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The Winter Coat You Missed Out On, a Day Out in SF’s Presidio Heights, and Cookies to Hunker Down With

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On this weekend’s post..a California spin on the chocolate chip cookie, day trip to SF’s Laurel Village and Presidio Heights, the winter coat you may be missing and more..

How are you all? It’s been another record week of rain and storms here and so many have been without power and roads have washed away. I’m sure many of you have seen it on the news, but the coast has been it hard, especially by Santa Cruz, and more big waves are coming this weekend for them. Our street has power down on half, with two live wires sitting on roofs and yards. One of our power poles is tilted and they finally got to some of it yesterday, but power cannot be restored they say for many days, so we are thinking of everyone, because we are some of the lucky ones and do have power.

Scalloped placemats

My first purchase for the house this year is this scalloped placemats. I’ve had them on my radar for a bit, and saw them after Christmas and got six. I just love how pretty they are and I hope they will make any tables this year look festive and fresh. I found the exact same placemats afterwards on Etsy for a fraction of what I paid and a set of four for $32, so I if you like them, grab them on there!

scalloped jute placemat

Anthro has this darling scalloped serving board.. I adore all the scalloped items out now!

a scalloped wood cutting board

A day out in San Francisco’s Laurel Village and Presidio Heights…

We had a dry day this Thursday and it seemed like a miracle! We took the chance to go to a section of San Francisco we hadn’t explored yet- Laurel Village and Presidio Heights, which border the Presidio. What we usually do is first check out the shops, have a bite, and them explore on foot.

There’s a Michelin starred restaurant called Spruce to have lunch or for a casual local and organic spot – Proposition Chicken. We were in a bit of a rush so we opted to try Proposition, which was new to us and the chicken salad is excellent. You have vegan and gluten free options and they make everything from scratch.. There is a small new outpost in Los Gatos too, which I will be visiting.

For shops, in Laurel Village there is the new Emily Joubert, a beautifully curated home store. which does not disappoint. It’s gorgeous and three times the size of the Woodside location. I was excited to see this adorable Austrian china that they carry which I bought on a trip some years ago.

Austrian china Emily Joubert shop in San Francisco
pillows Emily Joubert shop in San Francisco
kitchen wares Emily Joubert shop in San Francisco
wicker chairs Emily Joubert shop in San Francisco
Emily Joubert shop in San Francisco

On Sacramento Street, there is fun boutique with gorgeous frocks, bags and jewels called Betty Lin, and it’s partner shop Mr Lin, right next door..

mr pin shop Laurel Village in San Francisco
Betty Lin shop in Laurel Village in San Francisco
Laurel Village in San Francisco

After lunch we opted to walk toward the Presidio and this is just a few of the homes and their curb appeal. Every home was manicured and polished and there were so many tiny gardens and pretty plants giving them great charm..

Ahome in Presidio Heights in San Francisco
A door in Presidio Heights in San Francisco
A door in Presidio Heights in San Francisco
A door in Presidio Heights in San Francisco
View to the bay from Lyon St steps

This is our path from Laurel Village…

Walk to Presidio from laurel Village in San Francisco

At the top, you front the Presidio Park which you can see the beautiful woods and open space and the Golden Gate beyond. You can walk through the Presidio Gates and then right up a trail and back up towards the neighborhood again to get to the top of the Lyon Street Stairs…

Lyon St Steps in San Francisco

Before we left we drove a few blocks to get croissants from Arsicault Bakery. This unassuming little spot was voted best bakery in America a few years back by Bon Appetit, and became a sensation.

Arsicault Bakery in San Francisco
Arsicault Bakery in San Francisco

The owner grew up in Paris, and after years of being unable to find the croissants he knew and loved, went to baking school and opened up his own outpost, named for his grandparent’s namesake in France.

If you have more time, I recommend a walk through The Presidio. There is so much to see there like the Andrew Goldsworthy Wood line and more.. ( That’s me a few years ago…)

Andrew Goldsworthy's Wood Line at the Presidio

Did you know you can live in some of the old officer’s historic housing at the Presidio? They have a special link to all those available in the park, including some unique places like Pilot’s Row right next to the Golden Gate! I love seeing these historic residences, some over 100 years still used.

SF Presidio Pilot's Row

You can see more of thhe homes on my Instagram account under my Bay Area story bubble and on this little Reel I made of the day trip !

The winter coat you didn’t know you needed..

It’s been extra cold in a lot of places this year. You may be asking yourself, do I have the right outerwear? We Californians can get by with minimal jackets many years, but this year is different. I have worn a long puffer jacket ( my sleeping bag coat), most days in December and January.

me weawring a long brown puffer coat from Zara

It keeps me warm, dry and insulated like a fragile fruit! If you don’t have one of these in your closet, and hate being cold, you might consider getting one before they are gone, and some are marked down..They can be chic and I have seen a lot of stylish people with them. Most of all, they can’t be beat for keeping you cozy.

Here’s a few to consider..

This with side zips from Mango in black is classic.. and I love the green version and white..

Mango long puffer coat in black
Mango long puffer coat in soft green
Mango long puffer coat in white

This Hobbs London Puffer at Bloomies comes in a pretty wine color and charcoal and has a terrific wind collar so you don’t even need a scarf for those cold day walks.

Hobbs London puffer coat in wine
Hobbs London long puffer coat in charcoal

I like this pretty one by Barbour that also comes in black…

Barbour rose coat puffer
barbour long puffer coat with fur trim

Save The Duck has mindful coats of no feathers and makes some stylish options like this classic on left… I also love this stylish Eileen Fisher version on right..

Save The Ducks long puffer coat
eileen fisher black long puffer coat

This option at Madewell comes in green and a camel and black and I like the contrast zipper…

madewell long puffer coat in dark green
madewell long puffer coat in camel
madewell long puffer coat in black

This is a pretty iridescent.. a darling wrap version

iridescent puffer coat long
black wrap long puffer coat

Chocolate Chip Cookies with winter orange…

I’ve been trying not to bake after the holidays, but this week with the rain, I needed a little treat and I decided to experiment with my regular chocolate chip recipe and use the beautiful oranges from the Sisters Market, a kind gift from Juliet. I remember someone adding orange zest to cookies and thought I’d use some in my cookies along with macadamia nuts I brought back from Hawaii, coconut and walnuts.

Max thought they were the best cookies I have made yet, so that was a good as he can be picky. I lowered the amount of white sugar, and also used Muscavado Sugar instead of brown, which is unrefined sugar with molasses and has more depth and flavor than brown. I am remembering a neighbor who told me to play with your recipes and change them up and so if you want a California spin on traditional chocolate chips, give this a try.

using grated orange in California Chocolate Chip cookies
California Chocolate Chip cookies
California Chocolate Chip cookies
California Chocolate Chip cookies

California Chocolate Chip Cookies

kimwheeler
A California spin on the chocolate chip with orange and walnut. ( option -also add macadamia and coconut.)
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C unsalted butter
  • 1/4 C granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 C Muscovado sugar or brown sugar if you can't find this.
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/2 C all purpose flour
  • 1/2 pkg dark chocolate chips I like Guittard super cookie chips
  • 1 1/2 C walnuts roughly chopped
  • 1 orange zest of one orange and 1/4 c of juice
  • 1 C macadamia or other nuts
  • 1 C organic coconut flakes love the 'Let's Do Organic' brand

Instructions
 

  • Mix the softened butter, sugars and baking soda on medium. Scrape sides and add in eggs, one at a time and vanilla and juice of orange. Beat in flour, careful not to over mix, and then chips, nuts, flakes and orange zest. Scoop onto parchment in rounded tablespoon size and bake 8-10 minutes until edges brown, but tops still look soft. Makes about 24 cookies.
Keyword california chocolate chip

Other notes..

Juliet did a great review of HGTV’s Dream House and I always love her reviews and posts as she is so detailed and leaves nothing out. This year’s home was a mountain house in Colorado and you can read her fun post here.

This week was the first Signature Style post of 2023 and Cindy and I talked about athleisure and cozy clothes and you can read my post and Cindy’s here.

I also just LOVED this deep dive post by Joni of Cote de Texas about this historic Vanderbilt home.

