On this post a little gardening, a fig couscous, my new little counter lamp, and a Marin home tour you will love!
Happy weekend! What are you up to this weekend? My post is going to be a bit brief as we are leaving to go see Jackson in LA this weekend. I spent all week working on my jewelry post, so I hope you’ll pop over and read that while you’re here. Hopefully I’ll have some cool things to share next week from Los Angeles!
August House Stuff
I’ve been moving things about and got some art back up on the walls after the wallpaper. I will share more photos soon. I did move my bird poster. We have a lot of bird themed things thanks to Max.
I also brought out some of my summery textiles like this throw on the table I bought in Hawaii last year. I added baskets I had to the hallway.
The Cats
Max was away for a few days on a bike trip and my kitty boys were stuck like glue to me. Rico is my shadow and also into everything whether it is the dishwasher or a basket I was cleaning out. Is it an orange cat thing? He is more curious than any cat I’ve ever had- and doesn’t nap nearly as much as our Alfie does. Alf is always finding the sun patches and loves to chase reflections.
I hate to leave them, but luckily their favorite sitter Sara is coming to spend time with them. She was their foster mama so they love her.
Our giant sunflower
My dad Ray has a space in a community garden so he can grow more than he has room for in his backyard. He brings home green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers and much more. It keeps him busy all year long. He has many pals there and they swap veggies and chat- aka gossip! It’s been so good for him. He also volunteers one day a week at a farm park. I’m so glad he loves all these things and can do them at nearly 87!
He recently began growing the most massive sunflowers. In fact one he had was so big it branched off at the top. His pal Ken at the garden took a pic of him in front of it!
Dad gave me one of the sunflowers he started from it about a month ago. I put it next to the entry where one of my big boxwoods recently died for no reason and left a big hole. It shot up and got so big Max had to support it and tie it to our flag pole holder. It’s still growing and producing flowers at the top! The goldfinches in our yard LOVE it and can’t leave the leaves alone, so it looks a bit bedraggled. I’m just stunned how big it has grown in just a few weeks, with nothing but a little water. People stop and remark on it when walking by! I told my dad these must be magic seeds.
The garden
My sweet friend Annie who writes Most Lovely Things recently sent me the most beautiful garden carrier and clippers. I’ve never had a real garden carry-all and it’s so helpful for gathering tomatoes and all I pick. She also gave me wonderful shears that are so sharp, but precise and great for clipping figs and basil. I feel like a legit gardener now.
These beautiful baskets are made in Maine! I think I need to get my dad one for his birthday. Annie has more about them on this post. Annie has a book coming out next year with all of her fun gift ideas and I can’t wait.
This has been such an odd summer with mild weather. We have loved it, but it took forever for the tomatoes to get going. My zucchini and watermelon are slow and my dad says the window may be closing on them. How have your gardens been this year?
On the bright side, my figs are going gangbusters.
For fig fans – or future ones
I am trying to share my figs, but I am shocked how many people aren’t into them. This recipe, was my gateway into figs. We were at a kid’s party I went to when Jackson was two and host’s sister-in-law was a chef. She asked me to help in the kitchen and slice the figs and I had zero fig experience prior! This recipe is so good Max and I haven’t stopped making it ever since and that was in 2000!
I shared this four years ago, but it’s worth sharing again. Make sure you take your time cooking the shallots until they are crunchy crisp and almost black. Let them dry on paper towel.
Fig and Shallot Couscous
Ingredients
Method
- Add boiling water to couscous, cover and set aside. Toast pine nuts on the stove until just browning, set aside. Thinly slice shallot and cook in a tablespoon of olive oil until starting to brown and remove and let drain on paper towel. Slice figs into quarters. When couscous is ready, fluff with a fork and all olive oil, salt, and then gently fold in figs, shallots and pine nuts. Serve at room temp.
A Dreamy Marin House
Designer Chloe Kalk’s Marin home is an incredible 1911 shingled stunner and I really like that she kept it intact. Imagine if it had been taken down for one of those modern box renovations I am seeing so much of lately? She has a great eye and personal style with a background in vintage buying for Ralph Lauren, so this is one to watch. It’s my kind of home: cozy, unique and yet feels uncluttered. I love that she also has two boys like me.
Follow Chloe on Instagram here.
On My Radar
Fresh just sent me their Soy Jelly Cleansing Balm and I am in love with this stuff. It goes on like a jelly and turns into a cleansing milk/oil that removes all sunscreens including mineral, and even waterproof makeup. You can follow with another cleanser if you are doing the double cleansing.
