Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
It’s the 5th weekend of January, a month that just won’t end. For those partaking in dry, no buy January, the end is also near. Jim lasted ten days on the dry side and succumbed on the buy side last week. He bought a pair of grippy socks. Seriously.
I resisted Jim’s attempts to impose this ridiculousness on me. That said it was an unintentionally dry month, and my buys were minimal. We’ll get to that in a bit.
For those of you enduring severe winter storms, extreme cold and perhaps lack of power and displacement from your homes … my heart goes out to you. I know Nashville is particularly hard hit. My niece in Texas was fortunate not to lose power during last week’s snowstorm. Her three kiddos enjoyed some days off of school, but they’re back in class and their parents are relieved. They were fortunate. Elizabeth tells me another Arctic blast was expected last night. I hope everyone is safe and sound.
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Before we get on with my meaningless drivel, which I hope is a respite from weightier matters of the day, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the pain and suffering of our neighbors in Minnesota – and other states – who continue to endure an assault on their civil liberties.
This is not and will not become a platform for political commentary, not because I don’t have strong feelings and opinions, I most certainly do. But articulating those feelings and opinions in an educated and informed manner is a heavy responsibility and beyond the scope of my abilities and purpose of this blog. That said, I will to link articles, essays, books, pods that resonate with me and that I think may be of interest to you. If not, as with any other topic I address that’s not up your alley, just scroll on.
Retail Therapy
We had a few big issues at the Folly this week and my anxiety level was through the roof so I decided to take a break and do something I haven’t done in a long time, I went shopping.
As I reached for my keys to head for Broadway Plaza, Jim walked through the door and I tricked him into accompanying me by promising lunch. So our first stop was the Nordstrom Cafe where I ordered their delicious cilantro lime & grilled chicken salad and a cup of tomato soup. Yum.
Jim had a club sandwich and we shared a heavenly slice of coconut lemon cake.
After lunch we took a cursory stroll around the store to take in what’s new. This cardigan caught my eye. I know, I’m a creature of habit.
I love shopping in late January. Holiday merch is gone, sales merch is cleared away, and everything feels uncluttered and streamlined, sort of like our homes after the holiday frou frou is packed away. And, spring merch is starting to arrive so it feels fresh and optimistic for warmer days ahead.
We headed for Lululemon so Jim could check out their workout pants. Since retiring Jim wears his Lulu’s nearly everyday. I guess we can say he’s a man of athleisure.
Back to Jim’s Lulu pants. He’s been unhappy with their newer styles – he hates elastic at the ankles – and wanted to see if he could find something to his liking. The Zeroed in Pant and Pace Breaker Jogger (ankle zippers override the elastic objection) styles met his criteria and they come in graphite grey which he prefers. Yes, he’s particular.
While Jim critiqued pants, I wandered around and found this long sleeve, loose fit workout shirt. Long sleeve, loose fit tops that are long enough to cover my tush aren’t easy to find. I sized up to an 8 because I like a roomier fit (the sleeves are still perfect length). I pretty much always size up in Lululemon tops, I swear they’re made for 10-year olds. In pants I’m true to size.
I also found this long-sleeve shirt in willow leaf in Lulu’s BeCalm fabric which is super soft and cozy like a very light-weight sweatshirt. Very light-weight. I’ll wear it as an outer layer. I sized up to a medium, could have gone large.
I wore both shirts, layered, to yoga yesterday morning. The outer layer came off about 15 minutes into class when I went from I’m-so-cold to I’m-going-to-pass-out.
After all that, Jim didn’t buy any pants, it’s still January. He did buy a pair of grippy socks which he needs for a couple of his classes at his gym. He twisted himself into a pretzel explaining why the socks don’t count toward his January no-buy pledge. Ok.
My next stop was Sephora and Jim peeled off to check out Rivian SUVs. Very clever putting a car showroom in the middle of a shopping area.