And if you missed it, Annie, Mary Ann and Cindy, Carla and others talked about Design Trends for 2023 and you can start reading the link on Annie’s beautiful post about brown interiors and more..

brown collage on design trends 2023 fro Most Lovely things blog

On last weekend’s post– thoughts on starting 2023, adding citrus tones to the home, stylish jeans and white shirts, inspiration from Sylvie of Emily in Paris, and more..

Have a good weekend and I hope everyone stays safe in this storm,

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Rails Clothing, Fig Couscous, Succulent Pumpkins, & a Santa Cruz Home

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On this Weekend Meander..my favorite Rails pieces for fall, a fig couscous to make right now, a succulent pumpkin craft, an exotic Santa Cruz home, and an historic San Francisco auction you won’t want to miss..

Welcome back to our little weekend roundup of fun things with Juliet and Elizabeth! I always have so much to share and the week I am squeezing a few more extras in because they are on sale now!

My Madewell Jacket

At the beginning of October, I shared this Larsen plaid blazer from Madewell on my Signature Style post about Fall Wishlists.. I was waiting for mine to come and turns out… I never checked out of my cart. No wonder it was taking so long! Anyone else ever do that? And here I was blaming the postal service..

The upside, yes there was one, was that I got it on sale at Madewell and I also added these loafers. The jacket came in two days and the loafers are pre-ordered so a few weeks away. It’s a good time to grab these things if you’ve been thinking about them!

I love this jacket!! I bought a small and I am 5’4 and about 137-8ish.. It’s slightly longer in the newer style, but not baggy. I paired in with my Anthropologie jeans (same jeans darker wash here) and my Resistance scarf from Claire V.

Rails California Clothes

A few weeks back I visited the Rails outpost in San Francisco. I love this California brand and they have just three shops in the U.S., the others are NY and Newport Beach, and I have a scoop that they are soon opening an outpost at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto!

They had so many beautiful things and this Wedgewood blue dress with tan flowers especially stood out. I needed a long sleeve dress for fall and later in winter with boots and it’s an easy throw on and go fabric. It’s also on sale now until Sunday at Bloomies with code SAVEMORE.

The dress is also in a longer version here.

I also couldn’t leave without this butterscotch colored Steffi Jacket. I was taken in by the super soft feel, very pretty color and contrasting black buttons. It’s light and not stiff and a good jacket for California’s fall and winter. It’s also on sale here this weekend with the SAVEMORE code and 25% off.. I missed this chance to get them on sale, and it’s a nice savings.

After a few cool days here, I finally wore the jacket first time to meet Juliet for a working lunch on Wednesday and it was actually 90 degrees by time we finished! We both thought we were having hot flashes! I’m so ready to wear all these warmer things.. and still using my straw tote as my laptop bag and purse.. A very overheated me posing with the jacket.. Thank you Juliet for the pic..

Town & Country Village in Palo Alto

The day I met Juliet we decided on a halfway point to have a working lunch and I suggested one of my favorite spots, Town & Country in Palo Alto. This old school shopping center really has the nicest places for a bite and we had a French lunch at Douce France, and unassuming little bakery with great salads, sandwiches, coffee and pastries.

We both went for the brie, pear and walnut sandwich on a baguette…It felt like the perfect fall lunch and we loved it. I was thinking what a good girls’ lunch sandwich to recreate?

After we popped in one of the best consignment places, Fillmore & Fifth and we found Juliet a Maxmara Chanel style jacket, a Nili Loton blue stripe blouse, and this Annabel Ingall tote in Kelly green. I adore those totes and have one in yellow…

All the things she got were like new. I also found a brand new August Cashmere cardigan with leather buttons that had a $550 tag still attached for $50… SO it pays to go to consignment. Wherever you live, you need to find the good spots and frequent them. Upcycled clothes are the future and stylish and cool. I can’t wait to see Juliet share all she found. Below she is with the new bag..

Fall Fig Couscous Salad

Figs are still all over the stores here in early fall and so I thought I’d share my family’s favorite fig couscous dish. It’s great to bring to a potluck, or to serve with grilled chicken or fish, and a big green salad.

Pick figs that are not too soft, but have some give. If I’m at Whole Foods I like to mix the figs if they have several varietals of the same cost. Get fresh pine nuts. A sliced thinly shallot, cooked until slightly brown, almost black, gives a savory bit and counters the sweetness of the figs. A very important step is toasting the pine nuts. It makes all the difference in this!

Fig and Shallot Couscous

kimwheeler
a great side dish or potluck item for summer and into late fall.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 C. Olive Oil Extra virgin
  • 1 box couscous
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 basket fresh figs mixed or of your choice
  • 3/4 C Pine nuts
  • 1 tsp sea salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • 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.
Keyword fig couscous

Succulent pumpkins

During 2020, our pandemic year, my neighbors and I did a fun project in my garage with succulents and pumpkins. If you have succulents growing around just snap bits off and use them.. You just need some moss, and a few other things. The original blog and instructions here. This weekend might be a fun time to do this with friends or kids and the pumpkins last a long time. They also make a cute gift and a darling centerpiece…

A Santa Cruz home in House Beautiful!

I spied this very cool Moroccan inspired Santa Cruz, California home in House Beautiful this month and had to share as it’s a renovation of house built in the 80’s…

I love to see someone’s unique vision. You are not wedded to the architectural age of your house! Interior design was by Alexandra Loew and photos by Roger Davies.

Many of the beautiful wallpapers in the home are Morris & Co.

Buy a Piece of San Francisco History at Ann Getty’s auction..

This week Cristie’s is finishing the auction of the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection. Ann was a longtime famous hostess and tastemaker and what a gorgeous collection she had. Ann grew up on a walnut and pecan orchard in California’s central valley and later attended UC Berkeley where she studied anthropology. Thanks to her job and friends at the Joseph Magnin cosmetic counter, she met her husband Gordon Getty.. More about her fascinating life and amazing taste and here on Airmail.

The live auction already took place and made 79 million! The online auctions end on the 25th, but you can still peruse the offerings and there are still some not too outrageous things to be gotten.. Ann’s handbags and jewelry is the most interesting to me, and many of the bags are less than the Real Real is selling them for. I mean that! There is also some of my favorite Ippolita jewelry.

Philanthropist Ann Getty, wife of millionaire oil tycoon Gordon Getty, decorating tables for a Christmas celebration at their home in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, USA, August 1979. (Photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images)

The Art of the Table lot has ceramics, art and silver pieces.. and other beautiful one of a kind things! I love this green porcelain set which is private stock made for Tiffany in France.. All the proceeds go to benefit their foundation.

That is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here and I hope your weekend is great!

Kim

On last Weekend’s Meander..my fall front porch decor, more plaid jackets to consider, including Katie Holme’s latest, organizing your jewelry, a Christmas jewelry tree project to prep for, a French hair product you’ll love, and revisiting the legendary design of California’s Nut Tree restaurant.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings – The California Look Book, Plaid Jackets, and the Legendary Nut Tree

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On this Weekend Meander.. my fall front porch decor, more plaid jackets to consider, including Katie Holmes latest, organizing your jewelry, a Christmas jewelry tree project to prep for, a French hair product you’ll love, and revisiting the legendary design of California’s Nut Tree restaurant.

It’s that time of the week where I share all that is on my radar along with Juliet and Elizabeth! The week seems to have flown by as the college son was here and already off, but we had some fun doing a day trip to foggy Carmel, and a little shopping for new pants..and sneakers. I made cookies and we had a nice lunch out.. And now I’ve got laundry and a quiet house again.. I miss him, so I got busy with the porch and things..

It’s fall on the porch..

Yes, it’s halfway through the month of October, but I finally got my front porch the way I want it. It’s simple, but has a little autumn vibe. I found my mums at the local Ace Hardware and used these seagrass baskets from Target that usually house my hydrangeas. Even the cat came out to inspect it..

Benjamin Moore Florida Keys Blue Front Door paint

I bought a dried leaf wreath from our local florist, Bunches. I love that the leaves are real and preserved so hopefully it will last a few seasons. I also like that it’s pretty simple.

Benjamin Moore Florida Keys Blue Front Door paint

I thought the rust color would pop nicely with the door. So far, Max’s spider has stayed in the garage rafters.. I am hoping he forgot about it!

