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#shelteringin

Meanwhile Here at Home…

March 26, 2020 By kimwheeler 33 Comments

Well here we are on almost the third week of quarantine in California. How are you all faring?? We’ve settled into a routine pretty well and are not feeling angry about it, just a little uncertain. The future and what will happen is causing more anxieties than the actual being in with each other. We got away to a quiet beach not too far away on Sunday so the guys could get a hike in and we could all get some fresh air.

It was good for all of us. We had a car picnic after.

We drove past Santa Cruz and West Cliff Drive, a big promenade and people were NOT social distancing. It was worrying.

I’m a homebody at heart, so I can do this shelter thing no problem. I am always my happiest when everyone is in the nest. Knowing though that some of us should be out and about doing other things, life, school, etc makes me sad for them. I also miss seeing my dad in person. We talk twice a day, but it’s not the same. We exchanged Swiss Chard from his garden and some groceries this week- via the porch drop thanks to the youngest who needed to bust out for a bit, if even just for a drive.

I am enjoying the cooking with the fam. We were telling the boys at dinner that three meals a day at home is how we grew up. People weren’t running to Starbucks, or Taco Bell when they felt like it. We are eating all the leftovers and using up all we have now. So good for us and my kids to learn too. To be frank though, this kind of life is taking up a LOT of my day in the kitchen. My routine is cook, clean, rinse and repeat. Anyone else feeling the same?

French toast with seeded bread. It’s what we had on hand though everyone grumbled about the seeded bread at first, it was yummy especially with pears and walnuts.

I am pretty optimistic, but yesterday morning someone sent me this Pooh and Piglet thing and for some reason I just started crying.

Not sure why. It’s the uncertainty I guess and the night before I was feeling more despair after watching the White House news conference. I decided to stop watching the news at dinner time. Last night I started playing all my vinyl albums on the turntable while cooking instead. The mood was decidedly happier and upbeat at dinner and I think my kids appreciated it. I am relying on the local newspaper and PBS Newshour which I record and can watch later in the evening if I choose.

Making Marcella Hazan’s famous three ingredient sauce- one stick of butter, one can of stewed whole tomatoes ( DiNapoli is my new favorite) and one onion sliced in half. Cook for 30 minutes or so covered on low and use an immersion blender and you have the best sauce ever. No salt or other additions are needed. So good!

I said I’d share more of my favorite blogs with you and three of my dear friends, Mary Ann, Cindy and Annie did a wonderful roundups this week sharing cool Instagram accounts. This is the perfect time to visit their blogs which have links many cool accounts to follow…

Mary Ann, writes Classic Casual Home, from her hilltop apartment in San Francisco, but has lived all over the world. She always has the best tips for entertaining and is a very busy and in demand interior designer. I enjoy her recipes and great finds for the home she generously shares.

Cindy writes Rough Luxe Lifestyle, is also a designer who lives in the countryside near Carmel and shares her amazing eye for home styling, remodeling and beautiful tablescapes. She writes the best posts about travel packing, wardrobe shopping and I especially love her monthly posts with Elizabeth, the Antique Goddess featuring Q&A with people with personal style.

Annie writes Most Lovely Things, lives in a small New England town near the water and defines how one can live simply yet beautifully, creating many of the cool objects in her home. I have learned so much from Annie- great recipes, amazing gift ideas and styling tips. Annie created one of the most popular pins ever on Pinterest with her home made advent calendar with darling brown bags.

More fun blogs to dive into while you have time..

Design Indulgence Decorating, remodeling and chic design

The Gardener’s Cottage Living simply and beautifully with less and vegan cooking

Sincerely Loree Slow living on the island of Malta with great books, writing and lovely photography

Cote De Texas Deep dives into the history of cool homes, royalty and more

Le Catch Always fantastic fashion trends and finds

The Mom Mystique Living mom life with style and inspiration

Life Around My Table Cooking, life and beautiful photography

Are you getting out for walks like I am? I missed one as it was hailing and another day I spent doing some house cleaning, but I’m trying to at least do a 20 minute workout or so. Here’s another to try..

