’t understand how we are just sitting boyband letting it all happen without a nationwide revolt. I worry for my kids too.
Thank you!
Thank you for the book recommendations. I read Raising Hare too. I heard Strangers is a good one too.
xo
Hi Kim,
I’m late to the party, but here goes!
Books: Kin by Tayari Jones, Whistler by Ann Padgett, The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Grasscloth wallpaper: It brings back memories of the den in my parents’ home in the 1970s. Also reminds me that my mom was so
far ahead of her time with thrifting and all sorts of DIY projects. She collected old chairs and always set an eclectic table.
Current state of the country: Thank you so much for continuing to bring up current injustices and corruption in our current government. I imagine doing so has cost you some followers.
Thanks for the great read!
Maggie
Maggie thank you so much! Appreciate the recommendations.
Isn’t that funny how so many of our parents had grasscloth? Your mom sounds so cool…and ahead of her time!
Oh well, if people cannot deal with some facts about what is happening on to us, I don’t need them. it’s much more important to share than have a ton of followers to me. xo
Rage on, Girl!! You are always spot on with your assessments and reactions. Thank you for speaking out and for keeping the outrage alive so that we will act on it, even if the only thing we can do at some moments is donate.
Thanks Carolyn! Ugh it feels like so much. I try in my own small space. Donating helps! Hang in there. xo