Jewelry Seasonal cleanout and trends…

Since we talked about cleaning out the closet for fall and two weeks ago the beauty cabinet, this week I am tackled my jewelry drawer! So many of us have piles of jewelry and rarely go through it. Since this season trends have a retro feel, it’s a good time to shop your own jewelry drawer first! I have some of my jewelry on my dresser top so I remember to wear it, and the rest in my top drawer. (Back in 2016 I wrote this post about having fun displaying your jewelry.)

jewelry displayed on statue on dresser

Go through what you have and separate by metals and then by type. I bought my velvet jewelry dividers at Homegoods a while back (similar ones here) and I love opening a drawer and seeing it all. If you can dedicate a drawer to your jewelry that is great. I have bigger necklaces on trays. This is also a cute holder if you don’t have a drawer.

velvet jewelry organized
jewelry chains organized
jewelry organized

I mentioned in my Signature Style Fall Edit post, I have been wearing a few pair of my mom’s hoops from the 80’s. I think they are made by Trifari and the others are Monet. Some of the older costume jewelry is fantastic quality, nothing like you find today.

Some of the newer trends are wearing many necklaces and bead necklaces along with your chains. Those 70’s and 80’s simple and twisted hoops our mothers wore non-stop are back also. I have also spotted vintage looking clips as well as dangly evening earrings with more tailored day looks… Whatever it is, if something speaks to you, dig it out and start wearing it again. Jewelry makes your look so have fun with it.

mixing my chains with beads..

Madewell and J.Crew have lots of classic looking hoops if you need a pair for fall..I particularly love these from Odette New York in brass made by hand for J. Crew.

The Jewelry Tree Project

Some of you may remember this Christmas tree made of costume jewelry that was my grandmother’s that I now treasure. I adore it and fixed it last year with a few vintage buttons and things where it had lost a piece or two. These are so beautiful and I get so many compliments on mine, I thought it would be fun to try and recreate one myself..

vintage Jewelry Christmas tree in frame

I’m not a crafty kind of person, but I have been obsessed with these vintage holiday jewelry trees and I thought it would be a fun project I can share in November, but we need to start collecting pieces for this now..

Last year when I shared my tree, I had some others share their own jewelry trees that they treasure. Some are gorgeous. This was a trend in the 60’s and 70’s and one family was lucky to have one made for each kid that I shared on my Instagram from BB Hamilton…

Jewelry Christmas tree in frame

They are unique things of beauty and could one day be an heirloom for your family… If you like the look of these, start looking for costume brooches, earrings and other bits that you might want to use in one of these. Buttons can work and any kind of jeweled bits..Check the local Goodwill or yard sales for pieces and start collecting.

The other thing you’ll need is a frame and some fabric you will want to do this on. Good choices are velvet, like my grandma’s or wool or other winter looking fabrics.

I will share more details in November when we can work on these, but start keeping your eye out now! You will find more inspiration and ideas on this Pinterest link and also here on Etsy where they are selling many vintage ones for a lot of money.

Jewelry Christmas tree in frame
Jewelry Christmas tree in frame

The California Look

I was a my local bookstore Kepler’s last weekend and spotted this beautiful book, The California Look. The book is the photography of Fred Lyons who knew Frances Elkins and Tony Hail, Michael Taylor and John Dickinson, who decorated with fresh modern looks in the post-war era, specifically, Northern California. I did know about Michael Taylor and his influence, but did not know as much about the others. This book is a peek into those beautiful homes.Many are from Atherton, Woodside, San Francisco and wine country.. One is even from Sugar Bowl!

I’m especially a fan of Michael Taylor’s beautiful aesthetic which is bright, light and mixes modern and natural elements so perfectly.. Do these not look like a home from today?? The man was ahead of his time. If you’re a Northern Californian, or just a fan of California casual with elegance, you will adore this book!

More plaid jackets

Alex Mill plaid jacket

This week I spotted a stunning fall plaid jacket at Nordstrom.. If you’re still looking for a lovely piece for the fall wardrobe to give everything that Ralph Lauren vibe, this jacket by Alex Mill is gorgeous and I can attest to it’s quality. I tried it on and love the way this feels on, not stiff or heavy, with a lovely cream lining with stripes you can turn up. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of those pieces you’d have in the wardrobe forever..

Alex Mill plaid jacket silk lining
Alex Mill plaid jacket at Nordstrom

I tried it on quickly as we were shopping for the son.. This was a small which was perfect and I am usually a size 8.

I ordered this Madewell one and it’s on the way, so if I don’t totally love it, I’ll return it for this Alex Mill one.

Katie Holmes was spotted recently in a plaid jacket..always giving the cool girl vibe with her under the radar pieces.and I love that! Not a label in sight on this girl.

Katie’s blazer is by Reformation, a sustainable brand that uses old stock material. I also love that.

katie holmes in Reformation plaid jacket

Phyto 7 Hair Creme

Years ago when I worked in the beauty department at Nordstrom, I used to be the rep for the French haircare line, Phyto. I grew to love this plant based line that had a cult following. I had forgotten about it, and recently found it again!

Phyto 7 french hair creme

Some products were so popular, and hard to get people would come in and buy 12 tubes of their favorite, and back then, this stuff wasn’t cheap. Most popular were the Phyto Defrissant, for curly haired people, and Phyto 7 and Phyto 9, which are hair cremes you leave in after your regular wash/condition.

Phyto 7 was my favorite as I have fine, colored and damaged hair and it made a huge difference. The best way to describe it would be that your hair can have the shine and luster a child’s hair does. Phyto 9 is a heavier version for people with thicker, coarser dry hair.

I use about a dime size in my wet hair mainly on the ends and on the front strands when it’s towel dried and them comb through to distribute. It’s also perfect for a travel bag when you don’t know what kind of products you’ll find or if you must deal with a hotel blow drier from hell.. This stuff makes your hair look and feel beautiful. I also love to work it in and just let air dry sometimes! Phyto also has a sun line and the after sun shampoo is wonderful to take on a vacation. You can find the whole line here.

The lost age of the Nut Tree

If you are Northern Cal native near my age, you may remember the original Nut Tree roadside stop that once stood where the current hideous block of big box stores and fast food stops called the Nut Tree, now exists off Highway 80. The original fruit stand, which was very special, began in 1921, and was later transformed by the family and a visionary designer in the 50’s.  In 1978, the San Francisco Chronicle called the roadside attraction an “oasis of taste.”

The Nut Tree original menu
The original Nut Tree menu designed by Don Birrell

I am often wistful for the original stop, as it was a memorable kind of wonderland on the way to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area. My husband especially remembers the train and the small airport and airplanes that hung from the ceilings.. He does not remember the details I did, but it was designed to be a full on experience, from the plates to the food, as well as the beautiful architecture and furniture.

The Nut Tree dining room 1970s

I recently came across an article about how this roadside marvel came to be in Sactown Magazine, by writer Leilani Marie Labong, and the history behind it is fascinating. The original Power family who owned it, found visionary graphic artist Don Birrell, a graduate of CalArts in LA, where many of the Disney illustrators like Mary Blair emerged, to help them create this nirvana. Birrell’s vision was implemented in every way, from the Eames furniture, to the flowers (the whole Nut Tree design was a forerunner to ‘flower power’), to how the tables were set and even how the food was arranged for recipes.

The menu was ahead of it’s time, with it’s own orchard, and very farm-to-table. According to the article:

The Nut Tree’s farmers tended 200 acres of fruit orchards and row crops to supply the onsite food programs, and in fact the train ride skirted this farmland on its route between the toy store and the airport. In 1978, former New York Times food editor Raymond Sokolov called the Nut Tree a “crucible of California style” and “the region’s most characteristic and influential restaurant.” 

Sactown Mag

As a kid, one of the fun parts of a stop there, was taking the train to see the airport and back to the toy store. The gift shop even sold the Eames chairs from the restaurant and the Dansk dishes that were used.. There was also a candy store and a cookie stand where you could buy cookies as big as your head made from the family’s honey cookie recipe. I remember begging my mom for one and I think the answer was usually no..

The Nut Tree cookies 1970s

The Nut Tree was what happens when you care enough to put thought into all the choices of a business. It’s so rare to see such a thing in today’s world of fast food and chain restaurants.