Anyhoo, I was in search of a new lip liner. My old favorite was discontinued and my source for back stock from questionable corners of the inter-webs dried up. A beauty advisor steered me to Rare Beauty where I found a great neutral lip liner and matte lipstick. Both are from Rare Beauty’s Kind Words Matter line with uplifting color names like creative, talented, and worthy.
Rare Beauty is Selena Gomez’ brand. It’s clean, cruelty free, and suitable for sensitive skin. It’s also independently owned – for now – with Selena holding a majority stake. I forgot to mention that the lip liner is a twist up which I love because sharpeners are a pain to use and messy.
No shopping trip to Broadway Plaza is complete without a swing through Barnes & Noble. I love Barnes & Noble and I’m so happy it returned – after a many years absence – to Walnut Creek. Even with a smaller footprint it’s a feel-good space, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for, everyone is helpful, and it has a wonderful magazine section.
The Correspondent, is as popular as ever and still holding onto a prominent front-of-store display position. Same with 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History, which is also in my reading queue.
Don’t you love the clothbound classics and their colorful covers?
I’m a sucker for a snazzy book cover and Tangerinn caught my eye. So did By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear, a cookbook with not only a pretty cover but an intriguing I-think-I-need-it title. Same for Sip and Sensibility which obvi belongs in my library.
While we’re talking books, last week I read Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s a fictional account of astronauts in training at the Johnson Space Center in the very early 1980’s. The training class includes some of the first female astronaut candidates and follows the tight-knit group from training through their first shuttle missions. It’s also a love story, with a side of family drama. I loved it and I’m excited to hear it’s been purchased for a movie adaption. Ironically I finished the book on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster.
Next we stopped in Pottery Barn to torture ourselves more over our love of their comfy, deep seated sofas and the reality of the Folly’s small living room.
After admiring the problem to the nth degree, I looked up to notice a sea of beautiful blue hues throughout the store … from pillows to blankets to tabletop. Including the Pottery Barn x Kravat collection which I need to explore more. Blue has been my favorite color since 5th or 6th grade when I lobbied my mom hard to repaint my pink room blue … and I never looked back.
Pottery Barn Blues ~
It seems silly, but the couple hours spent at Broadway Plaza was exactly what I needed to recharge and reset. I’ve been visiting this outdoor mall since I was a very young child and it’s full of happy memories from every phase of my life. Spending time there feels like a long walk with an old friend.
The Folly Update
Speaking of the Folly, I won’t regale you with my tale of woe from the week … it was a doozy but it’s way too soon to speak of the unspeakable. One day I’ll reveal every sorted detail of the ordeal project, now entering its third year.
Jim, frustrated by flipping through pages of the mood boards and renderings in search of (fill in the blank), took initiative and created post-it tabs to separate and identify each space. When finished he dropped it in front of me with a thud and threw his arms up in touchdown victory formation. I rolled my eyes, but it’s actually been very helpful.
Speaking of touchdowns, next weekend is the Super Bowl and opening weekend of the Winter Olympics. Seems like poor planning. I don’t have a team in the Super Bowl so whatever. If you’re interested in my World Famous Bean Dip recipe – only made on Super Bowl and 4th of July weekends – you’ll find it here. Keep in mind that the only proper dipping implement is a Ruffle potato chip. If you’d like to substitute Corn Chips, I’ll allow it.
Who else is excited for the Olympics?! I can’t wait and have cleared my calendar to allow for maximum Olympic viewing. I’m looking forward to figure skating, of course, and Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinsky’s antics and commentary. Speed skating and ice hockey are high on my list of favorites along with slalom skiing and ski jumping. Oh, and how could I forget, the bobsled and luge.
Does anyone else remember watching Wide World of Sports back in the day? My family watched every Saturday afternoon, before our chateaubriand and baked potato dinner, followed by Lawrence Welk. WWS introduced us to and kept us invested in some of the more obscure sports that don’t get a lot of coverage until the Olympics roll around.