I just got this Seleema lamp from Hunt & Bloom for the bar. I wanted something small for this counter. It’s the right size with a blue crackle finish and linen lampshade and takes a 25 watt candle bulb, so it is the perfect cozy light. (Also in white.) Fall is coming and I love these small lamps instead of the cap lights. The cord is clear and has a switch on it. I am also crazy about this cool lamp.
Other Good Things
Serena & Lily’s Labor Day Sale is on, so if there is something you have had your eye on, this is the time to grab it. On my list are this quilt, this sateen sheet set, and this rug for my main room in the center space to replace the old tan rug there. I’ll see which one makes the cut!
If you missed it, on Thursday Cindy and I focused on Jewelry for August’s Signature Style. I shared some ideas to update your fall look and Cindy shared her favorites she owns. My post is here and Cindy’s here.
On last weekend’s post I shared Summer in Tahoe- my favorite spots on the West Shore and beyond! What we always do- and what not to miss.
Have a lovely weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Juliet’s blog for more good things. Make Mine a Spritzer
Elizabeth is taking a week away to be with family. You can read her post here.
To get Northern California Style by email, subscribe to the blog here for a free newsletter in your inbox every Saturday, and I would love it if you followed me on Instagram where I post more often.
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Fun installment. The fig couscous will be tried!
Anita I hope you like it! Thank you for sharing that big pasta. I’m gonna try that this week too. xo
I meant fig!
Kim I’ve never tried figs. I need to go buy some figs and try your recipe, it looks so good! The blanket at Serena & Lily looks gorgeous and tempting. Great suggestions. Thank you
Hi Kim! Wow, those sunflowers are stunners! Your dad is quite the gardener and so are you. Sadly, I have given up planting a veg garden due to all the critter invasions. But I’m truly enjoying our local farmers market produce. I’m a fig lover and that couscous sounds yummy. Enjoy your weekend visit with Jackson! Xx
Thank you Karen! I totally understand about the critters. Nothing is more frustrating than having your beautiful work eaten by freeloaders!! I’ve had a few tomatoes that look like they’ve then munched on. I’m always worried I’m gonna get an invasion.
Yay for the farmers market.
Hope you have a lovely weekend too! x
Kim,
Your dad has quite the green thumb! Those sunflowers are something…glad he gets a lot of socializing in, so important at that age!
I loved Chloe’s home tour, I think the homes featured in Marin County are some of my favorites. But my absolute favorite is Helena Simon’s home in Piedmont. (Alameda County) Stunning. I think I have watched it 3 times!
Love the lamp…I purchased an a French oyster plate from Hunt & Bloom and it was reasonably priced. I had trouble finding that particular one sold in the U.S. so I got lucky. No international shipping!The founder Will Hunt was also featured on Homeworthy a while back…did you see it?
Our weather here is gross, high humidity and temps. But we were lucky until about a month ago. Heading to Encinitas and Solana Beach today where it’s cooler. Want to pop into the Ballard Designs store while we are there to check out a nightstand.
Have a great weekend,
Linda
I had no idea Sunflowers could get so tall! You definitely inherited your Dads green thumb! I’ll be checking out Homeworthy this weekend. Your bar lamp couldn’t be anymore perfect. I love how you curate your home carefully and patiently. There is a pillow on n Serena and Lily I’ve by eyeing so maybe ll get it on sale! Always enjoy your weekend posts!
I love your front door so much! We are in the Bay Area and we are trying to do a new door make-over and I would love more info on your door and what type glass. Also, if you have any suggestions on companies to work with, I would love that too. Beautiful post, thank you!
Kim! Fun dispatch … your house is looking late-summer lovely. And those sunflowers of your dad’s wow. I love following his gardening endeavors, clearly growing things keeps one young. Your sunflower is thriving too … what a happy addition to your front garden. The kitties look so happy and settled at home. Has it been a year? Enjoy your visit with Jackson. I’m off to read your jewelry post and watch the Marin house tour. Happy weekend! xoxo
I ❤️ your sunflower. It fits nicely in your yard. It is a big and cheerful statement.
Thank you! It makes me happy too.
Love the fig recipe thank you Kim. Lovely picture of you father and his amazing sunflowers!! Have a beautiful weekend!
Aw thanks Francesca.
I am so impressed with your dad and his agricultural skills!! I loved the tour of the Marin county house. So fun.
Have a great rest of the weekend, Kim.
Hi Kim,
Your dad, Ray is into such good things. He is very impressive. It keeps him young and in mesh with life. His sunflowers are massive. The one in your front home is a show stopper, super tall.
A lovely garden carrier from Annie. Such a practical, useful gift to give.