The Nut Tree gift Shop
The Nut Tree, 1958 – 1989 -Notice the kitchenware display on the wall.. Why does this remind me of Small World in Disneyland?

I wish there to be more places like this. Maybe it’s because I am a design obsessed person, but I know for many, the Nut Tree stays on in our minds. It’s a shame it’s gone forever, but the wonderful details, some that I never even imagined, live on in this beautiful piece that is a tribute. The writer Lelani Marie Labong won an award for it.

The Nut Tree airport

Does anyone else remember this magical spot? I wish my kids could have experienced it!

You can also buy the Nut Tree book, by one of the Power children, available at the Vacaville Museum and here.

The Nut Tree book

That is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here and I hope your weekend is great!

Kim

If you missed last weekend’s post , I shared some new things I’ve added to the house this season, folding screens, puffy purses, a gorgeous book on home, and a way to help more people vote.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings-Inspiration Boards, Charcuterie Ideas, the Best Madewell Fall Pieces & More..

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On this Weekend’s Meanderings..Homemade pasta noodles, inspiration bulletin boards, a great book with some unexpected charcuterie ideas, and Madewell pieces you’ll want to add to the closet..and more!

It’s time for some chat and and fun things you might want to know about -with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet. We have been so lucky here in Northern Cal with days of 70’s temperatures here after a last week’s unbelievable heat. I even wore jeans and a cardigan today. I can’t believe fall is next week already. I am ready!

The Queen’s Service Coverage

Have you been watching the coverage of the queen’s funeral and all surrounding it? I’ve been catching a lot of it on SkyNews live stream on YouTube. It’s the next to best thing to being able to watch live BBC in the U.K. If you are in America, and don’t want to miss a thing, you’ll appreciate it. I’ve had it open on the computer non-stop and watching all of it. There are some wonderful stories on Sky..Like Eisenhower’s granddaughter sharing notes from the Queen and her special scone recipe she wrote out with a note for the President and other fascinating tales.

So many people queuing to see the Queen, it’s quite something isn’t it? I don’t think we’ll ever forget this. Princess Anne is the first female royal to be part of Vigil of the Princes, and walk and stand next to the coffin. I do like her in the pants, something we haven’t seen before.

Pumpkins and Fall Decor

Juliet and I have a thing about fall decor.. We both don’t like a ton of it and I do hate the pushing of it so much in every single store. There is only so much we need and people can go over the top.. I do have a few glass pumpkins I’ve had for years I’ll put out in October. I also buy real ones and leave them on the porch through Thanksgiving, but not until October!

I was complaining about the cargo ships loaded with this stuff and saying if I hear another thing about pumpkin spice… UGH! Well Juliet being the joker she is, gave me a little pumpkin mug as a gag (along with some gorgeous candlesticks .) Thing is, it’s my favorite mug now! I sent her this photo of me with it.. pardon my morning appearance.. Ha I love her!

Mornin Pumpkin mug

That said… I kind am of thinking of breaking my no more pumpkin decor rule with these rattan pumpkins I’ve been eyeing at Pottery Barn. Don’t you think they are cute? One might be kind of cool mixed in with my real ones..I’m a lover of anything rattan. How do you all feel about the fall decor thing? Are you all in -or more like me? Would this be terrible? I know I’d keep them a long time, so that sort of justifies one?

Bulletin/Inspiration Boards

I am still getting my small office the way I want it, and we finally removed the big television we had and I now have another wall to play with. I knew I wanted a big bulletin board to pin all the things inspiring me. I had my eye on one of the Ballard Design boards.

Linen pinboard
Ballard design sisal pinboard

They are well made with cork behind them so they work beautifully. I previously had a beautiful burlap version that I gave to my son. I know these are pricey so I looked all over for something similar in the same size and linen. Even going through Etsy, and making the same size board, it was near $600, so I finally went with the Ballard Linen version during a sale.

Inspiration board on linen pinboard in office

I am so happy I did. It’s really the focus of this extra wall now. I’m having fun pinning up some images that are inspiring me for autumn, and inspiring quotes..

Inspiration board on linen pinboard

I’m loving rusts, blues and hints of yellow for autumn 2022! I’ve also done boards in the mud room before with postcards from travels or all family photos. That’s what I love about these boards, you can treat it as a living collage of sorts and change it up when the mood strikes you!

The Boards Book

My sweet son Jackson gave me this book, Boards, for my birthday and it’s fantastic. There are a lot of charcuterie board books out there right now, but this one is different. It is by Elle Simon Scott, of America’s Test Kitchen, and she is a chef, food stylist and also a show-runner. Food is her passion though and she’s the genius behind this wonderful book.

Boards cookbook bay America Test Kitchen's Elle Simone Scott

Charcuterie boards have evolved from the big wooden board with a hunk of cheese. They are so much more now and almost a creative art that can be used from breakfast on and for almost all occasions. They make things casual and fun and encourage gathering, chatting and eating..

Because Elle is a food stylist as well as a chef, these board ideas are stunning. Just some of the ideas are breakfast taco boards, pizza parlor, martinis, afternoon tea, steak frites, shawarma, Octoberfest, pavlovas- and so much more.

What really makes this book though is the delicious recipes. This isn’t just pretty boards. She has a load of dips and fun foods to make. It’s a perfect book if you want entertaining ideas for the holiday season coming…

steak fretes charcuterie board
Bruschetta charcuterie board

I also enjoy following chef Elle on Instagram here.

Homemade Noodles!

Home made noodles with red sauce.

Last Sunday Max made homemade noodles. Fall makes me think of comfort food and I was remembering my mom and grandma’s own homemade noodles. I would love waking up and seeing noodles drying all over the counter as a kid. We don’t have a noodle attachment for our mixer, so we did them the old fashioned way like mom, just rolling the dough into tube shapes and then slicing and laying out for a while to dry before refrigerating.

We used a jar of Rao’s marinara because we had it on hand, grated fresh Parmigiano Reggiano on top and served it with a green salad and an Epi Baguette from the Los Gatos Farmer’s Market warmed up and we indulged with real butter. It was heaven! I ate the leftovers for lunch later in the week. I can’t tell you how good homemade noodles are until you try them. Full recipe here from Love and Lemons.

rolling out home made noodles.
cutting home made noodles
drying home made noodles

Max also used King Arthur 00 Pizza Flour which really worked well. If you haven’t tried it, I recommend it for home pizzas and other things you want sort of a chewiness.

Madewell Insider Sale

Madewell has so many good items for fall ! Of all the pretty things, I have a few pieces that I am considering adding to the closet…

You can also pin these collages if you want to save them..

Fall Madewell casual chic look with jeans and blouse.

The Puffy Transport Bag, in four colors is darling, so is the Piazza Bag in color and size options, this Glen Plaid Baseball Cap, this boxy Cashmere Cardigan, the Smocked Waist Top, these Mid-rise everyday jeans, these vintage wide leg crops jeans, the Corinne Lugsole Loafer, the Mindy Mule, and this cute two piece necklace set.

Casual Fall look from Madewell with jeans and cardigan.

You can also shop the pieces here..

My Closet Video

If you caught last week’s Signature Style with Sarah and Cindy, we did Closet Cleanout. To go along with that theme, I did a small video tour of my closet and how I organize it! I’m trying to get better about making these little clips..and I’m still learning, but you can catch it here on my Instagram.

closet cleanout tour
Closet organization for shoes
closet organizers

Cute Personalized Stationery

I just wrote a few thank you and it reminded me I have been wanting to order personalized notes for a while. Its nice to order them before you actually need them!

I love the quality of Minted and they are a local Bay Area business and use small artists for their designs. They have so many artful styles to choose from.. I chose this design which kind of reminded me of Hawaii and is a bit modern. It also comes in other colorways..

Minted personalized floral notes.

I also love this poppy design, this modern circle design, and this bird one..

poppy personalized stationery from Minted.
Modern pretty pink personalized stationery from Minted.
bird theme personalized stationery from Minted.

You can see all the options for your own cards here.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful and you enjoy the first days of fall.

Kim

On last weekend’s meanderings.. Queen Elizabeth, a lunch at Juliet’s pretty house, some uber soft pajamas for hot nights, a luxe lipstick balm, and an inspiring Australian home book..