Odds & Socks ~
White is the hardest paint color … tell me about it.
Tame your wild brows, try this.
Biodegradable eye masks … it’s about time.
Friday’s Pivot podcast with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, discusses how we can use our spending power to influence government policy. Resist and Unsubscribe identifies powerful tech and service companies – and shows how canceling subscriptions, even temporarily, can send a clear message. Learn more here and here.
Local friends, get your tickets for the Martinez Valentine’s Day Wine & Chocolate Stroll.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. Last week we talked about January closet edits and what to do with the clothes you let go … if you missed it, catch up here.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
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I am with you on walking off your pain at the mall. Mine is the outlet mall in our area. Not too big, but always fun. There is a ginormous shopping area not too far from us which is all over the place and requires a car to get from section to section but that is too much mall for me. My daughter and I often meet for lunch and always make a stop at the coffee shop. Best way to spend a day! And on the Wide World of Sports, my brother and I loved watching that too! The opening of the thrill of victory and agony of defeat always comes to mind. And yes, we watched Lawrence Welk too. My favorites were the holiday shows and watching Sissy and Bobby dance. It was never the same when one of them left (I think it was Sissy). Lord this makes me feel old! I hope your home crisis is soon averted. Our old home’s renovation, new home build and 1000 mile move 3 years ago was a total pain you know where, but we are very happy to be close to the grand babies.
Kelly! I guess it’s true that everything is worth it in the end … but it’s rough going in the midst. Bobby & Sissy … oh my gosh … it’s funny what we remember. And the WWOS tag line will be with me forever. Sounds like you have a lovely mall area too … there’s nothing like a little lunch and window shopping to heal the soul. xo
Thank you for acknowledging the madness that is happening in our country. I’ve unsubscribed from bloggers who refuse to mention what is happening.
Laura, these are perilous times we’re living in and I hope we find to reverse our current trajectory. Thanks for reading and sharing how you feel. I appreciate it. xo
It’s amazing how some shopping, even if you don’t buy anything(especially if you don’t have to buy anything) is helpful. I guess that is why they call it retail therapy. I good reminder to me to zip out there and relax a bit and take my mind off the crazy.
Yes, retail therapy … that term escaped me yesterday. I agree, whatever we have going on in our lives … and in our wider world … we need relief. Lunch and a little window shopping are certainly a balm. xo
Our country’s problems should be the only topic on everyone’s mind. As we used to say, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
I hope we’ve reached a tipping point and the majority of us who vehemently oppose this administrations these cruel and un-American policies and actions can turn this ship around before its too late. xo
Hi Juliet!
Sorry to hear there was a (not to be spoken of) Folly issue. You guys are troupers! (Spoken as someone who has lived through building/remodeling many times. Are we crazy??)
Wide World of Sports, yes! Maybe so many of us remember it because we had so few channels? My VICARIOUS claim to fame is that my husband was the SURFER in the opening (in Hawaii) for a couple of seasons. He was surfing Waimea Bay. We have tried hard and failed to find a recording of it, contacting the network, etc….since no one had VCR’s yet!
Whenever you mention going to Broadway Plaza I wish I would look up from my favorite French Dip sandwich at Nordstrom Cafe and see you sitting there. Or across the sofas at Pottery Barn. That would be a hoot!
Thank you for mentioning our current state of terror in this country. We know your heart is there, even though you help us focus more on fashion and fun.
Appreciate so much all that you do!
Cyndi
Ha! Small world Cyndi, my father was the first director hired by WWS. He might have been the one who shot that footage. Mahalo for the sweet memories of that show.
Yes, Stacey..small world! Your father must really have some stories to tell.
BTW: my husband corrected me and he was not surfing Waimea, it was Sunset.
Does your father have copies of any of the shows?