I will check out the Marin home soon. This I will look forward to viewing.
Our garden is doing ok considering the horrid long heat we are still living through. I can’t head out the door at 5:30am for my walk because it’s past 90 degrees. Next week it’s supposed to just as gross.
I am scared when Bear takes off the top sail shades and the side netting. I’m not sure our roses will have survived. The Felon says, there is no climate change going on! Really!!!! I wonder what planet he lives on? Enough of my rant.
Have fun in La La land.
Kim, your dad is an amazing Gardner!! I love sunflowers last year. They popped up all along our back fence In Colorado.!! I would’ve loved to have kept him, but my neighbor is really allergic and asked if they wouldn’t grow them again this year…. It’s too bad since I loved having them to look at, but she’s a lovely neighbor and I want to help her out.! I to watch that home worthy episode in Marin, it’s really a great house! The fig recipe is next on my agenda to try-I love hearing stories about your kitties!! I miss not having them right now!
Kim,
Hope you are enjoying your time with Jackson and Kristin in LA! I cannot believe your sunflower… and how lovely to see goldfinches.
Love your new lamp on the bar! And the tray of all the fun things for drinks!
Thanks for the shoutout, Kim! I’m going to miss walking out to my garden with my garden carry-all to collect tomatoes when we live in the city!
How lucky you are to have figs; I’ve made your fig and shallot couscous! It’s soooo good!
xx
Annie, thank you, never have enough time with my kids!
I have literally used my garden carrier every day since you sent it, so I think I was missing that in my life.
I know you will miss your garden- but be close to the kids – and in NYC!
The figs are the best part of summer. xo
Hi Kim
Another fig love here. Peak season in NorCal. We had some last night in a green salad with cantaloupe, almonds and feta with a citrus vinaigrette.
Here is a recipe you might enjoy – I make it both vegan and with butter and egg ala the original peach version on Smitten Kitten.
https://www.vegetarianventures.com/vanilla-bean-fig-shortbread-drizzled-with-honey-glaze/
The sunflowers are amazing!
Hi Susan! Wow love the sound of that salad and the cantaloupe and almonds with a citrus vinaigrette!
Thank you for the shortbread recipe. That’s a new idea and I may try that this week. I am still getting so many figs. x
Hi Kim,
Love figs! And couscous too, I’ll be trying your recipe soon. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Fresh Stuffed Figs (No-Cook)
Cut an “X” into the top of each fresh fig. Gently squeeze the base so the fig opens like a flower. Spoon sweetened or plain mascarpone cheese into the center. Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or a quick honey-balsamic reduction over the top (or honey). Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts for crunch. Perfect as a dessert or snack!
The sunflowers are awesome. We grow them in our yard too, they tower over the patio in back and my little library out in front. So fun! They are food for all the little birds who sit on top, bend over and pluck the seeds out. Your dad is living well….growing plants is so rewarding, especially those you can consume. We grow a variety of lettuces too, it’s easy and so good. Enjoyed your late summer decorating, the house looks beautiful and comfy. And those kitties! Hope you have fun in SoCal…💗
Thanks for sharing the fig/mascarpone suggestion. I need a unique dessert and I think this could be perfect, especially with figs in season. Sorry our fig tree is no longer with us, but I don’t miss the rats that came along with it!
You are most welcome Tamara, enjoy! 💗
Doesn’t it sound good?
So far I’ve only had birds trying to get to my tree. Though the bigger it gets, I wonder if that will be an issue?
Cheryl this sounds so delicious! I’m going to try that this weekend and bring it to a friend’s house. I love mascarpone!
It reminds me of a variation I made for gathering years back. You halved the figs, added a dab of goat cheese (like the Laura Chenel Herb Chèvre), top with a walnut half and a drizzle of honey. Figs are such a good snack too.
Thank you for the reminder that the make a super appetizer.
Aw thank you. Aren’t the sunflowers amazing? I love that they are feeding our feathered pals too! x
Kim, This recipe sounds great too! I’m saving it. Most often we eat end up eating them as snacks from a bowl on the counter, or with breakfast. Such a yummy treat! Thanks for all the tasty ideas. 💗
We do too! Healthy snack! xo
Your Dad’s gardening is impressive. Love that sunflower. I tend a sunflower garden every summer and they grow and grow and reproduce. They thrive in our hot Texas summers. Your home is looking lovely, made even better with your two kitties. I look forward to watching the video of the Marin house. Thank you.
Thank you Linda! Wow how nice you have a sunflower garden every summer! I bet they do like the heat.
Thank you Linda. The kittens really make it a home. xo