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Queen Elizabeth, Juliet’s Pretty Lunch Party, a Luxe Lip Balm & More

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On this Weekend Meanderings.. Queen Elizabeth, a lunch at Juliet’s pretty house, some uber soft pajamas for hot nights, a luxe lipstick balm, and an inspiring Australian home book..

It’s time for some chat and and fun things you might want to know about -with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet. And I must start with the passing of the Queen..

The Queen

Oh my goodness.. I woke Thursday to the news the queen was maybe gravely ill and I knew that wasn’t good. I think we all knew it might happen- someday, but that she actually passed right after welcoming the new PM, a day earlier, wow. It’s like she got all the unfinished business done before going. So her wasn’t it?

If you are near to my age, she has been on the throne our whole lives. The Washington Post said 9 in 10 living humans were born after she became Queen. That is mind blowing. I truly believe that she led a period that we will look back on as a New Elizabethan Age of sorts – a period of respect for institutions and honor and doing ‘the right thing.’ It feels like that has crumbled the last few years…

The Queen had what they called ‘soft power’ which was a magnifying presence and the ability to inspire the best in us. In her later years we were lucky to see more of that softer side and her humor. I loved her for ‘parachuting’ into the Olympics with Daniel Craig and the fun with Paddington for the Jubilee. She felt like our grandmother… at least that was how it was for me.

coronation tin from 1953

My grandmother had a little Coronation tin souvenir that I treasure and have now. I would bring grandma Hello Magazines from England when I got them and she loved to see what the Queen wore and what she was doing. They came up in the same time, the depression, the war, the 50’s and through all the incredible changes and advances of the 20th Century. They were of an age that was selfless, and put doing the right thing, above personal pleasure. There are few of their generation left, and it feels strange without her.

Washington Post Septmeber 9, 2022, on the Queen's death

Image: The Guardian

I think Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister said so fittingly in her tribute to the Queen. ‘She was the rock on which modern Britain was built.‘

Emanuel Macron said how so many of us all over the world feel, ‘To you, she was your queen, to us she was The Queen.’

Newsweek Cover of the queens passing September 2022

What do you think of King Charles? ( Seems funny to say that.) His speech was very moving. As much as I despise what happened to Diana, I think he is a good human and has evolved I hope. I think he cares about so many things that matter, he’s extremely progressive and it’s exciting to think how he may modernize the monarchy. We need to give him a chance. He may be a very good King. Can you imagine starting this job in your 70’s? Who know how long we will have him, but as someone said to me, looks like no queens for a long time, as after William there is George… so we were lucky to have this queen, who meant so much to so many. So very many articles and shows in tribute to her long life of service, but these pieces are kind of different..

This article in Vogue U.K. tells of all the jewelry that Prince Phillip had designed for the queen over the years..

queen with baby

The Washington Post has a story about the Queen’s corgis. She had over 30 in her lifetime and did leave some behind. She even had a breeding program at one point and they were how she calmed herself..

queen walking her corgis at train station

This is a great collection of photos of the Queen and Prince Phillip..

The queen with prince Phillip at polo 1950's

The heat!

Well we have had one heck of a week here in Nor Cal.. We have had over 100 degree days -and hot nights that don’t cool down. On Thursday when it was supposed to be cooler, it was still 109 here after dinner time. I just even more appreciate our normal California weather where A/C is an optional thing we use a few hours during a summer and never in the morning or night..

A super soft pj set for hot nights

My friend Ani has amazing taste and always sends me the best gifts and a box arrived this week with the softest pajamas. This was so timely as I’ve been dying at night with the heat…Not only do they feel good -almost cool, but they are very well made just for Nordstrom and have the prettiest piping and matching buttons. They look like a pair I had previously that were made in Italy. These are of Model which is a sustainably produced fiber. This cute set comes in Plus sizes too and in six different patterns/color, but I love the baby blue and brown in zebra..

zebra baby blue and brown short pajamas

They also come in full length and this cute green pattern.

Spaces for Living Book

Spaces for Living by Tamsin Johnson book on coffee table

I came across this gorgeous book, Spaces for Living by Tamsin Johnson, an Australian designer- and I am crazy for her style. This book is loaded with inspiring homes and interiors that are punctuated with textures, colors and objects…Think things that draw the eye in and still feel organic and inviting. I love this kind of decorating.

Tamsin Johnson entry table
Tams sin Johnson kitchen with black bar stools

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Crystal Balm

I haven’t had an Estee Lauder product for a while, and had forgotten how nice they are.. My dear friend Elizabeth ( there Contessa),gave me this wonderful Revitalizing Crystal Balm for the lips that has a little sparkle and makes them feel amazing! I so loved this, especially on this very hot week. This balm comes in five colors and I have the Cosmic Crystal which can be layered over colors too. The case is beautiful with a magnetic click that is so satisfying! If you’ve never had this balm, it is a treat and great for those with dry lips.

Estee lauder Crystal balm lipstick

A fun lunch at Juliet’s pretty home

Thursday Juliet kindly had a little birthday lunch for me at her lovely home and it was the highlight of this hellish weather week. I have been lucky to have been a guest at her place a few times, but it is so inviting and bright and even more stunning in person. I adore her decor, her garden and admire how she sets a table, and is a wonderful cook too. All the usual suspects were there and I am a little shy to share pics as it seems we just did this, but everyone was so sweet… and Cindy, my Signature Style pal drove all the way from Paso Robles.. Jim, Juliet’s patient husband snapped our pictures in the 100+ heat.

wearing blue dresses for a ladies lunch

Juliet made delicious green salad with chicken and apples -perfect for fall – recipe on her last blog. I love her kitchen so much..

chicken apple harvest green salad
soft green kitchen
Entry console with mirror and orchid
A ladies lunch in Orinda

We stayed in Juliet’s pretty yard for a bit until and then moved indoors where it was cool..

blue sundresses- ladies lunch

Elizabeth made yummy parfait with yogurt and fresh berries and gluten free brownies! Elizabeth also brought a surprise guest our Instagram friend Linda that we both know- and she told Elizabeth about my blog years ago- so I have Linda to thank for connecting us! It was fun to meet in person. We all wore blue and Heidi brought orange flowers for us to wear.

That morning we heard about the Queen and my friend Elizabeth, (aka Contessa) had brought for me a incredibly special basket of commemorative Jubilee things.. and we couldn’t believe that coincidence..what timing..

Green lunch table with hydrangeas

Isn’t Juliet’s soft green table lovely? Just love the hydrangeas too..

Green lunch table

Juliet has the best sense of humor.. love her bathroom guest napkins..and her cute menagerie..these guys have the life!

Cute guest bath paper towels

Juliet at her darling Dutch door..

Soft Blue Dutch front door

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful- and cooler!

Kim

Last Weekend’s Meanderings I shared an overnight getaway to San Francisco at Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, mirrored backslashes for light and sparkle, my newly recovered patio set, tennis bracelets, and more.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Georgia, Summer Dresses, Consignment Shopping & More

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On this Weekend Meanderings..my trip to Georgia, a great casual dress you need, my favorite new pajamas and more..

I’m back with Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope your week has been good. Last week I was away at the Haven Conference in Atlanta, Georgia and it was really a great time in a new place and I learned so much..

Georgia

This was my first visit to Georgia and it exceeded expectations! I truly have never encountered so many nice folks. I also was wowed by the food, and how green and pretty it is there ..Very different from our golden hills here in summer. Our view flying into Atlanta below. I marveled at the huge lawns..

Very green Georgia from the sky.

The plan was for Juliet and I to meet up with our friends and fellow bloggers, Annie and Mary Ann at the conference. Juliet got Covid, a few days prior and then Annie also came down with it the next day! I felt so bad for both of them. Mary Ann and I debated about still going and then she said, ‘Let’s do it!’, so I knew then I had to get it together and travel alone without Juliet, but I made it and it was great.

Our stylish Atlanta pal, interior designer Sherry Hart ,took us to the best Restaurant, South City Kitchen where we had fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, trout, cornbread, biscuits and we ended with a peach sundae! I wish I could take Max, who is from Kentucky. He would have been over the moon. This is a fabulous spot if you are in Atlanta..

fried green tomatoes
Cornbread muffins

Sherry with Mary Ann and I ..If you are not following Sherry you are missing one of the best interior design accounts! She is so funny and real and I adore her.