Googling the opening now and hope I can find it! xo
Stacey … wow, you dad must have some great stories to tell! xo
Cyndi! Wow … that’s amazing. I can picture the surfing scene and entire opening sequence, plus the drama of ‘the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat’. I always order the same thing at Nordstrom and didn’t look at the menu. Next time I’ll check for the French Dip sandwich. I love a French Dip and maybe I’ll change up my order. Always happy to be reminded of friends builds and renovations. It’s helpful to be reminded that we will get through this and we’ll probably look back and laugh. xoxo
Juliet… fabulous post. Love Broadway Plaza, lunch at Nordstrom, Pottery Barn post holiday, lipliner advice (I am addicted to Ulta brand in Cocoa…really works for me), and I am going to make a version of your bean dip (heart healthier) for Super Bowl and the winners the Seahawks.
Karen, please share your preferred dipping chip for this healthier version. Also … Go Seahawks! xo
Hi Juliet — Building this house was one of the most fun — and most stressful — things I have done. Hang in there! Yes, can’t wait for the Olympics! Carsten Vissering, who was on our summer swim team when my kids were young (and a friend of my son) is on the bobsled team. He went to Olypmic trials for swimming when he was younger, and now here he is on the bobsled team. Keep an eye out for him! Have a good week. Happy February! About time, right?!
Molly! I’ll keep an eye out for Carsten. I get such a kick out of bobsled teams … always made up of interesting people. I’m sure your home build was quite something … and if I remember you managed it from far away. I know we’ll soon look back on this and laugh. Can’t wait to get there. xo
Hi Juliet,
Fun post! As someone who took 4 years to build a home in a difficult upper MW climate (full-bed stone ext. in WINTER), and built our first custom home in our early 30’s on a very sloped infill lot, I always sympathize with building difficulties! No matter one’s previous experience, there will always be surprises and problems in reno or building. Given your home’s smaller footprint, do you have room for a main level bedroom? You all are super fit, so it only matters if you age in place. If we decide to build a final time, our lot is best for a lower level garage and extra space on a second level, so we would put in an elevator w/ staircase winding around it, so we can live there longer if we wish.
Joan, you’re so right about previous experience being unhelpful in a new project. New challenges and issues to learn from … and all this new knowledge will be useless as this is our last house project. I swear! Yes, we do have a bedroom downstairs. We would have preferred a one story house, but location, location, location … and the location requires two floors to squeeze into the space. Thanks for reminding me that all building projects have special circumstances and challenges. You got through it and so will we. Have a wonderful weekend! xo
Another great post! Love the Pottery Barn offerings and so happy to see the light chambray back in vogue.
Appreciate your speaking out on our nation’s struggles. I have family in the Minneapolis area, and they feel less alone knowing we are all with them.
Signed up to follow you on Substack and look forward to reading you there too!
Be well.
Holly, I’m sorry to hear you have family in Minneapolis going through such a trying time. How stressful for them, and you, and everyone who loves and cares for them. Let’s hope we’ve reached a tipping point and this nightmare will soon end … in Minnesota and everywhere. We won’t soon forget though, will we. xo
Thank you for mentioning what’s going on in Minnesota. As a Minnesotan living in it, it helps just to know others see it and are affected.
Laura! We see you … and are horrified and angered by what you and your fellow Minnesotans are enduring. I believe an overwhelming majority of Americans know this is wrong and are with you. Let’s hope we’ve reached a tipping point where safety, sanity and compassion can return. Be safe, friend. xoxo
I agree with Laura H. It’s necessary that we all acknowledge what is happening to our country, so thank you for speaking up. I believe we must take whatever actions we can, whether that be showing up in the streets, or boycotting certain stores. Most important will be to turn out the vote for the midterms!!
Meanwhile, I’ll also be rooting for the Seahawks!
xo
Julia! I agree with you and I believe the many actions being taken by the majority of sane Americans will force a change. The election can’t get here soon enough. Go Seahawks! xo
I love the sweater you wore shopping at Lululemon. Could you send me the name of the store that you purchased it from?