Tracy Anderson’s 15 minute Cardio Dance. This is who trains Gwenyth. Looks like fun which motivates me.

If you read my last post with the original Jane Fonda workout, the link had a few issues, but I think it’s fixed and the complete workout is now on there. If you need a good one- that’s amazing.

Another little distraction for you with cute Alexa Chung and French gal Caroline De Maigret, who chat about how French woman age and skincare tips..

On the French theme, I just found Dinner in French, and from what I can see on the Amazon preview, it hits all the notes with delicious classic recipes and gorgeous photographs of France sprinkled in as well.

Photo via Clarkson Potter.

I’m going to need more dinner ideas as I’m cooking everything I know with what I can find… and how many times can you make the same stuff?

A month or so ago, before this pandemic happened, I was invited to a girlfriend lunch at a friend’s home and was so excited to find this lovely blouse at Target of all places, to wear. It is from their Prologue line, which is kind of cool and modern shapes and the fabric feels like a raw silk . I love the puff sleeve and the slightly curved longer back which gathers. I paired it with my old Zara skirt, but it would be sweet with denim cropped flares in its pretty ice blue color. I never shared it and I thought I’d pop it in here. Not sure how many people are even thinking about spring clothes right now.

I’m hoping you are all taking care and being safe. Stay inside so we can beat this. It’s the best we can do now for all of us.

I’ll be back with a little more of my house updates- the bathrooms specifically, and also a spring dress post if you are in the mood… I hope that won’t be tone deaf, but a little distraction right now. Let me know what you think.

Hugs,

Kim

Links on this post may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #californiaquarantine, #lifeinthetimeofcovid19, #quarantined, #quaratinecooking, #shelteringin

Checking In & Some Silver Linings

March 21, 2020 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

Good morning dear friends. How are you coping? I hope you’ll start thinking of this blog as a good space. What I am going to share with you all regularly will be some things to get your minds off what we cannot control right now. I don’t know how helpful that is, but it’s what I can do with this space right now, so I’m trying it.

For those who may be just starting sheltering in, it’s not all bad. I have to say there is some good to it. The slowing down of life is really nice. I appreciate our governor taking the stance he did so early on. I feel like in California we will all be a little safer.. Now if the young people could just comply..

Yesterday I sat in the yard and we had the most amazing clouds and beautiful sun. I tried to soak up some warmth. The birds were singing away and not a car or mower was to be heard. Truly peaceful.

Our wisteria has began its annual bloom..as someone said, “Spring is not cancelled.’ I’m trying to find the good.

On the bright side, I am not homeschooling, my kids are older. For those mom’s that are in the thick of these young years..OMG! This would be me..

Sorry I couldn’t resist a little laugh, we need to take them where we can.

It has not been easy being a mom of a teen now either. I have to constantly fight for the youngest to stay in. He loves to be out, the opposite of my older one. We keep telling him this is all for the greater good. It’s not just about us, but many of our young people have been being raised that it is only about them. The sooner we impress upon them this matters, the better for us all. It isn’t fun.

On the bright side, we had a wonderful family meal last night, where no one rushed off. Another bonus, my husband is starting to take charge of meals or being a big part of prepping them. This yummy parmesan chicken he made this week was a hit. We have had good conversation and a family feeling of being together at the table that we haven’t had for a while. I will take it for now.

If you are like me, with four adults under one roof, a family pact, or some house rules will likely be needed. It’s not that my kids are jerks, but they need reminders. Also one of them, not naming names, said this week, “Well mom why do we need to vacuum.. it’s kind of your job.’ WHAT?? He regretted that comment. For my own sanity, I crafted a few house rules. We will see how this goes over..

I cannot play tennis now, but I need to do something to keep feeling happier and not like a sloth. Regular neighborhood (social distance from others) walks with my kids and hubs where we’ve been appreciating spring and having some nice chats have helped.