California Stye long black maxi dress

We loved our pretty hotel, The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead. My room had a fantastic view of the city and the green beyond. Mary Ann had a double room with a window in the bath that was so lovely.. They also had peach everything and we tried the peach flatbread and peach spritzer, so delicious!

Grand Hyatt Buckhead Atlanta

The conference was good and we learned a lot of new things so we can stay relevant blogging and on social media..i.e. Instagram. We also met many cool people, many influencers doing DIY accounts, and some gifted women flipping (refinishing) furniture or couples flipping homes. Lots of future Chip and Joanna Gaines were in attendance and so darn talented. I will try and share some of those accounts on my Instagram stories this week in case you want to follow them!

What helped me going alone on this trip was to not overthink it. I just packed, and went. Uber was the scariest thing to me, a bit of an unknown, but I wandered the airport, found the pickup spot, clicked the phone and my driver, whisked me to the hotel. We even had a good chat about politics and next thing I knew, I made it!

If I can do it, anyone can. It’s good for us to get out of our comfort zones and I definitely need to do this more.

I have this on my pinboard and look at it when I need encouragement..

Georgia O'Keefe Quote 'I have been scared..

I come from a mom who had a huge fear of flying. I know in my brain flying is safer than driving around the corner to the grocery store! Still, every time I ever took a flight my mom was like, ‘You’ve been a great daughter..’ Seriously! So it’s taken me time to get okay with flying.

Traveling alone was not bad either.. In fact, it might even be preferable. You can check out, read, rest and binge shows with no guilt. I LOVED it. I read my whole book, The Guncle and binged the best show, Hotel Portofino. I adored both.

What I packed..

I bought a few summer dresses for the trip and I will share the two of the dresses this Tuesday as we are doing a linen post on Signature Style.

The other dress was this new one from Pilcro..

Pilcro blue print tunic dress.
Haven Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
With Mary Ann in her pretty MaxMara dress she bought in Europe!

This Anthropologie dress is a good choice for travel and humid climates. It’s made of a heavyish cotton/linen blend and though feels light, it holds its shape, never needed ironing, even after the suitcase, needs no slip and..has pockets! It has a pretty, but casual vibe..

Pilcro Blue Puff Sleeve tunic

I loved the rough hem and white stitching that gives it an almost denim feel.

It also comes in a soft pink and a pretty orange floral and in Plus and Petite sizing… This is a dress that will flatter a lot of figures. I bought a small and I an 5’4 and 135ish.

Pilcro orange floral dress.
Pilcro pink puff sleeve tunic.

New Pajamas!

kate spade pajamas

I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I like to have something nice to sleep in and you never know who will want to pop by for coffee or chat in the room when going with pals right? While at Bloomingdales last week, I saw these uber soft and cute summer pjs by Kate Spade and bought a set.

I like that they have pockets and cute piping on the pant bottoms. I bought the colorful dots, but I’m thinking I want them in the black now too. They ran slightly large and I bought XS. I am in love with these!

My latest vase obsession

CB2 Voir Clear dotted vase.

I fell in love with another vase from CB2. I had my eye on this Voir vase at the Santana Row store, and when I went back this week, I noticed they have just a few left and it’s marked down, so I grabbed it for $39. I am loving it with protea, but it’s even pretty empty.

I think it would be gorgeous with white flowers. Each piece is unique as they are hand blown.. Right now CB2 has their summer sale with 30% off many things and 40% off their outdoor, so a good time to get pieces for the outside!

A day out in Palo Alto – lunch and some consignment shopping..

A great day out with a friend is Town & Country in Palo Alto. I love all the shops there and met my friend April- ( she used to write the Ms B in the bay Area blog) this week. I love Cafe Douce France, a charming little bakery started by two friends from the Alsace region of France, it has the flakiest croissants and wonderful lunch and coffee. .

Cafe Douce France Palo Alto
Fillmore & 5th consignment in Palo Alto

Afterwards, I love to stop at my favorite consignment Fillmore & 5th to see what is new. This is a great place to go if you aren’t used to consignment or shopping vintage. They have clothes and accessories from some of the nicest parts of the Peninsula, so you can always find a gem or two. This time I found a ‘new with tags’ Frank & Eileen button up for $37.

aviator glasses California
Vintage Frank & Eileen button-up

If you haven’t shopped vintage you need to start. All the cool kids do and it’s so much better for the planet..I just met a new friend in tennis class and we were all gawking at this gorgeous Prada bag she had. I’d never seen one like it. She said she only does vintage and collects things others don’t have..

She is going to give me tips, so stay tuned. I may be sharing soon. Make it a goal to get to one of these stores if you haven’t. If it helps you feel more comfortable, bring a friend like I did!

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I did a special travel themed post with a beautiful resort fashion book, links to trips to London, Hawaii, Bora Bora, packing tips, and advice for taking kids to travel abroad, like we did for many years!

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Appetizers Inspired by Travel!

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Say summer and I think of travel! Even though we haven’t gone far this summer, I’ve so enjoyed seeing people’s travel posts again after the past two years of quarantine. They are bringing back wonderful memories of sweet places in the world I hope to get back to someday- like England, Italy and France, and the Netherlands- and others that are still on my bucket list!

Last Friday I met my ‘Weekend Meanderings’ pal Juliet for a working lunch up in adorable Danville and she made us reservations at the most authentic and charming restaurant for lunch, Locanda Ravello. They describe themselves as ‘a slice of the Amalfi Coast in the heart of Danville’. Are you already enchanted? I had the caprese salad and it came with heirloom tomatoes and a heavenly burrata topped with pesto. I don’t think I have enjoyed a meal so much ever and could not stop talking about it to my husband.

Then Saturday we went to the new Eataly Silicon Valley, a three story Italian food extravaganza which was mind blowing. Coincidentally at the same time, I’ve also been enjoying the fun, ‘How to be Italian,’ book that I wrote about on last weekend’s blog.

So when Annie asked me to join this group, you could say that Italy was top of mind. My first thought was how to recreate that fabulous lunch in an appetizer size?

Caprese Bites

For my mini version, simply slice a medium or smaller size baguette diagonally, rub each with the cut side of a garlic clove, layer in a baking tray, drizzle with a fair amount of olive oil, malden sea salt, and toss with your hands to coat the slices. Lay out flat and toast in the a 400 degree oven until slightly golden on edges, but still a bit chewy, about 8 minutes. The key is to take them out while they are a bit crunchy yet with a chewiness, not crisp hard.

When cooled, top each slice with a slice of tomato, (garden or farmer’s market variations are the best tasting), a slice of fresh mozzarella, and a small dollop of pesto. I used Trader Joe’s Kale, Cashew, Basil Vegan Pesto, which was a first and it’s pretty good. You could also make your own, or in a pinch just add a fresh basil leaf. I tucked basil leaves around the dish. To recreate the look from wonderful Locando Ravello, you could add green olives and arugula.

It would be beautiful on one of those hand-painted Italian platters. Since I don’t have that, I opted for this long oval Torino Platter I love from Hudson-Grace.

I just happened to take these out when Max finished work and Griffin’s friends came by. The feedback was positive, so that made me happy! Obviously the better your tomatoes are, so will these bites be. I have been loving the darker red/green Kumato tomatoes from Trader Joes and those seemed to make the best versions of the bites. Highly recommend them!

Some things you may need..

Now please go see what delicious appetizers my friends are sharing on these blogs…


Most Lovely Things

My Sweet Savannah

Sheri Silver

Thanks for being here!

Kim

If you still have travel on the brain, you may enjoy this post with my travel essentials..This is one of my most read posts, A Guide to Traveling Abroad with Kids and my most popular post, What to Pack for Carmel and Monterey, that I update frequently.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Signature Style-My Life In Lipsticks and Some New Favorites

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Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah.  This month we are talking about lipsticks!

Ancient History

Do you remember your first lipstick? I remember exactly what mine was. I was nine. I know. Well it began in my fourth grade class where we were doing collages with magazines, (something I loved), and my chic teacher, Mrs Reyerson had magazines like Vogue to cut out and I was in love with the photos and the fashion. I went home and wanted to buy Vogue too, but mom said I was too young.