Thank you so much.
Irene! It’s a Frame merino wool boucle sweater that I bought at the Wheat boutique (Casa Del Mar lobby) in Santa Monica two years ago. I’ve wrote about it here …
https://makemineaspritzercom.wp1.host/travel-diary-santa-monica/
The link has expired and I’ve gone a quick internet search and can’t find it. Maybe a deeper dive on Poshmark or eBay would turn one up. Mine is S/P and is very warm and cozy. xo
I adore watching ice skating but in particular pair skating and ice dancing. How they do that in sync is mind boggling.
I am curious how many sq. ft. Is the new home and how many bedrooms? We are in the process of wanting to downsize and I’m a bit terrified.
Happy superbowl eating! You made me want ships and dip which I never eat together.
Nanci! I’m with you, the ice skating and ice dancing pairs are magic. Can’t wait. The new house has about 1750 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. Don’t be scared to downsize. It’s a lot of work on the front end … but it feels so good. Speaking for myself, the older I get the more I need a streamlined space with only things I truly love and use. But I know not everyone feels that way and you need to strike the right balance for you. Happy weekend! xo
Juliet, Retail therapy is maybe what is needed in these dark days. I always am cheered by a trip to Nordstrom and the cafe! My favorite is the Asian chicken salad and the fries with the aioli. Love that cardigan ! You are queen of cute cardis.
I will put Atmosphere on my list. Lots of good books out now.
We spent every weekend with WWOS on! I can hear the music and the guy flipping off the ski jump! Lawrence Welk was what we had to watch at my grandparents if my mom and dad dropped us off on a night out to be babysat. I hated it as a kid. Now I think it’s quaint. They all look like some born again cult members. Or maybe that was just the 60’s.
I’m looking forward to the Olympics and I am going to try your bean dip! Johnny and Tara are one of the best parts of the Olympics. Funny our neighbors were literally there 2 months ago in Cortina and there were no flags or even merchandise to buy about the upcoming games! Odd.
I love Scott’s plan and I shared it on Instagram too. Let’s get people going on making a difference. Women hold the purchasing power of the world with 80% making all buying decisions – so we can move the needle.
Thanks for bringing up Minnesota and what is happening in this nation. It matters hugely that we all do. You aren’t talking politics when you are bringing up and caring about human rights and maybe the end of our nation. Right now, we need all of our voices.
Also the house looks pretty. I hope it all goes well.
Hugs to you. xo
Kim! It’s been a weekend of unsubscribes and I’m looking at the cute pillow you gave me as inspiration. I swear I’m going to call my Subtack Unsubscribe. lol
Juliet,
Good evening! Friend I have to say that you have so much patience. I do not know how you have built and rebuilt 3 houses since I started following you. You are amazing! I almost lost it just doing the projects that we have undertaken sine we moved in this house.
I know that you know this, but it will all be worth it and it is going to be amazing and fingers crossed worth all of the aggravation.
Books! My favorite thing to buy and to shop for. I have written down a few that you suggested, the stock market one looks so interesting as do many of the gardening books.
I did not do dry January or no shopping January, although I only purchased my first item of the year yesterday!
I LOVE the Schumacher x Pottery Barn Collection! I have 6 things in my art. Blue is my favorite color too, which is why I have a blue room.
As for wading into politics, you are damed if you do or don’t. I always say to people who email me, just because I do not comment doesn’t mean I don’t care. We are all allowed to share our opinions, ideas and views or choose not too. If you lost subscribers, they are not your people, I have lost them because I won’t comment on current events.
Have a wonderful and hopefully less stressful week.
xo
Juliet! You always link to great articles, and sometimes I forget where I started until I see your tab open! So thank you!
I love how organized Jim is with your new home binder! Brilliant! So exciting to see your home coming together!
xo
annie