The original 1982 Jane Fonda Workout which found it’s way back into my sphere. It’s actually an excellent workout! Jane was then 45 and as inspiring as she is now. I remember being in high school when my mom had the VHS tape and I sometimes did it with her. The video I originally linked here no longer works so try here :

From Instagram I found a daily live half hour program I’ve been doing at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. DanceFactoryFitness has a different workout every day and you access it by hitting their profile photo for most recent workout for the last 24 hours. Wednesday had a dance centered one which included a great arms workout using soup cans from your cabinet! My arms were actually burning. Thursday they had body sculpting, so check them out if you can fit a 30 minute workout in. Not fancy, but what we can use right now!

Other ideas on things we can do now..

I grew up in a family full of gardeners, and my dad is an extra gifted one. I have a personal goal each year to be a better gardener like him. I want my yard to be as pretty as his, but I never have time to spend as he does.. Guess that excuse is out! This pandemic came at a the perfect time to start your veg garden and get your yard pretty for summer. It’s heaven to be outside now with the blooming trees and vines, soft bird sounds and way less traffic noise and very fresh air. This book, A Garden Can Be Anywhere is a good one for those interested in starting your own garden by a gal who creates them for chefs and others. She believes they should be as pretty as they are useful.

We should try and use some time each day to time to delve into books and get away from the internet. The Elements of Home is a rabbit hole you can take a deep dive into. A blog follower friend sent me the suggestion and I couldn’t be more excited. It has fun and interesting stories that go along with the history of so many things we use daily. I can’t wait to take this and a nice cup of tea to a cozy corner, something we don’t do enough. Thank you Marla!!

You may have seen my last post about Beauty Secret videos from Vogue. Those are fun and I have already watched a few more today and learning a lot from the young gals to the older ones. I especially like people closer to my age like Amber Valletta and today I watched 80’s model Joan Severence, who is funny and real. A lot to learn on this page!

Beginning today , I’m going to share some of my favorite blogs with you. Each time I post I’ll give you some more to follow. I learn more from blogs than anything. They’ve almost replaced the magazine for me, and it’s good to get tips on clothes, cooking ideas, home decor, travel and just about everything..from real people, not celebs don’t you think?

Some bloggers just have a way they live that I aspire to and one of those is my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa who lives like an Italian royal in Orinda with her cute pets including a full sized pig named Banksy. I adore her house, her love of life, her way of entertaining and connecting, and her kindness. She’s always sharing some wonderful find or person and there is no comment this woman has not answered and she has so many followers and fans!!

Dani, a Canadian friend I have been fortunate to connect with, lives in a beautiful way. I have enjoyed her Mop Philosphy posts which seem to touch on the little things that make every day beautiful and just what we need even more of now. You’ll love her excellent taste (she just bought and redid a pretty stone house), clothing color stories, recipes and positive affirmations on life. Even her post today about missing her Miami vacation has a upbeat feeling that makes me not want to complain, but carry on with hope. Love her…

More blogs coming ..

I leave you with a piece of fluff, a new obsession this blouse from Loft. I bought it on my last day before quarantine. I was with friends and we didn’t know we were living dangerously out shopping.. I have been wearing it with this belt I bought also. It is just the thing I need now as it feels springy and feminine, but still has long sleeves. My housemates say it looks nice…LOL.

Keep up the faith and good cheer friends. Know we are in this together.

Hugs and be safe,

Kim

Links on this post may sometimes generate a small commission. Thanks for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #Blogstolove, #books, #quarantined, #shelteringin, #workouts

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Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

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It’s the weekend post time again with Elizabeth It’s the weekend post time again with Elizabeth and Juliet. 🧡 

This  weekend I shared how I spiffed up the front with a few mums from the local Ace and Trader Joe’s .. Happily, these baskets I bought last year at Target are still looking good, and are available again. I link to them on the blog. 
My wreath of petrified leaves bought last fall at my local @buncheslg florist seems to have survived the garage pretty well. ( Miraculously!) 

I love these multicolored mums from Trader Joe’s. I missed them last year and they go fast!

Other fun things on the blog are an inspiring home book, some great pant options for fall, and a few cottages in Carmel that are for sale! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallporch #mumsforfall #bunchesflorist #traderjoesplants #targetstyle #porchplants
I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel the need to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel #tahoeweekend #westshorebestshore #tahoetravel #fallintahoe
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

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