We met in the middle with a Seventeen Magazine subscription. That was back in the old days when magazines were huge and oversized and glossy. I poured over those pages, and could spend hours on my bed looking at the images of college girls in their knee high socks and pendleton skirts wishing I was a teenager. (I should have been doing something more productive, but hey it was the 70’s…) Thats’s why in 1974, or ’75, Yardley Pot O’Gloss was all I wanted. I could be persistent about these things and mom finally gave in, with the agreement I wear it ONLY in the house… I nay have broken that rule a few times.

This was the ad for it back then.. Imagine my mother when I showed her this.. She was a patient mom.

Oh the 70’s.. You have to love they were selling sex and straight up about it.

Later on my friend Laurie Montilla and I learned how to make our own lipgloss in third grade. Her sweet mom let us take ALL the lids of the family salad dressing bottles and mix vaseline with blush and eyeshadows to make our own colors! I thought this was the coolest thing on the earth. Later we progressed to Maybelline Kissing Potion with the glass roller ball in middle school. Remember that goopy stuff? And then there were the big Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers.. I believe I had Dr Pepper on a rope!

Image ImaBeautyGeek

I felt I had reached the lipstick pinnacle when mom took me for some real makeup for my first dance in tenth grade. She said if I was going to wear makeup, it better be something of good quality, so we went to Macy’s and I was allowed Borghese Opalescent lipstick with a matching eyeshadow. I think my mom liked it as it had little color and I wasn’t looking too made up. I was in heaven and that was 1981.

Flash forward to now, and I own just about ten lipsticks! I don’t like to hang onto things and clear out my drawers every 6 months or so. During the pandemic I wore balm a lot, but I really need lip color as I have zero lip tint and I’m a beige blob essentially.

Do you Know Your Best Colors?

Even though I’m fair, light pinks don’t really pop on me and I need something middle of the road. I like colors with a cooler base with my skin. For some reason bricks and orangey reds don’t do well on my skin, though I have gold undertones.

Trying colors on underside of my arm, which is most closely to your face. From top, Pillow Talk, Toujours, Spark, Like, Dry Rose (discontinued), Whirl pencil, and Clarin’s Lip Perfector #16. All below.

Are you aware if you look better in cool or warm lipstick colors? If you are, it can help you from making mistakes when shopping for makeup. One way to tell is go to the colors you have always loved and feel good in and notice if they have a warm base like bricks and corals or a cooler one, like fuchsia that has a closer to purplish base. You’ll know the you have the right tone on, when your eye color will pop a bit and your skin looks good.

Also I have lipsticks that have changed color while on my lips. That can happen. Everyone has a different PH to their body and if so, take that lipstick back. They count on people not doing it, but I always save my boxes, just in case. Sephora and Blue Mercury are both great about that- as long as half the product is still there.

Where to Shop?

As summer is nearly here and the change of seasons, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to throw a new lipstick or two into my mix. I can get into a rut with colors and brands. One of the perks of this blogging stuff is I’m forced to do a bit of research, and this lipstick post got me into the store and blotting away at all kinds of brands and colors. I normally do not have the patience…and seeing myself in the department store mirror…can be frightening. LOL… and I’m not always keen on the help, though they mean well.

I spent some years working in cosmetics at Macy’s and Nordstrom while I was going through college. I worked the counters at Lancome, Estee Lauder, and Borghese. I wore a lot of makeup back then, and did a lot of applying on myself and others.. Now I’m more inclined to shop small instead of at the mall or just order online.

I did find a few new things in this adventure. I spent some amount of time at my little local Sephora and Blue Mercury. I find both those places to be less stress, easy to get in there to try things on my hands with accessible alcohol, Kleenex and remover. They let you play around without too much intervention and I kind of like that. I highly recommend them. if you’ve got makeup counter aversion like me.

Here’s what I came home with..

Three new lipsticks I bought and love..

First up, I have been wanting to try Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. Pillow talk is the most popular lipstick in America. They say a tube is sold every two minutes and apparently its appeal is the nude pink shade that is flattering on many skins and a secret matte formula made with orchids, that isn’t drying. Bonuses are the beautiful tube, quality ingredients and long wear for $34.

I bought the original formula and though it looks quite dark in store and on my hand (weirdly online it looks almost beige), it was the perfect medium tone pinky color. In the bathroom at home, it looked even better. (Me in my unfiltered glory… I apologize I really didn’t know a better way to show the colors!)

Secondly, what I was missing in my lipstick wardrobe was something with a little sparkle. Working at the Borghese counter and there was one color with sparkle all the women were mad for called Fiamma Garnet and we just could not keep it stocked!

There is something to having a little sparkle, but not too frosty that looks great on everyone. So I hunted Sephora for something similar. (Honestly, right now there are a lot of muddy matte colors are out there..) I found a wonderful dupe, Spark, by Sephora. It’s prettier on than in the tube and almost kind of neutral. It’s a lovely formula and only $9. You can also layer this over a more long lasting lipstick for a little gleam. I love many in the Sephora house line and you can find it all here.

While I was looking I found Nars Pour Toujours, which has a mauve sheen and is matte. I forgot to model it, but this is the online pics. It is more matte than Pillow Talk, but goes on softly and is deeper mauve than these photos show.

Nars lipsticks are formulated without toxic ingredients and wear fantastically for $26.

Favorites I already own and love..

I have one lipstick I have been loyal to the past couple years and that is LIKE, from Glossier. Love the formula which is called Sheer Matte that feels good, looks natural. I’m just crazy about this color, which seems like your lips have been blotted, and I haven’t found anything similar. I’m not crazy about the other shades, but the Jam color is a deeper version of this.

Also Glossier has one of my favorite mascaras which makes your natural lashes look pretty and long and wears so well, never flakes or runs, yet easy to remove.

Another fave, Clarin’s Natural Lip Perfector is a forever love. It’s the one gloss that isn’t sticky. It has the perfect consistency and I love the sponge applicator. I love the natural and all the colors in this soft balmy gloss which lasts and feels great. I have one in my bag all the time and for tennis too. (By the way Clarin’s Total Eye Lift is my eye cream of choice and it’s wonderful for sensitive eyes. It’s fabulous and I hope they never stop making it.)

I also love Chanel’s Lip Duo, which has ultra long wear color and the prettiest gloss on the other end to dab on top. I save this for when I’m going out. This is also one of the best selling lipsticks and at $42 pricier, but so good! I don’t own a lot of Chanel makeup, but everything I have has been worth the cost!

I recently rediscovered this gem, all time best-seller and universally flattering Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It’s appeal as it looks unique on every person and is a sheer balm that feels great on.

My go-to lipliner for years has been MAC Whirl, which is described as a dirty pink and the closest to natural lips and so I stick with it. I like to line my lips from the corner in after lip color is on, blot, go back to add more to the center and a bit to the edge and cupid bow and blot. You just never want to notice it. I love their pencils, which never break and last forever. I’d say I buy one of these a year. The whole color range here

I am always looking for brands that are better for the planet and use less toxic ingredients. Beauty Counter is a good one and I love their Sheer Conditioning Lipstick. I have had the raisin and the clear and need to try this petal color next.. Love the quality of their things and mission to get toxins out of beauty products, lipsticks especially!

Please share in comments, what are your favorite lipstick colors and brands and if you prefer mattes, glosses or balms? Have you found anything new lately?

I’m always curious where we are headed in the lip department as it seems that’s the one thing that we continue to buy, during recessions, wars, etc…except during the height of the pandemic when we were in masks. Apparently lipstick sales have rebounded since. Kind of an interesting story of how they chart lipstick sales and sometimes even when they surge it means people are saving money in other places.. Full story here on Forbes

Well, I hope you enjoyed this lip chat, now please see what Cindy and Sarah have for you in the lipstick realm. I can’t wait to see what they love…

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on Crossbody Bags.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Asian Noodles & Other Main Dish Salads

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Today I’m excited to join five others to bring you ‘Main Dish Salads’ just in time for Memorial Day, end of school year gatherings, and summer entertaining! The main dish salad is a great go-to that you can bring anywhere, and especially perfect for those alfresco nights when you want unfussy dishes to enjoy with friends and pretty sunsets!

My dish is a noodle salad and I have shared a version of this before on the blog. It’s reliable for potlucks, parties and especially warm weather gatherings. It’s a cold salad, but can be at room temp safely. To make this more of a main dish, I add shredded chicken from one whole roasted grocery store chicken. (When you do that, it does need to stay cold.)

This noodle salad has its origins from my Aunt Wendy, a great entertainer who lives on Discovery Bay. She knows how to throw a warm weather bash on her deck or out on a boat with friends. This is her recipe and it works so well and it makes a LOT! My aunt, just like my grandmother, does not believe anyone should ever go home hungry and is an effortless hostess. Her dish is a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t like noodles? The nice thing is this can stay on a deck, patio or boat all day without spoiling ( sans the chicken obviously, if you go with that.)

Since I was experimenting, I made a few modifications to the recipe for current times by removing half the oil, removing the additional salt ( as it already has soy sauce), and using less honey and a gluten-free reduced sodium soy sauce. You could also use gluten-free angel hair pasta. I love the corn/rice mix versions of those pastas, which have the taste and texture that are nearly the same to me.

Max was my taste tester and he said he couldn’t tell any taste difference with the healthier recipe. Also we both noted that this salad is always better after a day in the refrigerator when the flavors really soak into the noodles more, so for best results, make it the day prior. That makes its a perfect make ahead dish.

Here’s my version of Aunt Wendy’s recipe…

Asian Noodle Salad

Kim Wheeler
An easy noodle recipe for a warm weather gatherings and big groups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 LB box angel hair pasta
  • 1/4 C oil
  • 1/4 C sesame oil
  • 1/2 t crushed red pepper You can go up to 2T depending how spicy you like it.
  • 1/4 C honey
  • 1/4 C soy sauce Tamari low sodium, gluten-free brands like San-J work well too.
  • 1/2 C chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2-3 T toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta, ( careful not to overcook with the usual 2 minute time), drain and rinse well with cold water, pulling the strands apart so they do not stick in lumps.
  • Using the same warm pot, stir together oils and crushed red pepper over medium heat briefly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in soy and honey while warm, add to pasta and distribute well.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to serve, add in sesame seeds, peanuts and cilantro. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Serve using tongs.
  • If making this a main course, add the shredded white meat from one roast chicken. You can also do this the night before.
Keyword salad, summer noodles, main salads, dishes for a large group,
 
 

My pictures show the meat free version as we were having this as a side with grilled salmon and a green salad the other night. Someone used the last of my crushed peppers without telling me, so those aren’t in here, but it does give it a kick of heat and is nice with the honey.

The best part about this recipe, is it comes together fast, cooks quick and you can feed a crowd. I would say you can feed 8-10 with this and if you double the recipe as my aunt often does, you can feed the masses! You need one of those huge industrial aluminum bowls if you double it, as my aunt has (linked below).

A few things you may need..

Bamboo Tongs/PB French Grain Sack Towels/WS White Pasta Serving Bowl/San-J Gluten-Free Low Sodium Soy Sauce/ Metal Tong Set/ Large 20 Inch Stainless Bowl/

 

Please visit these blogs for more delicious main dish salads!

I can’t wait to see what new ideas these ladies have…

Most Lovely Things

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sheri Silver

Make Mine A Spritzer

 

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed it, another fun post is last year’s Summer Picnic Ideas, with a pasta salad and pink lady apple and turkey baguettes, you can find here. You can also follow my Pinterest Board, Alfresco for more fun summer entertaining ideas and recipes.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

 

Signature Style -Talking Sunglasses & Readers

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It’s that time of the month again where Cindy, Sarah and I bring you something new to consider in the world of style and today its glasses. Springtime is here and it’s a good time to reassess our sunglass choices, and also see what’s new out there as well. As long as we are talking glasses, well who doesn’t need at good pair of readers after age 45? I’ve got options for both and even some sunglass/readers!

First of all, let’s look at some of the trends happening now.. White frames are big, like these Celine ones above. Metal squared and octagonal looks are another trend, as are square versions of the wayfarer shape like these on Marion Cotillard, (some similar styles below.)

If you’re close to my age, you likely know what sunglass shape looks best on your face. I know I look best in Wayfarer glasses. I have kind of an oval longish face and they have been the most flattering on me.

I’ve been wearing some version of these iconic glasses since high school. I’ve replaced many pairs over the years, but I’m pretty wedded to the black polarized New Wayfarer which looks great on almost everyone. I always buy mine from the Ray-Ban site and they come perfect, new and untouched.

Wayfarers have a long history of being the favored choice of style icons like JFK, Blondie, Rick Astley, ( I want to attach the video here LOL), and Madonna. The Wikipedia on Wayfarers is so interesting and tells how they came about and that they were considered ‘dangerous’ looking and very ahead of their time, being made in plastic.

My dad even wore them on his honeymoon with my mom in 1964. Here they are on their way to Catalina Island on a boat. I think they both look so cool here.

Polarized vs UV Protection Lenses

You need UV protection on any glasses you wear. The addition of polarization is smart choice as it cuts down hugely on glare, prevents squinting (i.e. wrinkles later), and your vision is much clearer with it. It’s especially important for those who drive a lot, or are on the water often, to have it. Let’s be frank though, in California we can all really use it, and some decent sunglasses, we get so much sun.

My Wayfarers with the polarization are great for tennis. I chatted with an ophthalmologist in Hawaii on my last trip there who told me she recommends Ray-Ban Wayfarers to all her clients as they protect the eyes better than any other sunglasses out there, so that made me feel good. Most people wear standard size Wayfarers, but if your face is tiny or you’re a young person, small is an option. A size chart for them on the Ray-Ban site.

You need to check out the entire site as there are more Wayfarer versions than you can imagine, but Ray-Ban has another new popular wayfarer called the Meteor. I especially like the Havana tone. I try to get a new pair of sunglasses every year to add to my collection, and these are next on my list…

I also love the polarized take on the wayfarer by Maui Jim called Shore Break. These are also an excellent brand. The color options are pretty..

Aviator style sunglasses are hugely popular and look great on everyone, but you must choose ones that flatter and they do differ.

My friend April can wear the more teardrop shape and had these pretty black and gold ones on when we met for coffee. I asked her if I could snap a photo because she looked so chic with her gold chains and the black aviators with gold accents.

Hers are by Ray-Ban here. I loved her whole look! You may remember she used to write the blog, Ms B in the Bay Area, and we hosted a few Trina Turk events together.

I look better in a more rounded aviator and these by Burberry fit the bill. I owned these same glasses about 12 years ago and wore them until they fell apart after years of wear. I was excited when I found that they still sell them at The Sunglass Hut. Apparently they are their all-time most popular aviators. I love the weight and lenses which are polarized.

Ray Ban also has a more rounded aviator slightly less pricey and it comes in gold with brown lenses, gunmetal or green lenses..

How do you read on holiday? If you’re on a vacation in the sun, you need readers that are also sunglasses. I have a pair of Eyebob sunglass readers I bought years ago and they are still the first thing I make sure to pack with my reading materials when I’m headed to Hawaii or anyplace sunny. I’ve had this pair 6 years now, here I am in Italy with mine..

The nice thing about the Eyebobs is you choose the style and then the lenses and the magnification. I love the beautifully custom crafted lenses. They are bifocal sort so you can walk around with them and then on a lounge chair read without anyone knowing you’ve got readers on. They aren’t cheap, but worth having a nice pair for travel and for the beach and pool. I like these two styles..both linked on photos.

Have you heard of Caddis Readers? They have a sort of cult following. They also have a good selection of chic sunglass readers, like the Porgy below. They are also progressives so you can walk around with them when you’re not reading.

They are very well made. I have their regular reader in the Miklos style and I love them. They are oversized and a bit heavier than a normal reader. They also have blue light blocking built in. Mine are in matte gopher color and I’d love another pair in the light blue or cream. These are unisex and anyone would look good in them if you like oversized.

Other options at lower cost are these $68 Kate Spade Readers, These $40 clear frames by The Book Club and these. The Book Club brand has a lot of cool choices for great prices.

Well, that’s my two cents on glasses. Please go see what my lovely pals have for you in the glasses realm today on their blogs. I always love what they share..

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on Leopard in your Wardrobe.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

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